Sing With Your Baby Every Day by Claire Grace and Chloe Giordano - ADVISABLE

Sing With Your Baby Every Day by Claire Grace, illustrated by Chloe Giordano. PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2025. $18. 9781836003557

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Sing With Your Baby Every Day is a collection of the words for thirty songs and nursery rhymes that babies and young children like to sing with their caregiver. No actual music notation is presented. The song lyrics include Five Little Ducks, The Alphabet Song, Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Apples and Bananas, and many more.

Grace has collected many beloved children's song lyrics. Giordano has embroidered sweet cute illustrations to accompany each song.

PGPowers 

Little Monster Says Goodnight by David Slonim - ADVISABLE

Little Monster Says Goodnight by David Slonim. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2024. $18. 9781797216652

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Sour milk and burnt cookies? A cold mud bath? A monster under the bed? These are all things Little Monster needs before he can go to sleep.

Little Monster Says Goodnight is hilarious! I think students will enjoy comparing their bedtimes to Little Monsters. With very engaging, short text and colorful pictures, this book will be sure to entertain! The ending is similar to Good Night, Moon.

Tracie, Elementary School LIbrarian 

Gingerbread Dreidels by Jane Breskin and Thai My Phuong - OPTIONAL

Gingerbread Dreidels by Jane Breskin, illustrated by Thai My Phuong. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2024. $18. 9781623543655 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME

 When Christmas and the first night of Chanukah fall on the same day Sophie, Max and thier family celebrate both holidays together. Both sets of grandparents come to celebrate as well and they all participate in the Jewish and Christian holiday traditions.

Breskin has a fun story about finding the joy in both the Christian and Jewish holiday season. 2024 was the first time in almost twenty years that both holidays occured on the same day. 

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

The Snowball Fight by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld - ADVISABLE

The Snowball Fight by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2025. $18. 9780063327078

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Snow comes down and covers the ground and everything is peaceful.  Two children burst out of their house so excited for a snow day.  They build snow forts, and have snowball fights.  They go sledding and when they get too cold, they make it inside for some hot chocolate.  But off they go out again.  They forgot to do something of great importance.

The Snowball Fight is a humorous ode to the pleasures of a snowy day outside.  I really enjoyed Lichtenheld's entertaining and simple illustration's encompass all the antics and feelings of a day in the snow.

PGPowers

Hello, I'm a Pangolin by Hayley and John Rocco - ADVISABLE

Hello, I'm a Pangolin by Hayley and John Rocco. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. G P Putnam's Sons (Penguin), 2024. $17. 9780593618158

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Fun facts and details about pangolins. Did you know pangolin's closest relatives are bears and cats? 

Interesting and educational, the Roccos present the info in a fun and approachable manner. Their illustrations are great. There is additional information in the back matter.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

The Cookie Vote by Margaret Mcnamara, Daniel Bernstrom, and G. Brian Karas - ESSENTIAL

The Cookie Vote (Mr. Tiffin’s Classroom series) by Margaret Mcnamara & Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books, 2025. $19. 9780593173305

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Mr. Tiffin's students come up with big ideas, debate their ideas in class, hold votes and eventually get to take their bill proposal (to establish an official state cookie) to the state capital and meet with their state representative.

McNamara and Bernstrom have a fun, kid-friendly introduction to government and bills becoming laws. It's a simple civics lesson in a fun story with great illustrations. There's even some back matter covering various states with official state cookie laws, and a yummy looking cookie recipe is included. This book could definitely be a great jumping off point for a class project! Karas’s Illustrations feature characters of different gender, race and ethnicity, including the female state representative who light brown skin and wears a headscarf.

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

In The Desert by David Elliott and Gordy Wright - ADVISABLE

In The Desert by David Elliott, illustrated by Gordy Wright. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $19. 9781536223385

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The Sahara desert covers more that three million square miles, and is harsh and inhospitable to most forms of life. But life still manages to persist. Written in poems of wonder, we learn about the deathstalker scorpion, the Nile crocodile, the Sahara Cheetah, the Nubian vulture, and many others. More detailed information can be found in the back matter.

Elliott wittily and poetically celebrates many of the hardy creatures who make the Sahara desert their home. Wright's saturated paintings are striking and transport the reader into the desert sands.

PGPowers 

The Day Leap Soared by Blair Braverman, illustrated by Olivia When - ADVISABLE

The Day Leap Soared by Blair Braverman and Olivia When. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2025. $20. 9780063238053

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

APPEALS TO:MANY

Leap is a sled dog puppy who is finally big enough to join the sled dog team.  Each of the sled dogs is special.  Grinch is strong, Refried is musical, Boo is fast,  and the others have great talents too. Leap worries that she is not special.  The next day, Leap is harnessed with the other dogs on her first run.  On the way back, the river is no longer frozen and the sled team can't cross.  Then Leap discovers her talent to help the team make it home.

Braverman teaches the reader about teamwork, self acceptance, and never giving up.  When's illustrations are adorable and warm, yet help us feel Leap's cold snowy environment.

PGPowers

Mitchell Itches: An Eczema Story by Kristin Kelly, illustrated by Amelina Jones - ADVISABLE

Mitchell Itches: An Eczema Story by Kristin Kelly, illustrated by Amelina Jones. PICTURE BOOK. EK Books, 2024. $20. 9781922539724

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Mitchell has had eczema since he was a baby. He knows what to do to manage it. Some kids say mean things about his eczema. But the most important thing is that Mitchell is more than his eczema - he likes soccer, fishing and being with his friends.

This would be a great book to have if you have students struggling with eczema. Kelly shows a balance between managing the eczema and also being a regular kid. Jones’s illustrations are fun and engaging. The back matter includes helpful eczema tips. Mitchell is white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Always Your Stepdad by Stephanie Stansbie and Tatiana Kamshilina - ADVISABLE

Always Your Stepdad by Stephanie Stansbie, illustrated by Tatiana Kamshilina. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday BYR (Random House), 2024. $19. 9780593709115

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

A stepdad recounts how knowing his stepdaughter has changed his life for the better. He might not have been there when she took her first steps but that does not mean he does not treasure her now.

Stansbie writes a very sweet tribute to a loving relationship between a stepdad and stepdaughter. I loved Kamshilina’s illustrations and how they add to the joy filled message. The mom and daughter are white the dad is brown.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

The Strangest Fish by Katherine Arden and Zahra Marwan - ADVISABLE

The Strangest Fish by Katherine Arden, illustrated by Zahra Marwan. PICTURE BOOK. Astra Young Readers, 2024. $19. 9781662620782

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Daisy loves the fall, especially the excitement of the fair. During one visit, she wins a peculiar-looking fish and brings it home in a small bag of water. Though the fish looks odd, she tends to it with care. But with each passing day, the fish grows bigger and soon outgrows every bowl she puts it in. Eventually, Daisy has no choice but to take it to the lake. And when she does, something truly magical happens.

A sweet story for early elementary grades. For anyone who has ever wondered if a pet might hold a little magic if we give just the right amount of love and care. I also liked the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood and LeUyen Pham - ADVISABLE

The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2024. $20. 9780358567134

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

There once was a man who loved plants and a tidy home. He didn't like animals.  One day a cat appeared.  He tried to get it to go away, but the cat didn't.  He realized that the cat liked to do many of the same things he did.  Then another cat and a dog appeared and wouldn't go away.  Soon, other animals came until he had ducks, chickens, pigs, goats, and cows. The neighbors were upset.  He told all the animals to go away.  But he realized that he loved them.  What should he do?

The Man Who Didn't Like Animals is extremely giggle -inducing and fun to read.  Pham brilliantly animates all the characters in her illustrations. 

Many ethnicities are represented. Old Macdonald is black.

