Himalayan Nights written by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Kamala Nair - ADVISABLE

Himalayan Nights written by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Kamala Nair. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster), 2025. $20. 9781665961028

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Follow along with two of our nameless White protagonists as they explore the Kashmir region of the Himalayan mountains. Reminiscent of the classic picture book, Goodnight Moon, each page bids a fond farewell to the sights and features of this unique locale at the base of the Himalayan mountain range.

This is a gorgeously illustrated picture book that pays homage to the rich and diverse landscape in the Kashmir region. I loved the little blurbs on each page that gave more context for the featured element like the bulbuls (birds), or the shikaras (boats). It was a fun way to learn a lot about this region. I will say it’s missing some context as the authors don’t really address the disputed claims to the territory by generalizing the area simply as “Kashmir”. But that won’t matter much to the casual reader. I think it would be a great addition to a world culture shelf in your library.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

The Gift of Words written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds - OPTIONAL

The Gift of Words written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Inc., 2025. $19. 9781339000343

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Jerome and his rescue dog Ekko are walking the city on the hunt for words. However, when Jerome only finds sad, angry or depressing words, he decides to decorate a tree in the park with his positive word collection and invites his friends and community to participate.

I didn’t really like this picture book. I got what the author was trying to do, but the overall message fell flat for me. I had hoped for more exploration of word choice or diving deep into the joy of language, but the book came off as trite and superficial. I just think there are more ways to create positive change, and share the power of words, than to decorate a bare tree in a park.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta! by Sarah Finan - ESSENTIAL

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta! by Sarah Finan. BOARD BOOK. Post Wave, 2026. $9. 9798895090404

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta! celebrates the beautiful mess of a home-cooked meal. “Bolognese or Mac and cheese… can I have more pasta please?”

Sarah Finan has created a rhythmic, visual board book that captures the ""wiggly, jiggly"" chaos of yummy pasta! She uses onomatopoeia and bouncy rhymes that make even the most tongue-twisting pasta names—like tagliatelle and farfalle—fun for kids to shout. The illustrations are a blast of color. I loved the peek through pages in this sturdy board book.

S. Lewis 

Hey Diddle Diddle ASL by Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow - ADVISABLE

Hey Diddle Diddle ASL by Annie Kubler, illustrated by Sarah Dellow. BOARD BOOK. Child's Play-International, 2025. $8. 9781835321904

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Sign and Rhyme: Hey Diddle Diddle is a brilliant "two-for-one" experience that turns a classic nursery rhyme into a hands-on learning session. Annie Kubler’s illustrations are already iconic for their warmth, but the addition of American Sign Language (ASL) by Annie Kubler and Sarah Finan (who provided the signs) makes this board book truly stand out. Instead of toddlers just listening, they can "act out" the story. The clear sign diagrams for words like "cow," "moon," and "cat" are placed right alongside the text, making it easy to learn the signs in real-time without being an expert. The babies in the book are diverse and joyful, which is a hallmark of the Child's Play series. The rhyme is familiar and simple.This is a must-have for parents looking to introduce pre-verbal communication or just add a bit of kinetic energy to story time.

S. Lewis https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/sIlIts1tOMx0DsEXe9A2jw

Where Are You, Baby? by Elena Selena - ESSENTIAL

Where Are You, Baby? by Elena Selena. BOARD BOOK. Tourbillon, 2026. $15. 9791027613892

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Where Are You, Baby? is the ultimate game of hide-and-seek for babies and toddlers. This book manages to turn a simple concept into a tactile adventure that keeps little one guessing until the very last page. Unlike flimsy lift-the-flap books that end up taped together, these heavy-duty pages are built for "enthusiastic" toddler hands. There is a genuine sense of discovery and surprise with each peek-a-boos. Each baby didn't disappear—they were just hiding! The illustrations are clean and modern. The simple and sentimental words making this board book a calm yet engaging choice for daytime play or a wind-down read. It’s a peek-a-boo masterpiece: there are actually TWO peek-a-boo flaps per page turn.

S. Lewis 

I Love You, Axolotl by Danielle McLean and Carole Aufranc - ESSENTIAL

I Love You, Axolotl: A finger puppet book by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Carole Aufranc. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $8. 9781664351776

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

I Love You, Axolotl is a sweet, rhyming treat. McLean uses cozy, rhythmic prose to express unconditional love—featuring catchy lines like, ""Thanks for telling me I'm loved, no matter what I do—thanks-a-lotl!"". The standout feature is the built-in, soft plush axolotl puppet that peeks through a die-cut hole on every page. It’s permanently attached to the back cover, so you never have to worry about losing it during playtime.

A fantastic pick for parents looking to combine story time with sensory play. It’s particularly timely given the current "axolotl craze" and makes for a heartwarming gift for baby showers or Valentine's Day. While the fabric puppet might eventually need a surface wash, the joy it brings to interactive reading makes it a standout on any nursery shelf.

