Keeping it short again this month and not just because I’m doing so much traveling that many of these posts are being written at the tables in the free breakfast areas of hotel lobbies!
Here’s July’s review roundup, built from a handful of spring 2026 picture books that caught my eye (and ear!). If you’ve read any of these, hit up the comments section with your own five-word review.
And if there’s a recent or forthcoming book you’d like to see me cover in some fashion on the blog, let me know! Suggestions are always welcome.
The Bookship
Author: Hiba Noor Khan
Illustrator: Julian Ariza
Ketebe Publishing
26 May 2026
32 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Grandad’s stories outlive sorrow. Still.
4 out of 5 bottled messages
Brave Like a Lion! How a Puppeteer Found Her Voice
Author: Megan Piphus
Illustrator: Niña Mata
Dial Books
5 May 2026
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Puppet magic quietly transforms timidity.
4.5 out of 5 lion roars
Kindergarten Gets Ready
Author: Naomi Danis
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
26 May 2026
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Classroom order eases first-day jitters.
4.5 out of 5 labeled cubbies
Miles Ahead
Author: Minh Lê
Illustrator: Lynnor Bontigao
Knopf Books for Young Readers
28 April 2026
40 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Road-trip chaos uncovers family treasures.
4.25 out of 5 baby booties
Open
Author: Robert Agis
Illustrator: Sarah Jacoby
Candlewick
5 May 2026
32 pages
Ryan’s five-word review: Becoming takes time. Bloom anyway.
4.25 out of 5 sunbursts