Picture Books
September 2026
Recent Releases
The Cow in the Dark at Night by Jess Hannigan
The Cow in the Dark at Night
by Jess Hannigan

It is nighttime and the cow is loose. In this vibrant and silly picture book, curiosity leads to some strange encounters indeed...The cow has always wondered what goes on when the sun goes down.Tonight, she will discover it all. Adventures, nocturnal friends, every exciting thing waiting out there in the dark new world.But these night people may have other things in mind...It's a good thing that the moon is very bright tonight.Readers who love scaredy cats, Jon Klassen, neon green, X. Fang, and things that go bump in the night will fall in love with this new story from beloved Spider in the Well author Jess Hannigan
The Newest Gnome by Lauren Soloy
The Newest Gnome
by Lauren Soloy

When a new resident arrives at The Pocket, the gnomes gather together to help their new friend find their special skill.--
Our Ancestors' Kitchen by Willie Poll
Our Ancestors' Kitchen
by Willie Poll

A poignant and poetic picture book celebrating traditional Indigenous harvesting, foods, and the connections that these build for all our relations.It's a special day: the young protagonist in this memorable story is learning her grandfather's favorite recipe from her grandmother! As each ingredient is prepared for this special dish, readers will be eager to follow along as they are transported back to each instance of gathering, hunting, and harvesting foods in the traditional ways throughout the seasons.Willie Poll's poetic voice leads the readers through the seasons and what Mother Earth offers to us in nature in this beautiful celebration of the Earth, our foods, our family, and the importance of grieving those we love. With an emphasis on the importance of thanking the land for what is given to us, sharing with our community, and offering a plate to our ancestors, this gentle and thoughtful tale will resonate with readers young and old alike. Shaikara David's bright and inviting illustrations carry the cooking experience from the kitchen, to the forest, and back again.Featuring an author's note on traditional harvesting practices and a recipe for Nuwish, Our Ancestors' Kitchen is a joyous exploration of love, food, and culture.
Spaghetti Head & Chicken Fingers by Rhett McLaughlin
Spaghetti Head & Chicken Fingers
by Rhett McLaughlin

From the creators of the most-watched daily show on the internet, Good Mythical Morning, comes Spaghetti Head & Chicken Fingers, a hilariously relatable picture book about what happens when you are what you eat--literally.Saffy loves buttered pasta, and Lumo loves chicken tenders. It's the only thing either of them will ever eat But when Saffy wakes up one day to find she has spaghetti for hair and Lumo opens his eyes to see that his hands have sprouted chicken fingers, suddenly the saying you are what you eat has taken on a whole new meaning. What will the two friends do? How will they get back to normal - and do they even want to?From Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal comes this hilariously relatable tale about friendship, picky eating, and daring to try something new.
What's on Your Mind?: A Calming Book for Busy Brains by Todd Parr
What's on Your Mind?: A Calming Book for Busy Brains
by Todd Parr

A gentle, interactive introduction to mindfulness and handling feelings of all shapes and sizes from New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr. With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible. If your head feels too full... Think about something that tastes good. Stretch all the way up to the sky to pet a giraffe. Laugh out loud for no reason What's On Your Mind?: A Calming Book for Busy Brains helps little ones sift through overwhelming thoughts, identify feelings, and calm anxiety. Colorful bird characters lead the reader through the book, and interactive pages offer specific tools--such as deep breathing, stretching, and sensory exploration--to relax the mind in a fun and silly way. With Todd's signature simple text and bold art, this is the perfect first book on mindful thinking for the youngest readers.
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
A Damsel Not in Distress! by Bethan Stevens
A Damsel Not in Distress!
by Bethan Stevens

Damsel Not In Distress is a laugh-out-loud, gender-busting picture book featuring a powerful heroine who definitely doesn't need rescuing!
First day, hooray! by June Sobel
First Day, Hooray!
by June Sobel

Inspired by the way educators talk about emotions and build emotional literacy with young children, this back-to-school picture book follows a group of kids as they learn to identify and process the wide range of feelings they bring on the first day of school. 
Give Back by Gina Bellisario
Give Back
by Gina Bellisario

Celebrating kindness and sharing, this heartwarming story follows a little girl and her multigenerational family as they prepare for a community meal and clothing drive, discovering the many ways they can give to those around them. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
You're Going to Love This Book! by Jory John; illustrated by Olivier Tallec
You're Going to Love This Book!
by Jory John; illustrated by Olivier Tallec

Unabashed verve overflows from this picture book as it announces its supposed appeals: Bedtimes! Dentists! Brussels sprouts! Plus chores -- ah yeahhh! With exuberant artwork, enthusiastic interjections, and a twist ending, this book is sure to elicit heaps of giggles. YEAHHH!
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Cobourg Public Library
200 Ontario Street
Cobourg, Ontario K9A 5P4
905-372-9271

www.cobourg.library.on.ca