Me & the Magic Cube written by Daniel Fehr and Golden Cosmos - ADVISABLE

Me & the Magic Cube written by Daniel Fehr, illustrated by Golden Cosmos. PICTURE BOOK. NorthSouth Books (NordSüd Verlag), 2025.  $20.  9780735845732

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

One day a child finds a colorful cube in a dusty, forgotten box and with their friends, dives down the rabbit hole of fun facts about what the cube is, who invented it, and all the ways you can move it.

If you’ve ever spent time trying to solve a Rubik’s cube, you need to read this book to learn the history. Ernő Rubik invented his Magic Cube in the early 70s and sold hundreds of millions of puzzles. The author does a great job of switching between the history and the math of the puzzle and the story of the three friends playing with the toy, trying to figure it out. The text itself is quite dense, as it covers a lot of material, but the illustrations are so interesting. They feel retro themselves, a sort of callback to the picture books of the 70s. I think this would highly appeal to a small group of students.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? by Daniel Kwan & Julia Pott and Sean Lewis - OPTIONAL

Have You Ever Seen a Ghost? by Daniel Kwan & Julia Pott, illustrated by Sean Lewis. PICTURE BOOK Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2026. $20. 9781665956925 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

There's a ghost in the house and they need your help. They are going to a party and want your advice about a lot of different things, maybe even about whether or not to go to the party. 

I feel like there were some great ideas for illustrations and for hiding a ghost in a picture, but then the authors had to figure out the text to accommodate. This story is way more complicated than I expected for a picture book, and it expects a lot of the reader's perception. Asking them if they can see a ghost and there's not really something to look for to actually find where in the picture the ghost might be, can be frustrating. (The cover picture is not typical of where to find the ghost) It was a lot - that said, the illustrations are clever and fun, but it just wasn't for me. 

Lisa Librarian  

My Dear Sea by André Carrilho - ADVISABLE

My Dear Sea written and illustrated by André Carrilho. PICTURE BOOK. Blue Dot Kids Press, 2025. $19.  9798989858835

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

On a visit to the beach, our first-person narrator shares their experiences and respect for the sea. From playing games on the beach, to exploring tide pools and the fisherman’s wharf, the reader gets to see the many facets of the ocean and why it is so important.

This is a love letter to the sea and young readers are going to love getting lost in all of the illustrations. I thought the illustrations were so interesting & unusual. The book is a translation of a Portuguese-language text, so some of the phrasing is a little odd. But overall, it will speak to all your kids that want to become marine biologists some day (which is way more than you think it is).

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

It’s Alive (Night Frights) by Joe McGee and Teo Skaffa. - ADVISABLE

 It’s Alive (Night Frights) by Joe McGee and Teo Skaffa. EARLY READER Level 3. Simon, 2026. $19 (hc), $6 (pb). 9781665984898

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Max and Raven buy some beautiful sidewalk chalk with their allowances. When their drawings come to life, however, even the butterfly becomes something menacing. How can the siblings defeat the monsters and save their town?

Think of these as beginner R.L. Stine books. Kids who like creepy things will have a nice time moving up to chapter books by starting here. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Uh-Oh, Hugo! by Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck - ADVISABLE

Uh-Oh, Hugo! written by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Jay Fleck.  PICTURE BOOK. Flamingo Books, Penguin Random House, 2026.  $19.  9798217039203

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Hugo is just a little puppy, ready to start his perfect day of adventuring. After a series of unfortunate events, Hugo comes back home tired, stinky, and muddy. Did he have a perfect day after all? You bet he did!

Hugo is the reason why I don’t do dogs. They get into everything and become a muddy, stinky mess. But for someone who loves dogs and/or has a pug, they would love this book. As far as teaching with this book, there are lots of examples of onomatopoeia in the book that can be fun to reinforce how writers use sound words to show action in the story.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

To Knit a Ghost by Z.B. Asterplume and Heather Brockman Lee - ADVISABLE

To Knit a Ghost by Z.B. Asterplume and Heather Brockman Lee. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2026. $19. 9798217025671 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

There is so much for the little witch to do before she can knit a ghost. First, her supplies and a cup of tea, a comfy chair, and some stretching - be sure to feed the cat and feed herself. At last, she can knit a ghost! But are the real ghosts helping or hindering? 

