Picture Books
August 2025

Recent Releases
The marvelous now
by Angela DiTerlizzi

A magical friend called the Marvelous Now shares the wonders of mindfulness and the serenity of living in the present moment.
Island Storm
by Brian Floca; illustrated by Sydney Smith

Hand in hand, two bold siblings explore the calm before the storm that’s gathering along the coast of their island town. Poetic words, rich in sensory details, heighten the atmosphere created by the expressive, stylized artwork. Read-alike: Hurricane by Jason Chin.
The Day the Books Disappeared
by Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin Pritchard; illustrated by Dan Santat

Arnold can’t understand why his classmates bother reading books about anything besides the best topic: planes. Discovering that he can wish away all the other books, Arnold is delighted...until his beloved plane books disappear as well. Curiosity and empathy set things right in this “seamless mix of magic and relatable classroom drama” (Publishers Weekly).
The fairy fashion show
by Bea Jackson

Lily would like her human friend, Willow, to join in on the fairy fashion show, so they help her create the perfect outfit to wear using things found in nature like daisies and leafy vines.
Recess
by Lane Smith

Structured around a run-of-the-mill school day, this irresistibly interactive book offers kids a series of short "recesses" in which they’re prompted to shake, stomp, quack, or yell "BANANAS!," among other silly activities. Hilarious asides from the narrator add even more humor to this exuberant romp. For fans of: B.J. Novak's The Book With No Pictures.
Starting School
Mr. S
by Monica Arnaldo

Arriving for their first day of kindergarten with Mr. S, a group of students find themselves alone -- except for the sandwich on the teacher’s desk. Is this their new teacher? Playful classroom hijinks will provoke giggles, while eagle-eyed readers will enjoy watching the real Mr. S. battle mayhem outside the classroom window.
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.
Tiny T. Rex and the first-day oopsies : a back-to-school book
by Jonathan Stutzman

Tiny the T. Rex prepares for his first day of school but soon learns that it is okay to make mistakes and learn when trying new things.
Narwhal vs. kindergarten
by Vanessa Roeder

A narwal's horn keeps getting in the way during his first week of kindergarten, until his new friends help him find just the right accommodations,
Bitsy Bat, School Star
by Kaz Windness

Initially thrilled to start school, young bat Bitsy is dismayed by the bright lights, loud sounds, and classmates who don't understand her. Can some thoughtful support empower Bitsy to shine? Geared towards autistic kids and relatable for lots of readers, this endearing story is perfect for back-to-school season.
Contact your librarian for more great books!

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