KRISTI MAHONEY'S BOOK PICK
In the young chapter books, Drag and Rex Forever Friends and Drag and Rex Sweet and Silly (Pixel + Ink November 2023 and 2024), by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Blythe Russo, two endearing forever friends, Drag (an impulsive dragon) and Rex (a practical) T-Rex, spend their days finding fun and adventure in everyday life. Reminiscent of Frog and Toad, I was immediately enamored by this fun duo, their fresh wit, and the whimsical illustrations that add additional humor and heart to these charming short stories.
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​For writers, there is much inspiration in these books—using favorite classic characters to provide inspiration for fresh new characters, incorporating humor into relatable everyday situations, and packing every page with genuine heart, which, much like good friends, can never be forced.

LU FRASER'S BOOK PICK
I know when a picture book has really moved me because I find myself reading it again…and again…and that was exactly what happened when I first read Gina Kaminsky Saves the Wolf written by Craig Barr-Green, and illustrated by Francis Martin (Kane Miller, 2024) - a fabulous tale that revisits a fairytale classic in the most wonderful way.
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​Gina is a hugely-endearing neurodivergent heroine who has spotted three big mistakes in ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ so she steps into the tale to fix them! Original, witty, surprising, funny, thoughtful, heartfelt – this book is an utter joy!
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From a writing perspective, there is a bold simplicity to this book that belies the complexity of what Barr-Green and Martin have achieved – an innovative tale that stands out from the crowd, a heroine with a personality that shines through from page one, language that has a fantastic directness that will appeal to young readers, illustrations that so perfectly complement the story, the whole reading experience is seamless…the list goes on! The cherry on the cake is the unique use of pictorial emoji’s supporting the text (anyone who has ever spent time with young children will instantly recognize the approach used in so many classrooms!). And the best thing of all? There’s a second book in the series!
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PAM VAUGHAN'S BOOK PICK
It is really unfair that you are asking us to pick one book! There are SO MANY books to choose for this list. One I read recently is She Sells Seashells Mary Anning, an Unlikely Paleontologist  by Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Emily Paik (Charlesbridge, 2024). This story features a young girl not only following her passion, but supporting her family through this passion and her hard work. Even though, during that time, she never received any credit, her individual effort, discoveries, and curiosity led to the creation of paleontology.
 
I really like how Heidi Stemple incorporates layers and threads, and subtly weaves in an important message while simultaneously empowering young readers. 
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JUNE COTNER'S BOOK PICK
The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Sara Brezzi (Parnassus Books, 2023) is geared for 5-9 year-old readers. Charles covers topics that directly relate to a child’s world such as home, winter, spring, summer, animals, and the broad subject of poetry.
Coming from the perspective of a 30-year career in compiling poetry
anthologies, Charles is one of the best poets I’ve encountered. Writers will learn a lot from Charles by paying attention to his excellent use of rhyme, rhythm, short lines which are easier for children to read, sweet descriptions and overall fun and amusement that his poetry conveys.
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