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MAPLE AND ROSEMARY

Name: MAPLE AND ROSEMARY
Author: Alison James
ISBN: 978-0-8234-4967-5

by Alison James ; illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 28, 2023

Quiet and quirky.

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A lonely maple tree learns about friendship when she meets a girl named Rosemary.

The text uses a traditional storytelling style, opening with “Once there was a tree”—the same opening words as Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree (1964)—and concluding with a happy-ever-after ending. In between lies a simple tale that follows the maple’s thoughts and emotions, from the appearance of tan-skinned Rosemary as a friend to Rosemary’s sudden disappearance to a reconnection some years later and on into Rosemary’s elder years. The text varies in tone, by turns whimsical, didactic, and even dramatic—although still humorous—when the tree misses Rosemary: “Maple wanted the winter to cover her with snow and never ever melt.” Although the text gives Maple and her neighboring trees personalities, thoughts, and emotions, the mixed-media art offers no hint of that—hooray, no eyeball-rolling cedars! In fact, the art renders the tree’s physical transitions over seasons and years with detailed realism and vibrant color while also supporting Maple—not Rosemary—as the protagonist, making the tree more three-dimensional than animals and humans. The art’s progression of seasons makes it seem as if Rosemary suddenly leaves Maple before their first winter together, but it’s unclear why—as well as why Rosemary stays away for years. Otherwise, art, text, and layout successfully convey a sweet story of friendship that will comfort lonely or anxious children. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Quiet and quirky. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2023

ISBN: 978-0-8234-4967-5

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Neal Porter/Holiday House

Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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READ ALL ABOUT IT!

by Benjamin Hall ; illustrated by Martina Motzo ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2026

Visually sweet, though hampered by disjointed storytelling.

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In this picture book from Fox News journalist Hall, a young hedgehog must find a way to protect his community when peril looms.

Hedgehog and his father both have busy days ahead. Dad’s on his way to the newspaper to report “what new news the news brings.” Hedgehog packs his backpack for an adventure, mindful of Dad’s rules: “Don’t talk to strangers” and “never ever cross the river alone.” Obeying the rules proves difficult when Hedgehog notices commotion on the other side of the river: A bear is hungrily eyeing Baby Owl, who’s fallen from her tree. With creative thinking, Hedgehog frightens off the bear and alerts Mama Owl, but the predator is still at large. So Hedgehog and Mama Owl create flyers to warn the forest residents. Though Motzo’s airy illustrations are pleasing—particularly the adorably animated Hedgehog, a tribute to Hall’s own children—the narrative feels bogged down with multiple themes as it attempts to explore the power of the written word, the importance of community, and the need to adhere to a parent’s rules. When Hedgehog apologizes for his apparent disobedience, Dad explains that Hedgehog never actually broke the rules; turns out it’s OK to cross the river in the company of an adult, and Mama Owl’s no stranger (she’s the town librarian, whom Hedgehog sees every week). The back-and-forth may leave readers confused; it also feels like a missed opportunity to discuss how to identify trustworthy adults.

Visually sweet, though hampered by disjointed storytelling. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: March 3, 2026

ISBN: 9780063357549

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Dec. 26, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2026

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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MAYA'S BIG QUESTION

From the Ambitious Girl series , Vol. 3

by Meena Harris ; illustrated by Marissa Valdez ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 3, 2026

Another empowering outing led by a dynamic young role model.

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The third title in the Ambitious Girl series finds young Maya wanting accomplished women to get their due.

On a school trip to Washington, D.C., brown-skinned, bubble-braided Maya is full of questions, among them “How many representatives are there?” and, while checking out the statues and monuments, “Where are all the women?” Maya’s teacher tells her that they’ve seen all the “popular” statues and monuments. Maya is as dogged (“But what about Eleanor Roosevelt? Or Mary McLeod Bethune?”) as her teacher is dismissive: “Those aren’t on my list.” (Maya’s teacher follows the same list every trip.) Back at home, Maya is newly awakened to the lack of female representation in her orbit—she notices that streets and “even her own school” are named for men. Is there anything she can do about this? Maya’s teacher’s cluelessness feels a bit implausible, more like a plot device to steer the story in the right direction, but Maya’s righteous indignation is believable, and her corresponding activism will energize readers. Valdez gets into the spirit of things with her invigorating digital art: Maya and her multiethnic classmates and neighbors are colorful dressers with smiling faces, which fosters a sense that wherever Maya goes, a warm and ebullient community is there for her.

Another empowering outing led by a dynamic young role model. (Picture book. 5-8)