Picture Books
June 2025
Recent Releases
Lost in a book
by Chris Britt

When best friends Chad and Oliver step into a book, Chad becomes trapped in the cavernous binding until a friendly librarian comes to the rescue
More or less
by Alison Hughes

A child discovers ways to have less material things and more emotional reward in life.
You can sit with me
by Rachel Tawil Kenyon

The simple yet profound gesture of offering someone a place to sit, just as they are, is precisely what some kids need to feel welcomed into a new or overwhelming space. Whether you're at a reading circle, a craft table, or a picnic blanket, it's always time to demonstrate kindness.
Elvis & Romeo
by David Soman; illustrated by Jacky Davis

Curmudgeonly bulldog Elvis and exuberant mutt Romeo might seem like a mismatch at first, but after a few comical miscommunications at the dog park, the canine odd couple become fast friends. With speech-bubble text and tons of visual verve, this series opener is a charmer.
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)
by Corey R. Tabor

After rejecting invitations from Squirrel, Hummingbird, and several other critters with a caustic “KAW!”, big-eyed Crow seems like a loner. But as a dramatic twist reveals Crow’s secret, high-stakes heroism, rapt readers will be reminded that first impressions can be misleading. “Clever pacing, bone-dry humor, and visual surprises distinguish this wildly entertaining picture book,” says Publishers Weekly. 
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past.
 
Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family
by Nelly Buchet; illustrated by Andrea Zuill

What it's about: the growing pains of a newly combined household consisting of two humans, two dogs, and one cat.

How it's told: With minimal text -- primarily clever re-arrangements of the words "cat" and "dog" -- the illustrations are what truly sell this story, using actions and expressions to depict the furry stepsiblings' emotions as they learn to cohabitate. 

Kids might also like: Jeff Mack's Ah Ha! and Look!, which also feature dynamic artwork, limited vocabulary, and winsome animal characters. 
The Squish
by Breanna Carzoo

Resilience gets a googly-eyed new representative in the anthropomorphic sandcastle who narrates this offbeat object lesson. Although it gets squished by everything from waves to Frisbees -- each incident illustrated in crisp, cut-paper collage -- nothing can keep this adorable sandcastle down. 
Finding Things
by Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Laura Dronzek

The story begins with a child rescuing a series of abandoned items: a ball, a flower, and a box. Each item is useful, but it’s one final, fuzzy find that brings everything together. This sweet and simple tale celebrates the abundance that can be found by those who are patient enough to look.
Joyful Song: A Naming Story
by Leslea Newman; illustrated by Susan Gal

As Zachary and his moms walk to the synagogue with their new baby, their neighbors join them, creating an impromptu parade leading to the big moment: the ceremony where Zachary announces his baby sister’s name. Textured, jewel-toned illustrations boost the bright, feel-good vibes of this family story. Read-alike: Naming Ceremony by Seina Wedlick.
Sister Friend
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow; illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

After the other kids at school exclude her, lonely Ameena is thrilled by the arrival of a new student. Sundus has brown skin and a hijab, and Ameena wants to make friends so much! But her first greeting comes out wrong, leading Ameena to discover that friendship sometimes requires a second try.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Newmarket Library
438 Park Ave.
Newmarket, Ontario L3Y1W1
905-953-5110

www.newmarketpl.ca