S. Lewis 

Happy Birthday! by Steph Stilwell - ADVISABLE

Happy Birthday! by Steph Stilwell. BOARD BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2026. $10. 9780593888506

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Happy Birthday! is festive and fun. The pages are full of bright illustrations of classic party items like party hats, balloons, confetti, and cake. The simple text uses playful rhymes and abundant puns, which reflect the author/illustrator's signature style. Beyond the party atmosphere, the book is filled with sweet affirmations and words of positivity, celebrating the special person and making them feel loved.

Stilwell gives us a highly charming and practical idea for a young child's birthday. The "gift-and-card in one" concept is brilliant for simplifying shopping and providing something more lasting than a paper card. The puns are a fun touch that adults will appreciate during read-alouds, while the vibrant colors and positive messaging make it a genuinely happy reading experience for children. It's a sweet, little book that successfully brings the joy of a birthday party to story time.

S. Lewis 

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins and Pete Oswald - ESSENTIAL

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sheepy: A Sleepy Sheepy Story by Lucy Ruth Cummins, illustrated by Pete Oswald. BOARD BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2026. $10. 9798217041008

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Cummins reimagines a classic nursery rhyme for the most bedtime-resistant of little ""lambs"". The book cleverly adapts the familiar ""Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"" melody into a narrative about a high-energy sheep who absolutely refuses to go to sleep. Illustrated by Pete Oswald, the book features the same expressive, fluffy character from the popular Sleepy Sheepy series. The visual wit—like Sheepy’s wide-awake eyes compared to his parents' heavy-lidded exhaustion—adds a layer of humor for parents.

If you have a toddler who struggles with bedtime, this book is a must-have. It’s perfect for fans of Sandra Boynton or Eric Carle, offering a fun ""sing-aloud"" quality that makes the repetitive bedtime battle feel more like a shared joke between parent and child. It’s a sweet addition to any nursery shelf, especially for those already in love with Sheepy’s previous antics.

S. Lewis 

Bluey: Where's the Easter Egg?: A Search-And-Find Book - ADVISABLE

Bluey: Where's the Easter Egg?: A Search-And-Find Book by Penguin Young Readers. BOARD BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2026. $9. 9798217143603

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Unlike some Bluey books that simply retell an episode, this one offers a true activity on every page. Children are tasked with finding numerous brightly colored Easter eggs hidden among other familiar objects from the show's universe.

A fantastic, interactive search-and-find board book that delivers holiday fun with a heavy dose of nostalgia for fans of the beloved animated series. Published as a sturdy, basket-shaped board book with a carry handle, it's perfect for little hands to hold and explore without fear of tearing pages. This makes it an excellent, non-chocolate addition to an Easter basket.

S. Lewis 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Eid by Eric Carle - ADVISABLE

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Eid: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Eric Carle. BOARD BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2026. $13. 9798217141753

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

To celebrate Eid (al-Fitr or al-Adha), Muslims dress in their best clothes, attend special morning prayers, exchange greetings like "Eid Mubarak," visit family and friends, share feasts with traditional foods, give gifts (especially to children), and perform acts of charity, focusing on gratitude, community, and joy. Key traditions include giving Zakat (charity), sharing meals, decorating homes, and for Eid al-Adha, sacrificing an animal and distributing meat to the needy.

Although not everyone celebrates Eid, people everywhere can learn what this special celebration entails and can enjoy the lift the flap aspect while finding beloved very hungry caterpillar insects on each page.

S. Lewis 

It's a Mitzvah!: Small Deeds with Big Heart by Suzy Ultman - ADVISABLE

It's a Mitzvah!: Small Deeds with Big Heart by Suzy Ultman. BOARD BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2025. $10. 9780593751954

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

The third entry in the ""My First Books of Jewish Culture"" series focuses on the concept of mitzvot—good deeds that connect us to one another. Although this book may lend to more of the Jewish faith, it is a great book to teach kids about good morals and kindness to others and the world in which they live.

Ultman has created a stylish, whimsical board book that modernizes Jewish traditions for the youngest readers. Features Ultman’s signature bright, bold graphics and ""trendsetting"" whimsical characters that pop off the page. Jewish culture

S. Lewis 

Snuggle Bear by Lucy McKay and Hazel Quintanilla - ESSENTIAL

Snuggle Bear by Lucy McKay and Hazel Quintanilla. BOARD BOOK. Flowerpot Press, 2026. $10. 9781486731930

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

A sensory-focused board book that turns reading time into a cozy, tactile experience. Part of the ""Touch-and-Feel"" genre, it’s specifically designed to help soothe little ones before naptime or bed. The book features various touch-and-feel patches (like fuzzy fur and soft fabrics) that allow toddlers to physically interact with the story. These textures are thoughtfully integrated into the illustrations, making Snuggle Bear’s world feel "real" to curious fingers.

The illustrations use a muted, pastel-leaning palette. The character design of the bear is incredibly endearing—all soft curves and friendly expressions—which helps establish an immediate emotional connection for young readers. It’s an essential "wind-down" book that effectively signals to a toddler that it’s time to get cozy and quiet. It makes a perfect gift for a first birthday or a new big sibling who needs some extra cuddle time.

S. Lewis https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/FBFG88P5iivJByjGEJ-aQg