Picture Books - May 2025
Recent Releases
The Littlest Drop
by Sascha Alper; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

When their home turf catches fire, most of the animals flee. Only the tiny hummingbird tries to douse the blaze, one drop at a time, ultimately inspiring the other creatures to join in. Striking illustrations combine the distinctive styles of Brian Pinkney and his late father, Jerry Pinkney, to retell this uplifting old parable about cooperation.
Fairytale
by Joe Brumm

"Dad tells Bluey and Bingo a story set in a wild place call the eighties. When Dad was little, he was jinxed by his older brother, Rad, after he was being mean to his younger brother, Stripe. Will Dad break his curse, or will he never speak again? Read along to find out!"
A Book of Maps for You
by Lourdes Heuer; illustrated by Maxwell Eaton III

Depicting everything from the school cafeteria to the art store, from the best swing in the park to the house with the coolest Halloween decorations, this collection of hand-drawn maps from an unnamed narrator provides an introduction for their small town’s newest resident. The panoramic, lovingly annotated illustrations encourage lingering attention, and may even inspire kids to try mapping their own favorite places.
Grumpy Monkey : Mom for a Day
by Suzanne Lang

"Grumpy Monkey offers to babysit the little animals in the jungle, but when things go haywire, help comes from an unexpected source. Includes two pages of stickers"
City Summer, Country Summer
by Kiese Laymon; illustrated by Alexis Franklin

Despite coming from different backgrounds, a powerful friendship springs up between three Black boys spending the summer with their neighboring grandmothers in Mississippi. Expressive digital paintings underscore lyrical writing in this debut picture book from award-winning author Kiese Laymon. Read-alike: All Because You Matter by Tami Charles.
Cats in construction hats
by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

"Six colorful cats and their tiny rat friends work together to build a house"
Don't Trust Fish
by Neil Sharpson; illustrated by Dan Santat

While it might begin with innocuous animal introductions, this picture book soon reveals its bias, declaring that all fish are sneaky, rebellious outlaws who absolutely CAN’T be trusted. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the clever visual humor in this uproarious read-aloud, laughing all the way to the end (where the unreliable narrator is revealed).
One Day at the Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea
by Daniel Bernstrom

"A clever little girl 'with a net for catching pearls' meets a shark who wants nothing more than to eat her for dinner"
The Bear Out There
by Jess Hannigan

A frightened young girl invites readers into her home to hide from "the bear out there," only for readers to realize that all may not be what it seems inside or outside
Sand Cakes
by Kallie George

Come out for a day at the beach bakeshop with a creative little baker and her sweet, sandy treats in this adorable preschool picture book.
 
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed...:
5-Minute Phonics; Short Vowel Sounds

by Lucille Colandro

Make every minute of reading count! Kids and parents can Scholastic's beloved Old Lady character in this fun, read-together phonics adventure. Includes five stories and five activities.
The Science of Reading research proves that systematic phonics instruction is the most effective way to teach kids to read. Now caregivers can support these essential phonics skills with simple, engaging stories featuring Scholastic's beloved Old Lady character in just five minutes a day!
The Bad Idea and Other Stories
by Greg Pizzoli

Earl, a cheerful bird who loves playing saxophone, and Worm, a quiet bookworm, overcome their differences with lemonade, creativity, and sharing their stories, becoming the best of friends
Piggle the Pig : The Perfect Pigsty
by Dudolf

Piggle the Pig hilariously attempts to tackle the overwhelming task of cleaning his messy home for his parents' upcoming visit
New Board Books
Bedroom
by Penguin Random House LLC

"Bluey and Bingo each get their own bedroom. But will they be able to sleep alone?"
Graduation Day in Adventure Bay
by Matt Huntley

"It's the day of Adventure Bay's kindergarten graduation! Singing sensation Luke Stars will be performing at the celebration... if he can get there. Join Chase, Skye, Marshall, and the rest of the heroic pups as they work together to make this a special day! Children will love this fun-filled picture book that's perfect for graduation celebrations--or anytime"
Mommies are Amazing
by Book Author

Young ones can join in as Peppa, George and their friends show their mummies how much they love and mean to them
Birds Sing Their Words
by Mélina Mangal

"Focusing on birds and birdsong, this book shows children what we can learn from nature about sound and communication"
Can you do this?: An Imagination Play Book
by Megan Roy

"Takes kids through a series of fun physical activities while also encouraging reading and counting along the way. From staring contests and high fives to silly noises and dances, each page invites participation. As kids act out the playful challenges, they'll exercise their bodies and minds while sharing laughs with family and friends"
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!