Read-aloud – 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, 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, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Charts for Babies

Posted on June 26, 2026June 16, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Charts for Babies (Abrams Appleseed, 2026) Michelle Rial is so darn cute. And will especially appeal to any nerdy parent, grandparent, or aunt or uncle. As you can tell from the cover, the book includes humor.

But, make no mistake–this books IS for kids. It shares concepts such as big/small, flat/curvy, behind/ahead/between and much more, in rhyme. Not only is it a fun read-aloud, but the book will grow with the kids as they can return to it for more complex ideas such as types of charts.

This is Michelle’s debut picture book. Read about the author/illustrator here. She has also written a book for adults. If you like, read an interview with Michelle about Charts for Babies.

PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Milton Makes a Move

Posted on June 19, 2026June 16, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Coming in August, Milton Makes a Move (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026) by Jonathan Graziano and illustrated by Dan Tavis, is a delightful story of pet adoption.*

Milton, a pug, lives in a yard with lots of other dogs. One day he gets the news: he’s “moving into a new home with his very own family!” He knows he should be excited, but what if his new home doesn’t have his favorites? But Milton tries to be brave. He packs his suitcase and is on his way.

I love the tender heart of this story–how pug and man help each other. Plus, there’s humor in text such as “stinky stinks” and adorable illustrations. (I don’t want to reveal too much.) Dog lovers will definitely relate to this story.

The author wants to encourage others to adopt a senior pet next time they add to their family. Jonathan’s the creator of the viral “Bones or No Bones” TikTok videos and a bestselling author of Noodle and the No Bones Day. Here’s an article with videos on how it all got started in August of 2021.

I’m a bit jealous that I won’t be in New York on August 2nd, as Milton and Jonathan will be appearing at the Union Square Barnes and Noble that afternoon. A list of appearances is here.

Read about the bestselling illustrator here. Dan’s portfolio of wonderful illustrations is here and his books here.

*I received a copy of the book from the publisher. Note, I only recommend books I like.

PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Heronry

Posted on June 5, 2026August 18, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Herony (Tilbury House Publishers, 2026) by Barbara Herkert and illustrated by Gordy Wright is such a delight! Isn’t that cover lovely?

Lyrical language and beautiful illustrations pair up to tell about the great blue herons at their breeding grounds. From arrival through choosing just the right nest, finding a mate, eggs laid, chicks hatched, fledglings learning to hunt and fly, then the departure, we follow these birds at the heronry. All is quiet until they return the next year.

I love how you can read the poetic lines once all the way through, and then go back and start over to reread the facts on the opposite pages. Either way the story flows well. It’s a book to treasure.

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

Check out the illustrator’s other books here and see some sample illustrations here. Read about Gordy here.

(I received an advanced copy from the author–it comes out June 16th.)