Cassini’s Mission by Kate Venit, illustrated by Julia Blattman - ESSENTIAL

Cassini’s Mission by Kate Venit, illustrated by Julia Blattman. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. MIT Kids Press, 2025. $19. 9781536232325

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When the Cassini spacecraft was sent towards Saturn to explore the tiny moon Enceladus, the scientists thought they had packed it with every needed tool.  As the team had more questions to answer and challenges for Cassini, the little spacecraft responded beautifully, until they discovered the one question Cassini couldn’t answer - is there life on Enceladus.

I love this look at space missions and scientists finding out their hypotheses were incorrect and then changing their trajectory both literally and figuratively. Excellent for all levels of science teachers. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Please Look After This Cat by Kasia Antczak and Kasia Fryza, translated by Agnes Monod-Gayraud. - ESSENTIAL

Please Look After This Cat by Kasia Antczak and Kasia Fryza, translated by Agnes Monod-Gayraud. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Post Wave, 2025. $19. 9798895090268

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Antczak and Fryza give a simple, practical book about how to raise your house cat. 

I love the simple, but well-researched information that the authors bring to their book. An excellent resource for first-time, young cat parents.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Echo People by SD Youngwolf, illustrated by Shonto Begay - ADVISABLE

The Echo People by SD Youngwolf, illustrated by Shonto Begay. PICTURE BOOK. Lee and Low, 2025. $20. 9781643790848

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A Native American grandfather is introducing his grandchildren to the Echo People.  While the grandson finds the Echo People irritating, the granddaughter had an uplifting experience. Grandfather explains to them about getting back what you put out into the world.

A lovely lesson in a story.  While a couple of pages are quite wordy, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the message sneak up on me. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse by Darcy Whitecrow, Heather O’Connor and Natasha Donovan - ADVISABLE

Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather O’Connor, illustrated by Natasha Donovan. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $19. 9781536229455

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

The Ojibwe of Lac La Croix First Nation had a special relationship with the wild ponies of their area.  As white people settled the land, however, the large herds were reduced to a final four ponies. In order to save them, the Ojibwe helped round them up in 1977 and smuggled them across a frozen lake to a ranch in the United States.  Today the herd has grown to almost 200.

A lovely look at the cycle of almost destroying and then saving a species. Great for a science lesson about man’s effect on nature, saving endangered species, etc. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Don’t Do It Doug! by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie - ADVISABLE

Don’t Do It Doug! by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300798

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Doug, a hamster, has never seen a button he wouldn’t press, a lever he wouldn’t pull -- you get the idea. His friends hope to curb his frenetic energy by giving him some thrilling, but safe (?) activities. Can Doug learn?

Powell-Tuck creates a fun book, but the final illustration negates the whole possibility of this being also a subtle lesson. An adult would have to do a lot of discussion to turn this into a useful exercise. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Rock and Roll by Ruby Amy Thompson - ESSENTIAL

Rock and Roll by Ruby Amy Thompson. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300927

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

While the differences between a rock and a roll are pretty obvious, could they also have similarities?

Thompson gives us a quick, yet profound look at the idea of compare and contrast. I am very impressed and will be showing this to lots of secondary teachers. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Mousestache Moosestache by Rowboat Watkins. - OPtIONAL

Mousestache Moosestache by Rowboat Watkins. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2026. $19 9781797233918

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Mustaches are everywhere!  They are found on different types of animals, on mountains, fruit, buildings, and anything else you can imagine.  Is there anything in this book that does not have a mustache on it?

I did not enjoy this book because it does not have a plot.  The author basically added stache to different words and drew mustaches on all kinds of things.  Even though the illustrations are cute, I don't know that this book will hold a child's interest.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story by Leslea Newman and Sarita Rich - ADVISABLE

Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Sarita Rich. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2026. $19. 9781623545710

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lizzie's mom makes brownies, and they take them over to her friend Joshua's family because their grandpa has just passed away.  Joshua's family is having a sitting shiva where people come to offer the bereaved family comfort.  Lizzie tries to cheer up her friend by offering him brownies and putting her arm around him.  But what is the thing that works the best?

Something Sweet teaches readers about the Jewish custom of sitting shiva after a loved one passes away.  Newman tenderly captures the feelings of grief, remembrance, and how to support a friend.  Rich's illustrations are expressive, tender,  and beautiful.

PGPowers

Spin To Survive the Pharaoh's Curse by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by R. Fresson - ADVISABLE

Spin To Survive the Pharaoh's Curse by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by R. Fresson. PICTURE BOOK. Quarto Publishing, 2025, $30. 9781836003069

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

It is the year 1160 BCE.  Pharaoh Rameses is dead, his tomb and treasures are safely hidden in the Valley of the Kings.  You have come to live with your uncle in Egypt as his apprentice.  He leaves you a task to discover who stole the map that shows where Pharaoh Ramses  tomb is, and to stop the robbers.  In this game of chance, you will choose how to solve the mystery.  Make your choice and spin your Survival Spinner to survive.  Will you have success or disaster?

Hawkins has created a clever story that is also a game for young ancient history lovers.  I enjoyed playing the game as I read along.

PGPowers

Children of the Throne by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Richard Johnson - OPTIONAL

Children of the Throne by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Richard Johnson. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Quarto), 2025. $19. 9780711289543

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Three children go into the forest called by a tree-grown man.  He tells the children about the new dangers to nature and how they need to be the ones to make a change and restore the world.  The summer is too hot.  He shows the children how to conjure rain and look after the forest, finding a sort-term solution.  How can they protect the forest for future generations?

Children of the Throne is a poetic story about climate change and using the next generations to make better choices, but it lacked interest.  Johnson's illustrations are very beautiful.

PGPowers

How To Hatch: A Gosling's Guide to Breaking Free by Sarah Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein - ADVISABLE

How To Hatch:  A Gosling's Guide to Breaking Free by Sarah Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK.  Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2026. $19 9780593811061

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

How to Hatch helps the reader discover how a gosling hatches into the world, step by step.  Ackerman's humorous "how to" text is delightful to read.  

I liked the way it takes the reader through every step of the hatching process, and has a glossary at the back.  The illustrations are detailed and fun.

PGPowers

My Body Can by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Alexandra Colombo - ADVISABLE

My Body Can by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Alexandra Colombo. PICTURE BOOK Apples and Honey Press (Behrman House) 2025. $20. 9781681156859 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A child can do a lot of things with their bodies, dancing and spinning, and climbing and throwing and so much more. 

There is a lot to love about My Body Can. I love the disability representation, so many different types of kids, all of whom are perfectly capable of doing things independently. The illustrations are wonderful, and some of the activities are set up to coincide with the Jewish Holidays, so a child will recognize Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Hanukkah and several others. (Those are the ones I noticed right away.) A fun book about all the things we can do - includes an extra things to find list. I'm sure a child will spend extra time in the pages of My Body Can. The children and the holidays are Jewish. 

Lisa Librarian

Every Peach is a Story by David Mas Masumoto and Nikiko Masumoto and Lauren Tamaki - OPTIONAL

Every Peach is a Story by David Mas Masumoto and Nikiko Masumoto, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki. PICTURE BOOK Abrams Amulet, 2025. $19. 9781949480290 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A young child spends the peach season with her grandfather, waiting for the peaches to ripen. The grandfather tells her, "Every Peach is a Story," and compares the growing peach to the growing story of their family since emigrating from Japan in the 1800s. 

This is a sweet story. I loved the passage of time and the wisdom of the grandfather. There are some illustrations that aren't intuitive (like drawings of the internment camps) and the child will need to be sure to read the author's note to learn the relevance. It reminds me of all the things my parents and grandparents didn't tell me - were they waiting for me to ask? The family is Japanese American 

Lisa Librarian 

I Like Hoops by Juwanda G. Ford and Jada Jeni Bennett - ADVISABLE

I Like Hoops by Juwanda G. Ford and Jada Jeni Bennett. EARLY READER Holiday House, 2025 $16. 9780823459582 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

I Like Hoops is a play-by-play of the last 5 minutes of a basketball game. The narrator struggles to keep the ball (missing a throw, a shot, slipping), but her team is keeping the score about even. Who will win? 

A level one reader, most illustrations contain fewer than 3 words each. Many are only one. For a reader who likes basketball, this will be a lot of fun. The characters are illustrated as a mix of races and genders. 

Lisa Librarian 

Raven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillett and Daniel Ramirez - OPTIONAL

Raven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Daniel Ramirez. PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown, 2025. $19. 9780316422161 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Raven dances the round dance with his grandmother, and he loves the beautiful ribbon skirts, but when he wants Grandmother to make him one, she admits that she has never seen a boy wear a ribbon skirt. 

I loved this story! I loved the imagery of the dances, I loved the illustrations, and I loved Raven! A definite pick for your library if you have Indigenous children, especially if they identify as two-spirit. Raven and his Grandmother are Ojibwe 

Lisa Librarian  

The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah by Laurel Snyder and Leanne Hatch - OPTIONAL

The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Leanne Hatch. PICTURE BOOK Clarion, 2025. $20. 9780063278141 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Each night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit. In addition to a poem for the lighting of each candle, there is a thought for every night as well. These thoughts are nice explanations of the traditions throughout the 8 days, and things to remember during the time the candles are lit (like we shouldn't work, but wait and rest and let them burn). 

I liked this so much, I learned many things about the Hanukkah candles, and I really loved the thoughts. The illustrations are sweet and peaceful and represent the family doing many things, then settling down for the special candles. What a great addition to your holiday section this will make. The family is Jewish. 

Lisa Librarian  

Attack Bunnies by Laura Gehl and Julia Patton - ADVISABLE

Attack Bunnies by Laura Gehl and Julia Patton. PICTURE BOOK. Beaming Books, 2026. $18. 9781506492254

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Carrot Cake and Pufftail have trained hard to protect the animals of the forest. When Renard Fox moves in, however, they are not sure they are up to the task. It may be that some careful listening may be what they need.

The attack bunnies are pretty cute and I really liked the lesson that the bunnies learned about making assumptions. All around cuteness. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

No More Gnomes by Beth Mills - ADVISABLE

No More Gnomes by Beth Mills. PICTURE BOOK. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2025. $19. 9798765643457

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Herbert, the dog, used to be the cutest thing in Ms. Goat’s garden, until Ms. Goat bought her first gnome. ANd then her next gnome - and more. Herbert tries a few ways to get along with the gnomes, and finally has the ultimate great idea. He’s not sure if Ms. Goat will be happy with him. 

Mills could do for gnomes what Pennywise did to clowns. They do feel a bit menacing.  But kids like being a little scared in a safe space, so I think they will be delighted. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Tulip’s Mess by Anden Wilder - ADVISABLE

Tulip’s Mess by Anden Wilder. PICTURE BOOK. Knopf (Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593704769

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Careless with her things, Tulip’s little mess grows into something so big that Tulip can’t ignore it any more. In order to reclaim something precious to her, she will have to tackle it piece by piece.

For us oldies, the story line reminds me a bit of Mrs. PiggleWiggle, without the kindly old lady. A nice simple object lesson wrapped in a digestible story. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Selfish Sister by David Sedaris and Bob Staake - NO

The Selfish Sister by David Sedaris and Bob Staake. PICTURE BOOK. Toon Books (Astra), MARCH 2026. $19. 9781662665752

BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED

The family finds it impossible to deal with the sister of the family, who claims absolutely everything is hers. 

The payoff or lesson is so late in the book, it might as well not be there. I also don’t like the rhyming text - reading it out loud is too sing-songy. I don’t mind the two LGBT references, but they feel forced, like they are there to make a point. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Big Empty: a sagebrush survival story by Kirbi Fagan - OPTIONAL

The Big Empty: a sagebrush survival story by Kirbi Fagan. PICTURE BOOK. Millbrook (Lerner), 2025. $20. 9798765627242

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

With few words, Sagebrush gives us a look at the important role it plays in desert life. 

The back matter is where the information really is about sagebrush. The illustrations are very dramatic and landscape painting-like, but there is very little to hold onto within the text. In communities where sagebrush is a big part of the ecosystem, I could see it being useful.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Pass the Parcel by Carly Gledhill - OPTIONAL

Pass the Parcel by Carly Gledhill. PICTURE BOOK. Post Wave, 2026. $19. 9798895090398

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The Parcel is on its way somewhere. He may not know where, but he will have quite an adventure along the way. 

Gledhill’s illustrations are quite cute, but very busy.  Not really a great way to teach little ones how the mail works. I also didn’t think that the end reveal was clear enough for little ones to get it - I had to re-look and think before I got it. Its cute - really cute - but I don’t think it lands its story.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Andre: Andre Leon Talley by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders, Illustrated by Lamont O'Neal - ADVISABLE

Andre: Andre Leon Talley - A Fabulously Fashionable Fairy Tale by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders, Illustrated by Lamont O'Neal. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2025 $20. 9781250887283 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Andre Leon Talley was raised by his grandmother (he called her mama) in Durham North Carolina. He always loved wearing colorful and chic clothing, But Andre faced racism in Durham, tormented by bullies, and adhering to Jim Crow laws was the daily thing for him. by high school he spent his summer in Washington DC , and after college moved to Paris. Talley became a celebrated fashion editor. It's hard to write a short synopsis of this involved story. Talley moved from one thing to another, working in the fashion industry and for famous artists and designers. 

It must have been hard to limit his experiences to the length of a picture book. There's a lot of text, but it isn't tiny and doesn't feel like too much. I loved the illustrations, so much fashion. A nice addition to your picture book biographies - he wasn't your everyday celebrity. Andre is African American 

Lisa Librarian 

The Peddler of Puddles by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenfeld - OPTIONAL

The Peddler of Puddles by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenfeld. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion (Harper), 2025. 9780063318342

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The Peddler of Puddles, a turtle, loves traveling the forest and making puddles big and small for his friends. One day he wanders down to the beach and needs their help when he gets stuck.

The illustrations are whimsical and engaging. The story feels overly complicated and wordy, though.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

 

The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel (Ready to Read level 1) by Michael Rex. - ADVISABLE

The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel (Ready to Read level 1) by Michael Rex. EARLY READER Simon and Schuster, 2025 $19. 9781665962100 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

The penguin digs underground, tunneling in the tunnel. He pops up to give a paper to all the other workers - Gardner, farmer, shopper, banker etc. Where is he going, and what are those papers? 

A cute easy-to-read story, I liked the anticipation and was surprised at the end. 

Lisa Librarian  

Just Right by Torrey Maldonado and Teresa Martinez - ADVISABLE

Just Right by Torrey Maldonado, illustrated by Teresa Martinez. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593624968

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Toby looks for a gift for his dad and his uncle.  He chooses a pair of socks for each. Toby is sad when his dad opens the present and doesn't care.  His uncle, on the other hand, is excited to see Toby and says that the socks are just a wonderful bonus.  Toby loves to hang out with his uncle who helps him feel "just right".  What are the things his uncle does to help Toby feel that way?

Just Right is a heartwarming story that celebrates loving caregivers and the impact they have on children's lives.  Martinez uses cute colorful artwork to capture the concepts.

PGPowers

For a Girl Becoming by Joy Harjo and Adriana Garcia - ADVISABLE

For a Girl Becoming by Joy Harjo and Adriana Garcia. PICTURE BOOK Norton YR, 2025. $19. 9781324052241 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Joy Harjo has written a beautiful poem welcoming a new baby girl into the world. Relatives come to visit and bring gifts, both physical and spiritual. The child is encouraged to acknowledge the source of all the gifts, the gift of breathing, laughing, tears, dreaming, and others. To give, and help, and do, and praise, and grow. 

Beautiful illustrations accompany Harjo's poem. Intended for a Native American child, with many references to medicine plants, nature, and cultural illustrations; however, any child would find strength, belonging, and happiness in the pages of this book. It would make a wonderful baby gift as well. 

Lisa Librarian

The Secrets of the Jellies by Karen Jameson and Marie Hermansson - ADVISABLE

The Secrets of the Jellies by Karen Jameson, illustrated by Marie Hermansson. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2026. $20. 9781797221977

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3)- ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

The Secrets of the Jellies introduces readers to the spectacular world of weird and wonderful jellyfish. Engaging rhyming text is filled with fun facts about anatomy, behavior, habitats, and ecosystems.  Learn about more kinds of jellyfish than you knew existed.

