Picture Books - March 2026

Recent Releases
Loops
by Jashar Awan

Solid-colored backdrops and bold, chunky artwork invite readers to focus on the sole character in this story: a child who's determined to tie the laces on his first pair of big-kid shoes. For fans of: Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic's Touch the Sky, another upbeat tale of persistence in the face of frustration.
Is It Spring? by Kevin Henkes
Is It Spring?
by Kevin Henkes

If one day buds bloom and birds chirp, and the next day a late snow falls from the sky, is it spring? Will it ever be spring? An evergreen, child-friendly picture book that explores themes of patience, hope, the seasons, and nature by the bestseller and Caldecott Medalist, Kevin Henkes.
 
The Future Book
by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Shawn Harris

In this picture book from two popular creators, the future is here, and it's goofier than anyone imagined. Oranges are now "bloranges," "Charlie Cheese Face" is a common name, and saying thanks involves…a fish? This "solemnly silly look at social norms" (Publishers Weekly) is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
 
A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van by Daniel Bernstrom
A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van
by Daniel Bernstrom

With delightful art, perfect rhyme, and the series’ indelible screwball appeal, 'A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van' will have everyone in stitches and demanding repeat readings!

Illustrator Brandon James Scott lives in Toronto, ON.
Sarabeth's Garage by Melanie Florence
Sarabeth's Garage
by Melanie Florence

'Sarabeth's Garage' is a picture book that celebrates doing your own thing in the face of society's expectations... and a sweet story about a girl, her dad, her disapproving grandma and, most importantly, cars.

Melanie Florence lives in Toronto, ON. Nadia Alam is a first-generation Bangladeshi Canadian illustrator who also lives in Toronto.
Bartleby
by Matt Phelan

Bartleby the bear stands out among his classmates, not only because of his bright red bowler hat, but also because of his quiet response to most invitations: "I would prefer not to." Inspired by Herman Melville's classic short story, Bartleby offers a kid-friendly take on thoughtful participation and self-determination.
 
Tomorrow I'm in Charge! by Jörg Mϋhle
Tomorrow I'm in Charge!
by Jörg Mϋhle

When Weasel comes home, he can hardly believe his eyes: Bear and Badger are playing. But Badger is Weasel's friend Badger suggests the three friends play together. But Bear and Weasel can't agree on anything: not football, not memory, not hide and seek.Weasel never follows the rules. Bear always wants to be in charge.Set in a charming outdoor forest house, this picture book is a brilliant battle of wills between friends. Readers will enjoy every twist and turn of this very funny argument about a very familiar problem.
Here Come the Aunties!
by Cynthia Leitich Smith; illustrated by Aphelandra

Kinship extends beyond biology in this celebration of community. Readers follow a year in the life of River, a Muscogee child, and meet all the "aunties" who care for him through affection, shared skills, and everyday support. Richly colored mixed-media illustrations add to the story's warm, lived-in feel.
 
Together, Right Now by Olga Fadeeva
Together, Right Now
by Olga Fadeeva

Right now you are here . . . reading this book. Now imagine what someone else is doing at this exact moment two blocks away. What about someone across the country? Or an animal on the other side of our big, beautiful planet? What else is happening round the world, right now? A variety of colors and textures throughout the book will keep young readers engaged while each new scene will encourage curiosity, an adventurous spirit and a sense of awe that we can all share.
Exca-Gator! by Brooke Hartman
Exca-Gator!
by Brooke Hartman

Exca-Gator and his crew spend the day using their construction equipment to build and play, but when big mistakes get in their way, the team works together to save the day.
I'm Busy by Michael Ian Black
I'm Busy
by Michael Ian Black

Flamingo and Potato want to spent time with the little girl, but she keeps insisting she is busy until she realizes the importance of making time for friendship.
Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers
Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends
by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Tim Miller

Meet Snaps (an alligator) and Duckie (a duckling), two curious youngsters in a world that says they should be enemies. With repetitive text and crisp, minimalist artwork, this series opener will build confidence in kids ready to jump from easy readers to comics. Next in the series: We Cannot Be Brave, due out in August 2026.
 
One Smart Cookie
by Mika Song

Pairing soft, sketchy illustrations and sweetly silly humor, this graphic novel follows squirrel pals Norma and Belly as they infiltrate a fortune cookie factory, hoping to reap delicious rewards. Kids who enjoy this 4th Norma and Belly caper may want to go back to the beginning with Donut Feed the Squirrels.
 
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
by Kaz Windness

Caterpillar and Worm are BFFs who share a lot in common, but Caterpillar knows those similarities will disappear soon. Will Worm still want to be friends when Butterfly emerges? (Spoiler alert: of course!) Cartoon art brings even more joy to this easy-reading, friendship-focused comic.
Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma!: An Early Reader Graphic Novel by Jenny Alvarado
Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma!
by Jenny Alvarado

At the start of a new school year Eraser notices best friend Pencil has a dull point, so they must leave the comfort of their desk and venture out to find a sharpener before Stella and her classmates return from recess.
 Check out what's coming soon!  'On order' kids material through our catalogue :)
 
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!