Back to School Round-Up with Penguin Young Readers

Today we are showcasing Back to School with titles from Penguin Young Readers. Many thanks to Penguin for letting me review some of these amazing titles. 

Here are three of their Children's book releases that are out now!

Take a look!

Forty the Fortune Teller by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Kevin Cornell
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date:  February 24, 2026 

About the Book:

What's a fortune teller to do when she's dropped on the ground half-finished when the bell rings to mark the end of recess? Make friends and save the day, that's what! 

In this hilarious graphic novel-style picture book, Forty the Fortune Teller, along with her friends Potato Chip and Basketball convince a team of chewed-up chewing gum to help repair the playground slide so that the kids at school won't get hurt.  

This story is totally wacky, totally adorable, and a perfect read-aloud for a storytime.

  

Rating:

Review: 

What a cool concept for a book - a fortune teller. I have not thought about those in years! The books end-pages even teach you how to make one!

This was a fun read. The illustrations are colorful and plentiful, with lots of little scenes and fun details filling each page. The story about Forty the Fortune Teller is cute and a little silly, and some of the fortunes are sure to make kids laugh. 

I also loved the way the book encourages spelling and counting practice thought Forty, even though it doesn't feel like a lesson. It also does a good job highlighting the importance of teamwork and helping others. 

There was a lot packed into this story, making it feel more substantial than a typical picture book. It was a fun and adorable read.

About the Author

Drew Daywalt is the author of many books, including the blockbuster #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit and its sequels, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, as well as The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, illustrated by Adam Rex; Twinkle Twinkle Little Kid, illustrated by Molly Idle; The Wrong Book, illustrated by Alex Willmore; and many more. He lives in California with his wife, two children, and multiple pets. 

You can visit Drew Daywalt at DrewDaywalt.com

The Crayons' Book of Manners by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: May 19, 2026

About the Book

The Crayons are ready to learn how to polite. But what do they need to know? When to say please and thank you? How to eat neatly? What to do when they have to (uh-oh!) burp? This laugh-out-loud addition to the Crayons mini book series will teach children their manners as they giggle at the Crayons' missteps.

Rating:

Review:  

This was a cute addition to the Crayons series. I like the simple illustrations and the way each page focuses on the Crayons and their bad manners. 

I think one of the best opportunities for learning comes from discussing what the Crayons are doing versus what the text is telling us they should be doing. While I liked the focus on manners, I would have preferred to see the Crayons correct each incident as it happened rather than having everything resolved with an “I’m sorry” at the end. 

I also wasn’t a fan of “my bad” being used as an apology, especially in a book meant to teach young children about good manners. But any book about manners is welcome and the Crayons are good teachers of what not to do. 

About the Illustrator 

Oliver Jeffers makes art and tells stories. His books include How to Catch a Star; Lost and Found, which was the recipient of the prestigious Nestlé Children's Book Prize Gold Award in the UK and was later adapted into an award-winning animated film; and the New York Times bestsellers Here We Are, What We'll Build, Stuck, This Moose Belongs to Me, and Once Upon an Alphabet. He is also, of course, the illustrator of the #1 smash-hit Crayons series, written by Drew Daywalt. His fine art is world-renowned, and his dip-art exhibitions are much-sought-after events. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Oliver now splits his time between Belfast and Brooklyn, New York. 

You can visit Oliver Jeffers online at OliverJeffers.com or follow him on Instagram @OliverJeffers.

Pencil & Eraser: New Friends Rule by Jenny Alvarado

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

About the Book

Pencil and Eraser complement each other perfectly, like any best buds should. Who else could help Pencil when she messes up her drawings in art class? But what if she didn't make any mistakes? Enter Ruler, a new friend who can easily help Pencil keep her lines straight, without any need to ever erase again...

When these school supplies learn a green crayon has gone missing, Pencil insists her new bud Ruler join their quest to save them. The two hit it off immediately, building off each other’s wacky ideas. And as the sole voice of reason, Eraser quickly starts to feel like the odd one out. With Stella and the rest of the students due back form lunch any minute, and each of their plans to rescue Green a bigger disaster than the last, can our dynamic duo learn to work as a trio before it’s too late?

Rating:

Review: 

I really enjoyed this book! The school supply characters were adorable, and I loved following Pencil, Eraser, and Ruler on their adventure to find Green Crayon. 

The graphic novel format and little jokes that break up the chapters make this feel like a great choice for beginner and early readers. I also loved the themes of finding new friends, values of friendship, trying new things, and learning about teamwork. 

The story was funny and entertaining, and I have to admit it even made me excited for school supply shopping again even though I don't need to any more. I can only imagine it will get young readers excited too.

About the Author

Jenny Alvarado is an author and illustrator of books for kids. She lives in Palm Bay,
Florida with her family. Making friends doesn’t always come easy to her, but she is so happy when she makes new ones. 

You can find more of her work at www.JennyABooks.com or follow her @JennyABooks on social media