Jameson amazes us with awe-inspiring and easy to understand information about Jellyfish. In-depth backmatter reveals more jellyfish secrets.  Hermansson's energetic undersea artwork helps engage the reader. 

PGPowers

Call Me Gray by Andrew Larsen, Bells Larsen and Tallulah Fontaine - ADVISABLE

Call Me Gray by Andrew Larsen, Bells Larsen and Tallulah Fontaine. PICTURE BOOK Kids Can Press, 2025. $22. 9781525311352 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A child is helping their dad make an ice rink in their yard. It's something they do every year, but this year is different. The child feels differently, mixed up about themself. They sometimes feel more like a girl than a boy. 

I love that the father listened and took time to think before responding. I love that he was supportive and did not question the child. I also liked the illustrations - I want to help with and skate on that ice rink. The characters are white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Leave Me Alone! by Dr. Becky Kennedy, and Joanie Stone - ADVISABLE

Leave Me Alone!  A Good Inside Story About Deeply Feeling Kids by Dr. Becky Kennedy, illustrated by Joanie Stone. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2026. $20. 9781250413116

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Pia noticed everything, and felt things deeply.  She loved to play secret agents with her brother Charlie.  One day, while they were sneaking to rescue Teddy, they had to be very quiet so that no one would notice them.  Pia tripped and made a loud noise.  The game was ruined.  Everyone told her it was okay, but her feelings bubbled up until she was out of control.  Her mother carried her up to her room telling her that she's not in trouble and that she was just a good kid having a hard time.  But Pia can't calm down.  What will help Pia feel better?

Dr. Kennedy compassionately shows caregivers how to deal with the emotional explosions from DFK - Deeply Feeling Kids.  I liked her parent corner section in the back that gives more in-depth information.

PGPowers

Stop That Mop! (Ready to Read Level One) by Jonathan Fenske. - ADVISABLE

Stop That Mop! (Ready to Read Level One) by Jonathan Fenske. EARLY READER Simon and Schuster, 2025. $19. 9781665932721 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The mop is tired of mopping, and tired of cleaning up the slop and glop the pig drops, so it runs away. The bunny, the horse and the fish can't catch it either. 

Combining the repetitive rhymes like Green Eggs and Ham, along with a plot like The Gingerbread Man, this is certainly a fun read for the newly independent reader. Fenske's illustrations are so funny. 

Lisa Librarian

Mayhem at the Museum by Hannah Bruckner - ADVISABLE

Mayhem at the Museum by Hannah Bruckner. PICTURE BOOK. North South, 2025. $20. 9780735845855

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Yuri visits the museum with his father.  He is enjoying himself when he is frightened by the flying museum parakeet doing the evening inspection flight.  The result is mayhem.  Yuri collides with the center dinosaur exhibit, knocking down all the bones into a big heap.  Everyone saw it happen.  Yuri is in a miserable mess.  What should he do?

Mayhem at the Museum is a cute story about finding creative and unexpected solutions when the worst happens.  Brukner's illustrations are interesting and humorous.

PGPowers

Popo the Xolo by Paloma Angelina Lope and Abraham Matias - OPTIONAL

Popo the Xolo by Paloma Angelina Lope, illustrated Abraham Matias. PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2025. $18. 9781623544577 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Nan loves to cook, and she loves her grandchildren, and she especially loves her little dog Popo. But she is also old and tired and hurts. One evening while sleeping in her chair, she passes away - and Popo, her Xolo (pronounced cholo) leads her on her journey to reunite with Abuelo. 

Another picture book about grief - I have read several this year, I wonder why there are so many. The illustrations were beautiful, deep oranges and greens and purples. Lots of Spanish - the glossary includes a pronunciation guide, and there's also some nice resources at the end, describing what a Xoloitzcuintle is, the nine levels of Mictlan (the place where people go who've passed on). Also the author tells about losing her own Nana. The characters are indigenous Mexican.

Lisa Librarian 

My Cat is a Secret Agent by Daniel J. Mahoney - ADVISABLE

My Cat is a Secret Agent by Daniel J. Mahoney. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2025. $19. 9780374392512

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

A young girl named Samantha tries to convince her parents that their cat Walter is a secret agent.  She tells them his secret agent name is Agent Kitty Pants, but they don't believe her.  Samantha points out his impressive espionage skills battling the neighbors cat and Aunt Marie's dog.  The cat is still unappreciated  - then Samantha falls out of the treehouse. 

My Cat is a Secret Agent is humorous and delightful. I enjoy Mahoney's quirky characters and artwork.

PGPowers

Construction Site: Firefight by Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford. - ADVISABLE

Construction Site: Firefight by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by AG Ford. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2026. $19. 9781797226590

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

It is night time at a construction site.  Suddenly a storm appears and starts a fire.  Fire fighting vehicles come to the rescue! Can the firefighting vehicles and construction vehicles work together to fight the fire?

Rinker is up to thirteen books in her construction site series now!  I think this book would appeal to children who like machines.  Every vehicle has a face and the illustrations are very eye-catching.  Even though the illustrations are cute, the book also teaches facts about fighting fires.  It is a rhyming book with minimal words on a page.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Many Things at Once by Veera Hiranandani and Nadia Alam - ADVISABLE

Many Things at Once by Veera Hiranandani and Nadia Alam. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2025 $19. 9780593643907 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A girl grows up in a bi-racial, multi-cultural family. Her grandmother or her mother's side is American - growing up in Brooklyn, and her grandfather came from Poland. Her father's parents were from Pakistan. She has a rich American, Jewish, Polish, Indian culture but sometimes feels she is not enough of any of them. She has friends who are also multicultural and wonders if they feel the same. 

This child has a wonderful family heritage. How lucky for her to have parents who tell the stories of her ancestors. I loved the illustrations, which clearly depict the races and time periods. I especially loved one particular illustration of the child with her extended family at a dinner, with all the different people and so many different foods. This would be a nice selection for your library, as I think the sentiment of a child embracing her heritage while having concerns that she isn't enough will connect with many readers. 

Lisa Librarian

Goodnight, Escargot by Dashka Slater and Sydney Hanson - ADVISABLE

Goodnight, Escargot (Escargot #5) by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Strauss Giroux (Macmillan), APRIL 2026. $19. 9780374392291

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Escargot has invited the reader to a soiree pyjama and really, really, really does not want to go to sleep.

Escargot is a sweet little character and he is very earnest in trying to have a good time at his soiree and not fall asleep. While I don’t think it will put your little one to sleep, I do think it is fun to read together. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

White Sunday: A Celebration for Samoan Kids by Litea Fuata and Myo Yim - OPTIONAL

White Sunday: A Celebration for Samoan Kids by Litea Fuata and Myo Yim. PICTURE BOOK Bright Light, Hardie Publishing, 2025. $19. 9781761214097 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

On White Sunday, all the children dress in white and put on a program for the whole church. Bubba is very proud of herself, and she receives a bunch of ulas (candy necklaces) because she did so well. When she goes home, she plays hide and seek with her cousins. She chooses a hiding place that is difficult to get out of, and her cousins can't hear her call for help. 

I liked this - White Sunday - a special Samoan tradition. Full of Samoan words, most explained in context, this story will be special for a Samoan child, while other children, not part of the culture, will relate to the hide and seek game. The illustrations are fun, and Bubba is adorable. The characters are Samoan 

Lisa Librarian 

Bunny in Disguise by Cynthia Platt and Josh Cleland - OPTIONAL

Bunny in Disguise by Cynthia Platt and  Josh Cleland. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2026. $13. 9780063483033

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The Easter Bunny has lost its way to the Egg Hunt. The children must help him arrive on time to hide the eggs and save the day.

Cleland’s illustrations are a lot of fun to pore over. The iambic octameter rhyming text is a bear to read out loud, though. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Go Tell it: How James Baldwin Became a Writer by Quartez Harris and Gordon C. James - ADVISABLE

Go Tell it: How James Baldwin Became a Writer by Quartez Harris, art by Gordon C. James. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown, 2025. $19. 9780316483933 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

James Baldwin loved to read and to write his own stories. His stepfather was a minister and didn't like that James was reading anything other than the Bible. But he had caring teachers who appreciated his work and gave him experiences in the arts. He tried preaching for a while, but was a very different minister than his stepfather, so he went out on his own, supporting himself and writing his version of the Harlem he loved. 

Last year there was another James Baldwin picture book biography given a CSK honor, and I can't help but compare. I like these illustrations much better, especially the words incorporated into the pictures - as though James sees everything as a story. Realistic and full of feeling - I can sense James' frustration and see his pride in both the text and the pictures. All in all a better biography, I think this will be more likely to be read. James and his family are African American 

Lisa Librarian 

Seven Million Steps by Derrick Barnes and Christian Gregory and Frank Morrison. - NO

Seven Million Steps by Derrick Barnes and Christian Gregory,  illustrated by Frank Morrison. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Amistad (Harper), 2026. $20. 9780063357525

BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED

In 1976 Dick Gregory ran from California to New York to bring awareness to the plight of poor, hungry people around the country. 

Barnes and Gregory wrote the book in an odd second person voice that made the story feel remote and impersonal. I couldn’t find my way into the story.

Gregory is Black.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Filo's Butterflies by Litea Fuata and Myo Yim. - ADVISABLE

Filo's Butterflies by Litea Fuata and Myo Yim. PICTURE BOOK Bright Light, 2025. $19. 9781761214974 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Filo has butterflies in his tummy. He is going to dance at his auntie's wedding. His dad tells him everyone has butterflies their first time. But as the wedding progresses and it gets closer to the dance time, Filo's butterflies get worse. 

I really liked this story - I loved that his father acknowledged the butterflies and told him it was normal. Filo is brave and excited and doesn't try to not dance. A great lesson in grit. Filo is Samoan 

Lisa Librarian 

When Cherry Blossoms Fall by Katrina Goldsaito and Yas Imamura - ADVISABLE

When Cherry Blossoms Fall by Katrina Goldsaito, illustrated by Yas Imamura. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown and Company, 2026. $19. 9780316281126

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Yuna, a young Japanese girl, visits her grandmother in winter.  Yuna climbs into the old cherry tree and wants to know when the cherry tree will bloom.  Her grandmother introduces her to the concept of "mono-no-aware."  When the cherry tree is in full bloom, it becomes more beautiful because it will soon be gone.  Yuna realizes the full meaning when something happens to her grandmother.

Goldsaito gives us a profound story that teaches concepts of nature, patience, and awareness of the bittersweet, temporary nature of life.  Imamura's illustrations are beautiful.

PGPowers

Woods & Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver by Sara Holly Ackerman and Naoko Stoop - OPTIONAL

Woods & Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver by Sara Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Naoko Stoop. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane (Simon), 2025 $20. 9781665921855 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Mary Oliver preferred the peacefulness of the outdoors to the classroom and would often sit on the back of a river writing. Mary wrote about nature - there were poems in everything she saw. She had trouble getting her poems published because they weren't fancy. Mary Oliver's poems were well loved. 

A nice biography, but I don't see a lot of kid appeal. Like her poetry, this picture book biography isn't fancy or pretentious, so I suppose it makes a fitting tribute, but there's not a lot of plot to keep a young reader engaged. Mary Oliver is white. 

Lisa Librarian 

102 by Matthew Cordell - ADVISABLE

102 by Matthew Cordell. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown, and Company, 2026. $19. 9780316580953

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

George lives at 102 Greenbriar Drive.  One day, he is sent home from school with a fever of 102, and he sees his mother catch a mouse scurrying across the kitchen floor.  His mother wants to get rid of it, but he wants to keep it in a cage.  That night, at 102 A.M. a cricket motions for George to follow it.  As he hops off the bed, he shrinks down to mouse size.  He follows the cricket through the wall and into a tiny mouse kitchen at the base of an oak tree where he discovers the meaning of his quest.

102 is imaginative and very sweet.  The story explores the values of curiosity, kindness, and generosity.  I enjoyed Cordell's unique colored pencil style of illustration.

PGPowers

Kaho'olawe: The True Story of an Island and her People by Kamalani Hurley and Harinani Orme - ADVISABLE

Kaho'olawe: The True Story of an Island and her People by Kamalani Hurley and Harinani Orme. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Millbrook Press (Lerner), 2025. $20. 9798765605011 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe is a small island near Maui. Hawaiians feel it is sacred. During WWII it was bombed during Pearl Harbor and eventually turned into a military training zone. By the 1960's the Hawaiian's started trying to get it back. This was not easy, and the island was badly damaged. 

I had no idea! I'm flabergasted that this is a thing - so much environmental destruction - to the reef, the fresh water supply, the native plants and animals! A combination of historical and environmental information, this would be a great share for a science class. The people and the island are Hawaiian 

Lisa Librarian 

Three Weeks in the Rainforest by Jennifer Swanson - ADVISABLE

Three Weeks in the Rainforest by Jennifer Swanson. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $21. 9781623543167

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Three Weeks in the Rainforest follows the Field Museum's Rapid Inventory 30 team in Columbia as they race to gather data over three short weeks in the field.  Biologists trek through mud and rain, counting every animal and plant they see.  Social scientists visit villages, speaking with people about their goals for the land.  Based on this evidence, the team makes a case of conservation.  So far their teams have helped conserve almost 30 million acres of Amazon rainforest.

Swanson gives us a glimpse into real-life fieldwork in the rainforest.  This is not a detailed book about animals and plants that live in the rainforest. I liked the pictures of the scenery and the animals they were able to capture.

PGPowers

The Invisible Parade by Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio - ESSENTIAL

The Invisible Parade by Leigh Bardugo, illustrated by John Picacio. PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown, 2025. $20. 9780316295703 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Cala is not looking forward to the party on Dia de los Muertos. She misses her grandfather terribly and doesn't want to go to the cemetery. Once there, she loses sight of her family, and instead, meets a ghost on horseback - the ghost has a terrible cold. Cala offers her mother to make him some soup, but as they are looking for her, they meet a skeleton on a horse of bones who is hungry, and he is invited along. Will Cala find her family or continue to be delayed by these spirits of the dead? It seems Cala has some lessons to learn from them. 

Leigh Bardugo writes an amazing story, but oh the illustrations! Wow! Cala (and the reader) are taken to a fiery magical experience, including a ride with Death himself. I loved the lessons about being sick and poor and caring for others, and how she can keep her grandfather's memory alive in a better way. Highly recommended! The family is Hispanic. 

Lisa Librarian Yes 

The Last Last by Wendy J. Whittingham - ADVISABLE

The Last Last by Wendy J. Whittingham. PICTURE BOOK. Groundwood Books, 2025. $19. 9781773068657

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young Jamaican girl's family is packing all their things.  She is nervous that they are leaving their island home.  On her final day, she takes in the final sights and smells.  She wants to remember all of it.  She takes a last swim in the ocean and finds a beautiful shell to take with her.  Her family flies to a big city in Canada.  She is still worried about her new home until she hears something outside her window.

The Last Last deals with the bittersweet experience of immigration, honoring memories of home while looking forward to new adventures.  I liked Whittingham's use of vibrant colors in her illustrations.

PGPowers

The Keeper of Stories by Caroline Kusin Pritchard and Selina Alko - ADVISABLE

The Keeper of Stories by Caroline Kusin Pritchard, illustrated by Selina Alko. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2025. $20. 9781665914970 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

In 1966, a fire started in the upper floors of New York's Jewish Theological Seminary library. This library contained old and rare books, newspapers, and magazines, some from the Middle Ages. While the firefighters made great efforts to protect the books from the flames and the water used to fight the fire, thousands were destroyed in the blaze, and 170,000 books were water-damaged and had to be dried. The community all pitched in to help, but how do you dry all that paper? 

My heart was breaking to read about the loss of ancient books, including a Torah. The story is well written, with a great author's note, photographs of the library, and the damage caused by the fire. There's a list of sources and even a link to an interview with the head librarian who worked there at the time. I so would like a copy for my library; however, it's tall - too tall for my shelves. 

Lisa Librarian