Picture Books
June 2025
Recent Releases
Fireworks
by Matthew Burgess; illustrated by Cátia Chien

In this evocative slice of life, dazzling colors and stirring, detail-rich descriptions conjure up a sultry summer day for two city-dwelling siblings, complete with a rooftop fireworks display. Read-alikes: John Rocco’s Blackout; Jacqueline Woodson’s The World Belonged to Us.
Big Family Beach Day
by Nina Crews

For the rambunctious, loving, multi-generational family in this picture book, beach day is a cherished annual event. Second-person narration and varied viewpoints of surf and sand bring a "you are there" feeling to this story that’s sure to capture kids’ attention.
Firefly Season
by Cynthia Leitich Smith; illustrated by Kate Gardiner

Piper’s family is from the Cherokee and Muscogee Nations, and Sumi’s family roots are in Mumbai, India. When the two girls become neighbors in Kansas City, it’s the beginning of a bond that expands both of their worlds. Kirkus Reviews calls this picture book "a glowing tribute to family across distance and lineage."
Elvis & Romeo
by David Soman; illustrated by Jacky Davis

Curmudgeonly bulldog Elvis and exuberant mutt Romeo might seem like a mismatch at first, but after a few comical miscommunications at the dog park, the canine odd couple become fast friends. With speech-bubble text and tons of visual verve, this series opener is a charmer.
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)
by Corey R. Tabor

After rejecting invitations from Squirrel, Hummingbird, and several other critters with a caustic “KAW!”, big-eyed Crow seems like a loner. But as a dramatic twist reveals Crow’s secret, high-stakes heroism, rapt readers will be reminded that first impressions can be misleading. “Clever pacing, bone-dry humor, and visual surprises distinguish this wildly entertaining picture book,” says Publishers Weekly. 
Beach Reads
"Every day should be a beach day." – Unknown
 
Let these books transport you to the beach!
It Is (Not) Perfect
by Anna Kang

Two friends working on a sandcastle together at the beach think it is perfect until each one comes up with a way to make it better, and soon other creatures are suggesting more improvements and joining in construction
The Squish
by Breanna Carzoo

Resilience gets a googly-eyed new representative in the anthropomorphic sandcastle who narrates this offbeat object lesson. Although it gets squished by everything from waves to Frisbees -- each incident illustrated in crisp, cut-paper collage -- nothing can keep this adorable sandcastle down. 
The Sandcastle that Lola Built
by Megan Maynor

Building an elaborate sandcastle on a crowded beach, Lola invites a boy who accidentally steps on her castle to help her build a wall before other kids are recruited to add to more and more features that they must consider rebuilding in the aftermath of a big wave. By the author of Ella and Penguin Stick Together.
Dinotrux Dig the Beach
by Chris Gall

When the Jurassic jungles become too hot one steamy summertime, the Dinotrux soothe their grumpy tempers during a fun-filled trip to the beach, where they attempt to surf, dig through the sand and build the best sandcastle ever.
A Day for Sandcastles
by JonArno Lawson

A dazzling wordless picture book celebrates creative problem-solving, teamwork, and the sun-splashed wonder of a day at the beach. The creators of the acclaimed Over the Shop evoke a perfect summer beach day -- and themes of creativity, cooperation, flexibility, and persistence -- all without a word in this sun-warmed, salt-stained delight of a story. A busload of beachgoers spills out onto the sand for a day of fun and frolic. Three siblings begin work on a castle, patting and shaping the sand as the sun arcs over the sky. Time and again, their progress is halted: a windswept hat topples their creation; a toddler ambles through it; the tide creeps close, and then too close. Meeting each demolition with fresh determination, the builders outdo themselves time and again, until the moment arrives to pile back into the bus for home. An authentic portrait of sibling cooperation -- and glorious inspiration for creative people of all ages -- A Day for Sandcastles channels the thrill of surrendering expectationson the path to infinite possibility
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Wright Memorial Public Library
1776 Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio 45419
(937) 294-7171

https://www.wrightlibrary.org/