Chapman, Jane. This Was Not the Plan. Jane Chapman, Illus. Tiger Tales, 04/2026. [28]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6643-0078-1. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Spike the bear and Roscoe the rabbit go on a camping trip that is full of mishaps, including using an upside-down map and not being able to start a fire. Spike is frustrated but Roscoe shows him that you have to be flexible and look for the positive. The story has humor, which makes the lesson go down easily. The full-color artwork, likely done in gouache, has charm and will carry to a large group, similar to Karma Wilson’s “Bear and Friends” series. Although this doesn’t break new ground, it makes for an enjoyable story.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool