Picture Books
March 2026

Recent Releases
Loops
by Jashar Awan

Solid-colored backdrops and bold, chunky artwork invite readers to focus on the sole character in this story: a child who's determined to tie the laces on his first pair of big-kid shoes. For fans of: Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic's Touch the Sky, another upbeat tale of persistence in the face of frustration.
The Future Book
by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Shawn Harris

In this picture book from two popular creators, the future is here, and it's goofier than anyone imagined. Oranges are now "bloranges," "Charlie Cheese Face" is a common name, and saying thanks involves…a fish? This "solemnly silly look at social norms" (Publishers Weekly) is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
 
We All Love by Julie Flett
We All Love
by Julie Flett

This adorable celebration of the ways that animals and humans show love is by award-winning Indigenous artist/author Julie Flett. Join baby bears, little ducklings, curious foxes, and many other adorable creatures as they remind us of all the ways, big and small, that we show love and care.
The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake by Devin Elle Kurtz
The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake
by Devin Elle Kurtz

Ember is in charge while the baker takes a trip and he's excited to show what he can do! When an opinionated fairy princess swoops in demanding a cake, he eagerly agrees. So what if he's only baked bread before? How hard can it be? The sugar hits the fan when Ember's first attempt is a complete disaster. He tries again and again, but the royal customer is not happy. Everyone told Ember he was such a good baker, so why can't he get this right? If he doesn't figure it out soon, the only thing on the menu will be humble pie--
The Dangerous Alphabet Book by Dk Ryland
The Dangerous Alphabet Book
by Dk Ryland

Here's a unique, humorous alphabet book featuring a dangerous yet feisty cast of characters that will have readers gleefully giggling their way through the alphabet. Adorable Avocado, our sweet narrator, is rudely interrupted by Angry Alligator who intends to throw the orderly world of the alphabet into sheer chaos. From A to Z, the two competing characters argue over what's better: Elegant Eggplants or Eerie Electric Eels? Kissing Kiwis or Killer King Cobras? With each letter providing a new zany battle between the delightful and the dangerous, and an unexpected twist ending, readers will be on the edges of their seats as they relish this alphabet adventure.
Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers
A Pair of Parrots
by David A. Adler; illustrated by Clarice Elliott

When Ava’s new pet parrot escapes, Ava and her mom pair up to find the missing bird, leading them to discover further dynamic duos (and trios). Starring a clever young wheelchair user, this comic book easy reader introduces simple math concepts while telling an upbeat story. 
Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends
by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Tim Miller

Meet Snaps (an alligator) and Duckie (a duckling), two curious youngsters in a world that says they should be enemies. With repetitive text and crisp, minimalist artwork, this series opener will build confidence in kids ready to jump from easy readers to comics. Next in the series: We Cannot Be Brave, due out in August 2026.
 
Chip Plays Grown-Up by Maddie Frost
Chip Plays Grown-Up
by Maddie Frost

Meet Chip, a lively penguin with big ideas ... Chip doesn't want to go to bed, so he has a great idea--switching roles with Mom so he can stay up like a grown-up!--
One Smart Cookie
by Mika Song

Pairing soft, sketchy illustrations and sweetly silly humor, this graphic novel follows squirrel pals Norma and Belly as they infiltrate a fortune cookie factory, hoping to reap delicious rewards. Kids who enjoy this 4th Norma and Belly caper may want to go back to the beginning with Donut Feed the Squirrels.
 
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
by Kaz Windness

Caterpillar and Worm are BFFs who share a lot in common, but Caterpillar knows those similarities will disappear soon. Will Worm still want to be friends when Butterfly emerges? (Spoiler alert: of course!) Cartoon art brings even more joy to this easy-reading, friendship-focused comic.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Joliet Public Library
150 N Ottawa St, Joliet, Illinois 60432
(815) 740-2660

https://www.jolietlibrary.org/en/