Mega: The Most Enormous Animals Ever by Jules Howard and Gavin Scott. - ADVISABLE

Mega:  The Most Enormous Animals Ever by Jules Howard, illustrated by Gavin Scott. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2025. $30. 9798887772004

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Mega: The Most Enormous Animals Ever explores Earth's largest creatures, both extinct and living, with a focus on megafauna like mammoths, whales, and giant birds.  There are detailed illustrations and facts that cover animal evolution, extinction, and conservation.  The dust jacket unfolds into a large poster of a mammoth.

Howard's text and facts are very captivating.  I especially loved the astonishing illustrations on each page.

PGPowers

You Can Say Hi With Only A Smile by Merriam Sarcia Saunders and Tracy Nishimura Bishop - ADVISABLE

You Can Say Hi With Only A Smile by Merriam Sarcia Saunders, illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2026. $19. 9781433845574

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Some people use words to greet you.  Others say hi with only a smile.  Some people use a nod while others use sign language.  Some kids use a tablet to talk for them.  Mothers may give you a hug.  How do you like to say hi?

You Can Say Hi With Only A Smile encourages kids to embrace different communication styles with empathy and confidence.  I liked the cute, sunny feel of the illustrations.

PGPowers

Consider the Birds by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Julianna Swaney - OPTIONAL

Consider the Birds by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Julianna Swaney. PICTURE BOOK. Eerdmans Books For Young Readers, 2025. $19. 9780802855626

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

On a spring day at the birdfeeder, one hungry loud blue jay, two morning doves, three black-capped chickadees and more grab a quick bite.  Some try to keep the food for themselves.  Consider the birds of the air.  If God loves them, and feeds them, does he love and take care of you too?

Consider the Birds is a gentle lyrical story that helps children discover the wonders of nature and the love of God.  Swaney's illustrations are soft, simple, and endearing.

PGPowers

Mama's Special Wonton Soup by Wai Mei Wong, illustrated by Xin Yue Zhu - ADVISABLE

Mama's Special Wonton Soup by Wai Mei Wong, illustrated by Xin Yue Zhu. PICTURE BOOK. Lantana Publishing, 2025. $19. 9781836290186

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

A young Chinese girl leaves her mama's house to buy meat for wonton soup. On the way to the market, she passes many villagers going about their business.  She greets them all with "Zao an".  Most of them give her something to eat to put in her basket.  She thanks them, and continues to the market.  When she finally makes it home, they have more food than she and her mama can eat.  Then the young girl thinks of a wonderful idea.

Mama's Special Wonton Soup is a charming story about sharing with each other.  I enjoyed the peaceful rural life portrayed, and the restful color pallet of the storytelling illustrations.

PGPowers

What Medicine Can Do by Gabrielle Balkan, art by Alberto Lot - ADVISABLE

What Medicine Can Do by Gabrielle Balkan, art by Alberto Lot. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Penguin, 2025. $20. 9798217051243

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Some of the animal children have different reasons why they need to see the doctor and take medicine.

Balkan does a very clear job of explaining different reasons we need the doctor, how the doctor interacts with us, and the usefulness of taking the right medicine. The book is a bit lengthy, but I liked the careful explanations and thoroughness of it. I could see reading it out loud a little at a time.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Boys Don't Fry by Kimberly Lee, illustrated by Charlene Chua - OPTIONAL

Boys Don't Fry by Kimberly Lee, illustrated by Charlene Chua. PICTURE BOOK. Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, 2023. $19. 9780374389857

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

It is the eve of Lunar New Year, all of Jin's relatives have gathered to celebrate at his house.  His mother, grandmother and aunties are all cooking a big feast.  Jin would love to learn to cook.  Will they let him help?

Boys Don't Fry is a sweet story with very colorful pictures.  I love the message that everyone should be able to enjoy cooking!  This book also mentioned several dishes from Peranakan Chinese culture which I have never heard of before.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

I’m Thankful for My Body by Lindsay Sagar. - OPTIONAL

I’m Thankful for My Body by Lindsay Sagar. BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2023. $9. 9781684645596

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The little children are thankful for all of the different parts of their bodies and ways that they can use them. I wish, however, that the body part on each page were more prominent so that little ones would learn by sight the name of each part.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

BB Interactive, BB Go, Go, Go Boat (Baby on Board) by Sebastian Braun - OPTIONAL

Go, Go, Go Boat (Baby on Board) by Sebastian Braun. BOARD BOOK. Templar Books, 2025. $10. 9781536241211

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Join the boat and the babies on a trip across the water. 

