Welcome to the Nighttime Train by Louise Fitzgerald and Margarita Kukhtina - ESSENTIAL

Welcome to the Nighttime Train by Louise Fitzgerald and Margarita Kukhtina. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow Inc., 2025. $18. 9798887772059

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The Nighttime train is here to pick up children at bedtime. The first stop is Pajamaville. The second stop is Toothbrush Town. Then, on to Library Land, and the train finishes at Starlight Skies in their own beds. 

Fitzgerald creates a joy filled book about going to bed. She uses Onomatopoeia and Alliteration to enrich and create flow of the story. The illustrations are cute animals that look like stuffed toys that could represent any child. A read aloud audio book is attached with a QR code on the back cover. The speech of the performer carries on at a good pace, with clear wording, but feels a little monotonous compared to the excitement of the storyline. The one part of the read aloud that was irritating happened when the reader finished the sentence on another page after a ""turn the page"" bell had rung. " Any child could see themselves in this book.

MOMMAC 

No, I'm a…Flamingo! written by Catharine Robertson and Ana Gomez - ADVISABLE

No, I'm a…Flamingo! written by Catharine Robertson, illustrated by Ana Gomez. PICTURE BOOK. Happy Yak (The Quarto Group), 2025. $19. 9781836002031

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Follow a long suffering father as he tries to get his 3 1/2 year-old to wear something other than a flamingo onesie. They go through different outfit ideas before finally settling on what the toddler wants to wear.

This picture book is something that would resonate with anyone who has tried to get a toddler ready for the day, and kids would like it because they all have favorite clothes that they like to wear. I thought it was fun and silly and would work really well for any class read-aloud.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Mao Mao's Perfectly Imperfect Day by Laan Cham - ADVISABLE

Mao Mao's Perfectly Imperfect Day by Laan Cham. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593710043

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Mao Mao, the perfectionist panda, must learn how to deal with his chaotic, messy, new classmate Olivia. Can he teach her the art of being perfect? Or will he learn an important lesson himself?

As a perennially recovering perfectionist myself, it's an important reminder to embrace the chaos and enjoy life's little messes when you can. I loved the kawaii-inspired art style and I loved the message of the book.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Salon Saturday by Janelle Harper and Charlot Kristensen - ESSENTIAL

Salon Saturday by Janelle Harper, illustrated by Charlot Kristensen. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group (Penguin Random House), 2025. $19. 9780593526330

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

It's the first trip to the salon for our young narrator and she is overwhelmed by all the options she sees on the street. What hairstyle would fit her best? Bobs, buns, coils, and fros and so much more!

I loved this story of our young narrator finding her own kind of beautiful, guided by the women in her life, like her grandmother, mom, and older sister. This book is a beautiful tribute to Black hair and shining the spotlight on one of the things that makes us unique. I think this could be paired really nicely with Hair Love by Matthew Cherry.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Home in a Lunchbox written and illustrated by Cherry Mo - ESSENTIAL

Home in a Lunchbox written and illustrated by Cherry Mo. PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Young Readers Group (Penguin Random House), 2024. $19. 9780593661345

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Jun is a young immigrant girl from Hong Kong. She feels isolated and alone at her new school in America because she doesn't know the language. However, she finds comfort in the familiar food packed in her lunchbox.

The author’s autobiographical take on the immigrant experience in a new school in a new country is told mostly through the beautiful illustrations and sparse dialogue, which so perfectly captures what these students experience while learning a new language. They literally do not have the words, and are so easily overwhelmed by their new experiences. It’s a great story for multi-language learners, or Dual Immersion classrooms, and it’s one that is applicable for all ages. Definitely recommend it for your classroom library.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Night Market written by Seina Wedlick, illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu - ADVISABLE

The Night Market written by Seina Wedlick, illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $19. 9780593563687

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A beautifully illustrated exploration of a Nigerian night market, the reader is immediately immersed in the story with the nameless protagonist as we weave between different hawkers and vendor stalls. Each page is bursting with color and imagination as our young guide sees the different sights of the night market.The story captures the essence of curiosity and wonder for any young explorer.

A gorgeous picture book and a veritable feast for the senses. Every page has something new to see and explore. I think it would be a highly engaging read, and I especially love the African setting. I think it is unique and a beautiful addition to your picture book library.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

One Thousand Things: Learn your first words with Little Mouse written and illustrated by Anna Kövecses - ADVISABLE

One Thousand Things: Learn your first words with Little Mouse written and illustrated by Anna Kövecses. PICTURE BOOK. Wide Eyed Editions, 2025. $15. 9780711297722

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Explore this visual encyclopedia of first words for early readers. Follow Little Mouse from page to page learning 1,000 basic things around the house, things you can do, and things you can see.

One Thousand Things by Anna Kövecses is packed with simple, eye-catching illustrations that really draw in young kids. It's full of basic words that pre-kindergarten children will love, making it a great pick for early language learning. The book serves as a fun way for little ones to explore and understand their world. Its simplicity might not keep older kids as interested, so it's perfect for the pre-k crowd. Overall, its charming visuals and easygoing content make it a delightful read for the youngest book lovers.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Hank Goes Honk written by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie - ESSENTIAL

Hank Goes Honk written by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie.  PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2024. $19. 9781664300507

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Hank is one rude goose! He is always interrupting his friends, stealing their food, and popping their balloons. But being so unruly is kind of lonely, especially when people don’t want to hang out anymore. Can Hank learn to be kinder to his friends?

Children will love Hank’s antics and silly sounds, and adults will love the overall message about kindness and friendship. It’s a great book to teach essential soft skills like communication and cooperation. I highly recommend it if you can get it.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Boo Stew written by Donna Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler - ESSENTIAL

Boo Stew written by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree Publishing Company, 2021. $18. 9781682632215

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

  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Curly Locks loves to cook, but no one likes to eat her creepy crawly creations. However, when the Scares from Toadsuck Swamp invade the mayor’s home, Curly Lock’s cooking might be the one thing that can get the Scares to behave. 

Um, such a fun fracturing of the Goldilocks and Three Bears fairytale. It is bursting with authentic flavor (excuse the pun) and hidden gems. It would be an excellent addition to any classroom library, and so much fun to use as a mentor text. The artistic style is also really engaging and worth studying all on its own.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbedde s

Divine Makes a Splash written by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley - ADVISABLE

Divine Makes a Splash (Afro Unicorns) by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $7. 9780593704196

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Divine the Unicorn is excited to spend the day at the beach with her friends, Magical and Unique, but she doesn’t know how to swim! With the help from some friendly mermaids, Divine learns to conquer her fears.

You know exactly what you are getting from the cover of this book. It almost feels like a Disney channel animated short - short, sweet, and brightly colored. Love this for more representation in picture books, but other than that, it’s fine.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

A Magical Day written by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley - ADVISABLE

A Magical Day (Afro Unicorns) written by April Showers, illustrated by Anthony Conley. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2023. $7. 9780593702857

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

It’s Magical the Unicorn’s birthday, and all of her friends are so excited to throw her a party. But will the day be ruined when Magical’s Kindness Crown goes missing and her supernatural powers are diminished

It’s a simple cute story about unicorn friends in a magical land. Obviously, it’s not that deep, but kids will adore it because of the unicorns, and I like that they specifically feature BIPOC characters.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Little Wolf’s Howl written by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Mathias Ball - ADVISABLE

Little Wolf’s Howl written by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Mathias Ball. PICTURE BOOK. Marble Press, 2024. $20. 9781958325186

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Little Wolf has lost her way! With the help of new friends like Whale, Goose, and Bear, Little Wolf tries to find her way home again and also discover her own unique voice.

Such a beautifully illustrated story. The simple plot is common enough, but the colorful and interesting pictures add so much to the experience that I didn’t even mind! This would be a great addition to any unit about migration or animals.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Ahoy! written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall - ESSENTIAL

Ahoy! written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall.  PICTURE BOOK.  Anne Schwartz Books (Penguin Random House), 2024.  $20.  9780593429396

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Join our characters on the high seas of imagination as they set sail for an afternoon of play on a living room rug. A storm is coming, and the child captain encourages their parent to put down the vacuum and help make the ship ready to brave the rough seas.

Super charming story illustrating the power of imagination and the joy of playing together. I was utterly swept away by the story and how the author/illustrator cleverly pulled you in and out of the imaginary world with our brave protagonists.

Kiera, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

Pepita Meets Bebita by Ruth Behar & Gabriel Frye-Behar, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga - ESSENTIAL

Pepita Meets Bebita by Ruth Behar & Gabriel Frye-Behar, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga.  PICTURE BOOK.  Knopf Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2023.  $19.  9780593566985

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Pepita the puppy is used to being the baby of the family. Then one day, that starts to change as everyone prepares to welcome a new human baby to the family. Will Pepita find her new place in the new mixup of things?

Um, super adorable. This story will be appealing to young readers because they will love the doggy narrator, but it will also serve as a good guide for students who have to deal with younger siblings. I also loved the bilingualism throughout the story, the seamless transition between English and Spanish.

Kiera, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

There's a Bear in Your Book by Tom Fletcher - ADVISABLE

There's a Bear in Your Book by Tom Fletcher.  PICTURE BOOK.  Random House Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2023.  $19.  9780593703991

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

There is a bear in your book! He has made a mess and you have to get him cleaned up and put to bed. Can you help the bear get all tucked in?

This is an adorable bedtime storybook geared toward younger readers. They will love the interactive directions and feel like they are helping move the story along. The illustrations are simple but charming. Overall, super cute, but not much of a curriculum connection.

Kiera, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

Look by Gabi Snyder, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill - ESSENTIAL

Look by Gabi Snyder, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill.  PICTURE BOOK.  Paula Wiseman Books (Simon & Schuster), 2024.  $19.  9781665905404

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

If the world feels too big and overwhelming, take a second to LOOK at the world around you and notice all the patterns that are part of the bigger picture.

I loved everything about this book - from the message, to the hand-built mixed media illustrations - everything. This would be a great book to read to students to help them with mindfulness and being present. The illustrations are rich and complex and beg the reader to spend some time exploring each page. It would also be a great book for computer science in elementary because patterns are the building blocks of coding.

Kiera, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

Uni the Unicorn: Mermaid Helper by Christy Webster, illustrated by Brigette Barrager - ADVISABLE

Uni the Unicorn: Mermaid Helper by Christy Webster, illustrated by Brigette Barrager.  PICTURE BOOK.  Random House Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2024.  $12. 9780593651759

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Uni and his friend are collecting treasures on the beach when they come across a real-live mermaid! Together they go on an adventure to all their favorite places above ground that the mermaid has never seen before, helping her collect treasures of her own to take back home under the sea.

A sweet story of friendship and helping. Younger students are going to love the bright, colorful illustrations and the combination of a unicorn and a mermaid. The little memory jar the unicorn helps the mermaid make could be a fun project for students, especially at the end of the year as a reflection activity.

Kiera, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

I'm Trying to Love Germs by Bethany Barton - ESSENTIAL

I'm Trying to Love Germs by Bethany Barton. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Viking (Penguin), 2023. $19. 9780593326725 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

With the help of a talking germ, learn all about microbes and pathogens and the ways they can harm or help us. 

 Barton's 5th book is as cute and informative as the rest of them. I would buy any of the books that correlate with the curriculum at your school. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Our Classroom Rules! by Kallie George and Jay Fleck - ESSENTIAL

Our Classroom Rules! by Kallie George illustrated by Jay Fleck PICTURE BOOK Rodale Kids 2023 $13.00 0593378784 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Why does this classroom rule? It is filled with little kid animals such as porcupines, bears, and rabbits that all love to go to school. This story is told in a way that explains important rules and mindsets such as being on time, working together, and that it is ok to make mistakes. Mistakes are just part of learning. 

This is told with funny side comments from the animals, especially two earthworms. I liked this book because it had a great message for young students about school. It showed them excellent examples of how to follow the rules and to be kind to all. The illustrations were highly engaging. 

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred by Deborah Hopkinson and Paul O. Zelinsky - ADVISABLE

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred by Deborah Hopkinson illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. PICTURE BOOK Anne Schwartz Books, 2023. $19. 0593480031 

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

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

This is not your average Cinderella fairy tale. Told as a fractured fairy tale, it starts off with a mouse named Fred, who later is transformed into the horse that pulls Ella's carriage to the ball. The fairy godmother is more grouchy than kind, and Ella doesn't like the Prince because she likes to garden and he doesn't. Luckily, love will prevail and Ella will find her own happy ending, girl power style. 

This was a fun book to read because the characters were so different than the traditional ones portrayed in Cinderella. The plot has a different story line, especially at the end. It was silly enough that young and older readers would enjoy this book. Cinderella falls in love with a female farmer and marries her. 

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher