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Picture Books
October 2025
Recent Releases
If We Were Dogs
by Sophie Blackall

In this upbeat, energetic tale, an enthusiastic child -- the self-proclaimed “big dog” -- dictates the many canine capers they’d get up to with the assigned “little dog”...who turns out to have their own ideas for imaginative play. For fans of: If I Was a Horse, also by two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall.
 
Today my brain is a dinosaur by Kyla Mora
Today my brain is a dinosaur
by Kyla Mora

As a boy tries to do what's expected of him, his brain refuses to cooperate, and as he tries to cope, he sinks deeper into despair but soon learns to use his unique moods and mind-sets to their advantage. Illustrations.
Cat Nap by Steve Antony
Cat Nap
by Steve Antony

Everyone loves a nap except this cat who will not nap, not without his pillow, his milk and all of his toys, in a picture book that encourages nap time and bedtime, even when play time is so tempting.
Little Owl's fog by Divya Srinivasan
Little Owl's fog
by Divya Srinivasan

When bats invite Little Owl to visit their cavern, he is apprehensive, but with help from his friend Raccoon, Little Owl learns that different can be wonderful
Family Feast!
by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank Morrison

Told through lyrical rhyming text, this tale of Pops and Big Ma cooking up an intergenerational feast will resonate with family-oriented readers, right down to the refrain of "tastes like home when family meet; a bond so warm, so strong, so sweet." Elegantly exaggerated illustrations provide plenty of delicious details for kids to savor. Read-alike: Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham.
 
Cute and Creepy
Witch Hazel
by Molly Idle

Memories drive this bewitching tale: while ailing in bed, elderly witch Hazel finds joy in sharing her memories with young companion Hilda; and after Hazel is gone, Hilda finds solace in memories of their time together. A sepia backdrop lends a quiet, nostalgic tone to the gently shaded white-and-gray illustrations.
See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See
by David LaRochelle; illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

In this beginner-friendly read, the titular characters from See the Cat and See the Dog return for several laugh-out-loud encounters with mischievous invisible characters (who can be seen only via their speech bubbles). Featuring easy-to-read words and sophisticated visual humor, See the Ghost offers new readers a sense of both accomplishment and fun.
Why Did the Monster Cross the Road?
by R.L. Stine; illustrated by Marc Brown

Meet Hunny, a spiky monster who's feeling down-and-out, and Funny, a google-eyed monster determined to crack jokes until Hunny cracks as well -- a smile. Depicted in hilariously yucky collage art, the monsters are fun to look at, eye-rolling punchlines and all. Written by Goosebumps author R.L. Stine and illustrated by Arthur creator Marc Brown, this book is sure to be in demand year-round.
Scary shark / :  A Jaw-some Halloween by Mike Lowery
Scary shark / : A Jaw-some Halloween
by Mike Lowery

Lotta the crab helps her best friend Edgar the shark conquer his fears on Halloween
Little Ghost Makes a Friend
by Maggie Edkins Willis

Little Ghost, an adorably round specter who only goes out on Halloween, longs for a real friend. New neighbor Anya seems to have a lot in common with Little Ghost -- could they be kindred spirits? With soft, cartoony illustrations, this ghost story is heartwarming instead of horrifying. Read-alike: Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago.
 
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, Virginia 22046
703-248-5030 (TTY 711)
www.mrspl.org