The Dog who was (almost) perfect by Jack Kurland - ADVISABLE

The Dog who was (almost) perfect by Jack Kurland. PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2026. $19. 9781836007753

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Doris the dog’s life is absolutely perfect until the day she chews a hole in her owner, Bill’s, favorite slippers.  She runs away in shame, but some other dogs help her understand that while it may be a mistake, it isn’t the end of everything.

A cute way to look at owning up to your mistakes and they aren’t, mostly, life ending.  Say you’re sorry and move on.  The little twist on the last page kind of undermines the message, but kids will find it  funny.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I Could Be Eaten by a Shark by Marcela Ferreira and Mark Chambers - ADVISABLE

I Could Be Eaten by a Shark by Marcela Ferreira and Mark Chambers. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2026 (First US publication). $19. 9781623547691

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Louie and his grandfather visit the beach and Louie sees a shark. From that moment, his thoughts are consumed by sharks and he is convinced that one day, a shark will eat him. His grandfather tries to help him overcome this fear in various ways, but nothing seems to help him stop worrying about being eaten by a shark. With bonus shark facts, after paying a visit to the library, Louie must find a way to live with his anxiety.

This book is bright and fun, and even though Louie's fear is mostly unfounded, the author and illustrator portray this with humor and compassion. Likewise, Louie's grandfather never makes fun of Louie, but helps him find ways to deal with his fears so that he can live his best life. A fun ending helps to show kids dealing with anxiety that they are not alone and lots of people live with anxiety every day. Louie and his grandfather present white.

Heather Robinson 

More Than a Tree by Sarah Kurpiel - ADVISABLE

More Than a Tree by Sarah Kurpiel. PICTURE BOOK. Rocky Pond Books (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593697689

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A little girl has a beloved tree in her backyard that has watched over her throughout her childhood. It has been the backdrop to countless memories, but when the tree begins to creak, groan, and lose branches, her parents explain that it will need to be cut down. Saddened by the loss, she searches for a way to honor the tree and eventually decides to plant a sapling in its place that she can watch over it as it grows.

This gentle story explores family, coping with loss, and understanding the circle of life. I enjoyed the book’s message and the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Time to Leave Laverne! by Lana Button and Yang Ling Kang - ADVISABLE

Time to Leave Laverne! by Lana Button and Yang Ling Kang. PICTURE BOOK. Owlkids Books, 2026. $23. 9781771476577

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Laverne has big emotions. She loves going to the library, the park, and friends' houses, but when it is time to leave, a thunderstorm seems to roll in, and Laverne struggles to control her feelings. Her parents try to give her tools to help her cope, but it is not until she begins playing pretend with her beloved stuffies that she learns how to use those strategies for herself. Through practice and patience, Laverne gradually learns to prepare for the emotional storms that arise throughout her day. It is not easy, but little by little, she is learning how to weather them.

Button teaches children practical tools for managing emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Through Laverne's experiences, young readers learn strategies for recognizing big feelings and working through them in healthy ways.

Laverne is white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Garden Levington and Dinara Mirtalipova - ESSENTIAL

Some Days I'm the Wind by Rebecca Garden Levington and Dinara Mirtalipova. PICTURE BOOK. Barefoot Books, 2025. $18. 9798888596623

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Some days a girl is like the wind when it’s blustery and then some days she is like the wind when it is breezy. Some days the girl is like the sun, the sea, the clouds, the rain, a tree, the snow, etc. in all its variety. It’s important to explore our emotions and know it is fine to share those feelings with others.

What a fantastic way, through metaphor, rhythm, and design to help children understand how they are feeling. The rhythm and alliterations make this a delicious read for all ages. Mirtalipova aptly catches the emotions felt by the little girl. Adorable! There is a QR code for a read along on the back cover.

The girl in the story appears Polynesian.

MOMMAC 

The Worried Book by Howard Pearlstein and James Munro - ESSENTIAL

The Worried Book by Howard Pearlstein and James Munro. PICTURE BOOK. Red Comet Press, 2025. $17. 9781636551982

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

This book wants to be read, but then it worries that you won't like it. Or, what if you use it as a coloring book, or what it gets lost? The book realizes that everyone worries, and maybe instead of worrying about everything that could go wrong, it could try thinking of what could go right.

Like The Shy Book, the Worried Book teaches an important lesson of resilience. It normalizes being worried and offers realistic advice for what to do when worries start to get out of control. Cute illustrations with minimal colors support a text that flows well. The background characters are illustrated with various ethnicities and abilities.

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Leave Me Alone! by Dr Becky Kennedy and Joanie Stone - ADVISABLE

Leave Me Alone! A Good Inside Story About Deeply Feeling Kids by Dr Becky Kennedy and Joanie Stone. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2026. $20. 9781250413116

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When Pia trips and ruins the game she was playing with her older brother, her feelings explode and her sad becomes mad instead. Her mother takes her upstairs and sits with Pia as she finally works through her hard feelings.

The title and cover of the book are heavy handed, but the story itself is sweet and nickel written.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Shy Book by Howard Pearlstein and James Munro - ESSENTIAL

The Shy Book by Howard Pearlstein and James Munro. PICTURE BOOK. Red Comet Press, 2026. $17. 9781636551883

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

This book happens to be very shy. It is worried that the reader will think that the book is silly, or even boring. The book then realizes that a good strategy to start conversations is to ask others questions about themselves. This story has an important theme of perseverance, and that it is ok to be shy.

I liked Pearlstein’s story because it addressed a lot of common reasons why kids might be shy. He normalizes the fears, reactions, and gives solutions as well. Munro’s illustrations were cute and the text was engaging.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Time to Go, Larry! by Alison Hawkins - ADVISABLE

Time to Go, Larry! by Alison Hawkins. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2023. $19. 9781338795196

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Larry is so snuggly and comfy in his bed; why would he ever get up? But now, Larry has a delicious breakfast waiting for him and decides he'll change his mind and get up. Breakfast is so delicious, why would he ever leave? Now there is fun to be had outside with his friends. Larry changes his mind again and has a wonderful day swimming and playing outside. So wonderful, in fact, that Larry decides he will play outside all night. Will Larry change his mind again? 

Larry's predicaments are all too relatable for kids and adults alike. The illustrations are colorful and playful. Kids will like Larry's interjection to the question, "Guess what?" (He responds, "Chicken butt!") Larry is a bear, his friends are animals.

Rachel, elementary school 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

Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel. - ADVISABLE

Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $18. 9781536229448

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Nothing good is happening. She wakes up with a chicken on her head, finds worms in her cereal, and the terrible day just keeps coming. Then a pair of magical socks just might turn her day into something good.

I loved the ridiculous, terrible things that kept happening. The text was delightful and the illustrations were fun; there were hidden smiley and frowny faces in the grass. The character learns to share the good she finds and be kind. 

The main character has light skin and dark hair, her friend is Black

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson and Shannon McNeill - ADVISABLE

How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson and Shannon McNeill. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2026. $18. 9781665958394

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

What happens when you make a mistake but you are afraid to make it right?  A boy and his elephant are playing when the elephant knocks over the boy's tower of blocks.  The elephant thinks of how to get out of it before saying he is sorry.  Will the boy forgive him?

How to Say You're Sorry is a great book about explaining what it feels like to make a mistake.  I like how Calmenson goes through the different feelings we experience when we feel sorry.  The text rhymes and there are only a few sentences per page.  

The boy is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson and Shannon McNeill - ADVISABLE

How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson and Shannon McNeill. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books ( Simon & Schuster ), 2026. $20. 9781665958394

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

A cute, big, grey elephant knocks over his friend's blocks.  What do you do when something you've done really upsets someone? Do you blame it on someone else?  Do You hide or run away?  Or can you be brave and stay where you are and say I'm sorry.  Will the other person forgive you?

How to Say You're Sorry is very relatable and sparks conversations about apologies and patience.  I enjoyed McNeill's soft, mixed media illustrations.

PGPowers

Tiny Bear Goes Missing by Manka Kasha - ADVISABLE

Tiny Bear Goes Missing by Manka Kasha. PICTURE BOOK. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2025. $19. 9781250856999

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Small Knight and Tiny Bear go on an adventure to explore a cave filled with crystals. But when Small Knight wakes the next morning to discover Tiny Bear is missing, everything changes. During the search, Small Knight accidentally knocks over a jar, releasing Anxiety Monster, who had been trapped inside. To find Tiny Bear, Small Knight must learn how to confront their worries and fears. Along the way, Small Knight discovers that understanding anxiety can sometimes be more helpful than trying to battle it.

Wonderful pen, ink and watercolor illustrations. The story offers a gentle, thoughtful look at anxiety and emotional resilience in a way that is accessible for young readers.

Small Knight is white.

A. Snow, Librarian

Happy All Over by Emma Quay. - ADVISABLE

Happy All Over by Emma Quay. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown and Company, 2024. $16 9780316590860

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Children are happy on the inside and outside. Many little things all day fill up a child's cup, such as playing with a puppy, dancing in the rain, planting a seed, swimming, swinging, jumping, and much more.  What little things make you happy?

Happy All Over is a cute and joyful, rhyming story that celebrates the small, everyday moments of happiness.  I loved Quay's calligraphic and watercolor illustrations tied together with colorful raindrop and cup motifs.

PGPowers

The Lost Board by Alice Feagan - ADVISABLE

The Lost Board by Alice Feagan. PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), JUNE 2026. $19. 9798217040827

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Generations of her family learned to ride the waves on that surfboard, but Lana loses it one day to an unlucky wave.  Instead of scorn from her family, she finds love and understanding and learns how to let go. Meanwhile, the surfboard is only beginning its new journey.

For being from Colorado, Feagan does a great job of evoking the islands through her story and illustrations. She creates a harmony between Lana finding forgiveness from her family and the journey and uses the old surfboard experiences. While great for any ocean edge library, I think landlocked kids will also enjoy.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Great Escape by Deborah Marcero - ADVISABLE

The Great Escape by Deborah Marcero. PICTURE BOOK. Putnam (Penguin), 2026. $20. 9780593857953

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Evie believed in magic words and magic tricks,  but they had no effect on her three younger siblings who she wished would be quiet and leave her alone. Evie found a magic wand, said some magic words, and disappeared down through the ground, but her siblings followed.  They found themselves in a fantastical world blending the deep sea and outer space.  When her siblings are in peril, she helps them.  After they help a baby whale tangled in a net of constellations, they wonder how they will ever get home.

The Great Escape is an imaginative adventure touching on coping skills in a noisy family, and how peace can be found in chaos.  Marcero's illustrations are beautiful featuring digital illustrations with real photographs from the James Webb Space Telescope.  I liked how the book's orientation changed as the story progressed.

PGPowers

 

Even Steven: A Book About Sharing by Carrie Finison and Daniel Wiseman - ADVISABLE

Even Steven:  A Book About Sharing by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman. PICTURE BOOK. G.P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593859001

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Steven loves to make everything even. Steven likes to share by splitting something like noodles in half. But sometimes that doesn't work, so he learned that on a slide kids need to take turns.  He's happy as long as it's fun, and fair, and still even.  But what happens when some things are fair but not even?

Finison has a humorous story about always trying to share and make things fair, and the life experiences that make fair impossible.  I enjoyed the semi graphic novel format and cute illustrations.

PGPowers

This Was Not the Plan by Jane Chapman - ADVISABLE

This Was Not the Plan by Jane Chapman. Tiger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300781

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Spike, a bear, and Roscoe, a rabbit, are ready to head off on their camping trip. Spike feels each setback greatly, while Roscoe always finds another way to see everything with a positive attitude. Together the two find a happy balance to enjoy their adventure. 

I loved the misadventures and Roscoe’s redirects. Chapman has illustrated many beloved books and she’s done a great job with her own title. While a little longer (not much), the story hangs very well together, keeping up the reader’s interest along the way. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Storm Cloud by Frances Stickley and Emily Hamilton - ADVISABLE

The Storm Cloud by Frances Stickley and Emily Hamilton. PICTURE BOOK. Post Wave, 2026. $19. 9798895090480

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Bear is having a bad day. His friends try to cheer him up, but he wants to be alone - mostly because he is afraid his bad day will ruin their day too. Squirrel knows that something isn’t right, and he takes the time to show Bear that he is there to support him, and that not everything about a rain cloud is bad. 

Stickley handles interacting with a friend who is sad or depressed in a deft way that will teach many people, including adults, that there are better ways to help and support. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS