Avon Lake Public Library: Picture Books: November 2025

Recent Releases

Axolotl and Axolittle
by Jess Hitchman

Axolotl and Axolittle are total opposites through and through, but after a squabble, they learn to make up and get along, as siblings often do.

I Am Not Happy!
by Caroline L. Perry

An adorable quokka is not as happy as they look--

Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet
by Beth Ferry

An adorable witch is anxious to get the perfect pet but learns to have patience when she brings home a mystery egg in this laugh-out-loud picture book from New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry. Perfect for Halloween! Evelyn Witch has everything a witch needs. Messy hair, bubbling potions, and perfectly carved pumpkins. But there's something missing... A pet! Perhaps she'll get a bat or a griffin, or-- Oh. She can only afford the mystery pet: a plain white egg. She watches and waits for it to hatch. Sniveling snails, something has to be done! Evelyn rolls up her sleeves and heads to the library, where they keep all the best spells. It's time to get serious.

My Quiet Place
by Monica Mikai

A semi-autobiographical story about one child's difficulty dealing with the loud and harsh world around them

Ellie Has a Secret
by Amelia Bothe

Ellie would never dream of taking something from her classroom without asking her teacher first. But the shell she finds during recess is particularly peculiar--and has a mysterious critter living inside it! Surprising even herself, she pops it in her pocket as a little secret when no one is looking. It's not long before the creature outgrows the shell and starts to weigh Ellie down. Does Ellie have a secret, or does the secret have her?--Provided by publisher.

Gratitude

We Give Thanks
by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

In this sweet story told in rhyme, a rabbit and a frog journey through their community of animal friends, offering up gratitude for everything from mittens to roses to the "nice warm soup" they eventually share with everyone in a joyful closing feast. Pastel-shaded watercolors with pops of neon ensure that this cozy read is eye-catching, too.

Sallie Bee Writes a Thank-You Note
by Courtney Sheinmel and Susan Verde; illustrated by Heather Ross

After receiving a handmade scarf in the mail from Grandma Bee, Sallie just has to write down her feelings of gratitude. That first thank-you note leads Sallie to write more notes -- for her bus buddy, for the lunch lady, even for her sometimes-annoying brother. Don't miss: the fun extras, like finding Sallie's kitten in the illustrations, or the tips to help kids write their own thank-you notes.

At Our Table
by Patrick Hulse; illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

"At our table there is room," declares this inclusive picture book. Featuring diverse groups of loved ones gathered for shared meals, this lyrical story invites readers to linger on delicious sensory details as well as opportunities for gratitude -- including gratitude for the farm labor and Indigenous knowledge that puts food on tables. Read-alike: Pie Is For Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard.

Thank You, Omu! (Caldecott Honor Book)
by Oge Mora

A Caldecott Honor Book In this cozy, sweet story perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street as well as for the Thanksgiving season, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. A Spanish edition, Gracias, Omu!, is also available. Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself? Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu's stew, with an extra serving of love. An author's note explains that Omu (pronounced AH-moo) means queen in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean Grandma. This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora's life. Don't miss Saturday, also written and illustrated by Oge Mora!

Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!