The Snow Queen by Bette Westera and Aida de Jong - ADVISABLE

The Snow Queen by Bette Westera and Aida de Jong, 61 pages. PICTURE BOOK. Floris Books (Quarto), 2026. $23. 9781835750070

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Arne and Janna are best friends and live on neighboring farms in southern Sweden.  The children receive seven special parcels over seven weeks retelling the story of the snow queen.  A magic mirror falls into Arne's eye, he grows cold, and the snow Queen takes him away to her northern palace.  Can Janna use the items in the parcels to bring Arne back?

Westera has crafted a very unique version of the fairy tale The Snow Queen.  It contains lots of text, pages, and interesting illustrations.

PGPowers

Waffles and Julius: No Hugs Please! by Ed Vere - ADVISABLE

Waffles and Julius: No Hugs Please! by Ed Vere. PICTURE BOOK. Balzer + Bray (Macmillan), 2026. $19. 9781250439673

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Waffles, a dog, loves giving hugs and receiving them.  His friend Julius, a cat, does not like hugs - ever. Waffled tries all kinds of ways to get a hug, but Julius doesn’t relent. WHen Waffles finally gives up and takes a nap, Julius realizes that Waffles is also soft and warm - a perfect place for a nap, NOT a hug.

I am glad that Vere didn’t have Waffles get his way by something that he overtly does.  Instead, Julius approaches Waffles on his own terms. Could be easily used as a way to talk about consent. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Vlad is Mad by Su Moon - OPTIONAL

Vlad is Mad by Su Moon. PICTURE BOOK. Balzer + Bray (Macmillan), 2026. $26. 9781250436450

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Vlad is mad and he is taking out on everything around the castle. WIth intervention and some time to be still and breathe, Vlad turns his mood around.

Moon’s book seems ready-made to be a board book. Simple illustrations, a couple of words on each page. Vlad’s mood is turned around with a little bit of deep-breathing, no complicated or detailed explanations here. Not really a Halloween book, despite the vampire characters.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Who Knows the Way to Mr. Grimly's Classroom? by Chris Priestley and Mariachiara Di Giorgio - OPTIONAL

Who Knows the Way to Mr. Grimly's Classroom? by Chris Priestley and Mariachiara Di Giorgio. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2026. $19. 9781536245011.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (4-6) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Grace is a new student at a spooky new school. She volunteers to return a book to Mr. Grimly’s classroom, despite not knowing her way around the building. What can happen en route? More than you’d think…

I did not love this book as much as other reviewers I’ve seen online. It was fine. But I just didn’t get the spooky vibe and I wanted it to make more sense. If it’s a magic school, that should be more clear. If it’s not a magic school, then half of the stuff that happened to Grace shouldn’t be possible. I guess I just wasn’t a fan of the ambiguity and overall mood of the book. It is very similar to Chris Van Allsburg’s works, just not as well done in my opinion.  

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Landing in a New Pond by Marisa Ramel and Jennifer Doehring - OPTIONAL

Landing in a New Pond by Marisa Ramel and Jennifer Doehring. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2026. $18. 9781623545680

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young boy and his family have moved to a new town. The only friends he’s made so far are the ducks at his local pond.  He is very attached to the ducks and when they fly away for the winter, he struggles to accept the change. 

You can tell that the boy is very invested in the ducks - naming them and caring for them. The message is a mild one about letting go.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star by Kaz Windness. - ADVISABLE

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star by Kaz Windness. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books  (Simon and Schuster), 2026. $20. 9781665963664

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Bitsy Bat wakes up to see her first-ever snowfall.  She's excited to go to school and try out wintry activities with her friends.  She doesn't like being cold and wet, but she tries out making snow angels, sledding, and making snowmen.  She pretends to have fun until a snowball fight pushes her over the edge.  She retreats inside worried that her friends won't like her anymore.  Inside the school a surprise awaits her.  Enzo Owl and Mo are inside too. Will she get the courage to be honest with her friends outside?

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star is a cute story told from an autistic perspective, and celebrates emotional honesty and how individual differences make everyone shine.  I love the adorable, expressive illustrations.

PGPowers

Little Fairy Godmother : Before the Fairy Tale by Abie Longstaff and Leire Martin. - OPTIONAL

Little Fairy Godmother : Before the Fairy Tale by Abie Longstaff and Leire Martin. PICTURE BOOK. Quarto Publishing Group, 2026. $19. 9780711296381

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When fairies are young they train to find out what kind of fairy they are so they can become a fairy godparent and help a human folkling. All the other fairies seem to have useful magic, except Dazzle. Other fairies practice growing pumpkins and getting mice out of kitchens; Dazzle's magic turns pumpkins into giant carriages and mice into horses. Will she ever find someone who needs her magic?

Fairy loving kids will enjoy the colorful illustrations in this cute Cinderella prequel. While it's not a spectacular book, I didn't hate it. 

The fairies are illustrated with different skin colors. 

Rachel, Elementary school librarian

Dance and Roar Like a Dinosaur by Colleen Patterson, Brenda Miles, and John Joseph - ADVISABLE

Dance and Roar Like a Dinosaur by Colleen Patterson,  Brenda Miles, and John Joseph. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press (American Psychological Association), 2026. $20. 9781433849220.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Like the other book Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur in this Dino Power! series, our young dinosaur teaches readers to “up-regulate” their mood through active body movement.

I loved the first book, Calm Your Roar, and I also really liked this one. I just liked Calm more. I think this could be a powerful text for teachers to use to help students self-regulate. It’s not just about bottling things up, but learning how to manage all your emotions well, both good and bad.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks? : Celebrating Fall by Tyna Legault Taylor and Michelle Dao - OPTIONAL

Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks? : Celebrating Fall by Tyna Legault Taylor and Michelle Dao. PICTURE BOOK. HighWater Press, 2025. $19. 9781774921470

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Joshua's favorite parts of fall are hunting for moose with his grandmother and eating moose stew with his family. Joshua and his Kokum walk through the forest identifying animal tracks, but will they be able to find moose tracks? 

Each page has a few words in Omushkegomowin (Swampy Cree language) and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) with English translations to the side. This would be a good addition to a fall book collection. The repetitive text will appeal to young children.

Joshua and his family are Native Canadian.

Rachel, elementary library specialist 

Oops I Just Ate You by Aevar Por Benediktsson and Joaquin Camp - OPTIONAL

Oops I Just Ate You by Aevar Por Benediktsson and Joaquin Camp. PICTURE BOOK. Barefoot Book, 2026. $18. 9798888596654

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

A zombie wants to make friends, but he keeps eating them instead. 

Definitely will elicit some “Oooh, gross!” reactions from listeners and readers, especially with the 4th wall twist at the end. The zombie does a lot of eating, which seems to be the purpose of the story right up to the end. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Elfabet ABC by Davies and Quintanilla - ADVISABLE

Elfabet ABC by Davies and Quintanilla. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $10. 9781664352261

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Elves frolic through every letter of the alphabet, celebrating the Christmas season in their silly way.

The rhyming text hits just the right note - especially because lifting the flaps slows things down, so you don’t, as the reader, feel like you are galloping through.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Merpig by Katie Kordesh - ESSENTIAL

Merpig by Katie Kordesh. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group (Penguin Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593620502.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Marlon the Merpig is a STAR! He loves the spotlight and the spotlight loves him. Except his teacher doesn’t give him the lead in this year’s production, he got a background role instead. Can Marlon get his ego in time to see the opportunities to help his classmates shine instead?

I think this could be a great read-aloud and community builder text for elementary classrooms. And honestly, even some drama classes at the secondary level could benefit from it too. If you have a little diva in your life, this is the perfect book to show them how to share the spotlight every now and then.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Two Turtles by Kiah Thomas and Jake A. Minton - ADVISABLE

Two Turtles by Kiah Thomas and Jake A. Minton. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2026. $18. 9781623548407

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Two turtles, Frank and Terrence, are falling off a cliff.  It is a long way down.  Frank and Terrence are best friends and turn everything into a competition, such as who has the shiniest shell, who can walk the slowest, and more.  Today while they were having a competition about who could stuff the most stuff into their shell, Frank fell off the cliff.  Why did Terrence fall after him, and can they work together to save themselves?

Two Turtles is a humorous and clever story about cooperating and using teamwork.  Minto 's illustrations are expressive, funny, and entertaining.

PGPowers

C is for Christmas by Aimee Knight and Summer Macon - ADVISABLE

C is for Christmas by Aimee Knight and Summer Macon. BOARD BOOK. TIger Tales, 2026. $9. 9781664352216

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Walk your way through the alphabet and the Christmas season.

Each word of the alphabet represents not just one, but two words - the second hiding under a flap to be discovered on every page.  The capital version of each letter in a finger-traceable but-out, too.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Something in the Darkness by John Dougherty and Matt Schu. - OPTIONAL

Something in the Darkness by John Dougherty and Matt Schu. PICTURE BOOK. Post Wave, 2026. $19. 9798895090947

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

A young girl is out at night (presumably Halloween) and around each corner she feels as if something is stalking her. 

The author is trying to tell us that sometimes we’re scared by things that aren’t scary at all when viewed in the light.  However, there are no clues (footprints, realistic shadows) to clue the reader into what is coming.  Instead the whole book feels like a commercial for a horror movie - until the final couple of pages.  Try A Not-So-Scary Story by Barney Saltzberg (https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/2026/10/a-not-so-scary-story-by-barney.html) instead.

The little girl is white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cliff: The Man with a Seagull on his Head by Gareth Hopkins and Alex Latimer - OPTIONAL

Cliff: The Man with a Seagull on his Head by Gareth Hopkins and Alex Latimer. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak (The Quarto Publishing Group), 2026. $19. 9781836001812.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Cliff is a lonely lighthouse keeper when a seagull takes up residence on top of his head. He kind of likes the company! However, the townspeople are not as welcoming, so the seagull decides to leave and let Cliff live his life. Cliff misses his seagull friend and goes out to sea to find him again. When an unexpected storm comes up and sinks Cliff’s boat, will there be someone or something that can help save him in time?

Such an odd book. I thought the illustrations were fun and the story a little silly, but the overall message of acceptance of people’s (and animal) differences was a good message.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

 

The Littlest Christmas Tree by Jane Chapman - NO

The Littlest Christmas Tree by Jane Chapman. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026 (2024 pb). $10. 9781664352308

BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED

A little bear and his bear dad are getting ready for Christmas.  Along with other forest animals they find cute little trees and celebrate the holiday season.

As adorable as the illustrations are, I can not recommend this book. First of all it is a reprint of a picture book, so it is very wordy on every page. Second, it comes a whole year of time, so it is trying to do too much. Third, the bears dig up a tree from the forest (good), replant it after they are done (good), but then they dig it up again the next Christmas! BAD! SO BAD! Leave that poor tree in the ground after you use it once. I just can’t. And I haven't even mentioned how put out the bear dad seems in every illustration - he only smiles four times in the whole book. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Grizzly by Herve Le Goff - ADVISABLE

Grizzly by Herve Le Goff. PICTURE BOOK. Post Wave, 2026. $19. 9798895091555

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Racoon is ready for all sorts of things today, while big old Grizzly puts on his grumpy face and always says no -- and then goes along with Racoon. 

I enjoyed watching Grizzly say No to everything and then smiling so wide when he goes along anyway. The sweet sentiment at the end is perfect for all sorts of odd couples - the ode to being together.

Translated by Charis Ainslie.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I Love Every Pizza You! by Kitty Blain and Liv Wan - OPTIONAL

 

I Love Every Pizza You! by Kitty Blain and Liv Wan. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $10. 9781664352339

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Six slices of pizza, six pages - each a heartfelt expression of love for the reader. 

The kids that read board books are not old enough to understand the pizza-related wordplay on each page (I love you from my head to-ma-toes). They will enjoy the fun illustrations and the pizza-sliced pages. Oh - a classic pizza recipe is included!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories about the Ocean by Mary Boone and Max Temescu - ADVISABLE

Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories about the Ocean by Mary Boone and Max Temescu, 192 pages. NON-FICTION. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $20.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: ELEM (4-6), MS

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Unfathomable details twenty wild-but-true stories about the ocean and the many things that exist inside. Stories range from encounters with animals that live in the ocean, to pollution, to survival at sea, as well as a host of other things. There is truly so much to learn about our oceans!

The book, quite literally, started off with a bang about the Florence, Oregon whale bombing in the 70s, which had me in tears. I was laughing so hard. The rest of the book is interesting, gross, or weird in equal measure. Considering that most kids want to be a marine biologist at some point in their lives, you can bet this one will do brisk circulation in your classroom library.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes. 

ABC Learn With Me! - ADVISABLE

ABC Learn With Me! BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $9. 9781664352223

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Tiger Tales gives us a bright, simple ABC book.  One letter per page, with a sweet illustration for the word. I’m glad they didn’t try to squeeze more than one letter on a page.  The book doesn’t feel too chunky, with the thinner flaps to open.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The First Christmas by Jeffrey Burton and Antonio Javier Caparo - ADVISABLE

The First Christmas by Jeffrey Burton and Antonio Javier Caparo. PICTURE BOOK. Little Simon, 2026. $20. 9798347112913

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Burton Intersperses verses from traditional Christmas hymns with a well-paraphrased version of the story drawn from the Bible. Caparo’s illustrations glow and together they create a beautiful Nativity story.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

1, 2, 3 Counting Tree! Illustrated by Laura Silveira - ADVISABLE

1, 2, 3 Counting Tree! Illustrated by Laura Silveira. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $9. 9781664352230

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Count from one to ten. Each page has a tactile number, the correct number of dots for the number, and the touchable letters. 

The pictures have some tactile elements, but you can’t really discern the picture from touch alone. If only the words and numbers were also reproduced in braille, I would give this a chef’s kiss. But nonetheless, children will enjoy the sensations provided by the textures as they enjoy the bright illustrations.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

We’re Going on a Parranda! by Mayra Cuevas and Monica Paola Rodriguez - NO

We’re Going on a Parranda! by Mayra Cuevas and Monica Paola Rodriguez. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2026. $20. 9781665966368

BUYING ADVISORY: NOT RECOMMENDED

A little girl is going to the all night parranda with her family.  As she listens to the different instruments played by the participants, she tries to find an instrument and rhythm of her own. 

The illustrations are full of life and joy. I was disappointed, however, that the parranda is only explained in the back matter - I was hoping for a new book about a community celebration. Also, the text seems to want to rhyme - some of the sentence constructions are a little convoluted in that way.  UT - while a few might be considered slant rhymes, most of them aren’t even close to rhyming. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Big Rig Pig by Claire Tattersfield and Rob Sayegh Jr - ADVISABLE

Big Rig Pig by Claire Tattersfield and Rob Sayegh Jr. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group (Penguin Random House), 2026. $16. 9798217039012.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Miles Bacon is the Big Rig Pig and he can haul it all! Time and again, Miles is called on to help out with different heavy loads, just adding them onto his semi-truck. Uh-oh! Miles’ truck is now broken. Who can he call to help him haul the rest?

First of all, the storytelling and illustrations are very clever. There are all sorts of fun details to uncover on each page. I love the mixed media composite illustrations. I really liked this story, but I’m not sure how you could use it in a classroom setting. Regardless, I think it’s an engaging story with great illustrations. I think it would be a great read-aloud.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin! by Sarah Finan - OPTIONAL

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin! by Sarah Finan. BOARD BOOK. Post Wave, 2026. $9. 9798895090961

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

An ode to pumpkin and some is its many uses.

You know what doesn’t make sense - Showing pumpkin bigger than your head right in the middle of listing different ways you can eat pumpkin. That is the only misstep in an otherwise cute book celebrating the vegetable of the season.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Butt Who’s This? by Sophie Aggett and Paulne Gregory - ADVISABLE

Butt Who’s This? by Sophie Aggett and Pauline Gregory. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $10. 9781664352100

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When the crocodiles try to take a group photo, they are interrupted by a Zebra’s cheeky butt. Don’t worry - when the zebras want a photoshoot, they will get interrupted in turn - and so down the line.

If you aren’t afraid of animal butts, you will have a lot of fun with each flapped page. The final page has an even funnier twist. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Dino Book illustrated by Denis Angelov. - ADVISABLE

The Dino Book illustrated by Denis Angelov. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $13. 9781664352155

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Learn lots of different concepts with dinosaurs as you push, pull, flip, slide your way through.

The flaps are thinner, so make sure you keep an eye on the very handsy kids (like my grandson).  But I love the wide variety within and the expressive, colorful dino illustrations.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Sounds That Shelter Me by Bibi Senthi and Felishia Henditirto - AVISABLE

The Sounds That Shelter Me by Bibi Senthi and Felishia Henditirto. PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press (American Psychological Association), 2026. $20. 9781433848506.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) – ADVISABLE

  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Mayuri is a young autistic Tamil girl who uses vocal stimming as a way to process the sometimes overwhelming & overstimulating world around her. What happens when she gets too overwhelmed and gets lost in the “sensory storm” inside her head? 

I thought this was a compassionate way to introduce vocal stimming and autism to young readers that might not have a good frame of reference for those things. I thought it was interesting that the author focused on the sounds of the Tamil language as well as the repetition of certain phrases to illustrate how it helps Mayuri feel safe and calm. However, unless you have a specific need for this type of book, I don’t think it will be a popular one in a school library because it deals with a pretty specific population.  

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

  

I Am NOT Grumpy! by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson - ESSENTIAL

I Am NOT Grumpy! by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson. PICTURE BOOK. Simon & Schuster, 2026. $20. 9781665984195

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Rain frog has a bad case of resting frog face. He doesn’t mean to look perpetually grumpy - its just a quirk of nature. Or maybe he does have a reason to be grumpy after all?

What a great companion for Perry and Hanson’s previous I Am NOT Happy. 

A ready-made mini lesson on not judging anything (or anyone) by what you think you’re seeing on the outside.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Year the Corgis Saved Christmas by Sherri L. Smith and Nidhi Chanani - ESSENTIAL

The Year the Corgis Saved Christmas by Sherri L. Smith and Nidhi Chanani. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2026. $20. 9781665925266

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The year the reindeer go on strike, one brave corgi wants to step in and help.  But their queen has lost her heart to help ever since her human passed away.  Three brave corgis sneak out to help Santa anyways.  but if they poop out halfway around the world, will any one (or pup) be able to step in and save them? 

I wasn’t prepared for how cute Smith’s latest book truly is. I like that sometimes it rhymes, but most of the time it doesn’t. The corgis are adorable.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Pack Ice Paradise (Tiny Habitats) by Amy Hevron - ADVISABLE

Pack Ice Paradise (Tiny Habitats) by Amy Hevron. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2026. $20. 9781665962698

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When the sun warms the Arctic ice, the thinnest ice starts breaking apart and becomes pack ice - shimmering ice islands that harbor life all around them. 

Hevron simply shows how important pack ice is to the few creatures who live in the Arctic regions. The back matter talks a bit about how climate change is affecting the fragile ecosystem that is centered on pack ice. If I were teaching elementary school, I would want all of the Tiny Habitats books. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Owl Capone by Christy Ewers and Rob Sayegh Jr - ESSENTIAL

Owl Capone by Christy Ewers and Rob Sayegh Jr. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group (Penguin Random House), 2026. $19. 9798217042326.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6), MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Owl Capone has one of the biggest hearts, and one of the most popular restaurants, in the Windy Forest. However he is unexpectedly betrayed when one of his closest friends, Gus the Rat, opens a rival restaurant. Can Owl win back the hearts (and stomachs) of his customers?

If you had told me there was a picture book about Owl Capone (actually Al Capone), I wouldn't have believed that they could make a gangster story appropriate enough for young children, but by golly, they did it. Older kids and adults reading this are totally going to see all the Godfather/gangster references, but a younger reader is just going to love the animals in clothes eating (not-so) vegetarian wraps. I loved the word play, even if I was mildly horrified by the alluded demise of Gus the Rat, but that is La Famiglia for you.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

It’s Not Easy Being an Elf by Marilyn Sadler and Steph Laberis - ADVISABLE

It’s Not Easy Being an Elf by Marilyn Sadler and Steph Laberis. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2026 $11 (hc). 9798217122745

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Quin is a penguin in Santa’s workshop and he is not having fun. He dreams of having some more interesting job to be helpful.

I’m not sure why the elves and depicted as Penguins and the Santa is a polar bear. That’s the only reason I am not enamored with the book. Otherwise, Quin is adorably bored and earnest about trying out new jobs - and inventive when he comes to the rescue.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

What’s That Noise? by Charlie Higson and Nadia Shireen - ESSENTIAL

What’s That Noise? by Charlie Higson and Nadia Shireen. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2026. $20. 9798347108466

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Bob wants to play a prank, so he gets himself a box and starts making noise.  But when people pass by he stays oh so quiet.  And then he brings in more things to make more noise to trick more passers by. 

Bob is just like a toddler who thinks that no one can see them hiding when they’ve covered their eyes with their hands.  So funny.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: According to Max! by Alastair Heim and Aristrides Ruiz - ADVISABLE

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: According to Max! by Alastair Heim and Aristrides Ruiz. Random House, 2026. $20. 9798217228072

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Max loves everything about Christmas and especially the way the Whos celebrate. When the Grinch reveals his horrid plans, Max does what he can to thwart him, but what can one scared puppy do?

Heim does a pretty good job mimicking Seuss’s rhyming rhythms for a new look at the classic tale. Max is earnest, is unsuccessful, but we knew that going in, didn’t we.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Duel written & illustrated by Shawn Harris - ADVISABLE

Duel written & illustrated by Shawn Harris. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2026. $20. 9780823458738.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Two knights compete for their queen to rule the castle on the hill. Who will win in this duel?

The real star of this book is the author-illustrator’s use of "squish paintings"—folding paint-blotted paper to create symmetrical prints. It’s a fascinating technique that challenges both storytelling (how to build a narrative around mirrored images) and illustration (how to control the paint to achieve the desired picture). The storyline is pretty simple, but visually it’s a great way to discuss symmetry and it would work as a great model for a similar simple art project.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

 

Sabrina Sue: The Epic Adventure by Priscilla Burris - ESSENTIAL

Sabrina Sue: The Epic Adventure by Priscilla Burris. PICTURE BOOK. Simon Spotlight, 2026. $20. 9798347103287

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

As a chicken on a farm, every day was a pleasure for Sabrina Sue. In the past she has always gone on solo adventures, but this time all of her farm friends want to go too. 

Sabrina Sue has moved from early reader books to a picture book! Her adventure with her friends is a roller coaster of adventure, fright, and fun!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Merry Christmas! by Giovana Mederios - OPTIONAL

Merry Christmas! by Giovana Mederios. BOARD BOOK. Kane Miller, 2023. $15. 9781684646395

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

A simple board book to celebrate the Santa side of Christmas with changing sliders. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Two Chilly Mice by Lori Haskins Houran and Steph Laberis - ADVISABLE

Two Chilly Mice by Lori Haskins Houran and Steph Laberis. EARLY READER (beginner). Random House, 2026. $10 (hc). 9798217226610

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

The two mice are cold on the city streets in the snow, so they hitch a ride to a sunnier climate, where they thoroughly enjoy their vacation time. They don’t ever want to go back to that city.

Silliness, of course, but it was fun to see all of the different activities the mice enjoyed. A young beginning reader will need some help with words like “vacation”.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Happy Friendsgiving by Marcie Colleen and Laura Sandoval Herrera - ADVISABLE

Happy Friendsgiving by Marcie Colleen and Laura Sandoval Herrera.  PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children’s Books (Penguin Random House), 2025.  $19.  9780593649923

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL (4-6) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

You are invited to participate in the feast of friends, otherwise known as Friendsgiving. There are many delicious scenes and just as many delicious words to describe the friends and inclusive communities that are the heart of this story.

I think this would be a good addition to your classroom library of Thanksgiving traditions as it’s just another way to celebrate the holiday. I loved all the vignettes of different groups celebrating together with food and good feelings. It’s a nice reminder that your chosen family can be just as important as the people you are related to by blood.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

We Are the Keystones by Katy S. Duffield and Hannah Salyer - ADVISABLE

We Are the Keystones by Katy S. Duffield and Hannah Salyer. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2026. $20. 9781665946896

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Keystone animals help every plant and animal within their sphere of influence; if they are removed, devastating consequences result. 

Duffield introduces us to several keystone species around the world, enhanced by Salyer’s gorgeous illustrations. Each spread has a poem and a text paragraph, each emphasizing the importance of the species in different ways. Very useful for science lessons on habitats, endangered species, and food webs.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Haunted Playground by R.J. Palacio and Brett Helquist. - ADVISABLE

The Haunted Playground by R.J. Palacio and Brett Helquist. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2026. $20. 9798217029280

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

At midnight on Halloween the ghosts come out to the playground. Rex Magnificus, the king of ghosts, invites all the ghosts to come for a party. No humans allowed! But this year, the noise has woken up two neighbor children who have come to join the fun. Rex is furious and attempts to scare them away.

“The Haunted Playground" is a long poem written in rhyming stanzas making it a delightful read aloud. The full page pictures are detailed and interesting with a hand-drawn look that feels nostalgic. This is a sweet little introduction for children to the world of ghost stories. 

Janae S., Reading Teacher

Kitty vs Christmas by Martha Freeman and Eda Kaban - ESSENTIAL

Kitty vs Christmas by Martha Freeman and Eda Kaban. PICTURE BOOK. Disney, 2026. $19. 9781368119221

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Kitty has never liked Christmas, but this year he is REALLY trying.  Unfortunately his family doesn’t seem to appreciate his efforts. When he finds out that he doesn't even get one Christmas cookie AND his favorite toy mouse disappears, kitty has had ENOUGH and he decides to wreck Christmas for everyone.

Having a kitty myself, I love his little disgruntled face! And the surprise visit from Santa, who has problems of his own, was so sweet. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Fall Day, All Day written and illustrated by Kari Percival - ADVISABLE

Fall Day, All Day written and illustrated by Kari Percival.  PICTURE BOOK. Rise x Penguin Workshop (Penguin Random House), 2026.  $19.  9780593888629

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

It’s finally fall! Explore all the many wonders fall has to offer by going on a walk in the woods to notice all the changes in the flora and fauna as nature prepares for winter. What can you learn from fall?

A gorgeously illustrated exploration of all things fall, I thought this was a really interesting way to talk about several scientific phenomena with younger readers. I really liked how the structure of the book looked at the specific example, like the winter coat some animals grow to keep warm, then a human application of the same principle, then other examples in nature. This would be a great read-aloud connection to the science lesson or paired with a nature walk.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Inactivity Book by Kyo Maclear and Tracy Subisak - ESSENTIAL

The Inactivity Book by Kyo Maclear and Tracy Subisak. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2026. $19. 9780593181980

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Maclear gives us many different, and highly original ways to be still when you are in need of some slow time. 

Ready for nap time? Get this out for your little friends and read to them as they drift off to sleep. Make sure you pause frequently to allow them time to imagine the imaginings that Maclear invokes. Or sit quietly together in a gib pile and admire Suisak’s evocative illustrations. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Snow-Clearing Day by Breanna Carzoo - ADVISABLE

Snow-Clearing Day by Breanna Carzoo. BOARD BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2026. $8. 9781665973496

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Three animal friends are excited to get to work when they need to get out their equipment and clear the snow - so that they can then play in it, of course!

I admire their delight in seeing the snow and their work ethic as they get to clearing it. Whether you get snow in your town or not, someone will enjoy reading about it.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Secret Dragon by Briony May Smith - ADVISABLE

The Secret Dragon by Briony May Smith. PICTURE BOOK. ASB (Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593650509

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

WHen his aunt Morgana gives him a dragon egg before his eighth birthday, Prince Griffin needs to keep it secret, because his Queen mother is allergic to magical creatures.  As Griff falls more and more attached to his quickly growing new friend he has to figure out a way to get his mother to let him keep him - he just has to!

The old-fashioned tone to Smith’s illustrations are a lovely backdrop for her story about a prince and a dragon. A dash of heroics and courage and a delightful book for dragon lovers of all ages. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Jeff O'Lantern by Charlie Greenwald and Jalke van Antwerpen - ESSENTIAL

Jeff O'Lantern by Charlie Greenwald and Jalke van Antwerpen.  PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press (American Psychological Association), 2026.  $20.  9781433848469

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Everyone knows Jack O’Lantern. He has the scariest face and he is the best at spooking the trick-o-treaters in line. But Jack has a younger brother, Jeff O’Lantern. Jeff has a friendly smile and kind eyes. Does he have to live up to Jack’s scary reputation, or can he find his own path this Halloween?

A sweet story about individuality and self-acceptance from the American Psychological Association, Jeff O’Lantern is flat-out adorable. It’s basically a Pixar short film in picture book format. The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching, and kids are going to eat this up during the spooky season.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

  

Hank Goes Ho Ho Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie - ADVISABLE

Hank Goes Ho Ho Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie. PICTURE BOOK. TIger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300996

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In his 4th adventure, Hank is impatiently waiting for Christmas. So impatiently that his friends are trying to distract him by having him help Santa’s elves finish the last minute gift wrapping. Hank may be a good helper, but he does have some ideas of his own.

Hank’s wry attitude is hilarious as always. Full of Christmas-y chaos with Hank’s auspicious nature at the end for good measure.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS