A Not-So-Scary Story by Barney Saltzberg - ESSENTIAL

A Not-So-Scary Story by Barney Saltzberg. PICTURE BOOK. Hippo Park (Astra), 2026. $19. 9781662640858

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The little mouse wakes up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep.  The older mouse starts to tell a story, but any time the little mouse thinks it might turn scary, it interrupts with a nicer version.  WHen the little mouse confesses that it doesn’t like to be scared, the older mouse talks about the thrill it feels when things are a bit scary.

I loved that I could see what the young mouse was trying to do by redirecting the story and that the older mouse helps alleviate its fears, without being didactic. Don’t even tell kids about the “lesson”.  They will understand, no problem. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Boo! from the Very Hungry Caterpillar - OPTIONAL

Boo! from the Very Hungry Caterpillar. BOARD BOOK. Penguin, 2026. $9. 9798217144969

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

This story-bereft board book is mildly Halloween adjacent. While the illustrations feel within the Eric Carle style, I need more than a couple of pages of Boo! to make this worthwhile.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cristiano Rinaldo by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Joao Fazenda - ADVISABLE

Cristiano Rinaldo by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Joao Fazenda. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Fences Lincoln (Quarto), 2026. $16. 9781805701712

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Meet Cristiano Rinaldo, soccer superstar.

Young fans of soccer and rinaldo in particular will enjoy this short, but well-written, beginning biography.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Hockey Song by Stompin' Tom Connors and Gary Clement - OPTIONAL

The Hockey Song by Stompin' Tom Connors, illustrated by Gary Clement. BOARD BOOK Greystone, 2026 $10 9781778403736 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

This is a song about hockey in board book format. 

The song and pictures are delightful. This is a must-read for future hockey fans. I'm not sure it would appeal to everyone, but it capitalizes on the joy that is hockey. It may make new fans of the game. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Pookie and Bean! by Sandra Boynton - OPTIONAL

Pookie and Bean! by Sandra Boynton. BOARD BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2026 $8 9798347111329 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Pookie and Bean are the best of friends and love to play together. They even sing songs about each other. 

If you love Sandra Boynton, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't crazy about the Pookie and Bean song, but I am not the target audience. It's a fun board book for toddlers. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Rafi and Rita by Jarvis and Judge - ESSENTIAL

 

Rafi and Rita by Jarvis and Judge. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2026. $19. 9781536251685

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Twin giraffes Rafi and Rita are teasing each other about which of them is the tallest.

The twins’ bickering is charming.  I had a great time reading this aloud to our Resource kids.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/fDcyhWd7_aiy_ohHqY2FsQ

It's Not My Cookie by Kael Tudor and Ben Sanders - ADVISABLE

It's Not My Cookie by Kael Tudor and Ben Sanders. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press, 2026. $9. 9798260517741

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Bear finds a delicious looking chocolate chip cookie and wonders who it belongs to.   He feels sorry for the cookie and is very tempted to eat it himself.  Will he give in to temptation or will he do the right thing and find the owner?

It's Not My Cookie has a funny but fairly predictable plot.  It teaches a good lesson about not taking things that don't belong to us.  The expressions on the animal's faces are hilarious and the illustrations are eye-catching but don't have a lot of detail.  Definitely a good book for preschool-1st graders!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarians

Farm Shark by Bill Canterbury and Maddie Frost - ADVISABLE

Farm Shark by Bill Canterbury, illustrated by Maddie Frost. PICTURE BOOK Doubleday (Random), 2026 $19 9780593900789 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Farmer Jolene gets a Farm Shark. The other animals are wary, especially after Farm Shark begins eating them. Farmer Jolene has the solution though! 

The story is delightful, and the art is the perfect fit. The animals are just the right blend of cartoon fun. Kids will enjoy finding out what happens to the farm animals and helping Farmer Jolene. This is an amusing read kids will enjoy. 

Michelle in the Middle 

A is for...A Rabbit's Tale by Jackie Hosking and Lucinda Gifford - ADVISABLE

A is for...A Rabbit's Tale by Jackie Hosking, illustrated by Lucinda Gifford. PICTURE BOOK Walker Books Australia Walker (Candlewick), 2026. $20 9781761603549 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

An alphabet book all about owning a rabbit. 

This alphabet book stands out because it tells a story while going through the alphabet. It's a fun way of showing the alphabet sounds. Warning, young readers may want to get a pet after reading this book. The two main characters have varied skin tones. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Chasing the Moon by Susan Hayes and Anna Stead. - ADVISABLE

Chasing the Moon by Susan Hayes and Anna Stead. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Wide Eyed Editions (Quarto Publishing), 2026. $30. 9781805700197

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Chasing the Moon is a captivating Journey through the Moon's mysteries and magic.  The reader will learn about our connection with the moon through historical legends and ideas. Learn about the phases of the moon and how it affects the Earth's tides, plants, and animals.

Chasing the Moon explores the Moon through beautiful illustrations and stories.  It's a spellbinding treat for anyone obsessed with all things celestial and lunar.

PGPowers

Old MacSanta Had a Farm by Katrina Charman and Georgie Birkett - ADVISABLE

Old MacSanta Had a Farm by Katrina Charman and Georgie Birkett. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2026. $15. 9798887772998

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Santa’s farm is busy getting ready for Christmas delivery and everyone is on hand to help.

A sweet remake of the Old MacDonald classic.  The illustrations are a delight to explore, while the new words are fairly simple in nature. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Scritch! Scratch! by Teri Sloat and Zuzana Cupova - ADVISABLE

Scritch! Scratch! by Teri Sloat, illustrated by Zuzana Cupova. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2026 $15 9798217031146 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Scritch! Scratch! There is a witch in the pumpkin patch! Three children are trying to fool a witch. 

The book is done in gray tones and a splash or orange, which is just right for a children's fright level. Rhyming makes the text pop, and it's just the right amount of scary fun for Halloween. The children are drawn white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Five Little Ghosts by Alex Barrow - ADVISABLE

Five Little Ghosts by Alex Barrow. BOARD BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2026. $10. 9798887772578

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Where are the five little ghosts disappearing to?  Momma Ghost had better figure it out!

I love that Nosy Crow has figured out how to use both sides of tabs and sliders. And the story is short and cute and fun for my little friends to interact with.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Honor Flight by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares - ADVISABLE

Honor Flight by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2026. $19. 9781536230154

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

An elderly man receives a call one day saying that he has been picked for an Honor Flight - trip to Washington D.C. to see the war memorials and other sites along with other vets. Everything has been paid for, including a personal escort for each veteran.

A lovely book and a great companion to Gottesfeld and Tavares’ Twenty-One Steps  Have it on hand for any military celebration day.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Pog and Pickle’s Great Escape by Ross Montgomery and Sarah Warburton - ADVISABLE

Pog and Pickle’s Great Escape by Ross Montgomery and Sarah Warburton. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2026. $19. 9781536251968

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

WHen the family plans a trip to Peru, Pog, one of their guinea pigs, decides to tag along so that she can visit the land of her ancestors.  When Pickle, Pog’s mate, finds her gone, he heads off in pursuit, for a bigger adventure than he could have imagined.

Definitely silly, sharp-eyed kids may have questions about all of the coincidences.  Or they can lean into it and enjoy the silliness.  There is a lot to look at on each page, too.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

FrankenKitty by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Mini Grey - ADVISABLE

FrankenKitty by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Mini Grey. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300972

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The inventor has created a FrankenKitty and now he is blaming every spooky happening and every slimy thing on the kitty - unfair! 

Check out the gorgeous endpapers. And a neat little twist right at the end. Whether you want to blame Kitty or defend him, you will have lots of Halloween creepy things to gaze at on every page.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Here a Creak, There a Shriek! by Kelly Conroy and Nikolas Ilic. - ESSENTIAL

Here a Creak, There a Shriek! by Kelly Conroy and Nikolas Ilic. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300965

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The children are headed to the barn on Old MacSpooky’s Farm.  Before they can celebrate, they have several obstacles to bypass.

So much fun!  The author took care to match the words and rhymes to the original song  I will have to work on a spookier voice, however, when I read this one aloud.  My absolute new favorite Halloween remake!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Ghost Goes Boo! illustrated by Mitch Miller - OPTIONAL

Ghost Goes Boo! illustrated by Mitch Miller. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $10. 9781664352384

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Meet five familiar sights of Halloween and hear their sounds in this board book.

I know my grandchildren will delight in pushing the buttons to make the sounds.  Parents - there is an on/off switch on the back! The words are simple, but it is the sounds that carry the weight.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Peek-a-Boo Halloween by Selina Wood and Damien Barlow - ESSENTIAL

Peek-a-Boo Halloween by Selina Wood and Damien Barlow. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $10. 9781664352094

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Pull the tabs and find a goal and the picture with some counting to do for each page of the board book. Both sides of each tab are put to use, plus the pages have some see-thru elements. A fun one to pair read.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Enchanted Forest (A Roll of the Dice) by Lauren DeGraaf - ADVISABLE

Enchanted Forest (A Roll of the Dice) by Lauren DeGraaf. INTERACTIVE PICTURE BOOK. Magic Cat, 2026. $23. 9781917044516

BUYING ADVISORY: EL GIFT - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Briar has called to be a hero and find the Jewel of Everlasting Life and save everything living in the Enchanted Forest. But she needs our help to find her way. Spread out the map, grab the dice, and help her along the way.

Because you need to cut out the map and the Briar figurine, I can’t recommend this for a school library, unless you already check out board games or puzzles to your students.  But it would make a great gift for young ones in a family that likes role-playing games and Dungeons and Dragons.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dragon Post by Emma Yarlett - ADVISABLE

Dragon Post by Emma Yarlett. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2026. $18. 9781536251937

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Alex found a dragon and now he is trying to find anyone to help him with its care and feeding. 

I love that Alex decided to write letters for help instead of calling, texting, or emailing. Because the book does include letters that could be lost, you will have to cross your fingers (and maybe keep copies of the letters on hand to replace them if lost). 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

William Shakespears by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Andrea Stegmaier - ADVISABLE

William Shakespeare (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Andrea Stegmaier. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2026. $16. 9781805701675

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Vegara give us a succinct, but measured look at the life of Shakespeare. I am always amazed at how well she distills the lives she writes about. Were I a 1st or 2nd grade teacher, I would pair this with other books in the series about authors. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Busy Little Fingers Move by Martine Perrin - ADVISABLE

Busy Little Fingers Move by Martine Perrin. BOARD BOOK. Post Wave, 2026. $11. 9798895091524

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Using colors and instructions, a little one moves their fingers in different ways on the pages.

While the back says it is for ages 10 months and up, a ten month old will need a lot of help to figure out what the book wants them to do. I do like that it works on coordination skills.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Hello Baby Elephant by Ekaterina Trukhan - ADVISABLE

Hello Baby Elephant by Ekaterina Trukhan. BOARD BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2026. $10. 9798887772592

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Five pull tabs on five pages have a little one counting animals up to five, with a little surprise ending.

Cute illustrations and sturdy tabs - I would have to try really hard to bend them, which means my grandson will also have a hard time! 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Old Macdonald Had a Farm - OPTIONAL

Old Macdonald Had a Farm. BOARD BOOK. Flowerpot Press, 2024. $7. 9781486730223

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The simple board book gives the reader one verse of the Old Macdonald song. The cut-out tabs give other ideas for other animal based verses.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Witch (Slide and Peek) by Hector Dexet - ADVISABLE

Witch (Slide and Peek) by Hector Dexet. BOARD BOOK. Post Wave, 2026. $13. 9798895091029

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The witch has great Halloween surprises planned for all of her friends.

Wow! Dext packs a lot of sliding interaction into this board book.  Every slider has something - on the front and the back.  That’s not as common as you might think for pull-tabs! 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Claire & the Cathedral by Pam Fong - ESSENTIAL

Claire & the Cathedral by Pam Fong. PICTURE BOOK. Greenwillow Books (Harper), 2026. $16. 9780063360006

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Claire and her mother tour a cathedral on a rainy day.  Claire couldn't be more bored.  As Claire's mother looks through the cathedral, Claire mopes.  Then she sees a stained glass window that is breathtakingly colorful.  She starts to see and hear the beauty that is all around her.  

Claire and the Cathedral is an enchanting wordless book.  The illustrations are intricately drawn in black and white.  Splashes of color are purposefully placed throughout the book.  Claire and the Cathedral would provoke a great discussion as to why wordless books can be so powerful.

Claire is around 5 or 6 and presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Homesick by Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon and Daniel Miyares. - ADVISABLE

Homesick by Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon and Daniel Miyares. PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2026. $19. 9780823457144

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Poppy is so excited to sleep over at G-Pa and Mimi's house for the first time ever. She'll bake bread and gather pinecones and read all the books her mother used to read.  But Home isn't excited. While Poppy is on her big adventure, Home misses Poppy and feels hollow and Echoey.  Mom and Dad miss Poppy.  Will Poppy start to miss Home too?

Homesick's heartfelt take on a child's first sleepover is very innovative by representing the house as a person with feelings.  I enjoyed the yellow colors showing excitement in the illustrations, and the blue showing sadness.

PGPowers

Encyclopedia of Fungi by Jules Howard and Namasri Niumin - ADVISABLE

Encyclopedia of Fungi by Jules Howard and Namasri Niumin. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Wide Eyed Editions  (Quarto Publishing), 2026. $23. 9781836008804

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Encyclopedia of Fungi is a reference book that introduces readers to over 300 diverse fungal species from around the globe.  It highlights weird, colorful, and unique organisms ranging from glowing toadstools and giant puffballs to zombie fungi. It also includes helpful tips, a glossary, and an index for young nature explorers.

Howard makes this reference very interesting for those who want to know more about the different kinds of mushrooms, and which ones are poisonous.  Niumim's gouache illustrations are beautiful, graphic, and interesting.

PGPowers

Seed by Seed: The Legend of Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman by Esme Raji Codell and Lynne Rae Perkins. - ADVISABLE

Seed by Seed: The Legend of Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman by Esme Raji Codell and Lynne Rae Perkins. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Greenwillow Books (Harper), 2012. $10 9780061455155

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

How much do you know about Johnny Appleseed?  Did you know that he was so much more than a person who planted many apple seeds?  In Seed by Seed, a brief and interesting history is given of Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman.  Johnny lived by example in five ways.  Those ways are explored in Seed by Seed by actual events in his life. 

I really loved this book!  From the interesting facts about his life to the beautiful lessons we can learn from Johnny, Seed by Seed is very inspirational and interesting!  The illustrations have many details and remind me of the art found in Jan Brett's books.  In the back of the book, crafts and a recipe are suggested to celebrate Johnny's birthday (Sep 26).  Even though this book was written years ago, I think that it will still appeal to students today.  

Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman is white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

The Cow in the Dark at Night by Jess Hannigan - SEVERAL

The Cow in the Dark at Night by Jess Hannigan. PICTURE BOOK. Harper Collins Children's Books, 2026. $19. 9780063437777

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - SEVERAL

APPEALS TO: ADVISABLE

Have you ever heard of a cow wandering around at night?  This cow makes a secret plan to go on an adventure at night.  She meets many interesting people and creatures, even aliens!  Will the cow ever return to the farm?

I thought this book was hilarious!  I think students would enjoy it because the text shows that the cow does not know what is going on but the students can infer from the pictures what is going on.   The illustrations are very simple but funny.  Would make a great read aloud for younger grades!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Planting Hope by Frederick Joseph and Paul Kellam - ADVISABLE

Planting Hope by Frederick Joseph and Paul Kellam. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2026. $19. 9781536233452

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Henry's family loves plants and gardening.  Henry struggles to help plants grow even when he follows his mom's instructions perfectly.  Henry's mom becomes sick with a serious illness.  Can Henry find a way to care for the garden and have hope while his mom is away?

Joseph tells a beautiful story about having hope when life is difficult.  The illustrations are eye-catching and vibrant.  The text is limited to a few sentences per page.  Planting Hope handles the topic of an ill parent in a very gentle and kid friendly way.

Henry is an early elementary aged boy between 1st and 3rd grade.  Henry and his parents are black.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Family Feast! by Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison - ADVISABLE

Family Feast! by Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison. PICTURE BOOK. Crown Books (Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593898291

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Pops and Big Ma start cooking early for the big family feast. Relatives travel from miles away to gather together. Once everyone arrives, aunts, uncles, and cousins all pitch in to help prepare the meal. Family favorites fill the table, and the kitchen buzzes with activity. There is plenty of chaos, laughter, and love as everyone comes together to share a delicious meal and enjoy each other's company.

The fun chaos of a family holiday meal is beautifully depicted in this story. The illustrations are especially wonderful, filled with bold colors, expressive characters, and a sense of constant movement that brings the bustling family gathering to life.

The characters are Black.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Lolly on the Ice by Sarah S Brannen - ADVISABLE

Lolly on the Ice by Sarah S Brannen. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2025. $19. 9780593711811

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lolly loves to ice skate. When it is just her and her dad on the ice, she can glide, spin, and skate with confidence. But as soon as other people are watching, she freezes and can barely move. Hoping to help her overcome her fears, her dad encourages her to audition for the local ice skating show. The audition does not go well, and Lolly is cast as a snowman whose job is to stand perfectly still. Although she dreams of being part of the snowflake team, she knows performing in front of an audience is too scary. But when one of the snowflakes is injured, Lolly has a chance to step into the spotlight. Can she find the courage to take her place on the ice?

A sweet story about overcoming fears and being brave even when it is scary. Fun illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

The Deepest Blue by Shauntay Grant and Daniel Minter - ADVISABLE

The Deepest Blue by Shauntay Grant and Daniel Minter. PICTURE BOOK. Quill Tree Books (Harper), 2026. $16. 9780063251380

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young black girl goes scuba diving with her family.  As they dive deeper, they find a sunken slave ship.  The girl wonders about the history of the wreck.  She also thinks about her ancestors and how she is connected to them.

The Deepest Blue has the most beautiful illustrations.  It is meant to be read vertically.  The text is written in verse and is limited to a few sentences per page.  The Deepest Blue is more about the feeling the illustrations invoke than about a plot.  It is a tribute to black heritage and history. The girl and her family are black.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

The River of Caregiving by Jocelyn Chung and Sarah Gonzales - OPTIONAL

The River of Caregiving by Jocelyn Chung and Sarah Gonzales. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2026. $19. 9780593533604

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young girl discovers the many ways caregiving flows through her family. She helps her grandfather just as he has always helped her. Her mother cares for her grandmother, just as her grandmother once cared for her. Through these everyday acts of kindness, the child begins to see how love and caregiving connect generations. Like a river, this cycle of care runs through her life, linking her to her ancestors and the generations yet to come.

I loved the message of how multigenerational families love and support one another through every stage of life. The story beautifully highlights the ways care and kindness flow between generations, creating strong family bonds. I also really enjoyed the illustrations, which are warm and engaging. However, I am not sure how much the tone and style of the storytelling will appeal to the intended 3–7-year-old audience. The themes are meaningful, but the reflective narrative may be better suited to upper elementary readers who can more fully appreciate its message. The family is Taiwanese.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Kente for Jojo by Bernard Mensah and Elizabeth Zunon - ADVISABLE

Kente for Jojo by Bernard Mensah and Elizabeth Zunon. PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A Knopf (Random), 2025. $19. 9780593567128

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO:  SOME

A young boy accompanies his family to the weavers to choose a Kente cloth for his baby brother, Jojo. As he learns about the meanings behind the different patterns and colors, he carefully selects a design he thinks is perfect for his brother. The boy then helps weave the cloth, creating a special gift that celebrates family, tradition, and the rich cultural heritage of Ghana.

I liked the collage-style illustrations, which added warmth and texture to the story. I also enjoyed learning about Kente cloth and its cultural significance. The history, traditions, and importance of Kente are presented in an approachable manner. The additional information at the back of the book provides additional information about Kente cloth. The family is Ghanaian

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

A Song for Two Homes by Dr. Michael Datcher and Charly Palmer - ADVISABLE

A Song for Two Homes by Dr. Michael Datcher and Charly Palmer. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2025. $19. 9780593429365

BUYING ADVISORY: APPEALS TO: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Auset feels split in two after her parents' divorce. As she adjusts to living in two homes, she struggles to make sense of the many emotions that come with such a big change. She finds comfort in the music of Sweet Honey and Bob Marley, the listening ear of her beloved stuffed dolphin, and the love and support of both of her parents.

Children experiencing divorce will likely relate to Auset's as she works through feelings of sadness, confusion, and joy while discovering the strength to navigate difficult days. The story is written in free verse. The illustrations are excellent.

The family is Black. 

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Is This a Plum? by Dan and Finn Ojari - ESSSENTIAL

Is This a Plum? by Dan and Finn Ojari. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Book for Young Readers, 2026. $18. 9798217223138

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

A peek through a picture book with call and response rhyming that pairs words like spoon/moon, house/mouse, and pear/bear with cute accompanying illustrations. 

This book is based on the author's eight-year-old son's original idea and drawings. The result is cute, unexpected, creative, and fun. This would be a good read-aloud book.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Hugo's Hair by James Alfie - OPTIONAL

Hugo's Hair by James Alfie. PICTURE BOOK. Harper Collins, 2026. $20. 9780063432338

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Hugo is a monster that is trying to find himself.  He is bald.  Throughout the book, Hugo imagines different hairstyles and wonders if they will help him fit in.  Will Hugo find the right hairstyle or will he decide it is ok to just be himself?

Hugo's Hair has bright and colorful pictures.  The story is told through rhyme with a sentence or two per page.   Even though this book is cute, it does not have much of a plot.  However, it does contain a great message about loving who you are.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

But I'm a Pumpkin: A Summerween Story by Kat Choppy and Heidi Moreno - ADVISABLE

But I'm a Pumpkin: A Summerween Story by Kat Choppy and Heidi Moreno.PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A Knopf (Random House), 2026. $19. 9798217122509

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A little girl plants seeds in the spring and visits them every day, telling them that one day they will become jack-o'-lanterns. She watches them grow from tiny sprouts into pumpkins. But one little pumpkin is different. While the others grow big and orange, he just keeps getting greener. Then, one summer day, he is picked too soon. What if he isn't a pumpkin at all?

Choppy  offers a delightful twist on Halloween traditions. Why wait until October when you can celebrate "Summerween" with a watermelon jack-o'-lantern? The illustrations are bright and cheerful.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

The Baby Who Only Said No by Sandra Salsbury - ADVISABLE

The Baby Who Only Said No by Sandra Salsbury. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday Books for Young Readers (Random House), 2026. $19. 9798217119257

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Baby knows only one word—"No!" As she learns to talk, she also leaves a trail of chaos in her wake. Share? No. Get dressed? No. Eat breakfast? No. Every request is met with the same determined response. But when she is asked if she would like a kiss, it may be time to learn a new word.

Parents, and older siblings will easily recognize this stage of toddlerhood as little ones begin to discover both language and independence. The story captures the humor, frustration, and sweetness of a child determined to do things her own way.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Unicorns in Uniforms by Beth Ferry and A.N. Kang - ADVISABLE

Unicorns in Uniforms by Beth Ferry and A.N. Kang. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026. $20. 9781665975421

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Can unicorns be hairdressers? Firefighters?  What about bakers?  In Unicorns in Uniforms, unicorns do it all.  Can the unicorns work together to save their village from a dragon?  

Unicorns in Uniforms, with its eye-catching cover, will intrigue students who love unicorns.  The text rhymes and is limited to a few sentences per page.  The illustrations are adorable with lots of details.  Working together is the theme that is emphasized in Unicorns in Uniforms.  

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Think Big: Secrets of Bees by Ben Hoare and Nina Chakrabarti. - ADVISABLE

Think Big:  Secrets of Bees by Ben Hoare and Nina Chakrabarti. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2025. $20. 9798887772738

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Secrets of Bees dives into the hive to uncover the intriguing and hidden lives of bees.  Learn through beautiful, fun illustrations and text about how bees have incredible super powers, how they pollinate plants, how they communicate, and how without bees, the world would be a very different place.

Secrets of Bees is intriguing and contains interesting new facts found in short paragraphs under clever, engaging illustrations. It is mostly for older children, but younger children will enjoy the pictures.

PGPowers

Louisa Learns to Write: Louisa May Alcott Creates Little Women by Kate Hannigan and Sofia Moore - ADVISABLE

Louisa Learns to Write:  Louisa May Alcott Creates Little Women by Kate Hannigan and Sofia Moore. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra Books for Young Readers), 2026. $20. 9781629794563

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Louisa May Alcott was always exploring, playing, dreaming, and creating - the very actions that would one day make her a writer. She treasured her "Imagination Book" given to her by her mother.  Louisa and her family went through hard times, but they persevered.  She worked many odd jobs, and hoped that one day she would make enough money through her writing to help her family.  When the opportunity came, she drew from her own family experience to write her first novel Little Women.

Louisa Learns to Write is a beautiful, heartfelt tale biography that will inspire creativity and spark interest in learning to write.

PGPowers

The Visit by Nuria Figueras and Anna Font - ADVISABLE

The Visit by Nuria Figueras and Anna Font. PICTURE BOOK. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026. $19. 9780802856555

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When her mother leaves the den, Little Fox expects to spend the next few hours by herself.  But then she hears a knock at the door.  The visitor's name is silence.  Silence is so big and strange.  Is silence bad, or can silence teach her something good and be her friend?

The Visit is a tender story about making friends with silence, and learning about mindfulness, self-regulation and alone time.  Font's artwork is gorgeous.

PGPowers

Science The High-Flying, Deep Diving Adventures of Kathy Sullivan by Diane Stanley and Jessie Hartland - ADVISABLE

The High-Flying, Deep Diving Adventures of Kathy Sullivan by Diane Stanley and Jessie Hartland. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2025. $20. 9781665926409

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Growing up, Kathy Sullivan loved to look at maps and National Geographics and wonder about distant places.  When she was six years old and saw Sputnik in the sky, she knew space would be the most amazing adventure of all.  Kathy became the first American woman to walk in space. Kathy also became the first woman to travel to the Mariana Trench, the lowest known point on Earth.  Kathy never forgot the maps she loved as a child and followed her curiosity to the highest reaches and most sunken depths.

Stanley captures the curious, adventurous, brave spirit of Kathy Sullivan and touts her many accomplishments.  The juvenile illustrations are engaging and delightful.

PGPowers

All Together Now: Create 50 Moments of Family Joy by Hannah Dove and Gemma Koomen - ADVISABLE

All Together Now:  Create 50 Moments of Family Joy by Hannah Dove and Gemma Koomen. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Quarto Publishing, 2025. $20. 9780711295209

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

What do families need to have fun and make memoirs?  Each other! and this book that will help you discover 50 fun activities you can do at home or in the backyard or in your local area.  Each one encourages families to be in the present, enjoy quality time together, practice new skills, and create treasured family memories.

All Together Now helps families get new, fun, and  creative ideas to do together for free or with minimal resources. I enjoyed the sweetly illustrated activities.

PGPowers

The Star Tree by Luosha Liu - ADVISABLE

The Star Tree by Luosha Liu. PICTURE BOOK. Post Wave Children's Books, 2026. $19. 9798895090954

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

In the heart of the forest stands an ancient tree that Ellie loves more than anything.  One night, a comet passes overhead and the tree erupts into shimmering stars that seem to take over the forest and bother all the animals.  The animals want to chop down the tree to stop the stars.  But Ellie loves the tree and tries to find a way to get rid of the stars.  Can Ellie and her friends solve the starry problem?

The Star Tree is an interesting comic book tale of friendship and teamwork that will enchant young readers. I enjoyed the cute characters and illustrations.

PGPowers

Let's Rumble! by Rachel G. Payne and Jose Pimienta - ADVISABLE

Let's Rumble! : A Rough-and-Tumble Book of Play by Rachel G. Payne and Jose Pimienta. PICTURE BOOK. Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2025. $19. 9780593750698

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

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

Two kids decide it's time to rumble in their living room! They roughhouse and use their imaginations, making sure to stop when someone says the safe word. When a third kid joins the fun, she gets to learn the rumble rules too. "The text is exclusively speech bubbles; the illustrations are colorful and engaging. Tips and information on how to roughhouse and its benefits are included after the story. 

The kids have olive skin and dark hair. The youngest boy is illustrated with hearing aids.

Rachel, Elementary library specialist