iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Emmie uses wit and grit to build fabulous inventions with found materials. @crosby-fairall.bsky.social renders beautiful, intricate illustrations in her book. This story shows how even the smallest minds can conceive big ideas, and even the unlikeliest of creatures can build a friendship. #PBreview

Emmie Builds Something New is a picture book written and illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall. This book cover shows a mouse in goggles holding a pencil and standing on a mechanical contraption. The background has a blueprint faded image and the word Emmie shows a gear in the dot of the letter I. The author’s name is printed on a hanging metal sign.

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Patty Brozo writes a relatable story about fear of the water while on vacation. Grandpa Poppo makes an effort to coax Sirena into the lake by allowing her to join him at her own pace. Illustrations by @anniebowler.bsky.social reinforce the trust and enjoyment these characters share. #PBreview

The Mermaid: How Sirena Learned to Swim is a picture book written by Patty Brozo and illustrated by Annie Bowler. This book cover shows a young girl sitting on the side of a lake hugging her knees to her chest. The water has a silhouette of a mermaid in it with the title written overtop of that in pink letters.

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

The sarcasm of this book is half its charm. @unshavedmouse.bsky.social doubts the integrity of fish while peppering facts about them throughout his story. @dansantat.bsky.social amps up the fun with realistic and humorous illustrations. Readers will learn, laugh, and wonder about crabs. #PBreview

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Siblings enjoy the simple pleasures of the day which culminate in a rooftop fireworks display. @matthewburgessj.bsky.social uses onomatopoeia throughout the story paired with Chien’s artwork to create a joy for the ears & eyes and remind readers to embrace the unique treats of summertime. #PBreview

Fireworks, a picture book written by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Cátia Chien. This book cover is dark blue with bright fireworks in white and fuchsia (and fuchsia type). Two kids are cheering at the bottom with their backs to you.

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

This book pairs facts with humorous words of encouragement directed at a goose egg. It works great as a read-a-loud with its engaging tone, larger text, and Galia Bernstein's detailed illustrations. This fun story by @sarahollyackerman.bsky.social will satisfy teachers and curious kids. #PBreview

How to Hatch: A Gosling's Guide to Breaking Free picture book written by Sara Holly Ackerman and illustrated by Galia Bernstein. This book cover shows several cracked goose eggs in place of the capital O letters and the back end of a gosling running off the page.

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

I loved learning about this global safe house for seeds. @meganclendenan.bsky.social talks about the diversity of plants found across countries and cultures. @cicchese-art.bsky.social art adds a mystical quality to the story. This NF book will inform and motivate readers of all ages. #PBreview

Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault picture book by Megan Clendenan and illustrated by Brittany Cicchese. This cover shows people walking into the entrance of the vault in a wintery scene of swirling snow.

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

The title is intriguing and @cgroenink.bsky.social cover illustration beckons you inside. @tanya_rosie tells a tale about a father and daughter observing the splendor of nature in their backyard. Readers will discover the hedgehog highway and dream of making such memories for themselves. #PBreview

The Night of the Hedgehog picture book cover with a little girl and her father holding a flashlight on a hedgehog family. Written by Tanya Rosie and illustrated by Chuck Groenink

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

A delightfully funny story with emotive images of Aggie and the persistent one-eyed ghost that haunts her home. @mattforsythe.bsky.social has a knack for infusing sarcastic charm into his characters. Definitely a book kids will bug you to read over and over again like an annoying ghost. #PBreview

Aggie and the Ghost picture book cover by Matthew Forsythe with an illustration of a young girl and a one-eyed ghost in the rain.

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

A touching story by @hellomrsdinh.bsky.social that shows the nuanced feelings kids have about honoring their heritage. Yong Ling Kang’s beautifully detailed illustrations strengthen the mood. Tiên comes to see the value of her family’s jade bracelet tradition and the magic it holds. #PBreview

The Jade Bracelet book cover. Written by Hà Dinh and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang.

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Readers will enjoy watching Amos McGee and his menagerie prepare for a coming snow storm. #PhilipStead thoughtful words and #ErinStead tenderly detailed art pull you into a comforting space you’ll never want to leave. See how a snowy day is much more meaningful when shared with friends. #PBreview

A Snow Day for Amos McGee picture book by Philip C. Stead and illustrator Erin E. Stead

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

What could be better than an octopus escaping from an aquarium?! Thor Hanson tells a true story about Inky while weaving in many octopus facts, while Galia Bernstein illustrates intriguing scenes. Rhyme keeps this story light-hearted and keeps readers rooting for Inky long after he’s gone. #PBreview

The Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure book cover

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

I love the first line in this @jwbottom.bsky.social book: “When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.” The paintings by Susan Reagan contain marvelous details of aquatic life. Patrick’s fortitude against gender discrimination in science will inspire all ages. #PBreview

Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution book cover. Written by Julie Winterbottom and illustrated by Susan Reagan

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Lynn Burnell expertly weaves facts into a story about a whale’s life offering the reader so much to learn about a marine ecosystem. @authorjasonchin.bsky.social paintings amplify the beauty of this life cycle and bring clarity to a complex subject. A book that lives up to all its awards. #PBreview

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall
written by Lynn Brunelle and illustrated by Jason Chin

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Julia Donaldson’s story entertains readers with delightful rhyming phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home. The bright illustrations from Axel Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus a Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. #PBreview

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Renée Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of her like a cherished friend. A girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. Bea Jackson’s illustrations pop with bright colors and dynamic compositions. Summer Is Here welcomes the season with open arms. #PBreview

Summer Is Here book cover, with young girl blowing bubbles. Written by Renee Watson and illustrated by Bea Jackson.

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

A story about Japanese deliverymen who peddled towering stacks of soba noodle orders while bicycling in Tokyo traffic. @kyomaclear.bsky.social words paired with Gracey Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill of this vocation. Such a culturally historic and fun topic to share with kids! #PBreview

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

A humorous Old McDonald origin story from @underwoodwriter.bsky.social about a man who enjoys his tidy home and dislikes animals. Until a cat shows up at his door, and another cat, and a dog, and a duck, and then a menagerie! LeUyen Pham adorns each spread with charming illustrations. #PBreview

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

I love the simplicity of this story. Amy Hest chose each word with care, and the bears use the same intention to prepare for a day of fishing. @erinstead.bsky.social paintings are pure perfection. Readers will learn that a day of fishing is really about quality time with one another. #PBreview

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

This book shares practical activities people around the world are doing to improve natural habitats in their communities. Lyrical verses by @ericasauthor.bsky.social engage the ears while artwork by @ginniehsu.bsky.social delights the eyes. Sure to inspire young, rewilding activists! #PBreview

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Augusta Braxton Baker cultivated a love of story during her life. This librarian’s effect on kid lit is mirrored in the bold colors and patterns of April Harrison’s artwork. Breanna McDaniel’s book belongs in every library where it can influence literary inclusivity, just like Baker did. #PBreview

book cover of Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller written by Breanna J. McDaniel and illustrated by April Harrison

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

This touching story highlights the camaraderie between a school bus and her community. Loren Long’s illustrations focus color only on the bus. The Yellow Bus feels destined to become a classic with appeal for all ages. A wonderful tale about love, devotion, and new beginnings. #PBreview

book cover of The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

A heartfelt Christmas story by @tavaresbooks.bsky.social. Kids will enjoy rooting for the impatient Dasher when she travels alone and loses sight of the North Star guiding her home. This book reminds readers to be brave, kind, and thoughtful—grand notions for the holiday season. #PBreview

book cover for Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

FLAT CAT shows readers we often don’t know what we want until we try something new. @taralazar.bsky.social uses fun language like splish-splosh and fuzzy-wuzzy, while the illustrations by Pete Oswald push the humor even further. Kids will love seeing Flat Cat in a waffle maker—pure fun! #PBreview

book cover for Flat Cat by Tara Lazar and illustrated by Pete Oswald

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

This story by @armyvet5.bsky.social is a wonderful way to introduce kids to voting. A girl and her grandmother pick up neighbors on their long walk to a voting site. E. B. Lewis’ paintings depict the diversity of the urban community and the hope in their hearts to carry out this call. #PBreview

book cover for The Walk by Winsome Bingham with illustrations by E. B. Lewis

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

The Bright Side by Chad Otis tells a story about an unhoused boy living in a bus and shows us that kids are both adaptable and resilient. Staying positive through adversity often requires imagination, something available to children if they are loved, no matter where they sleep at night. #PBreview

book cover of The Bright Side by Chad Otis
When home is an old bus, optimism is your superpower!

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

This @saraoleary.bsky.social book highlights the Brontë siblings’ imagination and the storytellers they embodied. Briony May Smith’s timeless illustrations enrich the story and back matter gives a deep dive into the history of the family. A wonderful literary bio tackled in a unique way. #PBreview

book cover for The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O'Leary & illus by Briony May Smith

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

This bio about Robert McCloskey will make readers chuckle when viewing Becca Stadtlander’s paintings of duck antics paired with Emma Bland Smith’s tales of the havoc they caused in an apartment. What an impressive effort by McCloskey to ensure his illustrations were authentic. #PBreview

book cover for Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards" The Making of Make Way for Ducklings by Emma Bland Smith

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

A poem containing layers of meaning mirrored in the collages by Melissa Sweet. Children will want to read this book over and over again. Kwame Alexander sums it up in the author’s note when he says that he and Deanna Nikaido “wrote this poem to remind us all that words are fun…” #PBreview

book cover of How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

Sometimes the other birds are too noisy, so Only flys off on their own to read. This book shows how some of us need quiet or alone time, but no one wants to be lonely. Kids will see new ways to enjoy friendships and will love the details in the @airlieanderson.bsky.social paintings. #PBreview

book cover for Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone by Airlie Anderson

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

abicushman.com excels at drawing animals with expressive faces. In this book she pairs her images with hilarious dialogue and somehow gets NF animal facts in there too. Kids won’t realize how much they’re learning! Wombats are indeed pretty weird, and a whole lot of fun. #PBreview

book cover for Wombats are Pretty Weird by Abi Cushman

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

I love how @judithhenderson.bsky.social & Ellen Yeomans built this story around a simple, mysterious yellow envelope. It’s full of spunky Gmas and bright colors by Rashin Kheiriyeh. GRANDMOTHERS GALORE! has a Grammy, Abuela, Nana, Nonna, Bibi, Nai Nai, Bubbie, plus a whole lot of heart. #PBreview

book cover for Grandmothers Galore! by Judith Henderson and Ellen Yeomans

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Kids will love the silliness @karilavellewrites.bsky.social brings to her picture book about animal heads and heinies. Readers are sure to giggle while gaining knowledge that’s often accompanied by a pun. Butt or Face? provides a fun, interactive way to introduce children to NF topics. #PBreview

book cover of Butt or Face? Can you tell which end you're looking at? by Kari Lavelle

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Sondra Zalewski @sondrazalewski.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Ms. Mouse is a brilliant architect who designs imaginative dwellings for creatures throughout the world (detailed illus by Smith). The re-printing of Mendoza’s book by @nyrb-imprints.bsky.social is a gift to the PB community, sure to resonate with future generations as it did mine. #PBreview

Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse! book cover by George Mendoza and illustrated by Doris Susan Smith

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