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

Are We There Yet? The First Road Trip Across the USA by Stacy McAnulty and Elizabeth Baddeley - ADVISABLE

Are We There Yet? The First Road Trip Across the USA by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Margaret K. McElderry (Simon and Schuster), 2025. $20. 9781665937474 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

This is a true story about a Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, who bet $50 he could drive a horseless carriage across the USA from California to New York in less than three months. Pretty gutsy, since he didn't even know how to drive and there were no highways. He hires a bike racer for his mechanic and finds a bulldog along the way and they are off. Two other teams more experienced teams start out from California and the race is on! 

For kids who can't imagine life without a car, this is a fascinating read. I don't know that I would undertake this adventure even in a good car without gas stations and a cell phone. The print is small for younger readers, but the pictures make up for it. The fun facts at the end are a must read, and the timeline and map help. This book made me want to learn more about Dr. Jackson and his trip. It would be fun to recreate it. Entertaining and informative! Dr. Jackson is white. 

Michelle in the Middle

Lost Words: An Armenian Story of Survival and Hope by Leila Boukarim and Sona Avedikian - ADVISABLE

Lost Words: An Armenian Story of Survival and Hope by Leila Boukarim, illustrated by Sona Avedikian. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2024. $19. 9781797213651

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

It was a normal day for Michael until his mother grabbed him, sewed gold buttons into his coat, and sent him away with neighbors. That is when he began to have no words. He walked across a dessert for what seemed months. Michael arrived at a safe place with those who had survived the walk. Still there were no words. Michael grew up and had his own family. For many years, there were no words.

This sweet story of family love, as viewed from the eyes of a child who experienced the Armenian genocide that started in 1915, reminds us that many people cannot find words to express traumatic events. Actual family histories from both the author and the illustrator echo the current need of millions of refugees around the world. The author includes a website that provides information on how to help refugees. It is obvious a lot of love went into the telling of this story.

MOMMAC

Who Ate Steve? by Susannah Lloyd and Kate Hindley - OPTIONAL

Who Ate Steve? by Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Kate Hindley.  PICTURE BOOK Nosy Crow (Candlewick), 2024. $18 9798887771311 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The narrator of this book is teaching about size, comparing a big bird named Marcel, to a small worm named Steve. Marcel keeps trying to eat Steve, until something even bigger comes along and eats Marcel.  

Cute story along the lines of "I Want My Hat Back," and "We Don't Eat our Classmates." It doesn't quite reach that level, but it's definitely worth a read. The art is fun and engaging and it does meet it's goal teaching about size in a roundabout manner. 

Michelle in the Middle 

If You Get Lost by Nikki Loftin, illustrated by Deborah Marcero - OPTIONAL

If You Get Lost by Nikki Loftin, illustrated by Deborah Marcero. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books, 2023. $19. 9780593375310

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

A little bunny becomes lost. He looks up and down and in and out and around. His listens. He meets a new friend. He finds that lost can be a finding. He learns to let go of the lost feeling and finds joy.

Loftin tries to teach children not to be afraid of being lost, both physically and emotionally. But, I found the advice given a bit dangerous as the bunny searches the area and finds a friend and "lets go" of the lost feeling. A better option would have been to teach the child to stay put and hold on to things that he knows and have faith that he would be found. The illustrations are beautiful. 

MOMMAC

Fairy Walk by Gaia Cornwall - ADVISABLE

Fairy Walk by Gaia Cornwall. Candlewick Press, 2025. PICTURE BOOK. $18. 9781536230710

BUYING ADVISORY:  Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Three little friends set off on a "Fairy Walk" through the woods next to their house. They are looking for fairies, of course. They have all their fairy hunting equipment and supplies, as well as, their faithful dog. They find wonders of nature galore, but where are the fairies?

"Fairy Walk" has very limited text. The greatness of this book lies in its illustrations. There are hidden fairies and animals, including a ladybug, on every page. Sharing the misty dream world created by Cornwall is what will engage children as they peruse the details of each scene. The three children on the "Fairy Walk" are a white girl, a black girl, and a tan-skinned girl.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Rachel Carson's Wonder-Filled World by Kate Hannigan and Katie Hickey - OPTIONAL

Rachel Carson's Wonder-Filled World: How the Scientist, Writer, and Nature Lover Changed the Environmental Movement by Kate Hannigan, illustrated by Katie Hickey. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek, 2025. $25. 9781662680571

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Rachel Carson always loved nature. Her whole life, she wrote about what she saw, heard, and felt in the outdoors. As a child, she explored the woods. As a student, she loved the Atlantic coast. When she got older, she combined her love of science, nature, and writing and published a book to try to protect nature and warn people about pesticides. 

The end pages include an author's note, biographical timeline, glossary, and information about how to be a naturalist like Carson. " The best part of this book is the pictures. The illustrations are colorful and dynamic. Every few pages there is a quote from Carson. I thought they took away from the narrative, and the language would be hard to understand for children.

Rachel Carson and her family are white.

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist

The Elephant and the Purim Crown by Haviva Kierzenblat and Rebeca Luciani - OPTIONAL

The Elephant and the Purim Crown by Haviva Kierzenblat, illustrated by Rebeca Luciani.  PICTURE BOOK. Kar-Ben Publishing (Lerner), 2025. $19. 9798765619896

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Rachel and her cousin pay to ride an elephant in their native Burma. When Rachel sees the old elephant's injured feet, she remembers how important it is to respect animals. After she wins the coveted Purim crown at her Jewish synagogue celebration, Rachel comes up with a plan to help the elephant.

This story is inspired by Kierzenblat's mother, who grew up in Burma in the 1950s. I liked learning about the Jewish concept of compassion toward animals. The message of this book is of compassion and taking action when you believe in something.

The characters are illustrated with brown skin. 

Rachel, Elementary library specialist 

And, Too, the Fox by Ada Limon, illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro - OPTIONAL

And, Too, the Fox by Ada Limon, illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro. NON-FICTION. Carolrhoda Books (Lerner), 2025. PICTURE BOOK. $19. 9798765639252

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A fox hunts, plays, watches, and lives an ordinary and fascinating life. Colorful poetry and illustrations work together to paint a picture of a fox living in a semi-urban area.

Kids love animal books, and this will likely be no exception. I plan to use this book when I teach students about poetry. The illustrations help the poem to come alive.

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist

Six Little Sticks by Tiffany Stone and Ruth Hengeveld - ADVISABLE

Six Little Sticks by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Ruth Hengeveld. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Kids, 2025. $19. 9781778401237

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Mama stick bug is going to teach her 6 little stick bug babies how to hide. But, oh no! Now the little stick bugs are disappearing one at a time. Can you help mama stick bug find her babies?

Such a cute counting book! Kids will no doubt love to spot the adorable hiding stick bugs on each page. The end includes 6 facts about stick bugs and 6 more camouflaging insects to find in the book. 

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist

The Littlest Drop by Sascha Alper, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney. - ESSENTIAL

The Littlest Drop by Sascha Alper, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney. PICTURE BOOK. Anne Schwartz books (Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593309124

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Hummingbird is finishing her nest. She is preparing for her time to lay her eggs, when all is threatened by wildfire. Hummingbird knows she is small but has to try to save her home. Elephant is inspired by Hummingbird's efforts and joins in fighting the flames. The other animals realize that their combined efforts may be able to make a difference and join as well. The animals all learn that if everyone does what they can, great results can be achieved.

The Littlest Drop" is a beautiful picture book that reads well. The illustrations are vivid and filled with movement. The storyline moves with emotion and urgency. It is a retelling of a South American fable that was retold over and over by Wangari Maathai, the first African woman and first environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

This story is set in Africa, and the characters are the animals of the savannah and forest. The Hummingbird is a mother, and the Elephant is a grandmother; honoring the matriarchal role of wisdom and leadership.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

Wish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Nancy Carpenter - ESSENTIAL

Wish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2025 $19. 9781524739683 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Oliver is aware that his brain seems to work differently that the brains of the other kids in the class. He can't seem to sit still, and he easily distracts himself. One girl, Shay, isn't very nice to Oliver. One day during recess, Oliver climbs a tree, closes his eyes and makes a wish to be more like everyone else. Thank goodness he has a wise friend. 

This is one of those picture books teachers need to read, as a reminder for themselves, but also aloud to the class, to help give their students empathy and context for the kids who think outside the box. Not a picture book version of Fish in a Tree,  but a delightful picture book about the potential of children whose brains work differently than their peers'. Nancy Carpenter's illustrations are great. I highly recommend Wish in a Tree. Oliver and his classmates are white. 

Lisa Librarian

Make and Play: Build a Tree by Philippa Forrester, illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro - GIFT

Make and Play: Build a Tree by Philippa Forrester, illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro. INTERACTIVE NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK . Quarto Publishing, 2025. $25. 9781836005292

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - GIFT

APPEALS TO: MANY

To Build A Tree is an interactive guide to trees where you build your very own model of an oak tree with 15 press-out play animals, while learning about the crucial role trees play on our planet.  The reader will learn about why trees are important, trees through the seasons, animals that use trees as habitats, threats to trees, and more.

Build A Tree is a clever and interactive way to encourage  children to learn and care about trees.  They will eagerly love putting the model tree together with adult help as it is complex. The information is great for nature lovers and budding conservationists, but not of primary interest to the children.

PGPowers

The Monarch by Kristen Hall, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault - ADVISABLE

The Monarch by Kristen Hall, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum BYR (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665943420

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The Monarch informs the reader of the life cycles and other wonders of the monarch butterfly through sweet verse made into a story.  It also encourages us to take care of this treasured species. Kristen Hall makes learning about the monarch butterfly fun and interesting.  Arsenault's illustrations are gorgeous and bright.

PGPowers

Tori and the Muses by Tori Amos and Demelsa Haughton - OPTIONAL

Tori and the Muses by Tori Amos, illustrated by Demelsa Haughton. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Workshop, 2025. $20. 9780593750346

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Tori loves to play the piano, and is happy when her eleven muses come to see her.  They brought her a magical pink piano. They asked her to play something she wrote herself. Her muses talked her into taking her magical pink piano for a walk through the town to discover how other people discover their inspiration. What does Anna learn about other people's muses?

Tori and the Muses is about navigating the magical world of inspiration.  This is a great concept, but this story is not very relatable and is very wordy.  Haughton’s  illustrations are beautiful and sweet.

PGPowers

The Treasure Hunt: True Stories of Treasures Lost, Stolen, and Found written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, illustrated by Gordy Wright - ADVISABLE

The Treasure Hunt: True Stories of Treasures Lost, Stolen, and Found written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, illustrated by Gordy Wright. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $19. 9781623546298

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Calling all treasure hunters and puzzlemasters! Join your best friends Saksham and Zuri as you jet around the world solving mysteries left for you by a mysterious figure you think might be the ghost of Captain Kidd trying to recover his lost treasure. Along the way, you will learn a lot about other treasures, real and imagined, throughout world history as you crisscross the globe solving these different kinds of clues.

A great nonfiction adventure book for upper grades, this text will have your students flipping madly through the pages as they try to figure out all the clues. I delighted in the riddles and cryptograms sprinkled in between interesting tidbits of history. This could give you some great ideas for a breakout room classroom activity, or brain teasers for your kids throughout the year.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

My Brother is an Avocado by Tracy Darnton, illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail - OPTIONAL

My Brother is an Avocado by Tracy Darnton, illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail. PICTURE BOOK. McElderry Books (Simon), 2023. $19. 9781665942089

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

The wait for a new baby brother or sister is long for small children. To help pass the time and make it interesting, a young father starts telling his daughter about the size of the baby growing inside of mommy. At each stage she imagines what it would like for the baby at that size.

Darnton has written  a fun and happy story and Ismail’s  illustrations clearly show how happy and cheerful this little girl is. The book is delightful and happy. A really good book to read to your children and grandchildren. Wait for the fun surprise at the end.

The little girl in the book is brown.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

The Thing About Love by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Kristina Jones - ADVISABLE

The Thing About Love by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Kristina Jones. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2025. $19. 9781433843594

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) -  ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

From the very first time they met, a boy and a dog become best friends.  They share their life together.  Their bond becomes deeper as they go on adventures, celebrate milestones and comfort each other.  As the dog gets older, the boy discovers that love never goes away and it never forgets.

Ashman has written a poignant book about coping when a pet passes away.  The illustrations are beautiful paintings that look like photographs.  The book is laid out partially like a scrapbook detailing the boy's life with his dog.  This book would be a comfort to a child who has lost their pet but can also be enjoyed by children who are dog lovers.

The boy is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence by Maisha Oso, illustrated by Candice Bradley - ADVISABLE

Before the Ships  The Birth of Black Excellence by Maisha Oso, illustrated by Candice Bradley. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2024. $19. 9781338849974

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

This is the story of Blacks in Africa before the slave ships came. They had beautiful buildings, beautiful and fascinating cultures, and they had great societies. 

The book is written in beautiful, flowing verse - a great read-a-loud book for children. The illustrations are amazing. Such a beautiful book and a beautiful story. Very elegant!

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Zombie and Brain are Friends by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and Laan Cham - ESSENTIAL

Zombie and Brain are Friends by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and Laan Cham. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, SEPTEMBER 2025. $19. 9781547613625

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Zeb and his Zombie family raise certified organic brains on the farm. He knows better than to name the brains, but when he sees his first newborn brain, he can’t resist making it his pet. When Zeb thinks his Dad is going to eat Brian Brain as a midnight snack, Zeb helps Brain escape to where the wild brains roam.

Rule number one on any family farm is “Don’t Name the Animals!” I love Lucianovic’s riff on the familiar premise. Cham makes the brains and the zombies so adorable, that you will forget, just a little, that you are reading a book about brains and zombies. Silly fun.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Mushroom of Doom by Becky Davies, art by Thomas Elliott - OPTIONAL

The Mushroom of Doom by Becky Davies, art by Thomas Elliott. PICTURE BOOK. Union Square, AUGUST 2025. $19. 9781454961192

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Mushroom had a bad night and now he has had a bad morning. A really, really bad morning.  Now he is out for revenge.  But is revenge the best answer?

I was totally grooving on mushroom’s story.  FUn to read - especially since it was a bit backwards in the telling and had, what I thought was a great way to end.  Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of those reverse ending books where the main character didn’t actually learn its lesson and he should have gone into the blender in the first place. Funny for a read through - but not great classroom read aloud material.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella by Shana Keller and Laura Freeman - OPTIONAL

CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella by Shana Keller, illustrated by Laura Freeman. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, AUGUST 2025. $19.9781623543891 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

CeeCee has slaved for the Townsend family for so long that she had almost forgotten her real name. She is afraid, but talks to the cook about what it would take to escape. She takes courage from the story of Cinderella and the prince and dreams of a knight-prince who could take her to freedom. She carefully makes plans and relies on the kindness of the cook to plan the final steps. 

Ceecee’s story reads a bit like a myth itself.  I am conflicted, but I had to read the story a few times to understand it - I don’t know if young children would give it that much time. I also wonder at the illustrator’s choice of Ceecee wearing a red dress and coat for her escape - much harder to hide in that color.  The addition of Harriet Tubman to the story was a nice touch. I do enjoy a good Underground Railroad story; it is nice to have new ones from which to choose.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

How to be Brave Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier - ESSENTIAL

How to be Brave Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier. PICTURE BOOK. Owl Kids, OCTOBER 2025. $19. 9781771476720

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Snail is brave - kind of. He is really NOT brave enough to enter the paper airplane contest, but when his friend Stump listens carefully to Snail’s feelings, they decide to practice together. Snail feels great after the contest, but now Stump is not feeling so kind. Can Snail help Stump this time?

What a perfect blend of illustrations and story! The expressions on the characters are delightful and Hrab keeps the story going long enough for SNail to show off what he has learned about listening and helping. Much love!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Papa’s Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg, illustrated by Dan Taylor. - ADVISABLE

Papa’s Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg, illustrated by Dan Taylor. PICTURE BOOK. Philomel (Penguin), 2025. $20. 9780593693988

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Rosie and Jojo’s Papa has been gone so long, the children want to give him an extra special welcome home. Their list of things that Papa needs at the airport keeps getting longer, but Daddy is happy to help them. 

A sweet look at the love between child and parent - especially when the parent has been away for a long time. The long list becomes pretty silly - but that is part of the charm. Taylor’s vibrant illustrations are a perfect example of how illustrations created through digital means can have depth and liveliness. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Home by Matt de la Peña and Loren Long. - ESSENTIAL

Home by Matt de la Peña and Loren Long. PICTURE BOOK Penguin, 2025. $20. 9780593110898 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

The ideas of home can be very different. Not everyone has the same kind of home, or even a home at all. Sometimes homes are lost to floods or hardships, sometimes its not a place, but people, family or community. 

When Loren Long and Matt De La Pena team up they deliver a sensitive story with beautiful illustrations. Oh the gifting possibilities - every time I turned a page I got another idea. Many different children will find themselves or their friends or their homes in this thoughtful read. I want to play in that swing. The characters are of varied races and cultures 

Lisa Librarian

Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou Musser - ADVISABLE

Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou Musser. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2025. $20. 9780593693254

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Papilio emerges from her egg and is very hungry. While eating her leaf, she falls to the ground. A mouse lifts her up to eat a strawberry. When she is full, she forms a chrysalis. While she is in this stage, she is oblivious to the birds that try to eat her and the mouse that saves her. When she emerges as a butterfly, there are still dangers to avoid. Will she ever learn to believe in herself and become a butterfly?

Papilio is about growing up, believing in yourself, making friends and learning to fly. The tale is told in three parts by three different authors and friends who each illustrated their own part. I think it all works nicely together.

PGPowers

Cats in Construction Hats written by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez - ADVISABLE

Cats in Construction Hats written by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593706848

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-2) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Cats & hats equals a pretty universal crowd-pleasing concept. Cats in hats with major construction vehicles is even more fun. Six colorful cats, along with their rat friends, work together to build a kitty haven, even with some mishaps along the way.

The simple rhymes, bright colors, and fun story is the perfect mix for entertaining young readers. I loved this story and could see little kids loving reading along and pointing out the things they know like the colors and sounds.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Big Squeeze by Molly Harris and Alison Hawkins - ESSENTIAL

The Big Squeeze by Molly Harris, illustrated by Alison Hawkins. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2024. $20. 9780063255586

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Sponge feels she is up for any job around the kitchen.  Then one day everything seems to go wrong and she is left a gunky, gloppy mess - in total despair. When the Rubber GLoves appear asking her if she needs help, she reluctantly agrees.  She discovers that it is okay to ask to for help and it is okay to take time to refresh yourself.

SO DANG CUTE! adorable anthropomorphic kitchen items AND a great message without being preachy.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Squish by Breanna Carzoo - ESSENTIAL

The Squish by Breanna Carzoo. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2024. $20. 9780063334939

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

THe sandcastle is so proud - until it gets squished with a single step. It keeps trying to reinvent itself, but even the weather and the ocean is against it. It isn’t until it finds a friend that it realizes that together they can survive the squishes.

Little kids aren’t going to understand, and I don’t think you should try to explain the deeper message to The Squish - let them enjoy the grit of the little sandcastle.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Aliens Do Not Want to Go Home by Adam Gustavson - ADVISABLE

The Aliens Do Not Want to Go Home written and illustrated by Adam Gustavson. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $18. 9781623544942

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-2), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Several young aliens are having the time of their lives playing together and getting up to some mischief on Earth. They do NOT want to go home and they find a million reasons why they need to stay and play more.

Adults and children alike will enjoy this never-ending playdate. The illustrations are cheeky and so much fun. Kids will love the juxtaposition of crazy alien critters alongside scenes from rural Americana, and grown ups will enjoy it knowing that parents across the galaxy deal with the same excuses. This could be used as a fun creative writing exemplar text or just a fun read aloud.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Flamingos are Pretty Funky: a [not so] serious guide by Abi Cushman - ESSENTIAL

Flamingos are Pretty Funky: a [not so] serious guide by Abi Cushman. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Greenwillow (Harper), 2024. $20. 9780063234444

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Cushman combines a factual look at flamingos with a tongue-in-cheek side narration that will make you laugh. She has one other guide about Wombats.  I hope this is her niche and that she will write several (many) more nature books based on this premise.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor - ESSENTIAL

Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor. PICTURE BOOK. Balzer + Bray (Harper), 2024. $20. 9780063275560

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Ursula swims through the days with the sun on her belly and the river weeds above - until one day another fish tells her she is swimming upside down. Now her world is in chaos!  Until another animal saves her and then gives her the key to living her life her way.

As the back matter explains, there really is a catfish that swims, as we see it, upside down. BUt Ursula’s story is more about figuring out what your life should look like for you - a great message in a book that is just so much fun to read, especially as you flip the book over and back to read it.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Not-A-Box CIty by Antoinette Portis - ESSENTIAL

Not-A-Box City by Antoinette Portis. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2024. $18. 9780061827280

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Rabbit is taking their boxes and building the best city ever.  Other animals want to help, but Rabbit gets frustrated and sends them all away. He quickly realizes, however, that having friends made it all fun.

I just heard that Apple+ is going to use the three Not-A-Box books as the basis for an animated series.  Crossing my fingers that it is as adorable as the books are. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Odder: an otter’s story by Katherine Applegate and Charles Santoso - ADVISABLE

Odder: an otter’s story by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Charles Santoso. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2025. $19. 9781250323590

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Odder is separated from her mother at a very young age, but rescued and taken to an aquarium, where she is taught most of the things an otter needs to know before she is released.  In the ocean she learns more skills from other otters.  One day she is badly injured and must remain at the aquarium, where she eventually embraces her role of otter pup surrogate mom.

Applegate has blended several otters’ stories for Odder. The back matter is very interesting, The story text is pretty long - if reading aloud, you might want to break this up.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The King of Books by Gina Perry - ADVISABLE

The King of Books by Gina Perry. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), JULY 2025. $19. 9781250330123

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The King has declared today to be Book Day and he does all kinds with them - except for reading. At the end of the day he throws the books away in the handy moat, but thai upsets the moat monster. Maybe if he finally reads one of the books he can figure out how to fix this problem with some help? 

Kids will delight in the antics of the king as he uses books for very un-booklike ways.  I enjoyed the other creatures trying to help the king. The very last page gives a little homage to the kings i Robin Hood.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Fearless Storyteller by Cassie Silva, illustrated by Ana Zurita - ADVISABLE

The Fearless Storyteller by Cassie Silva, illustrated by Ana Zurita. PICTURE BOOK. Soaring Kite Books, 2025. $19. 9781958372777

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-2), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Our young narrator asks her father to read her a bedtime story, only to find out that her father gets nervous reading aloud. So during the course of the story, both the narrator and her father learn to face their fears together using positive visualizations.

My first thought was what a wonderful example of non-toxic masculinity, to see a father-figure character admit to having fears (in what turns out to be some sort of reading impairment), but then to also see that father-figure work to overcome those fears. Secondly, the author based the book off of her experiences with a parent that learned English as a second language, and it helped me further appreciate this text, dedicated to all those parents who have to face their fears, especially in a foreign language. A positive parent-child relationship, a positive storyline, and great characters. Love it!

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Camel Library by Marzieh Abbas and Anain Shaikh - ESSENTIAL

The Camel Library: a true story from Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas, illustrated by Anain Shaikh. PICTURE BOOK.  Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), AUGUST 2025. $19. 9781250322029

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Roshan the camel and his human Murad work hard to make a living in Pakistan.  When Covid arrives, Murad has to find a new way to make a living - could being a  mobile library fit the bill? 

What a lovely story! A quick internet search will give you lots of videos to share with students. There are now at least 12 camel libraries around Pakistan. I love these picture books showing that access to books is so important that people have used all kinds of different means to get them to the people who want and need them. Do another search for unconventional mobile libraries to start!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry and Charles Santoso - ADVISABLE

Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Charles Santoso. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), JULY 2025. $19. 9781250804211

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Evelyn has only enough coin to pay for a mystery egg for her new pet.  She tries all kinds of spells to make it hatch faster, but she realizes that time and patience are the only things that will get not only eggs, but everything else in her life to ripen just right.

Just right for a Halloween book without being just about Halloween.I love her bouncy green hair and the rest of Santoso’s whimsical drawings.  Ferry has written a nice interlude of repetition in the middle, which students will catch on to quickly and enjoy.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cat’s Christmas by Alison Murray - ADVISABLE

Cat’s Christmas by Alison Murray. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, SEPTEMBER 2025. $19. 9781547617593

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Cat is not impressed by any of the trappings of Christmas, especially when a new wiggly present takes over its favorite lap. 

Murray’s story would be perfect in board book form. The bright illustrations are a lovely reflection of Christmas cheer and Cat behaves exactly like a cat would - especially the pouting. Finding a good cat book is much harder than finding a dog book.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Wolfgang in the Meadow by Kenny Wen - ADVISABLE

Wolfgang in the Meadow by Kenny Wen. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion (Harper), 2024. $20. 9780063288942

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Wolfgang, a ghost, loves the meadow - he practices spooky things, but he also enjoys the beauty around him.  When is picked as the successor to the Mighty Hubert who haunted the Dark Castle for 1000 years, he leaves the non-spooky things behind.  The haunting goes well for a long time, but one day WOlfgang realizes that something is missing.

As a person who loves things a bit off the beaten path, I love Wolfgang's tale and his insight into what was missing. Of course you can see this as a Halloween book, but Wolfgang is more than that.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Minh and the Magic Grains of Rice by Do Jguyet Ha and Le Phuong Quynh - ADVISABLE

Minh and the Magic Grains of Rice by Do Jguyet Ha, illustrated by Le Phuong Quynh. Translation by Bac H. Tran. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle, 2025. $18. 9781797213330

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Minh refuses to eat any more and swats it out of his dad’s hand. THen he sees the grains scurrying away and follows them. The grains of rice teach him the story of how they were created and have Minh work to grow his own grains. 

Loosely based on Vietnamese folklore; I wouldn’t add this to a folklore collection, though. The anthropomorphic grains of rice are adorable; check out the cute endpapers. On the pages where Minh is working on the harvest, Ha gives us a type of Vietnamese working poem - I would read the rest of the pages to a group of students and then come back and read the poem. I enjoy this mystical journey picture book - for both story and illustrations.  I want a grain of rice stuffie of my own!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

All By Myself (But Sometimes I Need a Little Help!) by Elizabeth Everett, illustrated by Shelley Hanmo - ADVISABLE

All By Myself (But Sometimes I Need a Little Help!) by Elizabeth Everett, illustrated by Shelley Hanmo. PICTURE BOOK. Soaring Kite Books, 2025. $19. 9781958372722

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-2) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

“I can do it!” may be a phrase that any parent of a young child hears all too often, but in this case, our young narrator shows all the things he can do by himself, and all the things that he needs help with, and that’s ok. A perfect story for children exploring their world and their abilities as they grow up, one skill at a time.

I loved the collaborative nature of this story, with our young narrator exploring his independence while also working with his grown-ups to do more difficult tasks. I also loved the cut-paper illustrations. They were colorful, fun, and quirky, and fit the tone of the story perfectly. This is definitely geared toward the younger end of the K-2 range, but I think it is a nice addition to your picture book collection.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes