Tasha Saecker

The British Book Awards Shortlists The shortlists for the 2026 British Book Awards Books of the Year have been announced. There are two specifically children's categories, but the new Graphic Novels category has several children's books in it and Illustrator of the Year is entirely children's illustrators. Children's author AF Steadman also represents in the shortlist for Author of the Year. Here are the shortlists:

The British Book Awards Shortlists

The shortlists for the 2026 British Book Awards Books of the Year have been announced. There are two specifically children's categories, but the new Graphic Novels category has several children's books in it and Illustrator of the Year is entirely children's…

3 New Big-Hearted Bear Picture Books Bartleby by Matt Phelan Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9780374393557 Bartleby is a little bear in a bowler hat who refuses to do things a lot. He says “I prefer not to” when asked to share what he did over the weekend with the class. He says it when the rest of the class plays the giant xylophone and sings silly songs.

3 New Big-Hearted Bear Picture Books

Bartleby by Matt Phelan Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9780374393557 Bartleby is a little bear in a bowler hat who refuses to do things a lot. He says “I prefer not to” when asked to…

Yesterday the NHS banned all under 18 prescriptions of HRT for trans young people.

This ban was justified by 10 new studies that largely stated NO EVIDENCE for under 18s HRT exists.

The study underpinning this played one particular trick.

Let's briefly look at how the NHS rigged the game 1/5

Loops by Jashar Awan – Book recommendation Loops by Jashar Awan Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from copy from publisher ISBN: 9781665974943 A big kid keeps losing his new shoes because they are too big with room to grow. They just have to be tied really tight. Wanna see how you tie them? They are still learning to do it, but they know they can!

Loops by Jashar Awan – Book recommendation

Loops by Jashar Awan Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from copy from publisher ISBN: 9781665974943 A big kid keeps losing his new shoes because they are too big with room to grow. They just have…

You bastards made the first five minutes of UP and you expect us to believe you’re worried about the audience needing therapy?

Celebrate Trans People in Appleton this TDOV! Support Trans Day of Visibility this March by helping create a moment of affirmation, joy, & visibility for trans folks in Appleton with Diverse & Resilient. It’s been a hell of a year for trans folk...

i'm doing a super local fundraiser for #trans people and an org that serves them this year - my wife @rachelcrowl.net will be taking photos of any trans people who want them, in time for #TDOV.

#donate if you can. repost if you can't.

diverseandresilient.networkforgood.com/projects/296...

Wake Your Friday Brain Cells – March 6 Edition

CHILDREN'S LIT 6 Women’s History Month Picture Books That Spark Confidence and Courage - Oprah Daily 10 New Children’s Books To Get Wonderfully Lost In This March - Lit Hub CCBC Choices 2026 - Cooperative Children's Book Center Guidelines for Choosing…

I can’t begin to count the number of times it’s been challenged. Further proof, as Steven Pico said recently, that book banners are “very good at choosing excellent literature.”

2 New Perfect Pet Picture Books The Passover Pet Surprise by Ana María Shua, illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz Publisher: NorthSouth Books Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9780735846081 Jordanita and her family are spending Passover in Argentina. What she loves most is how many pets her aunt, uncle and cousins own. When they get there, they spend time with all the animals. The turtles and dog join in on the water fight.

2 New Perfect Pet Picture Books

The Passover Pet Surprise by Ana María Shua, illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz Publisher: NorthSouth Books Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9780735846081 Jordanita and her family are spending Passover in Argentina. What she loves most…

2025 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award Finalists IBBY Canada has announced the ten finalists for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award. The awards are given annually for outstanding artistic talent in a Canadian picture book published in English or French during the previous year by a Canadian illustrator. Here are the finalists: Aujourd’hui, promis! by Josée Bisaillon Everybelly by Thao Lam Grandes oreilles by Julie Delporte…

2025 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award Finalists

IBBY Canada has announced the ten finalists for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award. The awards are given annually for outstanding artistic talent in a Canadian picture book published in English or French…

Phoenix by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – Book Recommendation Phoenix by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Publisher: Dial Books Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from NetGalley e-galley ISBN: 9780593859865 When Harper discovers that her dad cheated on her mom with her best friend's mother, her world implodes. Her parents are getting a divorce and Harper just can't go to school where everyone seems to know what happened. Harper and her mother pack up and leave, moving to a new town and a tiny house that is part of a horse farm.

Phoenix by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – Book Recommendation

Phoenix by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Publisher: Dial Books Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from NetGalley e-galley ISBN: 9780593859865 When Harper discovers that her dad cheated on her mom with her best friend's mother, her world…

3 New Gorgeous Gardening Picture Books Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from pdf received from publisher ISBN: 9780593692417 Mary Oliver’s poem “Goldfinches” is transformed into a child-friendly picture book that invites readers out into fields filled with thistles and birds. The poem speaks to the beauty of nature from the beauty of the “coin of reddish fire” in the thistles to the way the goldfinches build their “silver baskets” of nests.

