Louisa Learns to Write: Louisa May Alcott Creates Little Women by Kate Hannigan and Sofia Moore - ADVISABLE

Louisa Learns to Write:  Louisa May Alcott Creates Little Women by Kate Hannigan and Sofia Moore. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra Books for Young Readers), 2026. $20. 9781629794563

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Louisa May Alcott was always exploring, playing, dreaming, and creating - the very actions that would one day make her a writer. She treasured her "Imagination Book" given to her by her mother.  Louisa and her family went through hard times, but they persevered.  She worked many odd jobs, and hoped that one day she would make enough money through her writing to help her family.  When the opportunity came, she drew from her own family experience to write her first novel Little Women.

Louisa Learns to Write is a beautiful, heartfelt tale biography that will inspire creativity and spark interest in learning to write.

PGPowers

The Visit by Nuria Figueras and Anna Font - ADVISABLE

The Visit by Nuria Figueras and Anna Font. PICTURE BOOK. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026. $19. 9780802856555

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When her mother leaves the den, Little Fox expects to spend the next few hours by herself.  But then she hears a knock at the door.  The visitor's name is silence.  Silence is so big and strange.  Is silence bad, or can silence teach her something good and be her friend?

The Visit is a tender story about making friends with silence, and learning about mindfulness, self-regulation and alone time.  Font's artwork is gorgeous.

PGPowers

Science The High-Flying, Deep Diving Adventures of Kathy Sullivan by Diane Stanley and Jessie Hartland - ADVISABLE

The High-Flying, Deep Diving Adventures of Kathy Sullivan by Diane Stanley and Jessie Hartland. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2025. $20. 9781665926409

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Growing up, Kathy Sullivan loved to look at maps and National Geographics and wonder about distant places.  When she was six years old and saw Sputnik in the sky, she knew space would be the most amazing adventure of all.  Kathy became the first American woman to walk in space. Kathy also became the first woman to travel to the Mariana Trench, the lowest known point on Earth.  Kathy never forgot the maps she loved as a child and followed her curiosity to the highest reaches and most sunken depths.

Stanley captures the curious, adventurous, brave spirit of Kathy Sullivan and touts her many accomplishments.  The juvenile illustrations are engaging and delightful.

PGPowers

All Together Now: Create 50 Moments of Family Joy by Hannah Dove and Gemma Koomen - ADVISABLE

All Together Now:  Create 50 Moments of Family Joy by Hannah Dove and Gemma Koomen. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Quarto Publishing, 2025. $20. 9780711295209

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

What do families need to have fun and make memoirs?  Each other! and this book that will help you discover 50 fun activities you can do at home or in the backyard or in your local area.  Each one encourages families to be in the present, enjoy quality time together, practice new skills, and create treasured family memories.

All Together Now helps families get new, fun, and  creative ideas to do together for free or with minimal resources. I enjoyed the sweetly illustrated activities.

PGPowers

The Star Tree by Luosha Liu - ADVISABLE

The Star Tree by Luosha Liu. PICTURE BOOK. Post Wave Children's Books, 2026. $19. 9798895090954

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

In the heart of the forest stands an ancient tree that Ellie loves more than anything.  One night, a comet passes overhead and the tree erupts into shimmering stars that seem to take over the forest and bother all the animals.  The animals want to chop down the tree to stop the stars.  But Ellie loves the tree and tries to find a way to get rid of the stars.  Can Ellie and her friends solve the starry problem?

The Star Tree is an interesting comic book tale of friendship and teamwork that will enchant young readers. I enjoyed the cute characters and illustrations.

PGPowers

Let's Rumble! : A Rough-and-Tumble Book of Play by Rachel G. Payne and Jose Pimienta - ADVISABLE

Let's Rumble! : A Rough-and-Tumble Book of Play by Rachel G. Payne and Jose Pimienta. PICTURE BOOK. Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2025. $19. 9780593750698

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

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

Two kids decide it's time to rumble in their living room! They roughhouse and use their imaginations, making sure to stop when someone says the safe word. When a third kid joins the fun, she gets to learn the rumble rules too. "The text is exclusively speech bubbles; the illustrations are colorful and engaging. Tips and information on how to roughhouse and its benefits are included after the story. 

The kids have olive skin and dark hair. The youngest boy is illustrated with hearing aids.

Rachel, Elementary library specialist

Emily Saw a Door by Mel Rosenberg and Orit Magia - ADVISABLE

Emily Saw a Door by Mel Rosenberg and Orit Magia. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2026. $19. 9798217024056

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Emily is on the hunt for a door that she can go through. The first door she tries is only for very blue people. The next door is for liars, and Emily doesn't want to go in there. Emily encounters door after door that won't let her in or aren't right for her. Will Emily ever find somewhere just right for her? 

