This is a standout picture book of 2026. It marries the mirth and consternation of children who know the grown-ups have it all wrong (as we so often do). Sophie AdBage is an author to watch as we rejoice with each fresh English language translation of of her work. Bravo!

Some books you finish and set down. Some books you finish and immediately hand to someone else. And then there are the rare ones where you and your nine-year-old finish laughing, look at each other, flip back to page one, and start over without saying a word about it. And Then We Saw the Bag... is that third kind.

When two sisters come home to a suspiciously tidy house, a black bag in the hall tells them everything. What follows is a rescue operation for the things adults decided were trash that are absolutely, obviously, not trash.

What makes this work so well is the honesty of the kids' voices and the portrayal of well-meaning parents who are completely, infuriatingly (or so the kids think) wrong. The rhythm reads aloud beautifully, landing jokes where you don't expect them and delivering them with total simplicity. This is the kind of book where kids laugh and adults laugh, and they're not always laughing at the same thing, which is exactly right.

The illustrations are distinct, not the first style I would have picked for this story, but my daughter was immediately captivated. She finished the book, grabbed paper, wrote her own story, and asked if we could contact the illustrator to illustrate it. I don't know what higher praise looks like.

Thank you to Arctis Books USA and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma AdBage's books see the world through a child's eyes. I loved her picture book, The Wound, and she captures children's imagination and perspective again so perfectly in "And Then We Saw the Bag.." Families will enjoy reading this funny picture book together, and maybe be inspired to dig out some old toys too.

A hilarious and relatable take on the universal experience of parental cleaning with children! This book is a must-read for families with elementary school-aged kids, as it perfectly captures the chaos and humor of those "clean the house" moments.

Recommendation: Elementary school children will undoubtedly connect with this heartwarming story about parents attempting to maintain order while their kids see the world differently.

What worked exceptionally well for me:

* The storytelling was consistently hilarious, resonating deeply with both myself and my children. We laughed together, identifying with the struggles and absurdities of a deep clean, with my kids even pointing out specific scenes that mirrored their own experiences.
* The illustrations possess a charming, almost childlike quality that feels authentic and inviting. They evoke a sense of familiarity, as if created by a school-aged child, which perfectly enhances the book's targeted appeal to young readers.
* I was particularly moved by how this story sparked imaginative thinking in my children. It prompted them to reflect on their own surroundings and rediscover the potential within seemingly discarded objects. The concept of "The Bag" – a collection of broken items viewed as "junk" by adults but brimming with possibilities in children's eyes – proved to be a brilliant and insightful narrative element.

What, if anything, could have been improved:

* Frankly, I am hard-pressed to identify any areas for improvement in this delightful and charming book. From the very first page to the final, it was an utterly satisfying and enjoyable reading experience for the whole family.

And Then We Saw the Bag by Emma AdBåge is just delightful.

When two sisters arrive home to find their parents have tidied up they immediately smell foul play. Something is missing despite their parents saying they haven't thrown anything out. And then they find the bag.

The bag is filled with treasures, or total junk, depending on who's eyes you're looking through. Broken pens and goggles, mismatched lids and a piece of wood that looks like a human come tumbling out of the bag. The girls are shocked that their parents would through away such important stuff when it all still has so many uses.

One by one the girls return the items to their rightful, much to their parents dismay.

I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. The illustration style is beautiful, really capturing the poor parents reactions to the bag being emptied. I have a child exactly like this who will hold on to absolutely anything and find a use for it. We've given up trying to have a clean house at thus stage.

This book really captures the wonder and imagination of childhood, it often being something adults just don't get.

I can't wait to introduce my clas and my family to this must read book.

Yep, I like this one because it rings true. Rather than trying to force a message, it is simply telling a common childhood experience and it resonates loudly and deeply. It's funny and relatable to children and parents alike.

Nobody captures the essence of childhood quite like Emma Adbage. Her voice is so distinct, so accurate and so, so funny. Reading this took me straight back to my childhood bedroom, where a "quick tidy" would turn into a days-long affair as old-new toys were rediscovered, new purposes were found for neglected nicknacks and my mother grew new grey hairs trying to jolly me along. Some childhood rites of passage never change. This is a gem of a picture book.

“And Then We Saw the Bag...” is a fun picture book deeply rooted in the reality of being a child and having cherished possessions.
Through a lively back-and-forth between daughters and parents, a realization emerges: the things we love can be all sorts of things, and that doesn't change no matter what others say.

Two sisters arrive home and experience the ultimate parental betrayal: their beloved items (labeled as “junk” have been tossed haphazardly into a black plastic bag. Together, the sisters form a rescue mission to save their treasured belongings - a box containing sand from vacation, an eraser, mini pen, and most important of all, Woody, a piece of wood who is family. Something must be done!

THOUGHTS:
Melissa Bowers’ translation of Emma AdBåge’s And Then We Saw the Bag…is nothing short of magical. I felt the sisters’ indignation in my soul after having just emptied the house I grew up in. This is a perfect read-a-loud for younger students because it is both hilarious and highly relatable in regards to children’s wonder and imagination. Highly recommended for a read-a-loud and for families to enjoy together.

Review: And Then We Saw the Bag... by Emma Adbage

And Then We Saw The Bag was such a fun and funny book! I remember my parents getting rid of stuff while cleaning, and it reminded me of that. As a parent, it is funny how true the story is, especially with kids wanting to keep broken or random things. Both of my kids also enjoyed the story, and I'm sure my students would, too!

Thank you, NetGalley and Arctis Books USA, for providing me with a free advanced copy for my honest review.