When the Sun Goes Down: A Bedtime Book by Greg Pizzoli - ESSENTIAL

When the Sun Goes Down: A Bedtime Book by Greg Pizzoli. PICTURE BOOK. Knopf Books for Young Readers (Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593649800

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Have you ever wondered where animals go when the sun goes down? This story follows a little girl as she asks butterflies, leaves, ants, and many other creatures where they go at bedtime. At last, she wonders where kids go when the sun goes down. This book is written in a repetitive style that will appeal to young readers.

I liked this book because it addresses questions that kids might ask before bedtime. It is predictable and easy to read. The illustrations are cute. This would be a great bedtime book for young children.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Butterfly Wings : A hopeful story about climate anxiety by Samuel Larochelle and Eve Patenaude - OPTIONAL

Butterfly Wings : A hopeful story about climate anxiety by Samuel Larochelle and Eve Patenaude. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Books, 2023. $20. 9781778400827

Florent's anxiety could be upsetting for some readers.

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Florent has always been a sensitive, happy child. Then one night, he overhears his moms talking about having another baby and their worries that it could be irresponsible because of climate change. Florent internalizes his worries, and tries to put on a happy face for his moms. He starts having terrifying nightmares, and one morning, decides to stop speaking altogether.

At 104 pages, this is not a short picture book. It is for a very specific audience. I would not buy this for a library, but it could be a good SEL tool for adults and professionals. I loved how the illustrations depicted Florent's anxiety. 

This book was originally published in French in Canada. 

Florent and his moms are white. 

Rachel, elementary school librarian

Halloween Trampoline by Scott Rothman and Rob Justus - OPTIONAL

Halloween Trampoline by Scott Rothman and Rob Justus. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), JULY 2026. 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The creatures are jumping on their trampoline like they do every Halloween.

Rothman’s work will appeal for its sheer silliness and inanity. He comes up with many words that rhyme (usually) with Halloween. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Whale’s Tale and the Otter’s Side of the Story By Kate Messner and Brian Biggs - ESSENTIAL

The Whale’s Tale and the Otter’s Side of the Story by Kate Messner and Brian Biggs. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2026. $20.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

A charming book from elementary-school favorite Messner that is read from front to back to give the whale’s argument about why whales are better than otters, and then read back to front to give the otter’s rebuttal to the whale, using the same arguments in reverse.

Messner cleverly shows how an argument can be pro or con when words are rearranged and the book is a great example of character perspective and would be a fun springboard to either an animal study unit or to use as an example of author bias, depending on the age group. Biggs’ bold and playful illustrations add humor and whimsy to the arguments as the animals debate over which one is actually the best, and the book is a great read aloud for grades 2 and up. Back matter contains actual otter and whale facts.

Reviewer: Heather Robinson, Elementary School Librarian

Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites by Sandra Neil Wallace and Nancy Carpenter. - OPTIONAL

Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites by Sandra Neil Wallace and Nancy Carpenter. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025. $20. 9781534493339

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

From a young age, Ursula Marvin was an explorer at heart. She never planned to become a scientist, but everything changed when she examined rocks under a microscope in college. Fascinated by what she saw, she fell in love with geology. When a professor refused to allow her to major in geology because she was a woman, Ursula did not give up. Instead, she transferred to another school and continued pursuing her passion. Through determination, courage, and perseverance, she overcame barriers, became one of the first women to conduct groundbreaking geological research in Antarctica, and made important discoveries that advanced our understanding of meteorites and Earth's history. Her story is an inspiring example of following one's dreams despite obstacles.

