Snowlands and The Trouble with Leo

Meroz, Morr.  A Blood Moon (Snowlands #1)
February 3, 2026 by Graphix
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

Feba is a white wolf, and her pack have decided that she is cursed and they must get rid of her, since the pack can't find any sheep and are in danger off starving. She is always relegated to watch duty, and when she hears what Toofan is planning, runs away. Eventually, she befriends Usha, a leopard who is mourning the loss of her son and doesn't want to help Feba. After meeting a lynx, Garvesh, the two are lured into a pit and meet Migois, a baboon, and well as Batu, a cat. The group travels to the Sanai Springs to try to find out about Usha's son, and she is encouraged to find the Seeress by traveling through the Forest of Roo. The group is stalked by a group of evil rats (or weasles?). Everywhere the group goes, there is danger, but they manage to help out a crocodile/alligator, and escape some vultures with the help of lemmings. Monkeys in the jungle help an injured Usha, and Feba eventually discovers that Umanga, a goat, is hunting her down to avenge the death of her daughter at the hands of Feba's mother. By offering Feba as a sacrifice, she hopes to bring her daughter back to life. There's an epic battle with Umanga, leading to her death in a plunge over a cliff inspired by the demise of Snow White's Evil Queen. When the truth comes out about Feba's mother, Feba is accepted back into the pack.
Strengths: Feba is a fierce character who is intent of self preservation, and who is unwaveringly loyal to Usha, even though the leopard claims not to want her help. This is an epic hero's journey across an interesting fantasy landscape that will delight readers of Hunter's Bravelands series who want this kind of adventure in a graphic novel. The illustrations feel very classic, and I was not surprised to find that the illustrator has a background in animation. 
Weaknesses: I had a lot of trouble telling what kinds of animals were being represented; the "rats" were especially confusing because they looked more like weasels. It also seemed unlikely that there would be a snowy area so close to a tropical jungle, and that the wide array of animals would be found together.  Young readers won't care as much. This included a lot of fantasy tropes, but to be fair, I haven't seen them used as much in graphic novel fantasies. And why could all of the animals but Batu communicate in English? So many questions. 
What I really think: This is a good choice for a library collection where Warrior Cat graphic novels are popular, or where Lasky's Wolves of the Beyond still circulate. This was definitely not my personal cup of tea, especially since I thought of Kimba, the White Lion every time I looked at Feba! 

Fairbairn, Nathan and Assarasakorn, Michele (Illustrator). 

The Trouble with Leo (PAWS #5 )

March 3, 2026 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

While we haven't seen much of classmate Leo in Gabby Gets it Together, Mindy Makes Some Space, Priya Puts Herself First, or Hazel Has Her Hands Full, we get to spend a lot of time with him in this volume of PAWS. He and Gabby have always had a fraught relationship after a misunderstanding at her birthday party three years ago, but when Gabby runs into an angry Leo in the park, things escalate. Leo decides to start a competing dog walking service with his friends Brandon and Nolawi. The trio plaster the neighborhood with posters advertising Super Cool and Mobile Pet Support, and these even include a QR code to a WALKR app where customers can schedule appointments. Gabby is furious, and takes down the posters. She shows the poster to her father, who is more concerned with how much of a cut the app takes from gig economy workers. She even goes so far as to leave negative reviews on the WALKR site, even though SCAMP doesn't actually have any clients. There is a science project at school, and because Gabby and Leo made a fuss when people were picking their own partners, Mindy is paired with Brandon. They actually get along, share a love of drawing and manga, and need time to work on the project outside of school, which infuriates Gabby, who is bent on destroying her nemesis. This causes problems in the PAWS business, which is often overbooked. The owner of Scraps uses SCAMP, but cancels when Gabby ask about the service. Since this was SCAMP's only customer, and they are out a lot of money for all of their posters, Leo is angry. After Brandon accidentally picks up the PAW's contact book and Leo uses the information to find clients, Gabby and Leo come to blows. It is revealed that Leo's dad moved to Toronto with his dog, and also that Gabby was the one in the wrong during the birthday party. Even though it is difficult, Gabby apologizes, and PAWs is able to increase their business by adding the SCAMPs staff to its own. 

Strengths: This newest volume in the PAWs series really ups the game with the introduction of Gabby's nemesis. This is certainly something that comes up in middle school with alarming frequency, and man, does Gabby hold a grudge. Leo is also very devious, and sets out to destroy Gabby rather than set up his own successful business, although Brandon and Nolawi have some great ideas. This all unfolds in a realistic way, and Gabby certainly walks all over her friends at PAWs as well. I love how realistically dark this is, and how very, very wrong Gabby is at the end. Poor Leo, losing his father AND his dog to another city, and then to be treated so poorly. Dramatic and traumatic in the extreme. Add in a sweet relationship between Brandon and Mindy, and this is middle school melodrama at its finest. I already have students eager to read this volume, and they will not be disappointed. 
Weaknesses: I understand long, long grudges as well as anyone (Remember that purple crayon in 3rd grade, Mark? I do.), Gabby is way out of line when she leaves negative reviews. I'm surprised she didn't get into more trouble for her actions. 
What I really think: This is a popular series in my library, and I love the fact that the characters are all involved in a bunch of activities and are generally upbeat in their outlook. It will be interesting to see how the series continues as Mr. Fairbairn steps down to do other projects and turns over the leash to Ms. Assarasakorn.