2026 2 X 2 Reading List

The bakers dozen

Moore, Amy, 1974-,


At the most charming bakery, the pastry chefs of The Baker's Dozen learn to embrace change--and encounter the delights of the doughnut! The work at The Baker's Dozen bakery goes like clockwork--all twelve bakers have a job to do and the jobs are completed without a hitch. When a new chef shows up looking for a spot on the team, and with a tempting treat too, the bakers insist The Baker's Dozen is "twelve, no more!" Even if the doughnuts do look delicious ... Luckily, the new chef knows something surprising about a baker's dozen. This fun, rhyming read includes a doughnut recipe--and reminds readers that the more, the merrier!
Date Published:2025

At the most charming bakery, the pastry chefs of The Baker's Dozen learn to embrace change--and encounter the delights of the doughnut! The work at The Baker's Dozen bakery goes like clockwork--all twelve bakers have a job to do and the jobs are completed without a hitch. When a new chef shows up looking for a spot on the team, and with a tempting treat too, the bakers insist The Baker's Dozen is "twelve, no more!" Even if the doughnuts do look delicious ... Luckily, the new chef knows something surprising about a baker's dozen. This fun, rhyming read includes a doughnut recipe--and reminds readers that the more, the merrier!

Date Published:2025

Bear and the three Goldilocks

Horne, Patrick,


You'll laugh out loud at this funny fractured folktale with pictures by a popular artist! The Goldilocks family leave their campsite to go on a hike while their s'mores cool off . . . when along comes Bear. "What's that yummy smell?" Bear wonders. S'mores, of course: too gooey, too chocolatey . . . and just right! Bear eats them all. Bear continues to wreak havoc by breaking a chair, smashing musical instruments, and extinguishing the fire. When the Goldilocks return, they are flabbergasted. They try to make a lot of noise to shoo away the bear . . . when Mama Bear and Papa Bear show up. Mama and Papa apologize profusely for the behavior of their naughty offspring, but the Goldilocks don't speak "Bear." They just hear a lot of LOUD GROWLING. So they decide to hightail it out of there, and the Bear family gets to enjoy the tents and snacks that are left behind. This hilarious story, a perfect readaloud, and its hilarious pictures will delight children and parents alike.
Date Published:2025

You'll laugh out loud at this funny fractured folktale with pictures by a popular artist! The Goldilocks family leave their campsite to go on a hike while their s'mores cool off . . . when along comes Bear. "What's that yummy smell?" Bear wonders. S'mores, of course: too gooey, too chocolatey . . . and just right! Bear eats them all. Bear continues to wreak havoc by breaking a chair, smashing musical instruments, and extinguishing the fire. When the Goldilocks return, they are flabbergasted. They try to make a lot of noise to shoo away the bear . . . when Mama Bear and Papa Bear show up. Mama and Papa apologize profusely for the behavior of their naughty offspring, but the Goldilocks don't speak "Bear." They just hear a lot of LOUD GROWLING. So they decide to hightail it out of there, and the Bear family gets to enjoy the tents and snacks that are left behind. This hilarious story, a perfect readaloud, and its hilarious pictures will delight children and parents alike.

Date Published:2025

Big bike, little bike

Gillis, Kellie DuBay,


Big Bike, Little Bike is a uniquely masterful picture book that celebrates how circumstances can change perspective as different animals approach the same simple bike. Perfect for fans of They All Saw a Cat. "A bike!" "A bike." "A bike?" Is it a big bike or a little bike? Fast or slow? Dirty or clean? It all depends on who the bike's next rider is. If you ask a tiny birdie, a rhino, or even a poodle, they'll all tell you something different! Join this charming cast of characters who discover just how far our perspective-and one bike-can take you. For fans of Brendan Wenzel, Antoinette Portis, and Corey Tabor, Big Bike, Little Bike will wheel riders and readers away on a hilarious and heartfelt journey.
Date Published:2025

Big Bike, Little Bike is a uniquely masterful picture book that celebrates how circumstances can change perspective as different animals approach the same simple bike. Perfect for fans of They All Saw a Cat. "A bike!" "A bike." "A bike?" Is it a big bike or a little bike? Fast or slow? Dirty or clean? It all depends on who the bike's next rider is. If you ask a tiny birdie, a rhino, or even a poodle, they'll all tell you something different! Join this charming cast of characters who discover just how far our perspective-and one bike-can take you. For fans of Brendan Wenzel, Antoinette Portis, and Corey Tabor, Big Bike, Little Bike will wheel riders and readers away on a hilarious and heartfelt journey.

Date Published:2025

Big enough

Linke, Regina,


Little Ah-Fu has a big imagination, but he can't imagine being the Oxherd Boy . . . yet. When the day comes for Ah-Fu to bring the huge family ox home from the woods, he worries that he's not big enough to do the job. Will fear and self-doubt drive Ah-Fu home empty-handed? Or can he rely on his wits and compassion to become the Oxherd Boy his family expects and prove to himself that he is, indeed, big enough?
Date Published:2025

Little Ah-Fu has a big imagination, but he can't imagine being the Oxherd Boy . . . yet. When the day comes for Ah-Fu to bring the huge family ox home from the woods, he worries that he's not big enough to do the job. Will fear and self-doubt drive Ah-Fu home empty-handed? Or can he rely on his wits and compassion to become the Oxherd Boy his family expects and prove to himself that he is, indeed, big enough?

Date Published:2025

Broken

Fang, X.,


Join Mei Mei on her hilarious and emotional journey in this dramatic and tenderhearted picture book about guilt and forgiveness, from the acclaimed creator of We Are Definitely Human. When Mei Mei accidentally breaks her ama's favorite cup, she's convinced it's the end of the world. What if Ama is angry? What if she yells? What if she kicks Mei Mei out of her house? Mei Mei can't face it. But when Mimi, the innocent cat who witnesses her crime, ends up being blamed, the guilt is too much! Mimi's accusing eyes follow Mei Mei until she just can't take it anymore, and the truth comes spilling out.
Date Published:2025

Join Mei Mei on her hilarious and emotional journey in this dramatic and tenderhearted picture book about guilt and forgiveness, from the acclaimed creator of We Are Definitely Human. When Mei Mei accidentally breaks her ama's favorite cup, she's convinced it's the end of the world. What if Ama is angry? What if she yells? What if she kicks Mei Mei out of her house? Mei Mei can't face it. But when Mimi, the innocent cat who witnesses her crime, ends up being blamed, the guilt is too much! Mimi's accusing eyes follow Mei Mei until she just can't take it anymore, and the truth comes spilling out.

Date Published:2025

Cranky, crabby crow (saves the world)

Tabor, Corey R.,


Everything is on the line for crabby, cranky Crow. But why, exactly, is Crow so moody? The reason will delight readers in three-time Geisel Medal and Caldecott Honor-winner Corey R. Tabor's funny and surprising twist on friendship, science, and saving the world. Cranky, crabby Crow does NOT want to play with Squirrel or do loop-de-loops with Hummingbird. He doesn't have time for Rat or Bat. From high atop a telephone pole, Cat warns Crow that he will soon be all alone if he turns his friends away with his very cranky "kaw!" one more time. But, unbeknownst to all, Crow has bigger, world-saving fish to fry! Beautifully illustrated and sure to have kids giggling, Corey R. Tabor, the Caldecott Honor artist and three-time Geisel Award winner, once again explores age-appropriate social and emotions themes from a new perspective and with subtlety and silliness.
Date Published:2025

Everything is on the line for crabby, cranky Crow. But why, exactly, is Crow so moody? The reason will delight readers in three-time Geisel Medal and Caldecott Honor-winner Corey R. Tabor's funny and surprising twist on friendship, science, and saving the world. Cranky, crabby Crow does NOT want to play with Squirrel or do loop-de-loops with Hummingbird. He doesn't have time for Rat or Bat. From high atop a telephone pole, Cat warns Crow that he will soon be all alone if he turns his friends away with his very cranky "kaw!" one more time. But, unbeknownst to all, Crow has bigger, world-saving fish to fry! Beautifully illustrated and sure to have kids giggling, Corey R. Tabor, the Caldecott Honor artist and three-time Geisel Award winner, once again explores age-appropriate social and emotions themes from a new perspective and with subtlety and silliness.

Date Published:2025

Don't trust fish

Sharpson, Neil,


Why, dear reader, must you NEVER EVER trust fish? 1. They spend all their time in the water where we can't see them. 2. Some are as big as a bus--that is not okay. 3. We don't know what they're teaching in their "schools." 4. They are likely plotting our doom. This nature-guide-gone-wrong is a hilarious, off-the-rails exploration of the seemingly innocent animals that live in the water.
Date Published:2025

Earl & Worm : the bad idea and other stories /

Pizzoli, Greg,


"This is a Borzoi book . . ."--Copyright page. School Library Journal starred, February 2025. Publishers Weekly, January 2025. Booklist, April 2025. Horn Book, May 2025. Kirkus Review, February 2025. Earl, a cheerful bird who loves playing saxophone, and Worm, a quiet bookworm, overcome their differences with lemonade, creativity, and sharing their stories, becoming the best of friends.
Date Published:2025

The escape artist : a true story of octopus adventure /

Hanson, Thor,


When Inky the octopus slipped out of his tank at the National Aquarium in New Zealand, his audacious escape made headlines around the world. Biologist Thor Hanson's funny, informational text and Galia Bernstein's illuminating, humorous pictures showcase the intelligence and curiosity of the octopus. For fans of Yoshi and the Ocean and Star and the Maestro. Features back matter. A rock. A pot. Some sand. A light. And those same four walls, day in and day out. Inky the octopus has only ever known his tank at the aquarium in New Zealand. Understimulated and craving answers, he watches the people walk by and wonders where they go--until one fateful day when the lock on his tank is left unlatched. Inky escapes, and miraculously makes his way into a drainpipe and out to the ocean. Inky's story is all true--there really was an octopus who escaped the National Aquarium in New Zealand and returned to the sea, becoming a viral sensation in 2016. Award-winning author and biologist Thor Hanson's rhyming text is funny, engaging, and informative and highlights the innate intelligence of octopuses. Galia Bernstein's vibrant, tentacle-filled artwork is the perfect complement, capturing Inky's curiosity, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Extensive back matter includes information about octopuses, aquariums, and the real Inky's escape.
Date Published:2025

When Inky the octopus slipped out of his tank at the National Aquarium in New Zealand, his audacious escape made headlines around the world. Biologist Thor Hanson's funny, informational text and Galia Bernstein's illuminating, humorous pictures showcase the intelligence and curiosity of the octopus. For fans of Yoshi and the Ocean and Star and the Maestro. Features back matter. A rock. A pot. Some sand. A light. And those same four walls, day in and day out. Inky the octopus has only ever known his tank at the aquarium in New Zealand. Understimulated and craving answers, he watches the people walk by and wonders where they go--until one fateful day when the lock on his tank is left unlatched. Inky escapes, and miraculously makes his way into a drainpipe and out to the ocean. Inky's story is all true--there really was an octopus who escaped the National Aquarium in New Zealand and returned to the sea, becoming a viral sensation in 2016. Award-winning author and biologist Thor Hanson's rhyming text is funny, engaging, and informative and highlights the innate intelligence of octopuses. Galia Bernstein's vibrant, tentacle-filled artwork is the perfect complement, capturing Inky's curiosity, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Extensive back matter includes information about octopuses, aquariums, and the real Inky's escape.

