A Knot is not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri and Vesper Stamper - ADVISABLE

A Knot is not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri, illustrated by Vesper Stamper. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2025 $19.00 9780593809693 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

When the Persian rug the boy's grandmother made with her grandmother begins to fray and fade, it's time to make a new one. So the grandmother teaches the boy everything, from spinning the wool of his grandfather's sheep to dying the yarn, planning the pattern, setting up the loom, and finally weaving. But there's more to making a rug than just knowing how to do it, Grandmother also tells stories and teaches life lessons. 

I'm a fiber artist myself, and adored this story of teaching a skill to a new generation. This story made my heart happy. The illustrations are colorful and accurate (to my eye at least). I liked the author's note, about Persian rug making and a lesson about perfection. I would have loved there to be a personal connection between Nayeri and making a rug with a photo. He's a great writer, and I assumed it was autobiographical. Not disappointed, though, that it is not. Still buying a copy for my library.  The family is Iranian. 

Lisa Librarian 

Whooo Is Still Awake? by Brigette Barrager - ADVISABLE

Whooo Is Still Awake? by Brigette Barrager. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books, 2025. $19 9780593433546 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

As the night begins, two little owls take flight into moonlit woods. "Whooo" is awake each night? With the turn of each page, readers meet nocturnal friends such as fluttering moths and playful raccoons to creeping black cats and trotting skunks- "Pew! Pew!" "Whoo is still awake?" 

Hopefully not little ones as they snuggle into this perfect bedtime story. Two sets of bright yellow eyes stand out on each page as the two owls take flight to find out who's still awake at night. The background colors are soft and dark with the text in a pastel pink- a perfect combination! The baby owls are so sweet and each of the critters are illustrated perfectly. The text is simple and fun. We enjoyed this book! 

S. Lewis

Hurricane by Jason Chin - ESSENTIAL

Hurricane by Jason Chin. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Neal Porter (Holiday House), 2025. $20. 9780823458493 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Jason Chin tracks a hurricane from off the coast of Africa to north of the Caribbean islands toward the United States, Through the perspective of a community and family on Cape Hatteras. We see how the National Hurricane Center forecasts the hurricane and predicts its track. We fly with Hurricane Hunters - Pilots who fly specially equipped weather planes right in to the storm. We also see how the residents of Cape Hatteras are preparing to weather the storm, and evacuate if necessary. 

I loved how the scientific information was side-by-side with the activities of the community. What a fun way to read non-fiction, it made the science so applicable. I love how many of the illustrations of the community involve phone calls from neighbors checking on each other. A great non-fiction book about Hurricanes - both the process and the impact. Includes some interesting back matter on hurricanes, including further reading and sources. 

Lisa Librarian

Little Bad Wolf by Abie Longstaff and Leire Martin - ESSENTIAL

Little Bad Wolf by Abie Longstaff, illustrated by Leire Martin. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak, 2025. $19 9780711296466 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Before becoming the BIG, BAD WOLF, Baby Wolfie has to grow up and learn patience because things often make him grumpy. If anything (lamp posts, his desk at school, shoes) upsets Baby Wolfie, he simply gobbles it up! When the teacher begins to give out Star Pupil badges, Wolfie is FINALLY chosen as the Star Pupil and to celebrate, his dad makes him a red and swishy red cloak. So begins the story of Little Red stealing Wolfie's cloak, claiming it belongs to her, eventually meeting her demise in the forest and home of her grandmother many years later. 

Goldilocks, the Gingerbread Man, Little Pig, and Jack and the Beanstalk are side characters in this adorable picture book. Every once in a while, the PERFECT picture book comes along. "Little Bad Wolf - Before the Fairy Tale" is that book for me! The illustrations are so adorable! The creative writing is perfection! Tying a variety of other fairy tale characters into the story is brilliant! I am unaware of another book that focuses on The Big Bad wolf as "baby Wolfie", but this one wins the prize! Great picture book! The illustrator did a great job representing many ethnic backgrounds in her illustrations. 

 S. Lewis

Winter Is Wonderful by Emma Dodd - OPTIONAL

Winter Is Wonderful by Emma Dodd. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $18 9781536243956 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A sweet fox family enjoys the magic of winter together. 

With altering pages adding foil in the illustrations, this picture book is unique and fun. The words are simple and the sentiment of being together to celebrate the holidays makes this a fun gift idea. "Winter is special in every way- a time for family, sharing and play." I loved the introduction of foil on alternating pages. Little ones will love this unique, bright addition to their reading library. The story was simple yet didn't really draw us in. The rhyming wasn't as easy to read as I hoped. It's a fun book but just didn't reach the "mark" for me. 

S. Lewis

Torla and Smorla and The Deeper than Average Hole by Kes Gray and Chris Jevons - ESSENTIAL

Torla and Smorla and The Deeper than Average Hole by Kes Gray illustrated by Chris Jevons. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak, 2025. $19 9780711288157 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Torla the giraffe has a dilemma. She has accidentally fallen into a deeper-than-average hole. Luckily a new friend, Smorla, happens along the way. Smorla is determined to help rescue her newfound friend. Even with the help of stronger-than-average elephants and hairier-than-average gorillas, there simply doesn't seem to be a solution. 

 With thick paper pages, and fun lift the flap pages, readers will delight in Smorla's unexpected solution to helping her friend get out of the hole. What a fun book! I loved the fun and unusual size- appx. 12 inches high x 6 inches wide. I loved the illustrations. All of the big-eyed animals are adorable. The lift the flap pages will thrill all readers. This will become a must-have picture book for all homes and classrooms. 

 S. Lewis

There's Nothing Funny About Bums by Gareth P. Jones and Matt Robertson - OPTIONAL

There's Nothing Funny About Bums by Gareth P. Jones and Matt Robertson, PICTURE BOOK Happy Yak, 2025. $19. 9780711295865 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME

When a student writes bum and draws one on the board, their teacher turns it into a lesson. There's nothing funny about bums, or farts, or poop. But, somehow, the whole class can't stop laughing. 

It took me a bit to realize the text is in verse, and some of the rhymes are pretty loosely constructed. I wasn't thoroughly amused; it was just OK. Maybe it's my age, and perhaps 1st-2nd or 7th graders would find it silly. No real lessons were taught or information gained. The illustrations were OK as well. 

Lisa Librarian 

Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury - ESSENTIAL

Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $18 9781536235685 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Rosen and Oxenbury have done it again! What an incredible picture book! An adorable little boy goes from shop to shop, requesting various items—a hat, a coat, a cake, a chair—yet instead of his requested items, he is given a completely different (and hilarious) object instead. Each "item" is wrapped in a fun guessing-game manner that will delight readers. 

 "I went to the shop to get me a coat. Oh dear, they gave me..." This repetitive phrase, with the magical answer on the page turn, will excite readers of all ages. What a fun and adorable book! We loved the illustrations. We loved guessing the hidden/wrapped item! This would be a fun book to teach a unit on rhyming. Readers will delight in the little boy's joy in unwrapping his final item. There is a fun rendition of "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" near the end of the book. Perfect picture book! 

S. Lewis

Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor and Fiona Woodcock - ADVISABLE

Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor illustrated by Fiona Woodcock. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press 2025 20 9781536242911 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Taylor and Woodcock have created a fun, large picture book full of 35 interactive finger rhymes. Taylor notes that "even though these poems are called finger rhymes, you can also make movement with your hands, your arms, your legs, and your feet. You can join in with the poems by moving the whole of your body if you like!" 

This statement makes this the perfect book for teachers getting the wiggles out of a room full of students. Teachers will love this quick grab collection of finger (or body) activities. Families will enjoy family fun nights with this picture book. I enjoyed this book but felt like some of the rhymes were not as easy to read/rhyme as others. There are definitely some favorites that we repeated over and over. The illustrations are done in animation style and so much fun! I loved the soft, calm colors on each page. 

S. Lewis

You Are Not Alone by Ingrid Law and Xin Li. - ADVISABLE

You Are Not Alone by Ingrid Law, illustrated by Xin Li. PICTURE BOOK. Rocky Pond Books (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593697955

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Bedtime sometimes feels like going into a dark cave in the dark woods all alone.  A nightlight, a mother's kiss, a father's hug, your stuffed animals, and grandma walking down the hall all let you know you are truly never ever alone.  The cat, owls, trees, and neighbor porchlights let you know you're not alone.  What other things help you know you're not alone?

You Are Not Alone is a gentle, lyrical bedtime story that reassures children at night emphasizing connection and light in the darkness.  Li's soft dark illustrations soothe the reader.

PGPowers

The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and R Gregory Christie - OPTIONAL

The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and R Gregory Christie. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2025. $20. 9781541599123 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME 

When the crops are destroyed again, Junior's family moves from the country to the city, where his dad can get a more stable job. But things are different. Junior has to wear shoes and watch for traffic and make new friends. His friends introduce him to the Library in the Woods. In the 1950s in Mississippi, black kids couldn't get library cards, so this community made a special library just for them. Junior was amazed! 

A nice author's note gives the reader more information, including the fact that Junior is the author's brother. A lovely tribute to the African American Library in Roxboro, Mississippi. I liked how Junior was more interested in reading than playing with friends, and how he helped bring literacy to his family. A nice selection for a reader looking for something different about Civil Rights. The characters are African American 

Lisa Librarian 

The Day My Brother Became a Tree by Xin Li. - ADVISABLE

The Day My Brother Became a Tree by Xin Li. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown and Company, 2026. $19. 9780316492379

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Owen loved trees. He named all the trees in the yard.  He kept them watered, told them stories, sang them songs and introduced them to all his friends.  One day his parents told him that his family was moving and that they couldn't move the trees. Owen said that he wouldn't move. The next day, Owen dressed up like a tree, holding branches in each hand.  He wouldn't move and started to put down roots.  What can Owen's family do to help him?

I loved LI's humorous tale about moving to a new home.  Li celebrates compassion, imagination, nature, and sibling love with her story.  Li's creative and stunning illustrations are so enjoyable.

PGPowers

Monster Maker: The Strange Creatures of Mark Nagata by Debbi Michiko Florence and Inko Ai Takita - OPTIONAL

Monster Maker: The Strange Creatures of Mark Nagata by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Inko Ai Takita. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Reycraft, 2025. $11 9781478890645 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

When 9yo Mark received a box of Japanese monster toys from his relatives in Japan, his perception of action figures changed. He watched Ultraman with friends on TV and drew lots and lots of pictures. As an adult, he made his own job, and started a toy company with his own original action figures. 

For kids who are collectors or who love action figures, particularly those familiar with kaiju, this is a great introduction to the creator. I hope the Japanese American National Museum has copies of this book on hand. Includes a nice author's note. Mark is Japanese American. 

Lisa Librarian

King of the Dump by Tim Wynne-Jones and Scot Ritchie - ADVISABLE

King of the Dump by Tim Wynne-Jones, illustrated by Scot Ritchie. PICTURE BOOK. Groundwood Books, 2025. $20. 9781773067483

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Teddy is excited to go to the dump with his dad.  But he is not excited about giving away his toddler ride-along doggie.  Even though Teddy is too tall, he dearly loves this toy.  After learning about recycling plastics, glass, mixed paper and scrap metal, Teddy and his dad visit the "As Is" store where Teddy trades in his ride-along toy for a new treasure! Who knew recycling could be so much fun? 

With adorable illustrations, children and parents will enjoy this journey of recycling and learning to let go of things we've either outgrown or no longer need.  This is a fun book that teaches all (readers and children alike) about the importance of recycling.  I loved the illustrations, especially Teddy's facial expressions.  The large two page illustration of the Waste Management Center could be a fun "search and find" game for parents and children.  The colors are bright and inviting.  This book could be used in any classroom to teach a unit on recycling. 

The "Waste Management Center" two page layout is filled with a variety of ethnic backgrounds and the illustrator did a great job representing each child who might read this book. 

S. Lewis

The Quilt of Our Memories by Desiree Acevedo and Victor Jaubert. - ADVISABLE

The Quilt of Our Memories by Desiree Acevedo illustrated by Victor Jaubert. PICTURE BOOK. Cuento de Luz, 2025. $20. 9788410438033 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A beautiful quilt is created as generation after generation, each and every woman in this family creates a quilt block representative of different members of the family. Whether a block with beautiful tomatoes from an aunt's garden, or a paint palette representing great-aunt Lola's amazing landscapes on canvas, all the quilt blocks tell a specific and special story. The final quilt block completed represents what family means to the seamstress. There is one block left unfinished for future quilters to complete. 

This sweet book can be used in a classroom on a unit on family traditions, sewing appliqué style, and career choices with gender diversity. The bright, bold colors on each page draw the reader into this sweet story. I loved that the typical female tradition was carried on by surprise posterity. The illustrations are very detailed and will lend to many hours of conversation and perhaps spark childhood stories from one generation to the next. Although sewing/quilting tends to be completed by women, the surprise ending lends to gender diversity. 

S. Lewis

The Biggest Smallest Thing by Sara de Waal and Ana Stretcu - ADVISABLE

The Biggest Smallest Thing by Sara de Waal, illustrated by Ana Stretcu. PICTURE BOOK. Annick Press, 2025. $19. 9781773219455

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

The story centers on our budding scientist Mo who desperately wants to win the Scintillating Science Symposium. After all, he has the best ideas! Follow along as Mo explores different ways to answer this question and explore the science evident in all his classmate’s entries.

I loved the diversity and representation in the picture book. For example, Mo is Black, his teacher, Ms. Rawlingfort wears a hijab, and the classroom has all kinds of ethnicities and abilities represented. The illustrations are also so fun and charming. They perfectly capture the creativity and chaos present in elementary classrooms. I predict the younger readers won't appreciate the alliteration (or even know what Scintillating is supposed to mean) but I do think they will identify with the different students in Mo's class and enjoy the STEAM based story.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

The Story Orchestra: The Planets: Musical Puzzle: Press the note to hear Holst's music by Kaddo - ADVISABLE

The Story Orchestra: The Planets: Musical Puzzle: Press the note to hear Holst's music by Kaddo PICTURE BOOK. Kaddo, 2025. $23 9781836006275 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

This box contains a full puzzle image on a poster as a reference, puzzle pieces, and press the notes buttons that play Holst's music scores. 

Children will thrill as they piece together the jigsaw puzzle showing a brother and sister speeding through The Planets on an out—of—this—world adventure. As they put the shaped pieces into place, they can press the musical notes to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Holst's original score.
 This musical jigsaw puzzle is the perfect gift to introduce children to classical music. This is a fun way to help students and children learn or review The Planets. The colors are bright and bold. The addition of the musical buttons will thrill little fingers and help makielearning fun. The puzzle pieces are made of heavy construction material that will last many years.

S. Lewis

Sawyer's Big Idea by Kimberly Hatch and Sayani Mukherjee - ADVISABLE

Sawyer's Big Idea written by Kimberly Hatch, illustrated by Sayani Mukherjee. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2025. $19. 9781433845598

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Sawyer wakes up with a brilliant idea, but as he starts working on it, he gets another idea, and another, and another! Before he knows it, his day has flown by and he hasn't done ANYTHING!

An affirming story for anyone who just can't get things done, this picture book helps young readers reframe their attention spans as something to be celebrated rather than derided. There is additional content in the back to help parents and caregivers connect and reflect on their own experiences and big ideas.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Gracie Feeds the Birds by Jane Yolen, Peter Tacy, and Frances Ives. - OPTIONAL

Gracie Feeds the Birds by Jane Yolen aand Peter Tacy, illustrated by Frances Ives. PICTURE BOOK Magination Press, 2026. $19. 9781433845659

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Gracie feeds the birds and thanks each one. The squirrel is unhappy that he has to wait his turn, and not thankful at all. 

I had to think about the message of the book - I guess it's about doing nice things and not expecting thanks. Magination books are usually addressing a more obvious issue - like depression, poverty, standing up to gun violence, dealing with teasing, or a parent with addiction. Gracie Feeds the Birds was much more subtle. Also, Magination Press usually includes online parent/teacher resources; none are provided for this title. As useful as these books usually are (I often run them to our social worker or school psychologist) Jane Yolen's latest is a fine bedtime story. The illustrations are good, and I like learning about all the birds - it just does not deliver the impact I'm used to. Gracie defaults white. 

Lisa Librarian

Light: The Extraordinary Energy That Illuminates Our World by Dr. Jess Wade and Ana Sanelippo - ADVISABLE

Light: The Extraordinary Energy That Illuminates Our World written by Dr. Jess Wade, illustrated by Ana Sanelippo. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $19. 9781536243635

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Discover all the amazing complexities of light with this detailed text by physicist & STEM communicator Dr. Jess Wade and colorful illustrations by Ana Sanfelippo.

A delightful exploration of the science of light for any and all budding scientists. The author does a really good job of explaining how light works and how it affects almost every aspect of our world, while still being approachable for young audiences. I loved the main character and her dog on each page, it was a nice visual cue to look for when the topic would change.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Crocodiles Everywhere by Esteli Meza - ADVISABLE

Crocodiles Everywhere by Esteli Meza. PICTURE BOOK. Rocky Pond Books (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593859148

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young girl misses best friend, who has moved to another city.  She started seeing two crocodiles staying with her wherever she went.  There was a gray crocodile who would weep for hours, and a loud crocodile who would break things and create chaos.  Nobody else could see them.  When they follow her to her family's beach vacation, the girl decides she needs to talk to them. What will she say to them to get them to stop following her?

Crocodiles Everywhere is a compassionate text to visualize children' s sometimes irrational emotions.  I liked how the crocodiles represented sadness and anger.  Meza's geometric shapes and earth-toned illustrations complemented the story well.

PGPowers

Dad and His Crew Power Through! by Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford - OPTIONAL

Dad and His Crew Power Through! by Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2026. $13. 9781797238500

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As the sun rises, a Giant wheel loader rumbles awake to the noise of the little skid steers. The wise patient dad teaches his little ones how to dig, lift, carry, and climb.  He also teaches them that it is important to play.  

Dad and His Crew Power Through! is very wordy, especially for toddlers, but the concept of fathers teaching their children to work as a family is nice.  Ford's illustrations are cute.

PGPowers

When Twilight Comes by Marcie Flinchum Atkins and Michelle Morin - ADVISABLE

When Twilight Comes by Marcie Flinchum Atkins, illustrated by Michelle Morin. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2026. $20. 9781797216799

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

When Twilight Comes takes the reader on a walk through the special moments between day and night.  The reader learns about crepuscular creatures -- familiar animals and plants that are most active at dawn or dusk such as skunks, white-tailed deer, fireflies, morning glories and more.

When Twilight Comes is a lyrical description of the secrets and surprises that unfold only in the twilight.  The backmatter includes a Glossary and more information and facts on crepuscular Critters and Flowers. I enjoyed the lushly illustrated pages.

PGPowers

Owl's Fall Feast Fiasco by Kristen Remenar and Matt Faulkner - ADVISABLE

Owl's Fall Feast Fiasco by Kristen Remenar, illustrated by Matt Faulkner. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025, $18. 9781623543716

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Owl is hosting his annual Fall Feast, and he is excited that the international star Platypus has accepted the invitation to play his didgeridoo.  But what do you feed Platypus who is part reptile, part bird and part mammal?  As Owl asks all the animals in the forest, he finds out that they don't eat the food he prepares for them.  Groundhog is lactose intolerant, Hare is allergic to carrots, and Sparrow is a vegetarian.  What can he do to make this the best feast for everyone?

Owl's Fall Feast Fiasco uses humor and tenderness to teach readers to accept others for who they are.  I enjoyed the interesting and detailed illustrations that have a graphic novel vibe.

PGPowers

Don’t Splash Grandpa! by Julie Gonzalez and Srinidhi Srinivasan - ADVISABLE

Don’t Splash Grandpa! by Julie Gonzalez, illustrated by Srinidhi Srinivasan. PICTURE BOOK. Sourcebooks, APRIL 2026. $15. 9781464225192

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Celebrate a day at the pool with lots of friends and toys, races and sky-high squirts.  But wherever you, please don’t splash Grandpa.  Why?  You’ll see!

Gonzalez has a super fun celebration of summer pool time play.  The rhyming text adds to the fun - not a distraction.  Plus listeners will love shouting out “Don’t Splash Grandpa” whenever needed. Srinivasan’s illustrations include wide expanses of blue and splashes, with a wide diversity of kids. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Found You! by Jane Godwin and Sylvia Morris - ADVISABLE

Found You! by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Sylvia Morris. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $18. 9781623546182

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Some kids decide to play hide-and-seek.  Archie runs fast to find the best hiding spot.  Archie hears Winnie find Alex.  Then they find Sam.  Archie  stays quiet so that they won't find him, but soon he can't hear them and thinks they have stopped looking.  Should he call out?  Are they still playing the game?

Found You!  is very relatable for those who have ever had an anxious moment playing hide-and-seek. It also teaches young children how to play the game.  Morris' creative and well done illustrations capture the fun.

PGPowers

A Stickler’s Valentine by Lane Smith - ADVISABLE

 

A Stickler’s Valentine by Lane Smith. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2026. $19. 9798217025350

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Valentine's Day has arrived and Stickler is out delivering sticks to his various friends to show them Valentine's love.  None of them seem to want his stick, however. Stickler is capable of learning and he has a fun surprise new skill to show us.

Stickler is such an odd, adorable character.  I love this new skill that he showed and that he learns something important about the giving of Valentines. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Rivers by Simon Chapman and Qu Lan - OPTIONAL

Rivers by Simon Chapman, illustrated by Qu Lan. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Big Picture Books (Candlewick), 2025. $20. 9781536241136

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Rivers is a detailed and colorful look at rivers around the world. The illustrations are gorgeous to the eye - the information is almost too much to absorb. As a teacher, I am unsure how to use this in my classroom.  I want it, though, because it is so beautiful.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Angel and the Mermaid by Becky Cameron - OPTIONAL

The Angel and the Mermaid by Becky Cameron. PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2025. $19. 9781836005230

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Twins babies are born, one has wings and the other has a mermaid tail. The pair exists alone near the sea, so that they can play together and enjoy their own element. One day, however, a contest causes a rift between the pair. and only a dangerous storm may be able to bring them back together again.

As lovely as the illustrations are, and they are very lovely, depicting the differences between the siblings as angel versus mermaid, add a fantastical element that doesn’t allow readers to see themselves within the lesson. I would buy the book just so that I can look at it, but I’d look for another book to help siblings or even best friends to get over a quarrel. Try Rita and Ralph’s Rotten Day by Carmen Agra Deedy, for example. (https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/2020/01/rita-ralphs-rotten-day-by-carmen-agra.html?spref=pi)

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

No Cheese, Please! by Nishani Reed and Maria Neradova - ADVISABLE

No Cheese, Please! by Nishani Reed, illustrated by Maria Neradova. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2025. $19. 9798887772080

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Mouse is having his friends over to celebrate his birthday. What they didn’t know, however, is that Mouse has a dairy allergy - no milk, butter, or even cheese for him. His friends feel bad that all of the treats they brought ass full of dairy, but they have a plan.

While it is a bit odd that Mouse’s closest friends didn’t know about his dairy allergy, the sentiment and solution are still very sweet. Neradova’s illustrations bring just the right touch of forest-based whimsy. I like the dairy-free chocolate cake recipe included, too.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Messi’s Magic by Caroline L. Perry and Luciano Lozano - ADVISABLE

Messi’s Magic by Caroline L. Perry, illustrated by Luciano Lozano. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press, 2025. $19. 9781546147534

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

How did a small, shy, soccer-obsessed child with a serious medical condition become a goal-scoring, record-breaking, once-in-a-generation sensation? We learn about his supportive family, and the loneliness he experienced as the youngest and smallest player.  We learn how footballer Lionel Messi defied the odds, overcame medical problems and became the G.O.A.T.  and a humble hero. The backmatter includes a timeline, statistics, career highlights, and fun facts.

Perry tells an inspiring story full of excitement and emotion, and easy to read.  I loved this biography!  Lozano's colorful and deep illustrations bring this story to life.

PGPowers

Meet the Smushkins by Claudia Rueda - ADVISABLE

Meet the Smushkins by Claudia Rueda. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $18. 9781536236583

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

The Smushkins are looking for a house.  What makes a good house for Smushkins?  They all agree it must have lots of light, a tree in the backyard filled with apples, a playground and path nearby, and much more.  But what is the one very important thing that they can't do without?

Meet the Smushkins introduces the reader to a family of adorable, goofy and lovable characters with more books to come. Toddlers will enjoy the antics of the Smushkins. I liked Rueda's cute and silly illustrations.

PGPowers

My Street Remembers by Karen Krossing and Cathie Jamieson -

My Street Remembers by Karen Krossing, illustrated by Cathie Jamieson. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK.  Groundwood Books, 2025. $20. 9781773066356

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

My Street Remembers peels back the history of one city street, currently called Danforth Avenue in Toronto, Canada.  The story begins 14,00 years ago when mammoths roamed the icefields, and the First Peoples followed their trail.  The story continues through time showing the lives of all the descendants that have lived on that street making particular note  of when the Europeans arrived and swindled the Indigenous People out of their land and resources, and mentions other sad conflicts.  

My Street Remembers is a historically interesting recall of the Indigenous People who once lived on that street or area, putting emphasis on the injustices and apologies. 

PGPowers

A Single Dreadlock by Xaiver Michael Campbell and Eugenie Fernandes - ADVISABLE

A Single Dreadlock by Xaiver Michael Campbell, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes. PICTURE BOOK.  Groundwood Books, 2025. $20. 9781773069388

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young boy named Lovie never thought he looked different until he and his dads moved from Jamaica to Spruce Cove.  His hair is curly and wild and Lovie loves it!  Over the Summer, it forms a dread in just one spot and Lovie is very happy about it until the kids at school make fun of him. He is very sad.  How will Lovie learn to be proud about his hair?

A Single Dreadlock is about finding the courage to be yourself, and the reader can learn to have compassion for others who look different.  I enjoyed the vibrant art of Fernandes. Lovie is being raised by two dads.  They are also Jewish.

PGPowers

Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? by Tyna Legault Taylor and Michelle Dao - OPTIONAL

Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? by Tyna Legault Taylor and Michelle Dao. PICTURE BOOK. Highwater Press, 2-25. $19. 9781774921227

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

As each season approaches, Josh asks his dad if it is time to gather mint.  Fall, Winter, Spring - it’s not time, though there are other things to do with the land.  Finally in Summer, time for mint gathering, and many other tasks, has arrived.

Taylor uses Cree and Ojibwe words in the text, with the translation simply added on the fringes. While I enjoyed learning about the different activities throughout the seasons, Taylor does a lot of telling us what is happening, instead of showing, so the text is stiff. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Will We Ever Live on the Moon? by Olivia Watson and Veronika Chaves Morales - OPTIONAL

Will We Ever Live on the Moon? by Olivia Watson, illustrated by Veronika Chaves Morales. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beetle Books (Hungry Tomato), 2024. $15. 9781835691304

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

A nice beginning picture book about the kinds of tools it takes to research and, possibly in the future, live on the moon.

I was expecting a more 4-6th grade aimed book, but there is limited, though interesting, information inside. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Brilliant Brain by Dr. Roopa Farooki and Viola Wang. - ADVISABLE

The Brilliant Brain by Dr. Roopa Farooki, illustrated by Viola Wang. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $19. 9781536237801

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dr. Farooki gives a simple first look at the parts of the brain and how they work together to help your body do all of the wonderful things it does. Wang’s illustrations bring just the right touch to help readers visualize what is going on inside their bodies.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Valentines are the Worst! by Alex Willan - OPTIONAL

Valentines are the Worst! by Alex Willan. PICTURE BOOK. Simon, 2025. $20. 9781665962612

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The goblin is ready to tell you all of the things that make him not like Valentine's Day. 

Willan goes in a slightly different direction from his other books this time. (SPOILERS) You would think that Gilbert would become friends with a Cupid, but he vaguely realizes that he loves his friends. It didn't work quite as well for me as the other books in the series. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Big Bub, Small Hat by Alastair Heim and Aaron Blecha - ADVISABLE

Big Bub, Small Hat by Alastair Heim, illustrated by Aaron Blecha. EARLY READER (Ready to Read Level). Simon, 2025. $19 (hc). 9781665969789

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Big Bub is excited to get his new hat, even though it seems pretty small for his big head.  When the wind blows it away, Big Bub is sad.

A fun adventure for a beginning reader. Front matter goes over the words that make up the story so that the reader can practice before they start. If you need a shelf refresh of this level of book, it is very cute. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

When Science Stood Still by Shruthi Rao and Srindhi Srinivasan - ADVISABLE

When Science Stood Still by Shruthi Rao, illustrated by Srindhi Srinivasan. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. McElderry (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665949965

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Subramanyan Chandrasekhar was only 19 in the 1930’s when he did the math and wrote the paper that proved the existence of black holes.  It took more than 30 years for the rest of the science community to take him seriously - and 50 years after that first paper, Chandra was awarded a Nobel prize. 

Rao does an excellent job of succinctly giving us Chadra’s story in a way that captures our attention and keeps us reading. I am excited to show this to my middle school science teachers to support their curriculum. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Antoine De Saint-Exupery by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Martin Le Lapin - ADVISABLE

Antoine De Saint-Exupery (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Martin Le Lapin. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2024. $16. 9780711292062

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Vegara gives us a short, but interesting look at the highlights of De Saint-Exupery’s life. It balances his life as a pilot with the few, but beloved, books he authored. 

The Little People, Big Dreams series is so varied and interesting. They are a great model for a 2-4th grade biography project. A classroom teacher could have a collection built around particular topics for kids to read and share out to each other for building background knowledge.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Braided Roots by Pasha Westbrook and Madelyn Goodnight - ADVISABLE

Braided Roots by Pasha Westbrook, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2025. $19. 9781339015385

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young girl's father lovingly and perfectly braids pink and brown ribbons into her hair before she leaves for school.  He tells her that they weave their hair into a braid to remember history and family, and that her hair is like an unbreakable rope attaching her to her family.

Braided Roots is a poetic reminiscing about family endurance and history, and explores the love between a father and daughter.  I enjoyed Goodnight's sweet illustrations.

The history of the family is of enslaved, mixed-race Black, Chickasaw, and Choctaw.

PGPowers

Sticky Hermana by Ana Siqueira and Olivia de Castro - OPTIONAL

Sticky Hermana by Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Olivia de Castro. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $18. 9781623545796

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Claudia has a sister that she thinks is just plain sticky.  Her sister is ALWAYS around even when Claudia wants time with her friends and her own personal time.  Frustration gets the best of Claudia and she decides to tell a white lie to her sister after they invite her to tag along to Claudia's soccer tournament.  Claudia ends up getting herself into a literal sticky situation and there is a somewhat silly consequence. 

Sticky Hermana is a fun story that many sisters will be able to relate to.  I had a laugh at the funny surprise ending that I think children will enjoy and realize there are consequences to actions. This would be a good book to hand to English Language learners who are trying to identify with books since it includes  a lot of Spanish words. Mom and Sisters are Hispanic. 

Alissa Loves Books

My Dog Smudge by Sujean Rim - ADVISABLE

My Dog Smudge by Sujean Rim. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2025. $19. 9781665970952

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Have you ever wondered what your dog is saying?  The main character is a sweet little girl trying to figure out that very question.  She wanders through the barnyard asking the animals if they can understand her dog. Each page has a lift up flap that reveals which animal she is asking.   She realizes that just loving her dog is enough.

My Dog Smudge is a sweet story with soft and simplistic mixed chalk illustrations.  The lift the flaps were a fun addition that will keep readers guessing which animal comes next.  

The little girl has caramel-toned skin. 

Alissa Loves Books

Where the Deer Slip Through by Katey Howes and Beth Krommes - ESSENTIAL

Where the Deer Slip Through by Katey Howes, illustrated by Beth Krommes. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665918275

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Where the Deer Slips Through immediately immerses the reader with it's beautiful and captivating illustrations.  Beginning with a small hedge surrounding the forest, Howes cumulatively and creatively showcases the day to day activities of all the wildlife that live there. 

The text is sprinkled with verbs and descriptive text that when combined with the illustrations make this a perfect package.  Definitely Caldecott worthy. The illustrations were absolutely breathtaking.  I can't wait to share this with young readers. There is so much detail on each page that they will want to take the time to explore at their own pace.  

Alissa Loves Books

Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing by Matthew Diffee - ESSENTIAL

Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing by Matthew Diffee. PICTURE BOOK.  Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2025. $19. 978082345871

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

There seems to be a dilemma between sheep and goat.  Since they both say "baa", which animal really gets to say it. With the help of the other barnyard animals and an unusual visit from a space alien in a flying saucer, sheep and goat decide they can share "baa".

Students will eat this up with its humor and word play. This would make a fun read aloud since it has easier text and bigger illustrations.   

Alissa Loves Books

George and Lenny are Always Together by Jon Agee - ADVISABLE

George and Lenny are Always Together by Jon Agee. PICTURE BOOK Penguin, 2025. $19. 9780593857731 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

George is a bear, Lenny is a rabbit and they are always together. One day Lenny wonders what it's like to be alone. He wants to find an alone place to see if it's just as much fun. George is sure it will not be fun, but Lenny insists on alone time so George, of course, will have alone time, too. But he wants to spend his alone time with Lenny! 

Sometimes friends need time to themselves, and that time can reveal what's special about being together. I loved this simple story, with Jon Agee's marvelous illustrations. I want to share this sweet book with my best friend. 

Lisa Librarian

Mamiachi & Me by Jolene Gutierrez and Dakota Gutierrez and Mirelle Ortega - ADVISABLE

Mamiachi & Me by Jolene Gutierrez and Dakota Gutierrez, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. PICTURE BOOK Abrams Amulet, 2025. $19. 9781419767159 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Rosa is so proud of her Mami, she calls her Mamiachi because she plays in an all female Mariachi band. Today is the day Rosa gets to play her violin with them. She has practiced, she is ready, she even has the matching outfit, but she is worried! Is she ready? Will they like her? 

Back matter includes the history of women in Mariachi, a labeled illustration of the Trajes de Charro. I love that there is a lot of Spanish - some translated some contextual. Includes a glossary, bibliography and additional reading. The characters are Mexican.

Lisa Librarian  

Farting Fish by Alice Harman and Sam Wedelich - ADVUSABLE

Farting Fish and 49 other weird and wonderful scientific discoveries by Alice Harman and Sam Wedelich, 80 pages. NON-FICTION Happy Yak. 2025. $20. 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The Ig Nobel Prize has been given annually since 1991 to scientists doing surprising work. Awards have been given for collecting whale snot, measuring what jumps further - cat fleas or dog fleas. And for scientifically answering questions like: Are mosquitos attracted to Limburger cheese? Do old men really have bigger ears? Does it matter to a cow if you give her a name? Can you swim faster in water or Syrup? 

Cute illustrations lend even more comedy to this already subject funny book. I learned about so many things. Fun Quizzes at the end of every section check to see if the reader was paying attention. How could we not! It's so interesting! The only thing I didn't like . . . it's another too tall non-fiction book. I can't put it on the shelf, so although I loved so much about it, I won't be buying a copy for my library. It just won't fit. 

Lisa Librarian