Ramel, Marissa. Landing in a New Pond. Jennifer Doehring, Illus. Charlesbridge, 08/2026. [30]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-568-0. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.
After moving to a new house and not having others to play with, a young white boy finds solace with the forty-one ducks at the local pond, whom he names, feeds, and talks with. Only after the ducks leave for the winter does he discover that playing with his younger sister can be fun. Based on the author’s pandemic-era move and separation from others, this story reflects her own children’s experiences. The digital illustrations provide many details that bring the park, ducks, and the two kids to life, while also showing the emotional ups and downs of not having friends you can play with. The author includes lists of what is okay or not okay to feed ducks.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library