|
|
|
|
Picture Books February 2026 |
|
|
|
| Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Carson EllisThe 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. For fans of: The Three Billy Goats Gruff, another fairy tale remix by author Mac Barnett.
|
|
| Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano; illustrated by Marla FrazeeIt'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.
|
|
| I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets; illustrated by Lorraine NamIn 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.
|
|
|
|
The Camel Library: A True Story from Pakistan
by Marzieh Abbas
Meet Roshan the camel! He spends his days carrying firewood with his human, Murad, to feed their family. One day, a pandemic sweeps through their home country of Pakistan, closing the schools and public libraries. Many children, especially in rural areas, were left without access to learning materials. Then Roshan and Murad get a call from an organization that wants to help, and they accept a new mission: instead of carrying firewood, they'll carry books. Day after day, they set out to different villages, Roshan's back loaded with books to lend out to the children they meet. But they don't just bring stories--they also carry joy, hope, and connection. The back of the book includes photos and more information about the camel library program, as well as fun facts about camels.From the author of A Dupatta Is... comes a new picture book telling the heartfelt true story of Roshan, Pakistan's first camel library.
|
|
|
|
Bela and Lily
by Natasha Khan Kazi
Bela, who has recently arrived in the United States from Bangladesh, meets Lily on the swings. But how do you make a friend when you don't speak the same language? Based on Natasha's own experience as a five-year-old immigrant making her first friend, Bela and Lily is about how two kindred spirits forge a bond through smiles, giggles, and a shared love of adventure, while also learning each other's words.Bela and Lily do not speak the same language, but they still become friends.
|
|
|
|
Can I Keep It, Please?
by John Sullivan
Evie's pet is Sasha the cat. Sasha is the best pet ever. But Jenny has a friendly ferret. Garrett has cuddly guinea pigs. And David has a squawking parrot. Suddenly, to Evie, Sasha seems plain. And that makes Evie wonder...could there be a better pet for her? Until she realizes that all pets are special if you love them.In an attempt to find the perfect pet, Evie soon realizes her plain old cat Sasha unknowingly fits the bill.
|
|
|
|
Don't Eat Eustace
by Lian Cho
Today's Lunch Special: Freshly caught fish. Bear lives alone in a lighthouse. Bear mends their clothes, sweeps the floors, and catches their own lunch. Today's lunch is Eustace. Eustace would really like to live. (He has a girlfriend after all.) Will Eustace be released back into the sea? Or will he end up in Bear's stock pot? Find out in this funny adventure filled with brilliant illustrations and lots of humor.
|
|
| Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers; illustrated by Rebecca Lee KunzSissy, an older Indigenous girl, doesn't understand why her little brother Chooch gets away with everything! His so-called "help" only messes things up. As her temper flares, Sissy's family offers support and perspective. Book buzz: Featuring textured illustrations filled with Cherokee imagery, this relatable sibling story is the winner of the 2025 Caldecott Medal, as well as the 2026 American Indian Youth Literature Award for picture books.
|
|
| Lost by Bob StaakeWhere, oh where is Kitty? She's not upstairs... not in her litter box... not at her food bowl. Hmm...There's only one thing to do: find this lost cat. As the cat's owner roams town in hopes of finding her pet, she discovers she's not the only one missing their beloved animal. There's also a lost dog...a lost bird...even a lost giraffe! Join the search party in this almost wordless story that celebrates helping our neighbors and gently reminds us that what is lost can always be found.Stylized, expressive artwork tells the story in this wordless picture book about a child seeking a lost cat. While hanging up posters, she encounters owners of other lost pets -- from a bird to a dog to a giraffe -- all of whom are reunited by the final page. Read-alike: Bruce Handy's Balloon.
|
|
| A Pinecone! by Helen YoonDaddy is a bit distracted on their autumn walk, while his curious child only has eyes for one of nature's small wonders: a pinecone! And look, another pinecone! And another! In fact, she could gather an entire collection--an entire extended family--of pinecones if she wanted to (and she wants to!). But what then? In a story spun with visual comedy, the characters from Off-Limits return for a small adventure in outsize enthusiasm leading to a sparkly, holiday-cheer-worthy finish.A dad is busy wrangling a very muddy dog, leaving his daughter free to pursue her obsession: collecting pinecones. But where can she store them all? While the slapstick humor in this story will elicit giggles, the substance will ring true for young collectors. For fans of: Off-Limits, also by Helen Yoon and featuring the same parent-child duo.
|
|
|
|
Don't Trust Fish
by Neil Sharpson; illustrated by Dan Santat
Why, dear reader, must you NEVER EVER trust fish? 1) They spend all their time in the water where we can't see them. 2) Some are as big as a bus--that is not okay. 3) We don't know what they're teaching in their "schools." 4) They are likely plotting our doom. This nature-guide-gone-wrong is a hilarious, off-the-rails exploration of the seemingly innocent animals that live in the water.
|
|
|
|
Everything's Wrong!: A Bear, a Hare, and Trouble Everywhere
by Jory John
Best friends Jeff and Anders start the day with the best of intentions, but before long, everything goes haywire. From power outages, to spilled breakfasts, to missing socks, a series of irritating incidents sends the bear-and-bunny duo on an epic journey that will test their fortitude and their friendship. Can these pals work together to salvage this disastrous day?
|
|
Looking for a specific type or topic in picture books? Use the link below and fill out a form for "Need A Good Read?" and our librarians will curate a list just for you based on your interests! |
|
|
Gail Borden Public Library District
|
Main Library - 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 - 847-742-2411
Rakow Branch - 2751 W. Bowes Rd., Elgin, IL 60124 - 847-531-7271
South Elgin Branch - 127 S. McLean Blvd., South Elgin, IL 60177 - 847-931-2090
http://www.gailborden.info/
|
If a title in this list is not available in the format you prefer, please request it online.
|
|
|
|