Rhyming Robbers, Grocery Store Experts, and a Thwarted Visit to Grandma: 14 New Picture Books We’re Excited About

The Long Island, by Drew Beckmeyer
The inhabitants of an island only know what’s on one side of it—and they are curious about what’s on the other. After failed attempts to boat across and navigate through the forest, they decide to build a slide from one side to the other. But will their structures attract other people to the island? And what will happen to the island then? This picture book will give readers much to think and talk about after they turn the last page.

Tim’s Goodbye, by Steven Salerno
An ideal book for those who have lost a beloved pet, Tim’s Goodbye tells the touching story of Margot and her friends joining together to give a sweet send-off to her pet turtle. A beautiful read and a great way to talk about something that is a difficult subject for kiddos and adults alike.

Dude!, by Aaron Reynolds, art by Dan Santat
Dude! This is one of my favorites because I have three sons who say this word allll the time. Author Aaron Reynolds and artist Dan Santat tell a totally funny story despite, and because of, the word “dude” being literally almost the only word throughout the entire book. Kids will think the surf-loving characters are hilarious and want to read this out loud themselves just so they can pronounce “dude” in all its different inflections and meanings throughout the book. 

Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway, by Tim McCanna, illustrated by Tad Carpenter
This rhyming book is the second in the Bitty Bot series and will amuse and inspire your kiddos on their next trip to the beach! Bitty Bot is bored at the beach, but soon he makes some new friends and comes up with a new pastime that brings them all the way to the bottom of the ocean and back again. An entertaining read, especially as we near summertime.

Someone Farted, by Bruce Eric Kaplan
Author and illustrator Bruce Eric Kaplan writes about potty humor and makes it hilarious (and not just to little boys). A family of four is on the way to grocery shop on a normal Saturday morning when someone has an, um, embarrassing moment— and no one is claiming it. Hilarity ensues and eventually the family is thrown in jail and lands before a judge!

Mommy’s Khimar, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrations by Ebony Glenn
A young girl enjoys playing dress-up with her mother’s many colorful khimars, or head scarves. The story follows along as the little Muslim American girl chooses her favorite to wear, a yellow one. With it on, she becomes a shooting star, a mama bird, and a superhero. Beautifully illustrated, this book is a sweet story of a girl’s love for her mother and family and friends, and their love for her.

Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert, by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Deborah Hocking
Max knows all there is to know about the grocery story. Every time his mom has to go shopping, he goes with her. So, he can tell you where the cookies are and the cakes and the dog food are (if only they had a puppy!) and more. Kids will find the familiar with a twist in this fun book all about shopping with mom.

Rhyme Crime, by Jon Burgerman
The author of Splat! is back with a funny rhyming book that kids will love. Perfect for toddlers and up, this entertaining and playful read will keep kids laughing and seeing if they can guess the next rhyme. This one makes a great gift as well. 

In a Small Kingdom, by Tomie dePaola, illustrated by Doug Salati
Caldecott Honor and Newbery Honor winner Tomie dePaola brings us a modern fairy tale about love that will capture your kiddos’ imaginations right away. And the illustrations accompanying the story are so engaging and beautiful. This is one that may just become a new favorite bedtime story. 

Big Time Olie, by William Joyce
Rolie Polie Olie is back in this story all about him growing up—but not as fast as he wants. He is too small to go to on a trip to Mount Big ball, but too big to bounce on his bed while eating ice cream. What will happen when Rolie Polie Olie decides to use the shrink-and-grow-a-lator? A fun read that new and old fans of Rolie Polie Olie will enjoy. 

Over at the Construction Site, by Bill Wise, illustrated by Clair Lordon
Perfect for kiddos who love all things construction, Over at the Construction Site features a day in the life of trucks and bulldozers and more building a school, plus counting from 1-10. Wrap this up in a rhyming text with colorful illustrations, and you have a new favorite book just waiting to happen!

Bunny Built, by Michael Slack 
LaRue the Bunny is good at building—even with an enormous carrot! What kind of things will LaRue decide to make for his friends? Cute and sweet, this book is all about friendship and thoughtfulness for others.

I Really Want to See You, Grandma, by Taro Gomi
Yumi and her grandmother miss each other and decide to visit on the same day. But, they don’t tell each other! So they wind up at each other’s homes at the same time! Will they ever get to visit, or will they keep missing each other as they go back and forth? A cute book and a sweet gift for grandmothers, near and far. 

Aquarium, by Cynthia Alonso
Beautifully illustrated, this book tells the tale (without words) of a young girl and her friendship with a fish she finds. She brings the fish home with her and gives it many places to swim. A charming book that will delight young readers.