Recent Reads Roundup

There have been so many great books released this past year, I had to squeeze in one more multi-book post highlighting some of my favorites. I hope you’ll enjoy this collection and maybe find something new to look into. If your local library or bookstore doesn’t have a copy of a book you’re interested in, just ask, they’re always open to suggestions. 🙂 Let’s get right to it!

Something Good written and illustrated by Kenneth Kraegel. Candlewick Press 2025, 40 pages, hardcover, ages 2-5. Something Good is a fun, unique, book that really speaks the truth. So much is said and shown in its concise simple language and vibrant illustrations. I especially like seeing examples of the universal assumptions that often occur between people in their day-to-day relationships. Although the youngest of audiences will find much to relate to and enjoy in this book, it’s really a nice read for any age, especially those who might be feeling down. All wraps up with a lovely pay-it-forward ending.

Finding Forgiveness written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Diana Mayo. Farrar, Straus and Giroux 2025, 40 pages, hardcover, ages 4-8. Finding Forgiveness is a super sweet book. You can just feel the love between the two sisters despite their misunderstanding. The well-written text is gentle and lyrical. Gorgeous illustrations are created in a soft palette of pastel colors and the expressions on the faces of each character are spot on perfect. I think my favorite spread is when the congregation is gathered with the rabbi by the river, surrounded by the bright, orangey-reds of autumn. Beautiful endpapers, too. Along with suggestions for easier apologies and a glossary, a thoughtful author’s note at the end provides all readers with a deeper understanding of the lovely Tashlich ceremony that takes place on the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

My Shadow written by Catherine Ciocchi and illustrated by Aline Cardoso Macedo e Silva. Lawley Publishing 2025, 32 pages, 8.5 x 8.5 hardcover, ages 3-7. My Shadow is such a sweet book for the youngest set of ‘readers.’ With charming illustrations and rhyming text, My Shadow gently and correctly explains the concept of shadows throughout a full day of fun activities. The bright colors and easy-to-understand words are sure to draw in little ones. Nice choice for a preschool or library story time!

Some Days I’m the Wind written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova. Barefoot Books 2025, 32 pages, hardcover, ages 4-8. Some Days I’m the Wind is beautifully written, illustrated, and designed. I was feeling a little stressed about other things just before I admired the lovely cover of this gorgeous book and looked inside. With each page turn I found myself relaxing, breathing slower, and appreciating all the different feelings we might experience even throughout a single day. The vibrant illustrations in bright colors are a great match for the rhyming lyrical text. And the back matter is excellent. Recommended for ‘kids’ of all ages!

The Last Last written by Wendy J. Whittingham, illustrated by Brianna McCarthy. Groundwood Books 2025, 32 pages, 9” x 9” hardcover, ages 3-6. The Last Last is such a lovely gentle story of a young girl’s move from Jamaica to the busy city of Toronto. Before she even leaves, she already misses the birds and the sights and smells of her island, seashore life. As she wanders around her homeland for the last time, she wonders what she can take with her to keep her memories fresh. Relatable to all who have ever wondered if each thing they do or see in a place they love might be for the last time. And which will be the very last last? Will there be first firsts in Canada? Beautifully written in lyrical language and illustrated with a vibrant, gorgeous color palette.

Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees written by Sandhya Acharya, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi. Beach Lane Books 2025, 40 pages, hardcover, ages 4-8. Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees is a wonderful, lyrically written picture book on a little-known subject. I enjoyed learning about the craft and care that is necessary in keeping these special bridges in service. And I loved how the important, wild ficus trees are treated with great respect and that one small boy could make such a difference in their well-being. The beautiful illustrations were created digitally in the bright colors of nature. Along with an author’s note, glossary, pronunciation guide, and bibliography, back matter even includes a note from the founder of the Living Bridge Foundation!

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I’ve Got a Bad Case of Poetry edited by Rachel S. Donahue and illustrated by Emily J. Person. Bandersnatch Books 2025, 132 pages, 8.5 x 11 hardcover, ages—all! From silly to serious, the gorgeously illustrated I’ve Got a Bad Case of Poetry has poems everyone will enjoy. There are 170 poems by 62 poets, all with full color illustrations. Poems are organized by various themes into six sections and each of those sections displays a different color palette for all the spreads contained within them. The project overall has a timeless, whimsical feel and would be a charming choice to add to your collection.

The Peach Thief written by Linda Joan Smith, illustrated by Chantal Horesis. Candlewick Press 2025, 384 pages, hardcover, ages 8-12. From the start I was rooting for Scilla because of her blossoming love for gardening and her deep desire to learn all she could, despite her unfortunate start in the world. I am so glad she was allowed to bloom, thanks to the head gardener, a wonderfully drawn character. Several scenes plant this squarely in the upper range of middle grade fiction. Overall, a fascinating look at the goings-on of elaborate 1850s estate gardens in this unique well-researched setting!

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog written by Lydia Lukidis, illustrated by Tara J. Hannon. Andrews McMeel Publishing 2025, 80 pages, 6.2 x 9.3 hardcover, ages 5-9. This is such a fun book for young graphic novel fans! Kids will love the bright, expressive pictures and all the silly jokes. I think my favorite character is Blork and how she tiptoes along and is such a loyal BFF to Groucho. All the characters, nicely introduced at the beginning, are fun and aptly named. Great choice for early readers!

Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter written by Michele C. Hollow. Ulysses Press 2024, 128 pages, paperback, ages 8-12. Jurassic Girl is an interesting read about real-life Mary Anning who became a famous paleontologist. Mary was a 12-year-old girl of little means and education who followed her passion for digging up fossils and fought for her right to be acknowledged for her discoveries. Although it took almost 100 years more before the London Geological Society accepted women members, I think Mary must have given this idea a giant push in the right direction. The detailed chapters of unleashing her first huge find—an enormous 17-foot-long ichthyosaurus, after her brother found its separated head—are fascinating. I felt like I was right there on the beach with them, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many young readers will want to be a paleontologist after reading this story about determined young Mary.

Greta Ever After written by Melissa Dassori, illustrated by Dana Sanmar. Christy Ottaviano Books 2025, 304 pages, hardcover, ages 8-12. Greta Ever After is a delightful contemporary middle grade novel. The 12-year-old characters are well-crafted and believable for today’s kids. There are so many layers and themes in this fun story from competitiveness and honesty in journalism to the value of families and friendships. I enjoyed learning a little more about the “Into the Woods” play when the kids practiced their performances. It was also interesting to visit the animal shelter. In particular, I liked how a cat named Moe could blink in response to a human’s blink, as a way of connecting. I’m a big fan of illustrated novels and the lovely pictures sprinkled throughout brought much to my reading experience. A nice, clean story overall, perfect for tweens. An added bonus is the Black Forest magic of an enchanted cuckoo clock!

My Pollinator Garden: How I Plant for Bees, Butterflies, Beetles, and More (Books for a Better Earth) written by Jordan Zwetchkenbaum, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove. Holiday House 2025, 40 pages, hardcover, ages 3-6. Part of the Books for a Better Earth series, this is a lovely introduction to pollinator gardens. Focusing mostly on bees, beetles, butterflies, birds, bats, and the flowers they feed on, each is shown close-up in vibrant illustrations. Although there are many new words to learn, each sentence is kept simple to prevent overwhelming young readers. Excellent back matter includes an author note, garden tips, glossary, bibliography, and a full index. The ending is rather abrupt (I checked to make sure I hadn’t missed it) but there is a surprise formatting twist, and overall, this beautifully illustrated book is delightful to look at again and again!

Music of the Mountains: a Story in Pakistan written by Sabrina Shah, illustrated by Manal Mirza. Barefoot Books 2025, 32 pages, hardcover, ages 6-8. Music of the Mountains is a special intergenerational story about the people and culture of Northwest Pakistan. I love how the young girl, Roohi, must be brave in order to feel and perform the rhythm of those who came before her. Lovely digital illustrations in warm colors flow with the musical text. Interesting back matter not only includes information about Pakistan and its festivals and traditional clothing, but also much about the rabab instrument that is featured in the story. I enjoyed listening to the beautiful unique sound of the rabab on the publisher’s website. Check it out!

A Family for Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Cub written by Debra Kim Wolf, illustrated by Annalisa Durante and Marina Durante. Platypus Media 2025, 40 pages, hardcover, ages 6-9. This lovely, important book is about tigers, of course, but also about so many other things from endangered species and family to the compassion and dedication of humans helping animals. The illustrations, photographs, and fascinating back matter are superb. But most of all, the author’s obvious love for tigers is infectious and really draws readers into the heart of this story. Along with being entertained, I learned a lot about Amur and Sumatran tigers and highly recommend this special book as a purchase for all ages!

Galaxy Mapper: The Luminous Discoveries of Astrophysicist Hélène Courtois written by Allie Summers, illustrated by Siân James. MIT Kids Press 2025, 48 pages, hardcover, ages 5-9. This well-researched book is a fascinating story about astrophysicist Hélène Courtois who achieved great steps in cosmic discoveries while learning to map the universe. Unlike many picture book biographies, I was struck by the fact that like the next book, about Dr. Friel, Hélène is also of our time and still passionate about her work, which perhaps makes these great women even more inspiring to today’s kids. The illustrations are striking and beautifully complement Summers’ lyrical writing. Great back matter, too. A nice purchase for school libraries in particular.

Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability written by Danna Zeiger, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon. Millbrook Press 2025, 32 pages, hardcover, ages 6-10. WOW, what a gorgeous, inspiring, true story lies between the covers of Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability. Dr. Friel has led an amazing and important-to-the-world life and I’m so glad it will now be shared with everyone, thanks to this beautiful picture book. The author’s tight, lyrical writing and the illustrator’s vibrant pictures are a great combination. Dr. Friel’s personality and perseverance leap off the page. A true gateway to understanding how much everyone has to offer, no matter what roadblocks might be in the way. Excellent back matter, as well. Highly recommended!

Eating to Save the Planet: How Veganism Helps Fight Climate Change written by Anne Broyles, illustrated by Hannah Li. Holiday House 2025, 128 pages, hardcover, ages 8-12. Eating to Save the Planet is a jam-packed book filled with great material and ideas all told in an interesting user-friendly manner. Information, such as animal sentience or what is being done to improve sustainable agriculture and food production and why, is shared in an approachable, unpretentious tone. Full color art spreads are sprinkled throughout, along with many other lively illustrations. Back matter includes an interesting author’s note, famous vegans, and questions about protein and vitamins all answered in a way readers can understand. Further resources include a multitude of websites, movie titles, books, bibliography, articles, and a concise index. You really can’t go wrong having this book on the shelf for kids to return to again and again. Highly recommended for families, as well as all school and public libraries.

In case the above links (attached to author names) get lost in this busy post, several of these books have been featured previously on Writers’ Rumpus and you’ll find wonderful interviews here: A Family for Zoya, Finding Forgiveness, and Rewriting the Rules (two links).

That’s a wrap! Please drop your own favorite titles into the comments to add to this list. Best wishes to all for a holiday season filled with wonders and good health. 📚🎁