PB – Susan Uhlig

Cover shows a mole in a scarf hugging a tiny thing, a dandelion seed

The Tiny Thing

Posted on October 9, 2026October 7, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

The first time I read The Tiny Thing* (Beach Lane Books, 2026) by Ellen Tarlow and Lauren Stringer, I wasn’t sure I liked it. But then I reread it. And paid more attention to the illustrations. Now I love it!

It’s fall and Mole befriends a tiny thing (images show it is a dandelion seed) and brings it home. The tiny thing gives Mole someone to talk to, someone to confess fears to, and best of all someone to tell stories to. His storytelling skills grow over the winter, and in spring he and the tiny thing go outside where Mole puts pieces of plants, sticks, rocks, feathers together to make new things. This causes change for both of them.

See all of the author’s books here and read about Ellen here.

Read about the illustrator/author here. See Lauren’s books here and some of her illustration process here.

*I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review. Opinions my own.

PB, So Many Good Books

Leif’s Gift

Posted on September 25, 2026September 24, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Lief’s Gift (Norton Young Readers, 2025) by Michael Wang and illustrated by Lenny Wen is amusing and educational.

Lief likes growing plants in his bedroom with his pal Hortus (a turtle). “Lief was devoted to foliage.” He asks for specific plants for his birthday, from the tooth fairy, from Santa Claus. He has quite a collection, but doesn’t think he has enough. But when his plants grow, and grow and grow, he has trouble finding things in his room. When Hortus is missing, Lief takes an honest look at his too wild room. How can he keep his plants but make them somehow less?

Backmatter shows how to propagate plants. And includes a list and illustrations of pet friendly plants.

This is the author’s debut picture book. On this page, you’ll find activities and videos for the book. Read about Michael here.

Read about the illustrator here. Lenny is an author as well as an illustrator and you can see her books here. Sample illustrations are on the main page of her website.

cover of We Are the Keystones - black background with beautiful animal silhouettes of lighter colors include a bear, top left, an otter, top right, an alligator bottom left a wolf center, and a beaver right bottom

Nonfiction, PB, So Many Good Books

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together

Posted on August 14, 2026August 4, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together (Beach Lane Books*, 2026) by Katy S. Duffield and illustrated Hannah Salyer is an interesting read–I learned new things, and it even changed my attitude about some animals. Isn’t that cover gorgeous?

Keystone animals are those that make ecosystems survive. This nonfiction book simply explains these amazing animals’ roles in nature from forests, through prairies and jungles, to the ocean and savannahs. This book can be read straight through the rhyming text, or with stops along the way to read additional information, or a second time with reading the information. I found the backmatter fascinating.

Read about the author here and see Katy’s books here (a downloadable list is provided in addition to the ones shown).

Check out the illustrator’s portfolio here where you can also click on books, and check out each title. Read about Hannah here.

*I received a copy from the publisher for review. The book comes out in September.

PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Spooky Scouts

Posted on August 7, 2026August 4, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

I again have a preview* of a book that will be popular at Halloween, but will also be perfect in preparation for camping and young scouts–Spooky Scouts (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026) by Kimberly Shrack.

The book starts with Luna saying, “The Spooky Scouts Pledge.” Turn the page and see the other Scouts and learn what Luna loves. Most of all she loves the annual camping trip…especially the s’mores. But when she finds out that tonight is a full moon, can she keep her secret?

I loved the humor and the comical events that ruin her plans. I think kids will also enjoy the extras in the illustrations.

This is the author/illustrator’s debut picture book. Read about Kim here and see some of her art here. In 2027 she has a second book coming out called Braaains.

*I received an advance copy from the publisher for an honest review. The book comes out the end of August.

PB, So Many Good Books

Our Favorite Day of the Week

Posted on July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Our Favorite Day of the Week* (Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026) by Ashley Franklin and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell is a fun book about how different days of the week are special. (This book is a sequel to Our Favorite Day of the Year and comes out the end of September.)

Musa is excited about tying his own shoes, but Zohra is sad about missing tomorrow–Tuesday–because it’s her favorite day of the week. He shares his favorite day, and then Zadie, Mo, Luna, and Moises share theirs. The kids are surprised to find out their teacher’s favorite day.

Favorite days include recycling, swimming, family time, religious events, sports, culture, and time with students. “‘What makes a day special is how it make you feel,’ said M. Gupta.” So true!

Read about Ashley here and check out her books here. Previously I recommended her book Not Quite Snow White.

See Rahele’s books and sample illustrations here and read about her here. I love how the cover hints at what we’ll find inside with each kid having something to represent their favorite day.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.