Picture Book - Sondra Zalewski

Emmie Builds Something New

written & illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

44 pages, 4–7 years; published 2025 by Red Comet Press

This book delivers a visual delight from the moment you lay eyes on the cover. Emmie Builds Something New focuses on the ingenuity of a tiny mouse. Emmie uses her wit and grit to build fabulous inventions with found materials. Marjorie Crosby-Fairall uses her creativity to render beautiful, intricate illustrations with delightful details on every page. This story shows how even the smallest minds can conceive big ideas, and even the unlikeliest of creatures can build a friendship.
The Mermaid: How Sirena Learned to Swim

written by by Patty Brozo, illustrated by Annie Bowler

40 pages, 5–9 years; published 2026 by Tilbury House Publishers

A relatable story about a girl’s fear of the water while on a family vacation. Sirena’s grandfather makes an unexpected presence one morning in an effort to coax her into the lake. His strategy is allowing Sirena to join him at her own pace. Brozo does a wonderful job of establishing Poppo’s personality in just a few words and gestures. Readers will feel the bond between grandfather and granddaughter and identify with the gradual comfort Sirena gains. Theres’s an especially nice wordless spread where Bowler’s illustrations reinforce the trust and enjoyment these characters share. The Mermaid: How Sirena Learned to Swim is a great summer read.
Don’t Trust Fish

written by by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat

40 pages, 3–7 years; published 2025 by Dial Book for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)

The sarcastic tone of this book is half its charm. I love that it begins by sharing non-fiction information about animals in a simplified and direct way. This makes the warnings about fish even more comical. Sharpson does a wonderful job of giving you reasons to doubt the integrity of fish while continuing to pepper facts about them throughout the story. Santat amps up the fun with realistic images to accompany the animal facts and humorous, exaggerated images for the accusations. In the end, readers will learn, and laugh, and wonder if crabs are really our true concern. Don’t Trust Fish is a picture book read-a-loud gem!
Fireworks

written by by Matthew Burgess , illustrated by Cátia Chien

44 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Clarion Books/Harper Collins Publishers

A lovely lyrical take of a hot summer’s day. We follow two siblings as they enjoy the simple pleasures of the afternoon which culminate in a rooftop, evening fireworks display. Burgess peppers onomatopoeia moments throughout the story. These fun sounds, paired with Chien’s bold illustrations, create a joy for both the ears and eyes. A dynamic page spread adds an additional surprise for readers. Fireworks reminds everyone to embrace the unique treats of summertime.
How to Hatch: A Gosling’s Guide to Breaking Free

written by Sara Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein

32 pages, 3–7 years; published 2026 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

How to Hatch: A Gosling’s Guide to Breaking Free uniquely pairs facts with humorous words of encouragement directed at a goose egg. This story works great as a read-a-loud with its engaging tone, interjections, and page design. The larger text and images allow groups to observe all the beautiful details of Bernstein’s illustrations. Ackerman’s non-fiction content in bright colored sidebars will satisfy teachers and curious kids. Overall, a fun and informative read.
Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

written by Megan Clendenan, illustrated by Brittany Cicchese

32 pages, 6–8 years; published 2025 by Charlesbridge Publishing

Just in Case: Saving Seeds In The Svalbard Global Seed Vault proves once again that a non-fiction picture book can educate everyone. I loved learning about this global safe house for seeds. Megan Clendenan’s text is informative and engaging. She talks about the diversity of plants found across countries and cultures as well as the need for safeguarding seeds. Brittany Cicchese’s illustrations add a mystical quality to the story of this complex undertaking. Extensive back matter provides more details on the Svalbard Vault as well as examples of natural disasters that threatened other seed banks. This book is sure to inform, and motivate, readers of all ages.
The Night of the Hedgehog

written by Tanya Rosie, illustrated by Chuck Groenink

40 pages, 3–7 years; published 2025 by Candlewick Press

The Night of the Hedgehog title is intriguing and Chuck Groenink’s cover illustration beckons you inside. Tanya Rosie tells such a sweet tale about a father and daughter observing the splendor of nature in their own backyard. The rhyming text adds a gentle rhythm that makes the night scenes both engaging and comforting. Readers will enjoy witnessing the discovery of the hedgehog highway and are sure to go to bed with dreams in their head of making such memories for themselves.
Aggie and the Ghost

written & illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

64 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster

Aggie and the Ghost is a delightfully funny story with a light-hearted tone. Matthew Forsythe creates charming and emotive illustrations of Aggie and the persistent one-eyed ghost that haunts her home. Readers will be amused by Aggies rules for keeping the peace with this unwanted companion and relate to the frustrations of being dismissed. But even a bothersome presence can feel like a friend after a while. Forsythe has a knack for infusing sarcastic charm into his characters and their expressions. Definitely a book kids will bug you to read over and over again like an annoying ghost.
The Jade Bracelet

written by Hà Dinh, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Ra ndom 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.
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.
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.