PGPowers

A City Full of Santas by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Thai Phuong - ADVISABLE

A City Full of Santas by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Thai Phuong. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2025. $20. 9780063287532

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young girl is so excited that her mom is taking her to the mall to meet Santa.  She tries to stay awake every Christmas Eve to see him, but she always falls asleep.  She know that he will smell like peppermint, laugh like the sun clapping its hands, and feel like a heart full of glitter. They take the train into the city and when they step out, she see's lots of people dressed like Santa.  How will she ever find the real Santa?

Ho tells a cute story about how children feel the magic of Christmas.  Phuong's illustrations are adorable and sparkle with Christmas spirit.

PGPowers

I'll Love You Till the Crocodiles Smile by Kathryn Cristaldi and Kristyna Litten - ADVISABLE

I'll Love You Till the Crocodiles Smile by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustrated by Kristyna Litten. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2024. $19. 9780063315518

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

A parent tells a child that he or she will be loved until crocodiles smile while at the dentist, snakes shake and zoom on zip lines over a lake, baby boars snore in shopping carts, Rhinos pose with lollipops on fancy floats, and many other impossible things that could never really happen but let a child know that a parents love is forever.

I'll Love You Till the Crocodiles Smile is tender, fun, and humorous.  The funny antics of the animals in the illustrations will engage young readers.

PGPowers

It's Taco Knight! by Megan Maynor, illustrated by Estrela Lourenco - ADVISABLE

It's Taco Knight! by Megan Maynor, illustrated by Estrela Lourenco. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2025. $20. 9780358682974

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Once there was a kingdom of busy, clever people who never had time to cook.  The Knights of Dinner made sure that everyone was well fed.  There was Pizza Knight, Dumpling Knight, Noodle Knight, and even New Recipe Knight.  No knight is everyone's favorite.  One day Taco Knight comes to town.  He thinks he is the best and turns every night into Taco night.  The villagers love him at first but soon they boo him.  He gives up and helps the other knights make their food.  Will the villagers ever want Taco night again?

It's Taco Knight! is full of wacky humor.  It celebrates friendship, empathy, and reminds us that variety is the spice of life.  I loved the fun energetic illustrations.

PGPowers

Specs by Van G. Garett, illustrated by Reggie Brown - ADVISABLE

Specs by Van G. Garett, illustrated by Reggie Brown. PICTURE BOOK. Versify (Harper Collins), 2025. $20. 9780358141822

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young black girl is picking new glasses or specs.  She is counseled not to pick them too speedily, and to let them reflect her personality like a shiny mirror. She should focus on her unique identity and the things she likes to do. They should help her feel spectacular.

Specs! gives courage to and celebrates those who wear glasses.  Brown's illustrations are cute and humorous.

PGPowers

Ellie Has a Secret by Amelia Bothe. - ADVISABLE

Ellie Has a Secret by Amelia Bothe. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2025. $20. 9780063373150

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Ellie loved hunting for trinkets in the sandbox that sat at the back of her classroom when they had indoor recess. This time she found a beautiful little shell.  The bell rang, and although she was supposed to put it back, she couldn't part with it and slipped it into her pocket.  At lunch, she didn't sit with her friends but looked at her shell instead.  A little dragon inside the shell looked at her and then climbed out and told her that it was her secret. Throughout the day the dragon got bigger and bigger until it weighed on her so much that she couldn't eat or sleep.  What should she do to get rid of the secret dragon?

Ellie Has a Secret is about confiding in a trusted adult and releasing the secrets that weigh us down.  The characters are stunningly illustrated.

PGPowers

Witch in the Spotlight by Kallie George and Birgitta Sif - OPTIONAL

Witch in the Spotlight (Crimson Twill #3) by Kallie George, illustrated by Birgitta Sif, 67 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick, 2024. $16. 9781536232370

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Crimson Twill is ready for her full-sized wand - if she can pass her class today and demonstrate her capability in front of a large audience. While she is excited to be in class with her best friends, a new girl - the famous Broadway star Miserabella Portenia has also joined, and Crimson’s friends seem more interested in Miserabella than in Crimson. A little jealousy can go a long way to thwart her efforts - plus each of Crimson’s tries at a spell seems slightly nicer(?) than the others. 

If you have beginning readers who enjoy witchy books, but not books that are scary, Crimson is a cute option. Look here if you need to update some of your chapter books. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dear Acorn (Love Oak): Letter Poems to Friends by Joyce Sidman and Melissa Sweet. - ADVISABLE

Dear Acorn (Love Oak): Letter Poems to Friends by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Melissa Sweet. PICTURE BOOK.  Clarion Books (Harper), 2025. $20. 9780358334767

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Dear Acorn is a collection of letters revealing what "big" and "little" objects in our ecosystem might say to each other.  Oak tree writes to Acorn, and Acorn writes back.  Other conversations include Bubble and Sky, Cloud and Droplets, Pebble and River, Brick and School, Button and Coat, Toes and Child, and Sea Turtles and Ocean.

Dear Acorn is quite inventive.  I was amused in the insightful and clever poetic conversations. Sweets unique and colorful illustrations are delightful.

PGPowers

Desert Song by Laekan Zea Kemp, illustrated by Beatriz Gutierrez - ADVISABLE

Desert Song by Laekan Zea Kemp and Beatriz Gutierrez. PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday), 2024. $19. 9780823453924

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

As night falls across the desert a family gathers on the porch each playing an instrument or singing. Their music mixes with the music of the night from the birds and animals to the wind and rain. As they play they also remember the ancestors who came before and played these same instruments. 

A simple story that teaches that even though we may feel small and lost in this vast world, we are still rooted and connected to the ancestors that came before us.

The family has Mexican heritage.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

 

If You Spot a Shell by Aimee Sicuro - ESSENTIAL

If You Spot a Shell by Aimee Sicuro. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2024. $19. 9780593650998

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

A sweet book about all the things you could do or imagine if you find a sea shell. Shells could be a pirate patch, a raft or a submarine. They can take you anywhere your imagination can go.

I love how Sicuro’s  illustrations incorporate images of real shells. The ideas for all the things you can imagine to do with a sea shell are very creative. The back matter includes a couple shell art projects and identifies all of the shells featured in the book.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

On a Summer Night by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kenard Park. - OPTIONAL

On a Summer Night by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kenard Park. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2024. $19. 9781797200132

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

On a warm summer night a young girl sits up in bed wondering what has awoken her. She wanders outside with her cat to experience the wonders of the night. She walks in the dewy grass, looks up through the dark tree branches and feels a gentle breeze. Then she heads back to bed.

Park’s beautiful illustrations are in the muted colors of nighttime. Lyrical writing. The book is a celebration of warm, quiet summer nights.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Pippo's Perfectly Peculiar Days by Lenny Wen - ADVISABLE

Pippo's Perfectly Peculiar Days by Lenny Wen. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2025. $20. 9780063288959

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Pippo loved his tiny house on the edge of the woods and doing the same things every day.  Then everything changed.  Weird new plants sprouted from his ceiling, his furniture ran away.  Then his house ran away with him inside until he fell out the door into a lake.  He barely survived and made it to the forest.  Where will Pippo live now?  Can he ever find normal again?

Wen has created a great allegory on life as Pippo finds the inner resources to weather uncertainty and meet unanticipated challenges.  I really liked Wen's expressive and creative watercolor illustrations bringing cute Pippo to life.

PGPowers

What the Crow Saw Below by Robert Tregoning, illustrated by Greg Stobbs - ADVISABLE

What the Crow Saw Below by Robert Tregoning, illustrated by Greg Stobbs. PICTURE BOOK.  Flyaway Books, 2024. $19. 9781947888494

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Every day the crows sit in their tree and warn of dangers that they spot below. At first the young crow joins in. But as time goes on, she begins to see that not all of the things spotted below are dangerous. This makes her think about looking up and seeing what is above the safety of the tree.

The crow learns to balance both the caution learned from her elders with a new found sense of adventure. Tregoning’s rhyming text is well written and engaging. I also really loved Stobbs’s illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Sam Squirrel (Willow’s Woods) by Suzanne Selfors and Ramona Kaulitzki - ADVISABLE

Sam Squirrel (Willow’s Woods) by Suzanne Selfors, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, 87 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Aladdin (Simon), 2025. $18. 9781665949026

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

It might be the first day of spring, but it still feels like deep winter in the Quiet Woods.  Sam the squirrel, who likes to keep lists, which is very un-squirrel-like, is sent by the other animals, along with the Prince of Elks, to Mother Nature’s home to find out what the problem is. Along the way they meet Willow, who is Mother Nature’s granddaughter. 

Selfors is such an artistic chameleon.  From YA romance to elementary chapter books in loads of genres - her writing voice is always pleasant to read.  I would love to read Sam Squirrel aloud to young friends. It looks like at least one more book about Willow will be forthcoming.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya and Kara Kramer. - ESSENTIAL

Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya, illustrated by Kara Kramer. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree, 2024. $19. 9781682636640

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Rubik didn’t start out to create a puzzle that would fascinate hundreds of millions of solvers for decades, he was interested in maneuvering three dimensional objects. But that is exactly what his cube has done for the world. 

With the on-going popularity of Rubik’s Cube, Aradhya’s book is a fun purchase.  I bet more than one of your students has a Cube in their backpack right now!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Piet Cools Off by Carina and Peter Wohlleben and Rachel Qiuqi - ADVISABLE

Piet Cools Off by Carina and Peter Wohlleben, illustrated by Rachel Qiuqi. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Greystone, 2025. $24. 9781771649384

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Piet the squirrel is much too hot.  As he ventures into the forest, looking for the right spot for him, other forest creatures invite him to join them in their favorite ways to stay cool.

I like Piet’s interactions with the different animals - a very cute, engaging way to show children a variety of ways animals deal with the heat.  Even more info included in the back matter.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon - ESSENTIAL

A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2024. $19. 9781536226263

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

While the dog drags Dad all through the mud and causes a huge mess to clean up, the little girl is busy gathering more pinecones than you would think - causing a mess of a different scale!

A wonderful mix of words and pictures - so much to enjoy on every page. The family is white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Alphonse, You’re Ruining the Show! (Alphonse #4) by Daisy Hirst - OPTIONAL

Alphonse, You’re Ruining the Show! (Alphonse #4) by Daisy Hirst. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $18. 9781536238891

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Alphonse and his sister Natalie are headed to Grandma’s for a sleepover while their parents have a night out. Natalie suggests they put on their own play.  Various problems, including Alphonse only wanting to be a frog means they need to wait until tomorrow to perform - and now their parents can watch it also.

I think Alphonse gets a bad rap in the title of this book.  He is not the only problem with the play being performed on time. The text is a mixture of narrative and cartoon bubble style - and trying to follow their train of thought (like trying to follow any young child) is disjointed. The characters are unidentifiable creatures of various colors. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Socks: A Kids Christmas Lament by LD McPherson and Anika Orrock - ADVISABLE

Socks: A Kids Christmas Lament by LD McPherson, illustrated by Anika Orrock. PICTURE BOOK. Walker Books (Candlewick), 2024. $16. 9781536237023

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When the boy wakes up early Christmas morning, all he finds in his presents and stocking is SOCKS!? 

Based on a song, the boy’s lament is pretty funny/sad and totally relatable for any kid who didn’t receive what they yearned for on Christmas day. The tune is a jazzy, slow song - it would be more fun to sing along with the video if it were a bit more upbeat. The family is white. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi and Monica Arnaldo - ADVISABLE

The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo. PICTURE BOOK. Kokila (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593620441

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Cecilia loves being a kid - going to school, playing soccer with her friends.  But she also has a second job - interpreting for her parents, whose English is minimal.  She is starting to feel as if her second job is taking over her life.

Abtahi does a great job showing how overwhelming everything can be for children who are called upon to interpret for their parents constantly. I choked up a little bit at the end. Cecilia is shown with a support system at the end, but not every child in that position has that support.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Boy and the Elephant by Freya Blackwood - ESSENTIAL

The Boy and the Elephant by Freya Blackwood. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2024. $20. 9780593707661 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The boy lives in the city, but there is a quite grove of trees in an empty lot near his apartment. One is very special, but when he discovers the trees are in danger, he must do something quickly to save them. 

Illustrations tell this beautiful wordless story. You can tell the boy is so lonely and that tree looks so much like an elephant - we were right there with the boy. A great look at ecology, imagination, and making a difference. I cried and I loved it so much. Highly recommended, especially to the tree lovers. The boy is white.

Lisa Librarian 

How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a Rocket Scientist by Joalda Moraney and Aaron Cushley - OPTIONAL

How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a Rocket Scientist by Joalda Moraney and Aaron Cushley. PICTURE BOOK. Neon Squid, 2025. $18. 9781684494477

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Imagine man has built a community on the moon - what do you need to know in order to survive?

Moraney mixes a few facts with a lot of speculation about what life might look like if humans lived on the moon. The text is highly dense - not made for a single session reading. If I were a child who didn’t know much about the moon, I would be confused about what parts are factual and which are fabrication.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

How to Catch Some ZZZs by Megan Warner Lloyd, illustrated by Jade Orlando - ADVISABLE

How to Catch Some ZZZs by Megan Warner Lloyd, illustrated by Jade Orlando. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2025. $18. 9781452168371

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

What should you do if your ZZZs have gone missing?  The young protagonist of our story has a lot of advice. Number one - stick to your routine - you just might find your ZZZs somewhere along the way.

Not a mystery book - more a night time routine book.  It might be a good way to negotiate a bedtime routine with a young one who is having a hard time falling asleep. Look under the cover for a surprise. The main character appears Black.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Snack, Please! by Georgie Birkett - OPTIONAL

Snack, Please! by Georgie Birkett. PICTURE BOOK Candlewick, 2024. $18. 9781536238969

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Gertie used to eat all kinds of foods, but once she discovered snacks, there seemed to be no turning back.  No room for dinner if you are full up on snacks! A trip to the community garden with her grandmother opens Gertie’s eyes to real food.

I prefer Birkett’s Bedtime is Boring, because this title has a twist at the end that undoes all of the good that came from Gertie learning to love real food. It also feels like more of a morality tale than Bedtime did.  Gertie and her Dad are mice (I think).

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

No One is Home by Mikolaj Pa and Gosia Herba - OPTIONAL

No One is Home by Mikolaj Pa, illustrated by Gosia Herba. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone, 2025. $24. 9781778402180

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Leo is excited to celebrate his best friend Kimbo’s birthday with him.  ALong the way, however, everything seems to go wrong. And nobody's home at Kimbo’s. Where could he be?

Translated from the original Polish. Same author as No. % Bubblegum Street - if you enjoy a denser picture book, Herba has given us a lot on each page to explore.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Jellyfish Bus by Suhyeon Lee - ESSENTIAL

The Jellyfish Bus by Suhyeon Lee. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, 2025. $23. 9781771476911

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Slowpoke the jellyfish has been fired from his job as a jellyfish bus for being too slow. As he vacations to the deep, deep, deep ocean floor, he encounters many creatures who would like to travel closer to the surface, but they don’t have jellyfish bus service.

Lee’s book is formatted on several pages to feel like a graphic novel - but still retains its essential picture book-ness. Slowpoke is rather funny and it is silly to consider the varieties of creatures and conversations Slowpoke has.  I do like that Lee didn’t just substitute animals for a main character who could have been human instead. Longer than most really popular picture books, but a lot of fun.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner - ESSENTIAL

So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2025. $20. 9781665931359

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Tortoise and Mouse’s old burrow was flooded, so Tortoise set out to dig them a new burrow - and ready to play with Mouse once it was complete.  However - Mouse is nowhere to be found! WHen other creatures come asking to also have a burrow, TOrtoise obliges, but he is getting more and more upset as Mouse has still not returned!

An adorable tale about friendship and symbiotic relationships, but also the back matter includes a look at the “pourquoi” (why?) traditional tale form, encouraging others to join in forming their own pourquois. Science teachers could also use this to talk about keystone species. So versatile! Also look for the fun surprise under the cover.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Lady of the Lines by Michaela MacColl, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri - ADVISABLE

Lady of the Lines by Michaela MacColl, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Astra, 2025. $19. 9781662620096

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

In 1941, Maria was in Peru when a friend showed her aerial photos of the Nazca Desert, with the faint lines that were impossible to see at ground level, and were only very faint in the photos. Over the rest of her lifetime Maria swept the lines clean by hand and defended them vociferously from farmers who wanted to flood that part of the desert to grow cotton. 

Whether studying art, Peru, or ancient mysteries, Lady of the Lines is a great fit. Also a good way to show how one ordinary person has the ability to do great things. Lots of photos of the Lines are available online now. No need to drive to Peru!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Squash, the Cat: Stuck in the Middle (Squash #2) by Sasha Mayer - ADVISABLE

Squash, the Cat: Stuck in the Middle (Squash #2) by Sasha Mayer. PICTURE BOOK. 2025. $19. 9780593566565

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Squash was always his owner’s best buddy - playing and sleeping together as much as possible. When she gets a squishy pirate stuffie, however, Squash feels left out and goes to great lengths to eliminate the competition.

Squash is funny and adorable, but I also like how Mayer’s story could also open a conversation about what to do when we, as humans, feel left out or supplanted by someone or something else. 

Squash’s human is white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Bedtime is Boring! by Georgie Birkett - ADVISABLE

Bedtime is Boring! by Georgie Birkett. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $18. 9781536241273

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Cosmo the Tadpole used to be an adorable, snuggly baby.  Now, however, Cosmo will do anything to delay bedtime. When he finds himself yawning during playtime - and then falling asleep (!) during a movie, Cosmo realizes it may be time to get the real rest he needs.

I don’t know if reading Birkett’s story will convince a child that they, too, should surrender to bedtime - but it is so cute that it is worth a try.  Birkett has two other books that address other common toddler problems.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Hazel the Handful by Jamie Michalak, illustrated by Matt Myers - ADVISABLE

Hazel the Handful by Jamie Michalak, illustrated by Matt Myers. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $18. 9781536231199

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Hazel the dog had an idyllic life - that is until that baby moved in!  Now her family adores the baby in all the ways they used to adore Hazel!  What is an unloved dog to do?

Michalak’s story also reminds me of how all the pets felt once their humans went back out after the Covid lockdown was over - a bit forgotten. A lovely reminder to show love to all those within our influence. Plus Hazel is a cutie patootie!

Hazel’s family is Black.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Don't Eat Eustace by Lian Cho - OPTIONAL

Don't Eat Eustace by Lian Cho. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2025. $20. 9780063321847

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

One day Bear goes fishing to catch dinner, but ends up reeling in a colorful tangled sail with a fish named Eustace tangled in it.  Eustace pleads with Bear to not eat him.  Bear lies and tells him that he would never eat him.  Several animals come by needing help, and Eustace uses diversion to stay alive, and gives ideas to Bear on how to help each one with the colorful sail material.  Will Bear still eat Eustace?

Don't Eat Eustace is somewhat funny and entertaining.  I thought the use of the pronoun "they" was confusing and distracting.  I did enjoy the cute illustrations. Bear dresses as a boy, but uses the pronoun "they".  Eustace also uses the pronoun "they" to describe himself.

PGPowers

Extreme Places: The Most Remote Homes On Earth by Giles Laroche - ADVISABLE

Extreme Places:  The Most Remote Homes On Earth by Giles Laroche. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2025. $20. 9780358690184

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Extreme Places takes the reader on a journey around the world to some of the most difficult and challenging places to live. We learn about the different cultures, survival skills, and the harsh conditions that local people in these communities cherish.

Extreme Places is very interesting and celebrates human ingenuity and community.  I really enjoyed the intricate illustrations made by raised layers of paper on painted backgrounds.

PGPowers

The Prince of Stars by M. O. Yuksel and Zelma Firdauzia - ADVISABLE

The Prince of Stars by M. O. Yuksel, illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2025. $20. 9780063240155

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Ulugh Beg, a Muslim Prince,  was fueled by his deep faith and quest for knowledge to create schools, build the largest observatory, and document the most complete star catalog at that time.  He also discovered why seasons change, and the exact length of a year.  He paved the way for modern science and astronomy.

The Prince Of Stars was a very enlightening biography and I appreciated learning about a trailblazing Muslim astronomer.  Excellent and very pretty illustrations bring this story to life. PGPowers

It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun by Marilyn Sadler - OPTIONAL

It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun by Marilyn Sadler. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2025. $11. 9780593810330 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Connor is a Leprechaun (squirrel) who doesn't want to be a Leprechaun, so he turns himself into a fairy, but realizes he's afraid of heights, then a carpenter, then a king. Never satisfied what what he can make himself, when asked to become a friend, he doesn't know how to do that, he can't magic himself into "friend". 

Too corny, and I didn't get the "why" for animal characters. 

Lisa Librarian

Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow by Nicholas DeShaw and Tara Audibert - ADVISABLE

Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow by Nicholas DeShaw, illustrated by Tara Audibert. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2024. $19. 9780593461853

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

APPEALS TO:SEVERAL

Loaf the Cat loves to play with her boy. One day the boy puts on his grass dance regalia and leaves the house before Loaf wakes up from her nap. Not wanting to be left behind, Loaf follows the scent of her boy to the powwow.

DeShaw tells the story from the perspective of the cat. Audibert’s illustrations are fun, colorful and engaging. The boy and his family are Ojibwe.

A. Snow, Librarian

Kisses from Space by Anna Menon and Andy Harkess - AEESNTIAL

Kisses from Space by Anna Menon, illustrated by Andy Harkess. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2024. $20. 9780593811146

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

A family of dragons loves to spend time together going on adventures. But the mama dragon is an astronaut and she has to leave the family behind while she goes on a mission to space. The family finds ways to stay close while she is away.

Told in rhyme, this is a sweet story that would be good for children who are separated from their parents for a time. Menon was a crew member on Polaris Dawn and the story grew out of her own experiences being away from her children while on a mission. Harkless’s illustrations are amazing.  They appear to be made from clay with wonderful color and texture.

A. Snow, Librarian

Seoul Food by Erin Danielle Russell and Tamisha Anthony - ADVISABLE

Seoul Food by Erin Danielle Russell, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2024. $19. 9780593464380

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

When Hana learns that both sets of her grandparents are coming for a visit, she wants to make the perfect meal for them. She is at loss for what to make until she remembers the time she spent cooking with both sets of grandparents. She comes up with a dish that will appeal to her grandparents from South Carolina and her grandparents from South Korea.

A sweet story about a girl who finds a way to celebrate her multicultural background. Love is the ingredient that brings them all together. The recipe for Kimchi Gumbo is included at the end. Anthony’s  illustrations are great. They have lots of movement and expression.

Hana is and her family are Black and South Korean.

A. Snow, Librarian

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson - ADVISABLE

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Matt Patterson. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2025. $20. 9780063325166

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

A snapping turtle named Fire Chief is very lucky because he was one of the few turtles to hatch and survive to adulthood.  He was also lucky to choose to live in a pond near a fire station.  Every fall, Fire Chief crawled out of his pond, crossed the road, and spent the winter burrowed in mud in a larger pond.  One fall, Fire Chief was hit by a car while crossing.  The firemen found him and wanted to help him. Could they find anyone around who knew how to help a snapping turtle?

Montgomery tells a warmhearted true story about a turtle and the conservationists who helped give him a second chance.   I liked reading the extra information in the back matter. Patterson's realistic illustrations are expressive, detailed, and beautiful.

PGPowers