Children’s Book Corner Blog
The True Ugly Duckling: How Hans Christian Andersen Became a Swan
by Sandra Nickel, illustrated by Calvin Nicholls; Levine Querido, 2026; a stand-out bio told in the style of a fairy tale brims with examples of Andersen’s fortitude and triumph despite bruising ridicule and failure.
Under One Roof
by Miranda Paul and Baptiste Paul, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal; Clarion Books, 2026; a soothing, rhyming picture book for Pre-K–Grade 2 that peeks at ways families prepare for bed and the circumstances around those preparations, and shines a light on what we all have in common as we do.
The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne: Discovering the Stuff of Stars
by Laura Alary, illustrated by Yas Imamura; Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2025; a stand-out picture book biography for Gr. 3-4 that introduces an astronomer who exhibited pluck, curiosity, smarts, and growing self-confidence while facing numerous obstacles throughout a life of impressive accomplishments.
Sparrow, Always
by Gail Donovan, illustrated by Elysia Case; Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2025; Sparrow helps train a neighbor’s pup as he works to become a guide dog. Along the way, she grows in self-control and helps a new friend feel seen. Best of all, she comes to appreciate that although she is different, she is valued and accepted, and that growing doesn’t have to mean changing who you are.
I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea
by Janice Milusich, illustrated by Chris Raschka; Anne Schwartz Books, 2025; A young blind child takes joy in experiencing the four seasons through the use of touch, taste, smell, and sound. A lyrical, uplifting Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection illustrated by a two-time Caldecott Medalist.
Who Was Wilma Mankiller?
by Andrea Page, illustrated by Stephen Marchesi; Penguin Workshop, 2025; An accessible chapter book biography highlighting the life and accomplishments of Wilma Mankiller, the first woman principal of the Cherokee Nation.
Faith Takes the Train
by Kesi Augustine, illustrated by Mokshini; Harper, 2025; An empowering picture book celebrating outreach, possibilities, and imagination, Faith Takes a Train centers on a brief but pivotal experience in an urban setting. It’s filled with positivity, warmth, and agency, from its clear message of kindness and community to its charming illustrations.
Yours, Mine, Ours: A Celebration of Service and Community
by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Andrés Landazábal; Candlewick Press, 2025; Posing questions for reflection, prompts, and situational examples, Yours, Mine, Ours: A Celebration of Service and Community offers primary students an accessible introduction to the concept of service and provides a springboard for discussion and positive action.
Safe Harbor
by Padma Venkatraman; Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025; For Geetha, new to the United States, it is music, the seaside, and efforts to save an injured seal that become catalysts for growth and acceptance in the midst of school and home challenges.
40 Poems for 40 Weeks
by David L. Harrison and Timothy V. Rasinski; Routledge Eye on Education, 2025; 40 POEMS FOR 40 WEEKS offers educators a handy resource of poetry suited for middle graders.