the Public Library Albuquerque Bernalillo County: Picture Books: November 2025

Recent Releases

Don't Eat Eustace
by Lian Cho

Solitary lighthouse keeper Bear has caught a tasty fish for their lunch. But the fish, Eustace, would prefer not to be eaten. Can he talk his way out of the soup pot and into an interspecies friendship? Blending deadpan humor with outright silliness, this offbeat tale will make kids laugh out loud.

Broken
by X. Fang

While playing at her grandmother's house, Mei Mei accidentally breaks Ama's favorite teacup. Ama blames the judgmental cat, Mimi, but the child's guilt might be too big to bear. Expressive illustrations rife with dramatic angles highlight both the comedy and the discomfort in Mei Mei's situation, while a conclusion focused on honesty and repair will leave readers reassured. Read-alike: Accident! by Andrea Tsurumi.

Moon Song
by Michaela Goade

"Come! Haagú! Follow the light." So begins a bedtime story, spun by a Tlingit child for her anxious cousin. Together, they take an imaginary journey through nighttime wonders, from the snow-covered woods to the dark ocean waves to the glowing aurora borealis overhead. Illustrated in jewel-bright colors, this companion book to Berry Song is equal parts enchanting and soothing.

Time to Make Art
by Jeff Mack

In this playfully philosophical picture book, a child wonders: How long does art take? Can it have mistakes? How should it feel? These questions (and more) are addressed by an inclusive array of real-life artists, showcasing styles from across the ages and the globe.

To Activate Space Portal, Lift Here
by Antoinette Portis

After an enticing opening urging you to turn the page, a "space portal" opens within this picture book, revealing two inquisitive extraterrestrial creatures peering out at the "alien" reader. Illustrated in a bold, exaggerated style, this clever close encounter is bound to provoke giggles. For fans of: playful, interactive reads, such as author Antoinette Portis' beloved Not A Box.

Gratitude

We Give Thanks
by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

In this sweet story told in rhyme, a rabbit and a frog journey through their community of animal friends, offering up gratitude for everything from mittens to roses to the "nice warm soup" they eventually share with everyone in a joyful closing feast. Pastel-shaded watercolors with pops of neon ensure that this cozy read is eye-catching, too.

Sallie Bee Writes a Thank-You Note
by Courtney Sheinmel and Susan Verde; illustrated by Heather Ross

After receiving a handmade scarf in the mail from Grandma Bee, Sallie just has to write down her feelings of gratitude. That first thank-you note leads Sallie to write more notes -- for her bus buddy, for the lunch lady, even for her sometimes-annoying brother. Don't miss: the fun extras, like finding Sallie's kitten in the illustrations, or the tips to help kids write their own thank-you notes.

At Our Table
by Patrick Hulse; illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

"At our table there is room," declares this inclusive picture book. Featuring diverse groups of loved ones gathered for shared meals, this lyrical story invites readers to linger on delicious sensory details as well as opportunities for gratitude -- including gratitude for the farm labor and Indigenous knowledge that puts food on tables. Read-alike: Pie Is For Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade
by Melissa Sweet

From Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet comes the perfect Thanksgiving Day picture book. Let's have a parade!Meet the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet brings to life the inspirational story of the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons floating in the sky during the annual parade celebrating Thanksgiving. The Caldecott Honor artist brilliantly captures the essence of Tony Sarg, a self-taught immigrant with a fascinating imagination.The collage illustrations coupled with Sweet's storytelling portray Sarg's joy in his childhood inventions and his ingenious balloon creations that still bring delight to viewers around the country. This nonfiction illustrated book will capture the hearts of all ages.This clever marriage of information and illustration soars high. (Kirkus starred review)

Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!