This season’s additions to picture book series encourage readers to embrace the journey. Some books offer concrete methods of emotional regulation, while others provide a sweet escape into education or entertainment. Most emphasize the innate power of readers. They can take charge. They can find the solution.

Elementary

Auerbach, Annie. Forever Kind. illus. by Luke Flowers. 32p. (Forever Friends Farm). Paw Prints. May 2025. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781223188591.
Gr 1-3–The frenetic, brightly colored cartoon illustrations of friendly animal characters makes this book feel as energetic as an episode of television. The farm creatures prepare for a party, with simple dialogue and directions ruling their interactions, introducing burgeoning readers to basic conventions like quotes, process, and conflict. Folded within is the inevitable moral, where the animals show new arrival Jasper the Cat just how kind and understanding friends can be. Along the way there are references to inclusion as well as new vocabulary words, some in languages other than English. Is there a happy ending? Of course there is, complete with unique song lyrics to cap the valuable learning happening through the text. VERDICT Excellent reading practice, teaching story structure, and polite behavior within a vibrant farm setting.

★Beaty, Andrea. Billie Jean Peet, Athlete. illus. by David Roberts. 40p. (Questioneers). Abrams. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781419775741.
PreS-Gr 3–Beaty is back with another precocious child who has an interest that rhymes with her name. What makes Billie Jean Peet different is that—despite her namesake being one of the greatest female tennis players of all time—she likes to play basketball and is horrible at it. Suffering from middle-child blues, Billie Jean feels she is not good at anything. But that doesn’t stop her from trying. By the end of the book she hasn’t become a basketball star or found another hidden talent, she is celebrated for her useless skill of squeaking her shoes on the floor. This type of realistic struggle and lack of a picture-perfect resolution feels unique and in a sea of books that have artificially inspirational conclusions. Beaty’s wordcraft is impeccable as always, and Roberts’s pen-and-ink art remains a master class in illustration. There are cameos from Ada Twist and other iconic characters. Characters have different skin tones, hairstyles, and body types A fun read-aloud with jokes for grown-ups to enjoy, too. For instance, Billie Jean has parody music posters in her bedroom, like Bananadrama and Kismet’s Kid—a riff on Destiny’s Child. Back matter includes information about Title IX and girls having equal access to sports. VERDICT Billie Jean is a worthy classmate of Iggy Peck, Rosie Revere, and others.

Becker, Bonny. A Fall Day for Bear. illus. by Kady MacDonald Denton. 40p. (Bear and Mouse). Candlewick. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536229493.
PreS-Gr 2–Bear and Mouse are an epic pair, sitting comfortably with other time-honored children’s book friendships, like Frog and Toad. The two charming characters tenderly care about each other. Kids are sure to giggle as Bear tries to cheer up a deliciously dramatic Mouse, who refuses to find beauty in the grim fall weather. With simple sentences and short words, this fun story works as a read-aloud or to engage emerging readers. The endearing, droopy illustration style depicts Bear and Mouse with pointy noses and tiny eyes that sparkle with personality. Denton uses watery variations with the color, finds emotion in minimal lines, and seems to delight in depicting just how evocative the simplest forms can be. VERDICT A perfect rainy-day read showcasing the joys of solid friendship.

Birkett, Georgie. Bedtime Is Boring! illus. by Georgie Birkett. 32p. (Cheery Street). Candlewick. Mar. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781536241273.
PreS-Gr 1–Reading Cosmo the frog’s ingenious bedtime delaying tactics might feel close to home for grown-ups (as will Mommy’s increasingly exhausted expressions), but the silliness of his questions and needs will tickle kids’ funny bones. Birkett brilliantly folds in why sleep is important without the message feeling preachy, emphasizing that sleep helps with energy, enjoyment, and being able to fully participate in life. It’s a nice demonstration of families working together as a team. Yes, Mommy has solutions to help Cosmo, but it’s up to that cute little froggo to work with Mommy to make bedtime successful. Hopefully Cosmo’s journey can help other sleep-resistant children out there. VERDICT A colorful, cheery read-aloud that teaches valuable life lessons.

Bonilla, Rocio. Babymoni: Bath Time. ISBN 9788000076096.
––––. Babymoni: Where’s My Teddy Bear? ISBN 9788000076119.
ea vol: illus. by Rocio Bonilla. 20p. (Babymoni). Albatros. Oct. 2025. Tr $9.95.
PreS–Babymoni—an even younger iteration of the author’s character Minimoni—goes through her nightly routines in these two books. The straightforward plots will be realistic and familiar to kids and their grown-ups: having a bath and trying to find a special toy before bed. Illustrations are simple, with a large, bold character on a solid background. The pencil and watercolor illustrations are rich with charm. Babymoni has an exaggeratedly large head and big eyes. Even her toys have big eyes and little smiles. Back matter features an array of endearing illustrations along with vocabulary words like soap, teddy bear, and rubber ducky. VERDICT Adorably cozy, both books are perfect bedtime stories, either alone or together.

Bonilla, Rocio. What’s Love All About, Minimoni? illus. by Rocio Bonilla. 32p. (Minimoni). Albatros. Apr. 2025. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9788000074658.
PreS-Gr 1–A young girl named Monica and her pet chihuahua attempt to understand the concept of love by applying tangible qualities to an intangible concept. If love is a song, why can’t it be heard? If love should be watered like a seed, is love a plant? Key terms in text are in all caps, like HUGGING, CARE, KIND, SPECIAL. Artwork is lush, but sometimes Monica looks monochrome and sketchy, which may be a style choice, or may be changed in the final art. Bonilla is equally skilled at depicting realistic scenes like Monica riding a scooter down the street as she is with whimsical ones, like Monica hugging the planet earth. One spread invites readers to tilt the book and read it vertically. Monica’s simple eyes and mouth display a dazzling variety of emotions. VERDICT The book brings nothing new to a growing “what is love” subgenre of picture books, but the stunning artwork makes this one a good choice for larger collections.

Buxton, Michael. Snow Monster! 32p. (Not-So-Bad Guys). Phoenix/Sunbird. Sept. 2025. Tr $7.99. ISBN 9798384600589.
PreS-Gr 1–Abominable Simon is an adorable yeti with bright eyes, a wide smile, and two goofy, snaggled teeth protruding in a cute underbite. Simon isn’t bad; he’s just fed up with humans’ bad etiquette on the ski slopes. They’re noisy. They litter. Simon terrorizes the humans to get them to stop their awful conduct. He tears off a cable car and scares the skiers away. After a little girl asks Simon why he’s so mad, and he tells her, the humans help clean up the mountain. From then on, the humans are on their best behavior, and they peacefully coexist with Simon on the mountain. The limited color palette of aqua blues, yellows, and oranges makes the art pop, and the smart use of red makes the characters’ strong feelings of anger and frustration catch the eye. VERDICT This delightful spin on a monster story with brilliant artwork is a great addition to any collection.

Cabrera, Jane. Itsy Bitsy Spider. illus. by Jane Cabrera. 32p. (Jane Cabrera’s Story Time). Holiday House. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780823459605.
PreS-Gr 1–This title creates an expanded insect universe for the classic “Itsy Bitsy Spider” rhyme. Cabrera teases out the basic premise of a spider climbing up the waterspout, adding drama beyond the endless climbing up and whooshing down. This spider is not alone, but has an entire cadre of bug pals with whom he wants to share the sheer joy of playing in his exhilarating water world. When not everyone can—many bugs are fragile, after all—they must brainstorm to come up with a new idea. With these fresh additions, the basic story extends to teach about emotional resilience, helping friends, and finding fun in the most unexpected places. VERDICT An adorable update to nursery rhyme classics, with bright illustrations and joyful rhythms.

CHAN, Michelle Jing. Weiwei’s Winter Solstice. illus. by Michelle Jing Chan. 40p. (A Dong Zhi Story). Bloomsbury. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781547614844.
PreS-Gr 1–Weiwei is a young girl who has moved from her native Taiwan to a cold American town. She feels especially homesick during Dōngzhì, the winter solstice. In Taiwan, Dōngzhì was filled with hummingbirds and chrysanthemums, but in the United States, Weiwei hates the snowy cold. After a walk with her family, Weiwei appreciates the cold winter, but it’s the home-cooked food prepared by her family that makes her feel warm inside. The artwork is lovely, featuring characters have expressive faces. Weiwei’s is especially telling when she’s sad, frustrated, or happy. Despite how much Weiwei hates it, the winter landscape shines beautifully under the winter solstice sun. Text is straightforward with an evocative vocabulary. Chinese words and terms of endearment are sprinkled throughout. In an author’s note, Chan explains her connection to the holiday and includes a recipe for black sesame tāng yuán. Endpapers are decorated with symbolic images like oranges and tāng yuán in ginger broth. VERDICT A culturally rich addition to any collection.

Copeland, Misty. Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance of Courage. illus. by Setor Fiadzigbey. 32p. (Bunheads). Penguin/Nancy Paulsen. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780399547683.
K-Gr 3–Copeland is an icon, the first Black woman to be a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater. In this story, readers meet Misty’s friend Cat, who lives in a gorgeous Spanish southwest-style home. Cat convinces their dance teacher to do Don Quixote for their next show. Unfortunately, Cat sprains her ankle and cannot perform. The troupe practices hard without her and puts on a fabulous show while she applauds from the front row. The artwork has a muted color palette, and many characters have similar faces. The dance poses, of course, are on point (and en pointe!) The text is so wordy, though, that the images feel redundant. A full four pages recount the plot of Don Quixote. VERDICT Without a clear focal character and a flat plot arc, it’s difficult to recommend this book to even the most enthusiastic ballet dancers.

Costello, David Hyde. I Can Help on the Farm. illus. by David Hyde Costello. 32p. (I Can Help). Farrar. Oct. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780374391348.
PreS-Gr 1–An adorable little duckling, distracted by a monarch butterfly, gets lost in the grass. A helpful dog guides him back to his family. The dog is itchy, so a kind chicken scratches his back. A blustery wind chills the chicken, and a woolly sheep helps warm her. The chain of helpful farm animals continues. Concise text repeats key phrases like “uh-oh,” “I can help,” and “thank you,” creating a cozy rhythm to the simple story. The artwork is colorful, and the realistic watercolor shading brings the cheerful animals to life. The story’s message is that kindness will come back to the giver as the animals demonstrate a helpful attitude, creative problem-solving, and gratitude. Eventually it wraps back around to the beginning, not quite a circular narrative, but still tempting enough to read again. VERDICT This book checks so many boxes—farm animals, books about helping and gratitude, great read-alouds—that it would be a popular addition to all collections.

Cousins, Lucy. Maisy Goes on a Bike Ride. illus. by Lucy Cousins. 32p. (A Maisy First Experiences Book). Candlewick. Apr. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781536240382.
PreS-Gr 1–Maisy the mouse has become a staple in early childhood reading. The thick-lined illustrations signal that some basic instruction will take place, but in a safe, well-explained manner. In this story, Maisy details every single step of her bike ride. She outlines the parts of a bicycle, from seat to handlebars. She describes the speed and bumps that can happen on the road. Even the process of braking downhill and puffing during uphill climbs are explored throughout Maisy’s ride. The sheer variety of bikes and styles of rides (good weather, bad weather, and terrain differences) thoroughly introduce the process of going for a ride and might even spark excitement in reluctant child. VERDICT An easy, contained way to expose young children to the glories of riding a bike.

Danneberg, Julie. Teacher Jitters. illus. by Judy Love. 32p. (Jitters). Charlesbridge. Aug. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781623544348.
Gr 2 Up–When children have that lightbulb moment where they realize that adults have feelings too, their world shrinks and gets a little more comprehensible, and suddenly, empathy is born. There’s also power in adults being honest with their feelings. This title addresses all of that and more, demonstrating how adults and kids can have similar experiences. Mrs. Hartwell tells her students she has to go to a teacher class the next day, and she’s nervous. The kids band together to remind her of the coping mechanisms she has taught them, adding some of their own wisdom into the mix. The rest of the book outlines Mrs. Hartwell’s day in a new class, with fears that seem familiar to anyone who’s stepped in a new school. The expressive faces and outlandish situations depicted in the illustrations drive home that everyone, even grown-ups, are students at heart. VERDICT An amusing disruption of the norm, teaching kids how to handle nerves by cleverly making the student the master.

Dean, Kimberly & James Dean. Pete the Cat’s Cool New Ride. 40p. (Pete the Cat). HarperCollins. Aug. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063350458.
PreS-Gr 3–Pete gets himself a slick blue car with orange pinstripes and hotrod flame decals. As he drives throughout town, all his friends need a ride. More friends hop in the car with each turn of the page until there are 10 animals crammed inside. Pete realizes his car may be cool, but it’s not big enough. He trades it in for a big yellow bus that looks like it’s on the way to Woodstock 1969. Text is simple and concise. Pete’s hippie slang and the car’s friendly beeps are emphasized with large yellow typeface. Pete counts his friends as they get in the car, and the numbers are clearly defined in red. Endpapers feature a groovy road grid with a variety of cars and trucks on their commutes. Backgrounds mostly use a bright primary color palette. Pete stops at all the stop signs. VERDICT A strong addition to a beloved series.

DeHoney, Jeanine. This Sunday My Daddy Came to Church. illus. by Robert Paul Jr. ISBN 9781534113336.
Richman, Brittany. Dreams Take Flight: The Story of Deaf Pilot Nellie Zabel Willhite. illus. by Alisha Monnin. ISBN 9781534113558.
ea vol: 32p. (Own Voices, Own Stories). Sleeping Bear. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99.
K-Gr 3–There’s more behind the idea of “own voices” writing than just minority voices describing lived hardships. Own voices can widen the scope of stories, from inspirational to mundane. These two books demonstrate that contrast. On the one hand is Dreams Take Flight, the story of Nellie Zabel Willhite. She was not just a woman pilot, but also the first ever Deaf person with a pilot’s license. It’s an ideal bridge book, more nuanced writing with substantial paragraphs, accompanied by richly rendered illustrations. On the other hand, This Sunday My Daddy Came to Church is a faith-based tale of a little boy learning about hope springing eternal, and the many forms Christ-like worship can take. VERDICT This series covers a wide range of stories, with Dream Take Flight serving as a historical touchstone for older readers, while This Sunday My Daddy Came to Church gears more towards early elementary readers.

Deneux, Xavier. My Animals Sound Book. illus. by Xavier Deneux. 10p. (Baby Basics). Chronicle/Twirl. Aug. 2025. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9791036382086.
PreS–Research continually shows that a baby’s perception of color usually starts with a blurry black-and-white contrast, then extends to splashes from opposite sides of the color wheel. This book follows that developmental track, while giving an animal sounds primer for every infant listener. The elemental black-and-white creatures in this book—cats, elephants, even fish—are complemented with a bright noise circle on each page. Press the button, hear the sound. It’s a smorgasbord of developmental skills, from cause and effect to animal identification. VERDICT A perfectly produced educational primer for the baby.

Dimos, Venita. The Last Plum. illus. by Natashia Curtin. 32p. (Mini and Milo). Walker Books Australia. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781761601613.
Gr 1-3–Mini the elephant and Milo the rabbit are best friends, but just like in real life, that doesn’t always mean they’re kind to each other. When Mini gets too focused on winning, she selfishly puts her wants ahead of Milo’s wishes. Cue chaos. Elephant-climbing-a-tree style chaos. Although the text features long sentences, colorful pictures and clever text tricks keep the momentum moving forward. Emphasis words, like adjectives, pop with bold letters, adding variety to the text and increasing readability. Mini’s competitive spirit is utterly vanquished by the power of friendship, proving that while the right choice doesn’t always guarantee getting what you want, it will always guarantee joy. VERDICT An amusing morality tale best suited for helping readers navigate tricky peer terrains.

My First Disney Pal: Mickey Mouse! ISBN 9781419784026.
My First Disney Pal: Minnie Mouse! ISBN 9781419784033.
ea vol: illus. by Floyd Gottfredson & Romano Scarpa. 24p. (My First Disney Pal). Abrams/Appleseed. Oct. 2025. Board. $10.99.
PreS–These board books are designed to either spark or stoke kids’ interests in popular Disney characters. Each book is comprised of high-quality art from artists who began illustrating Disney characters in the 1930s and 1950s, respectively. The images feature other characters like Goofy, Donald, and Daisy Duck, and the text highlights the characters’ positive traits. Unfortunately, Mickey and his traditionally masculine characteristics take over both books. In Mickey’s book, he is a brave hero, and Minnie is his “sweetheart.” In Minnie’s book, Mickey is the “brave friend,” and once he hits the scene, he doesn’t leave. At the end of Mickey’s book, he flies over a desert in a biplane, off on another adventure alone. In Minnie’s finale, she rides away in a car with Mickey. He’s driving. VERDICT These dated books come off as ploy to maintain copyright protection on artwork over half a century old.

Dodd, Emma. The Greatest Gift. May 2025. ISBN 9781536241174.
––––. Winter Is Wonderful. Sept. 2025. ISBN 9781536243956.
ea vol: illus. by Emma Dodd. 24p. (Love You Books). Candlewick. Tr $17.99.
PreS–These titles achieve a gentle nirvana with their soft illustrations, rockabye rhymes, and an animal kingdom ruled by profound affection between critter families. The Greatest Gift features beautiful zebra family exploring the world together. The parent waxes poetic about the many ways they would give their baby the world, from the stars above to the wind in the trees. The narrative broadens, detailing the hopes and dreams every parent has for their kids, outlining the great gift of love. In Winter is Wonderful, the cozy characters are a fox family enjoying the bliss of the season. They get to revel in the beauty of snow and cold while cuddling close and safe in each other’s furry embrace. All the books connect to showcase serene familial bonds. VERDICT Warm animal illustrations highlight lyrical text full of love and appreciation for our world and each other.

