Nisha Knows Best by Maryann Jacob Macias and Maithili Joshi - OPTIONAL

Nisha Knows Best by Maryann Jacob Macias and Maithili Joshi. PICTURE BOOK. Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin), 2026. $20. 9781984815552

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Nisha has a big family, and they love to give hugs. Nisha loves her ammamma and appappa, but when they arrived from India after a long absence, she suddenly felt very shy. It was just too scary to hug them. Nisha's mom assured her that there are lots of ways to show love. So instead, Nisha shares one of her paintings with them.

A sweet story about a little girl figuring out how she best likes to show love. She learns that there are many ways to show love, and she can do what feels best for her. The illustrations are fun, bright, and vibrant.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Sparkles for Sunny by Sylvia Chen and Thai My Phuong - ADVISABLE

Sparkles for Sunny: A Lunar New Year Story by Sylvia Chen and Thai My Phuong. PICTURE BOOK. Flamingo Books (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593694626

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

With Lunar New Year right around the corner, Sunny would like nothing more than a new qipao to wear to the parade that is all her own. But that is not the Lao family way. The Lao family never wastes anything. So once again, Sunny is stuck wearing her sister's hand-me-downs. Can Sunny find a way to make her outfit all her own and still honor her family?

A sweet story about the youngest sister of three who would like nothing more than to stand out. I really loved the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

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 

I Got You: A Brother's Promise by Derrick Barnes and Shamar Knight-Justice - ADVISABLE

I Got You: A Brother's Promise by Derrick Barnes and Shamar Knight-Justice. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593111451

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Rasheed thinks he has the best big brother in the world. Anthony teaches him about both the big things and the little things in life—how to ride a bike, make mud pies, and soar through the air from the swings. He comforts Rasheed during storms and is always there when he needs him. But one day, Rasheed is heartbroken when Anthony goes bike riding with his friends and leaves him behind. Later, Anthony reassures Rasheed that even as he grows older and spends more time with friends, he will always be his big brother and will always be there for him.

A sweet story about the love and bond between brothers. Anthony patiently teaches, encourages, and cares for Rasheed, showing him what it means to be a loving big brother. When the family learns that a new baby brother is on the way, Rasheed realizes he is ready to follow Anthony's example and become a caring big brother himself. A celebration of family relationships. I also liked the collage style illustrations.

Anthony and Rasheed are Black

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

The Littlest Elephant by Katherine Applegate and Lita Judge - ESSENTIAL

The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story by Katherine Applegate and Lita Judge. PICTURE BOOK. Storytide (Harper), 2026. $16. 9780063357785

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Ruby, a young elephant from the The One and Only Ivan is worried as her Tusk Day approaches. Tusk Day is a celebration of when an elephant starts to grow trunks. It is a rite of passage to adulthood. Part of Tusk Day is thinking about good and bad memories in your life. Thinking of these memories makes Ruby appreciate all that she has. Will Ruby get through her Tusk Day?

The Littlest Elephant is a beautiful rendition of the chapter book "The One and Only Ruby". The plot is very sweet with an important theme for children. My favorite quote is "the darkness helps us love the light." The One and Only Ivan series is very popular in my library. With this book, younger students can be introduced to this series earlier. Would make a great read aloud!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

More Than a Tree by Sarah Kurpiel - ADVISABLE

More Than a Tree by Sarah Kurpiel. PICTURE BOOK. Rocky Pond Books (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593697689

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A little girl has a beloved tree in her backyard that has watched over her throughout her childhood. It has been the backdrop to countless memories, but when the tree begins to creak, groan, and lose branches, her parents explain that it will need to be cut down. Saddened by the loss, she searches for a way to honor the tree and eventually decides to plant a sapling in its place that she can watch over it as it grows.

This gentle story explores family, coping with loss, and understanding the circle of life. I enjoyed the book’s message and the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

The Biker Girls by Shehzil Malik - OPTIONAL

The Biker Girls by Shehzil Malik. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593324912

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Every week, Sophie and Maya meet at the park to ride their bikes. One day, they invite their new neighbor, Zoey, to join them. Although Zoey has never ridden a bike before, she is eager to learn. With Sophie and Maya’s encouragement and help, she quickly gains confidence, and the three friends spend hours riding together in the park. Once they feel ready for a bigger adventure, they take a ride through the city. The girls notice the streets are crowded and that many people stare at them, unaccustomed to seeing girls riding bikes. Determined to change that, they start a bike club so more girls from their school can experience the joy and freedom of cycling.

I was a little confused by the book’s suggestion that girls do not usually ride bikes, as the story does not provide much geographical or cultural context until the author’s note at the end. The illustrations are bright, bold, and energetic, with a comic book–inspired style. I think the characters are from Pakistan

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Gus Upstairs by Carey Sookocheff - ADVISABLE

Gus Upstairs by Carey Sookocheff. PICTURE BOOK. Owlkids Books, 2026. $19. 9781771476867

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The challenges of living in close quarters and the importance of communication, compromise, and understanding are explored in this book. Ms. Wilson treasures the quiet she needs to practice her piano, while upstairs, the Lam family's new dog struggles with being left alone and reacts to the music by barking. Can the neighbors work together to find a solution that meets everyone's needs?

The story offers a gentle lesson in empathy, problem-solving, and being considerate of others. I enjoyed the analogous colored illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

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