A very cute story with a good message about belonging and creating space for yourself and others. I liked that Emily and the doors are illustrated with bright colors on a white background. 

Emily is white. 

Rachel, Elementary library specialist

The Magical Orchestra by Lauren Crisp and Ella Hobbis - ADVISABLE

The Magical Orchestra by Lauren Crisp and Ella Hobbis. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2025. $20. 9781664300934

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Hare and Rabbit are playing in the forest when suddenly, Hare says, "Shhh-listen! Can you hear something?"  Rabbit also wonders what the sounds are.  The two friends follow the musical sounds and happen upon an orchestra made up of different animals of the forest.  The musicians are warming up for a very special performance.  How can Hare and Rabbit participate?

The Magical Orchestra helps children explore the magic of the classical orchestra with a beautifully illustrated story complete with 20 sound buttons throughout.  I like the on/off switch to preserve the battery life.

PGPowers

It's My Body! : A Book About Body Positivity by Elise Gravel - ESSENTIAL

It's My Body! : A Book About Body Positivity by Elise Gravel. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2026. $19. 9781797239712

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

There are all kinds of bodies. They have different shapes, abilities, and colors. Your body is your best friend and needs to be treated with kindness. Every body needs to be respected too! 

I love Gravel's adorable illustrations! This is an important book about diversity, consent, body-positivity, and kindness. Kids, teens, and adults will benefit from this relatable book.

Rachel, elementary school librarian

In This Classroom by Andrew Hacket and Arthur Lin - ADVISABLE

In This Classroom by Andrew Hacket and Arthur Lin. PICTURE BOOK. Red Comet Press, 2026. $19. 9781636551814

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

In this classroom there is room for everyone. We will fail, succeed together, learn, push ourselves, and so much more! 

This is a great book for classroom teachers to read to their students. The back matter has suggestions on how to use the book and create a classroom community. The colorful blob students and teacher complement the one or two lines of text on each page. 

Rachel, Elementary school librarian

When We Find Her by M. Farci Pena and Andre Ceolin - OPTIONAL

When We Find Her by M. Farci Pena and Andre Ceolin. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593624098

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Lila is visiting Abuelo Carlos. The visit isn't the same without Abuela Ana, and they both miss her. To help remember her grandma, Abuelo Carlos helps Lila recreate Abuela Ana's famous sancocho soup. They go to the market to get the ingredients and struggle to make out Abuela's handwriting on the recipe.  

This is a sweet book about losing a loved one. Most of the Spanish words in the text are understandable from context. The back includes a recipe for sancocho. 

Lila and her grandparents are Latino. 

Rachel, elementary school librarian

Owl by Myself by Pete Oswald. - ADVISABLE

 

Owl by Myself by Pete Oswald. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2026. $19. 9780593303603

 BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Owl wakes up with a big idea for the day: to do everything “owl” by himself.  He cleans his room. (Don't look in that corner)  He brushes his teeth. ( Oops, the toothpaste is all over the place)  He  does many other things himself with many messes and misshaps.  When he's at school he realizes that playing catch isn't fun by himself.  What else does he need someone to help him with?

Owl by Himself is the perfect blend of humor and warmth, and filled with visual gags that will make readers laugh.  I liked the spare text, and the adorable illustrations.

PGPowers

The House That Love Built by Jesssica Meserve. - ADVISABLE

The House That Love Built by Jesssica Meserve. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300958

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) -ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

One day, a terrible storm rips through the forest, destroying everything in its path.  Nests have been blown away, trees are broken and burrows are flooded.  The animals are all soggy and sad.  First the beetles begin to help rebuild. Then other animals join in the small steps to rebuild their home.  Beaver builds a dam, but then the raging waters start to wash it away.  Will the water ruin what they've started?

The House that Love built is an inspiring story of hope, community, and working together.  Readers will realize that small steps with everyone’s help make a big difference.  I loved the expressive illustrations.

PGPowers

Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish by Carole Boston Weatherford and Bagram Ibatoulline - ADVISABLE

Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish by Carole Boston Weatherford and Bagram Ibatoulline. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2026. $20. 9781536235074

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish celebrates these extraordinary marine animals which have no brains, hearts, or lungs and are 95 percent water, yet mesmerize us with their graceful movements and translucent bodies. Learn about jellyfish that glow in otherworldly light.  Learn about jellyfish with deadly venom, and other amazing abilities.

Weatherford brings poetry and playfulness to natural science as she shares her fascination with jellyfish.  I loved Ibatoulline's illustrations that blend shimmering bioluminescence to stylish folklore and myth and portray the mysterious jellyfish.

PGPowers

The Tiny Thing by Ellen Tarlow and Lauren Stringer - ADVISABLE

The Tiny Thing by Ellen Tarlow and Lauren Stringer. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books  (Simon & Schuster), 2026. $20. 9781534498136

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

When shy Mole is out walking one day, he sees a tiny thing  - a dandelion seed.  He brings it to his burrow and immediately sets out to make it feel at home.  Mole, who had never been noticed by the squirrels or included by the birds, finds an imaginary friend in the tiny thing. 

He tells the tiny thing stories, and when spring comes, he brings the tiny thing out into the sun.  The tiny thing helps him feel brave.  Will he finally make new friends?

The Tiny Thing is a cheerful tale of growth reminding us that even the tiniest of encouragement is all that's needed to branch out and make new friends.  I enjoyed Stringer's heartwarming and expressive illustrations.

PGPowers

The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan by Rebecca Gugger and Simon Rothlisberger. - ADVISABLE

The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan by Rebecca Gugger and Simon Rothlisberger. PICTURE BOOK. North South, 2026. $20. 9780735846319

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When Finnegan was born, he could float .  He gleefully floats his way through childhood, until questions and concerns from friends and neighbors eventually weigh him down.  Then one day a little girl floats by him.  Mr. Finnegan remembers how he used to float, but now he can no longer float.  Can Mr. Finnegan learn to float again?

The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan is about overcoming boundaries set by others and ourselves.  I like Rothlisberger's delightful quirky illustrations.

PGPowers

The Boredom Monster by Mariana Ellery and Clara Reschke - ADVISABLE

The Boredom Monster by Mariana Ellery and Clara Reschke. PICTURE BOOK. Beaming Books, 2026. $20. 9798889835073

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: ADVISABLE

Cameron is having a very boring no-screens day.  He feels so bored and miserable.  All of a sudden, his ordinary living room transforms into the land of Boredom. A friendly monster appears and helps Cameron on an a distraction - free adventure.  Can Cameron find his own creative spark?

The Boredom Monster is perfect for inspiring imaginative play.  I enjoyed Reschke's mixed media art creating a world brimming with possibilities.

PGPowers

Forest en Familia/El Bosque en Familia by Cynthia Harmony and Renata Galindo - ADVISABLE

Forest en Familia/El Bosque en Familia by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Renata Galindo. PICTURE BOOK Yosemite Conservancy, 2026. $18. 9781951179397 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Emilia and her family are going to a "Forest and Family" day in the national park. They've packed a lunch and snacks, sunscreen, water bottles, binoculars, and a compass. Nico, Emilia's brother, is very excited, but she's not sure she will fit in in the Great Outdoors. Much to her surprise, there's so much to do and see! 

Written in both Spanish and English, I really liked that the English had familiar Spanish words and phrases, while the Spanish contained English words and phrases. I can see this book being offered in a national park gift shop - no surprise its publisher is Yosemite Conservancy, a nonprofit supporting the park. That said, it's a cute story and fits any national park visit. The children are experiencing nature- trees, birds, bugs, animals all in a day trip. I loved the Ranger they got their map from - just an illustration, but no question they were at a national park. I'm impressed, but probably a better souvenir than a library book. The family is Hispanic/Latino 

Lisa Librarian 

Just Shine! How to be a Better You by Sonia Sotomayor and Jacqueline Alcantara - ADVISABLE

Just Shine! How to be a Better You by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara. PICTURE BOOK Philomel (Penguin), 2025 $19. 9780593206294 

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL-ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor tells how to be a better person through vignettes about her mother's life. She was courageous, she was helpful, made friends, listened to them and showed her love in many ways. 

The illustrations are very nice, and I enjoyed learning about Justice Sotomayor's mother. She was an ordinary woman whose life reflected love in all the good things she did. While she didn't change history, she was a very good person, someone who was a good example. 

Celine is Puerto Rican. 

Lisa Librarian

Pretty Close but Not the Same by Meg Fleming and Steph Stilwell - ADVISABLE

Pretty Close but Not the Same by Meg Fleming, pictures by Steph Stilwell. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane (Simon), 2026 $20 9781665978996 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

How do you tell the difference between a tortoise and a turtle, or a monkey and an ape? A dolphin and a porpoise, a leopard and a tiger, and 3 other sets of commonly confused animals? 

I love the book layout. An illustration with their names, another 2-page spread of what they have in common and what is different. Simple, not a lot of descriptive text, and . . . It rhymes! So very cute. 

Lisa Librarian 

Otis Knows (How to be a Bear) by Liz Garton Scanlon and Martha Brockenbrough and Stephanie Laberis - ADVISABLE

Otis Knows (How to be a Bear) by Liz Garton Scanlon and Martha Brockenbrough, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis. PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane (Simon), 2026. $20. 9781665970815 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

All the bears in Alaska have been hibernating all winter, but now it's spring! Everyone is up, even the mamas and the babies. But not Otis. Otis will wake up in his own time. He knows how to be a bear, but he's older and wiser and knows just how and when he should come out of hibernation. 

A cute book based on a real bear. I love the authors note - they talk about the real Otis, and what hibernation is, but also, Fat Bear Week! If you are streaming the bears fishing and digging and playing and such, introduce it to your class with this delightful picture book. It's not just about fat bears. 

Lisa Librarian 

Carrots Make Me Suspicious by Robin Mitchell Cranfield - ADVISABLE

Carrots Make Me Suspicious by Robin Mitchell Cranfield. PICTURE BOOK Greystone, 2026. $25. 9781778403187 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

This bunny is a selective eater. He won’t even try carrots - too noisy, too crunchy. He prefers quiet food like yogurt and bananas. But when he’s curious, his mother suggests a different method than tasting. So the bunny starts an investigation. 

There is a lot to love about this book. I loved how the parents encouraged him and answered questions but didn’t force the bunny to try a carrot until he was ready and on his own terms. I love that his investigation reveals a lot of different facts about carrots, and I came away with two recipes. 

Lisa Librarian 

Hay Gatos en Este Libro (There are Cats in This Book) by Vivian Schwartz - ESSENTIAL

Hay Gatos en Este Libro (There are Cats in This Book) by Vivian Schwartz (translated into Spanish by Luis America and Rami Abu Salmin) INTERACTIVE PICTURE BOOK Somos8 2025. $22 9788410406087 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

The reader finds 3 cats in this book who actively ask to be played with. They wake from a nap after their blanket is removed, lead the reader to a pile of yarn, and ask for help playing in boxes. Help the cats have a fun day. 

There are Cats in This Book is fun and interactive. Originally written in English, the translation is great, and honestly, it’s fun even for a child who doesn’t speak Spanish. Lift the flaps, engineered pages, and marvelous illustrations carry the story, and the cats are adorable. Get this book in any language. I understand it’s been translated multiple times. No wonder, it’s a great book! 

Lisa Librarian 

The Sacred Stone Camp by Rae Rose and Aly McKnight - ADVISABLE

The Sacred Stone Camp by Rae Rose, illustrated by Aly McKnight. PICTURE BOOK Dial (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593696637 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

A girl helps her grandparents and her tribe prepare to hold a peaceful protest to prevent a pipeline from crossing their reservation and changing their water sources and their land. 

Definitely written for a Native American child with many Lakota names and references. However, it's a great lesson on preservation and ecology and the effects of industrial encroachment. I loved the author's note at the end, which included photographs of Sacred Stone Camp and the author's grandparents. The characters are Lakota. 

Lisa Librarian 

Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold and Sanne Dufft - ESSENTIAL

Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold, illustrated by Sanne Dufft. PICTURE BOOK Random House, 2026 $19. 9780593903094 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Friends in a band, on a team, at a picnic, in a show or in their neighborhood send notes or tell each other "Thank you for being a friend!" 

Andrew Gold's hit single from 1978 (later revived as the theme song to the television show "Golden Girls") is beautifully illustrated in this darling picture book. A great picture book about friendship. Readers don't need to be familiar with the song; it makes a fun read-aloud, but, you know, why not stream the song and follow along? Even the background vocals are included in the text. The illustrations are gorgeous! I love that kids, adults, and elderly people are all represented. There's a child in a wheelchair in multiple illustrations, and recurring kids as well. Can't say too many good things about this picture book. 

 The characters are multicultural and of many different ages. 

Lisa Librarian 

Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton. - ADVISABLE

Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton. LARGE-SIZED BOARD BOOK. Boynton Bookworks (Simon and Schuster), 2026. $13. 9798347115785

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Pookie is trying to choose a costume to wear for Halloween.

My one year old granddaughter loves her Spooky Pookie board book - I know she’s going to love the bigger size for this 11th anniversary. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Monsters are the Worst! by Alex Willan - ADVISABLE

Monsters are the Worst! by Alex Willan. PICTURE BOOK. Simon 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Gilbert Goblin has a monster problem - one that followed him home from the forest.

I think Gilbert is going soft!I could tell the whole time that he really loved that monster! Gilbert is such a great unreliable narrator. Willan has taken him through seven adventures now.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Poo Pile on the Prairie by Amy Hevron - ESSENTIAL

Poo Pile on the Prairie by Amy Hevron. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2026. $20. 9781665935029

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Even something as small as a pile of bison scat can support an ecosystem necessary to the health of the prairie.

The Tiny Habits are so well written. Hevron makes each one a small bite that teaches a lot. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS