67. Hairy and Scary!

67. Hairy and Scary! Jan Thomas. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, humor, picture book]

First sentence: Hello! We are the Rhyming Dust Bunnies! Ed, Ned, Ted and Bob! We rhyme all the time! Well, actually I don't rhyme. This is a fan! What rhymes with fan? Tan. Can. Oh no.

Premise/plot: This is the THIRD book in the Rhyming Dust Bunnies series by Jan Thomas. It has been FOREVER since she last released a book in the series. But the good news is a whole new generation of little ones are ready to be introduced to the awesome Jan Thomas. In this one, the rhyming dust bunnies are in danger....or are they????? Bob is definitely trying to tell them SOMETHING. If only they would stop rhyming long enough to listen.

My thoughts: I will always love Jan Thomas' picture books because I've read them so many times. They make great read alouds. You can really put a lot of enthusiasm and silliness into them. This one was fun and nostalgic.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

64. WhoHQ: The Beatles

64. WhoHQ: The Beatles. Ellen Labrecque. Illustrated by Fanny Liem. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, j nonfiction, j biography, music appreciation]

First sentence: Four young musicians with "mop top" hair stood onstage in black suits.

Premise/plot: This one is a Who HQ biography book for young children. It is a biography of The Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. It mainly focuses on their career as THE Beatles with only a little bit of what came before and after. (Which is fair). It also gives a little bit of context about the 1960s in general.

My thoughts: There was a time when I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved the Beatles and read anything and everything I could on the Beatles. This one didn't teach me anything new, however, I didn't expect it to. This one is for young readers not adults who have read half a dozen or so books on the Beatles and watched the Beatles Anthology and other documentaries multiple times. It is a good introduction to the group. I'm not sure if this is a book young readers would pick up on their own. It might be one they'd choose if there was an assignment maybe? It would be fascinating to hear from school librarians (and children's librarians in the public library) to see if this one is being checked out by kids and how frequently.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

63. Orris and Timble Star Stories

63. Orris and Timble Star Stories. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Carmen Mok. 2026. 80 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, early chapter book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: The rat had made himself a nest from the pages of discarded books. Arranged around the nest were his treasures: a foil-wrapped Top-Notch Butterscotch candy, a velvet slipper, a yellow marble, and an Imperial sardine can with a picture of a fish king on its label.

Premise/plot: This is the third book in the Orris and Timble series. In this one the owl (Timble) tries to convince his friend the rat (Orris) to ride on his back and fly with him. Orris is RIGHTFULLY hesitant. But Timble is persistent (dare I say manipulative). Will Orris be persuaded to try something new because his friend pressures him????

My thoughts: I'm an overthinker. I had issues with this one. I am going to guess that most readers won't. I do like the other books in the series well enough. I just think that Orris has all the reasons in the world to want to stay on the ground. It isn't a matter of trusting his one specific friend. It's a matter of ANYTHING could happen and gravity exists. Also it isn't as if Timble can guarantee his safety. I find it problematic that Timble acts in such a way that it is a MORAL failing if Orris doesn't do what he wants. That if you don't do this it means you don't trust me. That if you REALLY were my friend you'd do this risky dangerous thing. I suppose the message of the book is supposed to be: it's awesome to do new things. But I still don't like how it's done.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

62. One Mad Cat and the Missing Book

62. One Mad Cat and the Missing Book. Vicky Fang. 2026. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, early reader, early chapter book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: Meet Cat. She is mad. What makes Cat mad? Cat does not like toys. Cat does not like hugs. Cat does not like jokes.

Premise/plot: Cat helps her friend Hedgehog find a missing book--a book about pie. At first she is all about solving the mystery and helping out her friend. However, when the book ends up not to be missing so much as misplaced by Hedgehog, Cat can't help getting mad.

My thoughts: It was okay. I wanted to like it more than I did. I think it went on a little too long. Young readers may enjoy Cat and her friends.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

61. Pizza and Taco Scariest Sleepover Ever

61. Pizza and Taco #11: Pizza and Taco: Scariest Sleepover Ever. Stephen Shaskan. 2026. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, graphic novel, early chapter book]

First sentence: Taco! Taco! Taco! Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

Premise/plot: Taco and Pizza are starring in their eleventh adventure together. In this graphic novel for young readers--early chapter book, early graphic novel--Pizza and Taco are hosting a sleepover. The two are making all the plans for the sleepover activities before their guests arrived. Scary movies are out--because of parental rules--but telling scary stories is not. Will anyone sleep at this sleepover?

My thoughts: I thought this was a decent entry into the series. Taco and Pizza are hanging out with their friends. (Some of whom we've met briefly before.) There are puns and more puns. The biggest put of this one is having them dance to Taylor Swiss music. I think adults who read children's books may be tired of this series, HOWEVER, to young readers who love to pick up a series and READ, read, read, perhaps having this many books in the series is a blessing. It is important to remember that children's books are meant to be read and enjoyed by children.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

57. The Biggest Cat in the Book

57. The Biggest Cat in the Book. Ben Lerwill. Illustrated by Mark Chambers. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book]

First sentence: Pippa is a kitten. She is exploring a slipper. She is NOT the biggest cat in the book.

Premise/plot: The search is on for the cat who IS the biggest in the book.

My thoughts: I like the premise of this one fine. I think it drags on a bit too long. I think this would make a great sixteen page board book. Cut the number of cats in half that aren't the "biggest" in the book, and I think it would read better after all. That being said, the cats--except perhaps for Chicken--are all ADORABLE and fun. But I think the biggest problem with this book about the biggest is that it's anti-climatic. When you finally get there, it has fizzled out completely.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

56. Jumanji

56. Jumanji. Chris Van Allsburg. 1981. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, fantasy, 3 stars]

First sentence: "Now remember," Mother said, "your father and I are bringing some guests by after the opera, so please keep the house neat."

Premise/plot: Two bored kids find a game in the park and bring it home. Peter and Judy have been told to keep the house neat and tidy. But as they play the game Jumanji, well, things get a little out of hand. Almost like how the Cat in the Hat brings chaos when he comes to visit. But Judy insists they keep playing the game until the end no matter what.

My thoughts: The book is VERY self-contained. Judy and Peter never even move from the table where they are playing the game. The movie is WILD and ZANY, erratic, chaotic. The game doesn't just effect Judy and Peter in their house but the WHOLE entire town. That's why I said this one was very self contained. Judy and Peter don't seem overly alarmed by the things happening around them. Perhaps because they don't seem to have lasting consequences? The book definitely presents more as two kids with a vivid imagination than the movie would ever have you believe.

The story is definitely more developed than the picture book. I don't dislike the picture book. And I don't love the movie. Each has their strengths and weaknesses. I think both are premise-driven. Subdued is the word that just came to mind and I think it fits. The book is subdued.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

54. Cat's New Book

54. Cat's New Book. Nathalie Belhassen. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, cats, friends]

First sentence: This book is new. I just got it, but it's already my favorite! I love hugging its clean cover and stroking its smooth pages. It smells so good. I can read it whenever I want, because it's all mine. But I turn the pages gently so the book will stay new forever.

Premise/plot: CAT has a new book. It's a FAVORITE new book. It's a most treasured and beloved new book. But Cat lends her new book out and makes friends and more friends and even more friends. They all agree that Cat's book is FAVORITE. The book may not stay new and clean, but friendships are forever.

My thoughts: I love, love, love CAT'S NEW BOOK. It's a great book celebrating friendship AND reading. I love the text and the illustrations.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

53. Fox Catches a Wave

53. Fox Catches a Wave. Corey R. Tabor. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, I Can Read Book, early readers]

First sentence: Fox is going on a trip. Is Fox going to catch a bus? No. Is Fox going to catch a train? Nope. Is Fox going to catch a plan? No.

Premise/plot: Fox has returned for another misadventure/adventure in Corey R. Tabor's Fox Catches a Wave. What will Fox "catch" in this one?

My thoughts: I have absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED some of Fox's past books. I still really enjoy the character. I do think for an I Can Read book it is entertaining and fun. BUT I've enjoyed other books in the series more than this one. I do think if your little one LOVES the character Fox and wants to binge read the entire series, it is definitely WORTH it.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

52. Zathura

52. Zathura. Chris Van Allsburg. 2002. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book, fantasy]

First sentence: "Mom!" Danny Budwing yelled. "Mom!" Walter and Danny's mother stopped at her sons' bedroom door.

Premise/plot: Walter and Danny are brothers who fight and bicker and fuss all the time, ALL the time. But will a board game bring them together????

My thoughts: I watched the movie adaptation, Zathura. I loved it. I had never read the picture book. I've never seen Jumanji. I had low expectations for the movie, but, I found it GREAT fun. Perhaps if I'd had extremely high expectations and a preconceived notion of what it should be and should not be, I would have felt differently.

This picture book is much more "basic" and "contained" than the movie. The game is still adventurous but it doesn't seem SO intensely dangerously dramatic and a fight for survival. And the ending is quite different.

I personally love the movie more. But I can see how the book is creative and could work for young readers.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

51. Rebecca the White House Raccoon

51. Rebecca the White House Raccoon. April Genevieve Tucholke. Illustrated by Dave Szalay. 2026. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, based on a true story]

First sentence: The President was supposed to eat me. I was packed into a slatted box on a sunny November day in 1926 and shipped to the White House with a note that said: EAT ME FOR DINNER.

Premise/plot: Rebecca, a raccoon, the White House raccoon, narrates this historical picture book based on a true story. Is Rebecca reliable narrator? Maybe. Maybe not. But according to Rebecca she was the FAVORITE pet of the President and First Lady. But readers do learn about other pets as well. Pets that may have been slightly less problematic. Many of these 'pets' were a bit 'wild' in addition to the more traditional pets.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I definitely learned new things while reading it. It's good to have a "political" picture book that isn't divisive. There's plenty of action in this story as well! Overall, I think it would be a fun book to share with young readers.

Text: 4 out of 5 stars
Illustrations: 5 out of 5 stars
Total: 9 out of 10 stars



© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

50. Next Door There Is a Dinosaur

50. Next Door There Is a Dinosaur. Saskia Gwinn. Illustrated by Leanne Coelho. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Next door there is a dinosaur. I saw its sneaky, scaly claw. It whipped out quick, then shut the door of Mrs. Shaw's at eighty-four.

Premise/plot: A young boy is CONVINCED that the next door neighbor, Mrs. Shaw, HAS a dinosaur. Day after day after day, he tries to convince his family that it is TRUE. He's collecting all the evidence. Finally he decides he just has to KNOW for sure, for sure. So he goes and asks her directly.....

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. It celebrates the imagination, or does it?!?! Maybe there are dinosaurs attending parties in your neighborhood! I love the rhyming. It is just SO much fun.

I climbed our tall green sycamore.
You'll never guess the THING I saw,
sitting in the yard next door...
...a POO so big it blocked the door!
It smelled so bad that I am SURE
the pooper was a dinosaur.
And not a friendly herbivore!
NO, a whiffy, sniffy CARNIVORE!





© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

48-49. Two more Jonathan Fenske Books

48. Candy Corn Christmas. Jonathan Fenske. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, Christmas, Halloween]

First sentence: Halloween had come and gone. But one confection lingered on, and pantry shelves became the haunts of candy corn that no one wants. They were the candy time forgot. They did not mold. They did not rot. They sat around the pumpkin pail, feeling bored and kind of stale.

Premise/plot: Candy Corn discovers Christmas. Essentially that is the premise of this rhyming picture book by Jonathan Fenske. But what will the Christmas candy (and decorations and like) think of having candy corn hanging around? And what will the jolly old man himself think of candy corn?

My thoughts: I have a love/hate relationship with the rhyming. On the one hand, Fenske does GREAT on some stanzas!!!! I really enjoy some verses. On the other hand, some just didn't work for me. If all verses were mediocre, then I wouldn't be torn. I do think it's a fun, silly concept. It will work as a read aloud, most likely. Particularly as a transition from Halloween to Christmas.





49. A Unicorn, A Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk into a Book. Jonathan Fenske. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture books, animal fantasy, meta fiction]

First sentence: A unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark walk into a book. Ahem! I said, a unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark walk into a book!

Premise/plot: The author--narrator--wants to make the best book ever. So, naturally, of course, he thinks that if he has a unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark star together in a picture book then it will be a success, a sure thing. But the book doesn't have "action" at least until another character is introduced.

My thoughts: The book is silly and a bit ridiculous. I haven't decided if this is a "breaks the fourth wall" example or not. I am almost positive it is. Since the book and writing process is being discussed with you the reader. I don't love it. But I also don't hate it. I mean I've read more successful attempts of this. I do think that kids might enjoy it, maybe. And perhaps teachers could encourage students to write their own stories or follow story prompts. Or to discuss predictions. What do you think will happen next?

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

43. Board book: Let's Count to Ten! Animals

43. Board book: Let's Count to Ten: Animals. Priddy Books. 16 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, counting book]

First sentence: Camel likes the desert hot. How many humps has he got?

Premise/plot: Let's Count to Ten: Animals is a concept book, a counting book. There are flaps to lift on each page and/or each spread. These are numbered flap that "help" you count. For example, "Colorful parrot squawks and sings. Can you count her feathery wings?" or "Foxes scamper around at night. Count them playing in the moonlight. One doesn't *need* to lift the flaps to count and find the answer. But you could if you wanted. By the last spread, you are counting one to ten.

The book also asks you to follow directions and follow the arrow to "count" in a certain order.

My thoughts: I thought this one was fun. I enjoyed the illustrations. I am undecided on if the flaps are necessary. BUT there is certainly nothing wrong with lifting the flap to count. I found my natural counting order and the "follow the arrow" order were different.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

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

35. This Little Dinosaur (Board book)

35. Board book: This Little Dinosaur. Ingela P. Arrhenius (illustrations). 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, interactive book, dinosaurs]

First sentence: This little dinosaur has soft shiny spines. This little dinosaur has big, pointy teeth.

Premise/plot: This board book is published by Nosy Crow. It is an interactive board book for the youngest of readers.

My thoughts: I can be VERY opinionated when it comes to interactive, touch and feel books. I am an overthinker. Many readers are not overthinkers. Most toddlers are not going to overthink this one. I would say all, but, there may always be young Sheldon Cooper's out there who would.

I did enjoy the texture of the dinosaur on the cover. This texture is repeated once in the book. (On the cover it is padded underneath. On the last page it is not.) Most of the textures are soft fabric, padded fabric, sparkly fabric. I cannot emphasize enough that SPARKLY and shiny are not things that you can touch and feel. They are just not. I also thought it weird that "pointy" teeth are soft fabric--padded. Teeth shouldn't squish. I also don't think spines would be soft.


© 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

32. Barbed Wire Between Us

32. Barbed Wire Between Us. Mia Wenjen. Illustrated by Violeta Encarnacion. 2026. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, poetry, reverso poetry]

First sentence: IN this land of promise,
we hoped to find a place to belong.
To our surprise, we were unjustly imprisoned.
We came with only what we could carry.
Our family was separated.

Premise/plot: Barbed Wire Between Us uses the poetic format of a reverso poem. It is a picture book for older readers. It tells two stories--same words, different order. One story is set in the 1940s in Japanese internment camps. The other story is set in contemporary times--give or take a couple of years.

My thoughts: This is a picture book that some adults will absolutely love, love, love. Will children be drawn into this story? Perhaps. But I have a hard time imagining it without a lot of pushing from adults (teachers, librarians, etc.).

Is it political? As much as I want to say it is not...it decidedly is. Two different timelines. The Japanese internment was taking Japanese-American families that were living in America--some for multiple generations--and putting them behind barbed wire because they feared they were still loyal to a country that the United States was at war with. There was no proof, no reason beyond fear for this action. The contemporary story is of a family newly entering the United States--illegally--and being put in a immigrant detention center. I will say that the book simplifies or oversimplifies the modern day situation.

I have read fiction and nonfiction for all ages about the Japanese internment. Including a fabulous book about a librarian who sent books to children in these camps.

I like the idea of a reverso poem, but, the modern story just doesn't give enough details to ground it, in my opinion. There are more questions than answers.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

31. Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct

31. Board book: Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct. Mo Willems. 2006/2026. 38 pages. [Source: Library] [animal fantasy]

First sentence: Everyone in town knew Edwina. She was the dinosaur who played with the neighborhood kids. She was the dinosaur who did favors for anyone who asked. Edwina helped little old ladies cross the street. And she baked chocolate-chip cookies for everyone. Everyone loved Edwina...except Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie.

Premise/plot: Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie spends most of the book trying to convince everyone [and Edwina] that dinosaurs are extinct. Can Edwina's awesomeness convince Reginald to become a better, kinder person???

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I love Mo Willems most of the time. Edwina is a great dinosaur. I enjoyed this one.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers