Picture Books
March 2026

Recent Releases
Loops
by Jashar Awan

Solid-colored backdrops and bold, chunky artwork invite readers to focus on the sole character in this story: a child who's determined to tie the laces on his first pair of big-kid shoes. For fans of: Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic's Touch the Sky, another upbeat tale of persistence in the face of frustration.
The Future Book
by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Shawn Harris

In this picture book from two popular creators, the future is here, and it's goofier than anyone imagined. Oranges are now "bloranges," "Charlie Cheese Face" is a common name, and saying thanks involves…a fish? This "solemnly silly look at social norms" (Publishers Weekly) is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
 
Bartleby
by Matt Phelan

Bartleby the bear stands out among his classmates, not only because of his bright red bowler hat, but also because of his quiet response to most invitations: "I would prefer not to." Inspired by Herman Melville's classic short story, Bartleby offers a kid-friendly take on thoughtful participation and self-determination.
 
Here Come the Aunties!
by Cynthia Leitich Smith; illustrated by Aphelandra

Kinship extends beyond biology in this celebration of community. Readers follow a year in the life of River, a Muscogee child, and meet all the "aunties" who care for him through affection, shared skills, and everyday support. Richly colored mixed-media illustrations add to the story's warm, lived-in feel.
 
Lulu Didn't Want a Dog by Laurel Molk
Lulu Didn't Want a Dog
by Laurel Molk

Lulu, a contented cat, is not happy when Gus, a rescue dog, joins her family, but after Gus comes to her rescue, Lulu learns to appreciate her new sibling.
Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers
Cool Buds: Treasure Map! by Barbara Lehman
Cool Buds: Treasure Map!
by Barbara Lehman

Celebrating teamwork and friendship, Cool Buds: Treasure Map! is the latest in I Can Read Comics, an early reader line that familiarizes kids with the world of graphic novel storytelling and teaches visual literacy to emerging readers. Treasure Map! is a Level Three book, meaning it's a complex story for an independent reader. Welcome to Cozy Cove, population: 4! Blue, Puff, Tip, and Sealy are four cool buds living in the Arctic. When Tip finds a treasure map, the friends set out on an adventure to locate where X marks the spot. What will they find--gold? Jewels? A crown? It's up to the Cool Buds to find out!
How to Be a Ladybug by DK
How to Be a Ladybug
by DK

Shrink to the size of a garden bug and enter the world of ladybug in this first graphic novel for children. This graphic novel of garden life, made in collaboration with the Royal Entomological Society, is a perfect introduction to ladybugs for bug-obsessed little ones aged 5-7. Follow a newly hatched ladybug as she learns the ins and outs of ladybughood, and meet plenty of fascinating bug characters along the way, in this first graphic novel. Narrated by a wise old grasshopper, offering tips and tricks on how to be a ladybug, children will love to follow the story of Dotty the larva. This bug book for children offers: A graphic novel format to engage children in non fiction topics.
Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends
by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Tim Miller

Meet Snaps (an alligator) and Duckie (a duckling), two curious youngsters in a world that says they should be enemies. With repetitive text and crisp, minimalist artwork, this series opener will build confidence in kids ready to jump from easy readers to comics. Next in the series: We Cannot Be Brave, due out in August 2026.
 
One Smart Cookie
by Mika Song

Pairing soft, sketchy illustrations and sweetly silly humor, this graphic novel follows squirrel pals Norma and Belly as they infiltrate a fortune cookie factory, hoping to reap delicious rewards. Kids who enjoy this 4th Norma and Belly caper may want to go back to the beginning with Donut Feed the Squirrels.
 
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
by Kaz Windness

Caterpillar and Worm are BFFs who share a lot in common, but Caterpillar knows those similarities will disappear soon. Will Worm still want to be friends when Butterfly emerges? (Spoiler alert: of course!) Cartoon art brings even more joy to this easy-reading, friendship-focused comic.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Central Arkansas Library System
100 Rock St.
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
501-918-3000

www.cals.org/