Picture Books
March 2026

Recent Releases
Loops
by Jashar Awan

Solid-colored backdrops and bold, chunky artwork invite readers to focus on the sole character in this story: a child who's determined to tie the laces on his first pair of big-kid shoes. For fans of: Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic's Touch the Sky, another upbeat tale of persistence in the face of frustration.
The Future Book
by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Shawn Harris

In this picture book from two popular creators, the future is here, and it's goofier than anyone imagined. Oranges are now "bloranges," "Charlie Cheese Face" is a common name, and saying thanks involves…a fish? This "solemnly silly look at social norms" (Publishers Weekly) is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
 
Bartleby
by Matt Phelan

Bartleby the bear stands out among his classmates, not only because of his bright red bowler hat, but also because of his quiet response to most invitations: "I would prefer not to." Inspired by Herman Melville's classic short story, Bartleby offers a kid-friendly take on thoughtful participation and self-determination.
 
Mungo on His Own by Matthew Burgess
Mungo on His Own
by Matthew Burgess

One evening, young Mungo ventures into the forest to find the sweet, red berries he's been dreaming about. But he soon finds that foraging alone can be hard for a kit like him, and Mungo gets lost. Very lost. Will he find the berries--and his way back home--all on his own? With suspense, daring, and foxy resolve, here is a story for children ready to celebrate exploring the unknown and the joy of returning to the cozy warmth of home.
The Dream
by Gideon Sterer; illustrated by Nik Henderson

Dismayed by environmental damage, a young girl encounters a wolf and experiences a fantastical vision of how animals and humans might find solidarity. Intricately textured illustrations of surreal, oversized animals amplify the dreamlike nature of this wordless tale. For fans of: Shaun Tan and Guojing.
Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers
A Pair of Parrots
by David A. Adler; illustrated by Clarice Elliott

When Ava’s new pet parrot escapes, Ava and her mom pair up to find the missing bird, leading them to discover further dynamic duos (and trios). Starring a clever young wheelchair user, this comic book easy reader introduces simple math concepts while telling an upbeat story. 
Operation: Make a Splash: Volume 2 by Tate Godwin
Operation: Make a Splash: Volume 2
by Tate Godwin

Nick, Sy, and Violet have the perfect vacation planned, but nothing is going according to plan. Now, they'll have to think fast, get creative, and make a splash in ways they never expected! A fun-filled graphic novel for fans of Cat Kid Comic Club, Hilo, and InvestiGators!
Cool Buds: Treasure Map! by Barbara Lehman
Cool Buds: Treasure Map!
by Barbara Lehman

Welcome to Cozy Cove, population: 4! Blue, Puff, Tip, and Sealy are four cool buds living in the Arctic. When Tip finds a treasure map, the friends set out on an adventure to locate where X marks the spot. What will they find--gold? Jewels? A crown? It's up to the Cool Buds to find out!
One Smart Cookie
by Mika Song

Pairing soft, sketchy illustrations and sweetly silly humor, this graphic novel follows squirrel pals Norma and Belly as they infiltrate a fortune cookie factory, hoping to reap delicious rewards. Kids who enjoy this 4th Norma and Belly caper may want to go back to the beginning with Donut Feed the Squirrels.
 
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
by Kaz Windness

Caterpillar and Worm are BFFs who share a lot in common, but Caterpillar knows those similarities will disappear soon. Will Worm still want to be friends when Butterfly emerges? (Spoiler alert: of course!) Cartoon art brings even more joy to this easy-reading, friendship-focused comic.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Brantford Public Library
173 Colborne Street
Brantford, Ontario N3T 2G8
519-756-2220

www.brantfordlibrary.ca