Brianna’s Books: February Favorites 2025

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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 coverThe 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.


Caboose coverCaboose” written by Travis Jonker and illustrated by Ruth Chan

Hippo loves to be the line leader, because then he has all the power. He can make everyone go slow or fast, or stop suddenly and crash! He has all sorts of involved schemes that get him to the front of the line, but when his teacher catches on he’s banished to the back. Before long he learns about all the fun things he can do at the end of the line, “caboosin’ it up” much to his teacher’s exasperation. He finally finds a happy medium in the middle of the line, where he begins to connect to his classmates.


Chapter Books

Casey's Cases: the Mysterious New Girl coverCasey’s Cases: the Mysterious New Girl” by Kay Healy

Fifth-grader Casey longs to be a detective, but she can’t find too many opportunities for a sleuth. So Casey creates her own, by investigating things like The Case of the Wrapped Presents, and The Case of Will the New Girl Make the Kickball Team. No case is too small for Casey, as she joyfully investigates myriad mundane mysteries. This graphic novel uses humor and whimsy perfectly, with its bold illustrations of geometrically shaped people and excellent comedic timing. A would-be sleuth uncovers the importance of friendship as she investigates fifth grade.


Murder at the Museum coverMurder at the Museum” written by Alasdair Beckett-King and illustrated by Claire Powell

Instead of simply aspiring to be a detective, Bonnie Montgomery is a world renowned detective — or at least, her alter ego Montgomery Bonbon is. When ten-year-old Bonnie encounters a crime that must be solved, she dons a fake mustache, trench coat and beret. With a difficult to place accent, her transformation into (the unusually short) Montgomery Bonbon is complete. Aided by her loving and loyal Grampa, she’s ready to solve the murder and theft at a local museum. This cozy mystery has delightfully wry humor, red herrings, inept police and charming protagonists. It’s like Agatha Christie for young readers (though maybe not too young as the central mystery is still a murder). For a more immersive experience, check out the audiobook on Libby! It’s read by the author who is a British stand-up comedian, and makes the parts with Bonbon’s accent even more hilarious.