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Picture Books February 2026 |
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| Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Carson EllisThe traditional fairy tale about a magical trickster and the woman who outwits him gets a fresh take in this retelling. Quirky humor gives the text a contemporary edge, balanced by medieval-inspired illustrations in deep, rich hues. For fans of: The Three Billy Goats Gruff, another fairy tale remix by author Mac Barnett.
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Love Grows Here
by Amy Adele
A beautiful original story about the healing power of gardens that features lovable animal charactersAt the back of a perfectly ordinary house, in a perfectly ordinary neighborhood, is a garden that is anything but ordinary. For in that garden, love grows . . .The garden is the pride and joy of the elderly couple that lives there, Stan and Mabel. When Mabel has to go to hospital for a long period, Stan loses heart and the garden becomes neglected. It feels like the love has gone, but luckily, all the animals who live in the garden join together to make it beautiful once again.Then in the spring, when everything is in full bloom, they get a wonderful surprise.
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I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea
by Janice Milusich
Neveah, a young blind girl, experiences the beauty of each season through touch, taste, smell, and sound, discovering the wonder of the world around her year-round.
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| I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets; illustrated by Lorraine NamIn his first picture book, librarian Mychal Threets -- social media star and host of Reading Rainbow -- invites an inclusive community of kids and grown-ups to experience "library joy" through books, storytimes, games, and other activities. This warm, welcoming book is equally suited to group sharing or a one-on-on read. Read-alikes: Lisa Katzenberger's A Love Letter to My Library; Alexandra Penfold's All Are Welcome.
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| Dalmartian by Lucy Ruth CumminsWhile visiting Earth, an alien who resembles a green-spotted Dalmatian is adopted by human child Stephen. There's confusion -- the alien walks on two legs and is appalled by dog park antics -- but understanding grows as boy and alien bond. Playful humor and charming minimalist illustrations distinguish this transplanetary tale.
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| Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers; illustrated by Rebecca Lee KunzSissy, an older Indigenous girl, doesn't understand why her little brother Chooch gets away with everything! His so-called "help" only messes things up. As her temper flares, Sissy's family offers support and perspective. Book buzz: Featuring textured illustrations filled with Cherokee imagery, this relatable sibling story is the winner of the 2025 Caldecott Medal, as well as the 2026 American Indian Youth Literature Award for picture books.
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| My Thoughts Have Wings by Maggie Smith; illustrated by Leanne HatchWhen anxious thoughts flood her too-busy brain at bedtime, a child receives some helpful advice from mom: worrying is normal, but it helps to make space for happy, peaceful thoughts too. Kids (and adults) who appreciate this sweetly accessible read from poet Maggie Smith may also enjoy Whatever Comes Tomorrow by Rebecca Gardyn Levington.
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| Lost by Bob StaakeStylized, expressive artwork tells the story in this wordless picture book about a child seeking a lost cat. While hanging up posters, she encounters owners of other lost pets -- from a bird to a dog to a giraffe -- all of whom are reunited by the final page. Read-alike: Bruce Handy's Balloon.
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| A Pinecone! by Helen YoonA dad is busy wrangling a very muddy dog, leaving his daughter free to pursue her obsession: collecting pinecones. But where can she store them all? While the slapstick humor in this story will elicit giggles, the substance will ring true for young collectors. For fans of: Off-Limits, also by Helen Yoon and featuring the same parent-child duo.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
440-933-8128alpl.org |
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