(1) K-3 A mostly white cat soars high above a mountain range on the cover of this quirky picture book, revealing to readers the unique qualities of the titular "bird." The title page features the feline engrossed in a book about marine animals, while a dolphin and fish frolic on the copyright page. Next, the cat peruses a book about birds, and the transformation begins right there in his living room. "The Rare Bird flew through the forest, flying so fast he knocked the leaves off the trees." This unusual animal then scampers up some curtains, or "high branches," and next makes his way under a "splashing waterfall" that looks suspiciously like a shower. Cooper's (most recently This Is a Book, rev. 7/25) offering captures the feeling of being lost in imaginative play. His pencil and watercolor illustrations -- in a mix of double-page spreads, singles, and vignettes -- with a tranquil sky-blue as the most dominant color add to the text's dreamy nature. The cat continues his birdy ways until nighttime, when a bedtime story about a new set of animals intrigues him, and he "became an elephant" -- eager to explore his "wild home" in the morning (and on the back endpapers). A resounding tribute to the power of reading and make-believe.

Reviewer: Marva Anne Hinton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Barlow presents a tender homage to intergenerational connection and a lively celebration of creative expression. When a young Charnelle hears the "bop, tap, clap of Grandad's jazz" coming from his artist's studio, she immediately knows that "Grandad is painting." He encourages Charnelle to explore making art with him and reassures her when things don't go as planned. When she attempts a watercolor wash -- "Make a puddle at the top, and use your brush to slowly pull it down the page" -- her puddle runs away from her and makes a mess. When she reaches for the water jar, it falls "Clash, Clink, Clang" to the floor. Grandad tells her, "Don't worry. I've had my fair share of spills too," and hands her a sketchbook. The two then sit and sketch together. Charnelle worries that her drawing of a plant is wrong, and Grandad reminds her that "there is no right way. Every artist sees the world differently." Mixed-media illustrations reflect the pair's closeness, mutual respect, and artistic bond; the music playing in the background is represented as a ribbon of notes weaving through most pages. The final image of grandfather (revealed in the author's note to be the late Jerry Pinkney) and granddaughter ascending stairs made of books is a fitting tribute to their family legacy. The note also provides more details, including that Barlow was the model for Pinkney's picture book The Little Match Girl.

Reviewer: Nicholl Denice Montgomery | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jax Chow. Not a fan of the large "fancy gardens" in his neighborhood, a young horticulturist sets out to cultivate his own little plot. Andrew digs up a "small rectangle" in his front yard, appreciating "the smell of soil, rich with possibilities" and the dirt under his nails. A grown-up neighbor (with a large garden) offers unsolicited advice: "That is far too small." Andrew is undeterred: he plants some seeds, waters his wee plot, and waits. "And soon, there was a tiny, perfect jewel box of a garden." Underwood's meditation on nature, patient observation, and steadfast belief in yourself is well matched by Chow's delicate illustrations, "created with gouache, watercolor, and colored pencils with fabric and paper collage." Andrew's garden is tiny indeed -- it looks to be about the size of a brick -- but the pages' plentiful white space gives it room to blossom and thrive; the bright, multicolored plot of flowers appears even more splendid in the uncluttered layout. The neighbor continues to harp ("What is the point?...You can barely see it!"), but Andrew revels in his creation, which welcomes a hummingbird, insects, and an earthworm. Occasional hints of humor add to the lightness: e.g., a moth "couldn't believe her compound eyes." This quiet, reflective book celebrates following your own path.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(1) K-3 Illustrated by A. G. Ford. A dozen-ish elementary-school classmates head outside for recess, only to realize that they've run out of games to play. They are stymied until Omeed holds up an orange and posits, "What if this...were THE WORLD?" The class's enthusiastic embrace of this new game results in the orange's destruction, as (perhaps inevitably) it is divided into pieces and consumed. The class then moves on to new "worlds" to play with, all of which eventually end up "eaten up, crumpled up, blasted away, or busted." Amidst the wreckage of the playground, the students stop and think, knowing that they need to find "something big," "something easy to share," and "something we won't forget about." Finally, quiet bookworm Nabiha spreads her arms, encompassing everything and everywhere: "What if THIS...were the world?" If the message is overt, it's been given an innovative, fresh presentation here: unusually engaging, accessible, and aimed directly at its audience. Ford's cartoony illustrations rock with kinetic energy, and his portrayal of the class both as a collective whole and as distinctive individuals is an estimable accomplishment and spot-on for the book's theme -- all kinds of people need to work together to protect our Earth. Readers will definitely enjoy following individual students throughout, including an active boy who finds his missing shoe and a rather diabolical girl who is clearly the class troublemaker.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. "Jayden was a noticer...He noticed web wheels and egg freckles. Tree knuckles and frog songs...But mostly he noticed rocks." As much as the young Black boy enjoys discovering things (such as how the moon "looked different every night as it peeked through the branches of his favorite oak tree"), he also enjoys routine and order, carefully assigning meaning to each rock he adds to his collection (a "fort-building rock," "wishing rocks") and meticulously organizing them as he reluctantly prepares for his family's impending move. Once in his new neighborhood, all Jayden notices are its differences from the old one: "His new house was a weird color. The mailbox was in the wrong place. The trees were too short." Even the rocks have lost their allure. Knight-Justice gives Jayden earnestly creased brows and a slight smile to match his observant, reserved disposition and incorporates construction-paper patterns and snippets of text in the collaged, mixed-media art (readers will find plenty of details in the rocks, trees, and sidewalks Jayden encounters). Crimi gently guides Jayden through his unfamiliar environment, providing him reassurance in the form of special new wishing rocks, a kindred noticer neighbor with a bias toward bugs, and a brand-new view of the moon through his bedroom window. It's encouragement for all noticers to be comfortable in their curious minds while learning to embrace the unknown.

Reviewer: Ed Spicer | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Marla Frazee. Fogliano's stream-of-consciousness, one-continuous-sentence text details a parent's frustration with a recalcitrant child -- but also their mutual unconditional love. The focus shifts smoothly and expertly from the child's actions (refusing to put on a shoe, screaming, and flopping onto the floor) to the parent's loss of patience (making their "maddest face" and "being loud and yelling") to the eventual recovery of their true selves ("we are still us / (funny sweet us) / and you still love me / and i still love you"). It's Frazee's art -- in Prismacolor pencil and vinyl paint -- that makes the text into a story. She brings us two distinct characters in a warm-hued though minimalistic living-room setting, which then morphs into a dark, mostly monochromatic fantasy world where the furniture is subsumed by an ocean wave in which a shoe-seeking shark circles, a shoe is thrown off a cliff, and the depths of a desolate dump must be explored. Frazee gradually re-introduces color on the spread where the emotional storm begins to pass, to both participants' evident relief. Next comes the addition of full-color, detailed, cheerful backgrounds and the clever reveal of the occasion for which donning the shoe had been necessary in the first place: a birthday party with an inflatable bouncy house (no shoes allowed!). Throughout, both text and art portray the situation with authenticity and understanding -- and welcome flashes of humor.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Alexandra Cook. Parallel narratives tell the story of two mothers and their offspring exploring and enjoying a winter day in the Arctic, when the sun doesn't break the horizon. Vivid text and dreamy art focus on Mama Fox and Little Fox: "Little Fox peeks out from her den. Biting cold nips her nose." A second wordless narrative follows a human mother and child who are scouting the same territory as the foxes and taking photographs. Layered and textured mixed-media illustrations in a cornucopia of blues, purples, and greens give the snow and ice nuance and vibrancy without cluttering the spreads. The duos encounter reindeer, a polar bear (the text notes that sometimes the foxes follow the hunter to pick up leftovers), a narwhal, and other tundra fauna. While Little Fox and the human child are playing, a storm develops ("The wind picks up, whistling. Snow billows and swirls") and they get lost, taking comfort in each other until their mothers find them again. After snuggles and an explosion of the northern lights, true night falls, and it's time for bed. Several pages of back matter, including photos, give more information about life on the tundra. The whole is a blend of soothing and informative, a book that will work for bedtime as much as it will for sparking curiosity and further learning.

Reviewer: Adrienne L. Pettinelli | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Who needs human friends when you have a steadfast, potentially terrifying animal companion by your side? A lonely young girl imagines a day spent with a lion in this winsome picture book. After mane-grooming and tea-sharing, the pair heads boldly to the city park -- "without an adult," the narrator notes proudly -- to march right past her two (human) friends who have "decided that best friends should be in twos, not threes." Shocked and amazed at the leonine spectacle, those two follow, beginning what will become a long parade of fascinated fans who are visibly delighted to watch a lion shoot baskets, score free ice cream, and disrupt traffic. In digitally assembled gouache, pastel, and watercolor art, Pilutti creates a cohesive, stylized cityscape with loose lines and plenty of texture. The bright-orange, blurry-edged lion leaps out against mostly cooler backdrops. Dissonance between the narrator's confident words describing the perks of lion friendship and the illustrated reactions of terrified adults adds both humor and a layer of emotional depth: she wants companionship, yes, but also to wield a little power. A happy ending arrives when the narrator is revealed to be illustrating her fantasies with sidewalk chalk; in the absence of an actual lion, sharing her creativity both cheers her and attracts friends old and new.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jamiel Law. A newly emancipated Black couple begins to build a life together at the end of slavery, planting crops and constructing a house on a small plot of land. "Roots take hold and settle in, / creeping far and free. / They make their home in rocky ground -- / a dream of what will be." The refrain "here, they" is repeated throughout the text. "Here, they stand together." They also "weep together" and "brave together." In moving, rhythmic text, Rodrigues uses the changing seasons to represent different phases of the couple's lives. Eventually, they have children, and those children grow up. One gets married on the property, and soon grandchildren are added to the mix. It's not all smooth sailing: their home is attacked by a faceless mob; later, they lose their patriarch. But the family rebuilds. In future years, they take part in civil rights marches. Law's illustrations "painted in gouache and touched up digitally" are primarily in earth tones, highlighting this family's connection to the land. A tree the couple planted endures over time, standing as a testament to their resiliency. As the family continues to grow and prosper, the property remains a welcoming home base, a place to come together for meals and fellowship. An author's note provides information about a pecan tree that served as the inspiration for the story; Rodrigues's grandmother's handwritten pecan pie recipe is appended.

Reviewer: Marva Anne Hinton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jax Chow. Not a fan of the large "fancy gardens" in his neighborhood, a young horticulturist sets out to cultivate his own little plot. Andrew digs up a "small rectangle" in his front yard, appreciating "the smell of soil, rich with possibilities" and the dirt under his nails. A grown-up neighbor (with a large garden) offers unsolicited advice: "That is far too small." Andrew is undeterred: he plants some seeds, waters his wee plot, and waits. "And soon, there was a tiny, perfect jewel box of a garden." Underwood's meditation on nature, patient observation, and steadfast belief in yourself is well matched by Chow's delicate illustrations, "created with gouache, watercolor, and colored pencils with fabric and paper collage." Andrew's garden is tiny indeed -- it looks to be about the size of a brick -- but the pages' plentiful white space gives it room to blossom and thrive; the bright, multicolored plot of flowers appears even more splendid in the uncluttered layout. The neighbor continues to harp ("What is the point?...You can barely see it!"), but Andrew revels in his creation, which welcomes a hummingbird, insects, and an earthworm. Occasional hints of humor add to the lightness: e.g., a moth "couldn't believe her compound eyes." This quiet, reflective book celebrates following your own path.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Anna Cunha. Grouchy and despotic Lion prowls the edge of young Nani's village, frightening its human inhabitants and the other animals alike. "I am Lion, lord of the land! No one dares make noise in King Lion's land!" Nani is known for the joy brought by her drumming, which mimics the sounds of nature and moves her fellow villagers to dance. But as "her soft BA-DUMP-BUMP-BUM would grow louder...someone would cry out, 'Nani, shh, the lion.'" She tries to remain quiet, but music-making calls. She travels first to the edge of the village and then beyond, playing for the "baboons, bat-eared foxes...aardwolves," and others who inspire her. But Lion's ire is awakened by the sounds, and in Nani's haste to warn the villagers, she unwittingly leads the creature back to her home. Everyone is frightened, but the clever protagonist knows what will soothe the savage beast. Williams's (Steptoe winner and Newbery honoree for Genesis Begins Again, rev. 1/19) text has the cadence of a folktale, with ear-pleasing sound effects and patterns and featuring a satisfying resolution. Cunha's (illustrator of Indigo Dreaming, rev. 9/22) beautifully textured and colorful digital illustrations center her characteristic rosy-cheeked, brown-skinned humans -- and one very expressive big cat.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(3) K-3 A girl travels with her father to another country to visit extended family, gradually finding connection despite a language barrier. Inspired by the author’s visits to Honduras, this story captures the wonder of discovering a place that feels both new and like home. Mixed-media illustrations bring to life bustling mountain streets, a lush coffee farm, and warm family moments. English and Spanish blend seamlessly in this heartwarming tale celebrating cultural identity and the deep bonds that transcend words.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Charles Santoso. In this moving picture-book adaptation of the middle-grade novel of the same name (rev. 11/22), a quirky sea otter pup named Odder is rescued, rehabilitated, and later becomes a surrogate mother to orphaned pups after a life-changing shark attack ends her time in the wild. Soft earth-toned illustrations use panels, montages, and continuous narration to capture the drama of Odder’s journey of survival, healing, and renewal. The compelling back matter grounds the story in real-life conservation work, making this a powerful tribute to resilience and care.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 A brown-skinned girl shares a sandwich with a homeless man on the subway then imagines ways to help him in the future. The first-person narration offers an authentic, heartfelt voice, conveying the girl’s curiosity and allowing readers to experience the situation through her innocent yet thoughtful perspective. Digitally enhanced acrylic and watercolor illustrations with loose, expressive lies capture the energy and spontaneity of New York City. A gentle invitation to reflect on the power of small acts of kindness.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Olivia When. Leap is an enthusiastic and bouncy sled dog puppy in the Northwoods who can't wait for her turn to join the adult dogs on the sled team. Each dog "is special in their own way": Grinch is strong, Refried likes to sing, Boo is fast, Colbert eats a lot, Jenga is smart, and Donut is brave. Leap worries -- what if she's not special? The day finally arrives when Leap is big enough to run with the team, and any worries she has are swept away by her excitement. After doing a little dance in her brand-new, funny-feeling protective booties, she's ready to run. When's illustrations capture both the expressive dogs' irrepressible love of running and the quiet beauty of the snow-covered surroundings. The dramatically changing light of the setting sun matches the heightened mood as the team, homeward bound, faces a sudden challenge: the ice on the river has broken up and they have no way to cross back over. Jumping around to keep warm, Leap discovers her special skill -- and excitedly teaches her friends how to solve their problem. Braverman's buoyant tale nicely demonstrates how individual differences are essential for creating a stronger and smarter community. An appended note by the author, a seasoned dogsledder, introduces readers to the real Leap and the other canine characters, who are Braverman's own beloved sled dogs.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(3) K-3 Illustrated by London Ladd. A Black boy reflects on the powerful rituals centered around a family table where love, hope, pride, and freedom are celebrated. Painterly mixed-media illustrations -- combining acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper -- capture the natural beauty of the Gullah Geechee Lowcountry. The lyrical, evocative text weaves together themes of community, belonging, and intergenerational connection with profundity, humor, and vivid, sensory language. The author’s note provides heartfelt context, honoring his childhood and the traditions that shaped him.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Steph Littlebird. A Native girl celebrates the matriarchal figures who guide, affirm, and empower her. Bold digital illustrations, with strong black lines, vibrant colors, and soft textures, depict lively, loving aunties engaging in cultural activities, community advocacy, and everyday acts of care. The spirited text describes how they nurture, protect, and inspire Native children to be brave and proud. An insightful author’s note honors real-life aunties and invites readers to cherish and recognize the fierce women in their lives.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Loveis Wise. This empowering picture book celebrates the strength, diversity, courage, and unity of girls around the world. Free-flowing digital illustrations, blending collage and social justice art traditions, reinforce the message of collective action. The text uses rhyme, repetition, and alliteration to create a chant-like rhythm that makes each page feel like a rallying cry. Uplifting and inclusive, it encourages young readers to find their voices and stand together, reminding us that when one girl rises, we all do.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Translated by Melanie Córdova. Paloma, a young girl with tan skin, navigates shifts in belonging and identity when her family migrates from a dictatorship to a new country, then later returns. Sketchlike watercolor and ink illustrations, using a limited palette of blue, maroon, and purple, capture geographical contrasts, familial warmth, and humorous moments. The text mirrors a child’s perspective, making complex themes of loss, exile, and homecoming accessible. A heartfelt exploration of resilience, hope, and the enduring search for freedom.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ruth Chan. Set in an elementary school full of anthropomorphic animal kids, this witty picture book stars Cedric, a hippo who must adapt to middle-of-the-pack after losing his spot at both the front and end of the line. Muted, cartoony illustrations, physical comedy, and Cedric’s dramatic flair deliver laughs in this subtle exploration of identity, adaptability, and social dynamics. A playful mediation on contentment, self-discovery, and the quiet power of going with the flow.

Reviewer: Summer Edward