Each week, I sift through stacks of new picture books looking for the ones that feel fresh, moving, or just plain fun. These five-word reviews are my way of marking what caught my eye and held it. Not full critiques, just honest first impressions drawn from voice, feeling, and the spark of something well made.
Let’s see which ones you remember.
Big Boy Joy
Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Shamar Knight-Justice
Bloomsbury Children’s Books
3 June 2025
32 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Apologies build better playground days.
🏃♂️4.25 out of 5 soaring sneakers
Diego Fuego: The Firefighting Dragon
Author: Allison Rozo and Rafael Rozo
Illustrator: Vanessa Morales
Penguin Workshop
22 July 2025
32 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Fireproof charm. Frozen flair. Familia.
🔥🚫 4 out of 5 flame-free heroes
No More Chairs
Author: Dan Gill
Illustrator: Susan Gal
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
1 July 2025
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Quiet courage leaves lasting echo.
🪑 4.5 out of 5 welcome chairs
Pencil’s Best Story Ever
Author: Carly Gledhill
Illustrator: Carly Gledhill
Post Wave
29 July 2025
32 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Art school energy, playground mindset.
🎨 4 out of 5 creative messes
To Catch a Ghost
Author: Rachel Michelle Wilson
Illustrator: Rachel Michelle Wilson
Orchard Books
1 July 2025
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Ghost-hunting manual meets unexpected empathy.
👻 4.25 out of 5 ghost traps
