Oprah Winfrey by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Sera Latterell - ADVISABLE

 

Oprah Winfrey by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Sera Latterell. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Quarto), 2026. $16. 9781836007500

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Oprah Winfrey, Little People, Big Dreams, chronicles her journey from poverty to becoming a global icon.  It highlights Oprah's early life in Mississippi and Tennessee, her determination in landing a television news job at nineteen, and her groundbreaking television show.

Oprah Winfrey is inspiring for young readers, and focuses on empathy, ambition, and the power of dreaming big.  I liked the extra facts and timeline in the back matter. 

PGPowers

How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson and Shannon McNeill - ADVISABLE

How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson and Shannon McNeill. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2026. $18. 9781665958394

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

What happens when you make a mistake but you are afraid to make it right?  A boy and his elephant are playing when the elephant knocks over the boy's tower of blocks.  The elephant thinks of how to get out of it before saying he is sorry.  Will the boy forgive him?

How to Say You're Sorry is a great book about explaining what it feels like to make a mistake.  I like how Calmenson goes through the different feelings we experience when we feel sorry.  The text rhymes and there are only a few sentences per page.  

The boy is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Maya's World by Andrea Pippins - ADVISABLE

Maya's World by Andrea Pippins. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2026. $19. 9780593814994

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Maya's class is asked to draw something inspired by nature.  Maya loves to draw, and spends all evening drawing, painting, and gluing.  When her classmates don’t quite understand her vision, it is a great way to talk about the different ways we all see the world.

Maya's World is a colorful, vibrant story that celebrates self-expression and imagination.  Readers are encouraged to explore their creativity and share their ideas with confidence.

PGPowers

The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin - ADVISABLE

The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2026. $20. 9798217023981

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Eleanor loved the outdoors and wild things in her own quiet way, but there was something wild in her waiting to come out.  One morning the outside came in.  She became noisy, free, and wilder than she was supposed to be. 

Martin beautifully expresses a timeless message about little ones unleashing their inner "wild" and encouraging their budding imagination and unique individuality.  Martin's illustrations are sweet and beautiful.

PGPowers

South with the Seabirds: Follow Four Scientists to the Edge of the World by Jess McGeachin - ADVISABLE

South with the Seabirds: Follow Four Scientists to the Edge of the World by Jess McGeachin. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Orca Book Publishers, 2026. $22. 9781459834859

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In 1954, Hope Black, Mary Gilham, Susan Ingham, and Isobel Bennet were the first female scientists to join an Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition. These scientists each observed different species such as penguins, Southern elephant seals, and seabirds. Their research is still in use today.  

McGeachin celebrates four pioneering women scientists, and encourages others to make observations around them.  I liked their field-note-style watercolor illustrations. 

PGPowers

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires - ADVISABLE

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2017. $20. 9781771387279

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Lou and her friends decide to play pirates.  One of the kids wants to use a tree as the pirate ship.  Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it.  She comes up with reasons for not joining them.  Finally she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree.

The Thing Lou Couldn't Do is a fun story about facing fears, and the idea that trying is what matters even if you fail.  Spires' illustrations are expressive, quirky, and delightful.

PGPowers

Where They Gather by Teresa Rodrigues and Jamiel Law - ADVISABLE

Where They Gather by Teresa Rodrigues and Jamiel Law. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum Books For Young Readers (Simon), 2026. $20. 9781665957816

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A black family builds their own home after the abolition of slavery.  They plant a pecan tree seed.  Their family roots and dreams take hold, and so does the pecan tree.  But hate and oppression burn down their house and branches of the pecan tree are broken.  Can they weather historical challenges and keep their family growing strong?

Where They Gather is a story of hope and resilience through generations.  I liked Law’s bold artwork, and the pecan tree as the central symbol of their growth and endurance.

PGPowers

The Whale's Tale and the Otter's Side of the Story by Kate Messner and Brian Biggs - ADVISABLE

The Whale's Tale and the Otter's Side of the Story by Kate Messner and Brian Biggs. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2026. $18. 9780063372627

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Reading the story one way tells you that whales are the best.  Read it either way around, however, and you are convinced that otters are the best. Which animal do you think is better?

The Whale's Tale and the Otter's Side of the Story is a clever, interactive tale that explores perspective by using the exact same text to tell two entirely different stories depending on which direction you read it.  Biggs' illustrations are expressive and humorous.

PGPowers

When We Go Home by Heather Beaumont and Natali de Mello - ADVISABLE

When We Go Home by Heather Beaumont and Natali de Mello. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2026. $20. 9781525312519

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dad and Mom are excited to go back home to their Caribbean island to see everyone. The two young children say that it's not their home.  The family flies to the Island, and there are lots of people who look like them, but will the young children feel like this is their home too?

When We Go Home is a touching and warmhearted story that explores what it means to belong to two cultures.  I enjoyed the rich, vibrant art by Natali de Mello.

PGPowers

Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams by Chiara Colombi and Scott Magoon - ADVISABLE

Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams by Chiara Colombi and Scott Magoon. BOARD BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2025. $9. 9798217042081

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Rocket gets to go to the moon today. When Rocket realizes that she won’t actually be walking on the moon, though, she is very disappointed. Can Rocket get over her disappointment and help Lander learn how to fly down to the moon?

Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams is a cute story exploring friendship, overcoming fears, and managing disappointment. 

Magoon's illustrations are fun and engaging.

PGPowers

Wee Unicorn by Meg McLaren - ADVISABLE

Wee Unicorn by Meg McLaren. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge Publishing, 2025. $18. 9781623544935

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Wee Unicorn feels like she doesn’t fit in. She is loud, small, and can’t do magic. But one day she meets a monster living in the loch who is misunderstood too. Together, they discover that being different is not something to hide.

A cute story with a great message and fun, bright illustrations.

A. Snow, Librarian

Where Is Bear? by Leslea Newman and Valeri Gorbachev - ADVISABLE

Where Is Bear? by Leslea Newman and Valeri Gorbachev. BOARD BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper Collins), 2026. $10. 9780063492035

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

All the animals in the forest play hide-and- seek.  Bunny counts while everyone else hides.   Soon she has found all the animals except bear.  How could the biggest animal be so hard to find?

Where is Bear? is a cute rhythmic tale with charming storybook illustrations by Gorbachev.  Children will be eager to join in this playful search for the missing Bear.

PGPowers

Safari Train by Christopher Robbins and Susanna Covelli - ADVISABLE

Safari Train by Christopher Robbins and Susanna Covelli. BOARD BOOK. Familius (Abrams), 2026. $15. 9798893960594

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Count the jungle animals as you trundle through the forest on the safari truck. 

The train stretches out into a stand-up toy. Just think if the wheels actually rolled.  but still a lot of fun.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Sloths Love Parties by Rory H. Mather and Binny Talib - ADVISABLE

Sloths Love Parties by Rory H. Mather and Binny Talib. PICTURE BOOK. Affirm Press, 2026. $18. 9781922863560

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Sloths are known for loving sleep, but have you ever wondered why they are so sleepy? Marty the sloth tells us that it is because sloths love to party.  Sloths celebrate everything they can think of and each day of the week.  They party all night long dressed up all fancy with food and games.  In the morning, can you think of another party they start? 

Sloths Love Parties is a joyous, humorous story.  Talib's vibrant illustrations are full of colorful fun and jungle party antics.

PGPowers

How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson and Shannon McNeill - ADVISABLE

How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson and Shannon McNeill. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books ( Simon & Schuster ), 2026. $20. 9781665958394

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

A cute, big, grey elephant knocks over his friend's blocks.  What do you do when something you've done really upsets someone? Do you blame it on someone else?  Do You hide or run away?  Or can you be brave and stay where you are and say I'm sorry.  Will the other person forgive you?

How to Say You're Sorry is very relatable and sparks conversations about apologies and patience.  I enjoyed McNeill's soft, mixed media illustrations.

PGPowers

Show Your Colors by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Edward Underwood - ADVISABLE

Show Your Colors by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Edward Underwood. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick, 2023. $10. 9781536228465 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As you meet a wide variety of animals, each of them has a colorful body part to show off.

I really enjoyed how Prasadam-Halls rhymed the color with the animals’ first names. And Underwood’s illustrations are the right flash of fun and bright.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Name Your Numbers by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Edward Underwood - ADVISABLE

Name Your Numbers by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Edward Underwood. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick, 2023. $10. 9781536228458

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Follow the animals through this counting book to the surprise at the end. 

Interestingly, Prasadam-Halls does not start on one - two is the lucky first number. Underwood’s illustrations are bright and easy to count. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Goodnight Already! by Jory John and Benji Davies - ESSENTIAL

Goodnight Already! by Jory John and Benji Davies. PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins, 2025. $13. 9780063464995

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

As Bear is desperately trying to get to sleep, Goose is wide awake and looking for fun.

The miscommunication between the two neighbors is pretty funny. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Navigating Night written by Julie Leung and Angie Kang - ESSENTIAL

Navigating Night written by Julie Leung, illustrated by Angie Kang.  PICTURE BOOK.  Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2026.  $19.  9780593897690

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

A young Chinese American girl helps her immigrant father navigate the roads at night as they deliver take-out orders from their Chinese restaurant. As they drive around town, her father shares his experiences coming to America as a teenager & the little girl comes to better understand the sacrifices her father went through for her and their family.

It's not often that a picture book makes me cry, but this one did. Both the author and illustrator made a note in the back of the book detailing how their own experiences influenced this work, which made it all the more touching. I think this is an important picture book to have in your classroom library because of how it humanizes the immigrant experience, for this young girl and also for the reader. I found it to be full of heart and a text that could pair very nicely with any other immigrant/refugee experience.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Little Ghost's Summerween by Maggie Edkins Willis - ADVISABLE

Little Ghost's Summerween by Maggie Edkins Willis. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books  (Simon & Schuster), 2026. $20. 9781665985147

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Little ghost gets an invitation to a birthday party.  He loves Halloween parties, but has never been to a birthday party.  Anya talks him into going.  He liked the birthday part of the party, but he wasn't good at any of the games.  Little ghost decides to have his own birthday party, but it is summer, and he only likes bats, black cats, and candy corn.  Halloween and summer just don't mix.  He finally gives up on the birthday idea.  But then Anya surprises him.

Little Ghost's Summerween is a warm and funny exploration of identity, friendship, and problem solving skills.  Willis' illustrations are expressive and charming.

PGPowers

Read All About It! by Benjamin Hall and Martina Motzo - ADVISABLE

Read All About It! by Benjamin Hall and Martina Motzo. PICTURE BOOK. Harper Collins, 2026. $22 9780063357549

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Father Hedgehog is a reporter for the newspaper and hoping to find a good story today.  Little hedgehog is excited to spend the day on a summer adventure.  His father reminds him about the rules.  Don't talk to strangers, don't lose my bag, and never cross the river alone. While little Hedgehog is playing by the river, he sees that a baby owl has fallen out of its nest across the river and a big bear is creeping towards it.  What can little Hedgehog do to help the baby bird without breaking the rules?

Read All About It! is a heartwarming story about speaking up and daring to make a difference.  Motzo's watercolor and ink illustrations are fun and interesting.

PGPowers

Dig Dig Digger by Morag Hood - ADVISABLE

Dig Dig Digger by Morag Hood. PICTURE BOOK. Two Hoots (Pan Macmillan), 2024. $19. 9781509889860

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As Digger is digging away, as he does, he realizes that digging no longer makes him happy. So he decides to go up! Which isn’t exactly as exciting as he thought it would be. How will this little digger find home?

A cute story about the grass being greener (or is it) somewhere else. Digger is very cute. It would be great as a board book. - with wheels!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Everything is Music by Miriam Park - ESSENTIAL

Everything is Music written and illustrated by Miriam Park.  PICTURE BOOK.  Blue Dot Kids Press, 2026.  $20.  9798999567673

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Join a girl and her dog as they go about the city, collecting sounds and discovering there is music in everything.

This stunning picture book is a treasure trove of delights. First of all, the author & illustrator cleverly camouflaged several musical instruments & musical notation within the story, so it is a fun exercise to find them on each page. Secondly, I love the word play and emphasis on how the words sound as part of the storytelling. It’s such a great way to introduce word choice in ELA and in such a beautiful package. Lastly, I think this would be a great read-aloud for your music teachers. I love all the layers to this picture book. I’m obsessed! 

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

What About Scout? by Guido Van Genechten - OPTIONAL

What About Scout? by Guido Van Genechten. PICTURE BOOK. Clavis Publishing Inc, 2025. $20 9798890631510

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Sheep are herd animals. They all do the same things everyday. They eat, sleep, poop and watch the train go by. But, not Scout. He is different.

