Owlets and Tarts by Cynthia Rylant, part of the Mouse and Spoon series, is a warm and inviting easy-to-read book that is a wonderful fit for an elementary library’s early reader collection. Cynthia Rylant’s gentle storytelling and short, manageable chapters make this title especially accessible for young readers who are beginning to read more independently.

The story’s cozy tone, friendly characters, and clear text structure help build confidence while keeping students engaged. The soft illustrations support comprehension without distracting from the words, making it an ideal choice for readers transitioning from picture books to early chapter books.

As a librarian who frequently helps young readers seeking stories about dogs, I was excited about The Muttcracker, featuring Biff – the lovable, ballet-obsessed dog. Created by the team behind Dogs Don’t Do Ballet, this book is a fantastic addition to our holiday picture book collection.

In this latest adventure, Biff and his human partner are preparing for their ballet school’s production of The Nutcracker. While Biff sets his sights on the starring role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, he and his partner are instead cast as bonbons. The heart of the story lies in how Biff overcomes this initial disappointment to support his partner and become “the best bonbon in the box”.

Why Add another holiday book to your library?

• Emotional Resonance: It provides a perfect springboard for discussing how to handle disappointment and the idea that “there are no small parts”.
• Dynamic Visuals: Sara Ogilvie’s whimsical illustrations are energetic and move the story forward with grace and plenty of giggles.
• Broad Appeal: While it has a festive Christmas setting, its themes of friendship and persistence make it a strong choice for general collections all year round.

Elementary libraries are typically loaded with these holiday titles, but Candice Bradley’s version of The Night Before Christmas is a refreshing addition to a very crowded shelf. While we all know Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, Bradley brings a modern visual energy that really captures the attention of our younger readers.

What Makes It Special

• Vibrant Visuals: Unlike some of the more traditional, Victorian-style editions, Bradley’s illustrations use a bright, saturated palette that pops during a group read-aloud.
• Diverse Representation: The book feels inclusive and contemporary, making the magic of Christmas Eve feel accessible to every student in our building.
• Storytime Success: The pacing of the art matches the rhythm of the poem perfectly, providing great “picture clues” for our emerging readers.
• It is a wonderful addition for a those December displays!

Ruby René Always Gets Her Way is a wonderful and relatable picture book that explores the importance of using your voice with confidence and care. Ruby René is determined and outspoken—but when her “way” starts to overshadow the voices of others, she learns an important lesson about listening, compromise, and community.

Iman’s thoughtful storytelling presents big social-emotional themes in a kid-friendly way, making it easy for young readers to see themselves in Ruby’s experiences. Jose’s vibrant, expressive illustrations bring warmth and personality to every page, helping students connect deeply with the characters and message.

Highly recommended for grades K–3, this book is an excellent addition to any elementary library and a valuable read-aloud for lessons on communication, empathy, and respectful leadership.

This Year, a Witch by Zoey Abbott is a fun story that celebrates creativity, and outgrowing the cute, adorable halloween costumes. The engaging text pairs beautifully with bright, lively illustrations that bring the whimsical world of budding witch to life—making it an ideal choice for a read-aloud, especially during fall and around Halloween.

This Year a Witch will be a great addition to any elementary library collection, it’s easily relatable for young readers as they are looking for costumes around Halloween, but its themes of confidence and self-discovery will resonate year-round.

Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book by Paul Friedrich is a clever and hilarious twist on traditional ABC books that young readers will absolutely love. Instead of going from A to Z, this alphabet adventure starts at Z and works its way backward—making it a fun challenge for children who are already familiar with their letters.

With delightful animal characters (including zebra and yak!) and lively illustrations that bring each page to life, this book turns learning letters into an imaginative journey. The rhythmic text and humorous moments make it perfect for interactive read-alouds, encouraging children to join in and guess what comes next.

The Troubles with Giraffes: All Are Welcome is a meaningful and joyful addition to any elementary library collection, especially for discussions about friendship, empathy, and community.

From the creators of Strictly No Elephants, Lisa Mantchev and Taeeun Yoo have once again crafted a heartfelt and inclusive story with The Troubles with Giraffes: All Are Welcome. This charming picture book follows a group of animal friends dealing with the everyday challenges and the joys of friendship.

Mantchev’s warm, thoughtful text pairs beautifully with Yoo’s expressive illustrations to create a welcoming world where every character—no matter how tall, striped, or quirky—finds a place to belong.

The story’s gentle humor and powerful message about kindness and acceptance make it a perfect read-aloud.

Super Goat Girl by Tracey Baptiste, illustrated by Dapo Adeola, is a fun and empowering story about having the confidence to be yourself. Goat Girl is a creative and determined young superhero who uses her “ordinary” talents —not magical transformations—to help save the day.

Baptiste’s engaging storytelling is full of humor and heart, while Adeola’s bold, expressive illustrations bring Goat Girl’s world to life in a way that instantly captures young readers’ attention. The story delivers an encouraging message about believing in yourself and using your strengths to make a difference.

Super Goat Girl is a great choice for readers who enjoy superheroes, graphic-style storytelling, and characters who show that real power comes from being yourself.