Tomorrow I'm in Charge! by Jörg Muhle - ESSENTIAL

Tomorrow I'm in Charge! by Jörg Muhle. PICTURE BOOK. Lerner Publishing Group, 2026. $19. 9798765670538

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

In this forest-house showdown, we see a battle of wills between three friends—Bear, Badger, and Weasel—that is as funny as it is familiar.

Unlike many children's books that force a "polite" ending, this story is a strong example of what not to do. It honestly explores the consequences of stubbornness and jealousy without being preachy. Mühle perfectly captures the intense, often illogical emotional world of young children. If you’ve ever witnessed a group of toddlers try to decide who gets to be the "boss," this book will feel like a documentary. The illustrations are joyous and expressive, making it a great springboard into conversations about collaboration for kids aged 4 to 7. It is quirky, fast-paced, and—like Mühle's previous work—a joy for adults to read aloud. The surprise ending will thrill readers of all ages.

S. Lewis 

My Tiger by Joy Cowley and David Barrow - ESSENTIAL

My Tiger by Joy Cowley and David Barrow. PICTURE BOOK. Lerner Publishing Group, 2026. $19. 9798765683200

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

My Tiger, is far more than just a story about a pet. It is a brilliant, whimsical, and deeply empathetic exploration of the big feelings that reside inside every child. Cowley teaches children (and reminds adults) that our "inner tigers"—our anger, our excitement, our shadows—aren't things to be caged, but things to be understood and lived with.

I loved that Cowley reminds us that our biggest emotions don't make us bad; they just make us human. It’s the kind of book I wish I’d had on my shelf during those days when my own "tigers" felt a little too loud for the living room. This is a unique story with a surprising ending!

S. Lewis 

Pearl Loves to Sing by Olivier Dunrea - OPTIONAL

Pearl Loves to Sing by Olivier Dunrea. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion (Harper), 2024. $13. 9780547867595

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Pearl, the tiny gosling loves to sing - everywhere and to everything. Then one day a tinier green frog hops down Pearl’s throat and steals her song.

Dunrea’s gosling books are adorable, but there are a lot of them to pick and choose from.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Venus! Fierce and Fabulous by Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis - ESSENTIAL

Venus! Fierce and Fabulous by Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Odd Dot (Macmillan), 2026. $19. 9781250334473

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

McAnulty brings her characteristic wit to teaching us all about Venus in the newest book in her “stellar” series. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Crouton: One Cat's Adoption Tale by Kristine A. Lombardi - ESSENTIAL

Crouton: One Cat's Adoption Tale by Kristine A. Lombardi. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books, 2026. $19. 9798217029167

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

While most adoption stories focus on a person finding a pet, Lombardi’s book is told entirely from the perspective of Crouton, a determined calico cat who believes she is the one doing the adopting. Crouton spends her days in a shelter crate, critically observing the people who walk by. She isn't just waiting to be picked; she’s interviewing for the perfect forever person.

This tongue-in-cheek approach makes the story feel fresh and empowering rather than purely sentimental. Lombardi gives us the ultimate ode to animals and their adopted humans. She captures the quiet magic of that first spark of connection at a shelter and will resonate with anyone who believes their pet chose them just as much as they chose their pet. It’s a simple, hopeful read perfect for families beginning their own adoption journey. The sweet illustrations are all done in pink, black and white.

S. Lewis

Best Bunny Brother Ever by Marilyn Sadler and Tim Bowers - ADVISABLE

Best Bunny Brother Ever by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Tim Bowers. EARLY READER. (Beginner). Random House Children's Books, 2026. $10. 9798217032464

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

P.J. Funnybunny steps into a new role—not as the one trying to fit in, but as a coach for his little sister, Honey Bunny. Instead of the typical rivalry often found in children’s media, P.J.’ gives loud, prideful support of his sister.

As part of the Beginner Books series, Sadler’s text is sparse and easy to read, with vocabulary that is cleverly reinforced by Tim Bowers’ bright, cheerful illustrations. Sadler asks a simple but profound question: Is winning the most important thing, or is it the person who helped you get there?. The ending is joyous and touching, moving beyond the sports theme to celebrate family ties. It is a perfect Easter treat or gift for any child starting their first sport or learning to be a big sibling themselves.

S. Lewis 

Spring Seeds (Little Seasons #2) by Mirka Hokkanen - ESSENTIAL

Spring Seeds (Little Seasons #2) by Mirka Hokkanen. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Odd Dot (Macmillan), 2024. $19. 9781250885609

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Hokkanen gives us a look at some of the many different kinds of seeds and the life cycle of a seed. Her illustrations are absolutely adorable and it didn’t feel like I was reading a non-fiction book, but I was! It would be fun to have each student choose a seed at the beginning endpapers to follow throughout the book. I want my own copy. It does include a memory card game that a librarian would need to pull out before circulating.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Waiting in the Wings by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton and EG Keller - ADVISABLE

Waiting in the Wings by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton and EG Keller. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2024. $19. 9780316283083

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

When the duckling pair look for a safe place to nest, they choose a flower box in front of a small theater. The duckling dad is fascinated by the goings-on inside. And the day of the grand show opens is the same day the ducklings decide to enter the world.  In order to get the ducklings safely to water, it will take a village.

Based on a true story from Emma’s experience!  Full of flash and fun. A great update to Make Way For Ducklings, too.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Koala and the Little Tree by Allisa Malnati and Aleksandra Szmidt - ADVISABLE

The Koala and the Little Tree by Allisa Malnati illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt. PICTURE BOOK. New Frontier Publishing, 2025. $19. 9781916790988

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Following a devastating wildfire, a brave koala and a small tree become unlikely partners on a mission to restore their home. Their journey through the ashes is a touching adventure that emphasizes that even the smallest duo can revitalize an entire ecosystem. 

 Malnati's central message—"If we do our part, the magic is never gone"—is so important in today’s world. She manages to be thought-provoking and inspiring without being overwhelming for its young audience. Unlike many purely fictional tales, this book includes essential backmatter with facts about koalas and conservation, making it as much a learning tool as it is a bedtime story. It can be used in a unit about endangered species and fire rehabilitation.

S. Lewis https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/xydjJyekr0gtp-QInJj-YQ

Fox and the Mystery Letter by Alex G Griffiths - ADVISABLE

Fox and the Mystery Letter by Alex G Griffiths. PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2025. $19. 9781836001102

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Fox and the Mystery Letter blends a classic scavenger hunt with a deeply emotional core. Fox receives a letter from an Old Friend challenging him to a puzzle. Fox’s journey is filled with whimsical interactive elements—arrows in the mud, smoke signals, and gifts from forest neighbors like a dapper frog and a grumpy mole.

Griffiths keeps young readers engaged by inviting them to help Fox solve each clue. While it starts as a mystery, it is truly a story about forgiveness. A rare find that appeals equally to toddlers and adults. For kids, it’s a fun adventure; for adults, it’s a reflection on how trivial grudges can lead to isolation and how powerful it can be to say "I'm sorry". It teaches children that while friendship can be messy, it is always worth the journey to fix it.

S. Lewis 

Don’t Wash Winston by Ashley Belote - ESSENTIAL

Don’t Wash Winston by Ashley Belote. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends, 2024. $19. 9781250883056

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Liam’s best bear, Winston, is always there to help him when he’s afraid.  When Winston gets very muddy during play one day, however, Liam will go through all kinds of antics to save Winston from the dreadful, scary washing machine. 

Separation from a favorite stuffy can be hard to face for some littles. Read then Belote’s book before you start and I promise stuffie washing time will go much more smoothly.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Mountain That Wouldn’t Move by Sandra Dumas - ADVISABLE

The Mountain That Wouldn’t Move by Sandra Dumas. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, APRIL 2026. $19. 9781771476492

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Bear is tired of living in the shadowy forest at the base of a mountain. She calls the other forest animals together and they decide to try a wide variety of actions to get the mountain to move so that they can have sunnier gardens and actually watch the sunset.

Dumais has given us a very nice modern fable. The animals' antics, Bear’s stubbornness, and the final solution all work well together.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS