I recently became a member of NetGalley, where you can read and review books before publication. I started off with picture books as there were some very interesting titles. Today, on the blog, I’m sharing these newer picture books and my honest review for parents who care about clean reading. Release dates are listed so you can plan ahead if you are looking for newer releases.
The Egg Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater
Release date: January 5, 2027 · Ages: 4–8 · Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
If you’ve loved The Leaf Thief, The Flower Thief, The Snow Thief, and the rest of Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater’s delightful “thief” picture books, this spring companion does not disappoint. Squirrel does not understand why duck sits on her eggs. When duck goes missing, and the eggs start hatching, squirrel thinks there is an egg thief in the vicinity.
MY TAKE: Sometimes book series can start to get boring with each new books – but not this one. It is clever and innocent and after how delightful the other thief books have been, this one did not disappoint.
You’re Always in My Way: A Funny Friendship by Marcus Pfister
Release date: March 2, 2027 · Ages: 4–8 · Publisher: NorthSouth Books
From the New York Times bestselling creator of The Rainbow Fish, the sweetest book with a friendship story about a little mouse who’s annoyed that a big elephant is always in the way… until a little positive affirmation (and a big hug) puts things right.
MY TAKE: This was unique and fun to read. One of my tops in the list.
Get a Hug by Shannon Stocker, illustrated by Lily Hoang-Zhu
Release date: December 1, 2026 · Ages: about 4–8 · Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
When a little girl finds that her happy-jolly-joyful supply runs low, the answer is simple: get a hug. Pandas, elephants, grizzly bears, porcupines, and little kids trade embraces that turn a grumpy day around.
MY TAKE: I had all the fuzzy reading this book. It was the sweetest thing teaching kids to hug when the time is right, and also teaching boundaries about when to hug, in a simple, subtle way.
Little Tractor’s Year by Ashley Wolff
Release date: December 8, 2026 · Ages: 3–7 · Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Month by month, a hardworking little tractor helps keep the family farm going by plowing snow, hauling apples, feeding animals, and more. Rhyming couplets carry you through each month of the year, with an ending that names all the farm tools used by the tractor.
MY TAKE:This was such a sweet little book about what a year in the life of a tractor looks like. Perfect for the kid obsessed with large vehicles. My boys would definitely have enjoyed this in their toddler years. The illustrations are stunning and bring the book to life. I always love a good rhyme, which is how this book was written.
Walk a Mile, Crocodile by Taiyo de Becker and Zen de Becker
Release date: November 17, 2026 (some listings say December 1, 2026) · Ages: about 3–6 · Publisher: Sky Pony Press
It is a rhyming book that teaches you to move your body and stay active through stretching, jumping, and racing as animal friends get their bodies moving.
MY TAKE: The rhyme is fun and a great way to get your child to move. I would certainly have my kid do what the page says when reading it if my kids were small. there were formatting issues, and sometimes parts of a letter were hidden. The illustration looked a bit AI or digitally cleaned up. That can be off-putting.
The Sharpest Crayon by Maggie Kramer
Release date: September 22, 2026 · Ages: about 5–8 · Publisher: Peridot Publishing
At Camp Waxwood, Violet is the sharpest crayon around—perfect tip, colors inside the lines—until a treasure hunt pulls her into messy, imaginative adventures. It’s about courage and creativity, and learning that perfection isn’t what makes you shine.
MY TAKE: I loved the illustrations in this book. The story is so relatable for every little child who is too scared to venture out. Remember, there is always a purple crayon out there.
Holiday Havoc by Josée Bournival, illustrated by Luke Ives
Release date: September 15, 2026 · Ages: 3+ · Publisher: CrackBoom! Books / Chouette
Santa, Cupid, the Easter Bunny, and a Halloween witch swap places and chaos ensues. It’s a silly multi-holiday story that can still work as a holiday read-aloud, light enough for young listeners and fun for families who like role-swap humor.
MY TAKE: It was a festive, entertaining story that kids will enjoy. I always love a good ending; they all knew what they did best and had to go back to the roles they originally had.
Runaway Elf by Valerie L. Egar, illustrated by Tamara Campeau
Release date: October 13, 2026 · Ages: about 4–8 · Publisher: Whistle Oak
A mischievous North Pole elf runs off to Hollywood for adventure, then becomes homesick and learns what purpose and home really mean. The Runaway Elf is a sweet story with a premise I haven’t come across before. The idea that the world might be greener and better somewhere else is something this unhappy elf truly believes.
MY TAKE: I always appreciate a happy ending in a picture book, so I was glad he returned. I would have loved to see Santa’s reaction when he came back and the affection they shared afterward.
Snow Sparkles by Mélina Mangal
Release date: January 19, 2027 · Ages: 1–4 (board book) · Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Cousins Kamali and Josiah explore a snowy city day with animal tracks, deep drifts, snow angels, and sledding. They notice that every snowflake sparkles in its own way.
MY TAKE: I would recommend this for 1–4 years. It is perfect to read during a winter day, with lots of great ideas on what to do on a snowy day. It included fun illustrations.
Top 3 Favorites
Of all the books in this roundup, these three were my favorite and a must-read.
- The Egg Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater — Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
- Get a Hug by Shannon Stocker, illustrated by Lily Hoang-Zhu — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- You’re Always in My Way: A Funny Friendship by Marcus Pfister — NorthSouth Books
If you’re only grabbing a few, start there.
Disclosure: I received digital review copies of these titles via NetGalley. Opinions are my own. This post is not sponsored.
Looking for more books?
If you are looking for more books for the holiday season, check out these posts — 60 Christmas Books We Love That Will Brighten Your Season, The Ultimate List of Christmas Picture Books About Holiday Traditions, The First Christmas Children’s Books, Best Christmas Chapter Books.
Also, check for more fun picture book reads, check out my picture book lists here.
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