Picture Books
February 2026

Recent Releases
Rumpelstiltskin
by Mac Barnett

The 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.
Because of a Shoe
by Julie Fogliano

It's a familiar scenario: a parent wants a child to put on shoes, prompting an epic tantrum. Even as patience frays on both sides, unwavering love remains beneath the conflict. Strategically colored illustrations help to convey the changing moods in this cathartic and ultimately reassuring slice of life.
 
George & Lenny Are Always Together by Jon Agee
George & Lenny Are Always Together
by Jon Agee

Anxious brown bear George and curious gray rabbit Lenny are BFFs who do everything together. So what will happen when Lenny wants to try a bit of solitude? This sweet and simple story offers expressive art to explore a timeless question about friendship.
Fortune Cookies for Everyone! (Smithsonian): The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat by Mia Wenjen
Fortune Cookies for Everyone!: The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat
by Mia Wenjen

Grandma Miyako hosts her grandchildren for a takeout meal. Of course, at the end of the meal, she hands out the fortune cookies and begins to share the story of this popular treat with the attentive children as they munch on them. She claims she knew the true inventor of the fortune cookie, but the history is not so clear. This picture book looks inside these crunchy, biscuity treats to reveal the cultural origins and locations of the creators. 
I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
by Mychal Threets

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.
 
The Cake Problem. Equivalent and Simplified Fractions by Bill Wise
The Cake Problem. Equivalent and Simplified Fractions
by Bill Wise

Math can be fun! Or so believe Sheep, Chicken, and Goat as they try to share a chocolate cake. Farmer Ed brings Sheep, Chicken, and Goat a chocolate cake. Delicious! But hold on; it's not a circle or rectangle, like most cakes. Dividing this cake is going to be tricky. Luckily, Goat has the solution. If the cake is cut in half, Goat gets one half and Sheep and Chicken share the other half. Easy peasy, milk and cheesy! Or is there a better way?
Cat Nap by Brian Lies
Cat Nap
by Brian Lies

After the determined Kitten chases a mouse into a poster for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, their pursuit takes on the styles of ten iconic masterpieces. Kids don’t need any museum knowledge to be fascinated by the hilarious, arresting illustrations (which include stained glass, ceramics, wooden masks, and more), all rendered in meticulous three-dimensional detail by Caldecott Honoree Brian Lies.
 
The Elevator on 74th Street by Laura Gehl
The Elevator on 74th Street
by Laura Gehl

Every day, Ellie the elevator works tirelessly to make the residents of her building happy. She loves everyone who lives in her building—even the dogs with muddy paws and the over-enthusiastic button-pushers. But Ellie has a soft spot for Thea, who bounces through Ellie’s doors with a cheerful grin every day. After Thea’s best friend moves away, Ellie rarely sees Thea smile anymore. Ellie wants to cheer Thea up…but what can an elevator do to help? Leave it to Ellie to make Thea’s world better.
Just One Owl by Carolyn Crimi
Just One Owl
by Carolyn Crimi

Two squirrels. Two leaves. Two deer.

“One owl,” said Owl.

Where is a friend to play with?

Owl searches the forest for a friend. But when an unlikely prospect shares its tree, Owl discovers his perfect companion--a bat! An easy-to-read story about making friends.
The Polar Bear and the Ballerina by Eric Velasquez
The Polar Bear and the Ballerina
by Eric Velasquez

When dancers have a photoshoot at the Central Park Zoo, a young, African American ballerina and a polar bear form a special friendship. When his new friend leaves her scarf behind, the polar bear must venture through Central Park and out into Manhattan to return it before her performance at the Lincoln Center. However, the theater goers eye the strange bear with suspicion. When the ushers won't let him inside, the ballerina comes to his rescue and welcomes him in. The polar bear has dreamed of seeing the ballet, and now he gets to be a part of it in the most surprising way.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Forsyth County Public Library
660 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-703-2665

forsythlibrary.org