We’ll switch back to the larger review format soon, but in the meantime, here are five new picture books to have on your reading radar. If you already know them, share your own five-word review (or just general feedback about any of them) in the comments section.
Enjoy!
Bored
Author: Felicita Sala
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Neal Porter Books
6 January 2026
48 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Productive boredom masterclass. Imagination unlocked.
🌀 4 out of 5 wandering thoughts
Croûton: One Cat’s Adoption Tail
Author: Kristine A. Lombardi
Illustrator: Kristine A. Lombardi
Random House Books for Young Readers
27 January 2026
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Cat chooses human. Purrfectly lovely.
🏠 4.5 out of 5 cozy landings
Hair Story
Author: Sope Martins
Illustrator: Briana Mukordiri Uchendu
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
6 January 2026
48 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: History written strand by strand.
✨ 4.5 out of 5 living legacies
Sparkles for Sunny: A Lunar New Year Story
Author: Sylvia Chen
Illustrator: Thai My Phuong
Flamingo Books
2 December 2025
32 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Hand-me-downs, creatively reimagined. Sunny shines.
🐉 4.5 out of 5 golden dragons
Your Truck
Author: Jon Klassen
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Candlewick
6 January 2026
28 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Still truck—full of potential.
🚚 4 out of 5 waiting trucks
