I Am a Potato! by Ziggy Hanaor and Elliot Kruszynski - OPTIONAL

I Am a Potato! by Ziggy Hanaor and Elliot Kruszynski. PICTURE BOOK. Cicada Books Ltd. 2024. $17 9781800660519 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A potato? An animal? But which kind? A small, furry creature is having an identity crisis. They ask their friends for help. The dog asks the creature questions to narrow down what the creature could be. Will the creature discover their true identity? 

I Am a Potato could be an introduction to classifying animals. The dog in the book asks questions that narrow down what the creature could be. The illustrations are eye catching and there are minimal words on a page. The plot was not very entertaining. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Lone Wolf Goes to the Library by Kiah Thomas and K-Fai Steele - ADVISABLE

Lone Wolf Goes to the Library by Kiah Thomas and K-Fai Steele. CHAPTER BOOK Neal Porter (Holiday House), 2025. $17. 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

When the stern librarian sends Wolf three letters to return his book, he worries he will not be allowed to ever check out a book again. But he has a careless postman - which is why it took 3 letters to remind Wolf about the overdue books - and he's afraid his book, mailed back to the library, won't actually be delivered. But his plan to get the book returned goes awry. 

Oh so clever and fun, Steele's illustrations are just as good as Thomas' story. I laughed outloud. This would be a delightful read aloud during storytime, and although I'm not The Stern Librarian (I think) I want to keep a copy of Lone Wolf Goes to the Library for myself. It's a cautionary tale - not for the wolf, but for the librarian, we need to make sure everyone feels welcome at the library. 

Lisa Librarian 

All the Dogs by Nikola Kent - ADVISABLE

All the Dogs by Nikola Kent PICTURE BOOK Andersen Press (Lerner), 2025. $!9. 9798765663318

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

This easy to read picture book is more picture than text. Dogs do many things, and Kent's illustrations are so cute - I loved that the final page is all of the pictures on the two pages so the reader can find their favorite again. A beginning reader will love "All the Dogs" and can probably read it themselves after just a couple of shares with an adult. Oh, I wish my grandchildren were still small. The Pre-K crowd will adore "All the Dogs" 

Lisa Librarian

The Fossil Keeper's Treasure by Amy Atwater and Natalia Cardozo - ESSENTIAL

The Fossil Keeper's Treasure by Amy Atwater and Natalia Cardozo. INTERACTIVE PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Magic Cat Abrams Amulet, 2025. $23. 9781917044264 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The Fossil Keeper's Treasure includes 10 different fossils and each includes an embossed illustration the reader can touch. From early Cambrian trilobites to Cenozoic Smilodon and the primate Australopithecus, readers will encounter interesting facts, cool illustrations, and how long ago the fossils were originally discovered. 

I love the format of this interactive book. The pages are heavy, not like a board book, but thick to accommodate the embossed illustration which was so neat. So tactile and satisfying, although it wasn't like touching an actual fossil, it still gave that impression. I loved exploring the pages with my fingers before I looked, to find the place it was located. The illustrations include an artist's rendition of the fossil as it may have been found, with a full page spread of the environment along with what they may have looked like. Facts are dropped in text boxes onto the illustrations. I can think of so many fun classroom applications for The Fossil Keeper's treasure. I hope my local museum has a copy in their gift shop, I'm certainly buying one for my middle school library. 

Lisa Librarian 

Wave Warrior and the Reef Rescue by James Sellick, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan - ADVISABLE

Wave Warrior and the Reef Rescue by James Sellick, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan. PICTURE BOOK.  Ivy Kids, 2025. $20. 9781836003939 

Content: PG (picture of dolphins and sea birds caught in a net)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)  - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

"Wave Warrior and the Reef Rescue" is a children's version of the fight Greenpeace is waging against overfishing, damaging of coral reefs, and polluting the ocean. Wave Warrior bravely confronts Codzilla, the fishing vessel breaking the law, and finds a solution to stop him. Wave Warrior has help from her other Green Machine friends when the mayor is too slow acting to solve the problem. 

I found the heroic actions of Wave Warrior to be a good adventure story. I appreciated the endnotes which explain the mission of Greenpeace and invite the readers to become involved in protecting our oceans. I think the bright illustrations will help children enjoy the story. Parents will have to decide how serious they want to be when discussing the overfishing and dangers of pollution. In my opinion, some children may find it distressing and will need the topic held at an appropriate level for their development. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian  

Grumpy Monkey: Mom for a Day by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang - ESSENTIAL

Grumpy Monkey: Mom for a Day by Suzanne Lang illustrated by Max Lang. PICTURE BOOK.  Random House Studio 2025 $13. 9780593709313

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

"Grumpy Monkey: Mom for a Day" is a clever look at the challenges facing moms every day. It begins when Crocodile needs a break from her babies and Jim Panzee steps up to the task. One by one other mothers drop off their babies, until Jim is left with quite the babysitting job. At first all goes well, but children become tired, hungry, and cranky, which lead to one grumpy monkey in charge. Jim Panzee learns that being a mom is not so easy after all. 

"Grumpy Monkey: Mom for a Day" is light-hearted but pulls no punches when showing the constant challenges of caring for small children. Children will see themselves in the behavior of the animal babies, and just maybe, learn a little appreciation for their moms. Also, bonus, the book has two pages of stickers at the end. Little ones can decorate school folders or water bottles with Grumpy Monkey. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian 

How to Be Brave by Karl Newson and Clara Anganuzzi - ADVISABLE

How to Be Brave by Karl Newson and Clara Anganuzzi. PICTURE BOOK. Templar, 2024. $18. 9781536232547

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Growing up can be hard and scary sometimes. This picture book addresses common concerns that young readers might feel, such as feeling nervous doing something for the first time. 

Follow a young child who interacts with lots of different animals and explains how to not get discouraged. You can often turn something negative into a positive experience. The overall message is to not give up and that everything is better with friends. My 6 year old daughter and I enjoyed this book because of the beautiful pictures and positive message. She was able to relate to what the child in the story was going through, and liked the different scenarios. It was a simple, yet sweet book. The child is an unknown ethnicity, but is not caucasian. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Super Powered Plants by Soledad Romero Marino and Sonia Pulido - ESSENTIAL

Super Powered Plants by Soledad Romero Marino  and Sonia Pulido. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK.  Phaidon Press, 2025. $20 9781838669515

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Plants have evolved for millions of years. Many have gained superpowers to survive. The superpowers include: mobility, seeds, roots, teamwork, trunks, mimicry, regeneration, speed, protection, longevity, substances, fruit, resilience, flowers, intelligence, and leaves. Most super plants have more than one super power. Some of these super plants, include: the coastal redwoods, Venus flytrap, oleander, skeleton flower, strangler fig, welwitshcia and rootless duckweed. 

Marino created an essential book for elementary readers. Not only is the information encyclopedic, but she included icons for each super power which allows for quick categorizing and comprehension. Pulido's illustrations are bright and comprehensive also. This book motivates readers to want to know more about the plant world.  

MOMMAC

Mindful Nature- Connecting with our Great Green World by Paige Towler and Chris Gaugler - ESSENTIAL

Mindful Nature- Connecting with our Great Green World by Paige Towler, illusterated by Chris Gaugler. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2025. $32 9781433845185

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Imagine what an animal is doing and feeling. Act like you think they would. Ask yourself questions about their experience and yours. Spending time in nature can improve our health in many ways. 

Children can learn to be mindful in nature as we teach them how to do so. Children will engage with this photo story. This book is a great resource for preschool activity time, thus I included the level of High School in this review. Gaugler formatted the photography and words creatively. The first 2 pages uses personification to grab the child's attention. Then, Towler moves the prose to simile and third person form.  

MOMMAC 

Itty Bitty Betty Blob by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player - ADVISABLE

Itty Bitty Betty Blob by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player. PICTURE BOOK. Hippo Park (Astra), 2024. $19. 9781662640148

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Betty Blob has always been different. She likes rainbows instead of storms. She would rather dance amid dandelions than stomp on tulips. Betty tries to be a bad, like a good little monster but it just doesn't work out. Picture Day is coming. Will Betty be able to make a scary face and make her family proud?

I enjoyed the sweet message of this book. Being yourself is more important than pleasing others. The illustrations are mostly in black and white and have a cute Halloween vibe. The only color in the book is Betty which is a fun contrast. Would make a cute read aloud!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

If You Were Here by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Maya McKibbin - ADVISABLE

If You Were Here by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Maya McKibbin. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Books, 2025. $20. 9781771649926

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young girl goes out exploring her world. She is wishing someone were with her. She enjoys the forest, the meadow, the insects, the forest animals and plants, and the beach all by herself. Things would be better if someone were with her.

Stinson tells this story in beautiful prose. Her narration could help a child feel joy in nature or help a child understand that it is all right for them to be happy when a loved one is not near. McKibbin's colorful illustrations enhance the storytelling. The little girl in the story has olive skin.

MOMMAC 

Seven Little Ducklings by Annette LeBlanc Cate - ESSENTIAL

Seven Little Ducklings by Annette LeBlanc Cate. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $21. 9781536235746

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

A mother duck is sleeping so soundly, she does not hear her duckling egg's hatch. The ducklings take off to explore their world. When she awakens, she frantically goes in search of all seven. Along the way, she adds some other lost babies to her brood. When, she counts, she is surprised that she has more than when she started. She takes all thirteen back to her nest.

Cate’s story will delight all readers. Cate shares a sweet story of belonging that demonstrates the truth of a "mother heart" for all lost creatures. The adorable illustrations could not get any better. Such a fun read and good reminder for all.

MOMMAC 

Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur by Colleen A. Patterson, Brenda S. Miles, and John Joseph - ESSENTIAL

Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur by Colleen A. Patterson and Brenda S. Miles, illustrated by John Joseph. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2025. $22. 9781433844652

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Little Dinosaur is frustrated and ready to roar. The adult dinosaur teaches the little to take deep breaths and stretch every part of his body. The roar becomes less and less.

Patterson's book, full of charming dinosaur characters, is absolutely a necessary item in a library. Patterson and Miles are child psychologists who are facilitating the teaching of relaxation and mindfulness to parents and their children. The instructions are simple and the illustrations powerful.

MOMMAC 

Elena Camps by Juana Medina - OPTIONAL

Elena Camps by Juana Medina. EARLY READER. Candlewick, 2025. $11. 9781536216424

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Elena the elephant is sure that she can put up her tent without any directions or help. Elena is amusing with antics as she tries to set up the tent. I’m glad she found a friend to help her succeed. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

On the Go: Touch and Feel First Vehicles - OPTIONAL

On the Go: Touch and Feel First Vehicles, illustrations by Mini Magique Studio. BOARD BOOK. Happy Yaak (Quarto), 2025. $10. 9781836002932 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

10 different vehicles for little hands to touch. The tractor is my favorite texture. The illustrations are pretty basic, with cute faces. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Ocean (My Colorful Quiz) by Nastja Holtfreter - OPTIONAL

Ocean (My Colorful Quiz) by Nastja Holtfreter. BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2022. $7. 9781684643967 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The names of the creatures and the quiz part of the book are not something that a board book child can accomplish without help and guidance. They may enjoy just gazing at the illustrations.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Eat Like a Bear by April Pulley Sayre and Steve Jenkins - ADVISABLE

Eat Like a Bear by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Steve Jenkins. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2025. $19. 9781665952217

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

"Eat Like a Bear" follows a female brown bear through the months between hibernations to show the wide range of her diet. The text is a repetitive stanza that describes how the bear must forage and hunt to find the different plants, insects, and animals to feed herself.

Sayre has mastered saying little but describing much. Jenkins’s  illustrations match this type of poetry with more texture than detail. Since the book only hints at the scientific details, Sayre includes a couple of pages explaining the contents in more depth and adds her bibliographic sources at the end. Young children will find this book an interesting window into the life of brown bears.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

How To Be Romance with Bluey and Bingo - NO

How To Be Romance with Bluey and Bingo by Penguin Young Readers. BOARD BOOK. Penguin, 2024. $10. 9780593755105

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - NOT RECOMMENDED

Bluey and Bingo are practicing the art of romance. They need to clean themselves up, fix their hair, and do their nails. They finish up by eating at a fancy restaurant. 

This is a thumbs down book. First of all, why would you write a book about romance for a 1-3 year old? Secondly, they do not even use correct English. Here is the sentence: "And there is nothing more romance than eating in a fancy restaurant". Maybe it's part of the dog thing, but not ok in my book.

MOMMAC

Smelly Peggy by Helen Stephens - ADVISABLE

Smelly Peggy by Helen Stephens. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2024. $18. 9781536235722

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Peggy is a little rescue dog adopted by Pie and her family. Peggy is a good dog, but she is still a dog, so she loves to give slobbery kisses, steal underwear, roll in stinky poops, and at the very end, let a stinky dog fart. Even though Peggy is a smelly dog, her family still loves her.

