Picture Books
December 2025

Recent Releases
Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!)
by Linda Bailey; illustrated by K-Fai Steele

Unlike her fearful, feathered family, spirited Lena knows that she's not a chicken in name or nature -- she's a mighty dinosaur! And when the coop is threatened, she has the chance to prove it. Get ready to roar: with dramatic dialogue and "gloriously goofy" (Publishers Weekly) artwork, Lena's story is an ideal read-aloud.
Mama Car
by Lucy Catchpole; illustrated by Karen George

In this endearing story, a child describes how her family gets around. She’s got a tricycle, and Daddy drives a "big car," while Mama uses a "Mama Car": a manual wheelchair. Based on author Lucy Catchpole’s own parenting experience, Mama Car offers a cozy and matter-of-fact look at disability within family life.
 
Broken by X. Fang
Broken
by X. Fang

While playing at her grandmother's house, Mei Mei accidentally breaks Ama's favorite teacup. Ama blames the judgmental cat, Mimi, but the child's guilt might be too big to bear. Expressive illustrations rife with dramatic angles highlight both the comedy and the discomfort in Mei Mei's situation, while a conclusion focused on honesty and repair will leave readers reassured. 
 
The Snowball Fight by Beth Ferry
The Snowball Fight
by Beth Ferry

One wintry morning, the snow begins and so does--a snowball fight. In her signature verse, Beth Ferry recounts a day spent behind snowbanks and on sleds, while Tom Lichtenheld's cinematic art presents readers with sly and snowy twists.
Snuggle Season by Jaimie Macgibbon
Snuggle Season
by Jaimie Macgibbon

Two siblings enjoy the winter season with a variety of cozy activities.
Easy Reader Roundup
Ty's Travels: Super Ty!
by Kelly Starling Lyons; illustrated by Niña Mata

When superhero fan Ty dons his own cape and mask, he utilizes the superpowers he already has: kindness and imagination. Accessible word choices and repeated phrases make this heartwarming story a confidence-boosting choice for beginning readers. Series alert: This is book 8 in the award-winning Ty's Travels series, but kids can read these standalone stories in any order.
 
Elena Camps by Juana Medina
Elena Camps
by Juana Medina

The big box has arrived, and Elena is so excited! Tent parts fly everywhere as she empties the contents and dives right in.  Oops! Elena forgot the poles! Now it's under control...Ga-Bam! A little tug here might help...Ga-Boing! Now Elena is stomping mad! What's that her bird buddy's saying? Something about that folded paper that came with the tent? In this charming story the determined elephant shows young fans that some things are hard, but with patience you can conquer them.
Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories
by Greg Pizzoli

Gregarious, saxophone-playing bird Earl and reticent, bookish Worm go from dubious neighbors to odd-couple BFFs in this series kickoff. Sporting cartoony, pastel-colored illustrations and a three-part structure, this easy reader will encourage readers who are almost ready for chapter books. Next in the series: The Big Mess and Other Stories; Snow Problem and Other Stories.
 
Rabbit Tea: Ready-To-Read Level 2 by Cynthia Rylant
Rabbit Tea
by Cynthia Rylant

A rabbit is having a tea party and needs lots of treats! Will Ginger, Piper, and Tom at the Mouse and Spoon Bakery be able to bake enough carrot cakes in time?
Squid in Pants
by Kaz Windness

When stylish Squid and his sea creature pals swipe some clothes from an unwary snorkeler, they create wild, customized garments, and even include the original owner in the resulting fashion show. Rhythm and rhyme enhance the easy-to-understand text of this playful graphic novel for beginning readers.
 
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Chester Library
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