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

Ed Sheeran (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Mariajo Ilustrajo - OPTIONAL

Ed Sheeran (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Mariajo Ilustrajo. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Frances Lincoln (Quarto), 2026. $16. 9781805703433

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Get a simple, yet insightful look into the life and rise of Ed Sheeran, musician extraordinaire. 

The Little People series books are short, but they do a great job of distilling a life.  And they are so varied in their topics - they cover people that would never have received a kid’s level biography. Pick and choose your favorites.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Suki Cat: Firefighter by Grace Holub - ADVISABLE

Suki Cat: Firefighter by Grace Holub. BOARD BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2026. $10. 9798887772431

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Suki cat is off to fight fires today. Help her drive the engine, slide down the pole and other things on her journey.

5 sliders and tabs will withstand a lot of abuse. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

A Family of Readers by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Gabbie Benda - ADVISABLE

A Family of Readers by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Gabbie Benda. PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge/Imagine, 2026. $18. 9781623546472 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The public library can be a busy place, so from the moment the family arrives there's always something going on. Old men reading the newspaper, women in a book club, cooks and mechanics discussing their latest project, even a group of actors who have come to put on a show for pre-schoolers. The family finds a quiet place just perfect for them. 

Told in verse, I found this story delightful. It's just like my local library with so much going on no matter when you arrive. I love how all the things somehow floated back to the family and their needs. I'm not sure kids will love this as much as I do but for a librarian, this was a perfect read. Buying a copy for myself and a couple of friends, too. The family was white, but the library was full of a mix of cultures and races. 

Lisa Librarian 

Snowfall by Park Sun-jung - ADVISABLE

Snowfall by Park Sun-jung. PICTURE BOOK. Floris Books, 2026. $19. 9781835750049

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Little snowflakes are drifting to earth.

The anthropomorphized snowflakes in this wordless picture book are so sweet. Together with the evening colors, I felt the sleepiness that could come with slowly looking over each page. Probably more for home use than school use, however.

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 

The Tour at School! by Katie Clapham and Nadia Shireen - ADVISABLE

The Tour at School! by Katie Clapham and Nadia Shireen. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $19. 9781536242980

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Being the tour guide for a new student at school is a very important job. You have to be excited and show them everything around the school. It's important to have an emergency meet up place in case you get separated. It's even more important to remember what it feels like to be new and not know anyone or anything. Then maybe at the end of the tour, you can stop being a tour guide and just be friends.

This is a fun book to remember what it is like to be the new kid in school and to build empathy. Shireen's illustrations are bright and playful and illustrate the characters with a variety of skin tones and hair colors.

Rachel, Elementary School librarian 

Home Away from Home by Nazneen Akbari and Rashin Kheiriyeh - ADVISABLE

Home Away from Home by Nazneen Akbari and Rashin Kheiriyeh. PICTURE BOOK. Barefoot Books, 2026. $18. 9798888598962

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Nuha isn't sure she wants to spend the summer with her grandmother (Jadda) in Oman, but Mama assures her it will be a home away from home. When Nuha forgets her doll, she feels even worse. Oman is nothing like home. When Jadda suggests they go to the souk (market) to find a new doll, Nuha still isn't sure. Jadda helps Nuha discover the wonderful sights, smells, and tastes of the souk, and as she connects with her grandmother, her surroundings start to feel more like home.

This is a sweet story about connecting with family and culture. I loved the illustrations and descriptions of Oman. This book would make a great addition to any library.

Nuha and her family are from Oman.

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Sparkles for Sunny by Sylvia Chen and Thai My Phuong - ADVISABLE

Sparkles for Sunny: A Lunar New Year Story by Sylvia Chen and Thai My Phuong. PICTURE BOOK. Flamingo Books (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593694626

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

With Lunar New Year right around the corner, Sunny would like nothing more than a new qipao to wear to the parade that is all her own. But that is not the Lao family way. The Lao family never wastes anything. So once again, Sunny is stuck wearing her sister's hand-me-downs. Can Sunny find a way to make her outfit all her own and still honor her family?

A sweet story about the youngest sister of three who would like nothing more than to stand out. I really loved the illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

I Got You: A Brother's Promise by Derrick Barnes and Shamar Knight-Justice - ADVISABLE

I Got You: A Brother's Promise by Derrick Barnes and Shamar Knight-Justice. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593111451

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Rasheed thinks he has the best big brother in the world. Anthony teaches him about both the big things and the little things in life—how to ride a bike, make mud pies, and soar through the air from the swings. He comforts Rasheed during storms and is always there when he needs him. But one day, Rasheed is heartbroken when Anthony goes bike riding with his friends and leaves him behind. Later, Anthony reassures Rasheed that even as he grows older and spends more time with friends, he will always be his big brother and will always be there for him.

A sweet story about the love and bond between brothers. Anthony patiently teaches, encourages, and cares for Rasheed, showing him what it means to be a loving big brother. When the family learns that a new baby brother is on the way, Rasheed realizes he is ready to follow Anthony's example and become a caring big brother himself. A celebration of family relationships. I also liked the collage style illustrations.

Anthony and Rasheed are Black

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

The Littlest Elephant by Katherine Applegate and Lita Judge - ESSENTIAL

The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story by Katherine Applegate and Lita Judge. PICTURE BOOK. Storytide (Harper), 2026. $16. 9780063357785

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Ruby, a young elephant from the The One and Only Ivan is worried as her Tusk Day approaches. Tusk Day is a celebration of when an elephant starts to grow trunks. It is a rite of passage to adulthood. Part of Tusk Day is thinking about good and bad memories in your life. Thinking of these memories makes Ruby appreciate all that she has. Will Ruby get through her Tusk Day?

The Littlest Elephant is a beautiful rendition of the chapter book "The One and Only Ruby". The plot is very sweet with an important theme for children. My favorite quote is "the darkness helps us love the light." The One and Only Ivan series is very popular in my library. With this book, younger students can be introduced to this series earlier. Would make a great read aloud!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

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 

Gus Upstairs by Carey Sookocheff - ADVISABLE

Gus Upstairs by Carey Sookocheff. PICTURE BOOK. Owlkids Books, 2026. $19. 9781771476867

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The challenges of living in close quarters and the importance of communication, compromise, and understanding are explored in this book. Ms. Wilson treasures the quiet she needs to practice her piano, while upstairs, the Lam family's new dog struggles with being left alone and reacts to the music by barking. Can the neighbors work together to find a solution that meets everyone's needs?

The story offers a gentle lesson in empathy, problem-solving, and being considerate of others. I enjoyed the analogous colored illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Rivka's Presents by Laurie Wallmark and Adelina Lirius - ADVISABLE

Rivka's Presents by Laurie Wallmark and Adelina Lirius. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Studio, 2023. $19. 9780593482070

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Rivka, a young immigrant girl in 1918 New York City, can't wait to go to school. But when her father falls ill, her mother has to work, and Rivka has to stay home to watch her younger sister. Undeterred, she trades work for reading lessons with the grocer, and math lessons with the tailor. She also helps her neighbor study for her citizenship test so that she can learn history.

A beautifully illustrated, read aloud book that teaches about the thirst for knowledge and the kindness of others to help a young girl be educated. There is a glossary at the back of English and Yiddish words. The family is Jewish.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

Pizzasaurus by Tammi Sauer and Kyle Beckett - ADVISABLE

Pizzasaurus by Tammi Sauer and Kyle Beckett. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday Books for Young Readers (Random House), 2026. $19. 9780593518083

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Of course you have heard of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops but have you heard of Pizzasaurus? He is known for loving pizza! He eats it, makes it and decorates with it. Other dinosaurs wish they they could be as popular as Pizzasaurus. Can he win them over by sharing his pizza?

Pizzasaurus has a very eye-catching cover that I think will encourage students to check it out. The plot is not very exciting but is filled with silly pizza and dinosaur jokes. The illustrations are bright with many details. They also have speech bubbles on some pages. Text is just a few sentences per page. Would make a great read aloud!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Chick and T by Jennifer Shand and Esther Hernando - ADVISABLE

Chick and T by Jennifer Shand and Esther Hernando. PICTURE BOOK.Flowerpot Press, 2026. $17. 9781486732029

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

T-rex hatched into a world void of other Dinosaurs. He felt so lonely living all by himself. In his studies, T found out that chickens were his nearest relatives. Soon a family of chickens adopted him. T was happy to have a family, but not all in the chicken family were happy to have him. Chick, one of his siblings, didn’t like that he broke everything he came in contact with.

This playfully illustrated book about belonging and friendship will delight little ones. Hernando created an adorable T-rex. The writing is fairly terse, but the delightful illustrations make up for it.

MOMMAC https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/FBFG88P5iisVm1Pd_HhFHw

Cowboys at the Ballet by Claire Wrenn Bobrow and Ilaria Urbinati - ADVISABLE

Cowboys at the Ballet: The Story of Choreographer Agnes de Mille by Claire Wrenn Bobrow and Ilaria Urbinati. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon), 2026. $20 9781665957878

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Agnes de Mille grew up in Hollywood. Her uncle was Cecil B. de Mille. Agnes loved ballet as an art form. She worked hard to learn to dance. She liked to create unique dances. When World War I struck, America turned from traditional music and dance to art that showed the American spirit. This became the groundwork for Agnes to produce some of the many beloved dances on stage and screen.

Bobrow, with the creative help of Urbinati, told the life story of Agnes de Mille with beauty and care. Bobrwo used transition words at each page turn to move the story along. The author shares a short biography that includes more information at the end of the book. Adults, as well as children, will enjoy reading this book.

MOMMAC 

Moon Sailors by Naomi Woodward and Rachel Gregg - ESSENTIAL

Moon Sailors by Naomi Woodward and Rachel Gregg. PICTURE BOOK.Blue Dot Kids Press, 2026. $19. 9798989858859

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A boy and girl set sail with their bed sheets as sails. They sail into dreamland where they encounter our beautiful world and its creatures. They make a wish and sore through the skies. The sea gently rocks them to sleep.

Woodward describes the childlike wonder we all feel as we explore the wonders of nature. Her words are finely crafted using metaphor and simile. Her verb use captures our attention. This is a deliciously illustrated book about wonder.

MOMMAC 

The Outermost Mouse by Lauren Wolk and Kristen Adam - ADVISABLE

The Outermost Mouse by Lauren Wolk and Kristen Adam. PICTURE BOOK. Dutton Children's Books (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9780593407776

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

An old man lived in a house at the tip of the beach and so did Mouse. Mouse could see that the sea grew closer to the house with each passing year. She worried that the house would be swallowed by the sea. She tried many things to keep the water at bay. But, one night the storm came anyway.

Wolk tells the true story of a beach house belonging to a naturalist through the eyes of a mouse. The author’s note at the end of the book tells about the man, Henry Beston, and his house. This exquisitely illustrated book speaks of conservation and love of home. Adults and children alike will enjoy reading this book.

MOMMAC

Love That Baby Hair by Alliah L. Agostini and Sawyer Cloud - ADVISABLE

Love That Baby Hair by Alliah L. Agostini and Sawyer Cloud. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge Publishing, 2026. $18. 9781623546687

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Babies can have no hair. They can have bald spots. Some baby hair is straight while others are curly. Hair comes in many colors. All this depends on your parents genes. The timing of the first haircut is determined by culture and family tradition.

A young child will love this fast paced book. The words have rhythm and repetition. The illustrations of all kinds of babies and hair types keep a reader turning the pages. Every skin color and many races appears to be represented in this book.

MOMMAC