★Douglas, Corlette. Leo Wakes Up Grumpy. illus. by Corlette Douglas. 32p. (Leo). Clavis. Jun. 2025. Board $15.95. ISBN 9798890630681.
PreS-K–This little dude’s got attitude. Leo radiates big mood, from the top of his bouffant hairdo to the bottom of his mismatched socks. His grumpiness slashes across walls in bright, spiky lines. It percolates from his pouty bottom lip. Only some unconditional love from his dog and calming techniques from his mom help Leo’s day turn from grim to great. Many books discuss how to cope with outsized emotions, but this one reflects a different view, with art that pops and feels wholly unique. VERDICT A fresh rendering of a popular topic, detailing anger management with a welcoming point of view.

Douglas, Kati & Ashley Jefferson. How We Love. 24p. (We Celebrate). Abrams/Appleseed. Dec. 2025. Board $9.99. ISBN 9781419780141.
PreS-Gr 1–Each page in this book features a photograph of people accompanied by a few words about love. The text says love can be expressed when we help one another, when we share, when we’re patient. Love can be difficult during times of stress or grief. The text rhymes but lacks rhythm, making for a clunky read-aloud. The photos feature a wide variety of skin tones, body types, and physical abilities. The photographs are sharp and vivid, but uncanny. Some backgrounds are flat and unnatural. One little girl reads a digitally altered book, and a couple of photographs have odd, impossible shadows. Back matter features an author’s note that guides adults on how to use the book and encourages them to point out images that express love without touch. There are also some simple discussion questions about love and conflict resolution. VERDICT Well-meaning, but the poor quality of the text and photograph compositions makes this one to pass on.

Duskey Rinke, Sherri. Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop, Christmas! illus. by AG Ford. 40p. (Goodnight Train). Chronicle. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781797227030.
PreS-K–The team behind Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site tap into nostalgic imagery, capturing elements from The Little Engine That Could and even The Polar Express to create a toy-filled train that feels comforting and familiar. The story follows a flying Christmas train bringing good cheer and holiday spirit through the land. Chugging rhymes teach about the different train cars, from which animals spread glittery gold memories and smells to put the people below in a giving spirit. It’s less about the physical gifts and goodies of the season, and much more about the peace and love possible every December. VERDICT A cute and cozy Christmas read focused on holiday atmosphere over acquisition.

Franceschelli, Christopher. Birdblock. illus. by Peski Studio. 84p. (Abrams Block Book). Abrams. Nov. 2025. Board $18.99. ISBN 9781419760648.
PreS–A white-haired man, two kids, and a dog learn about birds. It’s unclear what the relationship is among the characters, but it’s apparent that they love feathery creatures. A narrator, perhaps the old man, tells the kids about the birds they see as they explore a barn, a house, and a nearby park. Eventually, the book abandons this narrative conceit and plainly shows birds in the Arctic, jungles, swamps, and African savannahs. At the end, the trio has a picnic with a man in a turban, a man in a wheelchair, and a woman with a cane, which feels abrupt as they don’t appear anywhere else in the book. Artwork is bold, colorful, and cartoonish, while managing to accurately depict a menagerie of birds. The book is a feast of flaps. Flaps open up, they open down. There are gatefold spreads and peekaboo holes. Birds, beaks, and eggs hide amongst all the flaps, creating a comprehensive aviary exploration. VERDICT Recommended for purchase with the caveat that the flaps might not hold up to repeated use.

Franklin, Jo. Little Rude Riding Hood. ISBN 9781645199298.
Newman, Samantha. Cinder-Elephant. ISBN 9781645199311.
––––. Octo-Puss in Boots. ISBN 9781645199328.
Ross, Stewart. The Ninjabread Man. ISBN 9781645199304.
––––. Snow White and the Seven Robots. ISBN 9781645199281.
––––. The Three Little Narwhals. ISBN 9781645199274.
ea vol: illus. by Chris Jevons. 48p. (Twisted Fairy Tales). Kaleidoscope. Aug. 2025. lib. ed. $32.95.
K-Gr 3–These are twisted takes on classic tales. The gingerbread boy is reimagined as a ninja. The three little pigs are three little narwhals hiding from a great big shark who will crunch and munch and eat their house for lunch. Little Red Riding Hood decides to stop being rude after the wolf gets sick of her and eats her. The storytelling is consistent across all installments, even with multiple authors. Like the tales that inspired them, these books are text-heavy, making them good fits for long read-alouds or for more experienced readers to enjoy on their own. The same illustrator adorns all the stories with his appealing art. These stories will appeal to young readers unfamiliar with the concept of a fractured fairy tale but may also be unusual enough to attract readers who have already experienced their fair share of them. VERDICT Any of these titles would be a fun addition to large picture book or fairy tale collection.

Freedman, Claire. Dragons Love Underpants. illus. by Ben Cort. 32p. (Underpants Books). S. & S./Aladdin. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781665968645.
PreS–Frustrated that their underpants always burn up, a cadre of dragons invades the kingdom of Pantasia, kidnaps the king, and demands a ransom of new underpants. The cowardly Sir Y-Front is helpless to save the day. Princess Tilly comes up with a clever plan, which is not revealed to readers for a few pages. It turns out her top-secret scheme is…to pay the ransom. There is a small twist: they’ll fork over metal underpants that will last longer than the dragons’ fabric ones. Everyone lives happily ever after. Artwork is cute, if unremarkable. Dragons are large and differently colored but are otherwise indistinguishable. One vertical illustration invites readers to turn the book 90 degrees, adding a little bit of print awareness to an otherwise frothy storybook VERDICT Insubstantial but harmless fun for large collections.

Gagatiga, Zarah C. Filipino Folktales for Children. illus. by Corazon Dandan-Albano. 80p. ISBN 9780804856133.
Ghoneim, Hadil. Arabic Folktales for Children. illus. by Ayah Khamis. 48p. ISBN 9780804858076.
ea vol: (Folktales for Children). Tuttle. Sept. 2025. Tr $17.99.
Gr 1-5–Every folktale in this rich collection is presented in dual language, Arabic or Tagalog. While the settings and characters may be unfamiliar, the structure of the tales will be familiar to anyone who likes folktales. These stories often punish greed and reward hard work. The stories are text-heavy, making this feel more like a middle-grade chapter book than a modern picture book. Arabic folktales feature lots of desert exploration and the character of Goha, a popular figure in Arabic folklore. Filipino stories include a creation myth, and their individual stories are longer than the Arabic tales. The books have different illustrators, but each features high-quality artwork to accompany the traditional tales. The illustrations for the Arabic tales are soft, welcoming, and colorful. The illustrations for the Filipino tales feature sharper lines and more details, but the people have some grotesque facial expressions, and the animals don’t fare much better. Both books advertise free online audio, but the audio was not available at the time of this review. VERDICT While the artwork quality varies, both volumes are worthy additions to folklore shelves.

Ham, Jo. Uh-Oh! Rabbit. ISBN 9781536241327.
––––. Yippee! Rabbit. ISBN 9781536241334.
ea vol: illus. by Jo Ham. 28p. (Jo Ham’s Rabbit). Candlewick. Jan. 2025. Board. $8.99.
PreS–The rabbit from the classic brainteasers, a black shadow that seems like it could be a duck if squinting your eyes just right, is going on outlandish adventures. Just as those brainteasers add a splash of unexpected to images, these books add entertaining twists to essential learning concepts. In Uh-Oh, Rabbit, readers learn the ins and outs of up and down with simple illustrations. While the words never veer away from “Rabbit up, rabbit down,” the pictures shown get increasingly outlandish, with Rabbit skiing and diving their way through the world. Yippee! Rabbit does the same with “go” and “stop,” showing Rabbit’s tasks getting out of hand through sheer enthusiasm. VERDICT An ideal read-aloud, with simple sight words and plenty of humor for babies to kindergartners.

Handford, Martin. Where’s Waldo? The Magnificent Movie Spotlight Search. illus. by Martin Handford. 16p. (Where’s Waldo). Candlewick. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536241785.
K-Gr 4–For the “spot-it” obsessed kid getting bored with the typical spreads of assorted objects, this spotlight search is a fun twist to keep the interest going. Half of each spread is obscured in darkness until readers slide a special spotlight wand through the paper, illuminating small sections. The tactile task of moving around the spotlight circle effectively isolates sections to help focus the search. Setting this trick in the film world is a clever, as the spotlight brings to mind a film director’s discerning eye. Readers will romp through film sets and back lots, before landing at the ultimate awards ceremony, where gold-plated Waldos grace the page. VERDICT An amusing angle on close examination books.

Healy, Nick. Time to Play Baseball! illus. by Leo Aquino. 32p. (Sports Illustrated Kids: Time for Sports). Capstone. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781684363292.
PreS-Gr 2–This book tells the story of a child’s first Little League game and their struggle with self-esteem. After they strike out, they feel useless on the team, but they redeem themselves by catching a pop fly in the final inning. The art is basic and colorful. The main team has bright orange jerseys, and their rivals wear blue hats. Both boys and girls play on the team. The main character is never named or gendered but is masculine-coded with short hair. Sentences are short and written in the present tense. Short sentences are often coupled on the page, laid out like a rhyming book, but this one doesn’t rhyme. It ends with a cliche message about teamwork, though the story is ultimately about individual perseverance. VERDICT Despite the capricious teamwork moral, a realistic baseball story is a welcome addition to any collection.

Hillenbrand, Will. Summer Is Here. illus. by Will Hillenbrand. 32p. (Bear and Mole). Holiday House. May 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780823457823.
PreS-Gr 2–To Mole, summer means exactly one thing: baseball. The warmer days means he can finally start flexing some athletic abilities. This story takes the reader through Mole’s first time at bat. Hillenbrand rolls out excellent action telling, focusing on each little motion to build up character momentum. It also uses actual mole traits (blindness) to drive forward Mole’s major conflict (not hitting the ball). Even though Mole can’t land a hit, Bear is always encouraging, and the story highlights that main guardians can’t always have the answers. That’s why it’s good to have a caring network to offer outside assistance, like the helpful canine umpire. Without his glasses, Mole couldn’t have achieved even the slight forward steps made by the end of the book. VERDICT A quick read, reminding readers about the power of friendship and resilience.

Hrab, Naseem. How to Be Brave Like a Snail. illus. by Kelly Collier. 32p. (Snail & Stump). Owlkids. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781771476720.
Gr 1-3–Snail and Stump are bastions of cuteness readers can really root for in this encouraging tale of friendship. The book details the bravery in confronting feelings, of facing fears head-on and instead of pushing them down. Snail and the wooden Stump support each other through a paper airplane folding contest, working through nervousness and anger. The narrative is cut through with amusing speech bubbles letting Snail and his friend Stump insert jokes or emotional details. Throughout, it emphasizes how good friends “hold feelings as carefully as [they] fold airplanes.” VERDICT A perfect relationship guide, demonstrating how to help others acknowledge and work through emotions while giving space for their own feelings.

Jones, Christianne. How to Teach Your Monster to Read. illus. by Katya Longhi. 32p. (How to Teach Your Monster). Capstone. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781684363209.
PreS-Gr 1–A young girl attempts to teach her best friend to read. Her best friend just happens to be a cuddly orange monster. Despite the young girl’s patient lessons, the monster gets nervous and runs away. The girl searches the house for him, rhyming along the way. Is he under the bed or somewhere he could be fed? Is he resting in the sun or out for a run? Eventually she finds her friend, and they cuddle up on the couch for a reading lesson. The text rhymes but lacks a solid rhythm. However, the story explains why words rhyme and provides tips on learning “word families” to help reading skills. The main character has fun, curly hair and a friendly face, and the monster is oblong, with orange fur, rounded horns, and purple ears and tail. Back matter includes more information on phonemic awareness and a little quiz on word families. VERDICT A story that both assuages a child’s anxiety of learning to read and taps into their desire to teach others.

Jones, Christianne. Koala Hugs. ISBN 9781684363445.
––––. Otter Feels Overwhelmed. ISBN 9781684363490.
ea vol: illus. by Jayri Gómez. 20p. (Hello Genius). Capstone. Aug. 2025. Tr $8.99.
PreS-Gr 2–“Hello Genius” books don’t break down quadratic formulas but instead highlight emotional intelligence with adorable animals. Koala Hugs enfolds readers in a koala family, giving alternative suggestions for kids when confronted with people who want hugs. A child might be too shy or scared to hug someone, or just might not be in the mood. Each page uses bold backgrounds and quick solutions to create a safe world. Otter Feels Overwhelmed uses rhymes and the tiniest little sweat droplets to convey the panic of poor little Otter. It demonstrates how stress spirals until it’s wholly unmanageable. Father Otter gives tactics for working through uncomfortable feelings. Both Koala and Otter manage to make tricky situations seem easily understandable. If something can be understood, it can be dealt with. VERDICT These are pitch-perfect picture books to help kids and families handle tougher conversations.

Kelso, Bonnie. Sleepy Sea. illus. by Bonnie Kelso. 32p. (Childhood Milestones). Gnome Road. Mar. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781957655369.
PreS-Gr 4–A kid with a sea-themed bedroom learns the science of sleep through comparison with the ocean critters surrounding her. Each page teaches how a creature sleeps in the ocean, then goes into human sleep rhythms and brain activity. Along the way the author sprinkles in cool biological details, from an octopus changing color during sleep to the parrotfish’s need to sleep in a protective “booger bubble.” Text is presented in different levels, letting readers decide how deeply they want to delve into the material. The kid and dolphin have speech bubbles for the surface level conversations, but there are also smaller paragraphs that explain more about scientific definitions and processes throughout the pages. It’s a book that truly grows along with readers. VERDICT A wonderful choice for kids whose active minds make them resist sleep, or who love ocean creatures.

Kers, Nancy. My Mom Loves...Books! Jun. 2025. ISBN 9798890631428.
––––. My Mom Loves...Music! Oct. 2025. ISBN 9798890632197.
––––. My Mom Loves...Sports! Jun. 2025. ISBN 9798890631435.
ea vol: illus. by Nancy Kers. 24p. (My Mom Loves). Clavis. Tr $13.99.
PreS-K–Moms are people too, and this series expresses that sentiment with wild, unabashed joy. Each book highlights a hobby, presenting it in terms that show the value in not just the activity, but in the spirit the woman brings to those topics. In My Mom Loves...Music, the exuberant mother shares the importance of music, from swaying emotions to making everyday life more magical. My Mom Loves...Sports highlights active lifestyles. It normalizes trying different movements and finding things that feel good. This mother isn’t all tightly toned, in one aerobic panel, she’s depicted with wavy waist rolls, sending the message that sports are for fun, not aesthetics. My Mom Loves...Books celebrates the joy and freedom of reading, expressing the ways avid readers go about the world. VERDICT These titles seem geared toward Mother’s Day gifts, but they’re also a poignant way to humanize mothers and foster deeper connections.

Klassen, Jon. Your Farm. ISBN 9781536230826.
––––. Your Forest. ISBN 9781536230833.
ea vol: illus. by Jon Klassen. 24p. (Your Places). Candlewick. Feb. 2025. Board. $8.99.
PreS-Gr 2–Klassen’s elemental blobs with eyeballs are instantly recognizable in this board book series. He presents settings as if readers own the space, placing parts common with farms or forests on the page like a game master setting up a board. “This is your barn… next to the tree,” or “maybe some rocks” to fill out the blank space. Each book begins with the sunrise and gently ends at night. They are full of welcoming creatures, even as the inanimate fences and rocks stare at readers with illustrated eyes. The read-aloud rhythm is short but beckoning, encouraging readers to feel involved in the text and to continue the narrative with imaginary play. VERDICT Another Klassen tour de force and a steady step into world-building for beginners.

Kosara, Tori. The Good Night Airport. illus. by Natalia Rojas Castro. 32p. (Good Night). Flying Eye. Jul. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781838749224.
PreS-Gr 2–Anthropomorphic animals work overnight to keep a bustling airport running smoothly. The concept of lively animals doing human jobs recalls Richard Scarry’s Busy Town. Despite being set at an airport, the book focuses on the variety of ground vehicles needed to keep the planes safely in motion: a fuel truck, cargo truck, runway cleaner and more zip along the runaways. Sound effects are pulled out in bold text and bright effect bubbles as the important trucks chug, beep, and whir around the airport. Magnified insets pull out and label key parts of some trucks, like the runway cleaner’s brushes or the lavatory truck’s hoses. Lots of contrasting colors make the scenes feel even more alive. VERDICT Even in a collection full of truck books, these trucks are a unique addition.

Kuhlmann, Torben. Earhart: The Incredible Flight of a Field Mouse Around the World. illus. by Torben Kuhlmann & David Henry Wilson. 128p. (Mouse Adventures). NorthSouth. May 2025. Tr $21.95. ISBN 9780735845794.
Gr 2-5–A true fish out of water tale (or perhaps mouse out of hole would fit better), Earhart takes an inventive, hyperrealistic mouse on a wild adventure after stamps inspire curiosity about the world at large. The illustrations are a visual feast, placing animal heroes into an early 1900s world. Taking a page from aerial pioneer Amelia Earhart, the little mouse breaks barriers by building and operating a flying machine to help her discover and explore. Photo evidence of her journey fills spaces between the larger scale pictures. End material threads the needle between the story and reality, offering a biography and photos of Earhart herself. VERDICT A good bridge text between picture books and pure text, this story provides longer narratives while still having short sections and plenty of imagery.

Lacika, Jenny. César’s Cerulean Surprise. illus. by Laura Sandoval Herrera. 32p. (Storytelling Math). Charlesbridge. Oct. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781623544393.
K-Gr 3–A bright story that demonstrates the ways we use math in everyday life. César wants to borrow one of his little sister’s crayons, but she won’t let him touch them. Only Gabi can give him the crayon he wants, if only she can figure out what cerulean is. Thus ensues a clever process of elimination, with territorial Gabi facing off against the increasingly frustrated César. It’s a window into an all-too-familiar sibling dynamic, a slice of life many readers can identify with. Along with the subtle math hints, both Gabi and César sprinkle in Spanish words. Further explanation can be found in an author’s note, along with interactive tips for adults, showing how to encourage the math connections during reading. VERDICT A cozy sibling-oriented spotlight on daily math usage.

★LaRochelle, David. This Sheep Needs Your Help! illus. by David LaRochelle. 18p. (Draw & Erase Adventure). Candlewick. Jan. 2025. Board $10.99. ISBN 9781536238426.
PreS-Gr 3–Creating opportunities for readers to interact the text can elevate a book to an entirely new level, and this title does so with aplomb. The book itself is designed to be read by a person with a dry erase marker in their hands. The sheepish main character talks directly to readers, begging them to draw ways to help him stay safe, dry, and get back to their home. Part of the fun is giggling as simple requests, like drawing an umbrella to shelter from illustrated raindrops, balloon into complicated orders, like drawing a certain amount of pizza slices or flower styles. There’s enough variety in the pleas for sketched material that each read can spawn different creative byproducts. VERDICT This novelty board book is a clever meta-tale encouraging reading comprehension and artistic talents, despite the challenges to circulation its interactive nature poses.

Leysen, An. Captain Sofia. ISBN 9781605376424.
––––. Wizard Sofia. ISBN 9781605377070.
ea vol: illus. by An Leysen. 32p. (Classic Fantastic). Clavis. Mar. 2025. Tr $19.95.
PreS-Gr 4–These books serve as a magical method of music introduction. Each book follows Sofia’s dreams, with interactive buttons connecting each subconscious setting with the music of a famous classical composer. In Captain Sofia she sets off on swashbuckling antics, set to works by Beethoven. Wizard Sofia features the tunes of Tchaikovsky. Leysen’s drawings feature delicate, hyper-detailed faces against interesting backgrounds that play with form and texture. There’s water that looks like realistic splashes, dragons with intricate patterns, paint splatters and scattered stars. End materials have a quick composer bio, fun facts, and a playlist of the songs so they can identify what they’ve heard. VERDICT A brilliant book for introducing classical music in an exciting way, perfectly poised to get readers hooked on symphonics.

Light, Steve. Gus & Sully: Ready for School. illus. by Steve Light. 16p. (Gus and Sully). Candlewick. Mar. 2025. Board $7.99. ISBN 9781536238648.
PreS-K–Sometimes children need encouragement and reinforcement for their basic routines. Books are perfect tools to break these things down—no need for too much fluff when addressing those who have never really considered what a morning might look like. With brief sentences and short words, Gus and Sully demonstrate the ins and outs of how they prepare for school. Key words are bolded against the bottom, words like “pants!” or “breakfast,” clear sight words that small ones can recite into recognition. It’s not all work though. Silliness is peppered into the text, adding opportunities for giggles from kids and their adults. VERDICT A silly, simple reading primer.

Lüftner, Kai. Lizzy Longlegs. trans. by Tim Mohr. illus. by Wiebke Rauers. 32p. (Band of Bugs). NorthSouth. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9780735845633.
Gr 1-5–There’s no need to fear the eight-legged arachnids of the Longlegs family. The only thing to dread is the uptight perfection that Lizzy boldly fights against throughout the tale. Here, the spidery folks fill their stately manor with beautiful chamber music, precise in notes and delivery. Their coattails and frocks match the romantic backdrops, the watercolor landscapes through windows and framed famous artwork on the walls. Unless rebellious Lizzy is on the page, it’s all buttoned-up primness. The rollicking rhyming words march through the story as this rocking daughter defies the familial style. The old school setting strangely balances out the anarchy of Lizzy’s aesthetic, reinforcing the message: yes, different types can exist in harmony. In music, and in life. VERDICT An amusing twist on staying true to one’s self, with flashy insect art a musical theme.

★Lukesova, Milena. White Winter. illus. by Jan Kudlacek. 36p. (Poetic Vintage Tales). Albatros. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9788000076201.
PreS-Gr 1–A young boy named James dreams of making a snowman. After a blizzard rolls through overnight, it looks like James’s wish has been granted. This simple, beautifully conveyed story is an installment in the “Poetic Vintage Tales” series originally published in the Czech Republic in 1978. The artwork has a vintage European abstractness to it. The animals have large, human-like eyes and James, the main human, looks like an animal when his mouth is obscured. The snow takes on animalistic characteristics. Similar to how a cloud can resemble an animal, the blustery snow resembles a white horse. In a unique choice for a book from 1978, James eschews playing snow forts with the boys and decides to play carnival with the girls, dolling up a parade of snowmen in wigs and makeshift hats. VERDICT A timeless tale about the transformative magic of a snowstorm and imaginative play.

Ma, Daishu. Ada, Are You Ready? ISBN 9781536235418.
––––. Ada, Look at My Teeth! ISBN 9781536235470.
ea vol: illus. by Daishu Ma. 24p. (Ada’s World of Fun). Candlewick. Jan. 2025. Board. $7.99.
PreS-K–Heroine Ada gently teaches life lessons with the help of her friendly jungle animal companions. These are short books, colorful and simply drawn, with enough bright bits and bobs to draw in babies and toddlers alike. Ada’s World of Fun takes the fear out of shadows and surprises, allowing little readers to guess at which animal each dark blob could be. Ada, Look at My Teeth shows shapes and sizes by highlighting animal teeth. It ends with positive examples of brushing teeth and accepting differences. Both titles work to make the world feel safer and less scary for the young audiences. VERDICT Simple, charming books to support to preschooler development.

MacGibbon, Jaimie. Snuggle Season. 32p. (This Time of Year). Quirk. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781683695127.
PreS-Gr 1–Two kids spend a snow day with their parents and pets playing in the snow, baking yummy treats, and taking a warm bath before bed. The kids have brown skin like their dad. Mom is pale-skinned. Warm illustrations with gentle lighting feel super cozy, the artwork capturing moonlight on snow, lamplight on blankets, and firelight on sleeping pets. The text is pleasantly repetitive—the word “snuggles”appears on almost every page. Many scenes span two pages, like an especially delicious view of cookies baking from inside the oven. This is a charming story about staying warm physically and emotionally on a cold winter day. Back matter advertises future books in a series of seasons. VERDICT A great start to a whole year of books to look forward to.

Mangal, Mélina. Squirrels Scamper. Aug. 2025. ISBN 9798885544566.
––––. Wind Whirls. Nov. 2025. ISBN 9798885544573.
ea vol: illus. by Stella Lim. 24p. (Outside Our Window Board Books). Teacher Created Materials. Tr $9.99.
PreS-Gr 2–This series focuses on lessons from nature, even in places where it seems inaccessible. The first book describes how the squirrels scamper and hang. The pictures show observant children copying the squirrely motions. It highlights the traits that make a squirrel special, from movement to habits. While the main thrust of the story is about the beauty of nature and what it teaches those who pay attention, the end materials detail what the animals do, including paragraphs of extension activities for readers to try on their own. Wind Whirls moves into winter, pictures of swirling gusts guiding the characters as they observe the change of seasons. Extension questions that encourage children to consider windy weather are included. VERDICT A useful tool for parents to illustrate nature’s beauty, perfectly suited for home-based education opportunities.

Mantchev, Lisa. Trouble with Giraffes. illus. by Taeeun Yoo. 32p. (Pet Club). S. & S./Beach Lane. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665962766.
PreS-Gr 3–A nameless girl and her pet giraffe could not be more different. She likes soup, he likes salad. She likes mud, he likes clouds. She has a tree house that the giraffe cannot climb, but at least he’s tall enough to peer in the windows, and he doesn’t have a problem with that. On a rainy day, the little girl breaks her ankle after falling out of a tree. On crutches, she realizes she can’t climb into her tree house either. So her friends and their exotic pets—a bat, a penguin, an armadillo, a narwhal in a goldfish bowl—move their party to the ground so she can attend. The digitally retouched linoprint and pencil art is soft and welcoming with a smooth pastel palette. It’s a peculiar choice to make the story about accommodating different physical abilities when all the characters appear able-bodied and only adjust after one suffers a temporary injury. The title may also cause confusion, as the giraffe is incidental and there is very little trouble with him. VERDICT Cute but misguided. Pass on this one.

Martin, Paul. Welcome to Kittyville! illus. by Camille Roy. 80p. (The Agatha Case Files). Chronicle/Twirl. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9791036381447.
Gr 2 Up–The “case files” mentioned in the title are quite literal in this book. The mystery stories are assembled in actual foldable file formats. The first flap shows the basics of the case, flipping open to a double page illustration of the scene of the crime. Readers get to study the scene to see if they can find the culprit, assisted with witness statements and even focused hints on the rest of the folder flaps. It’s a fresh format, integrating written prompts with visual elements in a way that feels like authentic detective work. It’s not just about close reading, it’s about inference and observation. Settings range from massive mansions to overstuffed train stations, packed with delightfully distracting details. VERDICT A crime-solving bonanza, full of puzzling fun.

Melling, David. Ruffles and the Teeny, Tiny Kittens. illus. by David Melling. 24p. (Ruffles). Candlewick. Jun. 2025. Board $8.99. ISBN 9781536241396.
PreS-K–Ruffles the dog returns for another energetic romp. This time, tiny kittens capture the attention of the cavorting canine. Each double page spread has an action or opinion from Ruffles, followed by an illustrated grid of small pictures outlining Ruffles’s howls and scratches, or showing the kittens disrupting his peaceful routine by climbing all over the long-suffering pooch. The illustrations show Ruffles losing patience with each narrowed eye or quirk of an ear, a satisfyingly expressive experience for the reader. Both Ruffles and the kittens are drawn in a soft, endearing style. They’re truly in the top echelon of adorable animals. VERDICT An action-packed read aloud with truly incredible animal art.

Moore, Katrina. Who’s Digging? illus. by Benson Shum. 22p. (Big Jobs for Little Babies). Abrams/Appleseed. Aug. 2025. Board $10.99. ISBN 9781419774614.
PreS–The babies in this book are professionals: an arborist, a farmer, a paleontologist, and more. They dig for different reasons. Perhaps they’re looking for a toy or digging to plant crops or to build a swimming pool. Each spread features a few lines of text and a flap with a keyword and picture hidden behind it. Rhyming text provides a clue to the word hidden under the flap. Tool to pool, for example, or plants to ants. Pen and ink illustrations are bright and colorful. A variety of skin tones are featured. The final page includes a mirror for young readers to see themselves and imagine what they might dig up next. VERDICT This board book captures the power of imaginary play. A recommended purchase depending on sturdiness of the flaps.

★Morris, Maren & Karina Argow. Beatrix Butterfly. illus. by Kelly Anne Dalton. 40p. (Addie Ant’s Garden Friends). Chronicle Chroma. Apr. 2025. Board $18.99. ISBN 9781797235035.
Gr 1 Up–Continuing the time-honored tradition of making a bug’s life the most adorable thing ever seen, Beatrix Butterfly creates a world of pastel florals around this encouraging tale of overcoming daily anxieties and angst. While that might sound like a heavy topic for an insect-focused picture book, it’s handled with a light, graceful hand. Beatrix wakes up one day utterly overwhelmed by her to-do list. She wants to sink back into bed but is encouraged onwards by her community of woodland creatures. The text followers her day as she combats task avoidance by completing small items, enjoying nature, acts of service, and soaking up time with friends. Her critter companions burst with personality. Every corner of the page is packed with adorable details. It’s a heartening world where even the worst moods are full of beauty. A cute ending card about butterflies and their usefulness in nature caps off this comforting picture book. VERDICT A warm reminder children to be kind to themselves.

Nelson, Natalie. Dog Loves Baby. illus. by Natalie Nelson. 28p. (Dogs and Cats First). Quirk Books. Dec. 2025. Board $9.99. ISBN 9781683694526.
PreS-Gr 1–Dog, this board book’s narrator, wants to understand the concept of love. Can it be chewed? Sniffed? Is it best expressed with balloons or cookies? Ultimately, Dog decides that love is home, as the pooch cuddles with Baby and their mother. Dog and Baby have no declared gender. Baby and mom have brown skin, but the baby has a Muppetlike bulbous yellow nose, though everyone else has a realistically proportioned nose. Pleasing artwork gives the appearance of different paper textures and patterns. The back of the book mentions Valentine’s Day, and while the name of the holiday is not in the text itself, there are hearts on almost every page. The omission of the holiday’s name from the text allows this story to work any time of year. VERDICT A fine addition to a Valentine’s shelf or a general picture book collection.

O’Connor, Jane. Fancy Nancy: Besties for Eternity. illus. by Robin Preiss Glasser. 32p. (Fancy Nancy). HarperCollins. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063411227.
PreS-Gr 3–Fancy Nancy has been around for 20 years, but she doesn’t look a day over six. By this point most readers know what to expect: curly red hair, a day filled with fun, and lots of pink. For those unfamiliar, each page features four or five simple sentences with an accompanying illustration. The artwork is vibrant and detailed, usually floating in the white space, but sometimes grounded on an illustrated background. In this volume, Nancy’s bestie Bree goes away for the weekend. In Bree’s absence, Nancy makes a new friend: a French girl named Lily. Lily has brown skin, natural curls, and is missing her two front teeth. When Bree comes back, she feels left out, and her feelings are hurt. Nancy’s mom encourages her to apologize, which she does. Perhaps the resolution is so easy because of the depth of their friendship, but the conflict and resolution come so late in the book, they feel of little consequence. VERDICT Add where the series is popular.

Olson, Gillia. The Forgotten Scoop: A Sprinkle of Self-Confidence. ISBN 9781645199410.
––––. The Grate Mac and Cheese Break Up! Noodles with Gratitude. ISBN 9781645199441.
––––. The Misfit Nugget: Bite-Sized Acceptance. ISBN 9781645199434.
––––. Tater Fry and the Quest for Ketchup: Potato of Perseverance. ISBN 9781645199427.
ea vol: 32p. (Puns of Fun). Kaleidoscope. Sept. 2025. lib. ed. $30.95.
K-Gr 3–This series gets pun-based humor right and is deranged in all the right ways. Characters are photographs of real fries and burgers anthropomorphized with digitally added cartoon faces and arms. All the lead characters are fun, but the secondary characters steal the spotlight. For instance, a very pale vampire French fry who has been lost under a car seat for six months is representative of the series’ brilliant weirdness. It’s not all absurdity, though. Stories are about conflict resolution, perseverance, and self-esteem with a twist. For instance, Tater Fry and Burgerman appear to be working up courage to get children to eat them. Puns range from great—an ice cream on the run needs to “split”—to genius, like the historic Battle of Spaghettisburg. Back matter explains puns to readers and gives some tips on coming up with some funny bon mots of their own. VERDICT These truly funny books are packed with flavor and substance.

Ordonez, Lynette. Chick-or-Treat! ISBN 9798330914135.
––––. Meowy Christmas to All! ISBN 9798330914128.
––––. Thanksgiving Puppy Parade. ISBN 9798330914142.
ea vol: 24p. (Festive Friends). Teacher Created Materials. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99.
PreS–Each title in this series focuses on a different animal and a different holiday. The books have an appealing color scheme and layout, with one simple line of text on the left and a full-color photo on the right. Text is big and easy to read. Many of the puns are awkward, like “cock-a-doodle-moon” or “whisker wonderland.” The photos are digitally modified to various degrees. Photos of puppies look mostly natural, but the chicks fall victim to over-editing. One gets a Viking hat, one peeks from jack-o-lantern’s mouth, and another is put back inside a half shell. Each book has an illustrated narrator so charming, readers might wonder why they’re not the star of the book instead of the uncanny photos. VERDICT These books don’t add much to already crowded holiday shelves.

Pfister, Marcus. Rainbow Fish and the Great Escape. illus. by Marcus Pfister. 32p. (Rainbow Fish). NorthSouth. Oct. 2025. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9780735845909.
K-Gr 2–In this installment of the beloved character’s fishy adventures, Rainbow Fish and his glittering pals rediscover the power of teamwork, with a subtle slice of environmental messaging about the dangers of overfishing. Keeping the whimsical touch of silver shot illustrations, one shiny scale per fish, the illustrations show the fishy crew getting caught in a net, and enlisting other oceanic friends to orchestrate an escape. It’s a slight tale but told with beautiful layers of awareness of the underwater citizens of Rainbow Fish’s corner of the ocean. VERDICT An entertaining tale with familiar characters.

Pirrone, Francesca. Little Book of Friendship. illus. by Francesca Pirrone. 56p. (Piggy). Clavis. Nov. 2025. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9798890632142.
K-Gr 3–Originally published in Europe, this book portrays the friendship between a bunny and a pig who resembles Ian Falconer’s Olivia in a black-and-yellow striped top. It has been translated into English, but it might have been better with no words. While he text is almost entirely generic platitudes about friendship, the artwork is exquisite. Each bromide about friendship is followed by three full-page panels that tell a wordless story about the pig and the bunny’s friendship. They go shopping together, console one another, argue, and make up. Some of the stories, though, are confusing in their brevity and lack a clear resolution. Sophisticated black pen-and-ink linework is the book’s greatest strength. Only the pig’s shirt is in color, and each triptych features only one other accent color. For instance, the ice cream is pink or the tissue box is blue. VERDICT A tenderhearted tale that emphasizes fun, respect, and common interests between friends. An asset to larger collections.

Ranauro, Ilaria. The Talent Show. illus. by Ilaria Ranauro. 24p. (Puddle and Lettuce). Quarto/Happy Yak. Sept. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780711294196.
PreS-Gr 1–In this little adventure, Lettuce (a snail) helps Puddle (a frog) prepare for a talent show. Puddle is a talented singer and guitarist. Unfortunately, he has stage fright. Thankfully, Puddle has a best friend like Lettuce. After a pep talk, Lettuce joins her friend on stage, and the two earn a round of applause. The characters are as adorable as their names imply, with a simple, Sanrio-like vibe to the artwork. Their tiny faces deliver huge expressions, and characters appear perpetually joyful except for one particularly stressful moment of stage fright. Even the clouds and flowers have happy little faces. Characters drink tea and play guitar on stage. Conflict is swift and the resolution is quick and easy. VERDICT Readers will enjoy escaping into this colorful world.

Rand Hess, Mary & Randy Preston. Bravo for Backstage. ISBN 9798885544030.
––––. Chicken Predicament. ISBN 9798885544061.
––––. The Great Dance-On. ISBN 9798885544092.
ea vol: illus. by Marilena Perilli. 40p. (Mini-Musical Tales from Bird Mountain School). Teacher Created Materials. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99.
K-Gr 3–These three titles feature an uneven variety of stories and conflicts. In one, a student named Oscar doesn’t get the role he wants in a play. In another, a girl named Nevaeh is nervous about her school dance-off. In the third, the class chicken goes missing, and the class scours the school to find her. These dissimilar stories are linked by the concept that characters sporadically break into song as if the book itself is a musical. Bravo for Backstage features the widest variety of songs, with an “I Want” type of song from Oscar and an inspirational ballad from his grandma. In the other stories, the songs merely advance the plot. At the time of this review, the link provided to hear the songs was not live. Both the children and animals are illustrated with care, and a wide variety of skin tones is displayed. Even silly scenes like the kids dancing with dogs exude charm. Back matter includes information on managing disappointment, descriptions of behind-the-scenes theater roles, text about the importance of self-expression, and tips on creating a welcoming space. However, the moral messages are mixed when considered across books. VERDICT The musical theater book is a worthy purchase. The other two are superfluous.

★Sardà, Júlia. The Witch in the Tower. illus. by Júlia Sardà. 64p. (The Three Sisters). Candlewick. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781536243017.
Gr 2 Up–Tapping into ancient power and making the world less scary are themes in this rich tale. When middle sister Carmela feels ignored by her elder sister and irritated by her younger sister, she sets off on a journey. After finding a witch’s tower, everything changes and she begins to find her own sense of self. This mythical book shines due to the amazing illustrations, s folksy charm infusing the pages with floral and faunal details. This witchy woman fills her tower with patterned chaos, flowers and frogs in unexpected places, adding to the mysterious magic of the story. Readers will be as delighted and surprised as wide-eyed Carmela. Within the pages the “beauty of the universe” fills Carmela. It will fill readers as well. VERDICT A nearly psychedelic sensory experience of feminine power and peace.

Savage, Chloe. The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbors. illus. by Chloe Savage. 32p. (Hidden Wonders). Candlewick. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536247497.
Gr 1-5–The truth is out there. The brave Captain Julia sets off with a space crew to discover if humans are alone in the universe. Each gorgeous picture captures a precise scene. Giant expanses of starry night show the vastness of the universe. But Savage’s illustrations stunningly zoom into minute details, expressive faces showing frustration or strife as the crew visits one last planet. The wonderful otherworldly space created on each page shows the depths of imagination. The story is interesting, sure to keep reader’s interest, but it’s the lovely details of this world that make the book one to return to over and over again. VERDICT This space mission is lush with detail, each extraterrestrial and rocket room creating an immersive world.

Sellick, James. Saving Piku. illus. by Craig Shuttlewood. 32p. (Dealing with Feelings). New Frontier. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781916790971.
K-Gr 3–This title tackles strong emotions in unexpected and clever ways. As the characters face and handle great danger, the narrative demonstrates emotional resilience and subtly integrates penguin facts, like showing traditional patriarchal caring duties and regurgitation. With the advent of a brutal storm, a huddle of penguins deals with their fear in different ways, showing flight, fight, or freeze responses. As he tries to flee, a penguin papa loses beloved Piku, and the rest of his colony bands together to save the tiny tot. There are plenty of books about the safety of a mother’s arms, but there’s something powerful in seeing a bunch of dads work together to provide physical comfort to their poor, freezing young ones. VERDICT A cozy and powerful lesson, reminding readers of every adult’s duty to protect the vulnerable members of their community.

The Silver Surfer. illus. by John Buscema. 24p. (My Mighty Marvel First Book). Abrams/Appleseed. Aug. 2025. Board $10.99. ISBN 9781419784545.
PreS-Gr 1–A timely addition to a collection of introductory Marvel superhero books, this volume uses original art by John Buscema, who illustrated the original Silver Surfer comic. This iteration of the character is not the version played by Julia Garner in the current film. This is the original Silver Surfer, an alien named Norrin Radd who defends his planet from intergalactic villains. The contemporary version of the character is portrayed on one page as his wife, Shalla-Bal. The book shows the Silver Surfer’s powers and features scenes of baddies being zapped or thrown through walls. Although the book only exists to lure children into the Marvel ecosystem, the story does highlight the Silver Surfer’s bravery and willingness to protect his friends. VERDICT This board book manages to be both a cash-in on a 60-year-old property and a tie-in to a contemporary film.

Spires, Ashley & Naseem Hrab. A Walk in the Park. illus. by Mike Shiell. 40p. (Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe). Kids Can. May 2025. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781525312656.
K-Gr 3–Agent Binky, that clever cat agent of PURST, continues his exploratory romps through a world outside his cozy habitat, a wild world inhabited by “aliens” (ants). When Binky sees how much fun his dog friend Gordon has outside, the pet agents decide to venture out with the help of their robot creation, Rover. Rover provides a good introduction to all things canine, delving into the intricacies of walking, sniffing, and rolling over, which all afford opportunites for readers to interact with the text. With fun directional instructions to teach basic book reading skills, and enough quirky character personalities to keep readers entertained, it’s a solid entry into the Binky-verse. VERDICT A perfect addition to an entertaining series.

Steve & Maggie. Pirate Treasure Hunt. Sept. 2025. ISBN 9781536246650.
––––. Spooky Halloween Party. Jul. 2025. ISBN 9781536246643.
ea vol: illus. by Sr. Sánchez. 32p. (Steve and Maggie). Candlewick. Tr $14.99.
PreS–This series is based on a toddler-geared YouTube channel featuring Steve and his magpie buddy Maggie. In Pirate Treasure Hunt, the two follow clues for hidden treasure. Instead of just rehashing an episode, there are repetitive searching cues that help teach direction while making the read-aloud a little more involved for all parties. Spooky Halloween Party also has solid sequential telling as the two trick-or-treat their way to a spooky surprise. The books know their audience, with a good mix of full-page pictures and smaller illustrated squares, short text chunks with variety in word size and boldness. VERDICT A pre-existing property book that’s a cut above the rest, presenting stories perfectly geared for young readers.

Stott, Apryl. Speak Your Heart. 40p. (Coco and Bear Series). S. & S./Beach Lane. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665921664.
PreS-Gr 3– Coco, the only human in the book, is best friends with Bear, a bear. The baby deer is named Baby Deer and the porcupine is, surprisingly, named Quilber. Coco is a terrible listener, which leads Bear to get frustrated, causing an argument between the two. Compassionate Quilber helps them resolve their conflict. The watercolor and digital illustrations are striking. All the animals look like they shop from a woodland L. L. Bean catalog. Endpapers are intricate folk-art inspired scenes, like an image from a Jan Brett story. Bear wears a red scarf and Coco red hat and boots, making the characters stand out from the rest. VERDICT A typical fight-and-make-up story is elevated by high-level art. A fine addition for larger collections.

Stutzman, Jonathan. Tiny T. Rex and the Itty-Bitty Bun-Bun. illus. by Jay Fleck. 18p. (Tiny T. Rex). Chronicle. Jan. 2025. Board $7.99. ISBN 9781797233246.
K-Gr 2–In this heartening holiday book, T-Rex loves his Easter basket, but notices that his mom and dad get nothing. He and his dino pals set out to create their own Easter magic, becoming the titular Itty-Bitty Bun-Buns. Never has a reptile rocked a floppy-eared bunny hat quite like this. From painting eggs to hiding them for a colorful hunt, T-Rex seems to get endless joy from his tasks. This empathetic dino is enough to make any parent’s heart melt. Kiddos will enjoy the bright colors and Funko-headed simplicity of T-Rex’s character design, while adults will enjoy the subtle encouragement toward expressing love for those who create a comfortable life for back matter. VERDICT A tickling take on gift-giving, offering Easter fun for young readers.

Symons, Ruth. The Moonlit Campout. illus. by Sebastien Braun. 32p. (Forest School). Candlewick. May 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781536241235.
PreS-K–Mouse, Squirrel, Fox, and Rabbit are students in Forest School. Their teacher, Owl, takes them out for a night camping in the woods. They make a fire, stargaze, and sleep under the stars. After a night of outdoor fun, their parents pick up the sleepy campers in the morning. Digital artwork is reminiscent of watercolor and oil pastel. Adorable animals have circular heads, round ears, and large eyes. Educational moments are sprinkled throughout the narrative, like how to identify constellations or make a roasted banana on a campfire. Readers are prompted with questions that get them in touch with their senses and the natural world. Frequent safety warnings caution readers to have an adult accompany them outdoors, when making fires, and other potentially dangerous activities. VERDICT Adorable and informative. Young readers and their grown-ups/wilderness instructors will enjoy their time with the Forest School.

Tarpley, Natasha A. Keyana Loves Halloween. illus. by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. 40p. (Keyana). Little Brown. Aug. 2025. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9780316099653.
Gr 1-4–Keyana is a compelling character, cute and bursting with creativity as she prepares for Halloween. Her personality is on display from the title page, which features her sketched costume ideas. When Halloween plans go a little awry, her imagination comes through to save the day. Fixing the problem of a crushed costume becomes a grand adventure, as she leads her little brother into a closet to find costume pieces. But it’s more than just a closet–it’s an enchanted forest, with wonder and danger in every corner. The story is wonderfully adept at juicy descriptions, with similes and sensory language abounding as Keyana elaborates on her magical Halloween world. VERDICT An entertaining take on creative solutions and the power of imagination to solve problems.

Tenney, Shawna J.C. Construction Site Hanukkah Lights. illus. by Sherri Duskey Rinker. 16p. (Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site). Chronicle. Sept. 2025. Board $12.99. ISBN 9781797226743.
PreS-Gr 2–The trusty construction crew has handled Halloween, Christmas, and Valentines Day. It was only a matter of time before they set their wheeled sights on the Jewish Festival of Lights. Using the classic rolling rhyme scheme and the trusty lift-the flap concept, this adventure takes the various vehicles through the first celebratory night as they hurry to set up everything so they can celebrate together. Hebrew terms are sprinkled throughout as the trucks create menorahs and gelt, and even a giant concrete dreidel, all scaled up towards the towering mechanicals. It’s a festive take on the construction site saga, and a welcome one for every mensch in the land. VERDICT An excellent entry into Hanukkah holiday books, extending the construction site universe.

Today Is Gonna Be a Great Day. 32p. (Gracie’s Corner). HarperCollins. Sept. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780063416550.
PreS-Gr 3–Gracie, a YouTube character with almost six million followers, sings her way through her morning routine in this media tie-in book. She brushes and fluffs her natural hair, eats a breakfast of toast, eggs, and an apple, and meets her friends on the bus. Most pages have one or two sentences. The phrase “good morning” is repeated throughout in a variety of bold colors. The artwork is identical to the property’s YouTube videos, which may evoke adults’ memories of late-1990s flash animation. Characters are always positioned in a three-quarter view, and features and poses repeat frequently, creating a monotonous feel. Back matter features some colorful tips on getting ready in the morning, like showing gratitude, brushing your teeth, and eating a healthy breakfast. VERDICT Not a valuable purchase, even if the property is popular in the community.

van den Berg, Esther. Sleep Tight, Little One. ISBN 9798890632210.
––––. Wake Up, Little One. ISBN 9798890632296.
ea vol: illus. by Esther van den Berg. 20p. (Little One). Clavis Sept. 2025. Tr $11.99.
PreS–These interactive books encourage readers to wake animals or soothe them to sleep by tickling them gently, petting their shells, singing a song, or tracing their tails. The layout and structure is consistent through both volumes. The majority of the text appears on the left page, and the animal is on the right, with the title repeated as a refrain. Animal names appear in bold. Animals include a hedgehog, cat, baby deer, and more. All look appropriately cuddly, with soft edges and no outlines. Backgrounds are a solid color that changes with each turn of the page. Sleep Tight features a ladybug on so many of the left pages, it feels like a purposeful inclusion, similar to Goldbug in Busy Town. These are kind, compassionate stories encourage gentle, loving touch. VERDICT A perfect read-aloud for a caregiver to share with a little one. Definitely add both of these titles.

van Gageldonk, Mack. You’ve Got So Many Friends, Immy. illus. by Mack van Gageldonk. 20p. (Immy). Clavis. Sept. 2025. Tr $10.95. ISBN 9798890631473.
PreS–One of the many anxieties of childhood, for both kids and their grown-ups, is making friends. With this title, even the tiniest tot can start learning how to make friends through accepting others and creating lasting connections. Immy the bird goes through their world interacting with the other animals. The narrative demonstrates straightforward ways to move around the world in a kindly manner. Say hello. Be encouraging. Listen to others. This story’s success is in its simplicity. Nothing overly complicated. Sentences are short and to the point. Illustrations are scrawled lines, creating the impression of snails and dogs without getting too lost in details. VERDICT This book is pared down, to the point, and laser focused on friendship basics for the youngest readers.

Van Genechten, Guido. Little White Fish and His Playmates. 72p. Aug. 2025. Tr $21.95. ISBN 9798890632159.
––––. Little White Fish Is Born. 24p. Jul. 2025. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9798890631466.
ea vol: illus. by Guido Van Genechten. (Little White Fish). Clavis.
PreS-K–Little White Fish uses his underwater world, full of rainbow-hued creatures, set out to demonstrate basic lessons for young readers. Colors pop against the black background, a purple octopus and green water fleas appear neon against the page. Each book includes prompts for the reader to look closer. Can they count a little more? Can they trace a line with their finger? These small interactions with the book make reading a tangible experience. Little White Fish and his Playmates features sections on counting, colors, shapes, and teamwork. Those concepts are also introduced in Little White Fish is Born, a softer, quicker take on counting and colors, with plenty of cuddles between White Fish and their rainbow-streaked parents. VERDICT Endearing and educational with cute animals, fun for little ones.

Weaver, Katie. The Trouble with Children (According to Dog). illus. by Caner Soylu. 40p. (The Trouble with Children). Roaring Brook. Apr. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781250433503.
PreS-Gr 3–This tale is narrated by a gray, saggy mastiff. On a human therapist’s couch, Dog shares all of the ways that the kids in his family torment him. They dress him in ugly clothes. Kick his food against the wall. Pull his fur. However, he admits they are sweet to him sometimes, and he’s thankful for their affection. Back matter includes tips on safely and lovingly interacting with your dog. Lush, appealing illustrations highlight the conversational text. Characters are sumptuously lit and expressive. The way the kids treat the dog is framed like a horror movie and played for laughs. While the resolution can be read as a sweet tale about love between dogs and children who don’t know they’re being rough, it unintentionally comes across like an abuse victim rationalizing why he stays with his abusers. VERDICT Tries an edgy approach, but the last-minute sentimentality misses the mark.

Whitford Paul, Ann. If Animals Loved Books. illus. by David Walker. 32p. (If Animals Kissed Good Night). Farrar. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780374391935.
PreS-Gr 1–A series of vignettes of animals reading together features bats reading upside down, a pile of puppies at story time, and kittens licking pages (better not be a library book!) The animals are very cute, with bulbous heads and teensy black dots for eyes. The bats are so adorably fat, readers will want to poke them. Key phrases are emphasized with bright colors and arranged so the font dances off the page. For instance, the word “hanging” dangles down from the roof of the bats’ cave, and the kitten’s purr undulates across the page as if it’s vibrating. A charming story time—or anytime—book. VERDICT Cuteness overload plus enjoyable text equals a must-purchase picture book.

Yarlett, Emma. Unicorn Post. illus. by Emma Yarlett. 32p. (Post Pals). Candlewick. Sept. 2025. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781536246469.
K-Gr 2–This books indulges in a rich rainbow world, with scrawled handwriting text, presumably by the narrator herself. Illustrations appear crayoned, adding to the sense that this story is set in a child’s imaginary paradise. Who wouldn’t want to live in a space where lost unicorns come wandering to your palatial treehouse? A clever in-book postage system circulates leaflets that advertise possible homes for the lonely unicorn, which lead into fantastical descriptions of funfairs and castles, each with perks for the wandering mythical creature. Children will delight in the letters, each one adding a tactical touch to a quick and fun story. VERDICT An amusing tale of a unicorn’s hunt for home, with letters standing in for basic lift-the flap story methods.