Picture Books
February 2026

Recent Releases
Rumpelstiltskin
by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Carson Ellis

The traditional fairy tale about a magical trickster and the woman who outwits him gets a fresh take in this retelling. Quirky humor gives the text a contemporary edge, balanced by medieval-inspired illustrations in deep, rich hues. For fans of: The Three Billy Goats Gruff, another fairy tale remix by author Mac Barnett.
 
Bath Time for the Crayons by Drew Daywalt
Bath Time for the Crayons
by Drew Daywalt

The hilarious Crayons from the #1 New York Times bestseller The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to make a splash in the bath in this mini hardcover book perfect for bath time, bedtime, or any time Bath time is an adventure for the Crayons Red likes to relax in the bath. Esteban likes to pretend to be a pirate. And Beige actually prefers a shower Make bath time the best part of the day with this laugh-out-loud mini hardcover book from the bestselling team behind the international Crayons sensation. Featuring Drew Daywalt's giggle-inducing characters and bold, bright illustrations from Oliver Jeffers, Bath Time for the Crayons is squeaky-clean fun that's sure to keep children--and grown-ups--laughing.
Because of a Shoe
by Julie Fogliano; illustrated by Marla Frazee

It's a familiar scenario: a parent wants a child to put on shoes, prompting an epic tantrum. Even as patience frays on both sides, unwavering love remains beneath the conflict. Strategically colored illustrations help to convey the changing moods in this cathartic and ultimately reassuring slice of life.
 
I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
by Mychal Threets; illustrated by Lorraine Nam

In his first picture book, librarian Mychal Threets -- social media star and host of Reading Rainbow -- invites an inclusive community of kids and grown-ups to experience "library joy" through books, storytimes, games, and other activities. This warm, welcoming book is equally suited to group sharing or a one-on-on read. Read-alikes: Lisa Katzenberger's A Love Letter to My Library; Alexandra Penfold's All Are Welcome.
 
Pokémon Storybook Collection by Random House
Pokémon Storybook Collection
by Random House

This delightful storybook collection features six engaging stories that bring the exciting world of Pokémon to life! Young Pokémon fans can enjoy six amazing adventure stories about these beloved Pokémon! This hardcover storybook collection features full-color art and its larger trim size is perfect for even the smallest Pokémon Trainer.
A Golden Eid: Festivals of the World: (A Vibrant Celebration of Muslim Traditions, Family, and Ramadan for Kids Ages 4-8) by Hiba Noor Khan
A Golden Eid: Festivals of the World
by Hiba Noor Khan

An exceptional, heartfelt Eid story that gently impresses upon readers that community is about both giving and receiving. --School Library Journal (starred review) Get ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, commemorating the end of Ramadan, with Hafsa and her family. Hafsa and her family have spotted a crescent moon in the sky and ended their long Ramadan fast. Now they are getting ready to spend Eid with their loved ones?decorating the house, donning fancy clothes, and preparing lots of delicious food, including halwa, Hafsa's favorite sweet treat. But when her father begins giving the food away to all the neighbors, Hafsa is worried that there won't be anything left for her This warmly illustrated, heartfelt story, which centers the joys of community and sharing, includes a halwa recipe and a banner-decorating activity.
Ramadan for Everyone: A Muslim Community Story by Aya Khalil
Ramadan for Everyone: A Muslim Community Story
by Aya Khalil

Celebrate Ramadan with this heartwarming picture book about sisterhood, faith, and acts of service. Ramadan is here! And this year, Habeeba is finally going to fast all day, every day, and pray all the special Ramadan prayers at night at the masjid, just like her older sister, Sumaya. The holy month is filled with decorations, beading, crafts, delicious recipes, religious ceremonies--so much activity that it's hard for Habeeba to stay awake during prayer services or to resist Baba's gooey, cheese-filled kunafa drenched in sweet syrup when she gets home from school. Habeeba is discouraged. How else can she be observant like Sumaya? Beautifully illustrated with cozy Ramadan decorations throughout, this sibling story delivers the comforting message that selflessness and patience--not perfection--are the most valuable treasures.
Plenty of Pancakes by Carrie Finison
Plenty of Pancakes
by Carrie Finison

From the creators of Dozens of Doughnuts comes a lively take on friendship, springtime, and counting by fives. Opossum Topsy is preparing a Welcome Spring! meal for her bear friend LouAnn, who has been asleep all winter long. She's brought milk, eggs, berries, and syrup, and soon she has five perfect pancakes, fresh from the pan. But when Topsy's back is turned--MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH!--she discovers someone has eaten all of the pancakes! No problem, she'll just make more, counting out five at a time. But then, it happens again! Who could the thief be? Whether it's squirrels, or crows, or someone else swiping the food, Topsy knows she doesn't have much time left before hungry LouAnn wakes up. And it will take the help of all her animal friends to get the feast done in time. Can they make enough pancakes to feed everyone?
La Veille de Holi by Swapna Haddow
The night before Holi
by Swapna Haddow

A vibrant picture book celebrating the festival of Holi -- and all the fun it brings!Join a little girl and her grandad as they plan for the BEST HOLI EVER! They know all the best spots to throw the bright Holi powder! Can they cover the whole neighbourhood in colour in their biggest celebration yet?Swapna Haddow's twist on the traditional 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' poem is full of fun and energy while Aditi Kakade Beaufrand's vivid illustrations fill the pages with joy. Featuring a nonfiction page at the back of the book all about Holi, including a recipe to make your own mango lassi! Original Title: The Night Before Holi
A Good Hide by Karina Iceberg
A Good Hide
by Karina Iceberg

From these hands, old to new, a tradition of love passes through.In Alaska, Fall is moose season. When the hunt is over, the community comes together to transform the raw moose hide into something truly special, step by step, with the work of many hands.From stretching and scraping to making brain stew, each part of the process is a celebration! With humor and heart, debut author Karina Iceberg (Aleut/Alutiiq) and award-winning illustrator Natasha Donovan (Métis) share a resonant message of gratitude, community, and shared knowledge as an intertribal Native Alaskan community works together to tan a moose hide. Features author's note and a note from Heartdrum author-curator Cynthia Leitich Smith.
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
Dalmartian
by Lucy Ruth Cummins

While visiting Earth, an alien who resembles a green-spotted Dalmatian is adopted by human child Stephen. There's confusion -- the alien walks on two legs and is appalled by dog park antics -- but understanding grows as boy and alien bond. Playful humor and charming minimalist illustrations distinguish this transplanetary tale.
 
Chooch Helped
by Andrea L. Rogers; illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz

Sissy, an older Indigenous girl, doesn't understand why her little brother Chooch gets away with everything! His so-called "help" only messes things up. As her temper flares, Sissy's family offers support and perspective. Book buzz: Featuring textured illustrations filled with Cherokee imagery, this relatable sibling story is the winner of the 2025 Caldecott Medal, as well as the 2026 American Indian Youth Literature Award for picture books.
 
My Thoughts Have Wings
by Maggie Smith; illustrated by Leanne Hatch

When anxious thoughts flood her too-busy brain at bedtime, a child receives some helpful advice from mom: worrying is normal, but it helps to make space for happy, peaceful thoughts too. Kids (and adults) who appreciate this sweetly accessible read from poet Maggie Smith may also enjoy Whatever Comes Tomorrow by Rebecca Gardyn Levington.
 
Lost
by Bob Staake

Stylized, expressive artwork tells the story in this wordless picture book about a child seeking a lost cat. While hanging up posters, she encounters owners of other lost pets -- from a bird to a dog to a giraffe -- all of whom are reunited by the final page. Read-alike: Bruce Handy's Balloon.
 
A Pinecone!
by Helen Yoon

A dad is busy wrangling a very muddy dog, leaving his daughter free to pursue her obsession: collecting pinecones. But where can she store them all? While the slapstick humor in this story will elicit giggles, the substance will ring true for young collectors. For fans of: Off-Limits, also by Helen Yoon and featuring the same parent-child duo.
 
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!