Picture Books
August 2024
Recent Releases
The First Week of School
by Drew Beckmeyer

It's just a typical first week of school: a teacher, a classroom pet, kids with mixed emotions, and...an alien? Closely observed crayon art and an unusual, extraterrestrial perspective distinguish this funny, feel-good read.
Prunella
by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Claire Keane

Treated like an outsider because of her affinity for odd and eerie plants, prickly young gardener Prunella blossoms when she meets other curious kids with unusual interests. Nature-lovers and nonconformists will relate to this hopeful horticultural tale.
The Dictionary Story
by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

In this lexicographical lark, Dictionary decides to bring her words to life, causing animals, objects, and events to burst from the pages. Charming chaos ensues, depicted in unique multimedia illustrations packed with quirky details.
Just What to Do
by Kyle Lukoff; illustrated by Hala Tahboub

A card, a laugh, a hug -- different people need different things after they experience a loss, as the child in this book discovers through kindhearted trial and error. Read-alike: Cori Doerrfeld’s The Rabbit Listened, another sweet story about emotions and communication.
Rescue Cat
by Stephen Savage

Former street kitty Butterscotch was rescued by a loving child. So when Butterscotch sees a lion cub in danger on the TV, she's ready to do some rescuing of her own! Bold, cartoony artwork of Butterscotch's imagined heroism contrasts amusingly with softer illustrations of domestic reality. Read-alike: Andrew Larsen's Jungle Cat.
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past.
 
Like Lava in My Veins
by Derrick Barnes; illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough and Adriano Lucas

Told in the visual style of a superhero comic, this affirming story stars flame-wielding Bobby Beacon, a student at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities. After a judgmental teacher causes him to overheat, Bobby considers what he needs and where he belongs.
You Go First
by Ariel Bernstein; illustrated by Marc Rosenthal

A tall, twisty new slide at the playground evokes wildly differing emotions for besties Duck and Cat. Duck is excited, but Cat is worried -- could the slide be too exciting? Gentle humor and expressive characters distinguish this story about balance and bravery between friends. Read-alike: Daniel Kirk's The Big Slide.
Together We Swim
by Valerie Bolling; illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

It's pool day for one caring family, and that means plenty of support and encouragement as their youngest member gains confidence in his basic swim skills. Pithy rhyming text and joyful vibes make for a kid-pleasing read-aloud. Read-alikes: Gaia Cornwall's Jabari Jumps; Emily Joof's I Will Swim Next Time.
Greenlight
by Breanna Carzoo

At the bottom of the traffic signal, Greenlight is saddened by the way cars pay attention to Redlight and Yellowlight but speed away as soon as Greenlight shines. What if Greenlight just goes dark? Read-alikes: Lou and The Squish, creator Breanna Carzoo's other playful forays into the emotions of anthropomorphic objects.
Bitsy Bat, School Star
by Kaz Windness

Initially thrilled to start school, young bat Bitsy is dismayed when everything is too bright and too loud and her classmates don't understand why she hangs upside-down or paints with her feet. With thoughtful support, though, Bitsy is able to shine. Geared towards autistic kids and relatable for lots of readers, this sweet story is perfect for back-to-school season.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Norton Public Library
68 E. Main St.
Norton, Massachusetts 02766
(508) 285-0265

www.nortonlibrary.org