Picture BooksSeptember 2025
Recent Releases
Aggie and the Ghost
by Matthew Forsythe

Adorable, gnome-like Aggie’s excitement to live on her own turns to annoyance when she discovers that her new cottage comes with a roommate: a shapeshifting ghost who follows her around, steals her socks, and eats all the cheese. Whimsical, imaginative illustrations enhance this offbeat ghost story.
Five little friends : a collection of finger rhymes
by Sean Taylor

"What better way to get little ones excited about poems than to make them part of the delivery? In the hallowed tradition of nursery rhymes and songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider," this imaginative collection entices children to use their fingers, hands, and sometimes whole bodies to bring a variety of verses to life. Whether the subject is sailing ships or stomping dinosaurs, falling snow or popping bubbles, jumping onto waterslides or riding a crowded elevator, Sean Taylor's rhythmic read-aloud verses pair with Fiona Woodcock's fresh, colorful illustrations, offering clues to the finger actions kids can follow-unless they're happily acting things out already, using shapes and movements all their own"
Sundust
by Zeke Peña

Following a blazing pink streak of sundust into the desert outside their city, two siblings marvel at the wonders they find there. Illustrated in sun-soaked earth tones, this tale blends fantasy with real-life beauty to create a "surreal exploration of the way the natural world endures and transforms" (Publishers Weekly).
A Place for Us
by James E. Ransome

Told entirely through realistic, richly colored illustrations, this picture book invites readers into an evening with a loving mother and child, from school pick-up to library time to spending the night on a park bench. Kirkus Reviews declares that “readers of this empathetic tale will come away resolved to work toward a world in which all people's needs are met.” Read-alike: I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely.
Bob the Vampire Snail
by Andrea Zuill

For kids who enjoy spooky vibes seasoned with supremely silly humor comes the story of Bob, a snail who mysteriously sprouts wings, fangs, and a taste for tomato juice. A sprinkling of snail facts and illustrations in Halloween-inspired colors round out this quirky tale. Read-alike: Aaron Reynolds’ Creepy Tales! series.
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
Cesaria Feels the Beat
by Denise Rosario Adusei; illustrated by Priscila Soares

Cesaria is in her peacock costume, ready to perform with her dance team. But their director says she has to wear shoes -- a tough request for Cesaria, who's Deaf and feels the music through her bare feet. The bold colors of Carnival add drama to this vibrant, affirming story.
Cookie Time
by Jessie Sima

To bypass the waiting period while Grandpa’s cookies bake, Kat and Ari build a time machine, leading to unexpected visits to the past and the future, as well as a newfound appreciation for the present and the people who share it. Candy-colored pastels heighten the energy in this zany yet sweet story.
This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation
by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp; illustrated by Kayla Harren

Bouncy, rhyming words underscore the joyful tone of this own voices story about disabled families. Each page turn reveals a different activity with a different family -- each with their own experiences of disability -- and a repeated affirmation: "With love and adaptation, this is how we play!" Read-alikes: This Is How We Talk, also by authors Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp; Rebekah Taussig’s We Are the Scrappy Ones.
Don't think of tigers
by Alex Latimer

This giggle-inducing story about practice, creativity and embracing imperfection follows the narrator as they learn that with a bit of practice, anything can be accomplished?—?even drawing tigers! Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
Sketty and Meatball
by Sarah Weeks; illustrated by Alex Willmore

In this easy reader, kids can explore a dog show -- as well as some amusing, beginner-friendly wordplay -- alongside shaggy-haired Sketty and round little Meatball. For further easy readers featuring a charming canine duo, check out David Soman’s Elvis and Romeo series.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
440-933-8128

alpl.org