Picture Books
November 2024
Recent Releases
Beti and the Little Round House
by Atinuke; illustrated by Emily Hughes

In four short vignettes, readers get to nestle into a snug round house in the woods along with Beti, her family, and a goat named Naughty. Lush sensory details highlight the simple delights of nature in these stories that "read like a cozy hug" (Publisher’s Weekly).
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic
by Candace Fleming; illustrated by Deena So’Oteh

A young narwhal’s Arctic migration provides the frame story for this captivating picture book, which combines intriguing science, thrilling adventure, and atmospheric (and sometimes interactive) illustrations to draw readers into the underwater world of the single-tusked whale. 
The Bakery Dragon
by Devin Elle Kurtz

Gold-obsessed Ember the dragon is too cute to succeed as a scary thief, but with help from a kindhearted baker, he discovers a more satisfying kind of treasure. Glowing, jewel-toned illustrations bring visual appeal to this deliciously droll fantasy.
Drawn Onward
by Daniel Nayeri; illustrated by Matt Rockefeller

A grieving child journeys toward healing in this palindromic fantasy, told through the same 50 words (forwards and then backwards). Featuring illustrations that blend video game-style progression with the intricacy of an illuminated medieval manuscript, this unique book rewards close attention. 
Lone Wolf Goes to School
by Kiah Thomas; illustrated by K-Fai Steele

After alienating a classroom of kids, the lovably ornery lupine star of this easy reader just wants solitude. But how can a lone wolf find space in a crowded world? Find out in this cartoonish, bitingly funny series opener (followed by Lone Wolf Gets A Pet). For fans of: Vera Brosgol’s Leave Me Alone!
Retro Reads
Say My Name
by Joanna Ho; illustrated by Khoa Le

In this richly illustrated book, six kids -- each with a different cultural heritage -- describe the ancestry and identity inherent in their names. Curious children (as well as grown-ups doing read-alouds) will appreciate the pronunciation guide at the back of the book. Read-alikes: The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaran; That's Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed.
The Big Cheese
by Jory John; illustrated by Pete Oswald

Used to being the best at everything, Big Cheese’s sense of self curdles when talented newcomer Wedge sweeps the Cheese-cathlon. Crisp, cheery artwork accompanies this funny fable about coping with disappointment and being a good sport. Series alert: check out further tales from the Food Group series, starting with The Bad Seed.
A Letter for Bob
by Kim Rogers; illustrated by Jonathan Nelson

In this own voices slice of Indigenous family life, thoughtful Wichita child Katie narrates in the form of a farewell letter to Bob, the trusty car that’s carried her changing family through vacations, powwows, everyday errands, and more. Read-alikes: Natasha Tripplett’s The Blue Pickup.
I Will Read to You
by Gideon Sterer; illustrated by Charles Santoso

A compassionate child with a taste for macabre bedtime stories decides to return the favor, gathering a group of monsters, ghouls, and creepy creatures for a cozy storytime session. This sweetly spooky read is ideal for monster fans, as well as those who might need their fears de-fanged. Read-alike: Benita and the Night Creatures by Mariana Llanos.
When Rubin Plays
by Gracey Zhang

Little Rubin longs to play beautiful melodies along with the town orchestra. But before he can join in on his new violin, he’ll need lots of practice…and some support from the chorus of cats in the nearby forest. Exaggerated art turns this tale into a "lively visual symphony" (Kirkus Reviews).
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Sonoma County Library
707-545-0831www.sonomalibrary.org