41-42. Two Henry Chapter books

41. Henry's Picture-Perfect Day. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, school, friendship]

First sentence: Classroom Ten was buzzing. Everyone was excited for Picture Day. Almost everyone. Henry tugged at his new shirt. The collar was too close to his ears. The cuffs were too tight on his wrists. The buttons went on forever. And the shirt had stripes.

Premise/plot: Henry is not excited for Picture Day. It is not regular. He is not dressed regular. He has all the thoughts and opinions. But with the help of some friends, Henry may just survive Picture Day.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love HENRY. He is so very relatable. Because he is so relatable to me, I find so many quotes to love. Like, "Henry had never practiced smiling. Maybe that was why he never looked like he thought he should in pictures."

I definitely recommend all the Henry books!

42. Henry Upside Down. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2026. 52 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book, 5 stars, school, friendship]

First sentence: Henry could hardly wait. It was finally Garden Time for Classroom Ten. Each week, someone from their class would take care of the school garden.

Premise/plot: Henry wants to be the one to take care of the garden. He wants his best, best, best friend, Katie, to be his helper. The week will be perfect. Henry has thought everything out--and made a list. But when Katie invites her new friend, Ivy, to help too, well, that is NOT regular. Henry does not like the intrusion of Ivy into his friendship with Katie. Is there room in this garden for three???

My thoughts: Henry has some adjustments to make in this fourth early chapter book in the series. I love, love, love, love Henry. He is a GREAT character. I love and adore him. Not only that I understand him. Highly recommend the whole series.

Quotes: Henry liked lists. Lists meant not guessing. Guesses could be wrong. Lists meant not forgetting. Unless you forgot the list.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

37-40. Four Board Books

37. Dinosaur Friends. Sara Miller. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board books, dinosaurs]

First sentence: Little Dino is lost. He wants his Mommy. "Are you my Mommy?" he asks Stegosaurus.

Premise/plot: Little Dino is searching for his mommy but not having much luck. This one is essentially a dinosaur themed, condensed version of the classic Are You My Mother.

My thoughts: It was okay. It was decent. I think the cut-out shape of this one is fun and gimmicky. Little dinosaur lovers may enjoy this one. It is a short read. It isn't overly tedious.



38. Gus & Sully: All Week Long. Steve Light. 2026. 16 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board books, friendship, concept book]

First sentence: Sully! I'm excited to spend the week together! All seven days! Can't wait!

Premise/plot: Two friends spend the week together. Different activities every day. The two friends don't always agree on everything, but fun is had.

My thoughts: I liked this one okay. Again, it was decent. I have not read any Gus & Sully books before. It seems like these two might star in several books. IF your young reader loves these characters, this one is definitely something to consider. I also think as far as concept books go for days of the week, it isn't bad.



39. Glow with Sounds and Lights. Nicola Edwards. Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars, interactive board book]

First sentence: Moon's glow is so bold--she lights up the light! I'm supposed to shine, too, but I don't know how...

Premise/plot: Firefly isn't glowing. If he was, well, it would be a very short book. As he goes in search of his glow, little ones have things to press for glowing effects and sound effects.

My thoughts: This one is all about the gimmick of lights and sound. Thankfully there is an off/on switch. Though the existence of the off/on switch does not mean that little ones OR parents will remember to turn it off to save batteries. Try reading this one without the special effects and you'll see what I mean about this one being gimmicky. I also don't like the owl's eyeball glows.

It is okay. It is decent.

40. My Daddy is Everything (Board book) Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin. 2026. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, board books, family]

First sentence: My daddy is everything in my eyes. He's the answer to my hows and whys. Daddy's a tugboat that pulls me along. Daddy's a rock band playing our song. Daddy's the seeker whenever I hide.

Premise/plot: This book celebrates the love of a child and his father. The first sentence says it all. What you see is what you get!

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love, love this one!!!!! Carole Boston Weatherford is a great writer. I love the story. I love the narrative. I love the illustrations. IT's just such a great read!


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

36. The Rare Bird

36. The Rare Bird. Elisha Cooper. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, cats, imagination, picture books]

First sentence: The Rare Bird flew through the forest, flying so fast he knocked the leaves off the trees.

Premise/plot: The Rare Bird is a quirky little picture book starring a cat with a vivid imagination.

My thoughts: This cat has SOME imagination. The whole book--except the last few pages--is written as if the book was about, you know, an actual actual bird. But it this CAT living his normal cat life but imagining a whole other world, whole other life. He never leaves the house but he's flying across the world and seeing it all.

I liked this one. It was quirky and whimsical.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers