NORTH KANSAS CITY LIBRARY: Picture Books: December 2025

Recent Releases

Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States
by Rajani Larocca

Equal parts emotional and informative, here is a worthy picture book about citizenship and naturalization. This thoughtfully crafted text precisely breaks down the process by which new residents apply for and acquire US citizenship.

Mama Car
by Lucy Catchpole; illustrated by Karen George

In this endearing story, a child describes how her family gets around. She’s got a tricycle, and Daddy drives a "big car," while Mama uses a "Mama Car": a manual wheelchair. Based on author Lucy Catchpole’s own parenting experience, Mama Car offers a cozy and matter-of-fact look at disability within family life.

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.

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? Read-alike: Karen Kilpatrick's When Pencil Met Eraser.

The Daddy-Daughter Dance
by Malcolm Newsome

Full of color, attitude, and heart, this picture book is a perfect read aloud for all the dancers, move-busters, and boogie-downers in the family! A must-have for Father's Day! At last, the day of daddy-daughter dance is finally here! To get ready for their special night out, Mona and Daddy transform their entire day into a special dance routine. They boogie, shuffle, and slide to the hair salon, the nail place, and the dress store. Even when Daddy trips, he reminds his baby girl that the groove inside us never stops. But when they arrive, the dance has been cancelled! How will Mona, Daddy, and the other families get their chance to get down? Read-alike: Jane Yolen's When Nana Dances.

Easy Reader Roundup

Everyday Bean
by Stephanie Graegin

In this series starter, readers meet young hedgehog Bean and her Grandma in ten short slice-of-life stories. With illustrations full of delicate colors and whimsical details to keep readers engaged, this charming volume helps bridge the gap between picture books and easy readers. Next in the series: Bean Supreme, due out in July 2026.

Ty's Travels: Super Ty!
by Kelly Starling Lyons; illustrated by Niña Mata

When superhero fan Ty dons his own cape and mask, he utilizes the superpowers he already has: kindness and imagination. Accessible word choices and repeated phrases make this heartwarming story a confidence-boosting choice for beginning readers. Series alert: This is book 8 in the award-winning Ty's Travels series, but kids can read these standalone stories in any order.

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.

Makeda Makes a Mountain
by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich; illustrated by Lydia Mba

After her family does a big de-cluttering, inventive Makeda decides to repurpose some of the old items, inspiring an upcycling spree for her friends and classmates. This upbeat, beginner-friendly read, the 3rd in a series, will grab fans of Andrea Beaty's Questioneers books. Previously in the series: Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat and Makeda Makes a Home for Subway.

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.

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