Brave New Ballet by Robyn McGrath and Alexander Mostov - OPTIONAL

Brave New Ballet: The Story of the Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo by Robyn McGrath and Alexander Mostov. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Workshop, 2026. $19. 9798217049370

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo was an all-male ballet company founded in New York City in the 1970s by a group of dancers who wanted the freedom to perform on their own terms. They worked tirelessly to perfect their technique while also bringing humor and satire to their choreography. Although they were not taken seriously at first, their talent, dedication, and artistry eventually won over audiences around the world.

This was an interesting look at a piece of dance history I was previously unfamiliar with, and I enjoyed learning about the company's unique contributions to the world of ballet. I also enjoyed the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Brave New Ballet by Robyn McGrath and Alexander Mostov - OPTIONAL

Brave New Ballet: The Story of the Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo by Robyn McGrath and Alexander Mostov. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Workshop, 2026. $19. 9798217049370

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo was an all-male ballet company founded in New York City in the 1970s by a group of dancers who wanted the freedom to perform on their own terms. They worked tirelessly to perfect their technique while also bringing humor and satire to their choreography. Although they were not taken seriously at first, their talent, dedication, and artistry eventually won over audiences around the world.

This was an interesting look at a piece of dance history I was previously unfamiliar with, and I enjoyed learning about the company's unique contributions to the world of ballet. I also enjoyed the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Butterfly Wings : A hopeful story about climate anxiety by Samuel Larochelle and Eve Patenaude - OPTIONAL

Butterfly Wings : A hopeful story about climate anxiety by Samuel Larochelle and Eve Patenaude. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Books, 2023. $20. 9781778400827

Florent's anxiety could be upsetting for some readers.

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Florent has always been a sensitive, happy child. Then one night, he overhears his moms talking about having another baby and their worries that it could be irresponsible because of climate change. Florent internalizes his worries, and tries to put on a happy face for his moms. He starts having terrifying nightmares, and one morning, decides to stop speaking altogether.

At 104 pages, this is not a short picture book. It is for a very specific audience. I would not buy this for a library, but it could be a good SEL tool for adults and professionals. I loved how the illustrations depicted Florent's anxiety. 

This book was originally published in French in Canada. 

Florent and his moms are white. 

Rachel, elementary school librarian

Raven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillett and Daniel Ramirez - OPTIONAL

Raven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Daniel Ramirez. PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown, 2025. $19. 9780316422161 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Raven dances the round dance with his grandmother, and he loves the beautiful ribbon skirts, but when he wants Grandmother to make him one, she admits that she has never seen a boy wear a ribbon skirt. 

I loved this story! I loved the imagery of the dances, I loved the illustrations, and I loved Raven! A definite pick for your library if you have Indigenous children, especially if they identify as two-spirit. Raven and his Grandmother are Ojibwe 

Lisa Librarian  

Call Me Gray by Andrew Larsen, Bells Larsen and Tallulah Fontaine - ADVISABLE

Call Me Gray by Andrew Larsen, Bells Larsen and Tallulah Fontaine. PICTURE BOOK Kids Can Press, 2025. $22. 9781525311352 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A child is helping their dad make an ice rink in their yard. It's something they do every year, but this year is different. The child feels differently, mixed up about themself. They sometimes feel more like a girl than a boy. 

I love that the father listened and took time to think before responding. I love that he was supportive and did not question the child. I also liked the illustrations - I want to help with and skate on that ice rink. The characters are white. 

Lisa Librarian  

A Single Dreadlock by Xaiver Michael Campbell and Eugenie Fernandes - ADVISABLE

A Single Dreadlock by Xaiver Michael Campbell, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes. PICTURE BOOK.  Groundwood Books, 2025. $20. 9781773069388

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young boy named Lovie never thought he looked different until he and his dads moved from Jamaica to Spruce Cove.  His hair is curly and wild and Lovie loves it!  Over the Summer, it forms a dread in just one spot and Lovie is very happy about it until the kids at school make fun of him. He is very sad.  How will Lovie learn to be proud about his hair?

A Single Dreadlock is about finding the courage to be yourself, and the reader can learn to have compassion for others who look different.  I enjoyed the vibrant art of Fernandes. Lovie is being raised by two dads.  They are also Jewish.

PGPowers

Pride by Eric Huang and Amy Phelps - OPTIONAL

Pride by Eric Huang and Amy Phelps, 48 pages. NON FICTION PICTURE BOOK. words&pictures (Quarto), 2025. $15. 9781836000877

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Young Brian, along with his friends and family, are preparing for a Pride month celebration and parade. The friends are deciding what to wear at the parade and Brian is not quite sure what to wear during the parade. Brian's school and teachers develop lessons and activities and present historical features of the Pride celebration including the lives of famous LGBTQIA+ people. While his friends make decisions about their parade wear Brian is slow to figure out his. Finally, he decides on an outfit that will be perfect. 

The endnotes give facts about the Stonewall Uprising, activities, history of Pride and Pride flag, and a quiz." I liked the age-appropriate approach to Pride and the history of Pride. I like the portrayal of diverse families and a community working together to celebrate all people within a community. The characters reflect a wide diversity of ethnicities, gender fluidity, and family relationships. Something the book tries to do is not categorize the characters.

Bryant Baird, Certified Teacher Librarian

Fa La La Family by Scott and Mark Hoying, illustrated by Steph Lew - OPTIONAL

Fa La La Family by Scott and Mark Hoying, illustrated by Steph Lew. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2025. $19. 9781250853349

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The Hoyings, of Pentatonix, point out that no matter what your family looks like, they can still celebrate the wonders of Christmas.

I wish the Hoyings had written a book showing an LGBT family celebrating Christmas, rather than having the whole book talk about how they can celebrate Christmas -  it is a different level of inclusion to just show them as any other family enjoying Christmas. Includes the sheet music for a song about the meaning of family.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Beatrice Looks for Home by Ron Grady. - ADVISABLE

Beatrice Looks for Home by Ron Grady. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593696354

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Beatrice loves her life with her Gram, her Papa, and her Dad.  When Papa gets a new job, however, Gram doesn’t move with them to the new city.  Beatrice is not sure that this new place will ever feel like home. But Gram sends Beatrice something to spark her creativity.

Moving - even in the middle of the school year - is common for students. Grady gives us a nice way to share the complexity of those feelings with all of your students and help all develop some empathy.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door by A.R. Capetta and Charlene Chua - OPTIONAL

Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door by A.R. Capetta, illustrated by Charlene Chua, 85 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $17. 9781536224931

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

APPEALS TO:SEVERAL

Hocus and Pocus are "highly magical pets", brother and sister pups who live with their witch, Jinx, in a community of magical friends. Hocus is bold and Pocus is timid, and they help one another find some balance, but also make some magical mischief along the way. When the next-door wizard brings home a new pet dragon, things get exciting and a little scary. Hocus and Pocus work together to help Pocus get over his fears so the pups can interact with the dragon, and of course a little mayhem ensues (attack squirrels!).

This is book #2 in the series, but it stands alone very well. This was a pretty cute story that younger elementary students and early chapter book readers will enjoy. It's a fun, gentle introduction to the fantasy genre. The illustrations are colorful and exciting, and the pups are adorable. There's a strong focus on social and emotional skills, particularly working through anxiety and facing fears. Additionally, the story weaves in some important examples of asking permission, compromising, making friends, and accepting differences.

The cast of magical human characters are diverse in skin tone and gender. There's a character chart on page one that introduces a few main characters with their pronouns, including one character with they/them pronouns. In the story a green-haired character is introduced to the others very smoothly and naturally as "That's Jade, and his pronouns are he and him. He's our next-door wizard." And the story continues without any additional focus on Jade or his pronouns.

Reviewer: Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

Papa’s Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg, illustrated by Dan Taylor. - ADVISABLE

Papa’s Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg, illustrated by Dan Taylor. PICTURE BOOK. Philomel (Penguin), 2025. $20. 9780593693988

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Rosie and Jojo’s Papa has been gone so long, the children want to give him an extra special welcome home. Their list of things that Papa needs at the airport keeps getting longer, but Daddy is happy to help them. 

A sweet look at the love between child and parent - especially when the parent has been away for a long time. The long list becomes pretty silly - but that is part of the charm. Taylor’s vibrant illustrations are a perfect example of how illustrations created through digital means can have depth and liveliness. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Big Day by Rachel Plummer, illustrated by Forrest Burdett. - OPTIONAL

The Big Day by Rachel Plummer, illustrated by Forrest Burdett. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2025. $19. 9781664300668

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The little human has been invited to the wedding of two giant (actual giants) grooms. He follows through on all the proper wedding etiquette and has a grand time that day, but doesn’t understand why he has been invited. Turns out the grooms want him to return home and spread a message about love. 

Burdett’s illustrations are so fun and vivid. The wedding looks like it was a grand party to attend. The ending falls flat - I feel that the giants should have had a personal connection with the small guest rather than inviting him just to make a point. Having two giant grooms already makes the point that Plummer so baldly states.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Far, Far Away by Molly Beth Griffin and Bao Luu - OPTIONAL

Far, Far Away by Molly Beth Griffin, illustrated by Bao Luu. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $18. 9781623543631

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Rowan is on his first camping trip with his Mom and Mama.  While the adventure starts out great, by nightfall he is sore, tired, and ready to go home.  Mom and Mama show him the beautiful night sky - something so spectacular that he can’t see so well at home with the city lights. 

I would like reading this to a class as a prepare-for-summer-adventures book. In the back matter the author talks about the Dark Sky Sanctuary at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which the book is based on.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Glenn Burke, Game Changer by Phil Bildner and Daniel J. O'Brien - ADVISABLE

Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five by Phil Bildner, illustrated by Daniel J. O'Brien. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Farrar, Straus & Giroux (Macmillan), 2024. $19. 9780374391225 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Glenn Burke was all about baseball. He was a five-tool talent who could run, hit. throw and more! He was a valuable member of the Dodgers. Burke was also the first openly gay Major League baseball player. For most of his teammates it wasn't a problem, but for others, like his coach, it was. But he's better known for something else, Glenn Burke invented the High Five! 

What a nice short biography of Glenn Burke! I loved that it addressed his private life, giving some indication what it was like to be gay in the 1970s, as well as the positives and negatives of his sports career. Bildner's author's note - I cried, at an author's note. Seriously Phil? There's also a bibliography, and a cool timeline. Glenn Burke is black. 

Lisa Librarian 

Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses by Randy Rainbow and Jaimie MacGibbon - OPTIONAL

Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses by Randy Rainbow, illustrated by Jaimie MacGibbon.  PICTURE BOOK Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan), May 2025. $19. 9781250900777 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Randy thrives being his own person, he dresses the way he likes, he paints his fingernails and he listens to Broadway show tunes! But when the kids at school tease him, his granny has a solution. A sparkly pair of magical pink glasses. Randy can wear them and turn the world he sees to something marvelous. 

I love Randy Rainbow - he's so entertaining, funny, and clever. I expected to see more of that in his picture book. I read an e-arc so I don't know if there was back matter included. Is this a recreation of his own childhood experience, his "origin story" about how he became a comedian? I didn't love that he embraced the teasing, calling himself a weirdo as part of his stand-up comedy routine for his friends. There's got to be a better path to acceptance of kids who chart their own course. Sorry Randy, I wanted to love this; I didn't. Randy is white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Jimmy's Rhythm & Blues by Michelle Meadows and Jamiel Law - OPTIONAL

Jimmy's Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Jamiel Law. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK HarperCollins, 2024. $19. 9780063273474 

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

James Baldwin grew up in Harlem. His father expected him to become a minister, but his heart was drawn to writing.  His teachers and mentors praised him, helped him obtain opportunities, and eventually Baldwin's writing turned to plays, music, poetry and books.

I liked that the reader gets a taste for his writing as many sections start with a passage of Baldwin's text. I'm torn about the illustrations . . . some were detailed and interesting, others were not so much. While the illustrations reflected the text, it wasn't enhanced by them. Includes an author's note, a timeline and a list of his works. James Baldwin was Black and Gay.

Lisa Librarian

Marley's Pride by Joëlle Retener, illustrated by DeAnn Wiley - ADVISABLE

Marley's Pride by Joëlle Retener, illustrated by DeAnn Wiley.  PICTURE BOOK Barefoot Books, 2024. $18 9798888590744

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Marley's grandparent loves Pride Month - all the parades and parties and friends, but frankly, Marley doesn't. They are trying to find a reason not to go. It's too crowded and noisy. But Zaza is getting an award for their contributions to the community, and Marley wants to be there, so they've got to find a way to fit in.

Marley's Pride is a wonderful book especially when read during Pride Month, but Marley is more than LGBTQIA+ Marley also has sensory sensitivities, and I loved how those characteristics were folded into the story, too.  Kids from the queer community, as well as their friends will enjoy this book.  Includes some great backmatter about pronouns, gender identity, and what LGBTQIA+ and queer mean. The content is appropriate even for younger elementary. Marley and their Zaza are illustrated as Black  

Lisa Librarian 

Miss Rita, Mystery Reader by Sam Donovan, Kristen Wixted and Violet Tobacco - ADVISABLE

Miss Rita, Mystery Reader by Sam Donovan and Kristen Wixted, illustrated by Violet Tobacco. PICTURE BOOK Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2022. $19. 9781250774767 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Tori's Daddy is coming to school today as the Mystery Reader. As Daddy gets further into the transformation into Miss Rita Book, drag queen, Tori is excited, but also a little nervous. Daddy reminds Tori that Miss Rita Book is just like a lawyer in their suit or a doctor in a lab coat. Tori has an idea to help themself be comfortable and bring all of the classmates into the celebration, too. 

I love Daddy comparing his job as Miss Rita to a lawyer or a doctor putting on their professional gear - spot on. A lovely celebration of a different family and a different career. The authors' note talks about LGBT and non-binary people and little bit about the history of gay rights. As Daddy says, "Sparkle is serious business", and the illustrations shine. Tori and Daddy are white. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

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

Desert Queen by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Svabhu Kohli - ADVISABLE

Desert Queen by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Svabhu Kohli PICTURE BOOK Levine Querido, 2023 $19. 9781646142620 

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The boy loves music and dance, but dancing is for women. But when his parents die, and he is left to care for his younger sisters, he discovers he can dress as a woman and dance at night, making money to support the family. But as he suffers through the taunting as a boy during the day, will the coins he makes at night be worth it? 

Based on the life story of drag performer Queen Harish, this story of being ones true self is poetically told and beautifully illustrated. Includes an author's and illustrator's note along with a longer biography of Harish Kumar. Harish is from India. 

Lisa Librarian