Lucie and the Wind by Gregoire Laforce and Yvan Duque - ADVISABLE

Lucie and the Wind by Gregoire Laforce and  Yvan Duque. PICTURE BOOK. Milky Way (Abrams), 2026. $20. 9781990252426

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

A girl named Lucy loves to collect little treasures that she finds on her walks. She places items like small sticks, flowers, and anything that catches her fancy in mason jars that she stores at home. She carries her backpack wherever she goes to help carry her treasures. One day on her walk, Lucy hears a voice from above. As she converses, she learns that she is talking to the wind. She really wants to put it in a jar, but the wind convinces Lucy to follow it instead. As Lucy goes on an adventure, she gets to know the wind and learns that not everything special will fit into jars.

The story had a good overall theme, however the plot wasn't very engaging. I loved the illustrations that accompanied the text. They helped drive the text and move the plot forward. This could be used to teach personification and theme.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

When the Sun Goes Down: A Bedtime Book by Greg Pizzoli - ESSENTIAL

When the Sun Goes Down: A Bedtime Book by Greg Pizzoli. PICTURE BOOK. Knopf Books for Young Readers (Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593649800

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Have you ever wondered where animals go when the sun goes down? This story follows a little girl as she asks butterflies, leaves, ants, and many other creatures where they go at bedtime. At last, she wonders where kids go when the sun goes down. This book is written in a repetitive style that will appeal to young readers.

I liked this book because it addresses questions that kids might ask before bedtime. It is predictable and easy to read. The illustrations are cute. This would be a great bedtime book for young children.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Butterfly Wings : A hopeful story about climate anxiety by Samuel Larochelle and Eve Patenaude - OPTIONAL

Butterfly Wings : A hopeful story about climate anxiety by Samuel Larochelle and Eve Patenaude. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Books, 2023. $20. 9781778400827

Florent's anxiety could be upsetting for some readers.

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Florent has always been a sensitive, happy child. Then one night, he overhears his moms talking about having another baby and their worries that it could be irresponsible because of climate change. Florent internalizes his worries, and tries to put on a happy face for his moms. He starts having terrifying nightmares, and one morning, decides to stop speaking altogether.

At 104 pages, this is not a short picture book. It is for a very specific audience. I would not buy this for a library, but it could be a good SEL tool for adults and professionals. I loved how the illustrations depicted Florent's anxiety. 

This book was originally published in French in Canada. 

Florent and his moms are white. 

Rachel, elementary school librarian

Halloween Trampoline by Scott Rothman and Rob Justus - OPTIONAL

Halloween Trampoline by Scott Rothman and Rob Justus. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), JULY 2026. 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The creatures are jumping on their trampoline like they do every Halloween.

Rothman’s work will appeal for its sheer silliness and inanity. He comes up with many words that rhyme (usually) with Halloween. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Whale’s Tale and the Otter’s Side of the Story By Kate Messner and Brian Biggs - ESSENTIAL

The Whale’s Tale and the Otter’s Side of the Story by Kate Messner and Brian Biggs. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books (Harper), 2026. $20.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

A charming book from elementary-school favorite Messner that is read from front to back to give the whale’s argument about why whales are better than otters, and then read back to front to give the otter’s rebuttal to the whale, using the same arguments in reverse.

Messner cleverly shows how an argument can be pro or con when words are rearranged and the book is a great example of character perspective and would be a fun springboard to either an animal study unit or to use as an example of author bias, depending on the age group. Biggs’ bold and playful illustrations add humor and whimsy to the arguments as the animals debate over which one is actually the best, and the book is a great read aloud for grades 2 and up. Back matter contains actual otter and whale facts.

Reviewer: Heather Robinson, Elementary School Librarian

Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites by Sandra Neil Wallace and Nancy Carpenter. - OPTIONAL

Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites by Sandra Neil Wallace and Nancy Carpenter. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025. $20. 9781534493339

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

From a young age, Ursula Marvin was an explorer at heart. She never planned to become a scientist, but everything changed when she examined rocks under a microscope in college. Fascinated by what she saw, she fell in love with geology. When a professor refused to allow her to major in geology because she was a woman, Ursula did not give up. Instead, she transferred to another school and continued pursuing her passion. Through determination, courage, and perseverance, she overcame barriers, became one of the first women to conduct groundbreaking geological research in Antarctica, and made important discoveries that advanced our understanding of meteorites and Earth's history. Her story is an inspiring example of following one's dreams despite obstacles.

