PICTURE BOOKS

Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall

A child and parent embark on a high-seas adventure without leaving their living room, celebrating the boundless possibilities of imagination.

Barnaby Unboxed! by Terry Fan, Eric Fan, and Devin Fan

"Perfect Pet" Barnaby feels loving attention, jealousy, and heartbreak in this lost-and-found tale of resiliency and reunion.

Be Careful, Xiao Xin! by Alice Pung, illus. by Sher Rill Ng

Xiao Xin believes he is a fearless Red Fire Warrior, but his family thinks the world is too dangerous for him—can he inspire them to trust his bravery? A bilingual tale told in English and Chinese.

Being Home by Traci Sorell, illus. by Michaela Goade
A young Cherokee girl eagerly moves with her mother from the city to their ancestral homeland, embracing family, nature, and the comforting rhythm of being home.

The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed, illus. by Hatem Aly
An earnest boy's rhymes are hilariously hijacked by his little sister's unexpected twists, leading to a collaboration that proves two storytellers can make a tale twice as nice.

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, illus. by Erin Kraan

Introducing a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. This laugh-out-loud story shows it’s okay to be yourself.

Built to Last by Minh Lê, illus. by Dan Santat

Two boys literally bump into each other while building with blocks, and a friendship is born. As they grow, their imaginative creations become increasingly elaborate until one fails spectacularly.

Chooch Helped by Andrea Rogers, illus. by Rebecca Lee Kunz

Even though Sissy’s brother, Chooch, isn’t a baby anymore, she feels he still gets away with everything. 

Dog Vs. Strawberry by Nelly Buchet, illus. by Andrea Zuill

A dog goes all out trying to beat a strawberry in a race—will Dog win? A great book to read aloud in your best “announcer” voice to a kid, and also a good picture book for beginning readers to read on their own! 

Don't Trust Cats (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) by Dev Petty, illus. by Mike Boldt

Chip the dog from Don't Eat Bees is back, with more "wisdom" to share, including some hard-won life lessons about cats. In this fabulously funny pet story, dog AND cat lovers will enjoy seeing their own fur-friends in Chip's earnest yet ridiculous guide to life.

The Dream Catcher by Marcelo Verdad

As Miguelito works with his abuelo selling dream catchers and coconuts, he dreams of being with his parents and ultimately finds beauty in the here and now. 

Exactly as Planned by Tao Nyeu, illus. by the author

Cleverly presenting two perspectives, this friendship story shows how Fox and Moose each experience the same day differently.

The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer

At the beginning of the school year, Pat, the class pet, is the only one who notices the new student might be a bit out of this world.

Gray by Laura Dockrill, illus. by Lauren Child

A child navigates the emotional landscape of a "gray" day, learning that it's okay to feel down sometimes and receiving reassurance that brighter days are ahead.

Heatwave by Lauren Redniss

The intensity of a scorching summer day in the city and the relief brought by a cooling rainstorm is captured through vibrant red and blue illustrations.

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo

A young Chinese girl adjusting to a new life in the U.S. finds comfort and connection through the familiar flavors packed in her lunchbox, bridging cultures and forming new friendships.

I'm Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, illus. by Julie Kwon

Through a series of handwritten letters, Jack attempts to apologize for hurting Zoe’s feelings and gradually learns the importance of making true amends.

Joyful Song: A Naming Story by Lesléa Newman, illus. by Susan Gal

As Zachary and his two moms walk to the synagogue for his baby sister's naming ceremony, they invite curious neighbors to join their joyful procession, culminating in a heartwarming community celebration.

Let's Go! by Julie Flett

A young boy learns to skateboard with his mother's old board, building confidence and finding community along the way.

Little Freddie Two Pants by Drew Daywalt, illus. by Lucy Ruth Cummins

One pair of pants? Two pairs? Three? How many pants should Little Freddie wear? And where should he put them? What about underpants? Where do they go? In a book with text and art that are sure to induce giggles, Drew Daywalt and Lucy Ruth Cummins settle the age-old question: Do a dog’s front legs deserve pants, too?

A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester, illus. by Juana Medina

Dulce is excited for her abuela’s visit from Peru and all the treasures Abuela carries along in her suitcases. Maybe Dulce can send Abuela home with special items to remind the family in Peru of the U.S. relatives?

The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood, illus. by LeUyen Pham

This bighearted and funny tale with delightful artwork from Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham celebrates the joy of embracing new perspectives.

Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin
Millie Fleur’s love for unusual and poisonous plants enlivens her dull neighborhood and cultivates a community of plant enthusiasts.

Mistaco! by Eliza Kinkz

A chaotically funny debut picture book about a girl who's had a terrible day full of mistakes and finds that making "mistacos" with her family could be a delicious solution.

Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, illus. by Dion MBD

Communicating with sign language, Milo and his friend face his fear of the monster under his bed.

Mr. Lepron’s Mystery Soup by Giovanni Zoboli, illus. by Mariachiara Di Giorgio, Tr. by Denise Muir
Rabbit Mr. Lepron, soup maker extraordinaire, dreams of becoming a famous chef. But, as the demands of growth and success rise, so does his anxiety—until he brings joy and creativity back to the kitchen. (Batchelder Honor Book)

My Daddy Is a Cowboy by Stephanie Seales, illus. by C.G. Esperanza

Lyrical text and vivid illustrations celebrate a father and child's bond as they share a special early morning horseback ride through city streets. 

Plus One by John Hare

Looking to make friends, new girl Agnes eventually expands her criteria for her after-school tea party guest list to include the strange but optimistically persistent neighbor boy and his “plus one,” his pet goose, Pierre of the North, Esquire. 

Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa

Punky goes on an adventure sharing her aloha—by being helpful, giving, and brave. She finds out it feels good and grows more confident along the way. And, of course, succeeds in her mission to bring butter home for her grandmother’s banana bread. 

To See an Owl by Matthew Cordell

An endearing story about a girl’s efforts to spot an owl in a gorgeous picture book that encourages patience and perseverance. This is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages who have longed to see one of these elusive creatures in the natural world.

Touch the Sky by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illus. by Chris Park

Vern longs to swing high enough to touch the sky, and with encouragement from a new friend, he learns to pump his legs and soar.

Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor

A catfish discovers she's been navigating the world upside down and, after attempting to conform, realizes she prefers her unique perspective.

We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang

After three aliens crash-land in Mr. Li's field, he and the community extend their hospitality to these curious creatures while they repair their ship.

The Wild Robot on the Island by Peter Brown

Roz the robot wasn’t designed to live in the wilderness. But when she washes up on an island, she must learn from the animal inhabitants and adapt to her new, natural surroundings, and before long, the island begins to feel like home.

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

As time passes, a school bus lives multiple lives as it serves a small town's unique and changing communities.

EARLY READERS:

The Beach Day: Three and a Half Stories by Ame Dyckman, illus. by Mark Teague

When warm weather hits, Bat, Cat, and Rat decide to head to the beach. But bus ride mishaps, hungry seagulls, and a missing kite threaten to take the fun out of the trio’s seaside afternoon.

Biscuit’s Puppy Sleepover by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illus. by Pat Schories

Sleepovers are the best, especially with other puppy friends! But will Biscuit the little yellow puppy be able to find a stuffed animal to sleep with?

Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp

This smart, macabre graphic novel spins a yarn of capitalism run amok featuring sisters, spiders, magical thread, and sweaters.

The Cool Bean Makes a Splash by Jory John, illus. by Pete Oswald

The shallow side of the pool is the only side of the pool the Cool Bean treads water on. Until one day, he sees the super slide and finds the courage to finally ride the slide...or does he? 

Dot the Ladybug: The Missing Dot by Kallie George, illus. by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

Spots the Dog has a problem. His snack has a hole in it. But could it be whole with a hole? Dot the Ladybug is on the case in this delicious story.

Earl & Worm #1: The Bad Idea & Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli

This sweet, giggle-inducing early reader kicks off a brand-new series featuring two unlikely friends in the tradition of Frog and Toad.

Fox Plays Ball by Corey R. Tabor

Fox is ready to play ball! So are Elephant, Rabbit, Bear… and Snail. But who will win the game?

Go and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle, illus. by Mike Wohnoutka

Jack, Jill, and their dog Rex play a game of "Go and Get," fetching items that start with specific letters, but Rex's unconventional choices add a humorous twist to this alphabetical adventure.

Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, illus. by K-Fai Steele

Wolf just wants to enjoy his time alone, but something always interrupts.

Nat the Cat Has a Snack by Jarrett Lerner

Nat the Cat has a snack. Pat the Rat wants a snack. Nat the Cat can share, right? Nat the Cat does not want to share!

Night Owl & Early Bird by Lauren Fornoles, illus. by Xiao

Follow along as these two unlikely friends head off on adventures to the beach, a night hike, and making pillow forts inside their own treehouse as they discover the joy of sharing all times of day together.

Pete the Kitty and the Three Bears by Kimberly & James Dean

Once upon a time, there was a kitty named Pete who came upon a house in the forest. He goes in, eats pizza, plays guitar, and falls asleep. But what happens when three bears come home?

Sports Are Fun! by Zaila Avant-garde, illus. by Felicia Whaley

New readers will find playful encouragement in this easy reader that sings out about the joy of playing sports. With ample rhyme and helpful repetition, Zaila Avant-garde takes readers on a boisterous romp through the wide world of sports, showing cheerful scenes of baseball, swimming, running, gymnastics, and more.

Uni and the Dolphin by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illus. by Brigette Barrager

Uni and the little girl love swimming in the sea, but they are distressed to discover trash on the beach and in the sea where their friends are swimming. They must help!

Vacation: Three-and-a-Half Stories by Ame Dyckman, illus. by Mark Teague

When friends Bat, Cat, and Rat decide to take a vacation, they discover they have work to do and decisions to make. Will their getaway turn into a "staycation"?

Other Popular Early Reader Series:

Acorn series books, Scholastic

Amelia Bedelia, Peggy Parish

Cornbread & Poppy, Matthew Cordell

Disgusting Critters, Elise Gravel

Elephant & Piggie, Mo Willems

Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, Various

Fly Guy, Tedd Arnold

The Food Group - I Can Read, Jory John & Pete Oswald

Henry and Mudge, Cynthia Rylant

King and Kayla, Dori Hillestad Butler

Mo Jackson, David A. Adler

National Geographic: I Can Read, Various

Pete the Cat, Kimberly & James Dean

Reina Ramos, Emma Otheguy

Who Would Win?, Jerry Pallotta