Format: Picture Book Fiction

Philomena and the Big Bad Mimi

Philomena and the Big Bad MimiPhilomena and the Big Bad Mimi by Geneviève Jannelle, Jasmine Mirra Turcotte
ISBN: 1525315188
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

No one will play with Philomena at recess because every time someone tells a story, the Big Bad Mimi takes over Philomena’s mouth and she just has to tell a story about her instead. The Big Bad Mimi makes it hard for Philomena to listen to others. Philomena decides to ask an adult for help so that the other children will enjoy spending time with her again. After getting some help from a tiny creature called a Yoo-yoo, Philomena learns that other people might have interesting things to say too. 

This short picture book has bright and engaging illustrations. It would be a wonderful choice for a teacher or parent who is helping a child work through feelings of self-centeredness. It gives adults child friendly language to use with young children and a simple tool to practice listening to others. Many children will be able to relate to the feeling of the Mimi taking over.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School 

three-stars

The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story

The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby StoryThe Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story by Katherine Applegate, Lita Judge
ISBN: 006351544X
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Littlest Elephant is a picture book companion to the award winning One and Only series by Katherine Applegate. In this book we are introduced to Ruby, the littlest elephant in the herd. She is about to celebrate her tusk day: a day when elephants celebrate young elephants who get their tusks. Ruby is not sure if she likes her tusks. She is scared of what it means to be a grown up elephant. The older elephants in the herd help Ruby work through her fears and remember all the gifts she has been given as well as the hard times she has been through. 

The illustrations and text of this book are a wonderful introduction to the world created by Kristina Applegate in her One and Only series. We see some brief cameos by Bob and Ivan, but this book can be fully read and understood without reading any other books in the series. The illustrations are approachable and the text is child friendly. This would be a great book for any child who loves elephants or who needs a reminder of all the beautiful gifts life has to offer.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

four-stars

When We Go Home

When We Go HomeWhen We Go Home by Heather Beaumont, Nátali de Mello
ISBN: 1525312510
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

When We Go Home is a book that explores what it means to be a part of two cultures and helps children understand how a person could have more than one home. It is beautifully written and illustrated, showing the differences between the main characters’ environments and cultures. Natali de Mello’s illustrations are the highlight of this book. They bring Marlee’s perspective to life in a way that both kids and adults will enjoy. 

When Marlee’s parents tell her that they will be going home for a visit, Marlee says “Not my home.” She and her brother have never been to the islands where her parents grew up. To her home means snowy city streets. After traveling to the islands and meeting her family members, Marlee participates in activities that make the islands feel like home to her as well. Marlee learns that it is possible for a person to have more than one home in their heart. 

Reviewed By Rebecca Duquette, Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School 

four-stars

I Love You 100

I Love You 100I Love You 100: A Counting Book Full of Love (McKellar Math) by Danica McKellar, Josée Masse
Series: McKellar Math
Published by Random House on November 4, 2025
ISBN: 1101933909
Genres: Counting Books, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Mom and son count the many ways they love one another and the things they do together. Whether they are running in the sand, playing boats, or swinging high they are happy and grateful to be doing those things together and counting the ways they love one another, all the way up to 100.
A counting book with heart this book is joy filled while teaching counting.

Ages 4-8
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

three-stars

Dasher and the Polar Bear

Dasher and the Polar BearDasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares
Series: Dasher
Published by Candlewick Press on September 30, 2025
ISBN: 1536236314
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Dasher the reindeer is out exploring and enjoying the Northern Lights one night near Christmas when she is startled by a polar bear named George. They start talking and George is astounded that Dasher is able to fly. Dasher tries to teach him to fly too but no success.
On Christmas Eve when Dasher is out with Santa and the rest of the reindeer Dasher makes a stop at George’s. While George may not be able to fly on his own with a little help from Santa and the reindeer and a little Christmas magic George’s dream is able to come true that night.

Ages 4-8
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

Haircut Day with Dad

Haircut Day with DadHaircut Day with Dad by Monica Mikai
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on January 13, 2026
ISBN: 979-8217027545
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

For Black men and boys the barbershop is a hub of the community and the time a father and son spend together waiting their turn to get a fresh fade. There are men playing chess, sports games on the televisions and jokes being told all around them. The young man says this space is like a family reunion.
Soon it’s their turn with the barbers, Bobby and Red, who always make them look fresh!The best part of the whole day though is the time dad spends with his best friend, his son.

Ages 4-8
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

Stronger Than

Stronger ThanStronger Than by E B Lewis, Nikki Grimes, Stacy Wells
ISBN: 0063264773
Genres: Cultural / Native American, Family, History
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Dante is a Black Choctaw boy living in Oklahoma. At 8 years old he dreams of being old enough to play stickball but also still struggles with nightmares. His mother comes to comfort him and tell him how to work through his bad dreams. She tells him how his great great grandmothers face daymares with the Trail of Tears and The Tulsa Race Massacre, how if they were strong enough to endure those real life struggles he could calm his mind enough to persist past his nightmares.

The next day his uncle takes him to the public library to read up on those two events and how they shaped his family and his community, how their experiences made him stronger and more unafraid, “we come from people stronger than fear”,

Notes from the author and historical backmatter is included.

Ages 5-10
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars

A Good Hide

A Good HideA Good Hide by Karina Iceberg, Natasha Donovan
Published by Heartdrum on January 13, 2026
ISBN: 006325493X
Genres: Cultural / First Nations, Cultural / Native American, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Fall in Alaska is moose season. This is cause for celebration among the community. The story takes us through the process of how the entire group participates in what it takes to tan the moose hide for use in clothing, hunting gear, and cultural regalia. From the cleaning to the stretching and scraping and making the brain stew to spread across the hide this is a joyful step by step look into the tradition.
The book includes back matter from the author as well as a letter from the curator of the Heartdrum imprint.

Ages 4-8
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars

Magick Hoodoo Child

Magick Hoodoo ChildMagick Hoodoo Child by Amber McBride, Violeta Encarnación
Published by Harper on January 20, 2026
ISBN: 0063395401
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family, Folklore, Nature
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Juniper is one way at school; quiet, shy, trying to stay out of the bullies’ way with the help of her tiny mojo bag. She is just trying to get through until the wonderful day her Mama helps her pack up her empty mason jars to take to her Grandma’s house for the summer.
At Grandma’s she wanders barefoot through the Southern woods and thrives under the tutelage of her grandmother in the learning of ancestral rootwork. She communes with the plants and the work of her ancestors from Africa, in gratitude for all of Nature’s gifts.
As she packs to head back to the city her grandma reminds her that this is who she is, she is a hoodoo child, following in the footsteps of her ancestors. This is a beautiful story of self discovery and self love.

Ages 4-7
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

Mama Loves It

Mama Loves ItMama Loves It (Raffi Songs to Read) by Patricia Pessoa, Raffi
Published by Knopf Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Perennial favorite Raffi is here to remind us once again that it is just as acceptable to sing books out loud as it is to read them. This time it’s a song about helping out with chores and how much it means to family members when everyone chips in (can confirm). Happily illustrated and good-natured, this is a solid choice for story times, or for delivering an essential message about how it takes a whole family to keep things tidy. Song lyrics and notated music included.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars