Reading Activities: Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel

Something Good
Author: Kenneth Kraegel
Illustrator: Kenneth Kraegel
11 February 2025
Candlewick
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “In need of a bad day remedy? One girl’s terrible day takes an unexpected—and extraordinary—turn when she comes upon a pair of magic socks.

Blah. Nothing good ever happens to me.

This morning a little girl wakes up with a chicken on her head. (Ouch.) Then she finds worms in her cereal (after she’s had a few bites—yuck!). Then she realizes, too late, that her boots are full of mud. Ack! Then her best friend ignores her, a big hole appears where it wasn’t yesterday, and it starts to rain—cold rain, of course. Could this day get any worse? When a mysterious gift shows up out of nowhere, wrapped in a bow, the girl dares to wonder if it could finally be something good. Get ready for a high-​flying tale as the beloved creator of Wild Honey from the Moon brings his signature deadpan humor, quirky charm, and appealingly simple text to a fantastical adventure sure to turn even the worst days around.”


Need some reviews of Something Good?


Reading Activities inspired by Something Good:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you think this book will be about?
    • What kinds of things do you think count as “something good”?
    • What kind of mood does the cover character seem to be in? Why do you think that?
    • Have you ever had a day that started out really bad? How did it make you feel?
    • What are some small things that can help turn a day around?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before reading the book?
    • Why did the gift of socks feel disappointing at first?
    • How did the socks change the character’s day—and mood?
    • Why do you think Zoe ignored the main character at the beginning? What was really going on?
    • How did the main character’s feelings change throughout the story? What caused those changes?
    • Why do you think they decided to give the socks to someone else at the end?
    • What message do you think this book is trying to share?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? What part would you tell them about first?
  • Blah-​Day Bingo: Make one bingo board with silly bad-​day moments like “stepped in something squishy,” “ran out of cereal,” or “lost your sock.” Then, during the day or while reading the book, see how many squares you can check off. Now make a second board filled with cheerful things like “someone smiled at me,” “found a cool rock,” or “heard a funny joke.” The goal? Try to fill your “something good” board faster than your “blah” one—and see how your mood shifts as you look for the good stuff!
  • Chicken Hat & Magic Socks Craft: Create your own ridiculous chicken hat using paper, feathers, and imagination, just like the one from the beginning of the book. Then make a pair of “magic socks” using cardstock or paper. Decorate them with drawings of the adventures you would go on if your socks could fly. What powers would they give you? Who would you share them with?
  • Mood Meter Map: Draw a line across a page and mark one end as “Total Blah” and the other as “Amazing!” As you reread the story, track the main character’s mood on this line. What made things worse? What helped? Then make your own mood meter for a recent day and chart what affected your feelings. Did something small help shift your mood in a big way?
  • The Gift You Didn’t Expect: In the story, a plain pair of socks turns out to be the best surprise of all. Think of something simple—like a pencil, a pebble, or a balloon—and invent a story where it becomes magical. What does it do? How does it change your day? Write a short paragraph or comic strip to show how an ordinary object became something good.
  • From Blah to Hooray! Mini Book: Fold a piece of paper into a tiny book. On the first page, draw or write about a “blah” thing. On each following page, draw or write what helps that mood shift—maybe a friend shows up, a silly animal appears, or magic socks arrive! End your mini book with a big “Hooray!” moment to show how things got better.
  • Share Something Good Challenge: The character realizes that sharing something good makes it even better. Try it yourself! Choose one small, good thing to share today: a compliment, a snack, a toy, or a funny story. What happened when you shared it? Did someone smile? Did it change their day, or yours? Write or draw what you noticed.
  • Peanuts Vibes Soundtrack
    This story has been compared to Peanuts comics—funny, moody, and full of charm. Imagine this book had a soundtrack. What kind of music would you play at the beginning when everything is going wrong? What about when the magic socks appear? Make a playlist or just describe the sounds. Slow and rainy? Bouncy and silly? Dreamy and floaty?
  • Books, Books, and More Books! Check out these real-​world books about bad days, surprising joys, and learning to see the good:

 

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz

The ultimate bad-​day picture book. Alexander has one frustrating moment after another—but readers come to see that some days are just like that, and they still end with love.



A Bad Case of the Stripes
by David Shannon

Camilla is worried about fitting in, and it causes her to literally break out in stripes—and then polka dots, and even worse! A story about staying true to yourself, even when things feel weird or overwhelming.

 



The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez

For anyone feeling frustrated about what they can’t do yet, this book shows that hope, patience, and persistence can turn almost any day around. A great reminder that something good might be just around the corner.


Rain! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Christian Robinson

One rainy day is seen two totally different ways by two characters. This joyful story reminds us that perspective shapes how we experience the world—and a “blah” day for one person might be a magical one for someone else.

 



What If, Pig?
by Linzie Hunter

Pig is having a worry-​filled kind of day, but thanks to a kind friend, things start to look brighter. A great book about friendship, anxiety, and noticing when we need support—and when others might, too.

Author Interview: Becky Scharnhorst

Thanks to guest interviewer Joyce Uglow for handling this month’s interview with Becky Scharnhorst!


Becky grew up in Northeast Wisconsin and spent most of her childhood playing in lakes and reading books. Shortly after graduating from Luther College, Becky spent a year working as a children’s bookseller and soon discovered she enjoyed reading picture books more than anything else. Now Becky spends her days writing children’s books and working at her local library. When she’s not reading or writing, Becky can be found hiking through the woods, baking something sweet, or thinking happy thoughts. She currently lives in Central Wisconsin with her husband, two kids, and a few too many pets.


JPU: Best Buds is the most adorable book on earth, and I simply cannot wait for its release on July 8, 2025. Please share what you see as the power Best Buds can have on young readers. What do you hope will speak to kids?

BS: Thank you so much for your kind words about Best Buds! I’m thrilled to hear it resonated with you. My hope is that after reading this story young readers will feel empowered to trust themselves and to embrace their own unique self. In this story, Spencer is confident in who he is and in his choice of friends. He knows what qualities he’s looking for and he finds friends who have them. Even when others question him, he remains true to himself and his chosen friends. I hope young readers feel equally confident in who they are, and I hope it makes them consider what qualities are important to them when it comes to friendship.

JPU: Booklist had this to say about your picture book My School Stinks. “Along with being a good choice for children anxious about their first day, this offers a nifty exercise in reading between the lines. What is your favorite read between the lines in Best Buds?

BS: There is a spread near the beginning where Spencer learns he can buy plant friends at the farmers’ market. The text reads “On a trip to the farmers’ market, Spencer discovered he could even buy friends, though something didn’t feel quite right about that.” 

I love that line because it works on two different levels. Children will think it’s funny even if they don’t understand the hidden meaning behind that phrase because they know you can’t buy friends at the store or market. But older children and adults who do understand the meaning behind the phrase “buy friends” will know that the text is also saying something about the true nature of friendship.

JPU: Friendship. As a principal, I often gathered small groups for special friendship lunches. It would have been great to have a garden at our school to plant friendships. New ideas for picture books come to me when I’m traveling.  Does inspiration strike you when you’re at home, on vacation, at work, or other places?

BS: That’s an interesting question. I was going to say all of the above, but when I started going through my list of books and ideas, I realized most of them came to me when I was at home. I’m guessing that’s because home is where I’m most comfortable and where I can most easily quiet my mind. That said, I have worked out a lot of story problems while hiking, so the forest is another place of inspiration for me.

JPU: Home is where the heart is, right? Speaking of traveling, This Field Trip Stinks is hilarious! In contrast, I think the jokes in Best Buds are more subtle. Is there a line or a spread that makes you giggle?

BS: The spread that makes me giggle the most is the one where Spencer discovers he can buy friends at the farmers, market. However, a close second is the one where Spencer takes his plant friends to various locations. All of Spencer’s lines on that page make me laugh, but I especially love the one that comes right after the librarian comments on how many friends he has brought to story time. Spencer casually replies, “Don’t worry. They’re much quieter than Jeremy.”

JPU: There is that travel theme again…  I do love a busy farmers market where I can replenish my pantry with special honey, plants, and bread. Picture books are extraordinary treasures in of themselves. It’s well known that great teachers use picture books for enhancing their students’ learning. Your extension activities, discussion guides, and resources are super fun and helpful. In your opinion, what are the important features in a tool for teachers, caregivers, and/​or parents?

BS: I think one of the most important features is that the tools are easy to access and easy to use. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are usually quite busy, so if the activities you are providing require a lot of extra prep or materials, they likely won’t get used at all. I also think it’s important the activities are fun for kids. Having curriculum tie-​ins is an added bonus, but I think it’s okay if the activities you provide are purely for fun. We are writing for children, first and foremost, so when creating resources, we need to keep that in mind.

JPU: Here’s one to make you think outside the box. If you were on a panel of kidlit writers talking about platform, what would the audience members be surprised to hear you say?

BS: I laughed out loud when I read this question because I can’t imagine any scenario where I’d be asked to be on a panel talking about platform. This is one of the areas where I struggle the most. I don’t know if I could even describe my platform, though I probably shouldn’t admit that. I admire people who excel at marketing and branding, but I am not one of them. Probably some of that stems from my mixed feelings about social media. I tend to be a rather private person, so I don’t feel comfortable sharing a lot about myself online. At the same time, I want my online presence to be real and authentic, so it’s a struggle to find that balance. The audience might be surprised to hear me say that I’m still figuring it out. Or, maybe that’s obvious after taking a look at my online presence.

JPU: I don’t know about that, Becky. I see you as someone who stands on the nature platform very well.  So, how about your super writer power? How do you kick it into gear when creating an intriguing title with hooks that attracts book buyers?

BS: You’re really digging into to all my weaknesses, Joyce! I am embarrassed to admit that I only came up with one of the titles for my books. I do not have a superpower when it comes to clever titles that will attract book buyers. What I do have are brilliant critique partners who are masters at wordplay! My friend Tara Hannon came up with the title for Best Buds and it is utter perfection. Laura Lavoie is another writing friend of mine who is so good at coming up with catchy titles and concepts. She wrote an excellent blog post about titles that I still refer back to when brainstorming. Titles are hard for me! 

What I usually do is write a list of words and phrases that are associated with my manuscript. Then, I come up with a list of terrible titles using those words. After that, I send the list to my smarty pants critique partners and they usually come up with the perfect title. I’ve also had titles changed by my editor. So, I guess my superpower is surrounding myself with geniuses!

JPU: I agree! Critique partners, editors, and fellow writing community members enrich what we do. I’ve been known to lose myself in research because a news article spurs me to dig into a topic. What is the best rabbit hole you got lost in?

BS: Octopus camouflage! Even though How to Get Your Octopus to School is a fiction book, my editor wanted me to include some facts about octopuses in the back. I thoroughly enjoyed researching these incredible creatures and especially learning more about their impressive camouflage. I don’t think I want to know how many hours I spent watching octopus camouflage videos.

JPU: I have to admit that EVERY time I see an article, video, or book about an octopus, I think of you. Name a children’s book from your childhood that you wished you had written. What makes it special and unique?

BS: I loved The Monster at the End of This Book as a child and I still love it today. I think one of the things that makes it special is that it’s interactive. There are a lot of interactive books out now, but I can’t think of any others from my childhood. Also, the page turns are epic! Young readers cause ropes to snap and brick walls to tumble with the mere flip of a page. It’s empowering and hilarious! It also has one of the best endings ever! It’s silly, surprising, and completely satisfying.

JPU: I need to dig that one out again. Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett just wrote an in-​depth analysis of Go, Dog. Go! on their SubStack Looking at Picture Books. Those older books are sure different from what is getting published today. What is the best advice you can give to a new kidlit writer?

BS: Focus on your craft. There are many excellent resources available to new writers, and a lot of them are free. So, do some research. Read current books. Take a class. Get some feedback. Revise. Revise. Revise. Always be diligent about your craft. And if you can, find yourself some brilliant critique partners.

JPU: Thanks, Becky. Let’s jump into the Speed Round. What is your One Little Word for 2025? 

BS: I didn’t choose a word for 2025, but I am trying to be more deliberate about rest.

JPU: Ah ha. REST. It is a radical act… I need more of that! Are you a book buyer or library user? Both!

BS: I admit to spending way too much money on picture books. But then I have gifts I can give. I do love a good library stack, too.

JPU: What’s funnier? A well-​crafted joke or a surprise?

BS: Most well-​crafted jokes have an element of surprise to them, so I’m not sure how to answer. Can I say both again?

JPU: Now I’m going to have to reread your books to see which technique you use the most. Are you a “pantser” or a “plotter” when writing picture books?

BS: Plotter! I usually spend weeks or months thinking about a project before I put any words on the page.

JPU: Wise. Becky, you’re very wise. What do you have in the publishing pipeline?

BS: I recently received some exciting news, but I’m not allowed to share the details yet. Hopefully I can spill the beans soon!

JPU: NO! I’m not good at waiting… You get THE call from THE children’s book awards committee, what’s your reaction?

BS: Based on the reaction I have whenever my agent calls with good news, I’d say lots of screaming and jumping around. I am the opposite of chill in those situations.

JPU: Thank, Becky. I know for a fact that kids all over will fall in love with Best Buds. I know I did.

Picture Book Review: Mermaids Are the Worst; Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend; Party Animals; Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme; Wash Day Love

Some books leave me speechless. Others leave me with exactly five words. Welcome to the April edition of my most ruthless review format. It’s short. It’s sweet. It’s back.


Mermaids are the Worst!
Author: Alex Willan
Illustrator: Alex Willan
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
4 March 2025
40 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Fin-​flipping fun meets goblin fury.

4 out of 5 glittery tails 🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️



Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend
Author: Bob Shea
Illustrator: Bob Shea
Harry N. Abrams
25 March 2025
40 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Sass meets heart. Turtles triumph.

4 out of 5 bear suits 🐻🐻🐻🐻


Party Animals
Author: Tara Lazar
Illustrator: Anna Raff
Disney Hyperion
11 March 2025
48 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Heartfelt joy in goofy packaging.

4.25 of 5 glitter bombs ✨✨✨✨


Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme
Author: Betsy Bird
Illustrator: Andrea Tsurumi
Union Square Kids
18 March 2025
48 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Literary sabotage, now for kids!

4.5 out of 5 snarky weasels 🐹🐹🐹🐹


Wash Day Love
Author: Tanisia Moore
Illustrator: Raissa Figueroa
Scholastic Press
4 March 2025
40 pages

Ryan’s five-​word review: Hair, heritage, and heart intertwine.

4.25 out of 5 warm hugs 🤗🤗🤗🤗

Picture Book List: 15 Books About Astronomy

Calling all stargazers and curious minds!

With Spring Astronomy Day approaching on May 3, 2025—a day dedicated to bringing astronomy to the people—​it’s the perfect time to explore the wonders of the cosmos with your little ones. We’ve curated a stellar collection of 15 picture books that illuminate the mysteries of space, stars, and planets, igniting curiosity and wonder in young readers.

So grab a blanket, step outside under the night sky, or cozy up indoors, and let these stories launch your imaginations into the universe!

If I missed your favorite picture book that’s out of this world, drop it in the comments!


A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman, illustrated by Isabel Greenberg (May 2020)

From Goodreads: “Did you know that the earth is covered in three trillion trees? And that seven billion people weigh about the same as ten quadrillion ants? Our world is full of constantly changing numbers, from a hundred billion trillion stars in space to thirty-​seven billion rabbits on Earth. Can you imagine that many of anything?

The playful illustrations from New York Times–bestselling artist Isabel Greenberg and the friendly, straightforward voice of author Seth Fishman illuminate some of the biggest numbers in the universe—a hundred billion trillion stars—and the smallest—one unique and special YOU. Here is a book for story time, for science time, for math time, for bedtime, and all the times in between.

Perfect for curious children, classrooms eager for STEM content, and readers who have devoured Ada Twist, Scientist and How Much Is a Million?

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–7 years

A Moon of My Own by Jennifer Rustgi, illustrated by Ashley White (September 2016)

From Goodreads: “An imaginative young girl travels the world with her faithful companion, the moon. In her enchanted adventure she visits all seven continents while the moon goes through its cycle of phases as portrayed in silhouetted art. “Explore More” sections for kids and adults offer information and activities on phases of the moon and other aspects of astronomy and geography.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–10 years

Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-​Max (November 2021)

From Goodreads: “The stars are the limit for a little girl who acts out her wish to be an astronaut — inspired by a very special person.

Astrid has loved the stars and space for as long as she can remember. “I want to be an astronaut!” she says to everyone who will listen. While her mama is away, Astrid and her papa have fun acting out the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission — like being in zero gravity (“I can do that all day long!” she says), eating food from a kind of tube, and doing science experiments with the help of cookie sheets. When at last it’s time to meet Mama at the air base, Astrid wears her favorite space T‑shirt to greet her. But where exactly has Mama been? Channeling a sense of childlike delight, Ken Wilson-​Max brings space travel up close for young readers and offers an inspiring ending.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

Bright Sky, Starry City by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Aimée Sicuro (May 2015)

From Goodreads: “A little girl and her father have an opportunity to appreciate the wonders of the night sky. Phoebe helps her dad set up telescopes on the sidewalk outside his store. It’s a special night ― Saturn and Mars are going to appear together in the sky. But will Phoebe be able to see them with all the city lights? Raindrops begin to fall, followed by lightning and thunder. Phoebe is filled with disappointment as she and her father hurry inside to wait out the storm. But suddenly the power fails and then, amazingly, the rain and clouds disappear. Phoebe and her dad and all kinds of people spill into the street. And there, in the bright night sky, the splendor of the planets and a multitude of stars are revealed for all to see. An illustrated afterword includes information about the solar system, planetary conjunctions and rings, moons, telescopes and light pollution. A glossary and recommended further reading are also included.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 6–9 years

Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum (March 2018)

From Goodreads: “Discover the incredible story of the search for life on Mars, told from the unique perspective of Curiosity, the Mars Rover sent to explore the red planet.

Markus Motum’s stylish illustrations and diagrams reveal how a robot travelled 350,000,000 miles to explore a planet where no human has ever been.”

  • 56 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–9 years

The Fly Who Flew to Space by Lauren Sánchez (September 2024)

From Goodreads: “Lauren Sánchez, Emmy Award-​winning journalist, pilot, and philanthropist, takes readers on a high-​flying space adventure with Flynn the Fly in her picture book debut.Bold and inquisitive, Flynn is a little fly with big aspirations. School is tough, and it’s all too easy to be distracted by the rocket company down the road–especially while daydreaming about becoming an astronaut! One day while exploring, Flynn flies aboard a rocket that suddenly takes off! Follow Flynn on an exciting journey to space to learn more about our precious planet—from amazing natural wonders like the Amazon rainforest, to the atmosphere that protects it all. After all, big dreams and a curious mind can lead to the most amazing discoveries! With a book jacket that doubles as a glow-​in-​the dark poster, this engaging picture book from debut author and Emmy-​award winner, Lauren Sánchez, features exquisitely detailed illustrations by Clio-​award winner, Raleigh Stewart, and introduces important STEAM concepts. Encouraging exploration and conservation, Sánchez—and Flynn—will have little readers reaching for the stars.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–7 years

Go for the Moon: A Rocket, a Boy, and the First Moon Landing by Chris Gall (June 2019)

From Goodreads: “Written and illustrated by Chris Gall, Go for the Moon! captures the fascinating detail and inspiring adventure of the moon landing. It is a captivating celebration of one of humankind’s greatest technical achievements and most extraordinary feats of exploration.

The Apollo 11 astronauts have prepared carefully for their attempt to be the first men to land on the moon. The young narrator of this book has prepared carefully, he explains the design of the spacecraft, the flight from the earth to the moon, and the drama of touching down–while shadowing the astronaut’s voyage with one of his own.”

  • 48 pages
  • Reading Age: 5–8 years

How to Be on the Moon by Viviane Schwarz (June 2019)

From Goodreads: “In the follow-​up to How to Find Gold, best friends Anna and Crocodile are going on another intrepid adventure — this time, to the moon.

It’s almost impossible to get to the moon. It’s out in space, which is dark and empty, and it’s very far away. If Anna and Crocodile are going to make it to the moon, they’ll need some special skills, like being able to do math and having a lot of patience. They’ll also need to build a rocket. Not to mention the sandwiches for the journey. Luckily, when Anna and Crocodile put their minds together, nothing can stand in their way. Full of the same cheerful charm that made How to Find Gold so endearing, Viviane Schwarz’s pitch-​perfect text and wonderfully colorful illustrations launch this story off the page in a true celebration of curiosity and the magic of imaginative play.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 2–5 years

Just Right: Searching for the Goldilocks Planet by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Jessica Lanan (January 2019)

From Goodreads: “Do you wonder
if humans
are the only beings
who wonder
if they are alone
in the universe?

Our sun is a star.
In the night sky are all kinds of stars,
and orbiting those stars
are planets like the ones in our own solar system.

Could those planets have life
like we do on Earth?

Planet Earth is not too big,
not too small, not too hot,
and not too cold. It’s just right.
Our very own Goldilocks planet .…

Follow a young girl
as she explores these questions
in this gorgeous book about the wondrous search
for another Goldilocks planet.”

  • 48 pages
  • Reading Age: 5–9 years

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington (January 2018)

From Goodreads: “Inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison.

When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–6 years

Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex, illustrated by Laurie Keller (November 2019)

From Goodreads: “Pluto gets a call from Earth telling him he isn’t a planet anymore, so he sets out on a journey through the solar system to find out why in this funny and fact-​filled romp that’s perfect for fans of The Scrambled States of America .

Pluto loves being a planet. That is, until the day he gets a call from some Earth scientists telling him he isn’t a planet anymore! You probably wanted to meet a real planet, huh? So, Pluto takes the reader on a hilarious and informative journey through the solar system to introduce the other planets and commiserate about his situation along the way. Younger readers will be so busy laughing over Pluto’s interactions with the other planets, asteroids, moons, and even the sun, they won’t even realize just how much they’re learning about our solar system!”

  • 48 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–7 years

Rocket Says Look Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola (June 2019)

From Goodreads: “Meet Rocket–a plucky aspiring astronaut intent on getting her community to LOOK UP! from what they’re doing and reach for the stars in this auspicious debut picture book. Honored as a Chicago Public Library 2019 Best of the Best Book!A comet will be visible tonight, and Rocket wants everyone to see it with her–even her big brother, Jamal, whose attention is usually trained on his phone or video games. Rocket’s enthusiasm brings neighbors and family together to witness a once-​in-​a-​lifetime sighting. Perfect for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist and Cece Loves Science–Rocket Says Look Up! will inspire readers of all ages to dream big as it models Rocket’s passion for science and infectious curiosity.Author Nathan Bryon, an actor and screenwriter, and Dapo Adeola, a community-​minded freelance illustrator, bring their fresh talents, passion, and enthusiasm to the picture book medium.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 2–4 years

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by Jane Cabrera (September 2023)

From Goodreads: “A favorite lullaby becomes a celebration of love in this lushly illustrated version featuring animals from all over the world.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 1–3 years

Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers (October 2024)

From Goodreads: “World-​renowned artist and picture book creator Oliver Jeffers brings to life an endearing story about the magic of friendship—and sharing what brings us joy.Celebrate twenty years of The Boy in this highly anticipated new adventure from the internationally bestselling picture book creator of Lost and Found Oliver Jeffers! Once there was a boy who would often play hide-​and-​seek with his friends the star and the penguin. The star was always easy to find, but one day it went missing. So, the boy radioed the Martian for help, and soon found himself on an exciting spaceship rescue mission to the North Pole! But there, he discovered that he wasn’t the only one who had always dreamed of having a star as a friend …The out-​of-​this-​world, long-​awaited sequel to the much-​loved Boy stories, loved all around the world—now introducing a brand-​new character!”

  • 48 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

You Are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O’Brien (May 2009)

From Goodreads: “As we look back to the beginnings of the space race, 2009 is also the year for looking forward to humankind’s next step toward the stars.In the spirit of books that once imagined colonies on the moon, Patrick O’Brien has created a unique look at your first trip to Mars. Using the most up-​to-​date designs and theories of what it will take to establish a base on Mars, you are off on an incredible journey, over 35 million miles to the red planet. Filled with details, and vividly brought to life, this is an adventure that you are never going to forget.”

  • 48 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

Editor Interview: Maria Correa (Random House Children’s Books)

Maria Camila Correa is an editor at Random House Children’s Books, where she acquires and edits innovative and engaging picture books. With experience in multiple aspects of publishing—including editing Dr. Seuss books and international acquisitions—Maria brings a global perspective and an eye for storytelling that captivates young readers.

In addition to her editorial work, Maria is also an author and translator. She’s written several Little Golden Book biographies, including Selena, Bob Ross, and Rita Moreno, as well as Spanish Is My Superpower! As a translator, she’s worked on books like Mi hermano está lejos (My Brother is Away) and Mi Little Golden Book sobre Taylor Swift.

With her unique perspective as an editor, author, and translator, Maria is helping shape the future of children’s literature. Let’s dive into her journey and what excites her most in new projects.


RVC: When you were a child, what role did books play in your life? Did you have a favorite that shaped your love for storytelling?

MC: Books completely shaped the way I saw the world. I was (am?) an only child, and my parents were both big readers—my dad was a journalist, and he read stories to me very theatrically, acting them out and doing voices, so the stories came alive. He also frequently took me to puppet shows, which I loved—and still do (I just saw Song of the North, an Iranian epic told through shadow puppets, at the New Victory Theater in NYC).

I was born and spent the first seven years of my life in Colombia, and a lot of the books I was exposed to were Spanish translations of European books; my very favorite was Ophelia’s Shadow Theatre by Michael Ende, which is now sadly out of print. It was very dark for a picture book—about an old lady who, after being fired from her job in a theater, takes home the shadows left behind from all the plays. Without a job, she becomes homeless, and the shadows form a traveling theater and stage plays to help her earn a living. In the end, the old woman takes in the ultimate shadow—Death.

RVC: Wow, what a story!

MC: Obviously, this isn’t the kind of story we tend to publish here in the US, but it moved me deeply, and I think this kind of emotional depth is something I still look for when acquiring; the memory of this experience also informs my belief in kids’ ability to engage with complex themes, and in their aesthetic sensitivity.

RVC: Let’s talk more about what informs your work. Your academic background is in photojournalism and children’s literature. How do these two fields influence the way you think about picture books?

MC: Well, photojournalism sharpened my eye and gave me a language with which to talk about visual storytelling that is transferable to picture books. It also taught me to be observant, and to consider different ways of approaching the same subject. The master’s in children’s literature gave me context. It was a master’s in education, and there was also a focus on literacies—literacy acquisition in the traditional sense but also visual and digital literacies—so that’s another perspective from which I try to approach my books, especially early readers.

RVC: Your Master’s dissertation focused on postmodern picture books and Suzy Lee’s wordless Border trilogy. What about that type of storytelling fascinates you?

MC: I love storytelling that is open to interpretation. Wordless picture books invite readers to co-​create meaning, and they can be incredible tools for encouraging critical thinking. Without text to guide them, the reader has to determine for themselves what is happening, what the visual cues signify—and each reader will take something different from the story. In Shadow, Mirror, and Wave (aka The Border Trilogy), Korean artist Suzy Lee uses the gutter of the book as a delineation between opposing forces (in Shadow and Mirror, she plays with the real vs the imaginary). My dissertation explored these books from a psychoanalytic lens, which was a fun exercise (she says in hindsight), but at surface level these stories are very accessible for kids—in some ways more accessible than a traditional picture book, since they allow readers to engage with the story without text as a barrier.

RVC: Thanks for this quick dive into the interesting work of Suzy Lee! Now, you’ve worked in both the UK and US publishing industries. What are some key differences in how picture books are developed in each market?

MC: I’d say there are more similarities than there are differences, but two come to mind. One is the cadence to which we publish; in the UK, production timelines are often determined by book fairs, so that projects are ready to be shared at Bologna or Frankfurt, and in the US, that timeline is established based on the publication date of the book.

The other difference is that there is just more money in US publishing—and this is reflected in everything from industry salaries to author and illustrator advances, and, in my experience (though I worked for a then-​indie publisher in the UK that was particularly adept at this model), this is an incentive for British publishers to have their own staff write/​develop books in-house.

RVC: You acquire about 10 picture books per year at Random House. What’s the first thing that makes a manuscript stand out to you?

MC: I look for originality—is there anything new about the concept/​execution, or is this something I’ve read a thousand times before?

Don't Think of Tigers by Alex LatimerRVC: How do you balance acquiring books that feel fresh and original while still being accessible to young readers? I’m thinking about books like Floor It and Don’t Think of Tigers.

MC: Well, I try to remember the reader, and the experience of reading a picture book, which is usually a shared experience between an adult and a child. Originality is not at odds with accessibility—it can be, if you get really avant-​garde, but even though I personally love those very strange and experimental books, I want the books I publish to be enjoyable to kids first and foremost. I like picture books that are funny and playful and irreverent—that wink at the reader mischievously instead of trying to teach them something.

RVC: You’ve edited Dr. Seuss books, including How the Grinch Lost Christmas! What was it like working within such an iconic brand?

MC: Honestly, it was a full-​circle moment for me. I remember reading Green Eggs and Ham in ESOL class when I moved to the U.S., so having the chance to create new Seuss stories is very special—and I say “is” because I’m still working on a new line of books called Seuss Studios, where we find emerging author-​illustrators from diverse backgrounds and give them access to unpublished Dr. Seuss sketches, which they use as inspiration for their own stories. It’s a cool project that mixes brand legacy with the creators’ unique artistic vision and personal background, and it’s been very exciting to be a part of it.

RVC: That sounds fun! Let’s talk a bit more about emerging authors. What’s something about editing picture books that surprises most debut/​emerging authors?

MC: The timeline! Most picture books publish at least two years after being acquired, so it’s a long, drawn-​out process. When an editor signs up a book, they are committing to spending the next few years of their lives working on that project with that creator.

RVC: What’s the most common revision note you find yourself giving authors?

MC: Let the art say that.

RVC: What kinds of picture books are you hoping to acquire next? Any themes, formats, or storytelling styles you’d love to see?

MC: I’m really intrigued by the idea that the popularity of horror will trickle down into the picture book space, and I’m open to seeing darker, creeper stories that still feel age-​appropriate for kids. I’m also looking for stories by Latin American creators that aren’t necessarily about that cultural experience and that don’t feel like they pander to white readers.

RVC: In addition to editing, you’ve also written several Little Golden Book biographies. What drew you to writing nonfiction for young readers?

MCC: I enjoy the research, and they have a built-​in narrative arc, so in that sense I find them less challenging than writing fiction. But I also think it’s rewarding to shed light on figures whose lives kids can draw inspiration from.

RVC: You’ve translated books like Mi hermano está lejos (My Brother is Away) and Mi Little Golden Book sobre Taylor Swift. What do you find most rewarding about translation work?

MC: Expanding the audience for any book is incredibly rewarding, as is the feeling of having understood and captured the author’s intention behind the original work.

Lately, I find myself thinking about the rise of AI and the threat this poses to translators, but translation is an art—it isn’t mechanical. As Japanese translator Fischer Udagawa said in a recent  PW article, “a translator translating an author’s prose to move an audience is doing something fundamentally creative and artistic, like a musician playing a composer’s piece or an actor speaking the lines of a playwright.”

I am very passionate about the role of translated literature in encouraging cross-​cultural dialogue, and I think translated children’s books open kids’ minds to other experiences and ways of seeing the world. I think, as an industry, we should be looking to other cultures and translating more books into English.

RVC: What’s the biggest challenge when translating a picture book? Are there specific things that are harder to adapt between languages?

MC: Translating rhyme is always challenging but can be equally rewarding. Idioms and slang are also difficult to translate—you have to find an approximation that captures the essence or vibe of the original rather than the literal definition.

RVC: As someone who is not from the US, why do you think it’s important to tell stories by writers from different backgrounds and experiences?

MC: I think editors and publishers have a responsibility to reflect the richness and diversity of the world kids are living in. Especially now, when those books are being challenged and banned. Stories make us feel connected and remind us of our humanity, and by presenting kids with a multiplicity of perspectives, we cultivate empathy.

RVC: What is it you think is special about the picture book as a format?

MC: Picture books are limitless in potential—the dialogue and tension between text and art makes them a uniquely powerful reading experience. They also tend to be quite short, and I love shortform storytelling because it forces the creator to distill their ideas into their most essential form. And often (and certainly in my case), picture books are the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.

I love that Mac Barnett, who was recently named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is celebrating picture books with his platform Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See.

RVC: One last question for this part of the interview. What upcoming projects at Random House are you especially excited about?

MC: I’ll call out a picture book publishing each season next year: in Spring, I’m excited about Croûton, a very charming picture book about a shelter cat (Croûton) who thinks she’s the one adopting her human; in Summer, To Knit a Ghost features a little witch instructing readers on how to literally knit a ghost, featuring funny and witty interjections by her ghost friends; in Fall, there will be a sequel to Alfie Explores A to Z, an incredibly detailed seek-​and-​find, this time featuring escaped dogs and time travel.

(I am so grateful to get to do what I do.)

RVC: Alright, Maria—it’s time for the fast and fun LIGHTNING ROUND! Super-​quick answers only! Ready?

MCC: Come at me, Ryan.

RVC: What’s your favorite punctuation mark?

MC: The question mark. The design is—let’s face it—sexy, and it signifies curiosity, which—let’s face it—is also sexy.

RVC: You’re stuck in a library overnight—what section are you exploring first?

MC: Picture books (surprise, surprise!).

RVC: What’s a picture book title that would make a great band name?

MC: Julián Is a Mermaid.

RVC: You can collaborate with any historical figure on a book—who’s your pick?

MCC: Frida Kahlo.

RVC: A picture book from your childhood that still holds up today?

MCC: Frog and the Stranger by Max Velthuijs.

RVC: What’s one word you’d use to describe the PERFECT picture book?

MCC: World-​expanding.

RVC: Thanks so much, Maria!

Reading Activities: Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me by Jennifer Bradbury, art by Pearl AuYeung

Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Illustrator: Pearl AuYeung
11 February 2025
Atheneum/​Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “A loyal big brother makes a case for why his adopted little brother is just like him when a pesky kid on the playground questions their physical differences in this charming picture book.

When they hear the singsong tune of an ice cream truck, two brothers race to get in line! Big brother beats little brother and holds their spot. But when little brother catches up, another kid challenges him joining his brother in no cutting! Everyone knows that cutting doesn’t count when you’re siblings, but the kid doesn’t believe they can be brothers when they don’t look anything alike.

The brothers may not be biologically related, but they’re still brothers, and they have so much else in common! They both like candy way too much, love swimming but hate baths, and know their parents love them. Big brother knows that differences on the surface don’t matter when in his heart, his little brother is just like him.”


Need some reviews of Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me?


Reading Activities inspired by Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you think the title Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me means? What does it suggest about the characters?
    • Look at the two kids on the cover—how do they seem alike? How do they seem different?
    • What does it mean to be part of a family? Does everyone in a family have to look alike? Why or why not?
    • Have you ever had someone assume something about you that wasn’t true? How did it make you feel?
    • What are some ways people in a family can be similar besides their appearance?
    • Why do you think the author wanted to tell this story? What message do you think it will have?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How did the big brother react when someone questioned whether Dev was really his brother?
    • What were some of the things the brothers had in common? What were some ways they were different?
    • How do you think Dev felt when the other child didn’t believe they were brothers?
    • Why do you think it was important for the big brother to show that family is about more than just looking alike?
    • What was your favorite moment in the book? Why did it stand out to you?
    • How did the illustrations help tell the story? What details in the pictures stood out to you?
    • How do you think the skeptical kid at the playground felt at the end of the story? Did their view change?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? What would you tell them about first?
  • The “Almost Like Me” Sibling Challenge: Grab a friend, sibling, or family member and write down ten things about yourselves—your favorite foods, hobbies, pets, bedtime routines, anything! Then, compare your lists. How many things do you have in common? What surprised you? Just like Dev and his big brother, you’ll probably find that the things that matter most go beyond appearances!
  • Family Portrait—Remixed!: Most people think of family portraits as everyone smiling for a photo together, but what if a portrait captured something deeper? Instead of drawing a picture of just how your family looks, make a family portrait that shows what makes you all unique. Maybe you love the same food, play the same games, or share inside jokes. Include those details in your artwork to celebrate what really makes your family yours!
  • What’s in a Name? A Family Storytime: In the book, Dev and his brother share family traditions and history. Now, let’s explore your own family’s story! Ask a parent, grandparent, or guardian about your family history. Do you have a name with a special meaning? Are there stories about how you became part of your family? Write down what you learn and share it with someone close to you.
  • You Can’t Tell By Looking!” Discovery Game: People often assume things about others based on how they look, but appearances don’t tell the whole story! Play this game with friends or classmates: Everyone writes down one fact about themselves that others wouldn’t guess by looking at them. Then, mix up the papers and take turns reading them aloud, guessing who wrote each one. It’s a fun way to see how much more there is to people than what we see!
  • The Love List: What Really Makes a Family?: Dev and his brother know that family is about love, not just looks. Think about what makes your own family special—whether it’s a family you were born into, adopted into, or chosen. Make a list of ten things that show love in your family. Do you have special traditions? Do you help each other in different ways? Decorate your list and keep it as a reminder that family is about what we do, not just what we look like!
  • Letters of Belonging: A Note to Someone Who Feels Left Out: In the book, Dev faces a moment where someone doesn’t believe he and his brother belong together. Write a letter to someone (real or imaginary) who might feel left out or different. What would you say to make them feel welcome? Decorate your letter and share it with a friend, family member, or teacher to spread kindness!
  • Books, Books, and More Books!: Check out these real-​world picture books about family, adoption, and sibling bonds:

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

This heartfelt story is about feeling different but finding connections with others. Like Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me, it reminds us that even when we don’t look like those around us, we all have something in common.


A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng

This book introduces a classroom full of children, each with a different type of family. Some have two dads, some live with grandparents, and some are adopted. It beautifully illustrates that what makes a family is love.

 


We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families by Todd Parr

A warm and simple book that explains adoption in a way young kids can understand. It celebrates how families come together in different ways and the love that binds them.


Big Brothers Don’t Take Naps by Louise Borden, illustrated by Emma Dodd

A sweet story about an older brother passing on wisdom to his younger sibling. It highlights the joys of having a little brother—whether they look alike or not!

 


 

Real Sisters Pretend by Megan Dowd Lambert, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Two sisters play pretend, reminding each other that even though they weren’t born into the same family, their bond is real. Like Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me, this story affirms that love is what makes a family.