Picture Books
June 2026
New and Recently Released
Farm Shark
by Bill Canterbury; illustrated by Maddie Frost

The animal denizens of Farmer Jolene's barnyard have only just exclaimed at how friendly the new "farm shark" appears when they are eaten by their fishy new neighbor. Luckily, their sojourn in the shark's stomach is brief in this gleefully absurd and cartoony adventure. For fans of: We Don't Eat Our Classmates! by Ryan T. Higgins.
Spendin' Time
by Gary R. Gray Jr.; illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

A simple trip to run errands turns into a leisurely day for a granddad and grandkid as they pick berries, go fishing, eat ice cream, and chat with neighbors. Ample visual details and a cozy sense of place make this book feel "as warm and nourishing as apple pie" (Kirkus Reviews). Read-alike: Anne Wynter's While We're Here.
A Room with a View
by Joanna Ho; illustrated by Thaís Mesquita

Indoorsy kid Oliver hates everything about camping, from the boring drives to the exhausting hikes to the scary darkness. But his Mama is so enthusiastic that it might just be catching -- especially if marshmallow roasting is involved. Expressive artwork highlights the affection in this family story.
Dad
by Christian Robinson

Through spare text and an inclusive lineup of animals and humans, this picture book highlights the many facets of fatherhood: present and absent, strong and vulnerable, caring and fallible. Creator Christian Robinson's signature collage art is bold and highly expressive, inviting readers of all ages into the sweetness and complexity of parent-child bonds. 
Bear for a Day
by Corey R. Tabor

Instead of boring facts, young Corey's class presentation about bears offers a bear's-eye view of imagined ursine activities: riding a motorcycle, lunching at the mall, and rescuing a mouse from a hot air balloon. Just like the audience in this whimsical tale, kids will delight in providing their own suggestions for what might happen next.
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past.
 
Every Monday Mabel
by Jashar Awan

The suspense builds gently in this story as readers watch young Mabel go through her Monday-morning rituals, preparing for "best thing in the world:" the arrival of the garbage truck! Soft textures and crisp edges make the illustrations pop in this sweetly affirming read for vehicle fans. 
Shark Girl
by Kate Beaton

No cute little mermaids here! Meet Shark Girl: a toothy, blue-skinned protector of the seas who takes human form to wreak vengeance on an over-fishing captain. Dry wit blends with dramatic, comics-style artwork in this playful yet issue-oriented yarn.
Everybelly
by Thao Lam

Some people may be self-conscious of their bellies at the pool, but little Maddie, who's eye-level with everyone's midsections, happily identifies her neighbors by their diverse variety of bellies, offering friendly anecdotes about each person. Read-alikes: Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins; Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder.
It's Powwow Time!
by Martha Troian; illustrated by Hawlii Pichette

Through rhythmic words and rich onomatopoeia, readers can follow along with Bineshii as he absorbs the sensory experiences of his first powwow and finds the confidence to join the dancers. Try this next: Pasha Westbrook's Braided Roots, another lyrical story about a child's connection to their Indigenous heritage.
Meet the Mini-Mammals: A Night at the Natural History Museum
by Melissa Stewart; illustrated by Brian Lies

Guided by a bowtie-wearing ferret docent, this charming nonfiction book takes you on a museum tour of the 10 smallest mammals, from the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel to the Etruscan pygmy shrew to the Kitti's hog-nosed bat (tiniest of them all). Each fact-filled animal profile is sumptuously illustrated with true-to-life details -- in actual size, of course.
Upcoming @ Your Library!
For Youth
 
Family Storytime 
Every Wednesday at 11:00 AM
Join Ms. Laura for stories, songs, and fun for everyone in the Children's room!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summer Enrichment Movie Series
Friday, June 26th 3:15 PM
 
Register Here
 
 
 
Summer Enrichment 2026: Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug with Stage a Story! 
Tuesday, June 30th 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Poor Tiny. He wants to give his friend a hug but his arms are too short. In this workshop we will shrink our arms and brainstorm different ways to show we care. Recommended for ages 3-7. Registration is required, as space is limited. Meeting rooms 1 + 2.  This program is sponsored by the Cranbury Public Library Foundation.
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
Summer Enrichment 2026: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs with Stage a Story!
Tuesday, June 30th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The dinosaur family is out..."somewhere", which makes their house the perfect target for Goldilocks! We will have fun acting out this hilarious take on a classic tale. Recommended for ages 4-9. Registration is required, as space is limited. Meeting rooms 1 + 2.  This program is sponsored by the Cranbury Public Library Foundation.
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
For Teens
 
Teen Junk Journaling Club 
Monday, June 29th
Tweens & teens ages 11-17 are invited to join the new monthly Junk Journaling Club. Members will learn all about the sustainable practice of junk journaling and how we can repurpose materials that would otherwise be scrap into a creative outlet. Journaling is a great practice to help us slow down, unplug from our screens, and reflect on what's important to us in the moment.  All materials, including a journal, will be provided, but members are also welcome to bring their own photos, stickers, scraps, junk, and other assorted materials to place in their journal each month. Members are not required to attend every session and are encouraged to work on their journals in their spare time.  Registration is *required* to ensure enough materials are supplied. This program will take place in the Teen Room.
 
 
 
For Adults
 
Pilates for Wellness 
Monday, June 29th 
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Candice Wisaksono is a certified Pilates instructor dedicated to guiding others toward deep relaxation, healing, and inner balance. With a passion for holistic wellness, she combines the restorative power of Pilates to help her students find peace, clarity, and renewal. Her classes offer a nurturing space to release stress, reconnect within, and restore harmony to the body, mind, and spirit. Please bring your own mat.  Register for additional dates on our website.
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
Martha and George Washington: A Love Story 
Tuesday, June 30th 7:00 PM
In 2026, America is celebrating her semi quincentennial- 250 years! In this event, historical reenactors from The Ladies of History will show us a different side of our most famous Founding Father. Today, we often see America’s first “First Couple” as older people in stodgy portraits.  However, at the start of the American Revolution, they were in their 40s, a vibrant couple in middle age.  They lived and loved and had their joys as well as their trials.   George and Martha had a strong and loving relationship; their marriage lasted over 40 years.  During the war, Martha joined him every winter in camp so that they could be together, and so that she could provide the support and warmth he needed to maintain his morale.  Observers of the couple noted that she “was mad about him”, they were “excessively fond of one another” and that their relationship was “one of tenderness and respect”.   This presentation seeks to educate people about this important couple as well as the people who surrounded them and helped them achieve all that they did.  Hear from them about how they met, about their marriage, their families, their responsibilities and, of course, about their love.  It is educational, emotional and romantic.  Join us as we celebrate America 250!
 
Register Here
 
Library Hours and Closings
 
Monday thru Thursday - 10 AM to 8 PM
Friday - 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday - 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday - 12 PM to 4 PM
 
Cranbury Public Library
30 Park Place West
Cranbury, New Jersey 08512
609-722-6992

www.cranburypubliclibrary.org/