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Picture This! December 2025 |
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Buzz! Boom! Bang!: The Book of Sounds
by Benjamin Gottwald
In this wordless picture book, readers are invited to make the sounds they see in the bold and zany illustrations, making this an interactive experience that will be a little different each time.
Early literacy tip: Using onomatopoeia (words that represent sounds) supports many of the basic skills your little needs in order to learn how to read. By mimicking the noises things make, kids are learning to play with sounds, a skill called phonological awareness. Matching sounds to pictures or real-life objects helps children make connections, which improves both their background knowledge and their vocabulary.
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The Kite Collector
by Zoey Abbott
Each time James has earned enough money from walking dogs, raking leaves, or watering plants, he buys a kite. He hangs it in his closet with his other kites, where they remain just as James likes them: safe, tidy, just right. That is, until his little sister discovers them. GG has different ideas about kites and about keeping things safe and tidy. James is sure he knows what's best, but he also loves GG. Is it time for him to reconsider what it means to be "just right"?
Also available as: e-book on Hoopla
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You and Me, Anemone
by Rachel Vail; illustrated by Chris Raschka
Charming wordplay and enticing art combine in this read-aloud ready tale of a kid and an anemone with a shared aversion to being "booped."
Try this next: If you want more books about personal space, boundaries, and consent, check out Don't Hug Doug and Rissy No Kissies.
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Billie Jean Peet, Athlete
by Andrea Beaty; illustrated by David Roberts
Billie Jean Peet is the middle kid in a house full of music. When she tries to join in, her notes come out sharp and flat. She just wants to find her niche, but the more she tries, the more she worries she’s not good at anything. Billie Jean is sure she’s stuck being so-so, but when a mistake on the basketball court flips into an unexpected revelation, she’s able to combine her interests and create something completely her own.
Also available as: e-book and digital audiobook on Hoopla
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Tiny Owl's Scary Day
by Petr Horáček
Tiny Owl wants to explore the day. Mummy Owl says the day can be dangerous but Tiny Owl isn't scared! So, when Mummy Owl is asleep, Tiny Owl tiptoes out of the nest and flies off. There are all kinds of other birds and animals out during the day & everything is so colorful! But maybe night-time is best for owls after all.
Reviewers say: "While it works as a cautionary tale for youngsters not to wander off, it also reassures them that their caregivers will nevertheless be there no matter what. The illustrations show Mama Owl chasing away the animals that threaten Tiny Owl (a cat and a fox), so they know Tiny Owl is never in too much danger." (Kirkus)
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Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story
by Adib Khorram; illustrated by Zainab Faidhi
After accidentally ruining his family's haft-seen, a display of seven traditional items to bring luck in the Persian New Year, young Kian finds seven unusual items to replace them.
Described as: "A beautiful celebration of Nowruz with familial warmth that embraces child agency, problem-solving, and creativity." (School Library Journal)
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New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story
by April Halprin Wayland; illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch
Izzy's favorite part of Rosh Hashanah is Tashlich, a joyous ceremony in which people apologize for the mistakes they made in the previous year and thus clean the slate as the new year begins. But there is one mistake on Izzy's "I'm sorry" list that he's finding especially hard to say out loud.
Read it for: A look into a Jewish New Year practice, as well as a universal story of apologies and forgiveness.
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Snow Horses: A First Night Story
by Patricia MacLachlan; illustrated by Micha Archer
On a snowy New Year's Eve, two black horses pull a sleigh through town, spreading love and joy to the community.
Art alert: Archer's collage illustrations are vibrant and textured, adding some visual interest to the story.
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A Sweet New Year for Ren
by Michelle Sterling; illustrated by Dung Ho
Ren has always been too little to help make her favorite pineapple cakes for the Lunar New Year, but when her one-of-a-kind brother Charlie arrives for the festivities, with his help, she finally gets her chance.
Look for: An author's note and recipe for pineapple cakes round out this book.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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