Culpeper County Library271 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, Virginia 22701 | 540-825-8691https://www.cclva.org
Picture Books
October 2026
Recent Releases
A Riddle of Eels by Nicholas Day
A Riddle of Eels
by Nicholas Day; illustrated by Corey R. Tabor

Just like a slimy, serpentine eel, human knowledge about these creatures constantly slips from our grasp. In playful language and mixed-media art, this book describes how our understanding of eels has continued to evolve, inviting readers to cultivate curiosity about the "vast, wondrous world that's still unknown to us."
Be the Acorn by Jason Douglas Griffin
Be the Acorn
by Jason Douglas Griffin

Choko Choko might be tiny, but when he's deemed too small to help his squirrel family find a new home, he has some HUGE emotions. Only his grandma, Great HaHa, can soothe him with reminders of big potential in little packages -- like acorns. Stylized, expressive illustrations underscore this quietly winsome tale that teaches patience while respecting the frustrations of childhood.
Branch: A Resurrection Story by Rebecca Janni
Branch: A Resurrection Story
by Rebecca Janni

God's creation is celebrated in a radiant, poetic retelling of the biblical story.At the beginning of all things, God spoke, and a family tree sprouted in the dust. Adam and Eve were the first branches, but soon this beautiful tree came to include Noah, Abraham, Jesse, King David, and eventually Jesus...Rebecca Janni's Branch retells our journey from sin to salvation through stirring poetry and a wonderfully accessible metaphor of trees, gardens, and plants. Luminous art from Michelle Carlos overflows with striking Old and New Testament imagery, which is explained further in back matter notes from the author and illustrator. Whether readers are hearing this story for the first--or hundredth--time, they'll find something new to discover on this expansive journey from Genesis to Revelation. Branch is an unforgettable book to share during all seasons, especially around Christmas and Easter.
Night Ride by Christopher Myers
Night Ride
by Christopher Myers

Instead of words, this unique picture book uses stained glass art to convey the exhilaration of five kids on a nighttime bike ride through New York City. Those who are familiar with the city will spot various landmarks, while readers of all kinds will be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of light, color, and motion created by the intricate illustrations. Read-alike: Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker.
The Path by Pamela Paul; illustrated by Qin Leng
The Path
by Pamela Paul; illustrated by Qin Leng

On a crowded path through a park, mutual annoyance grows among the runners, bikers, birders, roller-bladers, kids on scooters, and families with babies -- until a passing murmuration of starlings prompts a communal change in perspective. Loose, expressive illustrations and speech-bubble text add immediacy to this encouraging slice of life.
Goodbye, Koi by Jack Wong
Goodbye, Koi
by Jack Wong

As part of their preparations for traveling to their new home, a young boy and his father must re-home their beloved koi fish, leading the child to wonder about how his fish (and his family) will handle such a big change. Pairing the softness of traditional Chinese brush painting with a thoughtful, sensitive tone, this book will resonate with kids navigating transitions. Try this next: Sydney Smith's Do You Remember?
Creepy and Cute
These books provide the flavor of spooky season with minimal frights and maximum charm.
 
This Year, a Witch! by Zoey Abbott
This Year, a Witch!
by Zoey Abbott

No more adorable Halloween costumes for this kid! Nope, this year she's going to be a powerful, fearsome witch -- so fearsome that she might even scare herself. With pops of neon color and perfectly paced page turns to heighten the drama, This Year, a Witch! is a funny and ultimately reassuring read.
The Zombees by Justin Colón
The Zombees
by Justin Colón; illustrated by Kaly Quarles

On Halloween night, the undead "zombees" rise from the cemetery in a ghastly green swarm. Are they hungry for brains? Or could they have a sweeter purpose? Abuzz with bouncy rhymes and wordplay, "this charming read-aloud will be requested on repeat" (School Library Journal). Read-alike: Robert Heidbreder's Black and Bittern Was Night.
Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry
Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet
by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Charles Santoso

Longing for a familiar to complete her wonderfully witchy lifestyle, Evelyn acquires a "mystery pet" in the form of an egg. Impatient to meet her new friend, the young witch embarks on a quest to hasten the hatching...only to discover that some things are worth the wait. Sprightly and silly, this book features plenty of cute creatures. Try this next: Lucy Rowland's Witch Cat.
Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe
Aggie and the Ghost
by Matthew Forsythe

Adorable, gnome-like Aggie’s excitement to live on her own turns to annoyance when she discovers that her new cottage comes with a roommate: a shapeshifting ghost who follows her around, steals her socks, and eats all the cheese. Whimsical, imaginative illustrations enhance this offbeat ghost story.
Bob the Vampire Snail by Andrea Zuill
Bob the Vampire Snail
by Andrea Zuill

For kids who enjoy spooky vibes seasoned with supremely silly humor comes the story of Bob, a snail who mysteriously sprouts wings, fangs, and a taste for tomato juice. A sprinkling of snail facts plus illustrations in Halloween-inspired colors round out this quirky tale. Read-alike: Aaron Reynolds’ Creepy Tales! series.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Culpeper County Library271 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, Virginia 22701 | 540-825-8691https://www.cclva.org