First There Was Me, Then There Was You by Yvonne Sewankambo and Aurore McLeod - ESSENTIAL

First There Was Me, Then There Was You by Yvonne Sewankambo, illustrated by Aurore McLeod. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2025. $19. 9781536239003

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

When a big brother meets his little sister for the first time; the love is immediate! Yet waiting for her to do more than sleep, cry, drink, and repeat is frustrating  Once his little sister is old enough, the adventures begin! The two are inseparable.  They watch clouds, play hide-and-seek, discover, and dance. As they grow and eventually need to go their separate ways, the brother reminds her that he will always love her (trust me, I do!) and she can always count on him. 

This is a heartwarming tale of just how deep a sibling bond can grow.  Sewankambo gives us a perfect rendition of the emotional ebb and flow of sibling relationships.  Most of the time things are wonderful and loving, yet there will be times of discontent.  The illustrations are fun and exciting.  The warmth of the colors draw the reader into each page.  

Reviewer: SL 

Harold Hates to Hibernate by Vern Kousky - ESSENTIAL

Harold Hates to Hibernate by Vern Kousky. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books, 2024. $19. 9780593712337

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Harold the bear loves fall days.  He loves the changing leaves and he loves spending time with his friends the crows.  Harold is saddened at the shortening of the days and the approach of winter.  Harold DOES NOT want to hibernate. He wants to play and explore.  Harold is very concerned that his friends will forget him if he sleeps the winter away.  In this adorable picture book, friendship is explored and a tender ending will leave the reader wanting more Harold the Bear Story Series. 

The illustrations are amazing! Harold's emotions are displayed perfectly.  The colors are soft yet inviting.  With a splash of bright colors, the pages draw the reader in.  We loved the tender ending and how friendship is defined and explored. 

Reviewer: SL 

Giant Parsnip Soup by Daniela Sosa - ADVISABLE

Giant Parsnip Soup by Daniela Sosa, PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665961967

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

When two friends stumble upon a giant parsnip, their curiosity and their imaginations take off! Can they turn the parsnip into a car? What about a rocket? Finally it is decided to make a giant pot of parsnip soup.  The work, and then the counting, begins.  The final page offers a fun surprise that readers won't expect for the first time through this heartwarming book of friendship, hard work, and quality  time spent together. 

We love the illustrations in this fun counting book.  The mix of a friendship theme, an imaginative task, and a fun counting book makes this a picture book that stands apart from most.  Imaginative and educational, this book will become a favorite of many.

Reviewer: SL 

Lulu is a Rhinoceros by Jason Flom with Allison Flom and Sophie Corrigan - ADVISABLE

Lulu is a Rhinoceros by Jason Flom with Allison Flom, illustrated by Sophie Corrigan. PICTURE BOOK. Greystone Books, 2025. $19. 9781778403002

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lulu, an adorable bulldog, desperately wants to be a Rhino.  Lulu's skin is wrong, her tail is wrong, but maybe if the perfect horn can be obtained, Lulu will finally become what she desires most.  An ice cream cone? No- too cold.  A sock? No- too floppy.  But then Lulu finds exactly what she's looking for.  Through trail and error, Lulu finally becomes what she desires most. 

Lulu is a Rhinoceros conveys gentle messages for young readers about diversity, tolerance, self-expression, radical acceptance, and interdependence. We enjoyed this sweet story of acceptance and finding one's true identity.  This picture book will be a great asset to teachers and parents alike.  The words, "Yes! I am Lulu, I'm a Rhinoceros!" can be used as a springboard for many discussions with little ones. 

Reviewer: SL

How to Drive Your Brother Bananas by Diane Z. Shore and Laura Rankin - OPTIONAL

How to Drive Your Brother Bananas by Diane Z. Shore, illustrated by Laura Rankin, 32 pages. EARLY READER Harper, 2025. $6. 9780063395855 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A younger brother lays out the step by step instructions on how to drive an older brother bananas. These tactics include taking the remote control, hiding and playing pranks. 

There is large text with easy to read sentences. Both boys are white. 

A. Snow, Librarian 

Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck! by Sorche Fairbank and Terry Runyan - ESSENTIAL

Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck! by Sorche Fairbank and Terry Runyan. PICTURE BOOK Greenwillow Books, 2025. $20. 9780063359994 

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

A group of animal friends eagerly waits for the ice cream truck, their excitement growing as they wave at every passing vehicle. A playful rhyming text paired with lively, detail-rich illustrations—perfect for vehicle-loving readers. 

A. Snow, Librarian 

A Dog's Tale by Kiko - ADVISABLE

A Dog's Tale by Kiko. PICTURE BOOK Post Wave Children's Books, 2025. $19. 9798895090015 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

One-Eyed Patch is a strong, tough, and brave pug dog. He jumps on a ship, fights rats, and gets thrown overboard on a stormy night. He is saved by a whale from certain death. The whale takes him to an island kingdom of elephants and other animals. He plays and enjoys himself until he hears a voice calling him from far away in New York. Who is calling him, and how will he get there? 

A Dogs Tale is a charming story of a little dog with a big imagination, and celebrates creativity. Kiko's illustrations are impressive. 

PGPowers 

Fireworks by Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien - ADVISABLE

Fireworks by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chien. PICTURE BOOK Clarion Books, 2025. $20. 9780063216723 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Two siblings spend a joyful summer day in the city splashing in the hydrant water, playing at the park, and eating watermelon. They end the day by climbing onto the roof of their building to watch the Fourth of July fireworks. 

This would be a good addition to your 4th of July section. The language is vivid and full of movement, and I loved the use of onomatopoeia throughout the text. The mixed-media illustrations are also wonderful. 

A. Snow, Librarian 

I am NOT Happy! by Caroline L Perry and Sydney Hanson - ADVISABLE

I am NOT Happy! by Caroline L Perry, illustrated by Sydney Hanson. PICTURE BOOK \ Simon & Schuster, 2025. $20. 9781665953351 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Everyone thinks Quokka is the happiest animal ever. Just look at that adorable smiling face! But Quokka explains that he is definitely not happy! He is sad, cranky, annoyed, concerned, and so much more. 

Quokka facts are included at the back of the book. I loved the adorable artwork and engaging text. This would be a great book to help talk about emotions and being misunderstood. It's sure to be a hit with my younger students! 

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist 

Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen - ADVISABLE

Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen, 88 pages (CHAPTER BOOK). Candlewick, 2025. $18. 9781536201420

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When young Eliza steps through a fairy door, she finds herself in an enchanted world where all the curious creatures she believes in are real. And only she can rescue the fairies from the evil curse that threatens all of them. 

Illustrated in color on every page, Eliza’s story will feel magical for your readers who love reading about fairies. A little younger in level than Shannon Hale’s Princess in Pink series. McDonald ventures away from her Judy Moody characters into the realm of fantasy. Eliza is brave and persistent.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I’m a Car by Matthew Scott - ADVISABLE

I’m a Car by Matthew Scott. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $9. 9781536243222

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Meet seven different vehicles and a little about what they are used for. Scott’s illustrations are fun and bright.  The pages of the board book are graduated in size and are cut out so that they are a great tactile experience. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor. - ADVISABLE

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor. PICTURE BOOK. Greenwillow Books (Harper), 2025. $20. 9780063373587

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Crow is waiting on a wire when several of his friends try to get him to spend time with him. He refuses them all. The other animals find Crow rude. It's not that Crow is rude, it's that he has a secret, world saving mission to fulfill.

Cute and fun with an unexpected twist. Great illustrations.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian