Sage and the Snowshoe Express

October 2, 2026

Sage and the Snowshoe Express by Louise Bradford, Maya McKibbin
ISBN: 1525312960
Genres: Cultural / First Nations, Cultural / Indigenous, Family, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Sage and the Snowshoe Express by Louise Bradford, member of the Batchewana First Nation, is a picture book that honors the author’s ancestor, an Indigenous mail carrier. In a time when there were few threads binding together disparate villages of northern Canada, mail carriers didn’t just deliver letters and packages; they kept families and loved ones connected, even in the darkness of northern winters. When her father leaves a package behind on his mail run, young Sage races into the woods after him to deliver it. By the time she catches up, a storm is threatening and she cannot go back. Sage must brave the dark and dangerous journey alongside her father and beloved sled dog Nimoosh.

Illustrations by Maya McKibbin are warm and engaging, deftly toggling comic moments with dangerous ones. Sage and her father feel like the kinds of people you might meet anywhere, yet they demonstrate the kind of wisdom and determination that feels extraordinary.

Recommended for school and public libraries, and a delightful addition to any unit dealing with Canada, northern climates, First Nations and Indigenous Peoples, community, or the bond between fathers and daughters.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library

No Place on Earth

September 28, 2026

No 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

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

Free to Fly

September 23, 2026September 23, 2026

Free to Fly: A Tender Picture Book about Native Resilience, Grandparent Love, and Dreams That Span Generations by Karina Iceberg, Steph Littlebird
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks on 2026
ISBN: 0063254905
Genres: Cultural / Native American, Family, History
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Free to Fly is a picture book that conveys the lasting trauma that Indian boarding schools had on the Alutiit people, who live on the coast of what is now called Alaska. A child, Qal, visits her Apaa (grandfather) who is a survivor of the schools. He is spending time in his treehouse–where he goes to recover when he is feeling the heaviness of the past. As he tells his story, he uses ravens, eagles, cages, and flight as metaphors for identity, oppression, forced assimilation, and freedom. Apaa imagines a safe nest within him that allows him to heal, have dreams, and hope again, despite the suffering of the past. He dreams of a future where he has a grandchild, just like Qal. The watercolor artwork is structured with bold lines that bring both the dreaminess of memories and the present day together. Younger readers would benefit from an adult to help guide a discussion and answer questions. This would be a fantastic book for upper elementary and middle grade readers to get a window into Alutiit culture, and to begin to understand the history of the colonization of North America. The Author’s Note at the end gives more detailed historical context and there is an Alutiiq (the language) glossary and pronunciation guide at the end of the book. This is a five-star, cream of the crop nominee.

Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland

A Room With a View

September 22, 2026September 22, 2026

Published by Harper on May 26, 2026
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Emotions & Feelings, Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

Young Oliver is reluctantly pulled into yet another camping trip because Mama’s decided it’s time for their next big outdoor adventure. Oliver is determined not to enjoy this trip and to make this adventure his last. But he begins reflecting on the moments he does enjoy, especially spending time with his mom. Mesquita’s strikingly colored illustrations with fun details depict the hiking/camping adventure in the unnamed southwest national park. Oliver and Mama are brown-haired and tan-skinned. There is an Author’s Note about national parks and a list of National Parks by state in the back of the book along with “Oliver’s tips for adventuring like a pro.” Recommended for ages 4-8.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Van Gogh’s Dog

September 22, 2026September 22, 2026

Published by Random House Studio on April 28, 2026
Pages: 39
Genres: Adventure, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

Vincent van Gogh feels artistically stifled until a small dog steals his paint brush and shows him the beauty he’s overlooked in this fictionalized story. The naughty pup leads Van Gogh on a chase through the places found in his artworks, such as bright yellow sunflowers and the famed Night Café. After the dog’s antics necessitate a rescue from the river under a starry night sky, Van Gogh returns home bursting with ideas. Altogether, the adventurous duo introduces nine different paintings, reproduced as a mini art gallery on the last page. Although there is no note mentioning if Vincent actually owned a dog, readers will fall in love with this speckled pup named Sunny. The illustrator replicates Van Gogh’s style using dabbed lines, swirls, and spirals. This would be a fun book for children to read prior to visiting an art museum. It could be paired with Cat Nap by Brian Lies. Younger children will enjoy the dog’s antics but older ones who are familiar with Van Gogh’s paintings will more fully appreciate the book.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Pizzasaurus

September 22, 2026

Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on March 3, 2026
Pages: 32
Genres: dinosaurs, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

The book begins with the narrator stating, “You look like someone who knows a lot about dinosaurs.” While admittingly you know a lot about the more famous dinosaurs, the Pizzasaurus dinosaur “really delivers.” .The other dinosaurs are resentful of the newcomer until he shares his pizza with everyone. Though this dinosaur book is light on plot, it’s heavy on humor with its pizza-themed puns and wordplay. Beckett’s bright, comical illustrations featuring dinosaurs add to the fun. Children 4-7 will enjoy this zany read-aloud. Pair it with Dinosaurs Love Underpants for a rollicking story time.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Grumpy Monkey Father’s Day Fuss

September 22, 2026

Series: Grumpy Monkey #11
Published by Random House Studio on March 31, 2026
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Holiday, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
three-stars

Book 11 in the Grumpy Monkey series celebrates fathers and grandfathers in this seasonal companion book to the Mother’s Day title. Jim’s dad LOVES Father’s Day, but Grandpanzee thinks the holiday is “a bunch of malarkey!” While Chip likes to be the center of attention, Grandpanzee prefers a day of termite fishing alone with his son and grandson. An enjoyable read aloud for 4-7 year olds and begs to be followed by a conversation about different emotions and reactions. And we learn where Jim gets his grumpiness from!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Where Do Race Cars Sleep at Night?

September 22, 2026September 22, 2026

Series: Where Do... #14
Published by Random House on March 24, 2026
Genres: Humor, Sports, Vehicles
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
three-stars

Following the similar books in this series about digging machines, steam trains, and airplanes, the author-illustrator team uses simple rhyming verses and richly colored, double-page illustrations to pull young readers into the world of sports car racing. Mouse is also back, cropping up in each spread to encourage readers to keep their eyes peeled. A variety of cars are depicted including go-karts, dragsters, and self-driving cars, stretching the definition of race cars but adding to the fun. The book wraps up in a bedroom with a toy race track, cars, boy sleeping in his bed, and cat and mouse resting against a red race car. Children who love vehicles (don’t they all?) ages 3-6 will enjoy this appealing picture book.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

The Baby Who Only Said NO!

September 21, 2026September 21, 2026

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

The Home We Dreamed

September 21, 2026

The 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