Picture Books
August 2026
Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger
Otto and the Story Tree
by Vivien Mildenberger

A lonely old bird tells stories to a seed, which eventually grows into a tree where animals gather to listen--
How to Make a Bedtime by Meg McKinlay
How to Make a Bedtime
by Meg McKinlay

Inside a wonderfully warm home, a cuddly parental bear guides a young child through their bonding bedtime routine. A sloshy bath, soft pajamas, a song for singing, a huggily hug before a story, then it's bedtime at last.--Provided by publisher.
The Haunted Playground by R.J. Palacio; illustrated by Brett Helquist
The Haunted Playground
by R.J. Palacio; illustrated by Brett Helquist

After midnight every Halloween, ghosts take a break from the hard work of haunting and let loose at a playground party hosted by skeleton king Rex Magnificus. This year, however, two living children stumble into the festivities. Dramatic, dynamic illustrations add atmosphere to this creepy carnivale.
Angel Draws a Dinosaur by Pavonis Giron
Angel Draws a Dinosaur
by Pavonis Giron

After an exciting day at the museum, Angel is inspired! With all the art supplies he can gather, he knows the dinosaur he draws will be perfect. But soon, fear and frustration take root - why can't he seem to draw exactly what he sees in his head? And even worse, what if he keeps making mistakes? This sophomore title from upcoming storyteller Pavonis Giron (A Rainbow in Brown) employs innovative art techniques to explore the joys of the creative process.
The Bats on the Bus by Alison Jackson
The Bats on the Bus
by Alison Jackson

A school bus full of monsters can't wait to celebrate Halloween in this spooktacular picture book adaptation of a classic nursery rhyme. When Halloween tricksters gather after dusk, they sing The Wheels on the Bus in order to cause a fright. Featuring a cast of silly monsters who aren't quite what they seem--including witches who scream where's my broom , ghosts who shout boo , and skeleton bones that go clankety clank --this spooky-fun reimagining of the beloved nursery rhyme will have little ones squealing with delight as they chant all around the town
Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen
Oh Dear, Look What I Got!
by Michael Rosen

As a hapless boy goes from shop to shop, requesting a series of perfectly reasonable items--a hat, a coat, a cake, a chair--he finds himself thwarted at every turn, amassing instead a growing menagerie of animals who happily follow him on his errands. It's not until he finally asks for a cup that he's proffered a wriggly creature that solves his dilemma--or does it?--
Home by Matt de la Peña
Home
by Matt de la Peña; illustrated by Loren Long

Through striking paintings and lyrical words, this diverse, wide-ranging book explores all the meanings of home, from specific abodes and locations to sensory experiences and the comforting presence of loved ones. For fans of: Love, the previous (and equally heartwarming) collaboration between award-winning author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Loren Long.

*If you are interested in requesting this book, please visit your local library and ask for assistance!
Many Things at Once by Veera Hiranandani
Many Things at Once
by Veera Hiranandani; illustrated by Nadia Alam

Although she's secure in her identity as Indian and American, Jewish and Hindu, a young girl still worries that being "many things at once" means she'll never feel the kind of singular belonging she sees in her peers. Inspired by the author's own experiences, Many Things at Once is a thoughtful and ultimately affirming read. Read-alike: Lorian Tu's We Are a Song. 
Caboose: A Picture Book by Travis Jonker
Caboose
by Travis Jonker; illustrated by Ruth Chan

In an elementary school class of anthropomorphic animals, one mischief-minded hippo is a little too hungry for the power of being at the front of the line. Banished to the back, his antics become zanier still -- until the teacher assigns him a perfect spot in the middle. Kirkus Reviews calls Caboose "a chaotic yet hilarious story grounded in real childhood emotions." Read-alike: Proper Badger Would Never! by Lauren Glattly.
Cape by Johnson, Kevin
Cape
by Johnson, Kevin

After losing the person in his life he loves more than anything, a young child holds onto a cape as a source of comfort and strength as he navigates the sadness and joy of his memories. 40,000 first printing. Illustrations.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Central Mississippi Regional Library System
100 Tamberline Street, Brandon, Mississippi 39042
601-825-0100

https://www.cmrls.lib.ms.us