Picture Books September 2025
Recent Releases
Aggie and the Ghost
by Matthew Forsythe

Adorable, gnome-like Aggie’s excitement to live on her own turns to annoyance when she discovers that her new cottage comes with a roommate: a shapeshifting ghost who follows her around, steals her socks, and eats all the cheese. Whimsical, imaginative illustrations enhance this offbeat ghost story.
Whoa Panda!
by C. S. Jennings

Panda gets excited when he sees a potential friend. So excited, he's apt to put his cold, wet nose right in their face! Eeek! Whoa Panda! Fortunately Panda has a friend to help him navigate how close is too close. And before long, he is able to say "Way to go, Panda" instead of "Whoa Panda!" With irresistible art and a simple, encouraging text, this entertaining picture book is perfect for helping little ones become more self-aware of personal boundaries.
Squash and Pumpkin : #squashgoals
by G. G. McQueen

Acorn Squash is tired of being overshadowed by Pumpkin and her beloved spice each fall season, so a campaign is launched to make Acorn Squash the new seasonal star.
Five little friends : a collection of finger rhymes
by Sean Taylor

What better way to get little ones excited about poems than to make them part of the delivery? In the hallowed tradition of nursery rhymes and songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider," this imaginative collection entices children to use their fingers, hands, and sometimes whole bodies to bring a variety of verses to life. Whether the subject is sailing ships or stomping dinosaurs, falling snow or popping bubbles, jumping onto waterslides or riding a crowded elevator, Sean Taylor's rhythmic read-aloud verses pair with Fiona Woodcock's fresh, colorful illustrations, offering clues to the finger actions kids can follow-unless they're happily acting things out already, using shapes and movements all their own.
Bob the Vampire Snail
by Andrea Zuill

For kids who enjoy spooky vibes seasoned with supremely silly humor comes the story of Bob, a snail who mysteriously sprouts wings, fangs, and a taste for tomato juice. A sprinkling of snail facts and illustrations in Halloween-inspired colors round out this quirky tale. Read-alike: Aaron Reynolds’ Creepy Tales! series.
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past!
 
Let's Go! Haw Êkwa!
by Julie Flett

With expressive illustrations and a dynamic sense of motion, only sparse words are needed to tell this story of a beginner skateboarder’s perseverance. From the first tumble to the exhilaration of finding community at the skatepark, each step of the process is punctuated with a Cree and English refrain: "haw ȇkwa! Let's go!"
Cookie Time
by Jessie Sima

To bypass the waiting period while Grandpa’s cookies bake, Kat and Ari build a time machine, leading to unexpected visits to the past and the future, as well as a newfound appreciation for the present and the people who share it. Candy-colored pastels heighten the energy in this zany yet sweet story.
Blue
by Suzanne Kaufman

A child bonds with a blue heron, and they share a dreamlike friendship.
Sketty and Meatball
by Sarah Weeks; illustrated by Alex Willmore

In this easy reader, kids can explore a dog show -- as well as some amusing, beginner-friendly wordplay -- alongside shaggy-haired Sketty and round little Meatball. For further easy readers featuring a charming canine duo, check out David Soman’s Elvis and Romeo series.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!

Tel: 603.485.6092
Txt: 844-854-4475
hplbooks@hooksettlibrary.org
hooksettlibrary.org