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Picture Books October 2026 |
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I Am Murphy and I Am Waiting by Dan YaccarinoMeet Murphy. His first picture book is a hilarious and heartfelt reminder that time apart makes every second together that much sweeter. Murphy is an irresistibly cute and rambunctious French bulldog with a lot of emotions. And when the big yellow thing takes his boy away on the first day of school, he finds some interesting ways to let those feelings out. But bothering the cat, protecting his boy's dirty socks, and tearing up the house looking for him can only go so far. His anxiety and impatience might just get the best of him. Until a reunion for the ages solves everything. Share Murphy with young readers experiencing first day of school jitters, separation anxiety, big feelings of all kinds...and big love for dogs. |
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| Gathering the Light by Joy Harjo; illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley From the former U.S. Poet Laureate, this luminous and lyrical picture book reminds readers to cherish their place in the world, and make a positive impact wherever they go.
Beginning at sunrise, this poetic picture book follows a young girl and her faithful dog through the sacred rhythm of the day. She gathers light in the morning and moves through the day, giving thanks, remembering her loved ones, and releasing the day's worries. Her journey is a reminder that we all exist as part of a circle--ever moving, ever bright. In reverent and rhythmic lines, celebrated poet and member of the Mvskoke Nation Joy Harjo has penned an original poem in which she invites readers to live each day with gratitude, respect, and honor. With rich illustrations by Anishinaabe artist Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Gathering the Light is a poignant affirmation of the connection between all beings, and the responsibility to care for one another.
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| Night Ride by Christopher MyersFrom Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers, a stunning, first-of-its-kind, wordless picture book in the medium of stained glass, about a group of kids riding through New York City, capturing the joy of Black childhood and the freedom of exploring a city that feels like it belongs to you. Those familiar with the city will spot various landmarks, while readers of all kinds will be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of light, color, and motion created by the intricate illustrations.
Setting out on a warm and glorious night, a group of kids grab their bikes to explore a city that for a moment in time feels like it belongs entirely to them. Riding from Harlem, through Central Park, to Chinatown, and over the Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic landmarks of New York City become mirrors that reflect the kids' joy and freedom, reminding us that childhood is beautiful, fragile, and holy.
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| Goodbye, Koi by Jack WongAs part of their preparations for traveling to their new home, a young boy and his father must re-home their beloved koi fish, leading the child to wonder about how his fish (and his family) will handle such a big change. What will happen to his fish? Will they be safe and happy in their new home? Through his wonder and worry, readers glimpse the universal feelings that come with any life transition: curiosity, uncertainty, and the hope that we will be okay. Pairing the softness of traditional Chinese brush painting with a thoughtful, sensitive tone, this book will resonate with kids navigating transitions. |
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Dragon Dog by Suzanne LangPart dragon, part dog, ALL FIERCE--this hilarious, fire-snorting fantasy celebrates friendship, courage, and the many forms fierceness (and fluffiness) can take. When the evil wizard Simpkin Sowerbutts attempts to create a dragon as loyal as a dog and instead spawns a dog as fierce as a dragon, he banishes his embarrassing and so-fluffy creation. Outcast and alone, Dragon Dog roams the land looking for a home only to find foes around every corner. But Dragon Dog prides himself on being fierce--like a dragon--and defeats all who challenge him. Soon everyone in the land of Quatsch is afraid of him. Everyone except a lost little lamb named Dandelion. Dragon Dog helps his new friend find her way back to her flock, and Dandelion helps Dragon Dog embrace his fluffy side and find a place to call home. Oh yeah, and along the way they narrowly escape the jaws of the biggest, meanest dragon around. An exciting and silly fantasy that shows readers we can be both fierce AND fluffy. |
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When Eomma goes to market she has only one rule for her three daughters, don’t open the door until her return. There are creatures that roam the nearby mountains. But as the hours pass, the sisters grow anxious. Surely, Eomma will be home soon. And when there’s a knock at the door, the girls jump to let Eomma in. Except, it is not their mother at the door. Debut Nancy So Miller updates this centuries-old story with her gorgeous cut-paper art, for which she carefully constructed and photographed each scene. From the fiery orange of the tiger to the soothing shades of a lilac sky, this is a visually lush retelling. |
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| Bob the Vampire Snail by Andrea ZuillFor kids who enjoy spooky vibes seasoned with supremely silly humor comes the story of Bob, a snail who mysteriously sprouts wings, fangs, and a taste for tomato juice. A sprinkling of snail facts plus illustrations in Halloween-inspired colors round out this quirky tale. |
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| This Year, a Witch! by Zoey AbbottNo more adorable Halloween costumes for this kid! Nope, this year she's going to be a powerful, fearsome witch -- so fearsome that she might even scare herself. With pops of neon color and perfectly paced page turns to heighten the drama, This Year, a Witch! is a funny and ultimately reassuring read. |
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| The Zombees by Justin Colón; illustrated by Kaly QuarlesOn Halloween night, the undead "zombees" rise from the cemetery in a ghastly green swarm. Are they hungry for brains? Or could they have a sweeter purpose? Abuzz with bouncy rhymes and wordplay, "this charming read-aloud will be requested on repeat" (School Library Journal). |
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| Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Charles SantosoLonging for a familiar to complete her wonderfully witchy lifestyle, Evelyn acquires a "mystery pet" in the form of an egg. Impatient to meet her new friend, the young witch embarks on a quest to hasten the hatching...only to discover that some things are worth the wait. Sprightly and silly, this book features plenty of cute creatures. |
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| Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew ForsytheAdorable, gnome-like Aggie’s excitement to live on her own turns to annoyance when she discovers that her new cottage comes with a roommate: a shapeshifting ghost who follows her around, steals her socks, and eats all the cheese. Whimsical, imaginative illustrations enhance this offbeat ghost story. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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The Public Library
501 Copper NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
505-768-5141abqlibrary.org |
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