If the Isle of Forever put you on the edge of your seat, just wait until you read Jen Calonita’s The Curse Breaker. Be sure to sit comfortably in your chair and hold on!
The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita, (List Price: $16.99, Sourcebooks Young Readers, 9781728277066, March 2026)
Reviewed by Judith, Octavia Books in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Curse Breaker by Jen Calonita Read More »
As a pizza lover, I was drawn to this book when it mentioned a “pizza adventure,” and this book did not disappoint! Gunnar the Viking is a cute story about a conqueror who is missing something and finds his missing piece when he tries a slice of pizza! The illustrations are hilarious: the snake with the knife, the pizza disaster, the wave of tomato sauce and the Viking boat on an actual wave scene is amazing. I wish the Raven was featured more, especially since he is named a supporting character in the beginning, but that is just me being a fan of ravens and wanting more pet action.
Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg, (List Price: $18.99, duopress, 9781464233630, April 2026)
Reviewed by Kait, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Alabama
Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg Read More »
A delightful tale of rescue dog Finnegan and cheetah cub Chase. Finnegan’s new family includes zookeeper Basma. When she needs a friend for the cheetah cub she’s training, Finnegan accompanies her to the zoo, finding friendship in an unlikely place. This is a story of soaring hope and kindness.
The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga, (List Price: $18.99, Balzer + Bray, 9781250387189, March 2026)
Reviewed by Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee
The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga Read More »
Judgy Bunny will steal your heart with her cuteness, even though she’s very, VERY grouchy. She insults everything and wants no part of the fun other kids are having on the beach, but it turns out that an unrelentingly cheerful friend can pull even the judgiest bunny out of the grumps. Adorable, relatable, with bright, fun illustrations that are sure to turn any sour mood around. Perfect for a read-aloud!
Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781728296722, March 2026)
Reviewed by Amanda, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman Read More »
Loops is such a cute story about a child learning how to become a “big kid” and the importance of not losing their shoe. I loved how the book gently teaches kids how to tie their shoelaces in a fun, simple way. The title is extra funny because the story itself goes into a loop, which kids will enjoy noticing. This is a great, sweet book for toddlers who are growing up, learning new skills, and starting to take on little responsibilities.
Loops by Jashar Awan, (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665974943, March 2026)
Reviewed by Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, Georgia
Loops by Jashar Awan Read More »
Gorgeous, and a helpful context for young readers about anxiety and worry. How do we do big things when we feel small? How do we shore ourselves up when the occasion demands it? Snyder, as always, provides gentle, reflective solutions to hard questions.
Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, (List Price: $18.99, Chronicle Books, 9781797200729, April 2026)
Reviewed by Amelia, Long Story Books in Atlanta, Georgia
Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder Read More »
Everything Alicia D. Williams does is gorgeous, and this picture book is no exception. The illustrations are phenomenal, and the message of a young girl’s strength and the power of music and community is exceptional. Loved it!
Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams, (List Price: $19.99, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665914222, February 2026)
Reviewed by Alissa, South Main Book Company in Salisbury, North Carolina
Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams Read More »
I love this story. Bartleby marches to his own drum, and his class gives him room to be himself and welcomes him on his own terms when he is ready to show warmth to them in his own way. Compelling and told through conversation, storytelling, and through the color scheme of the pictures to convey feelings, this book is a winner!
Bartleby by Matt Phelan, (List Price: $18.99, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 9780374393557, March 2026)
Reviewed by Kimberly, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina
Bartleby by Matt Phelan Read More »
A Year of Kites is an informative book about the role kites play in traditions around the world. Replete with beautiful illustrations, it would be a nice addition to elementary classrooms, allowing teachers to combine multiple subjects in their lesson planning: the history of kites, following the directions to use artistic skill to create individual kites, and assessing proper wind conditions needed for kite flying. Sounds like a fun afternoon to me as the kids also will get a few steps in as they let ’em soar!
A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj, (List Price: $18.99, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 9781547612246, February 2026)
Reviewed by Barb, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina
A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj Read More »
“When I learned about the Lebensborn, many years ago, I had a hard time believing this could be true. When I was able to confirm it, I was deeply appalled and knew I had to write about it. And I felt a book about this subject could only be for adults…the strong feelings I had about the Lebensborn never left me. Even back then, I felt girls should know about this terrible aspect of that war…It wasn’t until I learned, later, that children as young as 11 were working as couriers for the Resistance that the first seed for The Lions’ Run was planted. I began to wonder if those 11-year-olds were aware of how courageous they were. I think a lot about courage in kids; they are often confused about what it means to be brave.”
― Sara Pennypacker, Interview, Publisher’s Weekly
What booksellers are saying about Lion’s Run
About Sara Pennypacker
| Sara Pennypacker is the author of the New York Times bestselling Pax and Pax, Journey Home; the award-winning Clementine series and its spinoff series, Waylon; and the acclaimed novels Summer of the Gypsy Moths, Here in the Real World, and Leeva at Last. She divides her time between Cape Cod and Southern California. You can visit her online at sarapennypacker.com |
Book Buzz: Lion’s Run by Sara Pennypacker Read More »
This is one of those books that will not only make you smile but might even make you believe in a little magic. Yulu’s Linen is a fun and beautiful story about a father whose dream of being an artist was unable to be fulfilled, so he makes that dream a reality for his daughter. When they go to purchase a canvas, they face a hilarious and frustrating problem: they can’t figure out if it’s the canvas or the art that just won’t cooperate! The vibrant illustrations and colors of this illustrator bring the story to life. The father teaches his daughter to never give up, and in the end, everything works out. This book is a true testament to the idea that perseverance and creativity always succeed. It’s a perfect read for any child with a big dream.
Yulu’s Linen by Cao Wenxuan, (List Price: $19.99, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665931199, February 2026)
Reviewed by Kimberly, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi
Yulu’s Linen by Cao Wenxuan Read More »
“There’s a moment in the book where Sage learns that grief is like hunger and that she will always be grieving like there’s never going to be a day that we don’t need to eat,…I can have breakfast, and then by dinnertime, I need to eat again, and next week I’m going to need a meal, and three years from now, I’m going to be hungry. That was freeing for me as a person. It wasn’t just a plot point or something to just put in the book. It was really what I needed for myself to understand that I would always miss my mother, or that there will always be some issue that we’re fighting against and standing up for in this nation, and that I can hold all of that. That’s normal and I’m okay.”
― Renée Watson, Interview, School Library Journal
What booksellers are saying about All the Blues in the Sky
About Renée Watson
| Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Her novel All the Blues in the Sky won the Newbery Medal, and Piecing Me Together received a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award. Her books include the Ryan Hart series, Some Places More Than Others, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, Betty Before X, cowritten with Ilyasah Shabazz, Watch Us Rise, cowritten with Ellen Hagan, and Love Is a Revolution, as well as acclaimed picture books: Summer Is Here, Maya’s Song, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, written with Nikole Hannah-Jones, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, and Harlem’s Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Renée splits her time between Portland, Oregon and New York City. http://www.reneewatson.net • @reneewauthor |
Book Buzz: All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson Read More »
When 13-year-old Tucker Stephens begins to suspect that Miss Geraldine’s death wasn’t an accident, he finds himself unraveling a mystery only he can solve. Clever, funny, and packed with surprises, this story will keep readers hooked from start to finish. The quirky citizens—which Taryn Souders is known for creating—do not disappoint in this humor-filled small-town whodunit. The plot was smart, the characters felt authentic, and the house itself brought so much atmosphere to the story. Tucker’s sharp eye and observations made the mystery even more engaging. With memorable characters and smart clues, this is a middle grade mystery readers of all ages will enjoy!
Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Souders, (List Price: $16.99, Sourcebooks Young Readers, 9781464244971, January 2026)
Reviewed by Susanne, Sassafras on Main in Waynesville, North Carolina
Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Souders Read More »
Eleanor loves the wild outdoors. When she invites the wild inside, she spins and leaps like the animals outside. This beautiful picture book inspires imagination.
The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin, (List Price: $19.99, Random House Books for Young Readers, 9798217023981, January 2026)
Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee
The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin Read More »
I so enjoyed this retelling by Mac Barnett of a story I often forget is rather complex. But here he adds his particular wit which pairs so well with Ellis’ illustrations that transport you into another world.
Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett, (List Price: $19.99, Orchard Books, 9781338673852, February 2026)
Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett Read More »