I loved this! Illustrator Brockman Lee has incorporated photographs of yard and knitting, and everything is accurate. The details in the illustrations are clever and worth looking for - her knitting instruction book says it includes a potion for getting cat hair out - I need that! 10yo AJ read it too and was thoroughly delighted; the cat added to the funny illustrations. Includes basic instructions on how to cast on and how to knit. When I finish this review, I'm grabbing my needles and finding some yarn and knitting a ghost for myself. 

Lisa Librarian 

When Tad Kicked Vlad by Julian Gough and Ross Collins - ADVISABLE

When Tad Kicked Vlad written by Julian Gough, illustrated by Ross Collins.  PICTURE BOOK. Faber & Faber Limited, 2026.  $19.  9780571380237

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Birthday boy Tad gets upset and kicks his best friend Vlad, which sets off a chain reaction of the "kick that goes around the world". When the kick comes back to Tad at his next birthday, he escalates things with a fart to the face...setting off another chain reaction. At his next birthday, Tad has to decide if he going to escalate things further (what's worse than a fart??), or is he going to break the cycle?

I thought this was a very funny story about consequences and how our actions impact other people. Obviously it is super hyperbolic, but young readers will enjoy the humorous illustrations, and at the same time, hopefully think about how to react in moments of anger and how to channel those feelings into more positive behaviors. Some teachers might be worried about the physical violence depicted - there are a lot of kicks and farts on page - but I think most kids would like it. 

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Giggling Ghosts by Fiz Osborne and Tim Budgen - OPTIONAL

Giggling Ghosts by Fiz Osborne and Tim Budgen. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2026. $13. 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The little ghosts are rested and ready to head out for a night of haunting. They can’t help giggling every time they scare something. 

A little annoying, but also the ghosts are so dang cute, I couldn’t help liking it.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

It Won't Be Forever by John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty - ADVISABLE

It Won't Be Forever written by John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty.  PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children’s Books (The Quarto Group), 2026.  $19.  9780711296657

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

A fox cub named Vixie has separation anxiety from her father when he tells her he has to go away for a while. She finds out that she is capable of surviving, even while missing her father.

The story is a gentle lesson addressing separation anxiety during a temporary absence. It’s not as weighty as a book about grief might be, but I think it still has a proper place in classroom libraries as young minds learn how to navigate complex emotions.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

School Spirits by Charlotte Gunnufson and Rebecca Crane - NO

School Spirits by Charlotte Gunnufson and Rebecca Crane. PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum (Simon), 2026. $20. 9781665964517

BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED

On the first day of school you worry about a lot of things, but not that school is haunted.  When you find proof what should you do?  Gather your friends and train the ghosts to be respectful and helpful.

I just don’t understand this book at all. Someone please explain. I don't know why you would worry that your school is haunted on a perfectly ordinary day, nor do I then understand how you and your friends are going to train the ghosts to keep things clean and play with all of the kids.  The rhyming text, trying to make everything feel light and cherry doesn’t help either.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur by Colleen Patterson and Brenda S. Miles, illustrated by John Joseph - ESSENTIAL

Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur by Colleen Patterson and Brenda S. Miles, illustrated by John Joseph.  PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2025.  $19.  9781433844652

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

A young triceratops is frustrated and furious, so their fellow dinosaurs show them how to relax every part of themselves to “calm the roar” and find their center once again.

I really loved this book. It teaches young readers how to self-regulate using the Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique to tighten & relax different parts of the body, helping them to calm down and de-stress. The brightly colored dinosaurs teaching the young triceratops were so well-drawn, and made the point perfectly. I think it would be a great book for any counselor’s or school’s wellness center library shelf. Super cute story and message.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

  

The Haunted Goldfish (Night Frights) by Joe McGee and Teo Skaffa - ADVISABLE

The Haunted Goldfish (Night Frights) by Joe McGee and Teo Skaffa. EARLY READER Level 3. Simon, 2026. $19 (hc), $6 (pb). 9781665984928

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When Victor’s goldfish Doris dies, he gives her a watery farewell flush.  That night, however, the toilet bowl runs over and floods the house.  Victor knows that Doris has come back to haunt him, but his parents do not believe.

If you have young students who like creepy things, they will enjoy the Night Frights series. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Could That Be a Witch? by Hannah Eliot and Saoirse Lou - OPTIONAL

Could That Be a Witch? by Hannah Eliot and Saoirse Lou. BOARD BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2026. $9. 9798347106868

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The children are getting ready for Halloween and looking for a witch. Each time tey think they’ve spotted her, it turns out to be something else.

If you want a light Halloween peek-thru book for little ones, here is a simple one.  The witch is not supposed to be scary. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina - ADVISABLE

Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina (translated from German by Tammi Reichel), PICTURE BOOK North South, October 2026. $20. 9780735846272 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A list of things that make dogs fancy, like getting groomed, wearing costumes, and having a schedule. Also, they play in the mud and chew shoes and do cute things too. 

First, a shout-out to the translator; the rhymes are clever and make sense! Large and simple illustrations will appeal to the young reader. As a dog lover, I could relate to many of the fancies, like when they soft-bark and try to get food they shouldn't eat. I think it's cute. 

Lisa Librarian 

Sing the 50 United States by Dr. Seuss - ESSENTIAL

Sing the 50 United States by Dr. Seuss. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2026. $20. 9798217228560 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The Cat in the Hat, along with a couple of little cats, is putting together a map puzzle of the United States and making up a song along the way. 

What? A new book by Dr. Seuss??? Yep. The manuscript was discovered in several boxes in San Diego's Geisel Library just in time for the 250th. A fun read - no tune (yet), but all the states are there, and it's very Dr. Seuss, with fun plays on words and cute illustrated interactions with the other characters and the puzzle pieces. A must-buy - who knows if we'll ever find another unpublished manuscript of his again. 

Lisa Librarian 

Uh-Oh, Hugo! by Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck - ADVISABLE

Uh-Oh, Hugo! by Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck. PICTURE  BOOK. Flamingo (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9798217039203

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Hugo is up for a busy day. Lots of sniffing and running and sticky mess by the end of the day. 

I don’t know why this is not a board book.  With its simple text and bold pictures, it is perfect for that format. For kids with dogs or without dogs, it is a simple look at a silly dog’s silly day.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

This is Not a Christmas Book by Jory John and Pierre Collet-Derby - ESSENTIAL

This is Not a Christmas Book by Jory John and Pierre Collet-Derby. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), SEPTEMBER 2026. $20. 9780374394011

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

The lizard is trying to educate the reader about rocks, but what is that elf doing there? And those reindeer!

I love the lizard’s commitment to his rocks - and that Collet-Derby is as accurate as they can be in their depiction. Of course it devolves into a Christmas book, but based on community and celebration, not just about receiving gifts.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Dumped Truck by Daniel Bernstrom and Marcelo Verdad - ESSENTIAL

The Dumped Truck by Daniel Bernstrom and Marcelo Verdad. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2026. 9780063373624

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Dump Truck works around Toyville and is very helpful, but he is also stinky, dirty, and makes other messes as he works. When the other toys band together to change the rules, they don’t realize the smelly consequences of their choices.

So super cute! I love Dump Truck and the consequences of the other toys’ short-sighted rule making.  It is even a good lesson for many adults (lawmakers).

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Twigs and Stones by Joy Cowley and Gavin Bishop - ADVISABLE

Twigs and Stones by Joy Cowley and Gavin Bishop. PICTURE BOOK Gecko Press (Lerner), 2025. $19. 9798765668238 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Snake and Lizard are friends who live together - they share a hole under a rock. When Lizard wants to write their names in sticks above their hole, Snake keeps asking why, which is irritating. Snake doesn't help; Lizard does all the work, but Snake is pleased. But when the wind blows down the letters of Snake's name, and in his rush to put them back, Lizard makes a mistake, their friendship might be ruined for good. 

A humorous story about surviving a friendship fight. The illustrations were cute and practical - Snake would have a hard time helping with poor vision and no arms, but she still manages to get back at Lizard. An interesting conversation starter about dealing with problems in a friendship. 

Lisa Librarian  

Born Inside a Nest so Small by Iza Trapani - ADVISABLE

Born Inside a Nest so Small: Conversation with a Hummingbird by Iza Trapani. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2025. $18 9781623545840 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A child watches a hummingbird while reading, um, this book, and comments on each page poetically. He tells the hummingbird about itself as he reads the information. A bit surreal, but I don't think a K-3 reader will notice. It's a sort of poetry/non-fiction hybrid. The rhymes are clever and make for a fun read; the information is worthwhile and perfect for a young reader without telling too much about the hummingbirds. However, the information text is in a lighter-colored font, while the poems are in black, I'm afraid the actual info may get skipped. 

The child appears white 

Lisa Librarian 

Sweet, Sweet Memory by Jacqueline Woodson and Tonya Engel - ADVISABLE

Sweet, Sweet Memory by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Tonya Engel. PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593530849 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Sarah's grandfather has passed away, and the family has come to say goodbye. Everyone has stories and memories about grandpa, and Sarah does, too. She lives with her grandparents, but with everyone there, she can't tell her memories; she just cries. 

What a sweet story. There are a lot of stories about grieving and losing a loved one. This is one I might share with a child who has lost a grandparent. It's not upsetting; it's uplifting and hopeful. 

The family is black 

Lisa Librarian 

Stubby: A Pencil’s Journey by Sydra Mallery and John Hare - OPTIONAL

Stubby: A Pencil’s Journey by Sydra Mallery and John Hare. PICTURE BOOK. Greenwillow (Harper), 2026. $20. 9780062364319

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Stubby, the pencil, takes us from the beginning of his life as a tree, through becoming a pencil, and on to all of his adventures in the classroom.

Stubby’s story is actually quite long. In places it is very entertaining, but the length is its drawback.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott - OPTIONAL

The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2026. $20. 9780063455887

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The Skeleton is happy with its solitary life, so when the cat wants to be friends, Skeleton is reluctant.

The tale unfolds in five mini stories, so it doesn’t flow. The illustrations are so beautiful; I’m disappointed that the story is so disjointed.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Ghost Who Saved Halloween by Jen Anyong and Kaly Quarles - OPTIONAL

The Ghost Who Saved Halloween by Jen Anyong and Kaly Quarles. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2026. $13. 9780063478008

Content: G (one kid scared down to his underwear)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The ghost is surprised to see that Halloween has co
me around again. As he pulls out his best scary tricks, he is unpleasantly surprised that none of them seem to be working.

The text is written in the form of Poe’s The Raven poem - making it sing-songy and, by the end, wearying. I love the illustrations, but need a rewrite of the text, please.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Lost and Found (Little Blue Truck) by Alice Schertle and John Joseph - OPTIONAL

Lost and Found (Little Blue Truck) by Alice Schertle and John Joseph. PICTURE BOOK.

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Blue and Toad are loading hay into the truck bed, but now Blue can’t find Toad. He asks the animals around the farm to help him look.

Fans of The Little Blue Truck will like this little mystery with its rhyming text and illustrations still in McMurry’s style.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

I Think We’re Upside Down! by Marcus Cutler - ESSENTIAL

I Think We’re Upside Down! by Marcus Cutler. PICTURE BOOK. Putnam’s (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9798217113552

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The cat and bunny are opening a package, but there seems to be something wrong - they are upside down. They enlist the help of the reader to make things right.

Interactive books are so much fun! Kids will have a great time helping the friends set everything right.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

I Guess I’ll Go Eat Worms by Linda Liu - ADVISABLE

I Guess I’ll Go Eat Worms by Linda Liu. PICTURE BOOKS. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2026. $19. 9781250359506

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Separately a sheep and a duck are bemoaning that no one likes them so they are going to eat worms - because, why not? What will happen when the two lonely animals meet?

Any adult is going to try to sing this book to the classic Worm song. Sorry to say - It won’t work. Despite that flaw, the illustrations and the story are fun for kids.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Don’t Leave by Kristen Tracy and Fecerico Fabiani - ADVISABLE

Don’t Leave by Kristen Tracy and Fecerico Fabiani. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux (Mamillan), OCTOBER 2026. $19. 9780374393403

BUYING ADVISORY:Pre- K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Wild Princess knows that something is up. When she smuggles herself into a suitcase, she finds herself at a donation center, instead of with her people on vacation like she thought.

If only cats could read and understand the cat lesson here. Regardless, it is super cute.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Cat Shapes by Aidan Cassie - OPTIONAL

Cat Shapes by Aidan Cassie. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2026. $10 (board book). 9781525313271

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL 

PPEALS TO: SOME

Cassie gives us a cute board book about the many different shapes that a cat can take to fit inside the many different objects they find curious.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Beware the Sock Monkeys!! by Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox - ADVISABLE

Beware the Sock Monkeys!! by Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox. PICTURE BOOK. Balzer + Bray (Harper), SEPTEMBER 2006. $19. 9781250414380

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The kids can’t finish getting ready because the sock monkeys have stolen most of their socks. Dad is not fooled - he knows that the kids are just making excuses - or are they???

I believe in sock monkeys too. How else can you explain disappearing socks? Fox provides colorful, fun illustrations for Stutzman’s silly story.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Be the Acorn by Jason Douglas Griffin - NO

Be the Acorn by Jason Douglas Griffin. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), SEPTEMBER 2026. $20. 9781250417220

BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED

When his family tells Choko Choko that he is too small to help them look for a new home, he is unhappy and then angry and then frustrated. Great HaHa helps him work through his feelings.

I feel like the author doesn't know anything about the relative sizes of squirrels or acorns, nor anything about the time it takes to grow an oak tree. The color palette is monochromatic and dull.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

I’m Very Busy by Oliver Jeffers - OPTIONAL

I’m Very Busy by Oliver Jeffers. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin, 2025. $18. 9780593622308

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Bridget is looking forward to celebrating her birthday, but it seems that all of her friends have forgotten. One of them remembers, though, and the chain begins to celebrate Bridget’s special day with her.

As much as I love Jeffers illustrations, the pattern and flow of the story did not work for me.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Singing Justice Singing Peaceby Monica Brown and Molly Mendoza - ADVISABLE

Singing Justice Singing Peace: The Story of Joan Baez by Monica Brown and Molly Mendoza. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane (Simon), 2026. $20. 978665926607 

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

 APPEALS TO: SOME 

 Joan Baez knew she wanted to make the world a better place, even when she was young. When her father joined a peace organization, they moved to Iraq, and Joan saw children who were starving and learned that even in California, where she lived, there were starving children. She carried the world on her shoulders and wanted to change things. When she was given a ukulele, she began to sing, discovered folk music, and became an icon, not just for her music, but for her support of justice and peace. 

 Many more illustrations than text, and I love how illustrator Mendoza has represented the music Baez creates. Includes an author's note, which doesn't just repeat the text; it's got more, juicier info about her bravery, some of the times she went to jail, and things that happened while supporting the Civil Rights Movement. A great read, even for a high school class. Joan is Mexican/Scottish/American 

 Lisa Librarian