Phoenix By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2026. 162 pages This poignant middle-grade novel is about eleven-year-old Harper, who is struggling to adjust after her parents’ divorce and a sudden move to a new home. When a mistreated horse named Phoenix enters her life, Harper eagerly takes on the responsibility of caring for him. As she works to help the horse recover, she begins to confront her own feelings of anger and loss. This heartfelt story is a great pick for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven books–especially those who love animal stories. With themes of resilience, healing, and connection, Phoenix offers a hopeful look at how caring for others can help us grow. Recommended for readers who enjoy realistic fiction with emotional depth and a sense of hope.
My littles love it when I read books that break the fourth wall. My son has a special love for The Monster at the End of This Book . I am quite partial to Press Here , Is Everyone Ready for Fun? , or Abner & Ian Get Right-Side Up . Well, luckily for all of us there are so many fun new picture books that break the fourth wall that have come out recently. Here are some of my new favorites. Enjoy! Don’t Do It Doug! Written by Maudie Powell-Tuck Illustrated by Duncan Beedie New York: Tiger Tales, 2026. Picture Book. This is a silly book about a hamster that can’t control what he does. Of course the hamster wants to do all the things they shouldn’t (like pushing buttons) and the readers will enjoy telling Doug that they shouldn’t do things. So fun! The Future Book Written by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Shawn Harris New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2026. Picture Book. In this story the narrator talks to the reader…but the narrator is from the fut...