I loved the illustrations, and the subject matter was interesting. Ursula Marvin's story as a pioneering woman geologist who broke barriers and made important discoveries was both inspiring and engaging. However, the writing felt a little clunky at times, and there was often too much text on each page for a picture book. I also found it difficult to place the story in its historical context, as I did not know when it was taking place until I read the back matter. Despite these issues, I appreciated learning about an important scientist whose contributions are not widely known. Ursula Marvin is white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

The Playdate by Uje Brandelius (translated by Nichola Smalley) and Clara Dackenberg - OPTIONAL

The Playdate by Uje Brandelius (translated by Nichola Smalley) and Clara Dackenberg. PICTURE BOOK. Lantana Publishing Ltd., 2025. $19. 9781836290148

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young girl is excited to go with her mom to play at her friend Henry's house. She and her mom ride multiple buses and the subway to get to Henry's big house. The girl loves spending the day playing with her friend, and discovers Henry has a coveted robot toy she has always wanted. 

Though not mentioned in the text, the illustrations show the mom cleaning Henry's house. The text is the girl's stream of consciousness and does not have any resolution. I liked the illustrations which reminded me of Sophie Blackall's style. This book would be good to discuss what the author included in the text and what they chose to exclude. 

Originally published in Swedish. 

The characters appear to be white. 

Rachel, Elementary school librarian

I Love You, Boo! by J.D. Forester and Charlotte Love - OPTIONAL

I Love You, Boo! by J.D. Forester and Charlotte Love. BOARD BOOK. Penguin, JULY 2026. $10. 9798217141050

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Forester supplies the puns and Love gives us the googly-eyed treats in photo form to enjoy a line-up of Halloween candy possibilities. The pair give us a little bit of a love litany along with the puns.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

 

Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel. - ADVISABLE

Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $18. 9781536229448

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Nothing good is happening. She wakes up with a chicken on her head, finds worms in her cereal, and the terrible day just keeps coming. Then a pair of magical socks just might turn her day into something good.

I loved the ridiculous, terrible things that kept happening. The text was delightful and the illustrations were fun; there were hidden smiley and frowny faces in the grass. The character learns to share the good she finds and be kind. 

The main character has light skin and dark hair, her friend is Black

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Beep, Beep, Beep, Trunk-or-Treat! by Tracie Schneider and Sarah Rebar - OPTIONAL

Beep, Beep, Beep, Trunk-or-Treat! by Tracie Schneider and Sarah Rebar. INTERACTIVE BOARD BOOK. Penguin, AUGUST 2026. $10. 9798217140657

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

An ode to the new classic Trunk-or-Treat.  Simple flaps are liftable to see the candy each trunk presents. Super simple in design and execution. You might have to worry about your little ones getting their candy wishlists ready!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

It's a Mom by Abby Cooper and Eliana Gutierrez - ADVISABLE

It's a Mom by Abby Cooper and Eliana Gutierrez PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2026 $18 9781623546427 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A new mom has arrived! She needs all sorts of special care, like baths, and food and you need to play with her. Having a new mom is a HUGE responsibility.

Directed to the baby, this darling how-to guide has all the feels and all the things the baby needs to take care of their new mom. The illustrations are cute and funny. What a nice twist on the caring for a new baby books. While it is fun for the new big brother or sister, it would also make a great gift. The illustrations are of varying moms of different races and cultures (and even one male presenting mom!) 

Lisa Librarian 

Sleepover Night! by Candice Ransom and Ashley Evans - ADVISABLE

Sleepover Night! by Candice Ransom and Ashley Evans. LEVELED READER (Step 1). Random House Children's Books, 2025. $6. 9780593807798

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A brother and sister are going to their cousins' house for a sleepover. After games, ice cream, blanket forts, and a move, will the boy be able to fall asleep?

Kids will like the simple, rhyming text of this level 1 early reader. The illustrations were colorful and engaging.

The characters are Black. 

Rachel, elementary school librarian

The Bats on the Bus by Alison Jackson and Scott Magoon - ESSENTIAL

The Bats on the Bus by Alison Jackson and Scott Magoon. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, JULY 2026. $19. 9780316584180

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Meet a variety of Halloween creatures and monsters as they all take a ride on the bus.

Yes!  Jackson and Magoon give us a worthy follow-up to the traditional “The Wheels on the Bus”. I had so much fun reading.  You’ll be surprised by how many creatures there are - way more verses than you can remember of the original.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Our World by the Numbers by Steve Jenkins - ADVISABLE

Our World by the Numbers by Steve Jenkins. 162 pages. NON-FICTION HarperCollins, 2024 $25.00 9780063315716 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Steve Jenkins brings us another fascinating non-fiction picture book. The World is told in infographics, describing The Solar System, the Earth, Earth's History (including millions of years from now), what happens in just one day (including extinctions, birthrates, and energy use) Earth's creatures, Natural Disasters, and the Future of the Earth. 

There is so much information! Mostly captioned pictures, but they tell so much. This is the kind of book you'll have out on a display in your library for kids to open to any page. I was thoroughly intrigued. It flows in a natural way, so someone reading from cover to cover will not feel like they are skipping all over the place. Backmatter includes a glossary and a bibliography. 

Lisa Librarian

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón - ADVISABLE

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón.  NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Chronicle, 2025. $20. 9781452170985 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a Portuguese diplomat who saved thousands of people fleeing France during WWII. In less than a month, Mendes issued thousands of visas against his government's wishes, saving refugees fleeing the Nazis in France, and allowing them to enter into Portugal. 

The back matter gives more details including that his visas saved Salvador Dali, H.A. and Margret Rey - who created Curious George, and countless others whose lives are just as important, and that it came with a great price to his family who lost everything because of his actions - he knew it was worth it. This is a magnificent story - I had no idea! The picture book itself is a standard length for a non-fiction and would work as a read aloud in the classroom. Back matter includes and authors note, timeline, bibliography and source notes. 

Lisa Librarian  

How do you Jew? A Celebration of Jews Around the World by Suzy Ultman - OPTIONAL

How do you Jew? A Celebration of Jews Around the World (My First Books of Jewish Culture) by Suzy Ultman. BOARD BOOK Penguin, 2026. $10. 9780593751978 

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Jews have many different traditions, and live in so many places. They eat Challah on Shabbat like Australian Jews, or they might eat Dabo on Shabbat like some Ethiopian Jews. They have different wedding traditions that vary by where they live, as well as Passover traditions, and Chanukah traditions. How do you Jew? 

This darling board book focuses on 4 different traditions and shows how they may be celebrated differently depending on where you live. I love the illustrations, especially the first one, which shows 25 different Jewish faces. A fun board book for a Jewish child. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Fire Breathing Duckling (Toon level 2) by Frank Cammuso - ADVISABLE

The Fire Breathing Duckling (Toon level 2) by Frank Cammuso. 40 pages. EARLY READER, GRAPHIC NOVEL Toon (Astra/Boyds Mill), 2025. $14. 9781662665332 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

When an unusual egg appears in a duck's nest, she is determined to raise it with her other ducklings. But when it realizes it can't swim, a bluebird tries to help it find its family. It's not an oinking or a mooing duckling, so what could it be? 

A darling retelling of the ugly duckling for a modern audience. The baby dragon is adorable. These early-reader graphic novels are perfect for emerging readers. 

Lisa Librarian  

Billy and the Hole by Jessica Goecke - ADVISABLE

Billy and the Hole by Jessica Goecke. PICTURE BOOK. Flamingo Books (Penguin), AUGUST 2026. $19. 9780593695234

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Billy goes to sit by his favorite tree with his best stuffed friend Cosmo.  Billy tossed in his apple to see how deep the hole was, then he heard a cold hard voice that said it preferred red apples. Billy picked some red apples from a neighbor's tree and threw them in.  As the hole asks Billy for more things, Billy will have to decide if he will comply.

Billy and the Hole is a darkly humorous story about a toxic friendship, and that people should set boundaries and overcome peer pressure.  Gooecke's illustrations are darkly beautiful.

PGPowers