The Golden Poo (Whose Poo is This? #1) by Dr. Egg, Park Song-Eui and Kim Duck-Young - OPTIONAL

The Golden Poo (Whose Poo is This? #1) by Dr. Egg, Park Song-Eui, illustrated by Kim Duck-Young. 85 pages. NON-FICTION GRAPHIC CHAPTER BOOK. Graphic Universe (Lerner). 2025. $13. 9798765627686

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dr. Egg, Dr. Yang, and Dr. Woong find a mysterious fake golden poo in the woods with 8 poo capsules inside! Will they be able to use clues and find out which 8 animals the poos came from? Readers will learn along with these adorable scientists about animals and their poo.

Originally published in Korea, the chibi characters are endearing on their quest to discover whose poo is whose. There is lots of poop talk and animals are illustrated straining, grunting, and pooping. After each animal is discovered, there is a page of animal facts and stats with commentary from the characters.

The characters are Korean.

Rachel, Elementary library specialist

All Aboard the Poo Boat (Whose Poo is This? #2) by Dr. Egg and Park Song-eui and Kim Duck-Young - OPTIONAL

All Aboard the Poo Boat (Whose Poo is This? #2) by Dr. Egg and Park Song-eui, illustrated by Kim Duck-Young. 85 pages. NON-FICTION CHAPTER BOOK. Graphic Universe (Lerner), 2025. $13. 9798765627679

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dr. Egg, Dr. Yang, and Dr. Woong are back to solve the Mystery of the Golden Poo by finding which animals made the poo in the 8 poo capsules. 

This book is packed with animal and poop facts alongside chibi-style illustrations. For some reason, this one didn't gross me out as much as the first. It could be because I was more prepared for all the poop talk. I liked that I learned new things about the animals in this book. The facts are presented in a unique and engaging way.

The characters are Korean

Rachel, Elementary library specialist

First Snow! (Gnome and Rat) by Lauren Stohler - ADVISABLE

First Snow! (Gnome and Rat) by Lauren Stohler. 67  pages. CHAPTER BOOK/GRAPHIC NOVEL. Alfred A Knopf (Random House), 2024. $11. 9780593487907

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Rat is excited for his family's annual Nest Fest. Gnome is excited for the first snow. And to go to Nest Fest with Rat. When Gnome packs too much for the trip, will the pair make it in time for Nest Fest? Hilarious antics are sure to follow in this early graphic novel.

This was my first Gnome and Rat book. The characters were endearing. (Who wouldn't chuckle at a gnome using "bumblebutts" as an expletive?) The story was a little overly simple, but the humor and cute illustrations made up for it.

Rachel, elementary library specialist

Lost and Found in the City (Ratnip #1) by Cam Higgins and Allison Steinfeld - ADVISABLE

Lost and Found in the City (Ratnip #1) by Cam Higgins, illustrated by Allison Steinfeld. 119 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Little Simon, 2025 $18. 9781665963466

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ratnip is a city rat who loves to collect treasures. He and his siblings live in an old pizza restaurant with a racoon named Cookie, and they all come out at night to eat the delicious things humans leave behind. One night Ratnip finds the Thing. It buzzes, lights up, and has a human's face on it. With the help of his friends, will Ratnip be able to complete his mission and return the Thing to its human?

This is a cute early chapter book with a very simple plot. It seems to be set in New York City. It's not my favorite early chapter book that I've read, but kids will likely enjoy it.

The human in the story has dark skin.

Rachel, Elementary library specialist

Harry Styles (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Lizzie Knott - ADVISABLE

Harry Styles (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Lizzie Knott. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Quarto), 2025. $16. 9781836005155

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) -  ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

The "Little People, Big Dreams" series creates short, child-friendly biographies about historical and contemporary figures. This addition covers the early life and career of Harry Styles, the musician. Children are given an abbreviated chronology of how Harry became famous and how he continues to spread his motto: "Treat people with kindness."

Any student who loves the hit songs of One Direction will want to read this book. The illustrations are bright and convey a sense of fun and realism. Harry's tattoos are added as his career progresses. There is also a short summary at the end of the book containing more details about Harry's activities and a few photographs.

Harry promotes gender neutral self-expression.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon and Alexis Franklin - ADVISABLE

City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon and Alexis Franklin. PICTURE BOOK Kokila (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593405567 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

When a boy from New York comes to visit Mississippi for the summer, the boys who live next door try to welcome him. But there's a lot to miss left behind in New York, and a friendship isn't going to be easy. 

Wow! Beautiful illustrations! This is a gorgeous book! The text and illustration combined speak their own language, and brought this adult reader back to the summers of my youth. I'm certain there's many more layers to this story than my own culture understood, but I loved it so much, I can believe if you are part of their culture, you will really enjoy it, too. The boys are black. 

Lisa Librarian 

Gnome and Rate Time to Party! by Lauren Stohler - ADVISABLE

Gnome and Rate Time to Party! by Lauren Stohler. CHAPTER BOOK. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2024. $11. 9780593487860 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

This is book 2 of 3 of the Gnome and Rat graphic novel series. Written as a chapter book, each chapter has a different adventure for these two. Some of their adventures includes what to do for Gnome's birthday, how to create a holiday for Rat, and teaching Gnome how to blow a bubble. These chapters are short and entertaining. Young readers will enjoy following Gnome and Rats adventures. My daughter and I liked this graphic novel because of the humor in each chapter. The illustrations were engaging and added more to the plot. We liked how silly Gnome was and how Rat was always trying to fix the problems that arose. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Why I Love Diggers and Trucks by Daniel Howarth - OPTIONAL

Why I Love Diggers and Trucks by Daniel Howarth. BOARD BOOK. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2024. $12 9780008595401

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

This is a colorful little board book with animal characters interacting with and sharing why they love various construction vehicles ("they're noisy"/"they're strong"/"they're huge", etc.) Fans of diggers and trucks will likely be fans of this book. I like that the little animal characters celebrate not just the real construction vehicles, but their own illustrated drawings of construction vehicles, and their toy versions as well. I really dislike the cutesy font and wish they'd used a more simple sans serif font so early readers might be able to read along and at least easily recognize the letters. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

Pearl's Lost Pearls by Olivier Dunrea - OPTIONAL

Pearl's Lost Pearls by Olivier Dunrea. PICTURE BOOK HarperCollins Children's Books, 2024. $13 9780547867588 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A sweet little easy reader about a darling gosling named Pearl who loves loves LOVES her pearls. She wears her pearls all the time and everywhere...until she doesn't! The illustrations are really cute and the text is simple enough with quite a bit of repetition making it just right for early readers to help read along and maybe even tackle it on their own. Definitely geared for the younger kiddos with a relatable conflict that's resolved pretty quickly. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

Sketty and Meatball by Sarah Weeks illustrated by Alex Willmore - ADVISABLE

Sketty and Meatball by Sarah Weeks illustrated by Alex Willmore. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2024. $6 9780062431615 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

This is a cute story about two dogs who are best friends and do everything together. They go on a fun little adventure that has a silly twist and a sweet ending. 

For an easy reader book, this has some fun substance that a parent won't mind reading over and over again with their new little reader. The illustrations are adorable and the writing is simple but fun, with some great examples of opposites and comparisons, as well as gentle teaching about compromise and cooperation. Mostly, young kids will just really enjoy these dogs and their fun friendship. I let some of my students read and review this one and while the upper elementary kids weren't terribly impressed, the younger students loved it. 

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian 

Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Cat Out of Water: A Cat in the Hat Story by Art Baltazar - ADVISABLE

Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Cat Out of Water: A Cat in the Hat Story by Art Baltazar. CHAPTER BOOK. Random House Graphic, 2024. $11. 9780593703038

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

The last time Cat in the Hat came to Sally and her brother's house, things went a little crazy. In this story, everything starts out as a normal day, until the Cat comes to visit. Their fish is grumpy because of the big mess that the Cat left last time, but the Cat assures he won't make a big mess this time. He then gets the idea to turn the entire house into a fishbowl. Sally, her brother, and the fish are swept away in a water adventure in their own house! 

My daughter and I enjoyed this graphic novel. It had a lot of humor and was easy to follow. The pictures were fun and engaging. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Who's Writing this Story ?! by Robin Newman illustrated by Deborah Zemke - ESSENTIAL

Who's Writing this Story ?! by Robin Newman illustrated by Deborah Zemke. PICTURE BOOK. Creston Books, 2024. $20. 9781954354296 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

This is a unique way to teach young readers about the five basic story elements. It starts with a writer, writing the story of the Three Little Pigs. The writer is soon interrupted by the characters. The pigs want to change the plot, their names, and the conflict. The writer ends up being a weak character, so she is omitted from the pigs' new story. 

This is a fun way to see how you can changing elements in the plot will affect the story. I liked this book because I think that teachers and children will enjoy it for different reasons. This can be enjoyed as a regular story, or it can be used to teach the different story elements. It could also be used with gifted and talented programs. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

If Lin Can by Richard Ho illustrated by Huynh Kim Lien and Phung Nguyen Quang - ESSENTIAL

If Lin Can: How Jeremy Lin Inspired Asian Americans to Shoot for the Stars by Richard Ho illustrated by Huynh Kim Lien and Phung Nguyen Quang. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2024. $19. 9781623543723

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Have you ever been told that you weren't tall enough? Good enough? Or weren't able to do something due to your race, ethnicity, or game?Jeremy Lin grew up hearing these types of statements. He wanted to become a basketball player. He didn't let these negative messages affect him. He persevered and went on to become a famous and inspiring player. 

I liked this book because it addressed many negative stereotypes and put downs that children hear every day. It was inspiring to see that despite being told he couldn't do it, Lin didn't let that stop him. The pictures and text were engaging. Jeremy Lin's emigrated from Taiwan. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

The Words We Share by Jack Wong - ESSENTIAL

The Words We Share by Jack Wong. PICTURE BOOK.  Annick Press, 2023. $23. 9781773217970 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Angie's dad only speaks Cantonese. They have moved up to Canada and he relies on Angie to translate restaurant menus and interact with his community. He is able to get a job as a janitor and wants to create signs in English to remind people to clean up after themselves. Angie helps him create signs and sees that translating is a need that her whole community has. She begins helping others, but translates one sign at a laundry mat incorrectly. Will she be brave enough to make this right? Will people still want her to help them with their signs? 

I liked this story because it shows how kids can help newly immigrated families interact with their new community. Angie goes to school and therefore learns English faster than her dad. This book shows how many many people living in places like Little Chinatown have a hard time with language barriers, even though they have lived there for years. The characters speak Cantonese. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

All the Pieces: When a Loved One Dies from Substance Use by Hallie Riggs illustrated by Adriana Predoi - ADVISABLE

All the Pieces: When a Loved One Dies from Substance Use by Hallie Riggs illustrated by Adriana Predoi. PICTURE BOOK. (K-3rd grade) Magination Press ― American Psychological Association, 2024. $20. 9781433842184 

Content: PG (This book talks about addiction and a parent dying.)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A young boy has a father who has an addiction. He doesn't understand why sometimes his dad can be so fun, while other times, he gets so mad or sad. The boy's grandmother explains to him that people are made up of many different pieces, and this is just one piece of his dad. After the dad dies, the boy learns how to process and acknowledge his different emotions. 

This book was written by a LCSW and would be a great tool for kids that are going through something like this. I liked this book because many kids are going through this at home and this can help them process and talk about what is happening. I also liked that it was written by a LCSW. There are resources and additional information at the back of the book for adults and children. The pictures are cute and engaging. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Tasha's Voice by Carmen Bogan, Floyd Cooper and Daria Peoples - ADVISABLE

Tasha's Voice by Carmen Bogan, Floyd Cooper and Daria Peoples. PICTURE BOOK. Yosemite Conservancy, 2024. $19. 9781951179045 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Written by the same author as who wrote Where's Rodney?, this is about a young African American girl named Tasha, who is the new girl in class and is a little shy. When her teacher calls on her to share, no words come out. The class is going on a field trip to a park on Friday. Once Tasha starts exploring nature with the park ranger, she starts to become more confident with her environment and herself. She might even be brave enough to speak in front of the class. 

This is a story of bravery and friendship. I liked this book because of the overall theme and the illustrations. The characters were multicultural and authentic. This book would help students that are new to a school or any child that loves nature and the outdoors. 

A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Mermaids are the Worst by Alex Willan. - ESSENTIAL

Mermaids are the Worst by Alex Willan. PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2025. $20. 9781665962599 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

When the Goblin takes a vacation, he discovers that Mermaids are the Worst. They are not quiet. In fact, his island paradise is the location of the Mermaid Tournament of Awesomeness. 

I adore this series. Alex Willan has so many great ideas. I hope he never runs out of magical creatures this goblin can hate. If you don't have Unicorns Dragons Yetis and Elves are the Worst quickly purchase the whole series for your library. 

Lisa Librarian 

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