ALA Annual 2026 Photo Dump (Part I: Books)

I attended ALA Annual last weekend and I have the photos to prove it. Today we’re going to take a look at the books that I came across that stood out. In part two, it’s all about the authors and illustrators I crossed paths with.

It’s the 150th (!) anniversary of the American Library Association.

Upon heading into the exhibit hall, I played a little (and very UNcomprehensive) game of Who Has the Most Stars?

First up, LATE TODAY from Eerdmans, with some starred reviews and best of the year lists.

Next up, GOLDFINCHES, with 5 stars.

Deborah Marcero’s THE GREAT ESCAPE, coming in with six stars.

Then NAVIGATING NIGHT, also with six.

After that, I spotted a couple books that I love, but haven’t talked about on the blog yet . . .

ALL THE ICE CREAM IN THE LAND by Emmy Kastner. I can’t wait to read this with students this coming school year.

I also spotted ROOHI AND NATE ARE NOT ON THE SAME PAGE by middle grade dream team Supriya Kelkar and Jarrett Lerner (and you know I grabbed the I (Heart) My School Library bumper sticker to the left).

During ALA I was also on the lookout for some of the most beautifully illustrated picture books of 2026 . . .

Oh man. You really are going to have to see this book. NIGHT RIDE is a wordless book illustrated completely illustrated in stained glass – yes, you heard that right. Christopher Myers worked in collaboration with stained glass artisans to make this book a reality.

Not to be topped, Jillian Tamaki’s latest, YOUNG CAT, OLD CAT is illustrated on fabric with elements of embroidery. Seeing this book up close is a must.

Kate Beaton has a book with illustrator Sydney Smith that’s as stunning as you might expect.

And Jason Griffin has an upcoming book with Winsome Bingham that will knock your socks off.

The most unusual book I saw was courtesy of Philip Stead, who was holding THE INVISIBLE when I bumped into him. It has colored vinyl pages that reveal hidden images when turned. It kind of reminds me of WILD ABOUT ANIMALS published by Flying Eye Books from a while back.

I has the chance to read a few books that were on my radar – here are a couple that didn’t disappoint . . .

THE GREAT FROG – the debut picture book from Katie Palazzola. A librarian pal posted about this book recently and I’m glad I got a chance to see it. Oh this book was weird and wonderful (it also recently picked up a Boston Globe Horn Book Honor). It’s the very rare picture book that successfully dips its toe into the spiritual realm. It’s unlike any book I’ve read and I really hope you get a chance to read it.

Usually pourquoi stories apply a fictional narrative to something in the natural world, but what Tadgh Bentley’s INCREDIBLY FAST AND NOT AT ALL FUN (great title) does is apply the pourquoi treatment to roller coasters. It’s fantastic, and I think kids are going to love it.

Another book that I read and loved was WHO KNOWS THE WAY TO MR. GRIMLY’S CLASSROOM? A student takes an eerie trip through a (haunted?) school.

Then there were a couple books that caught my eye as I was heading out to a Simon & Schuster original art show that I didn’t get a chance to read, but jumped out.

I love Keith Negley’s past work, and THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BEING A WIZARD is one I’m excited to spend some time with.

I’m excited to read Eleanor Davis’s new picture book, A VERY GOOD PARADE.

At the original art show, I heard about a few books and how the art was made:

That does it for book-related pictures in my camera roll.

Part II, coming soon, is all about the people.

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