Warren County Library System: Picture Books: December 2025

Recent Releases

Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!)
by Linda Bailey; illustrated by K-Fai Steele

Unlike her fearful, feathered family, spirited Lena knows that she's not a chicken in name or nature -- she's a mighty dinosaur! And when the coop is threatened, she has the chance to prove it. Get ready to roar: with dramatic dialogue and "gloriously goofy" (Publishers Weekly) artwork, Lena's story is an ideal read-aloud.

I'm Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book
by Oliver Jeffers

It's Bridget's birthday, and she thinks it would be fun to spend the day with friends. But Royal has places to go, Rodney has to see a man about a dog, Regis has to wash his hair, and Pearl has a list of items she needs to cross off as quickly as she can. Bridget's friends are all too busy to hang out! Will Bridget have to spend her birthday all alone?

The Old Sleigh
by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

A wooden sleigh, along with the parent and child who use it to deliver firewood to their tight-knit town, is at the heart of this seasonal story. As the sleigh changes over time, so does the child and their community. Wintry hues in the illustrations complement the warmth of this winsome tale. For fans of: The Old Truck and The Old Boat, also by the Pumphrey brothers.

The Night of the Hedgehog
by Tanya Rosie; illustrated by Chuck Groenink

One special evening, a barefoot father and daughter venture into their moonlit garden to observe the nocturnal wildlife, including a some memorable visitors: a family of hedgehogs. Gentle rhyming text supports the sense of quiet wonder in this nature-focused book. Read-alikes: Dianne White's Dark on Light; Jane Yolen's classic Owl Moon.

Goodnight, Crayons
by Drew Daywalt

The Crayons are getting ready to go to bed, but each crayon has something special they need to fall asleep. Blue Crayon needs a drink of water, Orange Crayon needs a blankie, Red Crayon needs a story or two or three. What do you need to fall asleep?

Easy Reader Roundup

The Christmas Rescue (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)
by Random House

Celebrate Christmas with this step 1 Step into Reading leveled reader based on the classic 1964 holiday TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Follow Rudolph and his friend Hermey on a journey that takes them from Santa's workshop to the Island of Misfit Toys and beyond!

Smoosh's Super-Duper-Fun Day: Ready-To-Read Level 2
by Michael Slack

Smoosh and Mallow are travelers and best friends. They teleport to a fun park, but one of the roller coasters is closed. They will not let it get in the way of a good time!

Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories
by Greg Pizzoli

Gregarious, saxophone-playing bird Earl and reticent, bookish Worm go from dubious neighbors to odd-couple BFFs in this droll series kickoff. Sporting cartoony, pastel-colored illustrations and a three-part structure, this easy reader will encourage readers who are almost ready for chapter books. Next in the series: The Big Mess and Other Stories; Snow Problem and Other Stories.

Squid in Pants
by Kaz Windness

When stylish Squid and his sea creature pals swipe some clothes from an unwary snorkeler, they create wild, customized garments, and even include the original owner in the resulting fashion show. Rhythm and rhyme enhance the easy-to-understand text of this playful graphic novel for beginning readers.

Ali the Great and the Robot Meltdown
by Saadia Faruqi

When Ali lets his emotions get the better of him during a school project, he realizes the only way to save the day--and his friendships--is with teamwork.

Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!