3 New Gorgeous Gardening Picture Books

Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers Publication Date: March 3, 2026 Reviewed from pdf received from publisher ISBN: 9780593692417 Mary Oliver’s poem “Goldfinches” is transformed into a…

Newcastle pubs ban AI art from breweries to protect local creatives As two pubs in Newcastle ban AI art, artists discuss the impact it can have on creatives.

"If I was to use ChatGPT for my designs rather than our designer Sean, that's taking money out of the local area into the hands of a multibillionaire ... removing value from the local community and local artists [and] into the hands of some of the richest people in the world."

#AIslop #refuseresist

35 Marvelous New Books Coming in March PICTURE BOOKS Animals Speak by S.D. Nelson Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación Bartleby by Matt Phelan Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett The Children of the Sun by Micaela Chirif, illustrated by Juan Palomino Dark Is For by Jane Kohuth, illustrated by Cindy Derby Emeka, Eat Egusi by Candice Iloh, illustrated by Bea Jackson…

35 Marvelous New Books Coming in March

PICTURE BOOKS Animals Speak by S.D. Nelson Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación Bartleby by Matt Phelan Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett The Children of the Sun by Micaela Chirif, illustrated by Juan Palomino Dark Is For…

2026 NZ Booklovers Awards Shortlist The NZ Booklovers Awards have announced their 2026 shortlist. This New Zealand book award offers awards for Best Adult Novel and Best Lifestyle Book, plus three categories for younger readers. Here are the shortlisted titles for younger readers: YOUNG ADULTS Bear by Kiri Lightfoot (published in US in June 2026) It’s a Bit More Complicated Than That by Hannah Marshall…

2026 NZ Booklovers Awards Shortlist

The NZ Booklovers Awards have announced their 2026 shortlist. This New Zealand book award offers awards for Best Adult Novel and Best Lifestyle Book, plus three categories for younger readers. Here are the shortlisted titles for younger readers: YOUNG ADULTS…

Wake Your Friday Brain Cells – February 27 Edition

CHILDREN'S LIT Books for Kids Who Like Alan Gratz - Reading Middle Grade CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) 2026 Notable Books announced - Books + Publishing More Butterflies in the Sky! Reading Rainbow Gets 24-Episode Order - Reactor…

LA Times Book Prize Finalists The LA Times has announced the finalists for their annual book prizes. The prizes span genres, including audiobooks, nonfiction categories, graphic novels, fiction, fiction genres, and YA literature. Here are the finalists for the Young Adult Literature category: FINALISTS Angelica and the Bear Prince by Tung Le Nguyen The Corruption of Hollis Brown by K. Ancrum King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin My Mother, the Mermaid Chaser by Jamie Jo Hoang Truth Is by Hannah V. Sawyerr

LA Times Book Prize Finalists

The LA Times has announced the finalists for their annual book prizes. The prizes span genres, including audiobooks, nonfiction categories, graphic novels, fiction, fiction genres, and YA literature. Here are the finalists for the Young Adult Literature category:…

2 New Nonfiction Picture Books Featuring Great genius Copland: A Story About America by Veronica Mang Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers Publication Date: February 24, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9780593693711 This picture book biography of Aaron Copland starts in 1900 when Aaron is born to his Russian immigrant parents. He grew up in an apartment above his family’s store in Brooklyn, listening to the horses clomp on the streets.

2 New Nonfiction Picture Books Featuring Great genius

Copland: A Story About America by Veronica Mang Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers Publication Date: February 24, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9780593693711 This picture book biography of Aaron Copland starts in 1900 when…

2025 Bram Stoker Award Nominees The Horror Writers Association has announced the nominees for the 2025 Bram Stoker Awards which recognize achievement in horror writing. The award has a variety of categories including screenplay, graphic novel, nonfiction and age categories for fiction. Here are the nominees for the youth categories: SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL NOMINEES Broken Dolls by Ally Malinenko The Girl in the Walls…

2025 Bram Stoker Award Nominees

The Horror Writers Association has announced the nominees for the 2025 Bram Stoker Awards which recognize achievement in horror writing. The award has a variety of categories including screenplay, graphic novel, nonfiction and age categories for fiction. Here are…

2 New Funny Picture Books Focused on Friendships Bob Is the Biggest, Strongest, and Smartest by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Amy Jindra Hodgson Publisher: Rocky Pond Books Publication Date: February 24, 2026 Reviewed from pdf provided by publisher ISBN: 9780593858943 Bob knows that he is the biggest, strongest and smartest bear in the world, and he made sure that everyone in the forest knew that too. Bob loved to talk about himself and brag endlessly about his brawn and his brains.

2 New Funny Picture Books Focused on Friendships

Bob Is the Biggest, Strongest, and Smartest by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Amy Jindra Hodgson Publisher: Rocky Pond Books Publication Date: February 24, 2026 Reviewed from pdf provided by publisher ISBN: 9780593858943 Bob knows that he is the…

It’s a Belgian Cover Reveal Day! A Talk with Leo Timmers About Kiki & Me Today I reveal the cover of one of the truly great picture books of 2026. I also get to talk to Leo Timmers and ask him about his painting process (something I've wondered about for years).

