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.
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