Picture Books
April 2026

Recent Releases
Serafina Makes Waves
by Matthew Burgess; illustrated by Robin Rosenthal

Meet Serafina, a little cat with a gigantic loathing for water. When her parents insist on swim lessons, Serafina's attempts to avoid the pool are hilariously histrionic -- until her beloved stuffed bunny, Noodles, requires an aquatic rescue. Prepare for repeat read-alouds of this buoyant tale.
 
Emeka, Eat Egusi!
by Candice Iloh; illustrated by Bea Jackson

Nigerian American Emeka loves routine, including eating jollof rice for dinner every night. No other food will do! But then Mama invites Emeka to help her make egusi, and he becomes more curious with each ingredient added to the soup pot. Read-alike: Yan Gu's Bitter Tea and Rock Candy, another feel-good family story about a reluctant child expanding their palate.
Hazel's Best Day: A Story of Community, Accessibility, and Pride in Being Yourself
by Adiba Nelson; illustrated by DeAnn Wiley

Cheerful, energetic cut-paper illustrations and one child's excitement will draw young readers into this upbeat story. Decked out in zebra socks, leg braces, and a bedazzled wheelchair, Hazel joins a diverse group of disabled friends and neighbors as they use their city's accessibility features on their journey to an exuberant destination: a Disability Pride parade!
Shrinking Violet
by Laurel Snyder; illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Violet lives in a seaside castle with her companion, Bird. Bird loves exploring, but Violet is cautious, since feelings of fear or anger cause her to physically shrink or grow. Can she ever figure out how to stay grounded enough to expand her horizons? Swirling colors and inventive perspectives will help kids understand Violet's changing emotions in this sensitive fantasy.
While We're Here
by Anne Wynter; illustrated by Micha Archer

After rushing to arrive on time, a mother and child discover that the party in the park was actually yesterday. They're disappointed -- until they realize they've now got free time for rolling down hills, watching ducklings, and exploring trails. Read-alike: Oge Mora's Saturday, another mother-daughter story featuring textured, multilayered collage art.
Oops!
Everything's Wrong! A Bear, a Hare, and Trouble Everywhere
by Jory John; illustrated by Erin Kraan

From lost socks and head-on collisions to bees, burrs, and spilled breakfasts, Jeff the bear and Anders the hare are having a morning full of misadventure. But maybe, with a bit of space to manage their reactions, they can salvage the day? For fans of: the previous funny and heartfelt Bear and Hare books, Something's Wrong! and Nothing's Wrong!.
Mistaco: A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas
by Eliza Kinkz

After a series of small accidents and a big-time embarrassment at school, clumsy young Izzy has HAD it. Her outburst at family tortilla night inspires the "mistaco" -- a way to confess mistakes and then eat them up. Busy, scribbly artwork heightens the affirming warmth in this tale of acceptance (and delicious tacos).
 
How to Pee Your Pants The Right Way
by Rachel Michelle Wilson

Though this playful picture book about pants-wetting focuses on an anthropomorphic owlet, it also provides matter-of-fact reassurance to readers: "We've all been there." The suggested coping techniques -- such as starting a food fight as a distraction or repurposing a lampshade as trousers -- may be outrageously silly, but the overall message of genuine empathy is sure to resonate.
Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival
by Kat Zhang; illustrated by Charlene Chua

In this sweet and relatable 5th volume of the Amy Wu series, Amy is excited to celebrate the Lantern Festival of the Lunar New Year -- until she accidentally smashes her family's heirloom lantern. Devastated, Amy needs reassurance from Dad before accepting that traditions can evolve and repair doesn't have to be perfect. Read-alike: Broken by X. Fang.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!