I loved the illustrations, and the subject matter was interesting. Ursula Marvin's story as a pioneering woman geologist who broke barriers and made important discoveries was both inspiring and engaging. However, the writing felt a little clunky at times, and there was often too much text on each page for a picture book. I also found it difficult to place the story in its historical context, as I did not know when it was taking place until I read the back matter. Despite these issues, I appreciated learning about an important scientist whose contributions are not widely known. Ursula Marvin is white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

The Playdate by Uje Brandelius (translated by Nichola Smalley) and Clara Dackenberg - OPTIONAL

The Playdate by Uje Brandelius (translated by Nichola Smalley) and Clara Dackenberg. PICTURE BOOK. Lantana Publishing Ltd., 2025. $19. 9781836290148

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young girl is excited to go with her mom to play at her friend Henry's house. She and her mom ride multiple buses and the subway to get to Henry's big house. The girl loves spending the day playing with her friend, and discovers Henry has a coveted robot toy she has always wanted. 

Though not mentioned in the text, the illustrations show the mom cleaning Henry's house. The text is the girl's stream of consciousness and does not have any resolution. I liked the illustrations which reminded me of Sophie Blackall's style. This book would be good to discuss what the author included in the text and what they chose to exclude. 

Originally published in Swedish. 

The characters appear to be white. 

Rachel, Elementary school librarian

I Love You, Boo! by J.D. Forester and Charlotte Love - OPTIONAL

I Love You, Boo! by J.D. Forester and Charlotte Love. BOARD BOOK. Penguin, JULY 2026. $10. 9798217141050

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Forester supplies the puns and Love gives us the googly-eyed treats in photo form to enjoy a line-up of Halloween candy possibilities. The pair give us a little bit of a love litany along with the puns.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

 

Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel. - ADVISABLE

Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $18. 9781536229448

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Nothing good is happening. She wakes up with a chicken on her head, finds worms in her cereal, and the terrible day just keeps coming. Then a pair of magical socks just might turn her day into something good.

I loved the ridiculous, terrible things that kept happening. The text was delightful and the illustrations were fun; there were hidden smiley and frowny faces in the grass. The character learns to share the good she finds and be kind. 

The main character has light skin and dark hair, her friend is Black

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Beep, Beep, Beep, Trunk-or-Treat! by Tracie Schneider and Sarah Rebar - OPTIONAL

Beep, Beep, Beep, Trunk-or-Treat! by Tracie Schneider and Sarah Rebar. INTERACTIVE BOARD BOOK. Penguin, AUGUST 2026. $10. 9798217140657

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

An ode to the new classic Trunk-or-Treat.  Simple flaps are liftable to see the candy each trunk presents. Super simple in design and execution. You might have to worry about your little ones getting their candy wishlists ready!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

It's a Mom by Abby Cooper and Eliana Gutierrez - ADVISABLE

It's a Mom by Abby Cooper and Eliana Gutierrez PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2026 $18 9781623546427 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A new mom has arrived! She needs all sorts of special care, like baths, and food and you need to play with her. Having a new mom is a HUGE responsibility.

Directed to the baby, this darling how-to guide has all the feels and all the things the baby needs to take care of their new mom. The illustrations are cute and funny. What a nice twist on the caring for a new baby books. While it is fun for the new big brother or sister, it would also make a great gift. The illustrations are of varying moms of different races and cultures (and even one male presenting mom!) 

Lisa Librarian 

Sleepover Night! by Candice Ransom and Ashley Evans - ADVISABLE

Sleepover Night! by Candice Ransom and Ashley Evans. LEVELED READER (Step 1). Random House Children's Books, 2025. $6. 9780593807798

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A brother and sister are going to their cousins' house for a sleepover. After games, ice cream, blanket forts, and a move, will the boy be able to fall asleep?

Kids will like the simple, rhyming text of this level 1 early reader. The illustrations were colorful and engaging.

The characters are Black. 

Rachel, elementary school librarian

The Bats on the Bus by Alison Jackson and Scott Magoon - ESSENTIAL

The Bats on the Bus by Alison Jackson and Scott Magoon. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, JULY 2026. $19. 9780316584180

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Meet a variety of Halloween creatures and monsters as they all take a ride on the bus.

Yes!  Jackson and Magoon give us a worthy follow-up to the traditional “The Wheels on the Bus”. I had so much fun reading.  You’ll be surprised by how many creatures there are - way more verses than you can remember of the original.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS