Picture This!
March 2026

Recent Releases
Cat Nap by Brian Lies
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.

Art alert: As explained in Lies' author's note, he was inspired by many real art pieces he saw at the MET, and he created all of the illustrations for the book by hand, even the stained glass and sculptures! 
 
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)
by Corey R. Tabor

After rejecting invitations from Squirrel, Hummingbird, and several other critters with a caustic “KAW!”, big-eyed Crow seems like a loner. But as a dramatic twist reveals Crow’s secret high-stakes heroism, rapt readers will be reminded that first impressions can be misleading.

Try this next: Tabor is well-known for his Fox beginning reader series. For more recommendations for kids starting to read, sign up for our Beginning Readers newsletter, and check out recent issues.
I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World by Kelly Rice Schmitt
I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World
by Kelly Rice Schmitt; illustrated by Jam Dong

Wham! Whirr! Whoosh! Drillers bore into rock, and oil gushes out. See where fuel comes from and how we use it, and check out sources of renewable energy. 

Also available as: e-book on Hoopla
Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave (Caldecott Honor) by Drew Beckmeyer
Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave
by Drew Beckmeyer

Two little mineral piles, Stalactite and Stalagmite, foster a friendship over millions of years as they grow closer together, figuratively and literally.

Look for: Back matter describes the various cave structures and creatures seen throughout the book.
Broken by X. Fang
Broken
by X. Fang

When Mei Mei accidentally breaks her ama's favorite cup, she's convinced it's the end of the world. What if Ama is angry? What if she yells? What if she kicks Mei Mei out of her house? Mei Mei can't face it. But when Mimi, the innocent cat who witnesses her crime, ends up being blamed, the guilt is too much!

Reviewers say: "A common childhood experience, conveyed with an uncommon mix of sensitivity, mirth, and heart." (Kirkus)
 
Beautiful Bugs
As we head into spring and warmer weather, prepare your little for all the bugs they might see with these books!
 
Bug Bear by Patricia Hegarty
Bug Bear
by Patricia Hegarty; illustrated by Carmen Saldaña

Just as Bear is falling asleep, a small bug lands on his nose and wont go away. Bear tries everything he can to get rid of the bug, but the pesky bug just wont leave him alone! Then Owl offers to help. Could the clever bird have the perfect solution?

Art alert: Big, bold animals in vibrant watercolors draw readers in to the story.
Hank's Big Day: The Story of a Bug by Evan Kuhlman
Hank's Big Day: The Story of a Bug
by Evan Kuhlman; illustrated by Chuck Groenink 

Hank is a pill bug whose daily routine involves nibbling a dead leaf, climbing up a long stick, avoiding a skateboarder, and playing pretend with his best friend, a human girl named Amelia.

Reviewers say: "Big, it seems, doesn’t need to refer to revelations, drama, or physical size; it can speak instead to the significance of having a friend..." (Publishers Weekly)
The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures by Curtis Manley
The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures
by Curtis Manley; illustrated Lucy Ruth Cummins

Roberta rescues tiny creatures. You know, the ones stranded in the middle of the sidewalk. A lot of the time, that earns her funny looks from kids in school. But when a swarm of baby spiders finds its way into the classroom, Roberta will save the day with her knowledge and creativity, showing everybody that tiny creatures aren't so scary after all. They just need friends who rescue and understand them!

Also available as: e-book on Hoopla
I'm Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton
I'm Trying to Love Spiders
by Bethany Barton

This fresh and very funny non-fiction picture book shares lots of fascinating facts about spiders in an entirely captivating way. If I'm Trying to Love Spiders doesn't cure your spider phobia, it'll at least make you appreciate how amazing they are...and laugh a lot as you learn about them.

Check this out next: If your little likes more nonfiction picture books like this one, they may enjoy Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Handley Regional Library System
100 W Piccadilly St
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 662-9041

https://www.handleyregional.org/
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