"Smelly Peggy" is a great discussion point for all young children who love puppies. The text asks questions of the readers which children would love to respond to with stories about their own puppies and all the naughty things they have done. The watercolor and crayon illustrations are big and bright and relatable.

Pie is a little red-haired girl living with her mom and dad near the beach. Peggy is their rescue dog.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

The Only Monster by Matt Coyne and Brendan Kearney - ESSENTIAL

The Only Monster by Matt Coyne, illustrated by Brendan Kearney. PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2025. $19. 9780711298774

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Little Monster loves her family, but on the first day of school she saw families of multiple children.  She wondered why she was the only  monster in her home. It made her sad and alone on school photo day to see all the siblings taking photos together. When her dad noticed she was sad, he asked her why. Her dad wisely answered her.

Coyne’s adorably rhymed and illustrated book will wow children and parents. The bright illustrations and creative monsters will keep a child looking across the pages. The message that an only child can feel assured by the love of their family and  friends empowers them. 

MOMMAC

Hope in a Jar by Deborah Marcero - ESSENTIAL

Hope in a Jar by Deborah Marcero. PICTURE BOOK. G. P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593696699

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Llewellyn is a small bunny with big dreams. He discovers that having friends, Veera and Jaxx, to share wishes with is even better than wishing alone. Together these small bunnies hope for good things, experiences, and achievements. When a storm comes and wipes out their collection of dreams, how can they keep going? They learn that working together keeps their hopes alive.

Marcero’s  illustrations  are unique in appearance and help create a soft and safe emotion surrounding the wishes and hopes. I believe she has written an allegory about life itself. We all have wishes and dreams that won't come true and we all face times of hardship and despair, but with love from others we can keep hope alive and remain open to the opportunities around us.

The three little bunnies are different colors; Llewellyn is a boy and the other two are unspecified.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

With Dad by Richard Jackson, illustrated by Brian Floca - ADVISABLE

With Dad by Richard Jackson, illustrated by Brian Floca. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2024. $19. 9780823444953

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Riding in an old red jeep, Richard and his father take off for a fishing trip in Michigan. His dad lets him drive down a country road while sitting in his lap . They build a tent and fire pit and then head for the stream to fish. Richard is sad when his dad catches two fish, but that all changes when he a last snags his own. They enjoy their evening together eating the fish and watching the sky. Later that year, Richard wishes his father could do the trip again as he misses his presence since he has gone to war.

Richard Jackson, a well-known editor and author tells the sweet memory he had of an ordinary day with his extraordinary father. Floca's beautiful watercolor illustrations emote feelings of family love and joy. The first person narrative draws one into the moment. Both adults and children will relate to this tale of belonging. 

MOMMAC

Green Papayas by Nhung N. Tran-Davies and Gillian Newland - ESSENTIAL

Green Papayas by Nhung N. Tran-Davies, illustrated by Gillian Newland. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Red Deer Press, 2023. $22. 9780889955608

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Oma does not know our names anymore. She is old and sick. But, Oma used to live in a land far away where there are green papayas. Her family was poor and she could not go to school, but she read when she could. She grew up and had six children and then war came. She loved her children enough to carry them away. 

Tran-Davies tells a tremendous personal story of love and sacrifice. It is her voice in this story within a story. It is not poetry, but the wording is beautiful enough to be poetry. The oriental style of illustration by Newland  could not be more beautiful. 

The main characters are Vietnamese refugees. 

MOMMAC

Frank and Bean and the Stinky Feet Monster by Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar - ESSENTIAL

Frank and Bean and the Stinky Feet Monster by Jamie Michalak, illustrated by Bob Kolar. EARLY READER. Candlewick Press, 2023. $17. 9781536225464

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Frank and Bean are on the trail of the stinky feet monster. Bean doesn't believe in the stinky feet monster. They are both afraid of what they might find. Along the way, Bean runs into a black and white animal that sprays him with stink, but it wasn't the stinky feet monster. They finally find the monster and he is selling stinky cheese, but is that the smell that scares everyone away?

Children will love the adorably illustrated Frank and Bean. It's just the type of silly adventure that will make them laugh. The sentences are short and many words are repeated, which  makes this a great early reader. 

MOMMAC

The Lonely Goose by Lela Nargi and Anne Hunter - ADVISABLE

The Lonely Goose by Lela Nargi, illustrated by Anne Hunter. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books, 2025. $20. 9780593647554

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

A male and female Canadian geese become attracted to each other and from then on spend all their time together They raise their babies together. Since they have mated for life, they return year after year to the same nesting spot. Tragically, the male becomes ill and dies. The female stays by the body and does not migrate with the rest.  The next spring, in her loneliness, she looks for other geese who are also alone as she tries to find a new companion. 

The prose in this book feels stilted when read. The story would have been better served if the facts about life partners had been woven smoothly into the narrative.  Many of the notes at the end of the book seem redundant and could have been added to the storyline.  Anne Hunter's illustrations magnificently portray these majestic animals.

MOMMAC

FAMILY by Patricia Hegarty and Britta Teckentrup - ESSENTIAL

FAMILY by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Little Tiger Press LTD, 2024. $18. 9780593902004

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Animals throughout the world stick together for protection. They hold on tight and watch for danger. Parents take special care to observe their surroundings. Adult animals search for a mating partner. These are manifestations of what family means.

The catchy rhyme throughout the book matches the bright and playful illustrations. The story begins and ends with an elephant family to bring the narrative full circle. The Peek-Through sunset adds interest. 

MOMMAC

Hello Hello Numbers by Brendan Wenzel - ESSENTIAL

Hello Hello Numbers by Brendan Wenzel. BOARD BOOK. Chronicle Books LLC, 2025. $10. 9781797219974

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

We have given names to groups of animals. Some of the names are unusual like: leap, prickle, raft, and pandemonium. The number of animals starts with 1 and moves to 12. Each animal group enjoys each other's company as they play. A key lists which animals are threatened, vulnerable, or endangered. An Author's note includes a conservation website.

Wenzel's happy animal characters will delight any child and parent. Not only that, but the children will learn the terms given for groups of each animal. The bright, playful illustrations are page turners. While Wenzel rhymes most of the pages, there are a few pages without good rhyme, which gives reason for pause. The afterword and glossary provide added light to the book. 

MOMMAC

Patterns by Professor by Anna Franklin - ESSENTIAL

Patterns by Professor by Anna Franklin. NON-FICTION BOARD BOOK. Child's Play Ltd, 2024. $7. 9781786289735

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Babies cannot see well to begin with. Bright, contrasting images are fun and help them to see. At 4 months, babies enjoy looking at shapes around them in nature and buildings.

On each page, Franklin takes shapes in nature and compares them with buildings. Then, she uses three simple words to describe the objects. The bright, contrasting colors she uses will help a baby to practice their visual skills.

MOMMAC

The Crane and the Keeper by Meeg Pincus and Gillian Eilidh O'Mara - ESSENTIAL

The Crane and the Keeper by Meeg Pincus, illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O'Mara. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $19. 9781536232363

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Walnut, a white-naped crane, was born in a barn. Her handlers treated her kindly, like a baby. Because of this, Walnut imprinted on humans and would have nothing to do with her species. White-naped cranes are endangered and so scientists fought to breed Walnut. Chris Crowe, a scientist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute, spent many years gaining Walnut's trust. Eventually, Walnut allowed him to artificially inseminate her. She had become imprinted on him.

This "Smithsonian Kids" book is fascinating! Pincus teaches about the dangers of imprinting on animals. The end notes well inform the reader about conservation strategies with  imprinting. Hearts warm to the beautifully illustrated Walnut. A question and answer section with Chris Crowe at the back of the book answers questions about his career.

MOMMAC

To the End of the World. Far, Far Away by Ronda Armitage and Victoria Turnbull - ADVISABLE

To the End of the World. Far, Far Away by Ronda Armitage, illustrated by Victoria Turnbull. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $19. 9781536235883

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Louis, a bear, spilled his milk and his mother showed her frustration. Louis decides to run far, far away. As he begins to leave, he asks his mother, "Will you be sad when I am gone? Mother bear expresses the many ways she will be sad when Louis leaves. She will ask all nature to help find her boy. What will happen when she tells his toys he is gone? 

This charming tale gives a child's perspective on a parent's love. The highly detailed and playful  illustrations add depth to the story and catch the eye of the reader. Reader's will enjoy the creative way the parent bear empowers her child to decide to stay home. 

MOMMAC

West Coast Wild Animal Babies by Deborah Hodge and Karen Reczuch - ESSENTIAL

West Coast Wild Animal Babies by Deborah Hodge, illustrated by Karen Reczuch. NON-FICTION BOARD BOOK. Groundwood Books, 2024. $13. 9781773067476

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Hodge and Reczuch show us a variety of baby animals that live on the west coast of the UNited States.

The eyecatcher of this story is the beautiful, lifelike illustrations of each of the animals. Children will fall in love with these creatures as they learn about the names of each baby animal. In small letters, Hodge also gives the species name. It is a delightful read. 

MOMMAC

Giant Steps by Anaïs Lambert, translated by Johanna McCalmont - ADVISABLE

Giant Steps by Anaïs Lambert, translated by Johanna McCalmont. PICTURE BOOK. Blue Dot Kids Press, 2025. $19. 9798989858828

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young boy heads out early in the morning to explore his back yard garden. He finds lots of natural wonders that his imagination turns into great adventures until he is caught and taken back home.

"Giant Steps" contains minimal text leaving the reader to create more depth from the illustrations. Each picture spread contains many small details for the reader and child to discuss and maybe even research. A variety of art methods create dreamlike backgrounds for the almost scientifically detailed insects.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Gregory Goose is on the Loose in the Jungle by Hilary Robinson and Mandy Stanley - ADVISABLE

Gregory Goose is on the Loose in the Jungle by Hilary Robinson and Mandy Stanley. BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2021. $9. 9781684641468

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Can you find Gregory on each two-page spread as he visits the creatures in the jungle?

Even as an adult I found this fun to play - I really enjoyed the jungle creatures and sometimes Gregory was tricky to spot. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dinosaurs: touch and feel first opposites, illustrations by Mini Magique Studio - OPTIONAL

Dinosaurs: touch and feel first opposites, illustrations by Mini Magique Studio. BOARD BOOK. Happy Yak (Quarto), 2025. $13. 9781836002918

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ten dinosaurs take us through simple opposites and some different textures. My favorite texture is the iguanodon - no I’m not going to tell you what it is.  Fairly basic, but colorful.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

It’s Time to Grow It! illustrated by Carly Cledhill - ADVISABLE

It’s Time to Grow It! illustrated by Carly Cledhill. BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2023. $13. 9781684645824

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Let’s go out into the garden and see what work there is to do today!

WIth flaps to lift and sturdy sliders to move back and forth, it is a fun day out in the garden. Cledhill’s simple, colorful illustrations are a visual treat, too.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Colorful World: Farm - find what’s different! by Nastja Holtfreter - OPTIONAL

Colorful World: Farm - find what’s different! by Nastja Holtfreter. BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2017. $6. 9781610675789

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Come to the farm and explore the different animals and things to spot the one which is different from the others.

From the title, I thought this was going to be a book about colors - it was not.  I didn’t mind that it was a find the difference book, just felt a bit misled. Most pages name the animals, but a couple do not - a slight inconsistency that clunked a bit for me. And the page with the pigs was ambiguous - could make for a fun discussion about reasoning, though. Holtfreter’s book is very colorful - as promised.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Bookstore (Let’s Go Shopping) by Nastja Holtfreter - ADVISABLE

Bookstore (Let’s Go Shopping) by Nastja Holtfreter. BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2021. $7. 9781684642311

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

The elephant and its mom are heading tot he bookstore for a chopping trip.  They even have a list to keep them on track.  Can you find all of the books and other items from the list?

I like the interactive nature of the board book. Keep the shopping list marked so that you can refer back to it on each page. I think this is a great way to train a young reader for a more advance game of matching tiles later on. And who doesn’t love a good bookstore.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Murray and Bun! :Murray the Viking by Adam Stower - ADVISABLE

Murray and Bun! Murray the Viking by Adam Stower, 216 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Random House, 2024. $17 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Murray is a cat who loves naps, blankets, and snacks. Bun used to be a sweet bun, until a bumbling wizard turned him into a bouncing rabbit, who has a cherry for a tail. Murray and Bun have a magic cat flap. Sometimes it leads to the garden and sometimes it leads to a troll hunting adventure. Murray and Bun are quested by a village of vikings to go fight trolls and save Eggrick, the viking. There is also a SCARY, HAIRY, VERY STINKY THING to worry about as well. 

 The black and white drawings are delightful and add to the story Murray and Bun succeed against all odds, even though Bun only says, "Bun." The gentle humor adds to the story. Murray and Ben make cute characters children will engage with 

Michelle in the Middle 

Murray and Bun!: Murray the Knight by Adam Stower - ADVISABLE

Murray and Bun!: Murray the Knight by Adam Stower, 188 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Random House, 2024. $17 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Murray the cat is back, trying to enjoy a good nap, when a huge magical potato forces him and Bun (his bun transformed by magic into a bunny) through an enchanted cap flap. This time, Murray and Bun find themselves in a duel with Sir Nasty for the hand of Princess Rubytoes. While Sir Nasty is trying to sabotage the duel, Murray wants to help the princess find her true love. And possibly snacks for himself and Bun. 

Because the forward is the same, this series does not have to be read in any order. Murray and Bun are drawn well enough that their story is a lot of fun, even though it is so far fetched. The characters will relate to young readers, and the humor carries it along. This will be a fast romp through knighthood for young readers. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Hungry for Engineering: Poems to Gnaw On by Kari-Lynn Winters, Lori Sherritt-Fleming and Dave Whamond - ADVISABLE

Hungry for Engineering: Poems to Gnaw On by Kari-Lynn Winters and Lori Sherritt-Fleming, illustrated by Dave Whamond. PICTURE BOOK. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2024. $24. 9781554556427

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO:SOME

Here is the perfect addition for teachers of STEM to younger children. Poems about simple tools! Start a discussion about tools, engineering, experiments, and poetry! These poems add a cross subject dimension to STEM units, plus humor, rhymes, and bright silly illustrations.

"Hungry for Engineering: Poems to Gnaw On" is humorous and factual. Teachers trying to introduce these STEM concepts will find these poems to be a great jumping in point. Humor about failed egg drops and not quite perfect experiments will help children learn it's okay to mess up and try again.

"Hungry for Engineering: Poems to Gnaw On" has animals, dragons, people, and inanimate-but-anthropomorphized objects as characters. The humans vary as to gender, age, and race.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Grumpy Monkey: School Stinks! by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang - ADVISABLE

Grumpy Monkey: School Stinks! by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang, 82 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2025 $11. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Grumpy monkey, aka Jim Panzee, is playing hide-and-seek when he decides to hide in Polecat's log. He gets sprayed and becomes a stinky, grumpy monkey. His friends remind him that if he'd gone to school he would have known better, so Grumpy Monkey enrolls in school. 

The art is colorful and grand and the humor delivers. The theme of school is relatable and students may see themselves in Grumpy Monkey's experiences with it. The theme of learning from one's mistakes is a bonus in this entertaining read. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Not Just the Driver by Sara Holly Ackerman and Robert Neubecker - OPTIONAL

Not Just the Driver by Sara Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Robert Neubecker. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2024. $19. 9781665936378

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Who keeps the buses, subways, and planes running smoothly? It's not just the bus drivers, subways operators, and pilots. It takes a whole crew to keep the transit system safe, repaired, managed, and improving. On one spread, the author asks, with a pair of rhyming couplets, who keeps a specific vehicle going, and then on the next spread, answers with a trio of couplets that introduce other members of the team, such as mechanics, signal maintainers, and air traffic controllers. The colorful, digital illustrations show several examples of each featured vehicle full of passengers followed by a scene with the other team members.

I can imagine young vehicle enthusiasts pouring over the illustrations (each spread contains lots to notice, count, and compare) while enjoying the engaging rhyming rhythm of the text. They will also learn many vehicle-related vocabulary words. However, I don't think they'll be able to access the text on their own, and they may prefer a vehicle book with photographs. The illustration style of this book reminds me of non-fiction books by Gail Gibbons.

P.K. Foster, teacher-librarian

Orris and Timble: Lost and Found by Kate DiCamillo and Carmen Mok - ADVISABLE

Orris and Timble: Lost and Found by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Carmen Mok, 80 pages.  CHAPTER BOOK Candlewick, 2025. $17  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Orris the rat and Timble the owl are friends. Orris likes to tell his friend stories that he has found, but one night Timble doesn't return. Orris is devastated. He wonders if Timble has deserted him or if something bad has happened. 

 This is book two in a future trilogy. The writing and art work well together. The story is brief, yet haunting and works on our fears of ending friendships or events we can't control. Timble grows older and bigger and wants to try out his wings. Beautifully written by a master storyteller about friendship, getting lost, coming home, and sharing stories. 

 Michelle in the Middle

Eliza and the Flower Fairies by Megan McDonald and Lenny Wen - ADVISABLE

Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen. 88 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $18. 9781536201420

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Eliza, a little school girl, hurries home everyday to her private play house where she imagines a fairy world. She has built a Fairy Door, and one day she is pulled through by the flower fairies' magic. Eliza delights in the beauty of their land but doesn't understand the boundaries and creates a rift into Strangleweed Swallow. Eliza must visit Witch Hazel to repair the damage she has done. Can she do it quickly enough to save her new fairy friend, Poppy?

"Fairy Door Diaries" is a wonderful first chapter book for little girls in love with the pretend world of fairies. Exactly the land a girl would imagine, filled with adventure and danger, and friends who help us be brave, this gorgeously illustrated book is a great first chapter book for developing readers.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Earhart: The Incredible Flight of a Field Mouse Around the World by Torben Kuhlmann - ADVISABLE

Earhart: The Incredible Flight of a Field Mouse Around the World by Torben Kuhlmann, 128 pages PICTURE BOOK North South, 2025. $22. 9780735845794  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A little field mouse discovers that there is so much more to the world beyond her garden and the limited view of her fellow field mice. She wants to fly around the world! She finds a learned old mouse aviator who helps her with her dream, and maybe, the little mouse can inspire Amelia Earhart's aviation career. 

The size of the book makes it a picture book, though the text can be dense at times, so not a picture book in the traditional sense. The cover art is so realistic, I neglected to see the small mouse, and thought it was nonfiction at first. That said, the artwork is breathtaking. The artwork tells a lot of the story. This is the fifth book in a mouse series that has been published in 30 languages. It's worth a look-see if only for the art and the theme of following your dream no matter how unlikely. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Once Upon my Dads' Divorce by Seamus Kirst and Noemie Gionet Landry - OPTIONAL

Once Upon my Dads' Divorce by Seamus Kirst, illustrated by Noemie Gionet Landry. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2023. $19. 9781433840746

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Grayson lives in a big brick house with his two dads.  He loves having chocolate chip pancakes with his dads on Saturdays and reading bedtime stories together.  Grayson's life will never be the same when his two dads decide to get a divorce.  Will he ever get used to his new life split between two homes?

With colorful illustrations and a minimal amount of words, Once Upon My Dads' Divorce may help those going through a similar situation.  Included in the back is a Reader's Note with tips from a psychologist about how to help children cope with divorce.   This book offers answers and reassurance to children who are going through this difficult time.

Grayson is white.  One of his dads is black and the other is white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

The Froggies Do Not Want to Sleep by Adam Gustavson - ADVISABLE

The Froggies Do Not Want to Sleep by Adam Gustavson. BOARD BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2025. $9. 9781623546816 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Frogs do NOT want to sleep! They would much rather hop and joust, and fly spaceships to distant galaxies. Or they may want to play the accordion and have a burping contest. But they do NOT want to sleep! 

The art is awesome, and the froggies delightful, which makes this a cute bedtime read for small children who would rather play than sleep. 

 

Michelle in the Middle 

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelo, illustrated by Hatem Aly - ESSENTIAL

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelo, illustrated by Hatem Aly. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books, 2023. $19. 9781984848093

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

On Muhamad's seventh birthday, he is given a salat rug to use for his daily prayers. He washes  his face and hands before he prays. Muhammad takes his salat rug to school the next day for his prayers, but he is afraid others will not accept him if they see him at prayer. He watches his father stop and pray at the appointed times without being embarrassed by what others think. Muhamad wishes he could be brave also. That night, his father lets him practice praying with him on the city streets. It gives him courage to live what he has been taught.

Bigelow teaches about the Muslim tradition of salat while demonstrating the anxiety faced by children as they learn to follow the faith of their fathers.  Aly is able to show Muhamad's emotions in his brightly colored illustrations. The Muslim terms at the end of the book help the reader to better understand the story. It is a great book to teach others about the Muslim faith.

Muhamad is Muslim.

MOMMAC