Today I reveal the cover of one of the truly great picture books of 2026. I also get to talk to Leo Timmers and ask him about his painting process (something I've wondered about for years). #kidlit 📚👍 afuse8production.slj.com/2026/02/25/i...

I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets – Book Recommendation I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets, illustrated by Lorraine Nam Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers Publication Date: February 3, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9798217026029 Mychal is well known for his inspiring take on libraries that he shares widely and with great joy. His first book embraces a child’s experience at their library, explaining openly that the library is a place they will always belong.

I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets – Book Recommendation

I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets, illustrated by Lorraine Nam Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers Publication Date: February 3, 2026 Reviewed from…

2 New Picture Books Celebrating Spring Is It Spring? By Kevin Henkes Publisher: Greenwillow Books Publication Date: February 24, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9780063469259 Told in questions and answers, this picture book celebrates the changing of the seasons. Spring is at its most elusive here, as it appears like it’s arrived due to the flowers, the buds on the trees, and the birds returning. But the wind can turn icy and the clouds return.

2 New Picture Books Celebrating Spring

Is It Spring? By Kevin Henkes Publisher: Greenwillow Books Publication Date: February 24, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9780063469259 Told in questions and answers, this picture book celebrates the changing of the seasons. Spring is at its most…

Wake Your Friday Brain Cells – February 20 Edition

CHILDREN'S BOOKS 9 of the Best Kids Books For Lunar New Year - The Children's Book Review Author mom shares why kids need more AANHPI children's books - ABC News Kao Kalia Yang's new picture book is rich in memories - KAXE Your Official ‘Books for…

2026 Great Graphic Novels for Teens The Young Adult Library Services Association has selected their list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens. The list includes nonfiction and fiction graphic literature. A top ten was selected; here are those titles: TOP TEN Eden of Witches by Yumeji (Volumes 1-5) Halfway There: A Graphic Memoir of Self-Discovery by Christine Mari Hunger's Bite by Taylor Robin Kindergarten Wars…

2026 Great Graphic Novels for Teens

The Young Adult Library Services Association has selected their list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens. The list includes nonfiction and fiction graphic literature. A top ten was selected; here are those titles: TOP TEN Eden of Witches by Yumeji (Volumes 1-5)…

3 New Nonfiction Picture Books That Take Risks Marie’s Magic Eggs: How Marie Procai Kept the Ukrainian Art of Pysanky Alive by Sandra Neil Wallace, illustrated by Evan Turk Publisher: Calkins Creek Publication Date: February 10, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9781662680694 Marie learned to make Ukrainian decorated eggs with the Baba in Ukraine. They used beeswax and sketched stories on the eggs which were then painted in colors created from local plants.

3 New Nonfiction Picture Books That Take Risks

Marie’s Magic Eggs: How Marie Procai Kept the Ukrainian Art of Pysanky Alive by Sandra Neil Wallace, illustrated by Evan Turk Publisher: Calkins Creek Publication Date: February 10, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9781662680694 Marie…

2026 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has selected over 60 titles for its Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers list. This is one of my favorite lists every year, since it often includes books that did not gather attention during the previous year but that teens will check out and use in our library. The books are selected for ages 12-18.

2026 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has selected over 60 titles for its Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers list. This is one of my favorite lists every year, since it often includes books that did not gather attention during the previous year…

2 New Picture Books Featuring Moms Arctic Adventure: A Tundra Tale by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Alexandra Cook Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Publication Date: January 6, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9781250385444 As Little Fox follows her mother into the cold winter morning, she knows that the sun won’t appear now for weeks. At the same time, a child joins her mother to help photograph the Arctic.

2 New Picture Books Featuring Moms

Arctic Adventure: A Tundra Tale by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Alexandra Cook Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Publication Date: January 6, 2026 Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley ISBN: 9781250385444 As Little Fox follows her mother into the cold winter morning,…

2026 Best Fiction for Young Adults The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has announced their list of the best fiction for teens. The list covers books written for 12-18 year-olds that "incorporate outstanding literary quality and effectiveness of presentation, as well as appeal to the personal reading tastes of the teens." The list includes over 60 titles with a top ten list. Here are the top ten titles:

2026 Best Fiction for Young Adults

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has announced their list of the best fiction for teens. The list covers books written for 12-18 year-olds that "incorporate outstanding literary quality and effectiveness of presentation, as well as appeal to…

2 New Picture Books about Resilient Girls Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by Anna Cunha Publisher: Atheneum Publication Date: February 3, 2026 Reviewed from copy sent by publisher ISBN: 9781665914222 A very grumpy Lion lived near a village. He did not like noise of any kind except for when he used his own voice to shout about no one else making noise. Nani lived in that village and loved to drum.

2 New Picture Books about Resilient Girls

Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by Anna Cunha Publisher: Atheneum Publication Date: February 3, 2026 Reviewed from copy sent by publisher ISBN: 9781665914222 A very grumpy Lion lived near a village. He did not like noise of any kind…