Category: PB

picture books

cover of We Are the Keystones - black background with beautiful animal silhouettes of lighter colors include a bear, top left, an otter, top right, an alligator bottom left a wolf center, and a beaver right bottom
Posted in Nonfiction, PB, So Many Good Books

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together (Beach Lane Books*, 2026) by Katy S. Duffield and illustrated Hannah Salyer is an interesting read–I learned new things, and it even changed my attitude about some animals. Isn’t that cover gorgeous?

Keystone animals are those that make ecosystems survive. This nonfiction book simply explains these amazing animals’ roles in nature from forests, through prairies and jungles, to the ocean and savannahs. This book can be read straight through the rhyming text, or with stops along the way to read additional information, or a second time with reading the information. I found the backmatter fascinating.

Read about the author here and see Katy’s books here (a downloadable list is provided in addition to the ones shown).

Check out the illustrator’s portfolio here where you can also click on books, and check out each title. Read about Hannah here.

*I received a copy from the publisher for review. The book comes out in September.

cover of Spooky Scouts shows monsters camping and boating with a worried wolf character front and center
Posted in PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Spooky Scouts

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

I again have a preview* of a book that will be popular at Halloween, but will also be perfect in preparation for camping and young scouts–Spooky Scouts (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026) by Kimberly Shrack.

The book starts with Luna saying, “The Spooky Scouts Pledge.” Turn the page and see the other Scouts and learn what Luna loves. Most of all she loves the annual camping trip…especially the s’mores. But when she finds out that tonight is a full moon, can she keep her secret?

I loved the humor and the comical events that ruin her plans. I think kids will also enjoy the extras in the illustrations.

This is the author/illustrator’s debut picture book. Read about Kim here and see some of her art here. In 2027 she has a second book coming out called Braaains.

*I received an advance copy from the publisher for an honest review. The book comes out the end of August.

cover of Our Favorite Day of the Week showing a teacher with six students
Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

Our Favorite Day of the Week

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Our Favorite Day of the Week* (Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026) by Ashley Franklin and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell is a fun book about how different days of the week are special. (This book is a sequel to Our Favorite Day of the Year and comes out the end of September.)

Musa is excited about tying his own shoes, but Zohra is sad about missing tomorrow–Tuesday–because it’s her favorite day of the week. He shares his favorite day, and then Zadie, Mo, Luna, and Moises share theirs. The kids are surprised to find out their teacher’s favorite day.

Favorite days include recycling, swimming, family time, religious events, sports, culture, and time with students. “‘What makes a day special is how it make you feel,’ said M. Gupta.” So true!

Read about Ashley here and check out her books here. Previously I recommended her book Not Quite Snow White.

See Rahele’s books and sample illustrations here and read about her here. I love how the cover hints at what we’ll find inside with each kid having something to represent their favorite day.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.

cover of Just Like Me, a colorful illustration of a smiling black girl with braided hair
Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

Just Like Me

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Just Like Me (Alfred A. Knopf, 2020) by Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a picture book of poems for girls. All kinds of girls.

There are lighthearted, serious, happy, sad poems and more. Some rhyme, others don’t. Some are long, some are not. All have beautiful or sweet or silly collage illustrations. My favorite poems in the collection are “Feelings” and “I Am.” I can’t choose just one favorite image–too hard since I love so many.

Read about the author/illustrator here as well as take a look at her art and books on the same page.

I previously recommended the book Sewing Stories that Vanessa illustrated, and Grandma’s Purse that she wrote and illustrated.

cover of What Fish Are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean shows an underwater scene with fish, shellfish, and sea plants
Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

What Fish Are Saying

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

What Fish Are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean (Sourcebooks, 2025) by Kirsten Pendreigh and illustrated by Katie Melrose shows how “It’s NOISY down below” in an amusing way.

Written in rhyme, this picture book shares the sounds from fish and shellfish, and how they are made, including farts! Some of my favorite sounds explored are: cluck, whoop, boop, and bark. Makes me want to be able to listen in.

Isn’t it great that nonfiction can be fun? And the illustrations are lovely.

Read about the author here and see her books here.

Read about the illustrator here and see some of her work here.