| We’re gearing up to head to the PLA Conference next week in our hometown of Minneapolis, MN! For those librarians attending, find more info below on where to find Consortium at the show.
In this month’s edition of Kids Kaleidoscope, we’re spotlighting colorful picture books, including a journey deep into the Earth, a kid superhero, and more, with galleys of all featured books available on Edelweiss for you to peruse.
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The Muéganos
by Jaque Jours
Transit Children's Editions • June 2026 • 9798893380873 • Ages 3-8 • iPage
Meet the Muéganos: a family so close they’re stuck together like the traditional Mexican candy. But one day, the Muéganos take a trip to the museum, and older sister Julia’s irrepressible curiosity causes an unexpected crack. In her picture book debut, Mexican author-illustrator Jaque Jours tells a universal story about independence, growing up, and learning to let go.
The Mueganos has receieved three (!) starred reviews: Kirkus Reviews calls the story “a marvelous portrait of the thrills and chills of leaving childhood.” Publishers Weekly adds, “It’s a humorous picture book that offers gentle insight into close bonds and needed change.” School Library Journal rounds out the accolades by deeming the book “a wonderful addition to children’s collections in school and public libraries.”
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From ancient burial chambers to modern megaprojects, Big Digs takes young readers on an unforgettable journey into the world beneath our feet, exploring the science, history, and wonder of underground construction. Travel through hidden passages, secret tunnels, and engineering marvels.
Kirkus Reviews calls Big Digs “enthralling fare for fans of engineering marvels.” School Library Journal adds, “Superb illustrations will galvanize students and inspire pre-engineering aficionados. Highly recommended for its compelling content, global inquiry, and stunning illustrations.”
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SuperFreddy
by Luis Amavisca, illus. Gusti
NubeOcho • April 2026 • 9791387834401 • Ages 3-7 • iPage
Whether it’s a free falling plant pot or a cat stuck in a tree, SuperFreddy is always ready to save the day! But sometimes being a superhero can be overwhelming. One day, when he gets a rip in his superhero costume and has to have it repaired, SuperFreddy finally gets a chance to do some of the things that he loves doing. This light-hearted story reminds readers of the importance of balance and self-care.
Bookseller Alisa E. calls SuperFreddy a “sweet and original story about a superhero who is struggling and finds a solution.”
An edition in Spanish, Superfede, is also available.
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A group of children want to play Families, but they can’t decide how: all their families are different. Excitedly, the children share what their families look like: playing with noisy siblings, families with two busy working moms or those with a dad and no mom; children who live with their grandparents or stepsiblings, and more.
The book has garnered praise on Edelweiss, where reviewer Kristin C. says, “This would be a great read aloud in a classroom for kids.” Librarian Kasi W. calls the story “perfect for everyone,” and fellow librarian Erin F. notes, “I liked this quite a bit and plan to add it to my school library collection.”
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CBC Kid Favorite Honorees
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K–2nd Grade
3rd–5th Grade
- Dinosaur Pie by Jen Wallace, illus. Alan O’Rourke (Little Island Books)
- Let’s Get Spooky by Stepanka Sekaninova, illus. Lukas Fige (Albatros Media)
Middle-Grade
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“In this Swiss import, translated from French, a human and an orange tabby conduct a tour of art featuring dogs throughout history. . . . Both author and illustrator approach their work with an enticing playfulness. . . . A child-friendly approach to art history, likely to spark interest in the originals and inspire gallery visits.” — Kirkus Reviews
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“Pisi plays deftly with other fairy-tale tropes. . . . Text and illustrations work together well, exalting girl power. Princesses everywhere will celebrate this spirited model of independence.” — Kirkus Reviews
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| | Punk Like Me
by JD Glass, illus. Kris Dresen
Street Noise Books • March 2026 • 9781951491390
“[A] poignant graphic adaptation. . . . Dresen’s accessible art employs thick line work, with peppy character designs etched in shades of black and blue that emphasize the dreaminess and melancholy of first love. Fans of queer romance will appreciate the complicated nostalgia of this period piece.” — Publishers Weekly
"Nina, Kerry, and Samantha are all passionate and charismatic, resulting in sizzling romantic tensions. . . . A heartfelt LGBTQ+ graphic novel, Punk Like Me traces a girl’s passage from preparatory school to punk rock, fighting to be who she wants to be along the way.”— Foreword Reviews
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Librarians: See You at PLA!
Next week we’ll be attending the Public Librarian Association conference in our hometown of Minneapolis, MN. Stop by the Consortium booth (#1431) for galleys aplenty, bookmarks and other freebies, or to chat kid lit with us.
See you there!
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Books for the CSLP Summer Reading Theme: Unearth a Story™
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Consortium’s Spring/Summer 2026 Children’s Catalog
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