Cora and Ada are excited to embark on a wonderful expedition of the nature surrounding them and make up playful words to describe their amazing experiences. Now it’s up to you, the reader, to see what amazing words you can create!
Wildspeak by Sangma Francis, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781464261299, April 2026)
Reviewed by Judith, Octavia Books in New Orleans, LA
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I was a few pages into this story, and I knew I would have ended up crying. What a beautiful story based on a real house in Cape Cod that stood in the sand dunes for half a century, then was taken away by a storm. I will keep on dreaming that the little mouse landed on a safe place and was able to still enjoy the house, and they had a lot of fun adventures. A tale of the power of Mother Nature and how fleeting possessions are.
The Outermost Mouse by Lauren Wolk, Kristen Adam (illus.), (List Price: $18.99, Dutton Books for Young Readers, 9780593407776, May 2026)
Reviewed by Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, GA
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Goldfinches by Mary Oliver is a beautiful book with gorgeous artwork and a gentle, thoughtful tone. It’s a wonderful introduction for kids to a great contemporary poet, while still being meaningful and enjoyable for adults. The illustrations are stunning and pair perfectly with the poetry, making this a lovely book to read together or enjoy quietly. This is a great pick for families, classrooms, and anyone who appreciates nature, poetry, and beautiful art.
Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, (List Price: $18.99, Viking Books for Young Readers, 9780593692417, March 2026)
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This book is a delightful visit to the weedy garden, from birds, butterflies, and bumblebees flying about to animals hopping, scurrying, and slithering through. The playful text paired with the gorgeous collage illustrations will make the reader hope for a visit.
The Weedy Garden by Margaret Renkl, Billy Renkl (illus), (List Price: $19.99, Greenwillow Books, 9780063432819, February 2026)
Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee
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Anyone who has lived in North Carolina in the early months of the year knows this story well. Round these parts, Springtime arrives not in a great shower of blossoming color, but in a small sprinkling of brave little buds, little splashes of color against the brown; a few warm days followed by another month of frightful cold; the Warm Spring Sun peeking timidly through cloud fingers. This book uses simple language and gorgeous drawings to capture the strange push-and-pull of the changing season. Cozy and perfect for reading aloud!
Is It Spring? by Kevin Henkes, (List Price: $21.99, Greenwillow Books, 9780063469259, February 2026)
Reviewed by Charlie, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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A fun way for kids to learn about nature and the passage of time. Not a subject that is written about a lot for kids, but this not only talks about geology, but also talks about evolution and great correlation for how long it takes for any change to take place in any environment.
Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyer, (List Price: $19.99, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 9781665926638, March 2025)
Reviewed by Jamie, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC
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Absolute perfection. I am a sucker for a novel in verse, and Katherine Applegate is a master of the genre. She packs so much action, empathy, and emotional depth into those short passages. I’m in awe. And – I’M IN LOVE WITH WOMBAT. This charming story about a stray dog, a displaced boy, a small owl, and a lonely bat is one that will absolutely win you over. It will be a great ‘bridge’ book for kids moving out of early chapter books into more robust novels.
Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate, (List Price: $19.99, Storytide, 9780063221178, May 2026)
Reviewed by Kate, Plaid Elephant Books in Danville, Kentucky
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Eighth grade graduation, the start of summer break, a pool party to which the whole class is invited, and underneath it all, the complex ecosystem of junior high. Socially awkward Dustin is doing his best to host the party, wallflower Rose is working on her Junior High Goals checklist, Liv is auditioning new best friends, and mean girl Maya is discovering that she may have to start being nicer if she wants real friendships. I smiled, cringed, and laughed as I followed all these dramas. The story slides from one scene into another like a soap opera. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner, (List Price: $21.99, Labyrinth Road, 9798217031429, April 2026)
Reviewed by Amanda, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, AR
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Perfect for fans of The Wild Robot. Kelly created a wonderful story about the friendship between a girl, Zuzu, and her guardian robot, Snap. The book, in only 176 pages, covers a lot of important themes, like AI, climate change, and class. In a dystopian future where the wealthiest control the population with the help of machines, a group of kids tries to get by until an old guardian robot is added to the mix. The book also teaches the power of human connection. A great read. I would not be surprised if Kelly gets another award with this one!
The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly, (List Price: $19.99, Greenwillow Books, 9780063485952, May 2026)
Reviewed by Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, GA
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Serafina does NOT like water. She doesn’t like running faucets, bathtubs, or the sea. When the powers that be decide she must take swimming lessons, she refuses to enter the pool. But when a friend is in danger, she leaps into action and, to her shock, finds she actually loves the water. This is a sweet book about looking beyond yourself and helping others.
Serafina Makes Waves by Matthew Burgess, (List Price: $18.99, Dial Books, 9780593699638, March 2026)
Reviewed by Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN
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A love letter to a people and place we see far too little of in books and media. It is time for more books like Hannah’s to teach us about Palestinians and their beautiful culture. I fell in love with the family in this book and the stories they share, and I know the littles in your world will too. This book is not just a teaching tool; it is an entertaining and heartwarming story.
Homeland by Hannah Moushabeck, (List Price: $18.99, Chronicle Books, 9781797202051, March 2023)
Reviewed by Rayna, Blue Cypress Books in New Orleans, LA
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Where I Grew is a love letter and celebration of the immigrant story, and how we come to the places we call home for generations. Poetry-esque writing dances across the pages, coupled with illustrations of the sunsets, seas, and plains you may cross to find yourself at your new home. Deeply tender and gentle, and absolutely essential for our current time and for years to come.
Where I Grew by Jashar Awan, (List Price: $18.99, Norton Young Readers, 9781324016618, March 2026)
Reviewed by Grace, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA
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12 year-old Leo joins the first moon colony. Exciting! Until his father disappears and Leo sets out to find him, encountering shocking surprises on the way. What if everything he’s been told about the moon is a lie?
Life on the Moon by Matthew Swanson, (List Price: $17.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780593704721, April 2026)
Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN
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A stunning, heartbreaking, story that was well-performed by the voice actor on the audiobook. Every line seemed to tug my heartstrings, and yet this story felt grounded. Beautiful.
A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh, (List Price: $19.99, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 9781250896704, November 2024)
Reviewed by Nyawira Nyota, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina
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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
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