Picture Books
August 2026
New and Recently Released
Story Rug by Sophie Blackall
Story Rug
by Sophie Blackall; illustrated by Phoebe Wahl

When a "braiding CRAZE" takes hold of classroom 203, the whole class begins contributing fabric scraps to plait and sew while Ms. Morena reads out loud. But what can they do with the epic braid they create? Find out in this gentle story about the joy and comfort of community crafting.
If the Moon by Matthew Burgess
If the Moon
by Matthew Burgess; illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

"If" can represent a myriad of worries, as it does for the sleepless child in this story. With a bit of imagination, however, "if" sends the child on a fantastical, exploratory journey. As the protagonist moves away from anxiety and into curiosity, the illustrations become more dramatic and expansive as well, ultimately bringing the story to a cozy, reassuring conclusion.
The House with Nobody in It by Jon Klassen
The House with Nobody in It
by Jon Klassen

In this house-shaped board book, readers can explore cleverly staggered die-cuts to reveal a ghostly presence that belies the title. Perfect for preschoolers and boasting creator Jon Klassen's sly, macabre sensibility, The House with Nobody in It is "unafraid to redefine what board books are capable of achieving" (Kirkus Reviews). Try this next: Oliver Jeffers' There's a Ghost in This House, another spectral story that uses inventive illustrations to eerie effect. 
Off the Wall: Making Stuff Together by Juana Martinez-Neal
Off the Wall: Making Stuff Together
by Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle

When a game of tic-tac-toe turns into a spontaneous art project, a group of friends discover that -- despite frictions and frustrations -- "making stuff" is better together. Illustrated in colorful, mixed-media collage against a backdrop of brown paper, this book offers eye-catching visuals to bolster its kid-friendly message of collaboration and artistic expression. 
The Haunted Playground by R. J. Palacio
The Haunted Playground
by R.J. Palacio; illustrated by Brett Helquist

After midnight every Halloween, ghosts take a break from the hard work of haunting and let loose at a playground party hosted by skeleton king Rex Magnificus. This year, however, two living children stumble into the festivities. Dramatic, dynamic illustrations add atmosphere to this creepy carnivale.
Retro Reads
Check out some of these awesome picture books from the not-so-distant past!
 
Home by Matt de la Peña
Home
by Matt de la Peña; illustrated by Loren Long

Through striking paintings and lyrical words, this diverse, wide-ranging book explores all the meanings of home, from specific abodes and locations to sensory experiences and the comforting presence of loved ones. For fans of: Love, the previous (and equally heartwarming) collaboration between award-winning author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Loren Long.
Many Things at Once by Veera Hiranandani
Many Things at Once
by Veera Hiranandani; illustrated by Nadia Alam

Although she's secure in her identity as Indian and American, Jewish and Hindu, a young girl still worries that being "many things at once" means she'll never feel the kind of singular belonging she sees in her peers. Inspired by the author's own experiences, Many Things at Once is a thoughtful and ultimately affirming read. Read-alike: Lorian Tu's We Are a Song. 
Caboose: A Picture Book by Travis Jonker
Caboose
by Travis Jonker; illustrated by Ruth Chan

In an elementary school class of anthropomorphic animals, one mischief-minded hippo is a little too hungry for the power of being at the front of the line. Banished to the back, his antics become zanier still -- until the teacher assigns him a perfect spot in the middle. Kirkus Reviews calls Caboose "a chaotic yet hilarious story grounded in real childhood emotions." Read-alike: Proper Badger Would Never! by Lauren Glattly.
Our Lake: (A Caldecott Honor Book) by Angie Kang
Our Lake
by Angie Kang

"Today, Brother is taking me up to swim in the lake like Father used to." So begins this slice-of-life book in which poetic text and evocative, expressionist illustrations harmonize to tell a story about grief, remembrance, and comfort. For further sensitive and moving explorations of loss, try Naseem Hrab's The Sour Cherry Tree and Lindsay Ward's Our Spot. 
Upcoming @ Your Library!
 
For Youth
 
Family Storytime
Every Wednesday at 11:00 AM
Join Ms. Laura for stories, songs, and fun for everyone in the Children's room!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Teens
 
Teen Junk Journaling Club 
Monday, August 31st 1 PM
NEW SUMMER HOURS! During the summer, we will be meeting at 1:00pm every Monday!  Every Monday tweens & teens ages 11-17 are invited to join the new monthly Junk Journaling Club. Members will learn all about the sustainable practice of junk journaling and how we can repurpose materials that would otherwise be scrap into a creative outlet. Journaling is a great practice to help us slow down, unplug from our screens, and reflect on what's important to us in the moment.  All materials, including a journal, will be provided, but members are also welcome to bring their own photos, stickers, scraps, junk, and other assorted materials to place in their journal each month. Members are not required to attend every session and are encouraged to work on their journals in their spare time.  Registration is *required* to ensure enough materials are supplied. This program will take place in the Teen Room.  Register for additional dates on our website.
 
Register Here
 
 
For Adults
 
Bingocize: Bingo + Gentle Exercises 
Monday, August 31st
12 PM - 1 PM
Bingo + Gentle Exercises = BINGOCIZE 
Bingocize is a health promotion program that combines the game of bingo with fall prevention exercises (seated or standing). Come play bingo and meet new people while learning about techniques to reduce falls and increase cognition. Bingocize is exercise for your body, mind and spirit.  This is a 10 week workshop starting at noon Mondays and Wednesdays from June 29th-Sep 2nd.  Must register for each session separately.  Register for additional dates on our website.
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pilates for Wellness 
Monday, August 31st
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Candice Wisaksono is a certified Pilates instructor dedicated to guiding others toward deep relaxation, healing, and inner balance. With a passion for holistic wellness, she combines the restorative power of Pilates to help her students find peace, clarity, and renewal. Her classes offer a nurturing space to release stress, reconnect within, and restore harmony to the body, mind, and spirit. Please bring your own mat.  Register for additional dates on our website.
 
Register Here
 
 
 
Library Hours and Closings
 
Monday thru Thursday - 10 AM to 8 PM
Friday - 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday - 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday - 12 PM to 4 PM
 
Cranbury Public Library
30 Park Place West
Cranbury, New Jersey 08512
609-722-6992

www.cranburypubliclibrary.org/