| A Riddle of Eels by Nicholas Day; illustrated by Corey R. TaborJust like a slimy, serpentine eel, human knowledge about these creatures constantly slips from our grasp. In playful language and mixed-media art, this book describes how our understanding of eels has continued to evolve, inviting readers to cultivate curiosity about the "vast, wondrous world that's still unknown to us."
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| Be the Acorn by Jason Douglas GriffinChoko Choko might be tiny, but when he's deemed too small to help his squirrel family find a new home, he has some HUGE emotions. Only his grandma, Great HaHa, can soothe him with reminders of big potential in little packages -- like acorns. Stylized, expressive illustrations underscore this quietly winsome tale that teaches patience while respecting the frustrations of childhood.
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| Gathering the Light by Joy Harjo; illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley In this latest from celebrated Mvskoke poet Joy Harjo, readers follow an Indigenous child and her little dog as they greet the sunrise with gratitude and carry its light forward. Circular motifs in the illustrations echo the cycles of nature and time, adding dimension to this culturally specific take on mindfulness. Read-alike: Chi Miigwech, Big Thank You by astra marta. |
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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. Pairing the softness of traditional Chinese brush painting with a thoughtful, sensitive tone, this book will resonate with kids navigating transitions. Try this next: Sydney Smith's Do You Remember? |
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Muriel and the Mystery by Charlotte ParentA little shrew encounters the unexpected in this charming picture book that explores change and the fear of the unknown. Muriel is having a perfectly ordinary day in the forest she knows by heart, when, while gathering snails in the underbrush, she encounters a mystery. It's different from anything she's seen before, and it certainly doesn't belong in her well-ordered life. Though she tries to put it out of her mind, that becomes difficult when the mystery won't leave her alone. . . Muriel will need to muster her courage to face the unknown and embrace the changes it brings to her forest. And maybe, just maybe, she will make a new friend along the way.
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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). Read-alike: Robert Heidbreder's Black and Bittern Was Night. |
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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. Try this next: Lucy Rowland's Witch Cat. |
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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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| 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. Read-alike: Aaron Reynolds’ Creepy Tales! series. |
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