Month: September 2026

The Baby Who Only Said NO!

The Baby Who Only Said NO!Published by 1st Light Ministries, Doubleday Books for Young Readers on May 12, 2026
Pages: -11
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
three-stars

A hilarious follow-up to The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever. Baby can say a few words. Her big sister’s slime is “goo,” and Papa and Baby share a love for “Gaga.” But the most exciting word for Baby to say is “NO!” which Baby discovers on Monday and uses it extensively throughout the week in numerous situations. A situation on Saturday leads up to Mama asking if Baby needs a kiss to which Baby says “ya”.  The illustrations, especially of the exasperated parents. are amusing. This book will appeal to ages 2-4 but more significantly to parents and older siblings of bossy babies and toddlers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

The Home We Dreamed

The Home We DreamedThe Home We Dreamed: A Lyrical Picture Book of Family, Home, and Generations―From a Couple's First House in Communist Romania to Their Grandchild's Memories by Anca Sandu Budisan
Published by Quill Tree Books on May 26, 2026
ISBN: 006337305X
Pages: 34
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This story was inspired by Budisan’s grandparents, who lived in oppressive, Soviet-occupied Romania, where home became both refuge and a “symbol of persistence, a quiet act of defiance.” Narrated by a grandchild, this picture book follows a Romanian couple who build a home beside a river and raise generations of family there as political, social, and environmental changes reshape the world around them. The illustrations have the appearance of a photo album and the detailed illustrations in colored pencil and watercolor are lovely. However, I think this book will appeal more to adults than children. This book could be a candidate for a picture books for middle school or as a model for researching ones own heritage and creating a photo journal.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

The Mother Tree

The Mother TreePublished by Anne Schwartz Books on March 17, 2026
Pages: 40
Genres: Informational, Nature, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
four-stars

This seems like a children’s version of The Secret Life of Trees. I am unsure whether I will put this in the fiction or non-fiction section as it is very realistic and informational. Sadie and her mother enjoy walks through the forest. One of their favorite trees is a “two-hundred-year-old beech with a trunk like an elephant’s leg.” This beech, called a mother tree, helps feed others by cooperating with fungi to bring nutrients to new saplings through its root system. When spray-painted orange circles appear on some of the trees, Sadie discovers that loggers will be cutting them down to make paper. Devastated to learn that the mother tree is slated to be cut down, Sadie vows never to use paper again. Momma explains that it’s okay to use the resources that trees give to us as long as they aren’t wasted. Carpenter captures the emotional aspects of the trees being harvested and the horrible noise that the machines make. The subdued pastel colored illustrations add to the mournfulness of the text. There is hopefulness at the end because Sadie does save the mother tree from being cut down. Great book for discussions. Amazon lists this for preschool level but I think it would be more appropriate for 7-10 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America

Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of AmericaPublished by Random House Studio on July 7, 2026
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, dinosaurs, Informational
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
five-stars

This book goes back 85 million years to a time when Kansas was submerged under a vast ocean called the Western Interior Seaway that was teeming with incredible prehistoric sharks. This unique dinosaur book introduces lesser-known creatures through both narrative prose and brief, well-organized fact boxes. Dinosaur lovers will eat this up! Stewart is the author of over 200 science books for children and this is one of her best that also  includes a clear explanation of plate tectonics and the formation of Monument Rocks. Becca Stadtlander’s lush colored illustrations of these creatures compliment the text. I highly recommend adding this unusual dinosaur book to your dinosaur section. Ages 6-10.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

Steve Into the Great Unknown

Steve Into the Great UnknownSeries: Steve the Hore #4
Published by Kids Can Press on October 6, 2026
Pages: 31
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

Book 4 in the “Steve the Horse” graphic novel series. Steve the good-natured, self-absorbed horse  is bored so decides to go on an adventure. His best friend Bob the raccoon is concerned since Steve has never been on an adventure before and hasn’t even packed supplies. So Bob decides to accompany him. It doesn’t take long for Steve to become bored with the adventure. The silly humor abounds as Steve blunders into one (mis)adventure after another.  Perfect for early elementary–age children, but some of the vocabulary may be challenging: expedition, provisions, exhilarating, venturing, and escarpment. The graphics are simple and appealing. As with all “Steve the Horse” books a lesson is interjected amongst the entertainment. After all, “Preparation is everything!” Ages 7-9.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

