Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen - ADVISABLE

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

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When young Eliza steps through a fairy door, she finds herself in an enchanted world where all the curious creatures she believes in are real. And only she can rescue the fairies from the evil curse that threatens all of them. 

Illustrated in color on every page, Eliza’s story will feel magical for your readers who love reading about fairies. A little younger in level than Shannon Hale’s Princess in Pink series. McDonald ventures away from her Judy Moody characters into the realm of fantasy. Eliza is brave and persistent.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I’m a Car by Matthew Scott - ADVISABLE

I’m a Car by Matthew Scott. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $9. 9781536243222

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Meet seven different vehicles and a little about what they are used for. Scott’s illustrations are fun and bright.  The pages of the board book are graduated in size and are cut out so that they are a great tactile experience. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor. - ADVISABLE

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor. PICTURE BOOK. Greenwillow Books (Harper), 2025. $20. 9780063373587

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Crow is waiting on a wire when several of his friends try to get him to spend time with him. He refuses them all. The other animals find Crow rude. It's not that Crow is rude, it's that he has a secret, world saving mission to fulfill.

Cute and fun with an unexpected twist. Great illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Dot the Ladybug the Perfect Spot by Kallie George and Stephanie Fizer Coleman - OPTIONAL

Dot the Ladybug the Perfect Spot by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. EARLY READER. Harper, 2025. $6. 9780063137523

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Jots the mouse asks Dot the ladybug to find the perfect spot. Dot heads out looking for spots without asking enough questions. But it all works out when Dot realizes a spot does not have to be a dot.

Large text and simple sentences make for a good early reader book. The illustrations are bright and engaging.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Dinosaur’s Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost and Sam Rennocks - ESSENTIAL

Dinosaur’s Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost and Sam Rennocks. BOARD BOOK Candlewick, 2024. $9. 9781536246667

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Come play with dinosaurs as they enjoy a fun day.

Besides the wobbly bottom action, Frost’s board book has two other actions I haven’t seen before.  One dino stomps its feet in separate directions and another has wings that also flap. Get ready for a lot of movement from your favorite toddlers.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Unicorn’s Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost and Sam Rennocks - ESSENTIAL

Unicorn’s Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost and Sam Rennocks. BOARD BOOK Candlewick, 2024. $9. 9781536246674

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Unicorn would like to play - do you want to play along?

I have played with many interactive board books.  This is the first time I have seen the wiggling option!  I could play with it for hours just doing that.  A fun way to get little ones up and moving.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I’m a Dinosaur by Matthew Scott - ADVISABLE

I’m a Dinosaur by Matthew Scott. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $9. 9781536243239

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Meet seven dinosaurs within Scott’s board book. I love his illustrations. And the edges are graduated and textured, for a fun sensory experience - sure to end up in many a young mouth.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Mistaco! a tale of tragedy y tortillas by Eliza Kinkz - ADVISABLE

Mistaco! a tale of tragedy y tortillas by Eliza Kinkz. PICTURE BOOK. Kokila (penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593700235

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Izzy had a horrible day at school, but she doesn’t want to share with her family.  She knows she is always making mistakes with her impulsiveness.  As they are cooking tortillas for taco night, her Lito (I think that is her grandfather) coaxes the story out of her and helps her eat her mistakes. Then the whole family joins in, eating their own mistakes.

Teaching children to share their mistakes can be tricky - they are always thinking they will be punished. Seeing mistakes through Izy’s eyes and then having her family talk about their own mistakes can help - especially since Izzy’s story and the “mistaco” eating is so much fun. The illustrative style is not my favorite.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS