Picture Books
August 2025

Recent Releases
Weird and Wonderful You
by Zaila Avant-garde

Nonconforming individuals celebrate their unique interests and embrace what makes them wonderfully weird.
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.
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).
Forts
by Katie Venit

Children explore the world around them and discover different ways to create forts--magical spaces for play, imagination, and belonging.
Bob the Vampire Snail
by Andrea Zuill

Bob, an ordinary snail-turned-vampire, adjusts to life as a vampire as he discovers a newfound love for tomatoes, quirky sleeping habits, and an unexpected friend
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!
Michigan City Public Library
100 E. 4th Street
Michigan City, Indiana 46360
219-873-3044
mclib.org/