Longwood Public Library
Picture Books
October 2026
New and Recently Released!
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."
Claydate: A Playdate with the Claymates by Dev Petty
Claydate: A Playdate with the Claymates
by Dev Petty

Two claymates sculpt new clay friends but have to work through feelings of jealousy and impatience to tell a great story together.
Gathering the Light by Joy Harjo
Gathering the Light
by Joy Harjo; illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley 

In this latest from celebrated Mvskoke poet Joy Harjo, readers follow an Indigenous child and her little dog as they greet the sunrise with gratitude and carry its light forward. Circular motifs in the illustrations echo the cycles of nature and time, adding dimension to this culturally specific take on mindfulness. Read-alike: Chi Miigwech, Big Thank You by astra marta; Good Morning, Morning! by Maya Myers.
Beginning, Middle, and End by Jon Burgerman
Beginning, Middle, and End
by Jon Burgerman

Meet Beginning, Middle and End--they are trying to work out who is the most important Beginning loves starting stories, but Middle thinks the middle is the most interesting and where the good stuff happens. Middle doesn't want Beginning to always come first. A fight ensues--and they wake up End, who disappears as he doesn't like the arguing. But a book can't exist without the end, so Beginning and Middle set out to find End--and they come to realize how much they need each other--and how you can get the best out of everyone when you work together.
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.
When Cherry Blossoms Fall by Katrina Goldsaito
When Cherry Blossoms Fall
by Katrina Goldsaito

Celebrate springtime and the beauty of life with this hopeful and inspiring picture book. We wait for so long, and when they finally come, the petals fall so quickly. Mono no aware, ne? What does that mean, mono no aware? Little Yuna can't wait for her great-grandmother's cherry tree to bloom. Critically acclaimed illustrator Yas Imamura of Love in the Library has created stunning artwork to accompany this profound text. Readers will love pouring over these pages again and again.
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.
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.
Vlad Is Mad! by Su Moon
Vlad Is Mad!
by Su Moon

A grumpy little vampire learns how to manage his big feelings-with some help from dad. The ideal funny gift for spooky season, this is also for fans of the Grumpy Monkey series.
The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo! by Elaine Bickell
The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo!
by Elaine Bickell

As Little Ghost searches the night for her lost "boo," her animal friends offer to lend their sounds but she will need the reader's help to find her special sound.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Longwood Public Library800 Middle Country RoadMiddle Island, New York 11953
(631) 924-6400

longwoodlibrary.org