Carlotta's Special Dress by Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Carlotta's Special Dress: How a Walk to School Changed Civil Rights History by Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown, 2026. $19. 9780316572545 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

It's 1957 and Carlotta is one of the "Little Rick 9." She and other Black high school students would be the first integrated into Central High School. Her Uncle had given her mother money for Carlotta to buy a new dress, and she was excited to go wearing the beautiful store bought dress. But, that first day of school was not to be. Angry crowds and soon the National Guard prevented Carlotta and her classmates from going to school. 

An interesting twist on the story of Central High school. I like that it made it personal, giving not just a face but a story to one of the students. I loved the illustrations, and the amount of text was just right. Includes an author’s note (Carlotta is the author) and so we learn a bit more to her story. Also includes a timeline and captioned photographs - yes, one is of Carlotta in The Dress. 

Carlotta is Black. 

Lisa Librarian 

Sound Explorers Space Adventure by Anna Claybourne and Teo Georgiev - ESSENTIAL

Sound Explorers Space Adventure by Anna Claybourne and Teo Georgiev. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Quarto Publishing, 2026. $20. 9781805702757

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

You cannot hear sounds in space because there is no air for the sound waves to travel. Sometimes, sound from space can be collected due to some atmosphere or air in an astronaut's helmet. Other space sounds are created from data from telescopes or space probes which computers interpret into sound. This is known as sonification. You can hear the sounds of the following space bodies: shooting stars, satellites, whistlers, zapping of space rocks, solar sun bursts,  comets, Saturn's aurora, asteroids, and pulsars. 

This battery operated book comes with sound dots that emit the sounds in space. These sounds bring space to life. The information pages that accompany the sounds are informative and astounding. The  bright illustrations depict the galaxy clearly so young children can understand. All ages will enjoy reading and learning from this book.

MOMMAC

A River Running Through You by Amy-Jane Beer and Elin Manon - OPTIONAL

A River Running Through You by Amy-Jane Beer and Elin Manon. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Magic Cat Publishing, 2026. $19. 9781917366915

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Have you ever wondered where water comes from or where it might be going? This book takes readers on a journey that is part science and part reflection, following water as it moves from oceans to rivers, clouds to rain, and through its ever changing cycle.

Manon's illustrations are beautiful and complement Beer's text. The prose encouraged me to think more deeply about water and its importance as one of Earth's most valuable resources. This is a thoughtful, contemplative book that invites reflection and discussion, while also conveying a clear environmental message.

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 

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 

Houdini's Library by Barb Rosenstock and Mar Delmar - ESSENTIAL

Houdini's Library by Barb Rosenstock and Mar Delmar. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A. Knopf (Random), 2026. $19. 9780593570135

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Did you ever wonder where Harry Houdini learned how to be a magician? It was through reading books! Houdini's Library is the story of Harry's life, how he started out in a poor family of a Jewish rabbi. Houdini worked many jobs before finding a book about magic. That book changed his life.

Houdini's Library is a very intriguing story that teaches how important books are. Harry was actually and avid reader and book collector. The illustrations are beautifully painted and some of them look like postcards or photos. Houdini's Library would be a great read aloud and would hopefully help to promote the biography section in the library. Harry and his family are Jewish.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Katherine Johnson by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Jemma Skidmore - ADVISABLE

Katherine Johnson by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Jemma Skidmore. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2025. $16. 9781836001775

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Kathrine loves learning and has always had a talent for math. She graduated high school at 14 and was the first Black woman at her university. Katherine Johnson led a team of mathematicians at NASA and helped send people into space. Kathrine's story is one of following your dreams and never giving up.

I loved the illustrations and simple text of this biographical picture book. This would make a great addition to any school, classroom, or public library.

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Planets (Time for Kids) by Sarah Jospitre - ESSENTIAL

Planets (Time for Kids) by Sarah Jospitre. 32 pages. EARLY READER NON FICTION. Penguin Young Readers, 2025. $17. 

Content: G 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Did you know that there is a crater on Mars named after Dr. Seuss? Time for Kids: Planets is a short informational leveled text, level 3, that will engage young readers. The text walks you through the planets, in order, in our solar system. It explains how the planets got their names, fun facts, and even gives size comparisons and analogies to help the reader understand scale. The illustrations compliment the facts making for a short, interesting read. 

I liked this book because the facts for each planet are interesting and updated. The text is challenging for Level 3, transitional readers. The illustrations were beautiful and brought the text to life. It left you wanting to learn more about the solar system. Informational text about planets.

 Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

A Doctor at Heart by Joan Schoettler and Steffi Walthall - ADVISABLE

A Doctor at Heart by Joan Schoettler and Steffi Walthall. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2026. $20. 9781481476669

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

The inspiring true story of Vivien Thomas, a scientist and teacher who overcame poverty and racial injustice to pursue his dream of working in medicine. From a young age, Vivien wanted to become a doctor, but financial hardship and discrimination created many obstacles. Even so, he persevered and devoted himself to learning and discovery. Through determination, skill, and innovation, Vivien made groundbreaking contributions to the field of heart surgery and helped save countless lives.

An interesting book, told in an approachable, age appropriate manner, about a person who showed resilience, intelligence, and the power of never giving up on what you love. Great illustrations. Vivien Thomas is Black.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Justice Ketanji : The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick and Kim Holt - ADVISABLE

Justice Ketanji : The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick and Kim Holt. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2023. $19. 9781338885293

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ketanji Brown Jackson grew up with the mantra, you can be anything; you can do anything. She carried that perseverance through her life as she applied for and attended Harvard, graduated from Harvard Law, became a US district judge, and eventually became the first Black woman to be a US Supreme Court Justice. 

I liked that the text was written on an elementary level and outlined her life and accomplishments without being overly complex. While it would probably not circulate a lot in a library, it would be a good addition to a picture book biography collection. Justice Ketanji, her family, and many of her friends are Black

Rachel, Elementary school librarian

Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites by Sandra Neil Wallace and Nancy Carpenter. - OPTIONAL

Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites by Sandra Neil Wallace and Nancy Carpenter. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025. $20. 9781534493339

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

From a young age, Ursula Marvin was an explorer at heart. She never planned to become a scientist, but everything changed when she examined rocks under a microscope in college. Fascinated by what she saw, she fell in love with geology. When a professor refused to allow her to major in geology because she was a woman, Ursula did not give up. Instead, she transferred to another school and continued pursuing her passion. Through determination, courage, and perseverance, she overcame barriers, became one of the first women to conduct groundbreaking geological research in Antarctica, and made important discoveries that advanced our understanding of meteorites and Earth's history. Her story is an inspiring example of following one's dreams despite obstacles.

I loved the illustrations, and the subject matter was interesting. Ursula Marvin's story as a pioneering woman geologist who broke barriers and made important discoveries was both inspiring and engaging. However, the writing felt a little clunky at times, and there was often too much text on each page for a picture book. I also found it difficult to place the story in its historical context, as I did not know when it was taking place until I read the back matter. Despite these issues, I appreciated learning about an important scientist whose contributions are not widely known. Ursula Marvin is white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Our World by the Numbers by Steve Jenkins - ADVISABLE

Our World by the Numbers by Steve Jenkins. 162 pages. NON-FICTION HarperCollins, 2024 $25.00 9780063315716 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Steve Jenkins brings us another fascinating non-fiction picture book. The World is told in infographics, describing The Solar System, the Earth, Earth's History (including millions of years from now), what happens in just one day (including extinctions, birthrates, and energy use) Earth's creatures, Natural Disasters, and the Future of the Earth. 

There is so much information! Mostly captioned pictures, but they tell so much. This is the kind of book you'll have out on a display in your library for kids to open to any page. I was thoroughly intrigued. It flows in a natural way, so someone reading from cover to cover will not feel like they are skipping all over the place. Backmatter includes a glossary and a bibliography. 

Lisa Librarian

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón - ADVISABLE

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón.  NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Chronicle, 2025. $20. 9781452170985 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a Portuguese diplomat who saved thousands of people fleeing France during WWII. In less than a month, Mendes issued thousands of visas against his government's wishes, saving refugees fleeing the Nazis in France, and allowing them to enter into Portugal. 

The back matter gives more details including that his visas saved Salvador Dali, H.A. and Margret Rey - who created Curious George, and countless others whose lives are just as important, and that it came with a great price to his family who lost everything because of his actions - he knew it was worth it. This is a magnificent story - I had no idea! The picture book itself is a standard length for a non-fiction and would work as a read aloud in the classroom. Back matter includes and authors note, timeline, bibliography and source notes. 

Lisa Librarian  

What Fish are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean by Kirsten Pendreigh and Katie Melrose - ADVISABLE

What Fish are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean by Kirsten Pendreigh and Katie Melrose. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Sourcebooks, 2025. $19. 9781464218965 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

With underwater microphones, scientists have discovered that fish make sounds! It's pretty noisy down there. Some fish click their bones together, some squeeze their swim bladder, others pop, chirp, bark or burp and we don't know how. Some fish even fart. Scientists have learned a lot of new things about fish because of these microphones. 

Written in verse - well, rhyming couplets, I thought it would be silly, but it wasn't. It's very well written, none of the rhymes seemed forced and the book is very informative. The illustrations are cute, the fish are illustrations without looking like photographs of actual fish, which makes this books very accessible. Back matter includes links to hear the fish for yourself - which I listened to and my life changed. Crab have teeth inside their bodies that make clicking sounds. What???? This is a great book. 

Lisa Librarian 

From Bam to Burp by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens - ESSENTIAL

From Bam to Burp by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2025. $18. 9781623544461 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Carbon atoms have been around for millions of years, originally stored deep inside the earth and bursting through the crust during volcano activity. Carbon is part of gasses in the air, is used in photosynthesis, is part of the air we breathe and the sugars we eat, it's a cycle that plays many parts in our natural processes. 

Melissa Stewart tells a great story, and Marta Alvarez Miguens' illustrations are perfect. This could be a boring topic but presented this way, it's not. I love how the possibility of us having a carbon atom inside us that was also inside a dinosaur exists. Who wouldn't want that to be part of this cool process - and it happens just by eating something with carbon atoms. 

Lisa Librarian

William Shakespeare by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Andrea Stegmaier - ADVISABLE

William Shakespeare by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Andrea Stegmaier. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Quarto), 2026. $16. 9781805701675

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

William Shakespeare from the Little People, Big Dreams series tells the journey of the famous playwright and poet.  It covers Shakespeare's life, from his childhood to his rise as a celebrated writer.  

William Shakespeare is a perfect simple overview for young children with interesting illustrations to help them visualize the time period.  I liked the extra facts, and biographical timeline in the back-matter.

PGPowers

Oprah Winfrey by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Sera Latterell - ADVISABLE

 

Oprah Winfrey by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Sera Latterell. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Quarto), 2026. $16. 9781836007500

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Oprah Winfrey, Little People, Big Dreams, chronicles her journey from poverty to becoming a global icon.  It highlights Oprah's early life in Mississippi and Tennessee, her determination in landing a television news job at nineteen, and her groundbreaking television show.

Oprah Winfrey is inspiring for young readers, and focuses on empathy, ambition, and the power of dreaming big.  I liked the extra facts and timeline in the back matter. 

PGPowers

South with the Seabirds: Follow Four Scientists to the Edge of the World by Jess McGeachin - ADVISABLE

South with the Seabirds: Follow Four Scientists to the Edge of the World by Jess McGeachin. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Orca Book Publishers, 2026. $22. 9781459834859

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In 1954, Hope Black, Mary Gilham, Susan Ingham, and Isobel Bennet were the first female scientists to join an Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition. These scientists each observed different species such as penguins, Southern elephant seals, and seabirds. Their research is still in use today.  

McGeachin celebrates four pioneering women scientists, and encourages others to make observations around them.  I liked their field-note-style watercolor illustrations. 

PGPowers

Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Neil Gorsuch, Janie Nitze and Chris Ellison - ADVISABLE

Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Neil Gorsuch, Janie Nitze and Chris Ellison. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2026. $22. 9780063473973

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Gorsuch (the Supreme Court Justice) gives us a new look at the events leading up to, during, and after the creation of the Declaration of Independence. The book is quite text heavy - I can’t see a teacher reading all of it aloud in one sitting. My personal favorite part is looking into what happened to some of the signers during the revolution and a bit afterwards - stories I don’t remember hearing before. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Goal! Awesome Soccer Stories and Fun Facts for Kids by Carlos Mojica - ADVISABLE

Goal! Awesome Soccer Stories and Fun Facts for Kids written by Carlos Mojica, 160 pages. NON-FICTION. becker&mayer!kids (The Quarto Group), 2026. $20.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

With over 100 player profiles, Goal! is a nonfiction young readers guide to soccer that has all you ever wanted to know about the global obsession with the “beautiful game.”

This is obviously going to be a popular book in your library, just because of the nature of the topic material. I liked the general overview of the game, the different positions, player profiles and the sports trivia. However, I could have been just as happy with a book that was half as long. As someone who isn’t a sports fan, I got bored reading about player stats, especially when not every profile had a photograph. For being one of the most popular sports in the world, you would think there would be at least one photo of each player featured! Regardless, I would recommend this for your school’s library, especially with the World Cup this year, this book will see some traction.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes