(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. "Jayden was a noticer...He noticed web wheels and egg freckles. Tree knuckles and frog songs...But mostly he noticed rocks." As much as the young Black boy enjoys discovering things (such as how the moon "looked different every night as it peeked through the branches of his favorite oak tree"), he also enjoys routine and order, carefully assigning meaning to each rock he adds to his collection (a "fort-building rock," "wishing rocks") and meticulously organizing them as he reluctantly prepares for his family's impending move. Once in his new neighborhood, all Jayden notices are its differences from the old one: "His new house was a weird color. The mailbox was in the wrong place. The trees were too short." Even the rocks have lost their allure. Knight-Justice gives Jayden earnestly creased brows and a slight smile to match his observant, reserved disposition and incorporates construction-paper patterns and snippets of text in the collaged, mixed-media art (readers will find plenty of details in the rocks, trees, and sidewalks Jayden encounters). Crimi gently guides Jayden through his unfamiliar environment, providing him reassurance in the form of special new wishing rocks, a kindred noticer neighbor with a bias toward bugs, and a brand-new view of the moon through his bedroom window. It's encouragement for all noticers to be comfortable in their curious minds while learning to embrace the unknown.

Reviewer: Ed Spicer | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2026

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. Rasheed, a young Black boy, grows up under the loving guidance of his big brother, Anthony, but when Anthony begins to seek independence, Rasheed must adjust -- until the day he becomes a big brother himself. Mixed-media illustrations full of layered textures and patterns invite readers to feel the closeness, joy, and emotional complexity of brotherhood and growing up. With an engaging first-person voice, this heartfelt picture book beautifully honors the beauty and strength of sibling relationships.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) PS Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. When Daddy, an emergency medical technician, departs for work each day, time seems to drag on “forever and ever and ever” as Olivia, a young Black girl, and her mother count the hours until his return. They “always” miss him, and fears for his safety prey on their minds, but a grounding daily routine -- fixing breakfast together, completing chores, styling Olivia’s hair, making a forever bracelet that will “protect [Daddy] always” -- boosts their morale. Hugs, laughter, daddy-daughter dances, and cozy family dinners mark the trio’s end-of-day reunions, feelingly portrayed in the pattern-rich digital-mixed-media illustrations. An author’s note reflecting on the heightened, everyday endangerment of Black lives adds context to Thurman’s heartening narrative about love’s perennial power in the face of life’s precious fragility.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. After Danté is forced to move with Mama out of Luna Park, he misses his friends and the city pool. Although lovingly welcomed into the home of his blues-musician uncles, Danté can’t seem to beat the blues. But through a summer of saxophone lessons and an impromptu performance, he learns to embrace the imperfections of blues music and his life situation. Pattern-y mixed-media illustrations with décollage elements bring home this affirming portrait of Black family, community, and musical heritage.

Reviewer: Summer Edward