Monster Picure Book: Monsters Are the Worst!

 

Monsters Are the Worst!

by Alex Willan

Illustrations by the author

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

Simon & Schuster, LLC

2026

40 pages 

ISBN: 9781665988599

Every book by Alex Willan is clever, colorful and carefree! For all readers who love his first books and a great introduction for newbies, Monsters Are the Worst! will make readers smile and giggle at Gilbert the Goblin and his pal Chicken and their new problem child: a little stowaway monster they accidentally brought home from their camping trip. 

Gilbert knows monsters are the worst; sure, they are cute when they a little, but monsters grow fast and monsters grow HUGE. They have to be taught that friends are not food, books are not food and neighbors are not food. Their table manners are atrocious and oh, my goodness, their poop! 

Nope. Gilbert is not amused. It's hard to sleep with a growing monster under his bed, he can't get any of his goblin work done and the monster loves to sit on his lap!  Monsters really are the worst, but there's one thing worse than them. It's saying good-bye. Once in awhile, they get together for a pickle roast, and it's great to be around old friends. Even a giant, heavy friend who still insists on sitting on your lap. 

Highly, highly recommended ages 4 and up. Great fun. Colorful, engaging illustrations and quirky goblin habits truly make this book a must-read. It will likely  become a favorite bedtime read. 

Christmas Pick Gift: Hands-On Christmas Countdown

 

 

Christmas Countdown: 25 days of Sticker Activities

(Includes a fold-out advent calendar + 335 stickers)

text by Deanna F. Cook

Illustrations by Matthew Scott

Workman Kids

Workman Publishing

Hachette Book Group, Inc.

2026

28 pages

ISBN: 9781523535750

Sparkly glitter cover invites readers inside a fun adventure in counting the days up to Christmas with an entertaining activity for each day including family movie night, building a gingerbread house, baking cookies, trimming the tree and decorating your "jolly jammies." Stickers in the back correspond to each activity. (You may choose to do the activites in any order that fits your schedule). 

Kids will love to decorate their book and the fold-out advent calendar (included). There are easy-to-follow instructions at the beginning of the book. Christmas Countdown is the perfect idea for the month of December for ages 5 and up. Older kid csn help younger siblings. Adults csn help by introducing the book and overseeing the first few attempts at sticker choice. Even if the child is wrong, it will be fun!

A solid choice for families. Get yours before the season begins. 

Ages 5 and up.  

Fun Picture Book: I'm Busy

 

I'm Busy

by Michael Ian Black 

Illustrations by Debbie Redpath Ohi 

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Simon & Schuster 

2026

40 pages

ISBN: 9781665915243

A very busy girl has an excruciatingly busy schedule she feels she must complete every waking hour. Her friend, a flamingo, asks if she can take a break and play or stand on one leg or hang out. A talking potato wants her to play in the mud with them.The girl shows Flamingo and Potato her very busy schedule. Flamingo can't read but the girl tells them what's on her upcoming schedule. 

Young readers will see her calendar for the month of September, and it's full every single day. There's trumpet practice, her jazz band concert, Spanish club, her math test and even more challenging endeavors like writing a play, learning to speak French, and working on a comedy routine. It's great to have goals, but she realizes with her friends' input she might be too busy! She agrees to save some time for herself and her friends, realizing she needs BALANCE. Balance is one thing Flamingo knows a lot about! Frolicking in the mud with her friends is the best therapy for busy. 

End pages are illustrated with the word BUSY starting out small and growing larger on the page. This mirrors the stress of the character. The front cover shows the girl balancing a huge stack of books and papers. As she walks, there is a trail of papers and notebooks in her wake while two very distressed looking friends look on. 

Illustrations by Debbie Redpath Ohi put this picture book over the top. Brilliant and fun, the illustrations capture the tone and most importantly, the reader. Five HUGE stars!

Highly, highly recommended ages 2 and up. What fun! 

Funny Picture Book: Even Steven

 

Even Steven: A Book About Sharing  

byh Carrie Finison

Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

G.P. Putnam's Sons

an imprint of Penguin Random House

2026 

32 pages

ISBN: 9870583859001

Steven wants everything even. Everything! But some things can't be split up. What's Steven going to do about that? If things are not even, is it fair? 

Even Steven is a humorous book sure to make kids giggle as Steven tries to divide the slide on the playground or divide a nickel. Some things can't be separated. Friends tell Steven sharing is a great way to make things fair and even. Taking turns is fun and fair. Steven learns sharing and taking turns is actually better than fair and even, it's fun! This book must be read aloud with a group of young children. They will want to offer their own ideas about things that can be shared like walkie-talkies, and things that should not be shared like a toothbrush. 

Clever writing expertly teaches kids about what is fair and what is even while entertaining them. Illustrations are fun and funny with one caveat below....

The last illustration is bothersome to this career librarian. Once again, an artist has captured the librarian as a frumpy, older white woman wearing the ubiquitous librarian look: a cardigan, old lady pants, ugly shoes and wearing glasses, of course. It would be nice to see a male librarian represented. 

End pages are a pretty shade of blue, but it's a missed opportunity on the part of the design/publishing team. Funny illustrations tied to the story would put this book over the top. 

Highly recommended grades pre-K to 3. 

New YA: Shadow Visions

  "Gaslight" Meets Modern Coming of Age Story of Acceptance and Found Family

Shadow Visions 

Book Two

a Prequel to Dreamwalkers

by Leslie Rush

Midnight Tide

2026 

265 pages

Available November 4, 2026 

 Sixteen-year old Rory Winters watches her mother carted off for the last time, but this time it's not the EMTs or ambulance. It's the medical examiner and police. After giving her statement and meeting with an attorney, Rory finds out her mother has more secrets than even she imagined. A ranch Rory has never heard about sits halfway across the country, and with her mother's death, Rory inherits it. She settles her mother's debts and arrives in Arizona with her mother's ashes to scatter. What she doesn't count on is Cam, the live-in caretaker and his daughter Star. Another surprise is an aunt she's never met or heard about appears in the nick of time to help her with the estate. Aunt Joanna is kind, perhaps a little too "hands-on" and has no boundaries, but Rory accepts her as her only family.

Rory's visions are getting worse, not better. When she finds her mother's tarot deck, she finally seems to accept her own power. 

But the tarot cards are not the only trigger, Rory sees auras and begins to misplace things. The ranch house is a little creaky and spooky, even more so at night. The desert is too quiet. The sky endless. The stars closer. She swears she can smell the scent of roses on the patio, but Cam tells her the rose bushes her mother planted have been gone for a long time. Is she going crazy? 

After a truly terrifying incident in a canyon, Rory feels like she has been drugged. Someone doesn't want her at the ranch. Someone will stop at nothing to scare her off and keep the secrets safe. 

A satisfying teen read with a touch of new romance and a paranormal twist. A real page-turner of a book. Readers are likely to lose sleep over this one, reading long into the night. Shadow Visions is your next read. 

Highly, highly recommended grades 8 and up. 

Hilarious Pals: Zebra and Yak The Backwards Counting Book

 

Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Counting Book

by Paul Friedrich

Illustrationns by the author 

G.P. Putnam Sons

an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC

2026

48 pages

ISBN: 9798217002139

A backwards counting book: what a unique spin on the usual and is sure to delight young readers. Follow friends Zebra and Yak as they count backwards and go on hilarious hijinks to arrive ar number ONE. Their silly antics lead them to a huge bird nest, a herd of cows, and a rocket ship. Blast off with the pair as they count backwards. 

Zebra and Yak are two well-developed characters whose facial expressions tell their inner emotions captured lovingly and humorously by artist Paul Friedrich. Cartoonish (in the best way) and captivating, this is one book sure to become a favorite and your kids will clamor and beg, "Again! Again! Read it again!" (Word to the wise: You may have to hide it around bedtime).

If you buy one picture book, Zebra and Yak The Backwards Counting Book should be it. 

Highly recomended ages 2 and up. 

Middle Grade Pick: Little Bones

 

                                                        Mesmerizing, heart-wrenching, soaring! 

Little Bones 

by Sandy Bigna 

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

2025

256 pages

ISBN: 9781665985086

After a tragic accident, eleven-year old Bones is lost, not knowing how to spend her time. She explores nearby adding to her collection of animal bones. Fascinated by the skeletons, Bones loves drawing them. She doesn't want to hang out with other kids and is at odds with her best friend, who has chosen a new girl over her. Her mum far away, working in the mines. Younger brother Nico, well...Nico is gone.  

Bones avoids the forest and the tree where it happened. She refuses to face the loss of her beloved brother. One night by the light of the full moon, Bones accidentally resurrects a baby bird skeleton. Bird lets her know right away he doesn't like being "alive." Bones must figure out a way to reverse the magic. 

A new kid named Tenny moves in, and soon becomes her unwanted, optimistic sidekick. Maybe with their help, Bones can find the book of spells, undo to magic and set Bird free, BUT Bones realizes she loves Bird. Why does she have to let everything and everyone go? 

A novel in verse that explores grief and loss, friendship and love, longing and letting go has never been this beautiful. This is a gift of a book. A kind hug. Bring tissues, there will be tears. 

Highly, highly recommended. A soaring story! 

Grades 5 and up. 

Puzzle-A-Story: Pizza Night!

A Puzzle Piece Board Book 

by Margo Nicholette 

Illustrations by Marta Alvarez Miguens

Workman Kids

an imprint of Workman Publishing

a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. 
 2026

ISBN: 9781523535972

Available September 22, 2026

What a fun board book! Littles will never have enough pizza! 

All the ingredients for pizza are assembled by Grandma and grandchild. They make the dough, add the sauce, the toppings, the cheese, creating the perfect masterpiece--their masterpizza! Each page has a puzzle piece that little hands can collect until the last page where they can assemble their pizza pie. Such fun!

For a lesson in pizza making, a cute story of generational sharing and food memories and love, and an actual interactive puzzle, it doesn't get better than this sweet read. 

Highly recommended for curious readers and busy hands ages 18 months and up. 

A Fond Remembrance: The Other Side of the Garden

 

The Other Side of the Garden by Sili Recio and Elena Djome Lawrence

Illustrated by Brianna McCarthy

A Denene Millner Book

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2026 

32 pages

ISBN: 9781665947060

A young girl and her mother visit the park and her abuela's "new garden." They bring flowers and sometimes a balloon. Beyond the fence is Abuela's old house and garden. The girl longs to visit and dance among the flowers with her grandmother. When she peeks over the fence, the flowers are gone. She searches for a glimpse of Abuela. She remembers every day playing and dancing in the garden, her grandmother's warm hugs and sweet scent. She finds out memories keep her loved one alive.

A beautiful, heartfelt tribute to memories of a loving grandmother who nurtured the young girl, this picture book delivers. Illustrations by Brianna McCarthy are full of life and joy, bringing the memories alive once more. Cover design is outstanding and deserves a standing ovation. 

A must read especially helpful for any child who has lost a loving grandparent. 

Five stars, ages 2 and up. 

Beautiful Illustrations; Triumphant Mouse!

 

The Outermost Mouse

by Lauren Wolk

Illustrated by Kristen Adam 

Dutton Children's Books

an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2026 

140 pages

ISBN: 9780593407776

A tiny mouse lives in a cottage by the ocean. It is beautiful there and the mouse is happy. An old man also lives in the cottage which he has called his home for many years. The mouse and man are content, but the sea is creeping closer and closer still. 

The mouse is worried and turns to the seagulls, some fish and even a sly fox with black boots, but they all go along their merry way. The mouse tries to build a barrier of shells, but the shells are no match for the power of the sea. The man has been readying to leave for awhile. He sees the angry sea and knows it's time. He gathers a few things and abandons the cottage. The mouse is alone, but strong. Her cottage is soon lifted by the surf and it is seaward bound. The mouse ties her tail around a spindle and rides it out, brave and fierce. She may be tiny, but she is mighty. 

For the underdog everywhere: do not doubt yourself. 

Gorgeous illustrations make this the year's best book! This will be the children's book of the year, trust me. I'm never wrong. Lauren Wolk is the reigning storyteller of children's literature for a reason. 

Highly, highly recommended ages 2 and up. A must-have, must-read. 

Humor Filled and Fun! Do You Really Know Flamingos?

 

Do You Really Know Flamingos'

by Brandon Todd

Illustrated by the author

Dial Books for Young Readers 

An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2026

48 pages

ISBN: 9798217114672

Frank E. Armadillo is a self-proclaimed expert in many fields, just ask him! He believes he knows all about princess birds (flamingos) but learns from other animals how little he actually knows. A flamingo takes on Frank and shows him all his misconceptions: Flamingos do NOT eat pink cotton candy. Their color comes from eating shrimp. They look dainty and move like ballerinas but they are NOT dainty at all. They are incredibly tough and resilient. Frank feels bad and realizes he's not an expert at all, but his flamingo pal encourages him to keep asking questions because experts must ask tons of great questions. 

Complete with flamingo facts sure to be memorized by young readers. End pages are delightful filled with of a flamboyance of flamingos. 

Colorful and silly illustrations will keep kids engaged and entertained. Highly recommended ages 2 and up. 

Non-Fiction Pick: Ghost Army: Th Troop of Artistw Who Helped Win WWII

 

Ghost Army: The Troop of Artists Who Helped Win WWII

by Sarah Glenn Marsh

Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

Viking '

an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2026

32 pages

ISBN: 9780593691717

What an impressive, informative picture book! Kudos to Sarah Glenn Marsh for bringint this important story to life and Becca Stadtlander who captures the action of American troops in Europe during WWII. This is the nearly forgotten, buried story of artists, painters, and musicians who helped confuse the enemy and keep thousands of Allied troops safe. 

The world was at war and America needed troops. Most young men joined the the army; even those who were not the biggest and baddest. The Army used camouflage and "ghost" tactics to convince the enemy that the U,S. forces were much huger than fact. Painters like Charlie were assigned to a troop of a little over one thousand men. They were experts in the arts: music, painting and architecture. It was their job to convince the enemy troops that they were real. 

Rubber tanks were painted to look real. The ghost troop moved them every few days. Not only that, they pretended to be fighting in the countryside, and they would wear uniforms and eat and drink in local towns, hoping spies would report their presence. 

It was not until 1996 that the Ghost Army and their heroic deeds came to light. Saving over 40,000 troops with their artistry and deception, the Ghost Army was finally recognized in 2022  by President Joe Biden and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their huge part in saving lives in WWII. 

HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended. A must-have, must-read for every non-fiction collection and readers who love non-fiction will love this story. 

Ages 5 and up. Not traditionally an easy picture book, this book has paragraphs not just a word or sentence every page. Great for early book reports with author's note of "behind the story" facts and further reading. 

Board book pick: My Octopus Arms

My Octopus Arms 

by Keith Baker

Illustrated by the author 

Little Simon

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children;s Publishing 

2026

40 pages

ISBN: 9798347108688

Octopus has eight arms and they can do everything! Keith Baker brings this sea creature to life on the rollicking pages of this board book charmer. The perfect size for little hands and built to withstand toddler troubles, My Octopus Arms is a lovely rhyming tribute.

Because they have eight arms, Octopus can multitask: pulling on socks, unlocking locks, building a wall and play sports. The best thing about Octopus? It's their ability to grow their arms. They get longer and longer...long enough for hugs. 

The cover sells this story. Kudos to Baker for illustrations of Octopus interacting with other sea creatures; they can not only do it all, they do it with a smile for friends. 

Highly, highly recommended ages 18 months and up. 

 

Picture Book Pick: Aliens Love Underpants

 

Aliens Love Underpants

by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort

Illustrations by Ben Cort

Aladdin

An imprint of Simon & Shuster Children's Publishing Division

2026

32 pages

ISBN: 9798347111688

Funny, rhyming text by the incredible Claire Freedman  paired with hilarious, winsome illustrations by Ben Cort make Aliens Love Underpants a forever favorite. "You'll laugh your pants off" the back cover states. It should be a warning! No one wants to get caught without their pants!

Aliens don't want to conquer Earth or defeat the human race. They don't want our gold or silver and won't enslave us to work on their planets. They simply WANT (NEED) our underpants! The surprised look on the boy's face at the end is LOL funny (the alien hiding out in his underpants draweer gets the last laugh!)

This book is my favorite out of all the "Underpants" series. Highly, highly recommended. Children will likely recite the text by heart because they begged for Aliens Love Underpants to be read AGAIN, AGAIN. AGAIN. Ages 2 and up. 

If you have a little of your own or a baby shower to attend, be sure and pick up this fantastic, fun read. 

Picture Book Pick: Seahorse Is Furious and There Is Nothing You Can Do About It

 

Seahorse Is Furious and There Is Nothing You Can Do About It

by Morag Hood

Illustrations by the author

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2026

32 pages

ISBN: 97983347109272

Seahorse wakes up on the wrong side of the bed (sea), and the day is just getting started. They've had it with being wet all the time; the ocean is not fun. The seaweed is "ridiculous," and there's nothing anyone, not even their friend Octopus, can do to lighten their mood. They do not want food, not even cookies and does not want a soft blanket nor a cushy stuffed  bunny to hold. Octopus does everything they can think of to help, and sure enough! Eventually Seahorse is smiling again. 

Illustrations are spot-on with capturing the mood of Seahorse and the other ocean dwellers, Seahorse has a terrible frown on the cover while all the other creatures are enjoying their day. Everyone but Seahorse has a smile. After countless attempts by Octopus, Seahorse is smiling also. End papers are cute and colorful and add to this gentle read. The underlying lesson, never preachy, is: it is alright for you to be grumpy sometimes. Everyone is, but do not let that mood define you. 

Highly recommended ages 1 and up. A charming read that will likely become a reader's favorite.