Picture Books
September 2026


Recent Releases
The Path by Pamela Paul
The Path
by Pamela Paul; illustrated by Qin Leng

On a crowded path through a park, mutual annoyance grows among the runners, bikers, birders, roller-bladers, kids on scooters, and families with babies -- until a passing murmuration of starlings prompts a communal change in perspective. Loose, expressive illustrations and speech-bubble text add immediacy to this encouraging slice of life.
I Am Not Grumpy! by Caroline L. Perry
I Am Not Grumpy!
by Caroline L. Perry

In the vein of Grumpy Monkey and Unicorns are the Worst, this laugh-out-loud picture book from the creators of "I Am Not Happy" gives voice to a black rain frog who swears she's not grumpy--despite what her expression may suggest. With a cozy burrow, puddles to play in, and a never-ending buffet of juicy bugs, this black rain frog is the happiest amphibian in the land...so why does everyone think she's grumpy? Sure, she may have a permanent pout that you might call a serious case of Resting Frog Face, but this sulky squeaker is as content as can be. Don't you believe her? The cheerful little frog teaches her animal neighbors to not judge a critter by its cover in this hilarious and heartwarming story.
Little Bee and the Bloom by Carly Kremer
Little Bee and the Bloom
by Carly Kremer

Join Little Bee on a rhyming journey of discovery in this beautifully illustrated picture book about pollination, nature, and the vital role bees play in our world. When Little Bee meets a new flower friend, she begins a joyful journey--learning how pollen travels from flower to flower and how bees help plants, fruits, and the foods we eat grow. Blending playful storytelling with simple science, Little Bee and the Bloom introduces young readers to pollination in a warm, age-appropriate way. Written by Carly Kremer, founder of Beekeeper's Naturals, and illustrated with whimsical artwork by Katie Hunt, this STEM nature picture book invites children to see bees as magical, helpful, and vital to the world around us. 
The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott
The Skeleton and the Cat
by Brandon James Scott

In five bite-sized stories, young readers will get to know an irresistible duo: Skeleton, who lives alone in her cheerful, cozy home; and Cat, who patiently charms his way into Skeleton's quiet life. For fans of: the gentle, quirky vibes of classic easy reader series such as James Marshall's George and Martha or Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad.
Mr. Acorn's Forest Spa by Hyojeong Kim
Mr. Acorn's Forest Spa
by Hyojeong Kim

Experience the seasons with Mr. Acorn as he hosts animals at his forest spa. Every spring, Mr. Acorn scrubs the hot spring stones clean and opens the spa for his visitors. The forest animals have woken from their long winter slumber, and Mr. Acorn welcomes them with acorn milk and rejuvenating treatments. The months pass, the seasons change, and Mr. Acorn adjusts his spa accordingly. The summer heat means cold water in the spring and refreshing watermelon snacks. The autumn breeze marks the return of warm water, and fruits and nuts to harvest. And the winter snow signals the closing of the spa--and time for Mr. Acorn to relax until spring loops back around. Charming, playful illustrations invite readers to experience the weather, food, and animal behavior of the changing seasons.
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave (Caldecott Honor) by Drew Beckmeyer
Stalactite & Stalagmite
by Drew Beckmeyer

Meet Stalactite and Stalagmite, two anthropomorphic mineral formations growing closer and closer to each other over millions of years. Blending natural history and geology with droll humor and an underlying sense of wonder, this Newbery Honor book will surprise and entertain a wide variety of readers.
Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme by Betsy Bird
Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme
by Betsy Bird; illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi

Do you think you know how familiar Mother Goose stories end? Think again with this cleverly chaotic collection of "popped" nursery rhymes, each of which concludes with a mischievous, party-crashing weasel. Read-alike: David Ezra Stein's Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast. 
Miguel Must Fight! by Jamie Ofelia
Miguel Must Fight!
by Jamie Ofelia; illustrated by Sara Palacios 

Born into a fearsome family dedicated to sword fighting (and winning), peaceful Miguel is an outlier. His community chides him for preferring pencils over weapons…until El Dragón attacks their village, and Miguel's skills offer unexpected deliverance.
Blake the Snake Bakes a Cake by Amy Young
Blake the Snake Bakes a Cake
by Amy Young; illustrated by Alison Young

Blake the snake is determined to bake the perfect birthday cake for his friend Drake! Despite increasingly outlandish mishaps -- from a mistake to an earthquake to falling in a lake -- Blake doesn't quit, and each attempt is grander than the last. Plentiful, playful rhymes make this picture book equally suitable as a read-aloud or a confidence-builder for emerging readers. 
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