In One Whale’s Breath

In One Whale’s BreathIn One Whale's Breath by Cinyee Chiu, Jessica Kulekjian
Published by Kids Can Press on September 1, 2026
ISBN: 1525314106
Genres: Animals, Informational
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A humpback whale takes a breath and dives below the ocean’s surface where it can swim underwater for 15 minutes before coming back to the surface for more air. Meanwhile, each page spread introduces a different animal, showing what it’s doing, where it lives, and how it breathes. This informational picture book offers two layers of text: a lyrical narrative that follows the whale and other animals, and smaller, more detailed factual blurbs explaining the science behind each creature’s breathing, making the book accessible to a wider range of readers. (Personally, this informational text was my favorite part of the book. I learned a lot!) At the end of  the book, the whale returns for its next breath, water droplets arising from its spout and traveling into the atmosphere and all the way to space. (This part could have been left out IMHO but it does not detract from the book.) Gouache and pastel illustrations of mostly blue and green depict a cool  oceanic setting. It would be fun to set a timer at the beginning of the book and wait for it to go off as you read the book so children have a better sense of the length of 15 minutes. You may want to read this book twice – once with the lyrical text and again with the informational text, which would likely take about 15 minutes. There is an author’s note, more information, books and websites at the end. Ages 4--8.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

Hello Beautiful Animal

Hello Beautiful AnimalHello, Beautiful Animal by Janie Hao, Lauren Soloy
Published by Kids Can Press on October 6, 2026
ISBN: 1525314335
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A narrator explains what all animals have in common and how they should be treated: “It’s a good idea to greet an animal with affection upon waking.” The art shows two children with tan skin and dark hair; two adults, one with pale skin and one with brown skin; and the family dog. It depicts the kids behaving like their pet. The joke, which is never spelled out, is that everything the narrator says about pets applies to children, too. Since the narrator doesn’t explain the text’s double meaning, the art does a fabulous job of doing that. The advice is practical while the tone is affirming – good advice for both humans and pets.  Probably best as a lap book but suitable for story time. I have to say, “I love the end pages!” Ages 4-6.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

School for Woodland Creatures

School for Woodland CreaturesSchool for Woodland Creatures (Our Friend Hedgehog) by Lauren Castillo
ISBN: 0593898966
Genres: Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

School for Woodland Creatures

Author-illustrator: Lauren Castillo

This illustrated chapter book for ages 5-9 is the third in the Our Friend Hedgehog series. It is about a young girl, Annika Mae, and her critter friends. When Annika Mae heads off to school, Hedgehog feels left out. She is jealous of Annika Mae’s new friends she made at school.  Hedgehog and her forest friends decide to start their own school. The animals decide to teach what they are an expert in; Owl will teach reading, Hen will teach math, Mole will teach geography, and Beaver will teach building. The problem is that Hedgehog does not feel like an expert in anything.

This is a sweet story about dealing with worries and self-doubt, and about being true to yourself. It’s a good reminder that everyone has something unique to offer and that you can be good at something but also make mistakes. It absolutely gives Winnie the Pooh vibes.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars

Gifts From Crows

Gifts From CrowsGifts from Crows by Gideon Sterer, Shadra Strickland
Published by Clarion Books on August 18, 2026
ISBN: 006323758X
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Family, Informational
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Four year-old Gabi has a tendency to drop bits of her snacks as she walks along with her family. Her family may not notice these tidbits but the neighborhood crows do as they gobble up the dropped food. These crows start watching for Gabi and her unintentional gifts. Soon it is hard to miss the relationship between Gabi and the crows.
As she gets older she feeds them from a feeding station in the backyard and the crows start doing something very surprising in return, leaving her gifts.
This beautiful retelling of a true story is full of age-appropriate information about crows, their habits, and their families through words and gorgeous, gentle illustrations. Backmatter is included. This story is a lovely remembrance of our relationships with the natural world all around us.

Ages 4-9
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

Fred Rex

Fred RexFred Rex by Joaquín Camp
Published by Kids Can Press on ‎ October 6, 2026
ISBN: 1525315331
Genres: dinosaurs, Emotions & Feelings, Family, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Our friend Fred Rex, full name Frederick Bartholomew Rex the Third, comes from a long family line of frighteners. He takes his job of carrying on the family line of frighteners very seriously attending the prestigious School of Fear. After he leaves school and the family home he tries all the things he learned in school. The problem is, he’s not very good at it. His best scares just aren’t very scary. How can Fred carry on the family legacy if he’s not scary?
One thing Fred does like is opera and he sings whenever he gets the chance. Will his family accept this talent or will he let them down?
Fred is like all of us just trying to find their way in the world and being their true self.

Ages 3 -7
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

three-stars