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 yarn 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 

Gigantic by Rob Biddulph - ESSENTIAL

 

Gigantic by Rob Biddulph. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593518960

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Gigantic may yet be a tiny whale, but when his big brother, Titan, is in trouble, Gigantic pulls out all the stops, and his friends, to save him.

Biddulph’s rhyming text gives the story a rhythm evocative of the sea and adds an urgency to Titan’s danger. A great reminder to “biggers” that those smaller in stature are as important. I love the color palette of the illustrations so much.

Lovely endpapers, too. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares

Dasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $19. 9781536236316 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

On his adventures before Christmas, Dasher meets a lonely polar who wishes he could fly. On Christmas Eve, Santa helps Dasher deliver one last surprise gift to his grateful new friend. 

Utterly charming. Tavares has really created a sweet little series. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS