Let's Play Baseball!: A Touch-and-Feel Book by Jo Parker, illustrated by Ahra Kwon - ADVISABLE

Let's Play Baseball!: A Touch-and-Feel Book by Jo Parker, illustrated by Ahra Kwon. BOARD BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2026. $10. 9798217049127

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

What happens at a baseball game? This sturdy, interactive board book will take you through the excitement of the crowd, the action on the field, and the love of the game.  Readers can run their fingers over the raised red stitching of a baseball, feel the smooth, cool wood of the bat, and tough the rough, pebbled surface of a fielder's glove.  

The sensory actions help toddlers connect words to physical objects.  Kwon’s illustrations are bright and intentionally simple.  This is a great first sports book.  By letting kids touch the game, the book turns a complex professional sport into something intimate and manageable. This is the perfect gift for any baseball loving family. 

S. Lewis

The Cloud That Stuck by Karen Krossing and Dorothy Leung - ADVISABLE

The Cloud That Stuck by Karen Krossing, illustrated by Dorothy Leung. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2026. $18. 9781623545727

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

One blustery day, the wind blows a cloud over Tansy's head, blocking the sun.  She does everything she can think of to get rid of it, but it stays. Her dad, best friend, and teacher try to help, but it won't budge.  Then the cloud begins to rain on Tansy and she forgets what sunshine feels like.  She finally decides to put on rainboots and carry an umbrella.  She looks for things like flowers that need rain.  What if the raincloud never goes away?

The Cloud That Stuck uses Tansy's persistent cloud as a metaphor for mental health challenges. Krossing's text encourages readers to find ways to live with problems rather than to get rid of them,  highlighting self-acceptance.  Leung's gentle illustrations show the light and dark emotions of mental issues.

PGPowers

The Future Book by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris - ADVISABLE

The Future Book by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris. PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2026. $20. 9798217033171

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Lots of things are different in the future.  The sun is called the moon, and the moon is called the sun.  Bananas are called apples.  A cow is called a mooing life form.  The lowest number is one bazillion.  The world of tomorrow is full of unexpected words, strange social customs, and mind-blowing colors.  Can you envision the future?

The Future Book is filled with funny, visionary, and ridiculous social customs of the future.  I also liked the colorful, creative illustrations. 

PGPowers