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

33. Dinos That Drive

33. Dinos that Drive. Suzy Levinson. Illustrated by Dustin Harbin. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, poetry]

First sentence: You've never seen a dinosaur
that's into driving cars?
You've never seen a dinosaur
that flies a jumbo jet?
You've never seen a dinosaur
that rockets to the stars?
Then buckle up! Let's take a ride...
YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET!

Premise/plot: Do you have a little one that loves, loves, loves dinosaurs? Do you have a little one that loves vehicles? Things that go, go, go!!! This themed poetry collection might be a great fit for you and your family.

Each dinosaur has a favorite vehicle. The T-Rex is a recurring character that keeps popping back up in the poems. There are dinosaur facts as well in the dialogue bubbles (or speech bubbles).

The style is very Richard Scarry-ish.

My thoughts: It's fun. It's whimsical. I don't think a love of poetry is an absolute must. I do think you need to like dinosaurs!


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

29. Richard Scarry's Great Mystery Collection

29. Richard Scarry's Great Mystery Collection. Richard Scarry. 2025. (1969, 1975) 96 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture books, mysteries]

First sentence of the Great Pie Robbery: Sam Cat and Dudley Pig are detectives. They find children who get lost. They catch robbers who steal things.
First sentence of the Supermarket Mystery: Sam Cat and Dudley Pig are very fine detectives. If anyone has a problem, they will try to solve it.
First sentence of The Great Steamboat Mystery: Mr. and Mrs. Pig had just gotten married. They invited all their friends to a big wedding party aboard the steamboat Sally. Just for fun, they asked everyone to wear a costume. Mr. Pig also asked Sam and Dudley, the famous detectives, to come to the party. He wanted them to see that no wedding presents got stolen. Sam and Dudley wore costumes, too. They dressed like pirates.

Premise/plot: This omnibus collection includes THREE Richard Scarry picture books. Each picture book stars Sam Cat and Dudley Pig. These detectives will keep on trying and trying until the case is SOLVED. The three books are: The Great Pie Robbery, the Supermarket Mystery, and the Great Steamboat Mystery. Each book is fun and silly. Pay attention to the details.

My thoughts: I love, love, love Richard Scarry. I love his worldbuilding. I love his characters. I love his attention to details. These three are mystery picture books. I definitely enjoyed revisiting this author and illustrator.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

14-16 Three Jamie Oliver Board Books

14. Board Book: Let's Make Pizza. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]

First sentence: Are you read? Let's start with...puff pastry. Roll, roll. Tomato sauce. Swirl, swirl.

Jamie Oliver has written a handful of board books for the youngest audience. Super, super, super simple text. Basic instructions. Each two-page spread of the board book features a flap to unfold that continues the recipe. (Rolling, swirling, etc.) So one page ingredient, second page, activity.

The illustrations are super bright and bold.

This one is Let's Make Pizza. It was an enjoyable board book.




15. Board book: Let's Make Pancakes. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]

First sentence: Are you ready? Let's start with....flour. Tip, tip. Egg. Crack, crack. Milk. Whisk, whisk.

Jamie Oliver has written a handful of board books for the youngest audience. Super, super, super simple text. Basic instructions. Each two-page spread of the board book features a flap to unfold that continues the recipe. (Rolling, swirling, etc.) So one page ingredient, second page, activity.

The illustrations are super bright and bold.

This one is Let's Make Pancakes. It was an enjoyable board book.



16. Board book: Let's Make Pasta. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]

First sentence: Are you ready? Let's start with...tomatoes and garlic. Crush, crush, squish, squish. Basil. Pick, pick.


Jamie Oliver has written a handful of board books for the youngest audience. Super, super, super simple text. Basic instructions. Each two-page spread of the board book features a flap to unfold that continues the recipe. (Rolling, swirling, etc.) So one page ingredient, second page, activity.

The illustrations are super bright and bold.

This one is Let's Make Pasta. It was an enjoyable board book.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

13. Two Ballerinas and a Moose

13. Two Ballerinas and a Moose. James Preller. Illustrated by Abigail Burch. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, 4 stars]

First sentence: Two ballerinas. One in red. One in blue. Look at their fancy clothes. Look at their pointy toes. Me too! I want to dance too!

Premise/plot: Can a Moose dance ballet? Maybe. Maybe not. The other two dancers--to be fair--are also animals.

