Picture Book - Sondra Zalewski

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.
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.
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.
Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin

written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Scholastic Press

Given Donaldson’s reputation for outstanding rhyme, I thought Jonty Gentoo would be a fun read-aloud, and it did not disappoint. This story entertains readers with delightful phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home and also includes many facts about penguins. The bright illustrations from Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus an image of the Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of both humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. Another marvelous picture book from a dynamic duo!
Summer is Here

written by Renée Watson, illustrated by Bea Jackson

40 pages, 3–6 years; published 2024 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of it like a cherished friend. A young girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. This includes splash time at the pool and a picnic in the park. Jackson’s illustrations pop off the page with bright colors and an infectious warmth. Her dynamic compositions draw the reader in and delight us with their varied vantage points. Summer Is Here welcomes the warm season with open arms and will be a comfort to read later on once she’s past.
Noodles on a Bicycle

written by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Random House Studio

Noodles on a Bicycle is an equally fun and fascinating tale about Japanese deliverymen who literally peddle fresh soba noodle orders via bicycles. Kids will revel at the concept of balancing towering stacks of food trays—in one hand no less—while cycling among city traffic. Maclear’s words paired with Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill and energy of this vocation. It all seems like pure fiction until you see the added black and white photo from the 1930s taken on the streets of Tokyo. Such an interesting and culturally historic topic to share with children.
The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals

written by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Clarion Books (Harper Collins)

The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals is a charming story from Deborah Underwood. This classic tale is about a rigid gentleman who enjoys his tidy home and never entertains the idea of owning a messy pet. Until a cat shows up at his door that isn’t so bad. The man grows to like the cat and then another cat, and a dog, and a menagerie of creatures that pay him a visit. The illustrations by LeUyen Pham double the charm. Pham loads each spread with fabulous details kids will love discovering. The story builds to the point where the man needs to kick all the animals out of his home or move somewhere bigger. Turns out this is an Old McDonald origin story—what fun!
Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

written by Amy Hest, illustrated by Erin Stead

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Neal Porter Books

I love the simplicity and tenderness of this picture book, Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing. Hest uses few words to convey the emotional connection between Big Bear and Little Bear, but each word is chosen with care. The bears use the same level of intention to pack up and prepare for their day of fishing. Stead’s paintings are nothing short of perfection, containing just the right amount of color and content. She creates bears with body language that speaks volumes. This thoughtful combination of words and illustrations culminates in a story that truly warms the heart. Readers come to learn that a day of fishing for Little Bear and Big Bear is really about quality time with one another.
The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife

written by Erica Silverman, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Clarion Books

This picture book presents a unique approach to a non-fiction topic. Silverman pairs informative poems with short success stories about wildlife projects around the world. The poems reflect the practical, hands-on activities people are doing to improve the natural habitats of their communities. These lyrical verses engage listeners’ ears while Hsu’s artwork delights their eyes. Back matter adds additional content and resources. The breadth of this book means you can read only the poems, only the non-fiction paragraphs, or take a deep dive that includes everything. No matter how you enjoy it, The City Sings Green will inspire readers to become rewilding activists.
Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller

written by Breanna J. McDaniel, illustrated by April Harrison

40 pages, 5–8 years; published 2024 by Dial Books for Young Readers

Go Forth and Tell celebrates one of the greatest children’s librarians, Augusta Braxton Baker. McDaniel does a wonderful job describing the love of story that Baker cultivated throughout her lifetime. Readers learn about the special collection of books she curated and the authors she supported in her quest to provide positive stories for and about black children. Baker’s indelible contribution to children’s literature is mirrored in the remarkable illustrations by Harrison. Her bold colors and patterns create visual textures that dazzle. This picture book belongs in every library where it can influence literary inclusivity, just like Augusta Braxton Baker did.