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.
 
Bud Finds Her Gift
by Robin Wall Kimmerer; illustrated by Naoko Stoop

When Bud tells Nokomis that she wants something “big and important" to do, Nokomis invites her to try a deeper way of noticing nature’s gifts. This picture book debut by Robin Wall Kimmerer (author of Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry, for adults) will speak to quietly observant kids and nature-lovers alike.

Read-alike: Remember by Joy Harjo or Benjamin Grows a Garden by Melanie Florence.
 
Cat Nap
by Brian Lies

After the determined Kitten chases a mouse into a poster for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, their pursuit takes on the styles of ten iconic masterpieces. Kids don’t need any museum knowledge to be fascinated by the hilarious, arresting illustrations (which include stained glass, ceramics, wooden masks, and more), all rendered in meticulous three-dimensional detail by Caldecott Honoree Brian Lies.
 
A Snow Day for Amos McGee
by Philip C. Stead; illustrated by Erin E. Stead

In this follow-up to A Sick Day for Amos McGee and Amos McGee Misses the Bus, the titular zookeeper prepares for winter weather, offering hand-knit garments to his animal charges (and frolicking with them once the snow finally arrives). Kirkus Reviews declares that this cozy tale is “an instant wintertime classic.”
 
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.
 
Not-So-Scary Stories
The zombees by Justin Colâon
The Zombees
by Justin Colon

On Halloween, a swarm of undead bees invades the town to deliver spooks and sweets.

You might also like: Creepy Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins or Stompie the Zombie by Margery Cuyler. 
The Boo Crew and the pumpkin patch rescue by Vicky Fang
The Boo Crew and the Pumpkin Patch Rescue
by Vicky Fang

An interactive picture book in which readers help the friendly monsters of the Boo Crew prepare for the fall festival.

You might also like: Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat by Julien Chung, Leonard Builds a Haunted House by Mike Ciccotello, or The Haunted Scavenger Hunt by Steve Patschke.  
The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole by Cecilia Heikkila
The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole
by Cecilia Heikkila

Fox and Mole find a spooky story spilling into their lives in this autumnal tale for older picture-book readers. Fox and Mole live alone on a headland, in two houses, side by side. Mole is carefree and self-centred. Fox is responsible and self-sacrificing. As autumn draws in, the friends read a spooky story together (that Mole keeps interrupting) about a racoon who transforms into a scuffling monster (a slightly spooky bit) while Mole eats Fox's cookies (all of them). Fox's anger with Mole's selfishness grows and soon Fox too begins to transform.
Tiny Owl's scary day by Petr Horâaček
Tiny Owl's Scary Day
by Petr Horâček

Dawn is coming, and Tiny Owl really wants to explore the day. Mama Owl explains that owls need to sleep when the sun is up so they can fly at night. But Tiny Owl isn't sleepy! And she isn't scared! So when Mama is sound asleep, Tiny Owl sneaks out of the nest. The noises may be a little scary, but Tiny Owl feels safe here on a branch with lots of other birds. Wait, why is everyone suddenly flying off, leaving her alone? With expressive art, acclaimed creator Petr Horacek tells a classic tale of a child's venture out of the nest, knowing a mother's protective love awaits her return.
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 and 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!
Dakota County Library
www.dakotacounty.us/library

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