Picture Books
August 2025*

Recent Releases
I Got You: A Brother's Promise
by Derrick Barnes; illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

From the moment Rasheed is born, his caring big brother Anthony shows him how to do everything, whether it’s building a block tower, braving a thunderstorm, riding a bike, or -- eventually -- becoming a big brother himself. I Got You offers a sweet, straightforward portrait of a sibling bond.
Island Storm
by Brian Floca; illustrated by Sydney Smith

Hand in hand, two bold siblings explore the calm before the storm that’s gathering along the coast of their island town. Poetic words, rich in sensory details, heighten the atmosphere created by the expressive, stylized artwork. Read-alike: Hurricane by Jason Chin.
The Day the Books Disappeared
by Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin Pritchard; illustrated by Dan Santat

Arnold can’t understand why his classmates bother reading books about anything besides the best topic: planes. Discovering that he can wish away all the other books, Arnold is delighted...until his beloved plane books disappear as well. Curiosity and empathy set things right in this “seamless mix of magic and relatable classroom drama” (Publishers Weekly).
No more chairs
by Dan Gill

A teacher's commitment to emphasizing inclusion and love in his classroom - From art to science, history to math, there are so many things to learn at school! But Mr. Gill’s students are most interested in learning about the empty chair that sits in the front of their classroom. He tells them a story from his childhood about his Black best friend, Archie, the racism they experienced at a classmate's birthday party, when Archie was told there wasn't a chair for him, and how it inspired Mr. Gill to prioritize inclusivity and love. 
Recess
by Lane Smith

Structured around a run-of-the-mill school day, this irresistibly interactive book offers kids a series of short "recesses" in which they’re prompted to shake, stomp, quack, or yell "BANANAS!," among other silly activities. Hilarious asides from the narrator add even more humor to this exuberant romp. For fans of: B.J. Novak's The Book With No Pictures.
Starting School
Mr. S
by Monica Arnaldo

Arriving for their first day of kindergarten with Mr. S, a group of students find themselves alone -- except for the sandwich on the teacher’s desk. Is this their new teacher? Playful classroom hijinks will provoke giggles, while eagle-eyed readers will enjoy watching the real Mr. S. battle mayhem outside the classroom window.
The First Week of School
by Drew Beckmeyer

It's just a typical first week of school: a teacher, a classroom pet, kids with mixed emotions, and...an alien? Closely observed crayon art and an unusual, extraterrestrial perspective distinguish this funny, feel-good read.
Danbi Leads the School Parade
by Anna Kim

It's Danbi's first day in American school since her family moved from Korea, and lunchtime gives the imaginative girl an opportunity to show her not-so-welcoming classmates how much fun they can have together. Delicate illustrations heighten the sweetness of this uplifting school story.
Home in a Lunchbox
by Cherry Mo

Starting school in suburban America after moving from Hong Kong is daunting and lonely for Jun. But the food in her lunch box provides some much-needed home comfort, and -- eventually -- a way to approach new friends. Read-alikes: Young Vo's Gibberish; Jenny Liao’s Everyone Loves Lunchtime But Zia.
Bitsy Bat, School Star
by Kaz Windness

Initially thrilled to start school, young bat Bitsy is dismayed by the bright lights, loud sounds, and classmates who don't understand her. Can some thoughtful support empower Bitsy to shine? Geared towards autistic kids and relatable for lots of readers, this endearing story is perfect for back-to-school season.
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Madison County Public Libraries
1335 North Main Street
Marshall, North Carolina 28753
828-649-3741

https://www.madisoncountylibrary.net/