• The Jade Bracelet

    The Jade Bracelet

    written by Hà Dinh, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Random House Studio

    The Jade Bracelet is a touching story about family traditions and the ways in which they can be difficult for children to embrace. Young Tiên receives a special green bracelet for her birthday. Despite her mother explaining the luck and significance of this jade bangle, Tiên is only able to see that it looks nothing like the popular charm bracelets at school. Hà Dinh shows us the nuanced feelings kids have about honoring their heritage while also trying to fit in among their peers. Yong Ling Kang’s beautiful illustrations hold many details that strengthen the characters and their moods. Both the reader, and Tiên, come to see the value of traditions and the magic they hold.

  • “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”

    —Jackie Kennedy

  • A Snow Day for Amos McGee

    A Snow Day for Amos McGee

    written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

    48 pages, 3–6 years; published 2025 by Roaring Brook Press

    Yet another winner from the dynamic duo of Philip and Erin Stead. While I have a sweet spot for the two previous Amos McGee books, this story stands well on its own. A Snow Day for Amos McGee is a charming depiction of friendship and caring for others. Readers will enjoy watching Amos and his menagerie prepare for a coming snow storm. Philip Stead’s thoughtful words and Erin Stead’s tenderly detailed art pull you into a comforting space you’ll never want to leave. See how the fun and beauty of a snowy day is much more meaningful when shared with friends.

  • “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”

    —C.S. Lewis

  • The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

    The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure

    written by Thor Hanson, illustrated by Galia Bernstein

    32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Green Willow Books/Harper Collins

    The Escape Artist is one of those stories kids would enjoy if it were fictional, but they’ll enjoy it all the more when they realize it’s true. What could be better than an octopus escaping from an aquarium! Thor Hanson does a great job describing Inky and his personality while weaving in many octopus facts. Galia Bernstein’s illustrations take things further with expressive eyes and intriguing scenes. Back matter provides details about the real Inky along with several unique octopus facts. Rhyme keeps this story light-hearted and keeps readers rooting for Inky long after he’s gone.

  • “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

    —from Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

  • Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution

    Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution

    written by Julie Winterbottom, illustrated by Susan Reagan

    48 pages, 6–9 years; published 2025 by Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House

    Julie Winterbottom nails the opening line of Magic in a Drop of Water: “When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.” This biography shows how Ruth’s father nurtured her interest in nature and science. She went on to do groundbreaking research that proved the health of a river could be measured by the presence of diatoms (microscopic algae). The watercolor illustrations by Susan Reagan pair beautifully with this topic and contain marvelous details of aquatic life. Ruth Patrick’s fortitude against gender discrimination among scientists will inspire readers of all ages. This picture book highlights the power of persistence in following your dreams.

  • “A word after a word after a word is power.”

    —Margaret Atwood

  • Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall

    Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall

    written by Lynn Brunelle, illustrated by Jason Chin

    48 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House Publishing

    Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall shares an incredible amount of scientific information. Lynn Burnell expertly weaves facts into a story about a whale’s life that never feels didactic and yet offers the reader so much to learn about a marine ecosystem. Jason Chin’s detailed paintings amplify the beauty of this life cycle and bring clarity to a complex subject. Additional back matter organizes the information for in-depth teaching or deep conversations with inquisitive kids. This book has won several awards and lives up to them all. 

  • “That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”

    —Ashoke from The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

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