A heartfelt reminder that courage grows through imagination, persistence, and people who believe in us.
A shy young girl channels her inner superhero.
Jasmine is creative but cautious, more comfortable hiding behind her salmon-colored glasses than stepping into the spotlight. But when Grandpa reads her tales of adventure each night, her imagination expands, and she becomes “Action Jasmine,” a fearless hero whose exploits she details in the pages of her sketchbook. When Grandpa encourages her to visit the park, she dons a bold disguise as she embarks on an even bolder mission: making a friend. Giang’s narrative offers a gentle, empathetic look at the common challenge of connecting with peers. Jasmine’s internal struggle—brave in her mind, anxious in reality—is portrayed with authenticity and heart, while her relationship with Grandpa demonstrates how supportive adults can help build young people’s self-assurance. Kang’s energetic illustrations shift playfully between fantasy and reality to convey Jasmine’s nerves, excitement, and determination. A cool blue-green palette grounds the scenes, while bursts of bright orange highlight Jasmine’s courageous moments. Vocabulary boosts (incognito, undercover) are explained with humor, helping build burgeoning readers’ confidence in language. This reassuring picture book validates big feelings and celebrates the small acts of bravery required to forge new connections. Shy children, especially those with rich imaginations, will see themselves reflected—and encouraged to take one step forward. Jasmine and Grandpa present East Asian.
A heartfelt reminder that courage grows through imagination, persistence, and people who believe in us. (Picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
ISBN: 9780593619247
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Visually sweet, though hampered by disjointed storytelling.
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
Another empowering outing led by a dynamic young role model.
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)Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
ISBN: 9780316561341
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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