Date Published:2025

Every monday Mabel

Awan, Jashar,


Every Monday, Mabel wakes up early and peeks out her window to make sure she didn't miss the one thing she's been looking forward to the whole week. She drags her chair down the hallway, past her big sister and Mom and Dad, out the door, and waits. What is Mabel waiting for every Monday? According to Mabel, it's the best thing in the world. But no one else in her family seems to understand.until they see what's honking down the street!
Date Published:2025

Every Monday, Mabel wakes up early and peeks out her window to make sure she didn't miss the one thing she's been looking forward to the whole week. She drags her chair down the hallway, past her big sister and Mom and Dad, out the door, and waits. What is Mabel waiting for every Monday? According to Mabel, it's the best thing in the world. But no one else in her family seems to understand.until they see what's honking down the street!

Date Published:2025

I hate everything!

Henn, Sophy,


"Originally published in Great Britain in 2025 by S&S UK Ltd."--Colophon. When a ghost is in a bad mood, his pal tries to turn his frown upside down in this irresistible picture book about there always being something to love. A ghost is having a very bad day. He feels like he hates EVERYTHING! Lucky for him, he has a good ghost friend to talk it through with. Because if he doesn't really hate sweets or flowers or dressing up, and he definitely doesn't hate his friend, then maybe he doesn't hate everything after all.
Date Published:2025

"Originally published in Great Britain in 2025 by S&S UK Ltd."--Colophon. When a ghost is in a bad mood, his pal tries to turn his frown upside down in this irresistible picture book about there always being something to love. A ghost is having a very bad day. He feels like he hates EVERYTHING! Lucky for him, he has a good ghost friend to talk it through with. Because if he doesn't really hate sweets or flowers or dressing up, and he definitely doesn't hate his friend, then maybe he doesn't hate everything after all.

Date Published:2025

If you make a call on a banana phone

Sterer, Gideon,


If you make a call on a banana phone, who will answer? What will you talk about? Will you share secrets or ask questions? No one knows what will happen, really. This very silly story is full of the joy and wisdom that comes from making new friends from unexpected places. Go ahead, pick up a banana and make a call. You'll be glad you did.
Date Published:2025

It's corn picking time!

Esbaum, Jill,


"A rhyming tour of the process of harvesting corn"--Provided by publisher. "Neal Porter Books. Hop in the tractor and ride along with a corn farmer in this rhyming read-aloud full of things that clack, whoosh, and roll! It's corn-picking time, and the farmer has all her tools ready! The cornhead gobbles the stalks. The spreader spits out chaff. The grain wagon fills with corn! This is the farmer, whose happy heart leaps at the sight of those first golden, glorious heaps! Corn-picking time is a favorite season on author Jill Esbaum's family farm, and the joy is sure to be shared by young lovers of tractors, trucks, and all manner of machines. Rhyming text pairs with Melissa Crowton's colorful illustrations for a high-energy read kids will ask for again and again. Check out the copious information found at the end of the book to discover more about life on a farm.
Date Published:2025

"A rhyming tour of the process of harvesting corn"--Provided by publisher. "Neal Porter Books. Hop in the tractor and ride along with a corn farmer in this rhyming read-aloud full of things that clack, whoosh, and roll! It's corn-picking time, and the farmer has all her tools ready! The cornhead gobbles the stalks. The spreader spits out chaff. The grain wagon fills with corn! This is the farmer, whose happy heart leaps at the sight of those first golden, glorious heaps! Corn-picking time is a favorite season on author Jill Esbaum's family farm, and the joy is sure to be shared by young lovers of tractors, trucks, and all manner of machines. Rhyming text pairs with Melissa Crowton's colorful illustrations for a high-energy read kids will ask for again and again. Check out the copious information found at the end of the book to discover more about life on a farm.

Date Published:2025

¡Mistaco

Kinkz, Eliza,


"A tale of tragedy y tortillas"--Jacket. After a terrible day at school, Izzy's grandfather helps her turn things around by making "mistacos" and celebrating their mistakes.
Date Published:2025

Mistaco! Una tragedia de tortillas

Kinks, Eliza,


After an awful day at school (including a tragic but plausibly deniable mishap with a pudding cup), Izzy wants to be left alone. But it's Friday, and that means making tortillas with Lito. As the mistakes pile up, they come tumbling out of Izzy--and Lito surprises her by saying everyone makes mistakes, and if she makes a tortilla out of her mistakes, he will EAT it. "Mmmm. . .spicy! And boogery! With a hint of courage. My favorite taco EVER!" Suddenly, the whole family is confessing and getting mistakes off their chests with a feast of mistacos! (Authentic Spanish).
Date Published:2025

After an awful day at school (including a tragic but plausibly deniable mishap with a pudding cup), Izzy wants to be left alone. But it's Friday, and that means making tortillas with Lito. As the mistakes pile up, they come tumbling out of Izzy--and Lito surprises her by saying everyone makes mistakes, and if she makes a tortilla out of her mistakes, he will EAT it. "Mmmm. . .spicy! And boogery! With a hint of courage. My favorite taco EVER!" Suddenly, the whole family is confessing and getting mistakes off their chests with a feast of mistacos! (Authentic Spanish).

Date Published:2025

The monster in the lake

Timmers, Leo,


"Originally published by Em. Querido's Uitgeverij, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 2022 under the title Het monstermeer"--Colophon. Translated from Dutch. Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake. Walking at the back, Eric isn't sure. He's heard there's a monster in the lake, but his friends don't believe a word of that old story! Eric reluctantly tags along, only to make a startling discovery and find himself in a wonderful underwater adventure. This large-format picture book features a detailed fold-out underwater world of mechanical marvels and sea creatures. The story of a nervous duck who finds courage and the overconfidence of groups will resonate with anyone who's nervously dipped a toe in unknown waters.
Date Published:2025

"Originally published by Em. Querido's Uitgeverij, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 2022 under the title Het monstermeer"--Colophon. Translated from Dutch. Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake. Walking at the back, Eric isn't sure. He's heard there's a monster in the lake, but his friends don't believe a word of that old story! Eric reluctantly tags along, only to make a startling discovery and find himself in a wonderful underwater adventure. This large-format picture book features a detailed fold-out underwater world of mechanical marvels and sea creatures. The story of a nervous duck who finds courage and the overconfidence of groups will resonate with anyone who's nervously dipped a toe in unknown waters.

Date Published:2025

Pop! goes the nursery rhyme

Bird, Betsy,


Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly starred, School Library Journal, Something is happening in the world of nursery rhymes--the Weasel, as in "pop goes the weasel," has begun showing up in not only his rhyme, but every classic rhyme, from "Little Miss Muffett" to "Roses are red." The exasperated Secretary Bird pleads with the Weasel and readers to stop it, but the chaos may just be too much fun.
Date Published:2025

Punch! : a story about kindness /

Hall, Michael,


When Badger bullies his friends Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear, they teach him an unforgettable lesson about empathy, kindness, and forgiveness in this funny and thematically rich social and emotional read-aloud from the acclaimed creator of Red: A Crayon's Story. Badger, Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear are best friends. But when Badger experiences a personal loss and his emotions are too big to contain, he goes looking for trouble and takes his sadness out on his friends. He trips Frog, shoves Moose, kicks Elephant, and pokes Bear with a shovel. So Bear gathers the others, and they come up with a three-point plan to teach Badger a lesson. Only that lesson is not what Badger--or readers--expect. In fact, Badger's friends treat Badger with kindness, offering him what he needs the most to sooth his raw emotions. A surprising turn of events that Badger takes to heart when Bear needs a little comfort in return. Illustrated in Michael Hall's signature cut-paper collages, Punch! sparkles with inventive wordplay, rhythm, repetition, homonyms, and plenty of suspense and action. Rich with social and emotional hooks, this picture book is a terrific choice for classroom and family sharing.
Date Published:2025

When Badger bullies his friends Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear, they teach him an unforgettable lesson about empathy, kindness, and forgiveness in this funny and thematically rich social and emotional read-aloud from the acclaimed creator of Red: A Crayon's Story. Badger, Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear are best friends. But when Badger experiences a personal loss and his emotions are too big to contain, he goes looking for trouble and takes his sadness out on his friends. He trips Frog, shoves Moose, kicks Elephant, and pokes Bear with a shovel. So Bear gathers the others, and they come up with a three-point plan to teach Badger a lesson. Only that lesson is not what Badger--or readers--expect. In fact, Badger's friends treat Badger with kindness, offering him what he needs the most to sooth his raw emotions. A surprising turn of events that Badger takes to heart when Bear needs a little comfort in return. Illustrated in Michael Hall's signature cut-paper collages, Punch! sparkles with inventive wordplay, rhythm, repetition, homonyms, and plenty of suspense and action. Rich with social and emotional hooks, this picture book is a terrific choice for classroom and family sharing.

Date Published:2025

Ready, steady, sloth!

Anderson, Justin,


Follow--very slowly--a brown-throated sloth and her clinging baby as they go on a secretive, daring mission in this captivating look at a hugely popular creature by a BBC documentary maker. Did you know that sloths give birth hanging upside down? That they fall out of their tree in the rainforest canopy about once a week? That they're covered with algae and small brown moths that serve as an excellent disguise? Or that it takes them thirty days to digest a single leaf? The animals' slow digestion may account for their weekly long journey from treetops to ground (where they deposit a smelly signal to other sloths), and their talent for freezing in place helps to keep them safe from predators during this dangerous operation. With humor and warmth, this engaging narrative, coupled with vividly colorful, friendly illustrations, is sure to please sloth lovers and attract new fans. More information about the seven species of sloths can be found in the back matter, along with resources for helping to save this enduring animal's dwindling habitat.
Date Published:2025

Follow--very slowly--a brown-throated sloth and her clinging baby as they go on a secretive, daring mission in this captivating look at a hugely popular creature by a BBC documentary maker. Did you know that sloths give birth hanging upside down? That they fall out of their tree in the rainforest canopy about once a week? That they're covered with algae and small brown moths that serve as an excellent disguise? Or that it takes them thirty days to digest a single leaf? The animals' slow digestion may account for their weekly long journey from treetops to ground (where they deposit a smelly signal to other sloths), and their talent for freezing in place helps to keep them safe from predators during this dangerous operation. With humor and warmth, this engaging narrative, coupled with vividly colorful, friendly illustrations, is sure to please sloth lovers and attract new fans. More information about the seven species of sloths can be found in the back matter, along with resources for helping to save this enduring animal's dwindling habitat.

Date Published:2025

Who ate Steve?

Lloyd, Susannah,


"First published 2024 by Nosy Crow Ltd., in London."--Page opposite title page. "Stories Aloud: Scan this QR code on your phone for a free audio reading of this book!"--Back cover. "With a free Stories Aloud audiobook! See back cover."--Sticker on cover. Welcome to this extremely interesting book about size. Marcel is a bird and he is big. Steve is a worm, and he is . . . Wait a minute! Steve has DISAPPEARED! Does Marcel know something about it? And can he be persuaded to return that poor worm RIGHT NOW?!
Date Published:2025

"First published 2024 by Nosy Crow Ltd., in London."--Page opposite title page. "Stories Aloud: Scan this QR code on your phone for a free audio reading of this book!"--Back cover. "With a free Stories Aloud audiobook! See back cover."--Sticker on cover. Welcome to this extremely interesting book about size. Marcel is a bird and he is big. Steve is a worm, and he is . . . Wait a minute! Steve has DISAPPEARED! Does Marcel know something about it? And can he be persuaded to return that poor worm RIGHT NOW?!

Date Published:2025