Format: Picture Book Fiction

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy CakePublished by Alfred A. Knopf on October 7, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

What an intriguing title! This is the sequel to The Bakery Dragon. Ember the  dragon has mastered the art of baking bread but is stymied when Princess Turnip of the Vegetable fairies orders a birthday cake for the fairy queen’s birthday. After a few humorous attempts, Ember figures out how to make a lovely cake by going to the library and seeking out a recipe. He is so fired-up (pun intended) that the bakery now specializes in beautifully decorated cakes.  This a magical book about trying new things, and I am looking forward to what pastry Ember will tackle next. For 4-8 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Seven Babies

Seven BabiesSeven Babies by Forest Xiao
Published by Candlewick Press on Aug 26, 2025
ISBN: 1536245097
Genres: Babies/Infants, Counting Books, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

One Thursday morning, a box of seven babies is delivered to a  man and woman. They take the babies in, feed them, take them to a playground, bathe them, read to them, and put them to bed. The babies have another idea. They sneak out for further adventures when the exhausted couple have fallen asleep. You cannot find a sweeter book! Much of the story is told by the Xiao’s expressive illustrations. The text is very simple and preschool children will be delighted by this book. Diverse-appearing characters throughout.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Strange Creatures

Strange CreaturesStrange Creatures by Cristina Sitja Rubio, Cristobal León
ISBN: 1525313800
Genres: Animals, Nature
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

It had been an uneventful summer for the forest animals, until one day they are invited to a party full of dancing and cake. When they return, their tree homes had disappeared, and only their skeletons (stumps) remained. The animals tried to communicate with the strange creatures (humans) that took their homes, but had better luck communicating with the small guardians (pets) of the strange creatures. The animals concocted a plan to lure the strange creatures to another party, for they also liked to dance. During the party, the animals moved the homes of the strange creatures, to make a point and better communicate the need for their forest home. In the end, the strange creatures understood and helped to replant the forest. This dramatic fable is full of striking and emotive gouache illustrations and hand lettered text. Could be used as a starting point for conversations about refugees, deforestation, climate change, and more. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

The Richest Cow in the World

The Richest Cow in the WorldThe Richest Cow in the World by Barroux
ISBN: 1525314114
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A new take on the classic fisherman’s parable. Cow is taking a nap beneath his apple tree, when Pig comes along imagining all the ways Cow could turn a profit from the apples (making pies, selling merchandise, buying more trees and more land). Cow is intrigued and asks what happens next, after he becomes the richest cow in the world. Well – then the fun begins, explains Pig, by selling the business, Cow can then buy a small island and find a peaceful spot to nap in the shade. This reimagined classic tale is a great reminder to have balance and enjoy life. Watercolor and ink illustrations are so fun and expressive. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

Baa Haa

Baa HaaBaa Haa by Audrey Perrott, Ross Burach
ISBN: 1546134034
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Everything makes Babette laugh. Babette laughs when she is surprised, excited, and glad. But she also laughs when nothing is funny – when she is nervous, scared, in trouble, mad, or sad. It is just easier for Babette to cover up her real feelings with silliness. Until one day – the knot in her stomach is just too big to ignore. Her caring friends come to the rescue, sensing that she’s not really okay, and remind Babette that they love her for her, no matter what she’s feeling. From then on – Babette lets her real feelings show.

The text is full of animal puns, and the cartoon-like illustrations are bright, colorful, and full of emotion. A sweet book with an important message; this book could be used as a tool to remind children to share their true feelings, even if those feelings aren’t positive. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

It’s not Easy Being a T. Rex

It’s not Easy Being a T. RexIt's Not Easy Being a T. Rex: A Dinosaur Story by Marilyn Sadler, Stephanie Laberis
ISBN: 0593810368
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

It’s Rexy’s first day of school – and she is worried about fitting in with the other dinosaurs. Her teeth are the size of bananas and her arms are so short she can’t even scratch an itch. When she sits in the front row of the classroom the dinosaur behind her couldn’t even see around her big head. At recess she accidentally pops the kickball with her teeth and is so embarrassed. But when the volcano erupts near school, Rexy saves a fellow classmate using her powerful jaws. Her new friends give her encouragement, complimenting her strengths and reminding her that no one is good at everything. This is a simple story with a sweet message about embracing differences. Digital illustrations are colorful and fun. Recommended for dinosaur lovers ages 3 to 7 (Pre-K to 1st Grade).

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

three-stars

The Night of the Hedgehog

The Night of the HedgehogThe Night of the Hedgehog by Chuck Groenink, Tanya Rosie
ISBN: 1536245062
Genres: Animals, Family, Nature
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A father/daughter duo head out into their yard at nighttime to admire a family of hedgehogs. They seem to be expecting the hogs (which appear to be regular visitors), bringing the hogs water to drink and watching as the hogs explore a hog hole that they had previously carved. This book celebrates nature, and presents a great example of kindly observing and interacting with nature in a positive way. It’s also a nice reminder that sometimes, exciting wildlife interactions can happen just steps from home. The sweet rhyming text makes for a nice read aloud. Mixed media illustrations are peaceful, soft, and quiet, just like the nighttime in the story. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

Pajammin’!

Pajammin’!Pajammin': A Reggae Pajama Party for the Whole Family Inspired by Bob Marley's Jamming by Letícia Moreno, Ziggy Marley
ISBN: 0063287196
Genres: Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Inspired by the song “Jamming” by Bob Marley, this book as all about a pajammin’ party. The epic slumber party night is full of pillow fights, flashlight tag, music, storytelling, fort building, and late-night snacks. The text reads a bit clunky (not quite rhyming, and not quite singing to the classic song). The illustrations are the star of the show – fun, colorful, full of layers and depth, and depicting light/darkness; the illustrations evoke that magical sleepover childhood feeling that is perfect for this story. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 (Pre-K to 3rd Grade).

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

four-stars

Anjali Can!

Anjali Can!Anjali Can! (Always Anjali) by Lucia Soto, Sheetal Sheth
ISBN: 0593651227
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Anjali is back in this third book of the Always Anjali series, to prove that there isn’t anything she can’t do. The Community Center, which is at the heart of her community, is being shut down. Anjali feels passionate about keeping it open, so she gathers her friends to organize a protest, write letters, create a petition, and engage with city council. When it seems as though all hope is lost, the community rallies behind the cause, and she gets the attention of a city council member, who in turn organizes a public hearing to keep the center open. This is a heartfelt and inspiring story about peaceful ways to organize change and make your voice heard. The digital illustrations are full of color and emotion, and depict a diverse community. Cream of the Crop nominee. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 (Pre-K to 3rd Grade).

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

five-stars

How to Make a Bedtime

How to Make a BedtimeHow to Make a Bedtime by Karen Blair, Meg McKinlay
Published by Candlewick Press on January 28, 2025
ISBN: 1536236055
Pages: 32
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This sweet poetic story is a celebration of bedtime routines, from a sloshy wash in the bathtub, to cloud-soft pajamas, a huggily hug, and finally a bedtime story just like this one. While the child in this story is clearly tired already, the parent (depicted as a bear), is determined to make it through the entire bedtime routine. While the bedtime routine in the story includes many activities – it did not include teeth brushing. The illustrations are exceptional – with soft sketchy layers of pastel, they feel like a warm bedtime hug. Recommended for ages birth to 4 years.

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

four-stars