van Lieshout, Maria. Song of a Blackbird. Maria van Lieshout, Illus. First Second, 12/2025. 256pp. Graphic. Trade $25.99. 978-1-2508-6981-4. Paper $17.99. 978-1-2508-6982-1. GRADES 8–Adult. OUTSTANDING. Using maps, photographs, deceptively simple illustrations, and a connecting image [continue reading]
January 2026
I Truck: A Big Rig’s Epic Trip Review
Schmitt, Kelly Rice. I Truck: A Big Rig’s Epic Trip. Jam Dong, Illus. Lerner/Millbrook, 10/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 979-8765619827. GRADES Kindergarten–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Follow a big rig as it journeys across the country, [continue reading]
Make New Friends Review
Stein, Joshua David. Make New Friends. Mariachiara Di Giorgio, Illus. Abrams, 09/2025. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-949480-55-9. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Tomasso starts at a new school, and each day his single dad asks [continue reading]
Snow Day for Amos McGee Review
Stead, Philip C. Snow Day for Amos McGee, A. Erin E. Stead, Illus. Roaring Brook, 09/2025. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-250-32473-3. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. This third book featuring the title character begins with [continue reading]
Polar Bear and the Ballerina Review
Velasquez, Eric. Polar Bear and the Ballerina, The. Eric Velasquez, Illus. Holiday House, 10/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-4918-7. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. In this compelling wordless picture book, a young ballet dancer sees a [continue reading]
Spy in the Museum Review
McGuire, Erin. Spy in the Museum, The: How Rose Vallard Saved Art from the Nazis. Erin McGuire, Illus. Beach Lane, 09/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5344-6617-3. GRADES 1–5. OUTSTANDING. Rose Valland was a curator at [continue reading]
Here Is a Book Review
Cooper, Elisha. Here Is a Book. Elisha Cooper, Illus. Abrams, 04/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-4197-6675-6. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Beginning at her home in the country, an author writes and illustrates a book, [continue reading]
Old MacPumpkin Had a Farm Review
Charman, Katrina. Old MacPumpkin Had a Farm. Georgie Birkett, Illus. Nosy Crow, 07/2025. [22]pp. Picture Book. Trade $14.99. 979-8-88777-168-7. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In this reimagining of the classic nursery song “Old MacDonald,” the farmer [continue reading]