Rivka's Presents by Laurie Wallmark and Adelina Lirius - ADVISABLE

Rivka's Presents by Laurie Wallmark and Adelina Lirius. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2023. $19. 9780593482070

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Rivka, a young immigrant girl in 1918 New York City, can't wait to go to school. But when her father falls ill, her mother has to work, and Rivka has to stay home to watch her younger sister. Undeterred, she trades work for reading lessons with the grocer, and math lessons with the tailor. She also helps her neighbor study for her citizenship test so that she can learn history.

A beautifully illustrated, read aloud book that teaches about the thirst for knowledge and the kindness of others to help a young girl be educated. There is a glossary at the back of English and Yiddish words. The family is Jewish.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Pizzasaurus by Tammi Sauer and Kyle Beckett - ADVISABLE

Pizzasaurus by Tammi Sauer and Kyle Beckett. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday Books for Young Readers (Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593518083

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Of course you have heard of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops but have you heard of Pizzasaurus? He is known for loving pizza! He eats it, makes it and decorates with it. Other dinosaurs wish they they could be as popular as Pizzasaurus. Can he win them over by sharing his pizza?

Pizzasaurus has a very eye-catching cover that I think will encourage students to check it out. The plot is not very exciting but is filled with silly pizza and dinosaur jokes. The illustrations are bright with many details. They also have speech bubbles on some pages. Text is just a few sentences per page. Would make a great read aloud!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Time to Leave Laverne! by Lana Button and Yang Ling Kang - ADVISABLE

Time to Leave Laverne! by Lana Button and Yang Ling Kang. PICTURE BOOK. Owlkids Books, 2026. $23. 9781771476577

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Laverne has big emotions. She loves going to the library, the park, and friends' houses, but when it is time to leave, a thunderstorm seems to roll in, and Laverne struggles to control her feelings. Her parents try to give her tools to help her cope, but it is not until she begins playing pretend with her beloved stuffies that she learns how to use those strategies for herself. Through practice and patience, Laverne gradually learns to prepare for the emotional storms that arise throughout her day. It is not easy, but little by little, she is learning how to weather them.

Button teaches children practical tools for managing emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Through Laverne's experiences, young readers learn strategies for recognizing big feelings and working through them in healthy ways.

Laverne is white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Bela and Lily by Natasha Khan Kazi - OPTIONAL

Bela and Lily by Natasha Khan Kazi. PICTURE BOOK Kokila, 2025. $19. 9780593858912

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

After arriving in the United States from Bangladesh, Bela meets Lily at the park. Unlike the other children, Lily does not laugh when Bela struggles to find the right words in English. Together they play, laugh, and discover ways to communicate beyond language. But when an argument threatens their friendship, Bela wonders if she can find a way to make things right.

Kazi explores friendship, empathy, and the challenges of navigating a new culture and language.

Bela is Bengali and Lily is white

A. Snow, Librarian 

Sheep Shape by Adele Tariel and Iksana Bula - ADVISABLE

Sheep Shape by Adele Tariel and Iksana Bula. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2026. $19. 9781433848704

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Shearing day is tomorrow. Chip does not like to have his soft wool sheared, so he plans an escape. Many of the other sheep tell him it is a bad idea because there are wolves in the forest. Chip runs anyway. He finds a safe place to sleep and beds down. Day by day, Chip’s wool grows and he is happy and content….until.

While the story is simplistic and could have rhymed, the author fashioned a story that allows parents to ask questions about Chip’s decisions. Bula created bright, fun illustrations. At the end of the book, Bonnie Zucker, PsyD, counsels parents on how to have discussions about the book with children.

MOMMACC 

Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Garden Levington and Dinara Mirtalipova - ESSENTIAL

Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Garden Levington and Dinara Mirtalipova. PICTURE BOOK. Barefoot Books, 2025. $18. 9798888596623

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Some days a girl is like the wind when it’s blustery and then some days she is like the wind when it is breezy. Some days the girl is like the sun, the sea, the clouds, the rain, a tree, the snow, etc. in all its variety. It’s important to explore our emotions and know it is fine to share those feelings with others.

What a fantastic way, through metaphor, rhythm, and design to help children understand how they are feeling. The rhythm and alliterations make this a delicious read for all ages. Mirtalipova aptly catches the emotions felt by the little girl. Adorable! There is a QR code for a read along on the back cover.

The girl in the story appears Polynesian.

MOMMAC 

Brave New Ballet by Robyn McGrath and Alexander Mostov - OPTIONAL

Brave New Ballet: The Story of the Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo by Robyn McGrath and Alexander Mostov. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Workshop, 2026. $19. 9798217049370

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo was an all-male ballet company founded in New York City in the 1970s by a group of dancers who wanted the freedom to perform on their own terms. They worked tirelessly to perfect their technique while also bringing humor and satire to their choreography. Although they were not taken seriously at first, their talent, dedication, and artistry eventually won over audiences around the world.

This was an interesting look at a piece of dance history I was previously unfamiliar with, and I enjoyed learning about the company's unique contributions to the world of ballet. I also enjoyed the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

The Sweater by Larissa Theule and Teagan White - ADVISABLE

The Sweater: A Story of Community by Larissa Theule and Teagan White. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593528945

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

In autumn, Holly the raccoon set of on a hike. She noticed a little bird that looked lost. She noticed that he found a home in a hole in a tree. She felt the little bird needed some care. Holly went around the forest asking all the neighbors to contribute to a welcome gift for the new bird. The little bird rejoiced in the gifts. Then, winter set in and all the animals had to stay inside by themselves. What would bring them comfort?

Theule created a beautiful story of care and community through forest animals. The artful illustrations designed by White only add to the telling. While a simple story, it was told sweetly.

MOMMAC 

Horned Toad Has a Super Power by Jill Esbaum and Bob Shea - OPTIONAL

Horned Toad Has a Super Power by Jill Esbaum and Bob Shea. PICTURE BOOK. G P Putnam's Sons (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593700020

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Down in Texas, a horned toad meets an owlet. Horned toad explains how people have gotten his name wrong. He is not a toad, he is a lizard. He goes on to explain how he has a super power. He describes how he is cold blooded like a snake, he has horns that make him look scary, and he can camouflage himself by blending in. But none of those are his superpower.

While the illustrations entice, the story line bores. This book is more like a fact book trying to be a storybook. It is made up mostly of dialogue that teaches.

MOMMAC

Chick and T by Jennifer Shand and Esther Hernando - ADVISABLE

Chick and T by Jennifer Shand and Esther Hernando. PICTURE BOOK.Flowerpot Press, 2026. $17. 9781486732029

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

T-rex hatched into a world void of other Dinosaurs. He felt so lonely living all by himself. In his studies, T found out that chickens were his nearest relatives. Soon a family of chickens adopted him. T was happy to have a family, but not all in the chicken family were happy to have him. Chick, one of his siblings, didn’t like that he broke everything he came in contact with.

This playfully illustrated book about belonging and friendship will delight little ones. Hernando created an adorable T-rex. The writing is fairly terse, but the delightful illustrations make up for it.

MOMMAC https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/FBFG88P5iisVm1Pd_HhFHw

Cowboys at the Ballet by Claire Wrenn Bobrow and Ilaria Urbinati - ADVISABLE

Cowboys at the Ballet: The Story of Choreographer Agnes de Mille by Claire Wrenn Bobrow and Ilaria Urbinati. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon), 2026. $20 9781665957878

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Agnes de Mille grew up in Hollywood. Her uncle was Cecil B. de Mille. Agnes loved ballet as an art form. She worked hard to learn to dance. She liked to create unique dances. When World War I struck, America turned from traditional music and dance to art that showed the American spirit. This became the groundwork for Agnes to produce some of the many beloved dances on stage and screen.

Bobrow, with the creative help of Urbinati, told the life story of Agnes de Mille with beauty and care. Bobrwo used transition words at each page turn to move the story along. The author shares a short biography that includes more information at the end of the book. Adults, as well as children, will enjoy reading this book.

MOMMAC 

The Sea We Call Home by Dominique Demers and Gabrielle Grimard - OPTIONAL

The Sea We Call Home by Dominique Demers and Gabrielle Grimard. PICTURE BOOK. Pajama Press, 2026. $19. 9781772783674

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Little Gnouf and Mirabelle are excited for their first day at the beach. The walk to the beach seems to take forever. When they arrive, they see a baby whale all tied up in a fisherman’s net on the beach. They decide to help it. 

The adorable little Gnouf animals captivate the reader. But, this stilted story about saving the environment falls flat. The author could have used much more imagery to bring this cute story to life. The book can be enjoyed solely for its illustrations.

MOMMAC