A poignant, nostalgic tale that emphasizes the value of living each moment.
In this picture book about making connections through generations, the good old days aren’t in the past.
Danny and Grandpa Dan are very close. Walking through the woods with Grandpa Dan “is Danny’s first and most favorite memory.” Grandpa Dan always tells Danny that they’re living the good old days when they’re together. The lesson sticks with Danny through his escapades as he grows up, whether near Grandpa Dan’s house, at the coast, or even on his own in South America. Everywhere he goes, Danny reminds himself that the days he’s living are the good old days. They’re especially good when he’s with his family. Danny passes the lesson down to his own child in the same woods where he grew up. Although there’s a story of grief in the background (Grandpa Dan becomes “too old to go on adventures”), the overall tone of the touching book remains meditative and mindful. The spirit of gratitude is never at odds with the sense of adventure Danny imparts throughout, but it serves as a reminder to young readers—and grown-ups—not to take any moment for granted. Daniel uses succinct text on each page, with Grandpa Dan’s repeated refrain driving the message home. McDougall’s digital sketch illustrations of the white family sometimes feature loose or double lines, giving impressions of the characters rather than specifics. This technique makes the images feel blurry, leaving readers to imagine the details.
A poignant, nostalgic tale that emphasizes the value of living each moment.Pub Date: April 29, 2025
ISBN: 9798990573604
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Long Overdue Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
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