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.
Social-Emotional Learning
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.