I shall save all my talk of cozy fall things for next month. Surely it will feel like fall then, right? In the meantime, let’s focus on new books! There are so many exciting things coming out that it was hard to pick. My theme is fixing things, from a broken mug to major timeline issues. Enjoy!
Picture Books
“Broken” written and illustrated by X. Fang
I am quickly becoming a fan of this author, after having read “We Are Definitely Human” last year. Mei Mei is visiting her grandma when she accidentally breaks Ama’s favorite cup. Alarmed, she leaves the cup on the floor and flees the scene, overcome by thoughts of what Ama will do when she finds out. When Ama assumes the cat is responsible, will Mei Mei be able to get away with it? This is so relatable, as Mei Mei wrestles through the panic, anxiety, and guilt of the accident before finally finding freedom and reassurance in the truth. There are a lot of funny moments in this book, especially when she’s imagining Ama kicking her out of the house, or enduring the wronged cat’s silent judgments. Perfect for kids who need a subtle book about honesty.
Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: October Favorites 2025”
Summer is (unofficially) here! If you haven’t already started your Summer Reading, make sure you do so. As always, a good book is its own reward, but we also have some fabulous prize drawings to offer a little extra motivation. And if you need book ideas, I’ve got some wonderful new books coming out this month!
Picture Books
“There’s Something Odd About the Babysitter” written by Elayne Crain and illustrated by John Ledda
Freddie is tired of a long string of lackluster babysitters. Whether too strict or too uninvolved, Freddie hasn’t liked a single one. So he doesn’t have high hopes for the evening, until he takes a closer look at the new babysitter. There’s something odd about them, but at least they’re not boring! After seeing them wash their hands in the dog’s bowl before preparing a dinner of garbage, Freddie realizes the new sitter might need a little help. Together, they turn the evening around and turn the sitter’s first job into an unqualified success! While the sitter is literally three raccoons in a trenchcoat, the narration never explicitly states this, and kids will love being in on the joke. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: June Favorites 2025”
I’ve got some great new books for you this month! I always like to look for accidental themes in my picks, and this month it’s family. From learning to take on new roles and responsibilities to appreciating time with loved ones, these books all touch on the importance of family.
Picture Books
“Little Big Man” written by Varian Johnson and illustrated by Reggie Brown
Elijah is looking forward to flying his new kite with Daddy this weekend! But a newborn baby in the house means everyone has a bit more work to do — and Daddy asks Elijah if he can be his helper. The little big man steps up and helps Daddy as they complete various jobs around their house and for their neighbors. Finally, Elijah reminds Daddy that it’s important to take breaks sometimes, too, and the whole family enjoys time outside together flying their kite. A lot of new sibling stories focus on feelings of jealousy or uncertainty, but I love that this book addresses positive ways to take responsibility and show love to others. The father is a fantastic role model for his son, guiding him adeptly through big life changes.
Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: May Favorites 2025”
Does it feel like spring yet? My books for you this month don’t really have too much to do with spring, but I’m excited to read these great new titles outside! ☀️
Picture Books
“The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever” by Sandra Salsbury
This book will be all too relatable, for those who’ve been there and those still going through it. A baby is determined to stay awake all night, and employs a variety of strategies to accomplish her goal. Jumping, yelling, climbing, crying, the possibilities are endless! Mama, Papa and Sister do what they can to help, though their increasingly desperate attempts have little effect. Seventeen binkies are tossed in quick succession. Papa’s cuddles are just an opportunity for Baby to explore the inside of his nose and mouth. Will Baby truly stay awake forever? Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: March Favorites 2025”
It’s pre-autumn! I’m very ready to wear all the cozy things and drink all the hot tea, but the weather hasn’t obliged me yet. No themes from me this month, but I hope your school year is off to a good start!
Picture Books
“Found You!” written by Jane Godwin and illustrated by Sylvia Morris
“Ready or not, here I come!” A little boy finds the perfect hiding spot for hide-and-seek, but it might be a little too good. As all the others are found, and the group heads outside to keep searching, he worries that he’ll never be discovered. This book perfectly captures all the emotional highs and lows of the game and will be very relatable for little ones. Before reading this, I had forgotten how unnerving it can be when you’re waiting in the dark to be found! And if this anxiety rings true in your child, might I suggest a game of Sardines? Reverse hide-and-seek is a perfect way to alleviate the concern about hiding alone. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: September Favorites 2025”
The end of summer approaches, and it’s time to start thinking about school! At least, that’s what I gathered the last time I went to the store and saw all the back-to-school supplies. I shall make school my unofficial theme this month. These are all more tangentially related to school though, so you don’t have to think about it too much if you don’t want to. Just sit back and enjoy a new book with your last days of summer!
Picture Books
“A Place For Us” written and illustrated by James E. Ransome
I love wordless picture books for the way they strengthen visual literacy, and this one will also foster empathy. A boy’s mom picks him up from school with a big hug, then the two head to a restaurant for some fast food. Afterwards, they spend time at the library together, where the boy diligently does homework while his mom reads a novel. They stay there until the library closes, and it’s then that the reader realizes they have nowhere else to go. They spend the night on a park bench, the boy’s head resting in his mom’s lap with her sweater as his blanket. The sun rises and she gently wakes her boy. After a clean shirt, combed hair and tooth-brushing in a park fountain, he’s ready for another day of school. The watercolor illustrations are gorgeous and poignant, and the love between mother and child is tangible. This will make an excellent and thought-provoking conversation starter. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: August Favorites 2025”
We’re off to a great start of new books this year! If you haven’t signed up for Winter Reading yet and you need some inspiration, I’ve got some wonderful options for you. We’ve got characters who learn about community and connection, as well as detectives who solve cases both high profile and low. Enjoy!
Picture Books
“The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share” by Steve Small
Hare loves his turnips and has no intention of sharing them with anyone. When rabbits move in next door, the other animals are eager to help them get settled in and bring food to share. The rabbits generously cook a big stew for everyone, which baffles Hare. Why would they share when they have so little? Later, when he’s tending his garden, Hare has a run in with a fierce boar who steals his turnips and is heading for the rabbits’ carrots next. Hare turns his selfishness into selflessness, and realizes the joy that can be found in community. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: February Favorites 2025”
