Captivating, Gorgeous Illustrations and Timeless Story (bound to become a classic favorite!) Beatrix and the Unicorn

 

Beatrix and the Unicorn 

by Lita Judge

Illustrations by the author 

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2026

40 pages

ISBN: 9781665963916

Masterful Storytelling and Magical Illustrations

Beatrix and the Unicorn is evocative of beloved fairy tales with the magic we expect from a classic: a lonely young servant lives in a castle where she toils each day scrubbing and cleaning, the dining hall with its massive table weighted with pies, breads and meats, the great hall with tapastries woven with golden threads--her favorite by far is the unicorn--what a beautiful creature Beatrix thinks. It is the most beautiful thing she's ever seen. If only it was real and not a cloth hung on a stone wall. 

One night, Beatrix decides she must find a unicorn. Only then, will she be fulfilled and never lonely again. She sneaks into the night venturing into a forest where she saves a scared rabbit and scoops it up. Later, she encounters a hurt dog. She bandages its leg with her cap. As she continues her search, she gets tired and stops to rest. The castle cat has followed her. Attentive littles will notice the cat on almost every page though Beatrix does not notice him. Beatrix gives her food to her faithful new companions and soon settles in for a nap. She dreams of the unicorn who visits her. 

The magical creature assures her that she is not alone; many love her. Upon waking, Beatrix is saddened it was only a dream but a magical one that imparted wisdom and solace. The unicorn touched her with the knowledge to love precious creatures who love her back; she realizes she will never be lonely or alone again. 

Glorious illustrations make this my favorite picture book so far this year. The ornate border around the earlier pages are reminiscent of classic fairy tale books. The border disappears when Beatrix has her dream and never reappears once Beatrix is cognizant of the love surrounding her .

The Caldecott committee is likely to have this lovely picture book on its list of favorites, it not book of the year. Kudos to Lita Judge for sharing her talents and inviting all of us to believe in unicorns and magic once   again. 

Highly, HIGHLY recommended ages 2 and up. A must-have, must-read. Sure to become a classic!  

Board Book: How Do You Jew?

 

How Do You Jew? A Celebration of Jews Around the World

by Suzy Ultman

Illustrations by the author 

Rise x Pentuin Workshop 

An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

2026

24 pages

ISBN: 9780593751978

Author illustrator Suzy Ultman celebrates Jewish traditions around the world. Although Jews may be scattered in many countries and might speak different languages, they share traditions, foods and celebrations.

Ethiopian Jews eat dabo on Shabbat while Polish Jews celebrate dancing at weddings to klezmer music. Jews around the world might celebrate differently but everywhere they live, they celebrate "home." 

Board books are sturdy for toddler fingers. Colorful illustrations by Ultman are a celebration! This little board book is perfect as a first read introducing Jewish celebrations and celebrating the diaspora of peoples who still share common ground. 

Recommended ages 2 to 4. How Do You Jew?