My thoughts: I like this one well enough. I do. Do I love, love, love it? No. Is it silly? Yes. For an early reader does it have an enjoyable enough story? Yes.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

9. Fireworks

9. Fireworks. Matthew Burgess. Illustrated by Catia Chien. 2025. 44 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, Caldecott Medal]

First sentence: In the summer, the sun rises
between buildings on our block
to greet us at breakfast,
and it beats warmer and brighter
when we venture out across
steamy city sidewalks.

Premise/plot: A poetic look at a summer day. It is implied that it is the fourth of July, though, that is not stated specifically. But there is a HUGE fireworks display in the evening that they (siblings?) watch from the rooftop.

My thoughts: What makes this one pop? POETIC language, great imagery, and phenomenal illustrations. I love, love, love, love, LOVE the illustrations. I do. The illustrations are incredible. The text is so descriptive and packed with imagery.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

8. Stop that Mop!

8. Stop that Mop! Jonathan Fenske. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, beginning reader]

First sentence: I am a mop. I mop and mop. I mop. And mop.

Premise/plot: You may doubt that a book about a mop could be fun. But if you're familiar with Jonathan Fenske's work, then you know there's nothing to worry about! In this one, a mop who is TIRED OF IT ALL runs away. Many try to catch the mop....but will any succeed?????

My thoughts: I love, love, love Jonathan Fenske. I do. This one was fun. Is it my favorite of his? Probably not. Is it more entertaining that 90% of all other beginning readers???? YES. I thought this was a silly, fun, exuberant read. It did win the Geisel Award for 2026.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

7. The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel

7. The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel. Michael Rex. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, beginner reader, ready to read, animal fantasy]

First sentence: The tunneler tunnels in the tunnel. The gardener gardens in the garden. The tunneler tunnels in the tunnel. The farmer farms on the farm. The tunneler tunnels in the tunnel.

Premise/plot: The tunneler tunnels in the tunnel on almost page of this one. Where is the tunneler tunneling to? Is it worth all the hard work?

My thoughts: I don't love this one, but it is perfectly okay. I do think depending on how it's read or read aloud, it could be fun. I think it would be perhaps amusing as a shared read. With one person doing all the 'tunneler tunnels in the tunnel' pages and another reader reading the rest aloud. I do think you could ask questions as you read like, where do you think he's tunneling? You could also read the details of the illustrations for clues.

 

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

6. Earl & Worm: The Big Mess

6. Earl & Worm: The Big Mess and Other Stories. Greg Pizzoli. 2025. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, early chapter book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: It was spring. Worm was cleaning her house. Worm loved to clean. She loved things neat. She loved things tidy.

Premise/plot: Earl and Worm are best friends. This is their second adventure. There are three stories in this book, "The Big Mess," "The Lucky Penny," and "The Sunrise."

In "The Big Mess" Earl helps Worm clean house. Worm's newly cleaned house soon acquires some of Earl's mess. "The Lucky Penny" has Earl finding a penny. But will the penny be a lucky or unlucky penny?! "The Sunrise" has Earl and Worm staying up all night so they can watch the sunrise together.

My thoughts: My favorite story is "The Big Mess." It was a GREAT story. I loved it so much. The other stories were good too.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

4. Traitors in Space

4. Traitors in Space. Tim Collins. 2025. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy] [3 stars, pick your own path, choose your own adventure, science fiction, space, aliens]

First sentence: The door to your ship closes, and you take your helmet off.

Premise/plot: YOU are in control of your destiny in this 'pick your own path' sci-fi space adventure. YOU are a scientist returning from space--bound for earth--but there's danger on the ship. An alien life form has been detected. It is presumably parasitic. ONE of your fellow crew COULD be the alien. But how do you KNOW who to trust and who to thrust out into space?!

My thoughts: I wanted to enjoy this one. I do think it's perhaps possible to read and enjoy this one. It depends on how YOU read choose your own adventure books. I am methodical. As in with paper and pen in hand, I write down ALL the page number opportunities, I track each one to the end. Go back start again. Cross page numbers off, etc. I don't immerse myself in the story--if there is in fact a story. It's just too mechanical or methodical for me. I don't reread the story heading into new endings.

It didn't work for me because I wanted more from the characters and the story. There are eight characters for YOU to "get to know" to figure out who is trustworthy and who is alien. Are eight characters developed? Nope. Are any of the eight characters developed? Nope. Is that too much to hope for?! Probably. I didn't really expect continuity between all the choices in terms of characters and story. BUT it would have added a level of awesomeness IF there had been a true mystery to solve. IF there were objective facts, truths that stayed true, between ALL the possibilities, then it would have been more like a mystery-mystery. There would have been clues that you could slowly but surely gather as you kept reading. Layers to the story. There's none of that. And that is okay. That's not the book in hand. And that's fine. Expect bare minimum of story and characters. Do expect a gimmicky, fun read with plenty of possibilities.

Despite the description saying TWENTY possible endings, I counted forty-two. At least ten of those were repeat endings using the exact same pages. Again, I think if there had been FEWER characters MORE time could have been spent with those we had AND the endings would have had to have been better.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

3. If You Make a Call On a Banana Phone

3. If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone. Gideon Sterer. Illustrated by Emily Hughes. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, imagination, picture books]

First sentence: If you make a call on a banana phone, somewhere deep in the jungle...a gorilla will probably answer. And if they do, they will have some questions, Like, Who are you? and Why are you calling? If you'd like, you can tell the gorilla your name. If you are calling just because, that's okay. But it is good to be interesting and share some things, like your favorite color or sandwich or joke. If you make a gorilla laugh on a banana phone, they will probably like that very much--there aren't many jokes in the jungle, and they might wonder more about you.

Premise/plot:  This book imagines what MIGHT happen if you should make a call on a banana phone (and who hasn't made a call on a banana phone?!?!) It is written in second person.

My thoughts: I love, love, love this one. I do. I love it because it celebrates imaginative play. I love it because it celebrates the wonders and joys of imagination. I love that it is extended imaginative play. It keeps asking what might happen next....and next....and next....and next. I love how so much of the story is told THROUGH pictures.

I think this one would be great for sharing with young readers. Parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians. I do think teachers could do extension activities with this one. Young readers could become young writers and write imaginative stories of their own. They can write their own adventures if they call on a banana phone.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

111. The 13th Day of Christmas

111. The 13th Day of Christmas. Adam Rex. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, Christmas]

First sentence: I was having a lonely Christmas because my true love was visiting her parents. So it was real quiet when I heard chirping. I didn't really want a bird, but it was nice enough. It came in this little pear tree, and I like pears. The card said my true love sent it, so of course I loved it. Of course I did.

Premise/plot: This humorous book is told from the perspective of the recipient of the twelve days of Christmas. A man has received a LOT from his one true love. But how much was intended to be sent? And what does she have in mind?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It was silly. He is trying to cope with EVERYTHING and trying to puzzle out WHY his true love sent him ALL these odd, strange presents. Can he find a way to spread the joy of Christmas?

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

109. (Board Book) There There Little Kitten

109. Board book: There There Little Kitten. Anna Milbourne. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

First sentence: Little kitten is feeling lonely. Maybe we can be friends.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's tickle under your chin.
Oh dear, it's starting to rain!
A big rain drop has sploshed
onto little kitten's nose.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's stroke your nose better.

Premise/plot: There There Little Kitten is a touch and feel interactive board book for young readers. Each spread includes a touch and feel element for young children. The book stars a little kitten who needs lots of affection.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I love cats. I tend to enjoy many touch and feel board books. Not all of them all of the time. But this one was good. If your little one loves cats or pets in general, then this one would be a fine choice.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

108. First Festivals: Christmas (Board Book)

108. BOARD BOOK: First Festivals: Christmas (Lift-the-Flap). Ladybird Books. 2025. 12 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: Lights are starting to twinkle, and there is festive cheer all around us...The Christian festival of Christmas has arrived! At Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, who they believe is the Son of God. The story of Jesus's birth is called the nativity. Children often take part in special plays to remember this story. There is always lots to prepare before Christmas day. Christmas is a festival of gift-giving, and many choose to give presents to charity.


This board book is ONE in a series of board books about festivals. Other books in the series include or soon will include: Ramadan, Easter, and Hanukkah. It is not written from a Christian perspective necessarily more a neutral, almost bland objective one. For better or worse. It is what it is.

The book introduces readers to elements of the Christmas season that might be more tied to a Christian observance of Christmas. I think this is a good choice. This isn't about Santa, reindeer, making cookies, or shopping.

It is NOT in any way a book that focuses on the nativity itself, on WHO Jesus is, of WHY he came, of WHY this changes everything.

It is matter of fact, a bit bland, definitely basic.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

106. Dance Pants (The Dog and Pony Show)

106. The Dog and Pony Show: Dance Pants. Jeff Mack. 2025. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, if the Cybils exist in 2026 which is questionable, this one would be eligible] [early reader, early comic]

First sentence: Look, Pony. I can dance!

Premise/plot: Dog loves, loves, loves to dance. Dog is wearing DANCE pants and having the time of his life. Pony doesn't particularly care to dance. But Dog is insistent. If Pony can't dance well, Pony needs pants, pants, pants, and more pants. But what if the PANTS Pony needs are DOG'S PANTS?!?!?!

My thoughts: This book had me laughing out loud. I'm not just saying that. I wouldn't lie about that. I found this book amusing, fun, silly. I couldn't help myself. Granted I was reading it later at night when I'm a bit sillier-minded. But still. This one was GREAT fun.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

105. Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels Christmas

105. Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels Christmas. Robert E. Barry. 2025. 40 page. [Source: Library] [christmas, picture book, 4 stars]

First sentence: On the day before Christmas,
December two-four,
Mr. Willowby was pacing
Outside his front door.
There was frost in the air,
Christmas candles burned bright,
But Mr. Willowby's parlor
Did not look quite right.

Premise/plot: Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels was a LOST manuscript that is now newly published. It is a follow up to Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree--a children's classic from 1963.

Mr. Willowby's ordered Christmas tree is lost in delivery. But some animal friends--led by Barnaby Bear--help save the door by bringing him a great Christmas tree from the woods. However, getting it to Mr. Willowby won't be without trials and tribulations. This is a Christmas-y comedy filled with plenty of woodland animals.

My thoughts: I greatly enjoy Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. I was so happy to see this one has been published. It is a fun picture book. I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend both books.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

104. I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935

104. I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935. Lauren Tarshis. 2025. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, series book]

First sentence: Eleven-year-old Ray Nicholson stared in horror at the massive cloud racing across the sky. It was a mountain of churning blackness that rose up thousands of feet in the air. It stretched out as far as Ray could see.

Premise/plot: I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935, is set in the Texas Panhandle. Ray Nicholson is the protagonist. He and his friends are eye-witness to the struggles facing the community: the drought, the dust storms, dust pneumonia and other lung issues, the economy, etc. Ray is in the middle of running away from home--trying to catch a train to California--when a BIG dust storm comes that gives him a new outlook on life.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I think the I Survived series--this is the twenty-fifth I believe--definitely have a time and place in libraries--public, school, classroom, and personal. Young readers often go through a phase where predictable series are EVERYTHING. Binge-reading though a beloved series is such an important stage. And I think the series as a whole is definitely good. I enjoy this series because it always includes some nonfiction back matter to supplement the story. Yet it isn't a separate companion book like another series.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

103. Tuck Me In

103. Tuck Me In. Nathan W. Pyle. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, science, bedtime stories]

First sentence: One night a beach said, "I'm a bit chilly!" The moon smiled and said, "I'll tuck you in!" So the moon pushed the water up onto the sand. But off in the distance, another beach cried, "Heyyy! Where did my blanket go?" And the moon realized she might have just made a mistake.

Premise/plot: Tuck Me In! is a story written for young children to explain the tide. OR T.I.D.E. Tucking In Divided Evenly. It is a FUN, silly, creative way to explain how high tides and low tides work.

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one! It was such a fun read. Highly recommended.

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

102. Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town

102. Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town. Li Chen. 2025. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [j graphic novel, animal fantasy, 5 stars]

First sentence: Okay. We're rolling. Beans! Stop picking your nose. We're starting.

Premise/plot: Detective Beans is an ambitious kitten prone to adorable mischief. Not all the 'adventures' or 'misadventures' are detective related. But all of them star a creative, imaginative, playful, exuberant, slightly hyper kitten. Beans is great fun. He's joined by his friends and neighbors. Some stories are short. Some are longer.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved some of the stories in this graphic novel. A few of the stories were more meh. But overall, I highly loved, love, loved this one. BEANS IS SO ADORABLE. If you enjoy animal fantasy, light mystery for young readers, or graphic novels, this one is easy to recommend.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

101. Elvis & Romeo

101. Elvis & Romeo. David Soman and Jacky Davis. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, dogs, friendship]

First sentence: Elvis was on his way to the dog park for the first time. So was Romeo. Romeo couldn't wait to make a new friend.

Premise/plot: Elvis & Romeo are not friends yet....but they soon will be after meeting at the dog park.

My thoughts: I read two Elvis & Romeo early readers earlier this month. This picture book is their origin story--or the origin story of their friendship. All three books appear to be published in 2025. If you are a dog lover, this picture book is super cute and adorable. Elvis and Romeo each have personality. It's an enjoyable introduction to this duo.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers