Picture Books October 2025
Recent Releases
If We Were Dogs
by Sophie Blackall

In this upbeat, energetic tale, an enthusiastic child -- the self-proclaimed “big dog” -- dictates the many canine capers they’d get up to with the assigned “little dog”...who turns out to have their own ideas for imaginative play. For fans of: If I Was a Horse, also by two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall.
 
Bear and Bird: the Secret and Other Stories by Jarvis
Bear and Bird: the Secret and Other Stories
by Jarvis

Best friends Bear and Bird may not always understand each other, but they always want the other to be happy. So when Bird feels left out because Bear has given a cute nickname to everyone but her, she’s relieved when her hasty list of names for Bear doesn’t reach him (Stinky Sock Muffin, anyone?). And when the two of them learn they have zero dislikes in common—from lasagna to chess to the word armadillo—and wonder if they can still be friends, they soon realize there’s one important dislike they can both agree on.A secret is in the air as the unlikely friends return in four more stories threaded with Jarvis’s signature warmth and subtle humor.
 
Cat Nap
by Brian Lies

After the determined Kitten chases a mouse into a poster for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, their pursuit takes on the styles of ten iconic masterpieces. Kids don’t need any museum knowledge to be fascinated by the hilarious, arresting illustrations (which include stained glass, ceramics, wooden masks, and more), all rendered in meticulous three-dimensional detail by Caldecott Honoree Brian Lies.
 
Pop! goes the nursery rhyme by Betsy Bird
Pop! goes the nursery rhyme
by Betsy Bird

"The sensible Secretary Bird wants nothing more than to get on with their job of properly narrating a classic nursery rhyme book. But something is afoot in the orderly land of nursery rhymes... a zippy little Weasel has entered the scene! As the Secretary Bird tries to get through the rhymes--from Little Miss Muffet to Jack and Jill--the Weasel bursts in, throwing everything into a comical tailspin. Can the Secretary Bird put an end to the chaos?"
The everything trail by Meg Fleming
The everything trail
by Meg Fleming

Follows a group of young explorers through the forest as they discover everything nature has to offer 
From giant redwoods to tiny saplings, steep canyons to shallow creeks, and soaring eagles to crawling critters, there are endless wonders to discover along a trail through the forest. This sweeping story of a day spent in nature will inspire young readers to soak in all the marvels, big and small, that surround them.
Cute and Creepy
Witch Hazel
by Molly Idle

Memories drive this bewitching tale: while ailing in bed, elderly witch Hazel finds joy in sharing her memories with young companion Hilda; and after Hazel is gone, Hilda finds solace in memories of their time together. A sepia backdrop lends a quiet, nostalgic tone to the gently shaded white-and-gray illustrations.
See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See
by David LaRochelle; illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

In this beginner-friendly read, the titular characters from See the Cat and See the Dog return for several laugh-out-loud encounters with mischievous invisible characters (who can be seen only via their speech bubbles). Featuring easy-to-read words and sophisticated visual humor, See the Ghost offers new readers a sense of both accomplishment and fun.
Why Did the Monster Cross the Road?
by R.L. Stine; illustrated by Marc Brown

Meet Hunny, a spiky monster who's feeling down-and-out, and Funny, a google-eyed monster determined to crack jokes until Hunny cracks as well -- a smile. Depicted in hilariously yucky collage art, the monsters are fun to look at, eye-rolling punchlines and all. Written by Goosebumps author R.L. Stine and illustrated by Arthur creator Marc Brown, this book is sure to be in demand year-round.
Boo Stew
by Donna L. Washington; illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

Curly Locks loves cooking, but her neighbors in Toadsuck don’t care for her batwing brownies or lizard skin lasagna. But when the town is invaded by shadowy swamp creatures called Scares, Curly Locks’ culinary skills finally come in handy. Stylized artwork rounds out this not-so-scary fairy tale.
 
Little Ghost Makes a Friend
by Maggie Edkins Willis

Little Ghost, an adorably round specter who only goes out on Halloween, longs for a real friend. New neighbor Anya seems to have a lot in common with Little Ghost -- could they be kindred spirits? With soft, cartoony illustrations, this ghost story is heartwarming instead of horrifying. Read-alike: Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago.
 
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Aalfs Downtown Library
529 Pierce Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51101
712-255-2933

www.siouxcitylibrary.org