Sheep Shape by Adele Tariel and Iksana Bula - ADVISABLE

Sheep Shape by Adele Tariel and Iksana Bula. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2026. $19. 9781433848704

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Shearing day is tomorrow. Chip does not like to have his soft wool sheared, so he plans an escape. Many of the other sheep tell him it is a bad idea because there are wolves in the forest. Chip runs anyway. He finds a safe place to sleep and beds down. Day by day, Chip’s wool grows and he is happy and content….until.

While the story is simplistic and could have rhymed, the author fashioned a story that allows parents to ask questions about Chip’s decisions. Bula created bright, fun illustrations. At the end of the book, Bonnie Zucker, PsyD, counsels parents on how to have discussions about the book with children.

MOMMACC 

Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Garden Levington and Dinara Mirtalipova - ESSENTIAL

Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Garden Levington and Dinara Mirtalipova. PICTURE BOOK. Barefoot Books, 2025. $18. 9798888596623

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Some days a girl is like the wind when it’s blustery and then some days she is like the wind when it is breezy. Some days the girl is like the sun, the sea, the clouds, the rain, a tree, the snow, etc. in all its variety. It’s important to explore our emotions and know it is fine to share those feelings with others.

What a fantastic way, through metaphor, rhythm, and design to help children understand how they are feeling. The rhythm and alliterations make this a delicious read for all ages. Mirtalipova aptly catches the emotions felt by the little girl. Adorable! There is a QR code for a read along on the back cover.

The girl in the story appears Polynesian.

MOMMAC 

Brave New Ballet by Robyn McGrath and Alexander Mostov - OPTIONAL

Brave New Ballet: The Story of the Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo by Robyn McGrath and Alexander Mostov. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Workshop, 2026. $19. 9798217049370

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo was an all-male ballet company founded in New York City in the 1970s by a group of dancers who wanted the freedom to perform on their own terms. They worked tirelessly to perfect their technique while also bringing humor and satire to their choreography. Although they were not taken seriously at first, their talent, dedication, and artistry eventually won over audiences around the world.

This was an interesting look at a piece of dance history I was previously unfamiliar with, and I enjoyed learning about the company's unique contributions to the world of ballet. I also enjoyed the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian