Archives for April 10, 2026

Catclaw dreams that one day he will have the gift of prophecy, just like his Dreamkin ancestors. But many moons ago, the Dreamkins were exiled from the other noble moth clans for a crime too awful to even speak of, and their gift of prophecy was lost. No Dreamkin has seen the future in generations. So when Catclaw receives a vision telling him that all the moth clans are in terrible danger, he’s branded a liar and exiled.

Catclaw knows it’s the right thing to protect his fellow moths, even if his own clan doesn’t believe him, so he sets out alone on the long and treacherous journey back to Queen Adeia’s Kingdom to warn them.

But there is more to the moth clans’ history than Catclaw ever knew, and the closer he gets to the kingdom, the more the danger grows.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Katharine Orton is the Branford Boase longlisted author of Nevertell, Glassheart, and Mountainfell, all published by Walker Books to glowing reviews from readers old and young alike. The Traitor Moth was inspired by her son’s fascination with moths and bugs and her love of classic fantasies such as Watership Down. She has previously worked as a copywriter and for an indie children’s publisher. She lives in Bristol, UK.

Now more than ever, it is important to be educated on our countries past or else we run the risk of seeing our future progress in our nation come to a halt. In recent news there has been a lot of political unrest and racialized discrimination, which makes Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutierrez’s picture book extremely timely. UNBREAKABLE: A JAPANESE AMERICAN FAMILY IN AN AMERICAN INCARCERATION CAMP (on-sale April 7, 2026), addresses part of America’s unfavorable past, and the strength of marginalized identities in the face of it. 

Unbreakable is a heart-wrenching but moving tale centered around the real-life experience of Japanese American, Minoru (Min) Tonai (1929-2023), co-writer of the book, and what he experienced in America’s World War II era concentration camps in the United States. An incredibly moving picture book contains extensive back matter covering details of the camps as well as the campaign to release Tonai’s father, timelines, a bibliography, author and illustrator notes, and discussion questions to engage younger readers with.

Co-writer Jolene Gutiérrez is an award-winning educator and worked with Min to deliver an uplifting and emotional story of survival in the Amache Incarceration camp. Emmy award-winning illustrator and animator, Chris Sasaki’s enriching artwork has made Unbreakable an inspiring and powerful picture book – perfect for introducing young readers to this part of American history where they will see the resilience of a people, the justice given to them, and the search for what it means to be American. 

UNBREAKABLE: A JAPANESE AMERICAN FAMILY IN AN AMERICAN INCARCERATION CAMP

• CULTURAL PRESERVATION THROUGH ART: The great melting pot should be an infinity of diverse voices and representation. Japanese American history is as rich as it comes, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t also talk about the hardships of that history. Sasaki has woven the cultural significance of Japanese American heritage throughout his illustrations to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asian American culture and history. Through these creators, we explore the unbreakable spirit of Japanese American communities in the face of injustice all while finding a story full of strength, hope, love, and empathy for those of all ages to read.

• CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: The United States is a country forged by immigrants. As we look around us to see poltical unrest and our American neighbors being harrassed in the streets and their homes, it becomes more important than ever to remember our past. Gutiérrez and Tonai have recounted Tonai’s story of a family being torn a part by prejudice and injustice during WWII. This timely picture book is a great way to start this discussion with the younger generations and educate them about past and present issues we face in America.  
• INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTOR: Minoru “Min” Tonai (1929-2023) worked with Jolene Gutiérrez to write the story. Min volunteered his time to various organizations and campaigned for the rights of all people. In 1975 Min founded the Amache Historical Society. He was also the president of the Amache Historical Society and board president of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Los Angeles. He was presented with the Order of the Rising Sun medal in 2015 from Japanese Emperpor Akihito for “promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. He was not afraid to speak up and his family and friends continue to tell his story long after he passed. 