Very sturdy and a bit of fun. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/fDcyhWd7_ajEfqHgkcO_RQ

Ada, Look at my Teeth by Daishu Ma - ADVISABLE

Ada, Look at my Teeth by Daishu Ma. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick, 2024. $8. 9781536235470

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Ada and her tiger look at their teeth and at the teeth of many other animals. I like that the end of the book encourages little ones to brush their teeth to keep their smiles bright.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I’m Thankful for Animals by Lindsey Sagar - ADVISABLE

I’m Thankful for Animals by Lindsey Sagar. BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2023. $9. 9781684645619

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The children in Sagar’s book are a delightful variety of types and abilities. And they are grateful for a fun array of animals for very unique reasons. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Don’t Wake Up the Tiger by Britta Teckentrup - OPTIONAL

Don’t Wake Up the Tiger by Britta Teckentrup. BOARD BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2025. $9. 9781536241440

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The animals are very nervous.  They need to set up for a big celebration, but Tiger is sleeping right in the way. Can they safely cross over, or will they waken the beast?

The ending twist is very cute. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Santa Yeti by Matthew Luhn, illustrated by Luke Flowers. Kane Miller - OPTIONAL

Santa Yeti by Matthew Luhn, illustrated by Luke Flowers. Kane Miller, 2023. $16. 9781684646036

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Frank the yeti dreams of warmer temperatures than his chilly home. He sneaks a ride on Santa’s sleigh and almost ruins Christmas. 

I don’t understand why the book is written in rhyme.  I found it distracting. The Yeti is a cute character and the story line is solid, otherwise.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Leah’s Star: a nativity story by Margaret Bateson-Hill and Karin Littlewood - OPTIONAL

Leah’s Star: a nativity story by Margaret Bateson-Hill and Karin Littlewood. PICTURE BOOK. Kane Miller, 2021. $13. 9781684642243

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Leah’s father owns an inn and stable in Bethlehem. When the pregnant woman needs a place to rest, she convinces her father to let them stay in the stable. There Leah witnesses the Christmas miracle of the birth of Jesus.

Bateson-Hill condenses the entire Christmas story into one night - shepherds, wise men, and fleeing to Egypt included. While it makes for succinct story-telling, it is also misleading. I don’t see Leah replacing the Little Drummer Boy any time soon, though the illustrations are a dreamy touch. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Santa Needs a New Butt! by Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird - ESSENTIAL

Santa Needs a New Butt! by Dawn McMillan, illustrated by Ross Kinnaird. PICTURE BOOK. Dover Publications, 2025. $9. 9780486855141

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Poor Santa has squished and lopsided butt problems from sitting in his sleigh too long.  Everyone jumps into action to try and help,  but Grandma ends up saving the day with the perfect solution for Santa's derriere.

McMillan is back at it with another one of her butt books. The illustrations are colorful and bold.  I was glad to see they are large enough for a room full of students to enjoy and the rhyming story is short enough to hold the youngest readers' attention.  The repeated use of the word "butt" will surely garnish plenty of giggles.  I look forward to sharing this book as a read-a-loud.

Alissa Loves Books

Upside Down Animals by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Matt Hunt - ADVISABLE

Upside Down Animals by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Matt Hunt. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2025. $9. 9781664351554

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Monkey goes up and then goes low.  Duck floats and then dives. See animals do opposite actions depending on if you hold the book right side up or upside down.

Upside Down Animals is a clever engaging book of transformations.  Each image transforms into its opposite when the book is flipped upside down.

PGPowers

The Night of the Hedgehog by Tanya Rosie, illustrated by Chuck Groenink - ADVISABLE

The Night of the Hedgehog by Tanya Rosie, illustrated by Chuck Groenink. PICTURE BOOK.  Candlewick Press, 2025. $19. 9781536245066

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A father wakes his little girl, and together they quietly creep into the garden at night to wait for the hedgehog mother and her family.  They put out some water and watch them drink.  They have made something special to help the mother hedgehog.  Will the hedgehogs find it and use it?

The Night of the Hedgehog is a sweet and tender Father-daughter book that will inspire in children an appreciation of nature.  I enjoyed the expressive storytelling illustrations.

PGPowers

Hogbert by Briony May Smith - ADVISABLE

Hogbert by Briony May Smith. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $19. 9781536245035

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

One day Mommy Boar decides that it is time for her piglets to explore the forest for the first time.  She warns them to stay together for the Big Bad Wolf might be near.  Little Hogbert is following his siblings when he is lured away by a super-tasty trail and he gets lost.  Hogbert is trembling with fear when he hears something rustling in the leaves. It is just a squirrel.  Then he hears a growl coming through the trees.  Is it the Wolf?  How will he ever get back to his mother?

Hogbert is a delightful story with subtle fairy-tale references. It is about finding your independence, making new friends, and trusting your instincts.  I loved the beautiful illustrations.

PGPowers

US Air Force Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, Sammie Garnett and Vickie Fraser - ESSENTIAL

US Air Force Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta and Sammie Garnett, illustrated by Vickie Fraser. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2023. $18. 9781570919527

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

A is for the US Air Force which was created in 1947. B is for the many Bombers used in the Air Force. C is for Cargo Aircraft. D is for Drones. Etc., etc.

Pallotta and Garnett created a comprehensive informational book about the Air Force. They included definitions where needed. The pages include both detailed illustrations and photographs. Specific number planes and missiles help the reader to see the depth of defense involved in the Air Force. A timeline of the Air Force can be seen at the back of the book. The book ends with a beautiful motto: Integrity first, Service before self, Excellence in all we do". 

MOMMAC

Pride by Eric Huang and Amy Phelps - OPTIONAL

Pride by Eric Huang and Amy Phelps, 48 pages. NON FICTION PICTURE BOOK. words&pictures (Quarto), 2025. $15. 9781836000877

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Young Brian, along with his friends and family, are preparing for a Pride month celebration and parade. The friends are deciding what to wear at the parade and Brian is not quite sure what to wear during the parade. Brian's school and teachers develop lessons and activities and present historical features of the Pride celebration including the lives of famous LGBTQIA+ people. While his friends make decisions about their parade wear Brian is slow to figure out his. Finally, he decides on an outfit that will be perfect. 

The endnotes give facts about the Stonewall Uprising, activities, history of Pride and Pride flag, and a quiz." I liked the age-appropriate approach to Pride and the history of Pride. I like the portrayal of diverse families and a community working together to celebrate all people within a community. The characters reflect a wide diversity of ethnicities, gender fluidity, and family relationships. Something the book tries to do is not categorize the characters.

Bryant Baird, Certified Teacher Librarian

The First Snow by Marie Stumpford & Radek Maly, illustrated by Marie Stumpford - ESSENTIAL

The First Snow by Marie Stumpford & Radek Maly, illustrated by Marie Stumpford. PICTURE BOOK.  Albatross Media Group, 2024. $18. 9788000070759

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Remember how magical it is to wake up to the first snow of winter?  How the world looks completely different?  Stefan and Agnes wake up to the first snow and have many adventures in the winter wonderland that is their back yard.

The First Snow captures the excitement and beauty of the first snow of the year.  The plot is unpredictable as Stefan and Agnes use their imaginations to have fun in the snow.  Stumpford uses soft, soothing pastel colors to create a magical winter land.  The cover is textured and covered in glitter. This would be a great read aloud!

Stefan and Agnes cue white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Small World: Meet 30 of Earth's Tiniest Creatures by Nick Crumpton and Rosie Dore - ESSENTIAL

Small World: Meet 30 of Earth's Tiniest Creatures by Nick Crumpton, illustrated by Rosie Dore, 95 pages. NON-FICTION. Quarto Publishing, 2025. $30. 9780711288577

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The tiniest of creatures, as all animals, strive to find food and escape capture. They are found in all types of animal groups such as birds, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles. Most of the tiny creatures use supremely defined ways of thwarting their enemies from camouflage, to body transformation, to poison, to bioluminescence, and to symbiotic relations. Some of these amazing creatures measure less than an inch.

Crumpton shares incredible information concerning tiny creatures. Dore's illustrations are lifelike and beautiful. Each new page is full of surprise and delight for biology lovers of all ages. At the end of each section, Dore illustrates on one page the comparison of the actual size of these creatures. This is a must read if just for the Illustrations. 

MOMMAC

Unsinkable Lucile by Hugh Brewster, illustrated by Laurie McGaw - ADVISABLE

Unsinkable Lucile by Hugh Brewster, illustrated by Laurie McGaw. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Firefly Books, 2022. $20. 9780228103820

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Lucy Duff spent her younger years growing up on her grandparent’s farm in Canada. When her widowed mother remarried, they returned to England. Later Lucy married James Wallace, but he abandoned her and her daughter, Esme, after six years. Need prodded Lucy to come up with the idea to become a dressmaker. Women loved her designs. Eventually, she opened a dress shop in London under the name "Lucile", then one in New York and Paris. Her designs were famous. As her business grew, she came up with the idea of fashion shows, the first ever to do so.  

Hugh Brewster used quotes from Lucy Duff to enhance his third person telling of her life story. Brewster gives a brief, but clear  glimpse into Lucy's complicated life.  There is a good mix between original photos connected with Lucy Duff's works and beautiful illustrations of the story. Anyone interested in fashion will enjoy the rich history and designs mentioned.

MOMMAC

How to Find a Yeti written and illustrated by Matt Hunt - ADVISABLE

How to Find a Yeti written and illustrated by Matt Hunt. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2025. $19. 9798887772127

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Our nameless protagonist cannot wait to find a yeti in the forest behind his house. He is a self-proclaimed expert - he has read all 27 books available in the library! So he goes exploring with his dog Milo to finally find a yeti, but only time will tell if he actually finds what he is looking for.

It’s a great day to go on a hunt for a yeti with our book’s narrator - the story is a fun adventure story where the reader gets to know something that the main character doesn’t know just yet.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth by Joan Schoettler, illustrated by Jessica Lanan - ADVISABLE

Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth by Joan Schoettler, illustrated by Jessica Lanan. PICTURE BOOK. Lee and Low Books, 2011, reprint 2025. $12. 9781643795904

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The Emperor of Korea had called upon Ji-su's mother to live in the royal palace and sew for his household. Ji-su could not go with her. In her sorrow, Ji-su poured her heart and soul into learning how to become a great seamstress by making bojagi, a square cloth of various designs used for multipurpose. One day, the Sanguiwon, the master overseer of sewing at the palace, tells Ji-su that if she could sew a perfect bojagi by the next festival, he would come again to see if she were worthy to live with her mother in the palace.

Schoettler tells a sweet story that also includes the traditions and culture of Korea. She weaves many Korean words into the story which enhance the understanding of Korean society. To help with the Korean words, she created a glossary at the end of the book. Lanan used subdued watercolors to tell this tale of loss, love, and hope. It makes an ideal book to introduce Korean culture. 

MOMMAC 

Mao Mao's Perfectly Imperfect Day written and illustrated by Laan Cham - ADVISABLE

Mao Mao's Perfectly Imperfect Day written and illustrated by Laan Cham. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593710043

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Mao Mao, the perfectionist panda, must learn how to deal with his chaotic, messy, new classmate Olivia. Can he teach her the art of being perfect? Or will he learn an important lesson himself?

As a perennially recovering perfectionist myself, it's an important reminder to embrace the chaos and enjoy life's little messes when you can. I loved the kawaii-inspired art style and I loved the message of the book.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

A Day in the Life of the Desert by Roxie Munro - ADVISABLE

A Day in the Life of the Desert by Roxie Munro  NON-FICTION EARLY READER. Holiday House, 2023. $19 9780823450923 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

There are six North American deserts. They include the Mojave, Sonora, Great Basin, Chihuahua, Painted, and Death Valley. Deserts are fragile ecosystems. The animals and plants that live there have adapted to withstand the heat and low moisture. These animals and plants are interconnected and need each other. If one species dies, it affects the ecosystem forever. We can make a difference by conserving water, decreasing our light pollution, limiting use of recreational vehicles, and reducing energy use. 

The author divided the book into three main topics for each desert which she illustrated. They are: daytime desert animals, nighttime desert animals, and fun facts about animals in each desert. The illustrations are highly detailed with a "find the animal" list at the bottom of each page. Munro has keys to the lists at the back of the book. She also lists organizations that help to protect these wild desert areas.

MOMMAC

Weirdosaurus: Prehistory's Most Peculiar Dinosaurs written and illustrated by Philip Bunting - ADVISABLE

Weirdosaurus: Prehistory's Most Peculiar Dinosaurs written and illustrated by Philip Bunting. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak (Quarto Publishing Group), 2025. $20. 9780711295827

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Check out over 80 different weird dinosaurs from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods with this detailed and hilarious guide, complete with all the facts and stats that your little dinosaur loving heart could desire.

My eye was caught by the colorful book cover, but I was pleased to learn lots of different things about dinosaurs that I never knew before. Your younger readers might struggle with the Latin names, but the accompanying translation and pronunciation guide will help them out. It’s mostly a reference book with witty commentary from the author, so it will be really appealing to those students who are already interested in dinosaurs, but the illustrations will also draw in those who check it out in passing.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Listen to the Music at Christmas by Mary Richards and Skylar White - OPTIONAL

Listen to the Music at Christmas by Mary Richards and Skylar White. INTERACTIVE PICTURE BOOK. Wide Eyed (Quarto), 2025. $25. 9781836005834

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Sammy and Pip have brought out a special Christmas box with magical objects and a sheet of music that takes them on a magical musical journey around the world to see different ways Christmas is celebrated.

The question you, as an adult, need to ask yourself is - how many times do you want to hear the snippet of music? THe back matter includes the name of each piece. Pip and Sammy’s story is incidental to listening to the tunes.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Fox and Owl’s Winter Adventure by Jackie Lui and Maanlie - ADVISABLE

Fox and Owl’s Winter Adventure by Jackie Lui and Maanlie. PICTURE BOOK. Words and Pictures (Quarto), 2025. $15. 9781836009580

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Fox is awake while his family sleeps snuggly in their den. He goes outside and heads off on an adventure with Owl. 

If you can believe a fox and owl making snow sculptures, then you’ll find Lui’s premise cute. THe illustrations have the perfect wintery feel to them. The back matter includes fix and owl facts, two craft ideas with instructions, and a little game, which help the quality of the book. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Joy to the Whole World by Lucy Brownridge and Sang Miao - OPTIONAL

Joy to the Whole World by Lucy Brownridge and Sang Miao. INTERACTIVE BOARD BOOK. Wide Eyed (Quarto), 2025. $23. 9780711297920

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Travel to eleven homes around the world and learn a little bit about how each of them celebrates Christmas.

While a board book, the pages are large. Each page not only has a lot to discover in the illustrations, but each page has several flaps to lift; the flaps blend into the illustrations, so I had to run my fingers all over the pages to find each of them. The illustrations are very full - almost too much. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Star by Fiona Munro and Laura Hambleton - OPTIONAL

Star by Fiona Munro and Laura Hambleton. BOARD BOOK. Design Eye (Quarto), 2025. $13. 9781805702511

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

If you have worries and troubles, let your star take them away.

Munro has tried to create a little meditation book with cut-outs and a fluffy star. The text  is quite a lot for a board book and the rhyming lines and pattern are quite short, making me feel rushed, rather than calming me like a mindfulness book should. I know my grandson son will try to yank the star out of the book first thing,

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

How Many Sleeps Until Christmas?! by Rebecca Patterson and Luciano Lozano. - OPTIONAL

How Many Sleeps Until Christmas?! by Rebecca Patterson and Luciano Lozano. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak (Quarto), 2025. $19. 9781836003021

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

The little girl is so excited about Christmas - she is counting the days.  

While the girl’s enthusiasm is a bit fun to watch, I don’t know how much charm this holds for a child - who wants their own Christmas excitement, not to watch someone else’s. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

As the World Goes By by Jonny Lambert - ADVISABLE

As the World Goes By by Jonny Lambert. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2025. $19. 9781664300552

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Buttons is a cute dog watching the world from his window.  He sees a beautiful blue butterfly go by.  He thinks everyone will want to see this! Buttons rushes outside to share his small wonder with the world, but all the people in the street, and at the cafe don't notice anything.  Two new animal friends pick up the chase.  How will Buttons get people to notice the beautiful butterfly?

As the World Goes By inspires children to find the beauty and stillness in a busy world, and to appreciate the little things in life.  The illustrations are beautiful, interesting and action packed.

PGPowers

Secrets From the North Pole by Sakia Gwinn and Daria Danilova - ADVISABLE

Secrets From the North Pole by Sakia Gwinn and Daria Danilova. PICTURE BOOK. Fences Lincoln (Quarto), 2025 $30. 9781836005742

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Everjongle, Santa’s head elf, has compiled a book of all of the Santa and Christmas facts that can safely be shared with humans. 

For families that dive deep into Christmas lore and Santa fever, adults and children will enjoy reading about Santa and all the things building up to Christmas. The illustrations have an old-fashioned charm to them.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Who's Making All That Noise by Darrin Lunde and Erica J. Chen - ADVISABLE

Who's Making All That Noise by Darrin Lunde, illustrated by Erica J. Chen. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $18. 9781623546267

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Who's Making All That Noise?! plays a noisy guessing game with the reader about which animal is rap-tap-tapping, or Too-OOt! trumpeting, Yak-Yak-Yammering and many more sounds of different animals.

Lunde creates a fun and rowdy read-aloud to learn more about different animals.  I'm not sure a human can make all the different sounds, but it's fun to try.

PGPowers

Dawn by Marc Martin - OPTIONAL

Dawn by Marc Martin. Candlewick Studio, 2025. $19. 9781536232400

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Martin takes us on an adventure through the forest, using a single word with each illustration as a sort of contemplation and guide. I can see an adult using this with a child as a calming tool, like guided meditation, as the illustrations are mostly soothing. I’d even be interested in using it at bedtime.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Returning the Sword by Caren Stelson and Amanda Yoshida - OPTIONAL

Returning the Sword by Caren Stelson , illustrated by Amanda Yoshida. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2025. $19. 9798765611531

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

At the end of World War II, after a stint in Japan keeping the peace, Orval was gifted a sword from the thousands of swords surrendered by the Japanese people.  For almost 70 years Orval cared for the sword, but never talked about it. Then he finally had an idea of what he could do with the sword and still work on spreading peace.

I’m not sure how post WWII fits into the elementary curriculum. If you have a teacher who touches on it, or talks about war, peace, reparations, etc.  This is a book worth looking into.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I’m Going to Eat a Polar Bear by Karl Newsom and Nicola Kinnear - OPTIONAL

I’m Going to Eat a Polar Bear by Karl Newsom and Nicola Kinnear. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak (Quarto), 2025. $19. 9780711295742

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Penguin is hungry, but he’s tired of eating the same old fish.  He’s heard rumors of something called a “bolar pear” so he sets off on a very long journey to find this new delicacy.

Of course it is silly that a penguin would travel all the way to the North Pole and back in the space of a single meal - or that the polar bear would follow it the whole way and the penguin not recognize what he is looking for.  Your tolerance for this book is going to depend on your tolerance for mildly funny nonsense. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Journey of the Humpbacks by Juliana Munoz Toro and Dipacho - ADVISABLE

Journey of the Humpbacks by Juliana Munoz Toro, illustrated by Dipacho. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Eerdmans, 2025. $19. 9780802856432

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Toro takes us through the migration and mating of the humpback whales along the coast of Chile. 

Dipacho’s illustrations have a quality that compliments the non-fiction in a way that doesn’t make it feel too “non-fiction-y”. It is text heavy, though - so not a read aloud. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Circus of Shadows by Lidia Brankovic - OPTIONAL

Circus of Shadows by Lidia Brankovic. PICTURE BOOK. Cicada Books, 2024. $17. 9781800660526

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Lika’s shadow has started misbehaving and then one day it runs away, forcing Lika to come with it to the Circus of Shadows. The two pieces of Lika learn to find joy in each other.

A very atmospheric picture book - while it doesn’t make a lot of sense, it could be a good vehicle to talk about dark things and why we are sometimes afraid of them. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Floor It! by Bex Tobin Fine and Federico Fabiani - OPTIONAL

Floor It! by Bex Tobin Fine and Federico Fabiani. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2025. $19. 9780593904992

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

See the floor from the perspective of a baby as they try to traverse the front room to their ultimate goal - mommy!

I wanted to like this book, but I am confused by who the intended audience is.  Baby? Well, a crawling baby isn’t going to understand the words.  An older sibling - maybe, but while they might like the idea of setting up a maze for a baby sibling to crawl through - the book is still too juvenile for them. A parent - could be.  All I can see is that it is a mildly interesting book about perspective.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Pool Party by Amy Hevron - ADVISABLE

Pool Party by Amy Hevron. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665935043

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Join the party as a bromeliad fills with water in the rainy season and then nurtures life throughout the year, until it is time to start over again.

While very simple, Hevron stills brings enough information to the telling that I felt I learned a lot. Her illustrations have a child-like quality, while still feeling professional.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Everything Trail by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Chuck Graenink - ADVISABLE

The Everything Trail by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Chuck Graenink. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665924870

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Come explore the wonders of a redwood forest. 

Fleming and Graenick turn the picture book on its side to capture the majesty of the redwoods. The rhythm is based around “This is the church, this is the steeple”. You can also follow certain children from page to page - I always enjoy that. A book to enjoy the majesty of wandering through a forest.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

If I Built a Town by Chris Van Dusen - ADVISABLE

If I Built a Town by Chris Van Dusen. PICTURE BOOK. Rocky Pond (Penguin), 2025. $20. 9780593324981

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (ADVISABLE) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Jack is talking to the mayor and dreaming of the town he would build if he were in power.

Like the three other books before this, Jack’s imagination is wild and also full of hope. It is a lot of silly fun, with a few good ideas thrown in. Van Dusen has written in a loosely iambic pentameter rhythm, so it can be difficult, when reading aloud, to keep from getting stuck singing the words. THe illustrations are highly engaging.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Trapped in the Tar Pit by Jessica Stremer and Alexander Vidal - ADVISABLE

Trapped in the Tar Pit by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Alexander Vidal. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665953177

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Go back in time to the origins of the La Brea Tarpits, on through the animals stuck by it and on to the discoveries still being made.

If you have never been to the La Brea TarPits it is worth a visit if you are ever near Los Angeles (or Disneyland). While La Brea might be the most famous, there are at least a dozen sites around the world. Kids love dinosaurs - I think this will be of interest. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I’m Trying to Love Farts Flatulence by Bethany Barton - ESSENTIAL

I’m Trying to Love Farts Flatulence by Bethany Barton. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593693773

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

A young scientist and her little brother are going to teach us all about flatulence!

You know you probably need more than one copy of this book - farts are a very popular topic for elementary aged boys - and high school boys - and adult boys. Barton gives the humor and the facts about farts.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Salon Saturday written by Janelle Harper, illustrated by Charlot Kristensen - ESSENTIAL

Salon Saturday written by Janelle Harper, illustrated by Charlot Kristensen. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group (Penguin Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593526330

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

It's the first trip to the salon for our young narrator and she is overwhelmed by all the options she sees on the street. What hairstyle would fit her best? Bobs, buns, coils, and fros and so much more!

I loved this story of our young narrator finding her own kind of beautiful, guided by the women in her life, like her grandmother, mom, and older sister. This book is a beautiful tribute to Black hair and shining the spotlight on one of the things that makes us unique. I think this could be paired really nicely with Hair Love by Matthew Cherry.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers - ESSENTIAL

The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. PICTURE BOOK. Philomel (Penguin), 2025. $20. 9780593622360

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Duncan wants to color, but all of the crayons are gone!  It’s okay, though.  Each of them sent Duncan a letter telling him about their new adventures.

I‘m so glad we get to revisit the crayons. Their adventures are so much fun. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Firefly Song by Colleen Paeff, illustrated by Ji_Hyuk Kim - ADVISABLE

Firefly Song by Colleen Paeff, illustrated by Ji_Hyuk Kim. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. McEldery (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665931847

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Lynn loves her yearly visits to the family cabin - especially watching the fireflies come out at night with their 6 seconds on- 6 seconds off synchronous pattern.  When Lynn learned that scientists thought that none of the fireflies in her area were synchronized, she knew she had to prove them wrong.  Thus began her journey to becoming known as the Lightning Bug Lady.

I really liked how even though Lynn never studied to become an entomologist, she still put in the hours and has become an important part of the field. Citizen scientist and a woman. Look into it as a classroom support book. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Nibbles Christmas by Emma Yarlett - ADVISABLE

Nibbles Christmas by Emma Yarlett. INTERACTIVE BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2021. $12. 9781684642953

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Oh No! A hungry monster is eating its way through Christmas!

I love a board book with a difference - in this case, holes of every page - including the covers! Nibbles is silly and the action is based around a countdown - so educational to boot!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS