A gentle, thoughtful story that encourages children to slow down and appreciate the small moments of beauty in everyday life.
Cute-as-can-be axolotls engaging in sibling squabbles don’t save the text that forces rhymed endings.
A story of niche interest, but worthy for larger collections.
Straight to younger children from the choleric kernel, a tally of tried-and-true techniques for turning down the heat when the oil starts to boil.
A lovely picture book focusing on mothers and their love, and a sweet addition to all collections.
This will find a home anywhere.
Easily at home in nonfiction, picture book, and poetry collections, this would make a great choice for nature walks or as a precursor to research projects. Animal lovers will fully embrace this tale.
A charming bilingual picture book for general purchase.
A beautifully crafted book about the joys of sharing a special moment, this will inspire in children an appreciation of nature.
This simple picture book about the joy of being alone and the benefits of working together is a solid purchase for most collections.
A gentle way to explain sorrowful moments in life, this book should be in every collection.
This picture book, with its humorous protagonist and fun take on books and reading, is a fun addition to Spanish collections for children. It can be used as writing prompts or as part of the school curriculum.
A solid choice for libraries, especially those seeking more slice-of-life Latinx representation.
If it’s okay to center the father and leave the child on the sidelines, share this with young readers. This is a recommended and playful introduction to the sport.
A sweet and silly story that will help readers in the process of learning to use their inside voices, this is recommended for purchase for larger collections and where the series is popular.
This translated award-winning picture book with stunning illustrations has a place in every library’s Spanish-language picture book collection.
A relatable story with wide appeal about bravery and emotional honesty.
A strong choice for bilingual picture book collections.
This will be a big hit with toddlers at story hours and early elementary readers emerging into literacy.
While the illustrations are intriguing and raise many questions, it is also easy to get derailed among the unusual characters and their goals. Forthcoming books in the series should reveal more.
A thoughtful book to share for story times and discussions about speaking up, intended for all children who need a sweet—pun-laden
An ode to the magic of the desert and the wonders of exploration and imagination, this Spanish-language picture book is an excellent addition to children’s collections.
Despite a busy design, this is a good purchase for libraries serving Spanish-speaking communities and where STEM books are needed or in high demand.
This sweet celebration of diverse families is a general purchase for Spanish-language picture book shelves.
A winning, emotionally insightful story of FOMO in the early years and snug sibling togetherness.
With lessons of encouragement and persistence, this tale is a warm and welcome addition to social-emotional health collections.
This is a fun title that parents and children can read and enjoy together. A general purchase for picture book shelves.
This trip is a great purchase for picture book collections, bilingual or not.
A perfect read-aloud for children, especially in cases where teaching resilience and acceptance are needed.
Fun and clever, Nothing Ever Happens is a charming addition to collections, especially those intended for young children.
Children will love the antics of the rhino and parents will recognize and relate to the perils and pitfalls of travel; this makes for a serviceable cautionary lesson on travel.
The abuelitos are a loving couple who warmly welcome their family to a celebration of love and connection; the counting and addition of well-chosen and highly supported Spanish is a bonus. Highly recommended.
Building an understanding of winter vocabulary, this is an excellent addition to any collection.
Shelve this excellent book with Corinna Luyken’s The Book of Mistakes and share with those who struggle with anxiety and perfectionism.
An uplifting tale of family doing hard work together to make the life they envision.
A visually engaging story with playful elements, but the confusing message and weak plot make it a lower priority for library collections.
This celebration of creativity and resilience is a first purchase for school and public libraries.
The good heart at this story’s center may not move most readers beyond the clumsy text.
A good purchase for libraries serving Spanish-speaking communities and where diverse and neurodivergent books are needed or in high demand.
A good purchase for libraries serving Spanish-speaking communities, especially those serving Puerto Rican communities.
An inspirational picture book that encourages young readers to leave a bright path behind them, this title is an excellent addition to Spanish picture book collections.
A heartfelt picture book celebrating Day of the Dead, this special title also reminds readers that every moment of life is special. Purchase for all picture book shelves.
A solid choice for libraries needing books on Indigenous populations or looking for an introduction to Native belief systems.
With a bit of suspense, this is a fun picture book about working hard and following your dreams, sure to spark contemplation about teamwork and good sportsmanship.
This will allow for excellent discourse about worrying and about the quiet joys that can be found in friendship and in the world.
A heartfelt remembrance that encourages readers to find the light in hard times. A supplemental addition for libraries seeking to expand their collection with longer picture books.
Doesn’t exactly promote a paleo, or even nutritious, diet, but features enough silly bits to keep fans, at least, from examining the series premise too critically.
With immersive illustrations and simple text, this book provides a wonderful first introduction to Pride, community, and resilience for children.
A quirky and sweet animal friendship story with special appeal for fans of the author’s other books.
A recommended choice for reading and sharing thoughts and surprises. This book goes well beyond the facts about the seasons to challenge readers to confront the unexpected.
Purchase where readers devour the “I Survived” series by Lauren Tarshis.
A solid, heartwarming addition to early chapter book collections.
This new standout early reader series is highly recommended for general purchase.
This rhyming tale of an unusual character in a wacky situation will appeal to fans of Dr. Seuss.
This wonderful early reader about a variety of sports is a great addition to any preschool or elementary library collection.
The perfect chapter book for young lovers of science or fantasy, especially bug enthusiasts who enjoy a hint of suspense in their stories as well. Strong female characters will also inspire readers of all ages.
A recommended purchase for libraries where Pete the Cat is popular and early readers circulate widely.
Sure to be a hit with vehicle lovers, this engaging title for early chapter book readers cleverly uses a bulldozer child protagonist to address social fears about new situations and friendships. Highly recommended.
An accessible introduction to preschool, helping young children as they prepare to transition to a new environment.
A simple, yet impactful, story about big feelings and how kids can effectively manage them.
A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.
Sensitive and only slightly spooky, this book makes Yeti’s first day of school amusing and relatable.
Dinosaurs are perennially popular, making this a sound addition to picture book collections.
Libraries, especially those with fans of buses and vehicles, looking to increase their board book collections will find this title worth the purchase. Otherwise, an additional purchase.
Perfect for the younger crowd to get them excited about going to school, or for a back-to-school storytime.
Purchase where back-to-school collections need bulking up.
Recommended for school and public libraries: going back to school is an event that most children will encounter at one point or another.
Grumpy Monkey retains his usual humor while slipping in a little new knowledge in this book that may become a favorite reread.
A must-purchase. This one will leave kids wanting more.
A great addition to any library collection. Children will enjoy seeing themselves in activities they have done in their school.
For public libraries or early childhood programs looking for works that eases nerves and makes school look like a place to learn and grow.
A generally amusing title for cat lovers and school newbies.
A cute social-emotional back-to-school must-purchase.
Young children will relate to Tiny and his first day of school jitters, while being reassured that school is a place to make mistakes and grow.
Children will enjoy reading about Henry’s first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.
This is an awesome addition to all collections. People are always looking for community helpers books, and the bonus here is the school setting.
An academically solid, aesthetically underwhelming volume of math-themed poetry.
An amusing and memorable story for cat lovers.
A comforting tale about a necessary and sometimes overlooked companion in a successful school day. This story will resonate with beginning school populations and lovers of things with wheels.
This is a peppy first day of school story to knock game-day jitters out of the park.
A relevant and redemptive tale of hope in the darkest of times, with gregarious graphics to satisfy kids and a message to break even the most callous adult’s bitter shell.
Rich with information and heart, this standout blends STEM learning with community building in a memorable package.
A family who lives in their van has everything they need in an important and seldom discussed topic done extremely well. A must-have for most libraries.
A unique addition to any collection.
A story of ancestors, love, loss, and self-acceptance wrapped in the meaning of long hair for men in Native American tradition, this rare topic in picture books makes it a good pick for most libraries.
An entertaining, slightly spooky tale with a friendly group of race cars makes for a charming story with plenty of appeal for young readers.
An additional purchase for larger collections.
A wacky tale that encourages readers to reflect on self-awareness and tolerance of others. Highly recommended for a fun discussion starter on living and learning in a community.
A well-intentioned sibling story that misses the mark.
A great message but not a first choice book without a more appealing main character.
A strong addition to school and public library collections, this book fosters historical empathy, supports classroom discussion, and serves as a meaningful introduction to Holocaust education.
A whimsical and relatable tale that is fun and engaging for children and adults alike.
This book may leave readers with more questions than answers; better options for young readers include Mari C. Schuh’s My Life with Epilepsy and Dr. Roopa Farooki’s The Brilliant Brain.
A perennial ghost-next-door story that readers will enjoy any time they long for a bit of mystery.
A fun retelling of the gingerbread runaway with exceptional illustrations.
A terrific back-to-school read, perfect for classroom and library collections. With its blend of humor, heart, and prehistoric fun, this book is sure to be a hit with fans of dinosaurs, rhyming books, and school stories.
Fun and unexpected, this charming back-to-school book lovingly supports children who are preparing for their first day of school.
This unique story is a good fit for home library collections, especially those with children for whom school attendance is a struggle.
A fantastic addition to any early reader collection, Bear and Bird’s latest adventures are sure to keep young readers entertained while encouraging the growth of their reading skills.
Bright pictures and familiar characters will appeal to those who enjoy a story about magical creatures and helping the environment.
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