Great illustrations. It is fun to try and find what Scout is doing differently on each page. 

A. Snow, Librarian

Tiny Bear Goes Missing by Manka Kasha - ADVISABLE

Tiny Bear Goes Missing by Manka Kasha. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2025. $19. 9781250856999

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Small Knight and Tiny Bear go on an adventure to explore a cave filled with crystals. But when Small Knight wakes the next morning to discover Tiny Bear is missing, everything changes. During the search, Small Knight accidentally knocks over a jar, releasing Anxiety Monster, who had been trapped inside. To find Tiny Bear, Small Knight must learn how to confront their worries and fears. Along the way, Small Knight discovers that understanding anxiety can sometimes be more helpful than trying to battle it.

Wonderful pen, ink and watercolor illustrations. The story offers a gentle, thoughtful look at anxiety and emotional resilience in a way that is accessible for young readers.

Small Knight is white.

A. Snow, Librarian

Starbird by Sharon King-Chai - ADVISABLE

Starbird by Sharon King-Chai. PICTURE BOOK. Two Hoots (Pan Macmillan), 2023. $19. 9781035026296

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The Moon King captured the legendary Starbird as a gift for his daughter. When the girl saw how sad Starbird was, she released it - and enraged Moon King who vowed to follow Starbird to the ends of the earth to recapture it.

I am enamored with King-Chai’s illustrations! Some pages are a seek-and-find as Starbird hides from the Moon King at night. King-Chai was written and illustrated a lovely new fable.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Boy and the Flame written and illustrated by Beatrice Blue - ADVISABLE

The Boy and the Flame written and illustrated by Beatrice Blue.  PICTURE BOOK.  Frances Lincoln Children's Books (The Quarto Group), 2026.  $19.  9780711291188

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Lucien is a little boy who is very frequently worried about when things change: new food, new friends, new school, etc. In fact, he would be happy if he could always stay safe and secure in his room and nothing would ever change again. But that all changes for him when he meets a magical animated fire ember named Seraphin who shows him the wonders of the natural world through all the different seasons. Maybe change isn’t so bad?

I liked how Lucian demonstrated his character growth over the year as he explores the world with Seraphin. The colorful illustrations were wondrous and magical. I think it will resonate well with younger readers, but I don’t think the upper elementary grades will like it as much.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Too Many Toucans by Paula Bowles - ADVISABLE

Too Many Toucans by Paula Bowles. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2026. $19. 9781433848544

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Toco, the toucan is searching for a home.  He finds a beautiful tree and draws up plans for a treehouse.  As he starts building, more and more toucans arrive to help.  The new toucans don't look at Toco's plans or listen to his ideas.  Will Toco ever get the treehouse that he wanted?

Readers get an intriguing story and learn valuable lessons with this book.  Too Many Toucans teaches the great lesson of standing up for what you want.  There are even tips in the back to teach children assertiveness and respectful disagreement.  With its combination of bright pictures and interesting text, Too Many Toucans would make a great read aloud!

Trace, Elementary School Librarian

Happy All Over by Emma Quay. - ADVISABLE

Happy All Over by Emma Quay. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown and Company, 2024. $16 9780316590860

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Children are happy on the inside and outside. Many little things all day fill up a child's cup, such as playing with a puppy, dancing in the rain, planting a seed, swimming, swinging, jumping, and much more.  What little things make you happy?

Happy All Over is a cute and joyful, rhyming story that celebrates the small, everyday moments of happiness.  I loved Quay's calligraphic and watercolor illustrations tied together with colorful raindrop and cup motifs.

PGPowers

Piece Out by Alex Willan - ESSENTIAL

Piece Out by Alex Willan. PICTURE BOOK Astra, 2025 $19. 9781662620935 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

When a playing piece gets left out of the box on game night, they decide to find their way back on their own, avoiding perils like the dog, escaping from the fish tank, even climbing the curtain and ending up for a time in a place they'd only heard about. No one wants to be a missing piece. 

Oh, so cute and funny, I loved the map of the house with the funny names for things - the stove was called the hot lands, the sink, the wetlands. Every illustration was worth paying extra attention to, and the story was delightful. This will certainly be read over and over again. 

Lisa Librarian

A Cozy Summer Day written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler - ADVISABLE

A Cozy Summer Day written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. PICTURE BOOK.  Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593617236

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

The animal neighbors of Acorn Village are gearing up for a cozy summer day full of their favorite activities. From gardening, to picnicking, to floating down the river, join the Acorn Village families for the best summer day ever!

The illustrations are the biggest selling point in this book. There are so many fun activities happening on each page, I think your younger readers will just enjoy finding each character on the page and what they are doing on this fine summer day. The story is fine, nothing groundbreaking. My one complaint is how the author uses capitalization in the book. Capitalization is for proper nouns and beginning of sentences, not just Any Random Thing. But that isn’t going to distract your readers, just picky ELA teachers.

Kiera, ELA Teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Bear in the Air by Allison Wortche and Cat Min - ADVISABLE

Bear in the Air by Allison Wortche and Cat Min. PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593704820

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Bear is on top of the world!  He is so proud to be soaring in a hot-air balloon all by himself.  He calls down hello to his friends Fox and Hare as he flies by.  He sees his sisters climbing a tall tree.  They want him to climb with them.  He sees Goat and other friends all wanting him to do things with them.  He says no to all because Bear has a secret.  How will he get down?

Bear in the Air is a fun story about feeling independent and knowing when to ask for help. MIn's illustrations are colorful and delightful.

PGPowers

Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Neil Gorsuch, Janie Nitze and Chris Ellison - ADVISABLE

Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Neil Gorsuch, Janie Nitze and Chris Ellison. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2026. $22. 9780063473973

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Gorsuch (the Supreme Court Justice) gives us a new look at the events leading up to, during, and after the creation of the Declaration of Independence. The book is quite text heavy - I can’t see a teacher reading all of it aloud in one sitting. My personal favorite part is looking into what happened to some of the signers during the revolution and a bit afterwards - stories I don’t remember hearing before. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Honey by David Ezra Stein - ADVISABLE

Honey by David Ezra Stein. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2018. $17. 9781524737863

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

After a long winter sleep, Bear wakes up with only one thing on his mind: honey! Alas, it is too soon for honey, so Bear must wait. It’s hard to be patient, but fortunately, the world around him is also waking up, reminding him of other things he loves—like warm grass, berries, rain to dance in, and a creek to swim in. Then, one day, he hears a welcome buzzing sound.  Is it finally time for honey?

Stein celebrates the joy of savoring something you love, and encourages learning to be patient.  Stein's illustrations are adorable.

PGPowers

Teeny and Tilly by Beanie Feldstein and Laura Watkins - ADVISABLE

Teeny and Tilly by Beanie Feldstein, illustrated by Laura Watkins. PICTURE BOOK. Philomel (Penguin Random House), 2026. $20. 9798217039265

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Teeny, short for Valentina, has always been the smallest one in her class. Her old classmates used to bully her for it. Now she is starting at a new school and she is very nervous. When the tallest kid Teeny has ever seen comes up to her, will history repeat itself or will Teeny make a new friend?

This is a sweet story about making unexpected friends. I liked the opposites-attract friendship and how Teeny adapts to her new classroom. I think it would be a great book to have in your classroom library, especially for easing new students into your school. However, it's too wordy for a comfortable read-aloud text. I think the illustrations are fun and inviting, though.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Case of Old MacDonald and His Farm by Mark Teague - ADVISABLE

The Case of Old MacDonald and His Farm by Mark Teague. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books  (Simon and Schuster), 2026. $20. 9781665990769

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Old MacDonald called the police to come and investigate a disturbance on his farm.  MacDonald shows officer Busby the faces painted on his cabbages, the duck's corn dumped in the lake, pizza delivered to the goats, mustaches painted on the cows, hats on the chickens, and more.  Who could be doing all of this to the animals on his farm and why?

The Case of Old MacDonald and His Farm is an enjoyably silly whodunit mystery.   I especially loved Teague's outstanding humorous illustrations.

PGPowers

Who’s Making that Big Stink? by Darrin Lunde and Erica J. Chen - OPTIONAL

Who’s Making that Big Stink? by Darrin Lunde and Erica J. Chen. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, JUNE 2026. $18. 9781623546250

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

COme along and meet several flora or fauna and read about the big stinks they bring to the world.

Chen’s illustrations are a real draw for avid picture book gazers. The non-fiction information on each page, though, is short, so i don’t think it will an older reader’s attention as an information source.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I Used to be a Dinosaur by Casey Lyall and Laurie Keller - ESSENTIAL

I Used to be a Dinosaur by Casey Lyall and Laurie Keller. PICTURE BOOK. Greenwillow (Harper), JUNE 2026. $20. 9780062890313

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The chicken is discontented with its chicken life, reminiscing the days when they were dinosaurs. Chicken decides that though they are no longer a dino in fact, they can still be a dino at heart.

Lyall includes a little back matter to explain the evolution from dinosaur to chicken, too. I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on the “You are Awesome” style of picture book.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

That Bird Can Draw! by Ged Adamson - ADVISABLE

That Bird Can Draw! by Ged Adamson. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2026. $19. 9798887772363

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Our nameless protagonist sees herself as a great artist, but that self-image is tested when her grandfather gets a new bird named Vera with some serious artistic skill. As a result, the young granddaughter considers hanging up her artist’s cap forever, until Vera the bird shows her that there is more than enough room in the world for all kinds of artists.

I adored this picture book about an artist who finds herself in competition with a talented bird. I thought the different artistic styles represented were fun, e.g. sculpture, paper art, mosaic, pencil, etc. I could see it being used in an art class as a read-aloud. I also loved the overall message that everyone can be an artist.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

 

The Great Gathering Place by Naomi McIlwrait and Onedove - ADVISABLE

The Great Gathering Place by Naomi McIlwrait and Onedove. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2026. $20. 9781525310102

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

A modern day indigenous Cree family invites the reader to travel along the river to a special place on the shore, where we'll meet and visit with people for hours and days, talking about good things and bad, rejoicing in our good fortune and celebrating our achievements.  We'll speak to our ancestors, and build a fire and feast.  How can we protect these wonderful gathering places?

The Great Gathering Place introduces the reader to Indigenous concepts and teachings.  I enjoyed the sacred, colorful illustrations.

PGPowers

The Lost Board by Alice Feagan - ADVISABLE

The Lost Board by Alice Feagan. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), JUNE 2026. $19. 9798217040827

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Generations of her family learned to ride the waves on that surfboard, but Lana loses it one day to an unlucky wave.  Instead of scorn from her family, she finds love and understanding and learns how to let go. Meanwhile, the surfboard is only beginning its new journey.

For being from Colorado, Feagan does a great job of evoking the islands through her story and illustrations. She creates a harmony between Lana finding forgiveness from her family and the journey and uses the old surfboard experiences. While great for any ocean edge library, I think landlocked kids will also enjoy.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Monkeypig by Huw Aaron - ADVISABLE

Monkeypig by Huw Aaron. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), JUNE 2026. $19. 9798217039159

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Molly may be a pig, but she lives in the trees in the jungle doing all of the monkey things in all of the money ways. Then Norman the head monkey calls an important monkey gathering. Will Pig be exposed as a monkey imposter?

Aaron’s pig and monkeys are a fun nonsense book.  While there might be a “lesson” within, I only wanted to enjoy the silly pig and the monkeys that welcomed it in.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Goldfinches by Mary Oliver and Melissa Sweet - ADVISABLE

Goldfinches written by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593692417

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Award-winning poet Mary Oliver’s beautiful poem Goldfinches is brought to life with the stunning mixed-media artwork of Melissa Sweet.

The cover caught my eye initially, because of that gorgeous pink color. I was pleased to see Mary Oliver’s work at the heart of this picture book. I think it’s a great way to help students learn to access poetry, by pairing it with illustrations. I loved the artwork - the illustrations are vibrant, but also mimic the format of a nature journal, which is perfect for the poem’s topic. I loved the poem too. Like all of Mary Oliver’s work, it’s simple, yet meaningful. I could see this being used at every level (elementary, middle, & high school) to teach poetry in a different way. However, I do think it’s a book that adults will like more than kids.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

 

Little Owl’s Opposites by Divya Srinivasan - ADVISABLE

Little Owl’s Opposites ittle Owl’s Opposites by Divya Srinivasan. BOARD BOOK. Viking (Penguin), JUNE 2026. $8. 9780593691168

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As Little Owl flies through the forest looking for Raccoon, he sees many animals who are displaying different kinds of opposites.

I enjoyed the little story, but Srinivasan’s illustrations are so clear that she could have also chosen to only have the opposites on each page. I need some Little Owl merch, he is so cute! 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I Will Not Walk to School by Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier. - ADVISABLE

I Will Not Walk to School by Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2026. $20. 9781525314391

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Monster is not interested in walking to school today - even with the promise of pepperoni pineapple pizza pancake Breakfast Day.  Reluctantly he starts on his way, finding excuses and methods to avoid going any faster. 

Monster will appeal to any student who wants to sleep in rather than go to school today. He is very silly, a bit sarcastic, and Collier’s illustrations give him just the right atmosphere.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

A Feel Better Book for Little Sleepers by Holly Brochmann and Shirley Ng-Benitez - ADVISABLE

A Feel Better Book for Little Sleepers by Holly Brochmann, illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2026. $19. 9781433848629

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

It's time for a young girl to go to bed.  Her Father asks her to grab a blanket, a stuffed toy, and then snuggle in tight for a bedtime story. The father soothes his child and talks about how day changes into night. He then tells her how sleep is so good for her, and that while she is sleeping, her body is growing.  He tells her many other things that her body does while she sleeps.  How does someone fall asleep?

A Feel Better Book For Little Sleepers is intended to teach kids about the importance of sleep, and presents simple, concrete strategies that support falling asleep, staying asleep, and feeling secure at bedtime.

PGPowers

Disco Dave written by Jody Jensen Shaffer and Yana Kozak - ADVISABLE

Disco Dave written by Jody Jensen Shaffer, illustrated by Yana Kozak. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2026. $19. 9781433848582

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Dave the Walrus loves disco, but he cannot dance. It’s a disaster every time he tries! He even takes some dance lessons to no avail. He decides he is going to quit disco forever. However, when the disco club’s jockey unexpectedly quits, Dave steps up and spins some sweet tunes for his friends, making sure disco doesn’t die.

I thought this was a sweet story about trying new things and failing, but still being OK in the end. There is a helpful reader’s note at the end from a psychologist specializing in treating anxiety & OCD with discussion points on how to talk to kids who struggle with not getting things right the first time they try something. Overall, I thought it was a cute story with a positive message presented in a low-stakes way. I recommend it for elementary school libraries or for counselors who might work with kids who deal with these anxieties a lot.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Brave by Weshoyot Alvitre - OPTIONAL

Brave by Weshoyot Alvitre. PICTURE BOOK Kokila (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593531600 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A young indigenous boy admires his father's braid and hopes someday his hair will grow like it. He sees the beautiful hair on the dancers at powwows and wants to be like them, too. But at school, the kids tease him and pull his braid. He's brave and stands up for himself. His dad went to residential schools, where he was forced to lose his cultural traditions. He's made an effort to retrieve them as an adult and wants his son to be brave in displaying his culture. 

A sweet story about holding onto your heritage and defending your culture. I liked the illustrations, with their ancestral memories and native regalia. The right Native American or indigenous child will relate. 

Lisa Librarian 

Flowers For Mama by Deborah Freedman - ADVISABLE

Flowers For Mama by Deborah Freedman. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593695494

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Four young kittens try to think up something special to give to Mama on her special day.  They realize that Mama loves flowers.  They couldn't find any flowers, so they decided to be creative and make flowers.  Oleander planted a seed in dirt and a can.  Tulip drew flowers with orange chalk.  Others found bits and scraps to make yellow sunflowers and pink tulips.  Blossom made up a song.  Will Mama like their gift?

Flowers for Mama encourages creativity, and is a heartwarming story of patience and love.

Freedman's illustrations are very charming.

PGPowers

The Great Escape by Deborah Marcero - ADVISABLE

The Great Escape by Deborah Marcero. PICTURE BOOK. Putnam (Penguin), 2026. $20. 9780593857953

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Evie believed in magic words and magic tricks,  but they had no effect on her three younger siblings who she wished would be quiet and leave her alone. Evie found a magic wand, said some magic words, and disappeared down through the ground, but her siblings followed.  They found themselves in a fantastical world blending the deep sea and outer space.  When her siblings are in peril, she helps them.  After they help a baby whale tangled in a net of constellations, they wonder how they will ever get home.

The Great Escape is an imaginative adventure touching on coping skills in a noisy family, and how peace can be found in chaos.  Marcero's illustrations are beautiful featuring digital illustrations with real photographs from the James Webb Space Telescope.  I liked how the book's orientation changed as the story progressed.

PGPowers