Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Amphibians: Everywhere

Amphibians: EverywhereAmphibians Everywhere: (A Kids' Nonfiction Science and Nature Book About Frogs, Toads, Newts, Salamanders, and Habitats for Ages 6-9) (Animals Everywhere) by Britta Teckentrup, Camilla de la Bedoyere
ISBN: 1536244120
Goodreads

Amphibians: Everywhere is a picture book on amphibians with engaging and stunning illustrations that will grab anyone who is browsing books and comes across this cover and these pages. The illustrations also help readers more deeply understand the scientific concepts in the book, from evolution to habitats. The illustrations also widen the possible age range of its audience; some readers will only look at (but greatly enjoy!) the illustrations, while older readers will appreciate the science concepts and detailed information, in combination with the images.

Educators and librarians will appreciate that this balance of illustrations and complex text will help readers self-differentiate and read as much or as little as they feel ready to consume. Educators will also appreciate how this text could be a strong introduction to multiple science units, from life cycles to what makes an amphibian to habitats. Readers and educators alike will appreciate that the text breaks down many aspects of what makes an amphibian from body parts to adaptations to evolution and more. This title would be a good fit primarily for readers in second through fifth grade, but it could also be used in a secondary classroom to introduce or reinforce some of these concepts. It would also be a great fit for environmental units as there is a section on how humans impact amphibians and what we can do to help. This was a five star read for me as it is visually appealing, has many quality non-fiction elements, and will be enjoyed by a wide variety of readers and educators. Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

 

The Moonlit Spiral

The Moonlit SpiralThe Moonlit Spiral: A Graphic Novel (A Fantasy Adventure About Treasure Hunting, Magic, Friendship, and Family for Kids Ages 8-12) by Mike Maihack
Published by Candlewick Press on October 6, 2026
ISBN: 1536224480
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

An emotional cold open  leads to an absolutely delightful fantasy adventure in this middle grade to teen graphic novel. Rion, who is an adventure skeptic, and his friend Zyla, an adventure enthusiast, are thrust into a quest led by a journal written by Rion’s late parents. Joined by an inquisitive fox creature posing as a human named Quill, and making friends along the way like the adorable glob critter Mango, the friends explore and trek their way into a deeper understanding of Rion’s family history.

Fun, engaging, and all-around nice, this will be a hit with those who have aged out of the Hilda series or who enjoy classic adventure literature. The creatures are endearing (those illuminating blume snails!), and the entire tone is gentle thanks to some redemptive character arcs. This is an easy recommendation for all age groups.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Felix Powell, Boy Squirrel

Felix Powell, Boy SquirrelFelix Powell, Boy Squirrel: A Funny Chapter Book about Friendship, Family, and Animals for Kids (Ages 6-10) by Erin Entrada Kelly
ISBN: 0063337266
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses, Magical Realism, Nature
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Felix Powell talks to animals, and wants to be a zoologist one day. He also knows magic when he sees it, which leads him to buying his favorite blanket at the thrift store for $1 (there was just something special about it). One sunny afternoon he goes outside with his dog, Mary Puppins, and his blanket to play. A strange thing happens, and Felix wakes up as a squirrel. His squirrel instincts kick in – sending him right up a tree at lightning speed. Fortunately, he runs into Reginald (another squirrel), who recognizes him as the boy who has previously talked to him. Felix desperately wants to retrieve his favorite blanket, which has wound up stuck high in the branches of another tree. Reginald is terrified to leave his nest after a previous encounter with a predator, but is also madly in love with the squirrel who resides in an adjacent tree. Can Felix and Reginald work together to overcome their fears, retrieve the beloved blanket, and meet the squirrel next door? Will Felix be able to change back into a boy by dinnertime?

This short chapter book is an easy and delightful read for all ages. There are black and white illustrations throughout that bring life to the pages. The story is also packed full of fun facts about squirrels and other animals, and includes puns and characters that will leave any reader chuckling. Felix lives with his Nan (or grandma), who takes care of him, showcasing a diverse family structure. Second in a series, but also a great stand-alone read. A wonderful addition to any early chapter book collection. Recommended for ages 7 to 10 (2nd to 5th Grade). Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

No Place on Earth

No Place on EarthNo Place on Earth by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Published by Random House on August 25, 2026
ISBN: 9798217119431
Genres: Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Mental Health
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

So much is different for Gustavo when he moves with his mom and sister from Puerto Rico to Yellowstone.  His school is much smaller, the weather is a lot colder, and he has to share a room with his older sister.  He misses his friends and can’t even game with them because his Internet is unstable at his new house in the park.  Even his dreams are different.  The nightmares that plagued him in Puerto Rico still occur, but now they include a boy from school. Gustavo and Kordell share a connection through their shared dreams and also because of their mental illness.  Gustavo experiences anxiety, though he is just starting to use that label, and Kordell has depression and is isolated from the other kids at school.  Gustavo slowly adjusts and starts to form friendships, with Kordell, and with other kids at school.  When Kordell is in trouble, only Gustavo and the mystical dream connection they share can save him.

This novel would be a great addition for libraries serving middle school students.  Gustavo learns to face his anxiety and its stigma, especially from his father who is initially resistant to Gustavo going to therapy.  Gustavo’s self-awareness develops throughout this book, as does his relationship with his sister.  Readers who like character driven stories will enjoy this book and there is enough action, especially at the end, to keep readers engaged.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-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

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

While We’re Here

While We’re HereWhile We’re Here by Anne Wynter, Micha Archer
Published by Clarion Books ISBN: 0063238292
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family Life, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

An African American mom and daughter are rushing to get somewhere in the first half of the book . . The suspense builds with the repeated refrain, “Hurry, hurry.” The reader wonders where they are going, only to be empathetically disappointed when they arrive to discover the party was yesterday. However, now that they have nowhere to be they can take a more leisurely trip back home and stop to enjoy things along the way. This book covers the gambit of emotions using mostly simple two-lined text. Archer’s brilliant collage art sets the characters against vibrant greens and blues in the city setting. This book will be a wonderful read aloud at story time. It’s message is relatable for everyone.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The World’s Game

The World’s GameThe World's Game by Andrés Landazábal, Yamile Saied Méndez
on June 2, 2026
Genres: Cultural / Latin America, Inspiration, Sports
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

One ball, two teams, and a whole lot of fans – what can bring the world together like a soccer match? This fun picture book, timed perfectly for the 2026 World Cup, celebrates a game like no other. A game where people of all cultures, from all around the world, come together to cheer on their teams. This story shows all perspectives of the game – from the action on the field, to the chants in the stands, and even the family feuds while watching the game on the couch at home. The photoshop illustrations depict diverse characters and multiple languages, and the inside cover includes flags from all around the world. A wonderful addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 (Preschool to 2nd Grade). Nominated for cream of the crop.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea

I Hear the Snow, I Smell the SeaI Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea by Chris Raschka, Jan Milusich, Janice Milusich
Published by Random House Children's Books on October 7, 2025
ISBN: 0593308174
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
This extraordinarily rich picture book is a sensory feast told from the perspective of Nevaeh, a young, blind girl with light brown hair and blue eyes. Drawing on her experience as a teacher of the blind and visually impaired, Milusich takes readers on a journey through the seasons. Nevaeh serves as an expert guide, illustrating how the year smells, feels, sounds, and tastes: spring smells like hyacinths, summer feels like floating in the ocean, fall sounds like the “Honk, honk, honk” of migrating birds, and winter tastes like fresh snow.
Nevaeh lives a rich, full life, enjoying the same seasonal milestones as her sighted peers. Her mindful awareness and joy are perfectly captured as she jumps into leaf piles, smells spring blossoms, and builds a snowman. Raschka’s watercolor and oil pastel illustrations strike a beautiful balance between representation and abstraction, giving sighted readers a luscious understanding of the world experienced through non-visual senses.
This title serves as an excellent mentor text for discussing how a character’s unique perspective shapes a narrative. Highly recommended for public and school library collections.

 

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

five-stars

Is This a Plum?

Is This a Plum?Is This a Plum? A Peek-Through Picture Book by Dan Ojari
Genres: Babies/Infants, Children's Beginning Readers, Humor, Picture book/animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Is This a Plum? a delightful peek-through picture book by Dan and Finn Ojari, will keep readers on their toes! Page cut-outs look like one thing, but you’ll be surprised with every turn of the page. Readers of any age will enjoy the guessing game as well as the charming critters determined to lead your guesses astray. And such illustrations! Like Eric Carle, Dan Ojari can command a page with basic shapes and colors. Those who tend to be visually overwhelmed will especially love the design of the book. Even the texture of the cover has a tactile appeal.

Recommended for ages 3-8, and the book begs to be read aloud. Daycares, preschools, K-3 classrooms, library children’s collections, and caregivers of all types would do well to add Is This a Plum? to their collections.

Bonus! The book was inspired by Dan’s son Finn who realized a plum looks a lot like a … well, you’ll have to find that out for yourself.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library

five-stars