 Cloud Puppy—part puppy, part cloud, and all adorable—goes on summer adventures with her friends in this third book in a delightful graphic chapter book series that’s Narwhal and Jelly meets The Amazing World of Gumball!

Cloud Puppy and her friends start their summer vacation at the local amusement park! When Mossquatch shares he doesn’t really like big roller coasters, Cloud Puppy makes it her secret mission to help him overcome his fear. After all, everyone knows roller coasters are fun, not scary!

But as Cloud Puppy, Jack, and Berry Rose line up for the biggest roller coaster, Cloud Puppy suddenly feels afraid—even wishing she were sitting out comfortably with Mossquatch. To keep spending time with her friends, she should act like she’s still having fun and conquer her fear…right?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kelly Leigh Miller is an illustrator and author who loves everything cute and whimsical. She is the author of the Cloud Puppy series, I Love My Fangs!, I Love My Fur!, I Love My Magic!, and many more books. Visit her online at KellyLeighMiller.com.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature in my weekly book post. Cover images were also provided.

Mario and Luigi, the twin plumbers, apply their “let’s-a-go” attitude to solve everyday problems all over their new home of the Mushroom Kingdom. As they support Princess Peach, and work to reform a miniaturized imprisoned Bowser, they meet a new companion – Yoshi. Princess Peach’s birthday party sparks a galactic adventure, sending the brothers into space to stop Bowser Jr.’s wicked ambitions and save Rosalina. The addition of the beloved characters Rosalina and Bowser Jr. adds extra spice of big action, comedy, and some shocking revelations to the adventure!

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Jackson N. comments, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is one of the few cases where I feel the sequel stacks up to the original. The animation is better than ever, using saturated, vibrant colors to bring gaming vibes to the big screen in a way that makes it fun for all ages.” Valerie M. adds, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is made for kids, but it is also entertaining for adults. I love the story the most. Its fast-paced, engaging plot twists kept me wondering what could possibly happen next.” Braedyn M. wraps it up with, “There’s nothing quite like the Super Mario Galaxy Movie.  From wildly popular video game characters making surprise appearances to clever throwbacks interspersed, this film delivers on all its promises, and still left me wanting more.” See their full reviews below.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

By Jackson N. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Welcome back to the Mushroom Kingdom! The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is one of the few cases where I feel the sequel stacks up to the original. The animation is better than ever, using saturated, vibrant colors to bring gaming vibes to the big screen in a way that makes it fun for all ages.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues the stories of Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), two brothers who now, after the events of the first movie, live in the Mushroom Kingdom. They are traveling across the world to help people with warp pipe issues and, along the way, they meet a cute new travel companion, Yoshi (Donald Glover). They soon return to the Mushroom Kingdom and find a Luma, a star, that tells them that Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) is in danger. Going to save the princess, Mario, Luigi, Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and Yoshi, set off to explore the galaxy.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has some of the funniest references in the saga. In the Gateway Galaxy, for example, in the opening scene,  you see basically every side character in Mario history, the Piantas from the Super Mario Sunshine game, and so many more. Then, when they get to the space port, Nintendo does the unthinkable: they include characters from their other games. Overall, as someone who played a lot of the old games, every little detail is really fun to see incorporated into the movie. Another funny Easter egg is towards the end of the film – Mario uses the Red Star, which gives him the ability to fly around, this is a particularly good detail because this was a special power-up in both Mario Galaxy games and is a great nod for fans. Each galaxy is beautifully designed by Illumination, the studio behind both Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets. The movie includes tons of nods to the games, like the Honeyhive Galaxy, featured in the original Mario Galaxy game, where they meet the Queen Bee (Issa Rae) and Bowser (Jack Black) makes the ultimate sacrifice. 

The film’s main message is that with friends you can do anything. It includes themes of teamwork, play fighting, and family bonds. While the movie is suited for children, parents should be aware that the film includes some violence, like when Bowser falls into the lava, but the film makes it fun and suitable for everyone.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theatres on April 1, 2026.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

I love The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film’s writing, animation and comedy is really out of this world! (Pun intended.)

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie follows the brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), as well as Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy). Two incidents occur in the Mushroom Kingdom: Rosalina’s (Brie Larson) star child asks Princess Peach to help save her from an unknown danger, and Bowser Junior (Benny Safdie) takes Princess Peach’s castle trying to free his father Bowser (Jack Black). These events take the characters into space, searching for Rosalina and trying to save her from whatever danger she may be in.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is made for kids, but it is also entertaining for adults. I love the story the most. Its fast-paced, engaging plot twists kept me wondering what could possibly happen next. While trying to save Rosalina, Peach keeps wondering where she came from. Along the way, we get clues and hints about her origins. It’s like a scavenger hunt inside a movie. If you want to find out more, you’ll just have to watch the film! The film also uses the many possibilities of being in space to its advantage by taking the brothers and princess on side missions that make the story more chaotic, thrilling and, don’t forget, fun. A good story is nice, but creativity in animation is what makes a good film even greater, andThe Super Mario Galaxy Movie does not disappoint! For the most part, the animation style doesn’t change from its clean 3D look. What catches my eye is that there are times where we go into whole other mediums: puppet shows, storybooks that look like something you could find in an actual library, comic books, and even a callback to the original pixelated Super Mario games! All this mixing and matching really gives the film a special charm of playing a game for the first time. The jokes don’t always land and the film’s pacing doesn’t leave enough time for the characters to really interact with the worlds, but those things didn’t ruin the film for me. It’s a great watch!

The film’s message is that kindness in helping other people will always prevail over the power of destroying them. Be aware that there are mentions of murder, destruction and gambling.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters on April 1, 2026.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

There’s nothing quite like the Super Mario Galaxy Movie.  From wildly popular video game characters making surprise appearances to clever throwbacks interspersed, this film delivers on all its promises, and still left me wanting more.

In this sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, our heroes Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are joined by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keagan-Michel Key) enjoying and settling into their life in the Mushroom Kingdom.  Sadly, their good times don’t last. The appearance of Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) who’s intent on reclaiming his father Bowser (Jack Black) and ruling the universe with him side by side, throws the galaxy into chaos. They plan to achieve this evil feat by capturing Rosalina (Brie Larson), the protector of the cosmos herself. Now, the brothers are thrust into the action, this time with a brand-new friend Yoshi (Donald Glover) tagging along for the adventure.

As any Nintendo fan knows, the Super Mario franchise is chock-full of characters that seem larger than life.  In this film, a large number of stars show up! Yoshi is my absolute favorite character, and Donald Glover excels in bringing Yoshi’s emotions and dialogue to the fore.  Wart (Luis Guzmán), from the Super Mario Bros. 2 video game, makes an appearance, along with Fox McCloud (Glen Powell), from the Star Fox saga. Besides these, there are plenty of past video game references, hidden Easter eggs, and more which any long-time Nintendo fan will appreciate. The detail put into the film’s animation is extremely high which allows for deeper connection with the film, without being distracted by subpar graphics. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie differs from its predecessor in how the directors expanded on the world they first created. In the first film, The Super Mario Bros Movie, the plot focuses on the journey that first brought Mario and Luigi to the Mushroom Kingdom. Now that the brothers have gotten to know their new home, the stage is set for a huge expansion. With new faces and new places, plus a numerous score of new Power-Ups, this spectacular adventure is one that truly honors and celebrates the expansive, vast universe of Super Mario.

This film’s message is to not give up, no matter how daunting the situation might be. These Brooklyn born plumbers had their hands full when battling Bowser the first time, so a second bout, this time with Bowser’s own son by his side, seems impossible to prevail against. Yet, through every foe they encounter, every planet they land on, and every rescue they make, this team finds a way to beat the odds and save the galaxy.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film launches in theaters on April 1,  2026, so go take a look!

Trailer: