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.
 
I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets; illustrated by Lorraine Nam
I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
by Mychal Threets; illustrated by Lorraine Nam

In 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.
 
Attack Bunnies by Laura Gehl
Attack Bunnies
by Laura Gehl

When troublemaking Renard Fox moves to the forest, Carrot Cake and Pufftail are ready to protect their friends in unexpected ways.
Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers
Yum Fest Is the Best!: Ready-To-Read Graphics Level 2 by Jason Tharp
Yum Fest Is the Best!: Ready-To-Read Graphics Level 2
by Jason Tharp

Can a chicken nugget and a hot dog who are friends and founders of K.E.T.C.H.U.P., a club that spreads kindness and empathy, stop evil Crouton and Dijon Mustard from ruining Yum Fest, a popular fair in Gastropolis?
Thunder and Cluck: Friends Do Not Eat Friends by Jill Esbaum; illustrated by Miles Thompson
Thunder and Cluck: Friends Do Not Eat Friends
by Jill Esbaum; illustrated by Miles Thompson

Introducing: towering, toothy Thunder and tiny, tenacious Cluck, two dinosaurs who look like opposites, but who might become friends (at least if Cluck has anything to do with it). 

Who it's for: beginning readers who enjoy other cartoony graphic novels about unlikely friendships, such as Sergio Ruzzier's Fish and Sun.

Series alert: This funny, energetic volume begins the Thunder and Cluck series, which continues in The Brave Friend Leads the Way (out this month).
Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends
by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Tim Miller

Meet Snaps (an alligator) and Duckie (a duckling), two curious youngsters in a world that says they should be enemies. With repetitive text and crisp, minimalist artwork, this series opener will build confidence in kids ready to jump from easy readers to comics. Next in the series: We Cannot Be Brave, due out in August 2026.
 
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!
Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
440-933-8128

alpl.org