Picture Books
January 2024
Recent Releases
A Way to the Stars
by David Almond; illustrated by Gill Smith

Combining cosmic whimsy and supportive parenting, the story of this picture book follows an inventive father and son duo as they work towards space travel, DIY style. Their success is in the eye of the beholder, but the cozy conclusion will please stargazers of all ages.
The Red Fruit
by Lee Gee Eun

After a hungry baby bear encounters a delicious red fruit, he climbs a tall tree in pursuit of another, finding several surprises along the way. Told mainly through striking black-and-gray illustrations punctuated with bright colors, this story invites even the youngest kids to share in the gentle excitement.
Wintergarden
by Janet Fox; illustrated by Jasu Hu

A windowsill herb garden provides a wintertime diversion for a city kid and her mom -- and, come springtime, a small bounty to eat. Lyrical text and delicate illustrations encourage wonder for nature’s changes and deep-rooted satisfaction in the care of growing things.
The Concrete Garden
by Bob Graham

Visuals are paramount in this hopeful, colorfully illustrated post-lockdown tale. After a long and lonely pandemic winter, all the children in an apartment building spill outside to adorn the courtyard with chalk art, bringing joy to the whole neighborhood.
Hornbeam All In
by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Arthur Howard

Meet genial moose Hornbeam, motivated by friendship to try new things like swimming, sleepovers, and a party that might not have enough potato salad. Written to be approachable for beginning readers, this series opener by popular cocreators Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard is bursting with affable charm. 
Easy Reader Roundup
Who Will Win?
by Arihhonni David

An elder recounts the story of a race between Bear, who runs fast, and Turtle, who thinks fast. Turtle's mischievous scheme to finish first is both amusing and heartwarming. Expressive artwork and plenty of repetition make this own voices Mohawk tale a strong choice for emerging readers.
Elena Rides
by Juana Medina

Eager elephant Elena is determined to work through her frustration (plus some dramatic tumbles) and find her balance on a two-wheeled bike. This book's friendly text and irrepressible heroine may help kids feel less daunted by practicing a new skill. Read-alike: Dashka Slater's Wild Blue.
Fish and Worm
by Sergio Ruzzier

Elevating “playing with your food” to a new level, this story features a fish who befriends the worm he’s supposed to eat. Designed to help beginning readers understand comics, Fish and Worm is the approachable 3rd in a series, after Fish and Sun and Fish and Wave.
Fox Has a Problem
by Corey R. Tabor

Understated writing plus over-the-top artwork equals maximum giggles in this easy reader about Fox, whose “solution” to a small problem leads to MUCH bigger problems for his friends. New fans will be glad to know that trickster Fox stars in a multi-book series, including the award-winning Fox the Tiger and Fox at Night.
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
by Kaz Windness

Caterpillar and Worm are BFFs who share a lot in common, but Caterpillar knows those similarities will disappear soon. Will Worm still want to be friends when Butterfly emerges? (Spoiler alert: of course!) Cartoon art brings even more joy to this easy-reading, friendship-focused comic.
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