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Picture Books January 2026 |
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| Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!) by Linda Bailey; illustrated by K-Fai SteeleUnlike her fearful, feathered family, spirited Lena knows that she's not a chicken in name or nature -- she's a mighty dinosaur! And when the coop is threatened, she has the chance to prove it. Get ready to roar: with dramatic dialogue and "gloriously goofy" (Publishers Weekly) artwork, Lena's story is an ideal read-aloud. |
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| Mama Car by Lucy Catchpole; illustrated by Karen GeorgeIn this endearing story, a child describes how her family gets around. She’s got a tricycle, and Daddy drives a "big car," while Mama uses a "Mama Car": a manual wheelchair. Based on author Lucy Catchpole’s own parenting experience, Mama Car offers a cozy and matter-of-fact look at disability within family life.
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| The Old Sleigh by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome PumphreyA wooden sleigh, along with the parent and child who use it to deliver firewood to their tight-knit town, is at the heart of this seasonal story. As the sleigh changes over time, so does the child and their community. Wintry hues in the illustrations complement the warmth of this winsome tale. For fans of: The Old Truck and The Old Boat, also by the Pumphrey brothers.
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| The Night of the Hedgehog by Tanya Rosie; illustrated by Chuck GroeninkOne special evening, a barefoot father and daughter venture into their moonlit garden to observe the nocturnal wildlife, including a some memorable visitors: a family of hedgehogs. Gentle rhyming text supports the sense of quiet wonder in this nature-focused book. Read-alikes: Dianne White's Dark on Light; Jane Yolen's classic Owl Moon.
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| Vida: The Mice, the Cat, and the Alebrije by Duncan TonatiuhWhen a feline interloper casts a pall over the once-vibrant town of Mousetepec, two mouse siblings use color, creativity, and community to fight back. Depicted in creator Duncan Tonatiuh's dramatic, distinctive, pre-Columbian art style, this modern fable is "utterly mesmerizing" (Kirkus Reviews). Read-alike: Brave as a Mouse by Nicolò Carozzi.
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| Everyday Bean by Stephanie GraeginIn this series starter, readers meet young hedgehog Bean and her Grandma in ten short slice-of-life stories. With illustrations full of delicate colors and whimsical details to keep readers engaged, this charming volume helps bridge the gap between picture books and easy readers. Next in the series: Bean Supreme, due out in July 2026.
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| Ty's Travels: Super Ty! by Kelly Starling Lyons; illustrated by Niña MataWhen superhero fan Ty dons his own cape and mask, he utilizes the superpowers he already has: kindness and imagination. Accessible word choices and repeated phrases make this heartwarming story a confidence-boosting choice for beginning readers. Series alert: This is book 8 in the award-winning Ty's Travels series, but kids can read these standalone stories in any order.
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| Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories by Greg PizzoliGregarious, saxophone-playing bird Earl and reticent, bookish Worm go from dubious neighbors to odd-couple BFFs in this droll series kickoff. Sporting cartoony, pastel-colored illustrations and a three-part structure, this easy reader will encourage readers who are almost ready for chapter books. Next in the series: The Big Mess and Other Stories; Snow Problem and Other Stories.
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| Makeda Makes a Mountain by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich; illustrated by Lydia Mba After her family does a big de-cluttering, inventive Makeda decides to repurpose some of the old items, inspiring an upcycling spree for her friends and classmates. This upbeat, beginner-friendly read, the 3rd in a series, will grab fans of Andrea Beaty's Questioneers books. Previously in the series: Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat and Makeda Makes a Home for Subway.
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| Squid in Pants by Kaz WindnessWhen stylish Squid and his sea creature pals swipe some clothes from an unwary snorkeler, they create wild, customized garments, and even include the original owner in the resulting fashion show. Rhythm and rhyme enhance the easy-to-understand text of this playful graphic novel for beginning readers.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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