Take a Ride in These 3 New Picture Books

December 10, 2025November 20, 2025 | Tasha

Diggers, Dozers & Dumpers: Small Stories about Big Machines by Ole Könnecke, translated by Melody Shaw

Publisher: Gecko Press

Publication Date: May 6, 2025

Reviewed from library copy

ISBN: 9798765667552

Opening this book, readers are greeted by a staring cow, a blue duck with a wand, and an alligator driving a dozer. In very short stories that cover just a few pages at most, readers are introduced to a different sort of large machine and the characters show how they can be used. The characters range from farm animals to giraffe to moose, each depicted in a merry and playful way. Best of all, this is a book about big machinery that can actually be shared aloud and enjoyed by kids who like the machines and those who aren’t entirely enamored.

Whimsical and heavy machinery have never gone together better. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Mama Car by Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: November 4, 2025

Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley

ISBN: 9780316578035

A little girl has her own tricycle. Her father has a car. And her mother drives a wheelchair. The two of them go on expeditions together from the snuggly bed to the kitchen for snacks after making a list. They take the Mama Car together. The little girl helps a lot with moving toys, reaching things, and holding stuff. She also helps decorate Mama Car. When she has a little accident riding her tricycle, Mama Car is there to pick her up, keep her cozy and make her feel safe.

Written by an author who uses a wheelchair, this story is based on what one of her daughters used to call her wheelchair. The book is a merry and loving look at a parent using a wheelchair and the adventures they have together that use the chair. I love that the story is entirely positive and told from the point of view of a small child who simply sees the chair as part of life and nothing to be worried about. The illustrations are friendly and large format, adding to the child appeal of the story.

Wheel this one onto your library shelves. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

Sleeper Train by Mick Jackson, illustrated by Baljinder Kaur

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: July 15, 2025

Reviewed from library copy

ISBN: 9781536238983

A little girl goes on an overnight train with her parents. They have their own compartment, but she just can’t fall asleep easily. So she starts to think about all the various places she has slept before. There is her parents’ bed at home, a hotel near the sea, on a beach, in a tent, in the hospital, and staying over at her grandparents’ home. Soon she had fallen asleep on the train. In the morning, there was breakfast on the train and soon they arrived at their destination.

This picture book shares a way of travel that many children may not have experienced themselves and makes it approachable. I enjoyed that it focused on the variety of places a child may have slept, inviting the reader to see their own experiences alongside the character’s. The illustrations show a Sikh family traveling the train in India. The pictures use spicy colors of saffron and chili with cool teals to create a vibrant experience.

An engaging trip on the train. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

3 Fabulous New Picture Books about Families

December 4, 2025October 14, 2025 | Tasha

Everyday Bean by Stephanie Graegin (9781774886205)

In ten little stories, readers meet Bean, a very small hedgehog who lives with her Grandma. There is a story of Bean’s favorite blanket getting smaller as it is loved until it is finally a bandana. There are ghost stories that are entirely unscary. There is a tale of Clem, Bean’s favorite toy who keeps her safe from storms. Then there are stories of the delights of big boxes and jumping off of swings.

Told with a winning simplicity that is entirely charming, this book is just right for other little ones with big imaginations and who love ghosts and strawberries. The illustrations are digital and are full of warmth and a timeless childhood feel.

Terrific tales of a tiny hedgehog. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from library copy.

The Family Tree by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Fiona Lee (9781665948371)

Everyone in Penny’s family is always busy and never has time to slow down. They are always hurrying to the next thing until suddenly a tiny sprout appears on their kitchen floor. The sprout grows and becomes something they can’t ignore or rush past. Penny starts to water and care for the tree with help from her dog. Each day it gets more special and bigger with its roots going down into the earth. Soon it is a tree and everyone in the family makes room for it. But that’s not enough, and the house needs to be changed to accommodate the tree that is breaking through the roof. The tree has everyone in the family spending more time at home, slowing down and being together. Now they all feel at home, thanks to the tree.

This book uses an astute way to speak to the rushing of modern life and families. The use of the tree as a form of physical connection and an invitation to slow down and be together with one another works particularly well. As it grows, it becomes a central feature, something to nurture, transforming their home. The illustrations are jaunty and playful, celebrating the tree, new connections and family joy.

A picture book to savor with those you love. Appropriate for ages 4-7.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Beach Lane Books.

How to Grow a Family Tree by Bea Birdsong, illustrated by Jasu Hu (9780823453962)

Emmylou’s class is presenting their family trees. All of the others have lots of branches filled with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. For her, it’s just her and her mother. Her mother doesn’t like to talk about Emmylou’s grandparents or her father. Emmylou realizes that her neighbors are more like family to her. There is Mrs. Patel who shares her mango chutney, Mr. Li who taught Emmylou to ride a bike, and Rosa and her twins where they all watch out for one another. But those people don’t belong on a family tree, or do they?

Birdsong tells her story in brief text that captures Emmylou’s worry about class clearly. It also shows just as vividly her strong relationships with her neighbors, her found family. The illustrations, done in watercolor, are beautifully textured and deeply toned. They show Emmylou’s emotions roiling as her presentation comes closer as well as the warmth and connectivity of her neighborhood.

A brilliant picture book about how some families aren’t related to one another. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Edelweiss and Neal Porter Books.

2 New Holiday Picture Books Worth Celebrating

December 2, 2025November 12, 2025 | Tasha

The 13th Day of Christmas by Adam Rex

Publisher: Neal Porter Books

Publication Date: September 9, 2025

Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley

ISBN: 9780823456536

On a lonely Christmas without his true love, the main character suddenly receives a partridge in a pear tree. Then the next day, you know what happens and soon it spirals out of control. When he tries to ask his true love why she would do this to him, she hangs up on him. So he heads out with the menagerie and all the people to see his mother. She wasn’t much help either. On their way home, they accidentally start a parade. That happens when you have leaping lords, dancers, cows, pipers and a band. A young boy gets the narrator thinking about things in a more positive way and soon they are making a difference all over town. The next morning, they have a bake sale from all of the eggs and milk they have. But what about his true love?

I must admit I’m not a huge fan of Christmas books. There are just so many mid-level releases each year. But this one is delightful! I love the premise of what happens with the presents after the 12th day, since so many of them repeat and multiply. This creates just the right sort of holiday wackiness that we need without ever becoming too sweet, despite the cakes.

A new classic for those who like silliness with their celebration. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Leanne Hatch

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication Date: September 16, 2025

Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley

ISBN: 9780063278141

Sharing the story of a busy, modern Jewish family and the eight nights of Hanukkah, this picture book celebrates each night with a poem. From the first candle emerging from the darkness and lighting faces.The second night, the candles in the window are noticed by a man walking past. The third night is a rush to get home and the candle lit before pizza is served. The fourth night is Sabbath filled with light. The fifth night has darkness as the candles go out. The sixth night is spent with family and the youngest is finally old enough to light the candles themselves. The seventh night is messed up with a flat tire and the family has to improvise. The final night the light lingers longer than expected as the family gathers one last time.

Snyder’s poetry is perfectly balanced between being accessible for children but also profoundly speaking to the meaning of Hanukkah and the importance of family. She has created a book of short poems that reads aloud beautifully, one that families can use year after year or librarians creating programs. The illustrations glow on the page with candles, moonlight, playing with light and dark and showing the beauty of traditions.

A shining picture book that is a must-buy for Hanukkah collections. Appropriate for ages 4-8.

Forests by Nell Cross Beckerman – Book Recommendation

November 26, 2025November 7, 2025 | Tasha

Forests by Nell Cross Beckerman, illustrated by Kalen Chock

Publisher: Orchard Books

Publication Date: November 4, 2025

Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley

ISBN: 9781546130970

Enter a variety of forests from across the world in this nonfiction picture book. Start with the wonder of a deciduous forest at night and then explore it during the day. There is information on roots and fungi and then the drama of a forest wildfire and how trees survive. The book moves on to a kelp forest in the ocean, the beauty of a forest hosting butterflies. It includes the Amazonian rainforest and a bamboo forest in Japan, each with its own visuals, sounds and facts.

All of the facts shared are fascinating and add to the understanding of how forests work together and how humans impact them for good and bad. There is a sense of wonder as each page turns and reveals a different forest or a new aspect of the same one. The digital illustrations are arrestingly beautiful from the beam of the flashlight on the first pages to the destructive beauty of fire to the cool greens of bamboo. Each image embraces the colors of the landscape, comparing and contrasting visually.

A detailed and interesting glimpse of forests both familiar and new. Appropriate for ages 5-9.

2 New Picture Books about Learning from Grandparents

November 25, 2025November 7, 2025 | Tasha

A Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri, illustrated by Vesper Stamper

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: November 25, 2025

Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley

ISBN: 9780593809693

An Iranian boy is woken up by his grandmother. They have breakfast together on the old frayed rug before taking a meal out to Grandpa in the field where he is herding sheep. The three start planning to make a new rug. They wash the wool and card out the tangles. They spin it into wool that is dyed with local flowers. Then the design is plotted out on graph paper. Next they start weaving on the loom, creating Persian knots to hold tight. The boy learns to create knots and not tangles, until midway his grandmother adds the Persian flaw to keep it from being perfect. The new rug is finished and ready for new memories to be made.

Nayeri shows the art of Persian rug making through the eyes of a child, making not only the art itself accessible but also showing the love of grandparents along the way. The boy learns the craft and also the heart of making rugs, with specific emphasis on the Persian flaw and the lack of perfectionism. The art in the book captures the colors of the wool, the beauty of the flowers, and the lovely designs of both rugs that the family uses.

Family, warmth and art combine in a winning title. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

The One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Matt James

Publisher: Tundra Books

Publication Date: October 21, 2025

Reviewed from e-galley provided by publisher

ISBN: 9781774882665

Jack lived with his grandfather in a house filled with music. There was music on the record player plus his grandfather played several instruments, including the guitar. Jack particularly loved it when his grandfather played the guitar, especially the song about the blackbird. Jack asked his grandfather to show him how to play the blackbird song, but first it took a lot of help and practice to even play a single chord. With encouragement from his grandfather, Jack kept at it and learned to play the guitar. As Jack got bigger and the guitar got smaller, he left home and played music all over the world. When he returned, his grandfather was different and this time it was Jack who showed him how to play.

Throughout this book, I could hear the song about the blackbird in my head, haunting and lovely. Children will want to hear that song after reading this book. The touching relationship between the two characters comes full circle by the end of the story as the grandfather grapples with dementia. The power and connectivity of music is on full display throughout the tale. James’ art is deeply organic yet accessible, showing the two characters as their relationship evolves and changes in the small blue house.

Sure to strike the right chord. Appropriate for ages 5-7.

2 Helpful New Picture Books about Homes

November 24, 2025November 7, 2025 | Tasha

The Moving Book by Lisa Brown

Publisher: Neal Porter Books

Publication Date: July 22, 2025

Reviewed from library copy

ISBN: 9780823457182

The author of The Airport Book and The Hospital Book returns with another book about a turning point in a child’s life. Told by an older sibling, the book shares a list of the places that their family has lived in. Before the younger sister was born, they lived in a tiny apartment with their grandfather downstairs. They moved to a tall apartment building with lots of stairs. Next came a larger apartment in a building with elevators near the museum. Finally, their current house where they had their own bedrooms. Now it’s time for another move, this time to a place with their grandfather.

Brown captures something I rarely see in picture books, the fact that many families move multiple times as children grow up. Each of the places they lived had something special about it from a child’s point of view: a great playground, warm bagels, a nearby museum, a grandparent right next door. The illustrations capture the packing and unpacking of boxes, the search for favorite toys, and the family working together no matter where they live.

A warm and lovely look at more than one move. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Song for Two Homes by Dr. Michael Datcher and Charly Palmer

Publisher: Random House Studio

Publication Date: October 7, 2025

Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley

ISBN: 9780593429365

When Auset’s parents divorce, her world splits into two. Happily, she has Sweet Honey in the Rock and Bob Marley to help her. Auset tries going to a therapist, but finds her stuffed dolphin a much better listener. Auset is doing OK at school, keeping up appearances and not showing how hurt and angry she is. Except that one time when she hit a kid at school and made him cry. Auset doesn’t tell her mother the truth, pretending to be OK. Luckily she can talk to her dad more honestly. It takes a lot of songs, love and honesty to try to get through suddenly having two homes.

Told in verse, this picture book beautifully shares the emotions of having parents divorce and the direct impact it has on a child. Auset is wonderfully both herself and also speaks universally of the journey involved in divorce and loss. The use of verse captures emotions and relationships, struggles and triumphs. The acrylic art is vibrant and depicts Auset’s feelings clearly.

A moving picture book about divorce and families. Appropriate for ages 4-7.

Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States by Rajani LaRocca – Book Recommendation

November 20, 2025October 30, 2025 | Tasha

Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Huy Voun Lee

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Publication Date: May 27, 2025

Reviewed from library copy

ISBN: 9780316571753

This is the story of people who choose to become Americans. They come from around the world at all ages. Some come alone, others being family, most leave people they love behind. Some come to study and work while others are refugees fleeing their countries. They add so much to our country. They bring new music, food, and language. They do many jobs. They study hard and eventually take a citizenship test to formally become American.

Written by an immigrant to the U.S. and illustrated by a refugee, this book is engaging and vibrant. It shares with children the many reasons people may come to live in the United States, emphasizing that they still remain part of their original culture, bringing those elements with them and not losing themselves in the process. The illustrations are full of diversity, capturing the many people from across the world coming to the United States to live.

Ideal to share in classes learning about citizenship and immigration. Appropriate for ages 5-7.

Tea Is Love by Adib Khorram – Book Recommendation

November 19, 2025October 30, 2025 | Tasha

Tea Is Love by Adib Khorram, illustrated by Hanna Cha

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: October 28, 2025

Reviewed from copy provided by publisher

ISBN: 9780593618530

Celebrate the joy of tea as it is shared around the world. The book shows the power of tea in families as memory and between friends as gifts. It looks at learning about tea in various ways. Tea can also be shared online, in large gatherings or quietly for just one or two. Throughout all the ways to drink and share tea though, it is love.

Through gentle poetic language, readers are invited to see tea as a universal pleasure and source of connection. This book, written by an award-winning author, is perfect for sharing aloud with very simple lines that are evocative. The illustrations, by a Caldecott Honor winner, have tea swirling across the pages in a variety of pots, cups and holders. She shares a vast array of cultures as the tea weaves new connections.

A delicious delight of a book. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Publishers Weekly Best Picture Books of 2025

November 12, 2025 | Tasha

Publishers Weekly has announced their picks for the best books of 2025. The juvenile picks are broken into three categories. Here are the picture book selections:

PICTURE BOOKS