Whether you’re looking for new picture books for your children or students, or looking for early Christmas books, this list is for you! Today, I’m sharing a list of 25 picture books to read in October 2020!
September was a fantastic month for picture book releases. But October is no different — there are some really great books I can’t wait to read! While almost all of the books are brand new releases, there are a few previously published books that are now being released as board books but I wanted to include them as well!
I hope you love this list of 25 picture books to read in October 2020. And in case you missed it, I also shared a list of 20 middle grade books for October and 40 young adult and adult books for October!
October 1st
Self-Esteem • Albert Whitman & Co
Julianna didn’t mean to be a bird. It just happened, feather by feather. “It’s a rare and beautiful condition,” explains the note her mom sends to school, though it doesn’t help with the teasing. But Julianna’s wings take her to places she hadn’t imagined, with a birds-eye view that gives her a new perspective and the courage to find a flock of her own.
Told with kid-friendly humor and heart, this is a unique story about embracing the wild and wonderful parts of ourselves and others.
Eli loves going to the library for Story Circle, but, one stormy day, the nearby river threatens to flood it. Eli and his dad must brave the storm to help save the books, and, when the storm is over, the whole town must come together to rebuild the library. Inspired by the residents of Lincoln, Vermont, who rebuilt their library on three separate occasions, Saving Eli’s Library showcases one community’s bigheartedness, and the power of water and nature.
October 6th
Instagram superstar and New York Times bestselling author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes Eva Chen shines a spotlight on 20 amazing women — including Megan Rapinoe, Sonia Sotomayor, Shirley Chisholm, Greta Thunberg and more! — in 3 2 1 Awesome! a sassy and fun counting board book, perfect for the youngest of budding feminists.
Why stick to counting on fingers and toes when you can count:
3 straight sets for Billie Jean King’s historic win …
2 groundbreaking suffragettes named Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton …
1 singular, sensational YOU!
With Derek Desierto’s bold and vibrant art, Eva fans and readers of all ages will be transported through “herstory.”
Star Wars • LucasFilm Press
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and learn how to use the Force in this hilarious and stylized picture book narrated by everybody’s favorite Jedi Master, Yoda!
Humour • Random House Books for Young Readers
Brave knights, fire-breathing dragons, and underwear — every kid’s favorite things in one book illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling artist Pete Oswald!
Cole’s wish comes true when he becomes an Assistant Knight to Sir Percival, his favorite Knight of King Arthur’s Round Table. Cole learns how to ride a horse, swing a sword, cheer for Sir Percival when he goes to battle, and bandage his boo-boos when the battle is over. Cole loves practicing every skill a Knight-in-Training must master and he is determined to be granted knighthood.
Sir Percival is a great knight in every way, except for one thing: He is terrified that an Underwear Dragon will come and destroy the kingdom. But when the unthinkable happens, Cole is the only knight left standing (and just an assistant knight at that!) Cole must use all of his newly acquired skills to battle the fearsome dragon and avoid a catastrophe. Luckily, an unfortunate underwear mishap changes everything and Cole triumphs in this hilarious and triumphant tale!
Kids will recognize themselves in our pint-sized hero.
Folklore • Sourcebooks Wonderland
New in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series — can YOU catch a snowman?
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series comes a new winter adventure! Our heroes’ entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life — and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they’ll never forget? Who snows!
Self-Esteem • Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Promises come in all shapes and sizes — bestselling author Marianne Richmond showcases her favorites in this heartfelt picture book
A brilliant celebration of all the things we promise our little ones: home, hope, happiness, and love.
When you first came to me
So little and so new
I held you close
And rocked you slow
And made a promise to you …
I promise you love
For your lifetime through
Boundless, steady and sure — this I promise you.
The star of Julián Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return — and finds a new friend — at a wedding to be remembered.
Julián and his abuela are attending a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding along with his cousin Marisol. When wedding duties are fulfilled and with a new dog friend in tow, the pair takes off to roam the venue, exploring everywhere from underneath tables to enchanting willow trees to … muddy puddles? After all, it wouldn’t be a wedding without fun, laughter, and a little magical mischief. With ingenuity and heart, author-illustrator Jessica Love tells a charming story of friendship, acceptance, and celebration.
Queen Shanti has an important case for the newest Royal Detective of Jalpur: there’s a rumor that jewel thieves are planning to steal the Gem of Jalpur at a royal ball. To solve this case, the queen asks Mira to go undercover at the party-as a princess! After learning the ins and outs of royal life from her friend, Prince Neel, Mira trades in her detective coat for a princess disguise. But not even a fancy party will distract Mira from solving this case!
This storybook comes with stickers for even more fun with Mira and her friends.
Self-Esteem • Page Street Kids
This little girl knows her hair is great just as it is. When people ask, “Why is your hair so BIG?” she answers, “Why isn’t yours?” Her hair is soft, it protects her, it’s both gentle and fierce. While some might worry about how it’s different and try to contain it, she gives it the freedom to be so extraordinary it almost has a life of its own.
Told in bold verse and vivid, fantastical illustrations, these critical questions will ring familiar, and the proud, confident answers show that what really matters is how readers see themselves.
On Account of the Gum is a book about how the best intentions lead to some of the worst (and funniest) ideas!
Serious humor abounds in this story about one kid’s hilarious misadventures with gum, and the cumulative buildup of stuff stuck in hair.
From the madcap mind of Adam Rex comes a book about the improbable, downright bizarre remedies for a problem kids have faced since the creation of gum.
Features hilarious text with unexpected turns and fun rhymes
Wacky suggestions make this prime for constant giggles and repeat reading
Author Adam Rex has a funny, smart, and relatable style
How do you get gum out of your hair — a pair of scissors? Butter? The cat? Call your aunt, she’ll know what to do. She doesn’t? Try the fire department!
With each page turn, this situation — relatable to any family — grows stickier and more desperate.
School • Abrams Books for Young Readers
A meditative picture book about the power of reading and how one child can change the world, from #1 bestselling author Andrea Beaty.
One girl. One spark. Faint and fading in the dark.
Flicker … Flicker … Flicker … Glow. Tiny ember. Burning low.
Inspired by the global movement to empower girls through education, this lyrical story tells of one small girl who reads a book that lights a spark. She shares what she learns with her class, and the spark grows. The girl is then moved to write her own story, which she shares with girls around the globe, and it ignites a spark in them, lighting up the whole world. This heartwarming and moving narrative shows how books and education can inspire change and how one child can make a huge difference.
An introduction to the magic, beauty and fun of snow for very young readers, perfect for fans of Ezra Jack Keats’ classic The Snowy Day.
Snow softens, snow tricks, snow tracks, snow glows and snow snows and snows and snows, transforming a small village into a winter wonderland. A girl and her dog set out and make the most of every snow-filled moment: sledding, building snowmen and snowforts, making snowangels (and snowdogs), and drinking cocoa by a cozy fire as the snow continues to fall. This luminous and lively picture book celebrates the beauty, magic and excitement of snow with simple, easy-to-read text, comprised almost solely of verbs and action words, and gorgeous art that highlights the amazing colors of a snowy day. As inviting as the first snowfall, but so much warmer, Snow Falls encourages little people and big people to go outside and enjoy the snow … before it goes!
Inspired by true events, a fictionalized retelling of how one woman brought a world of books to children in Germany after World War II, and changed their lives forever.
Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father’s life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children’s books — more books than Anneliese can count. Here, they meet the lady with the books, who encourages the children to read as much as they want. And she invites them to come back the next day. Eventually, she will have a greater impact on the children’s lives than they could ever have imagined.
This moving picture book, written by beloved and award-winning author Kathy Stinson, is based on the real-life work of Jella Lepman, founder of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the International Youth Library. Lepman’s collection of children’s books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II in the hope of building bridges of understanding between countries. Brought to life by highly acclaimed illustrator Marie Lafrance, this book carries an important message about international cooperation that still resonates with world events today. It includes further information about Lepman and her work as well as historical photos. This story of the children who survived the war offers a unique and often unexplored perspective for history lessons. It also makes an excellent choice for character education lessons on resilience. A portion of the author’s royalties will be donated to IBBY’s Children in Crisis Fund.
Told in rhyming verse, this is the touching true story of an oil-soaked penguin, the man who rescues him and an unlikely friendship.
João hears a sorry screech as he walks along the shore near his home. It’s from a penguin, whose feathers are soaked in oil.
Barely moving on the sand,
too tired to swim, too weak to stand …
João must save this little guy.
Without his help, he’ll surely die.
João takes the penguin home. He cleans him, feeds him and nurses him slowly back to health — and the pair develop a special bond. When the penguin is fully recovered, João knows it’s time to return him to the wild where he belongs. But the penguin has other ideas …
Told in rhyming verse, this heartwarming picture book tells the true story of João Pereira de Souza of Brazil, who cared for a Magellanic penguin that had been caught in an oil spill. When João tried to release him back to the wild, the penguin returned to João’s home and stayed for months. The penguin, named Dindim by João, did eventually leave, but he now returns to visit his friend for five months of every year. A charming read-aloud showcasing a tender relationship between an animal and human, this book also promotes environmental awareness and stewardship, and explains how human activities often threaten wildlife. Author Julie Abery includes information about João and the penguin, how wildlife is affected by oil spills every year, and what to do if you find wildlife in distress. The lively art by award-winning Pierre Pratt brings a touching sweetness and emotional depth to the story. There are character education lessons here on empathy, kindness and caring.
Heroes, giants, wizards, true love. Celebrate the beloved film with this charming board book that fans will want to share with the youngest readers.
There are 6 fingers on the Count’s right hand, 3 outlaws on a mission, 2 destined lovers, and 1 unforgettable story that brings them all together. Illustrated with vibrant art, this adorable book is the ultimate gift for fans of The Princess Bride to share with the toddlers in their life or give as a gift to fellow fans. It’s inconceivable that anyone wouldn’t love this charming book!
Dinosaurs • Katherine Tegen Books
From author-illustrator Anya Glazer comes a humorous picture book for dinosaur fans and word lovers of all ages!
Thesaurus is an ordinary dinosaur. A very ordinary dinosaur … who just happens to love words. And the other dinos know that’s just who he is. But behind his verbose and fancy language, Thesaurus has also been keeping something absolutely, very, extremely top secret.
But as his lies begin to stack up, someone begins to notice. And if the other dinos discover what Thesaurus is hiding, they won’t think he’s such a normal dinosaur after all.
From acclaimed author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers comes the companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller Here We Are!
What shall we build, you and I?
We’ll build a watch to keep our time.
I’ll build your future
and you’ll build mine.
Inspired by the birth of his daughter, and in the same vein as Here We Are, What We’ll Build is a rhythmic and heartwarming father and daughter story from the beloved Oliver Jeffers. Told in rhyming text with Oliver’s signature art, What We’ll Build is the perfect story to cherish together.
October 13th
People • Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Girls with natural black hair are celebrated in this bright, joyful read-together book that will have kids everywhere chanting the book’s chorus: “I love being me!” Now in board book form.
Full ‘fro, cute bow! I love being me! Smart girl, cool curls! I love being me!
Girls will love seeing strong, happy reflections of themselves in this vibrant, rhythmic picture book celebrating the diversity of beautiful black hair. From a cute crop to pom-pom puffs, adorable illustrations of girls with gorgeous braids, blowouts, and bantus grace each page, side by side with a positive message that will make girls cheer. It’s a great read-aloud to promote self-esteem for girls of all ages, building and growing the foundation of self-love (and hair love!) and letting every girl know “You are made beautiful!”
Imagination • Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Inspired by the rainbows that children across the world have been creating and displaying in their windows, The World Made a Rainbow is beautiful story with a hopeful message of staying connected to the people we love. A donation for every hardcover copy sold will be made to Save the Children.
Did you ever paint a rainbow and hang it in your window? Did you see that your neighbors did, too? Did it make you feel a little less lonely?
The World Made a Rainbow is a story to remind us that light can’t shine without dark, rainbows can’t color the sky without rain, and the world is always full of hope and possibility, even when we feel lost and alone.
This beautiful, reassuring picture book is the perfect reminder of the power of creativity, joy, and togetherness.
October 20th
A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal.
Warm morning sunlight and love fill the Neal home. And on one quiet day, playtime leads to an important realization: Trinity wants long hair like her dolls. She needs it to express who she truly is.
So her family decides to take a trip to the beauty supply store, but none of the wigs is the perfect fit. Determined, Mom leaves with bundles of hair in hand, ready to craft a wig as colorful and vibrant as her daughter is.
With powerful text by Trinity and DeShanna Neal and radiant art by Art Twink, My Rainbow is a celebration of showing up as our full selves with the people who have seen us fully all along.
Fairytale, Folklore • Feiwel & Friends
Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist Natalie Portman retells three classic fables and imbues them with wit and wisdom.
From realizing that there is no “right” way to live to respecting our planet and learning what really makes someone a winner, the messages at the heart of Natalie Portman’s Fables are modern takes on timeless life lessons.
Told with a playful, kid-friendly voice and perfectly paired with Mattia’s charming artwork, Portman’s insightful retellings of The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse are ideal for reading aloud and are sure to become beloved additions to family libraries.
An irresistible and engaging picture book perfect for story time, and for cat and bookstore lovers alike!
The bookstore cat is an a dorable …
b ossy …
c uddly cat.
He is everything from i ntelligent and l oyal to n aughty and v ocal! But most of all, the bookstore cat is a well-loved (and well-read) kitty. Follow his funny antics from A to Z through a day in his bustling, book-filled shop.
The Bookstore Cat is based on a Victorian parlor game, The Minister’s Cat, in which players try to think of adjectives to describe the cat in alphabetical order. Readers can extend the fun of the book by playing their own version of the game.
October 27th
Nature • Sky Pony
The final book in the New York Times bestselling trilogy, following Touch the Earth and Heal the Earth, now in board book form. by Julian Lennon, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, philanthropist, photographer, and bestselling author.
Jump aboard the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that can go anywhere on Earth! This time, Lennon’s book immerses children into an interactive and unique journey where they can:
Plant milkweed gardens and soar with the butterflies.
Build schools where girls and boys will be safe to learn and follow their dreams.
Clean the oceans and beaches and help endangered dolphins, turtles, and whales.
Explore the planet, meet new people, and help make the world a better place!
The Flier’s mission is to transport readers around the world, to engage them in helping to save the environment, and to teach one and all to love our planet. Just press a button printed on the page and use your Imagination Power to make the Flier glide through the air or transform into vehicles that will help those in need.
An inspiring, lyrical story, rooted in Lennon’s life and work, Love the Earth is filled with beautiful illustrations that bring the faraway world closer to young children. The book includes words to a special poem written by Julian Lennon, specifically for Love the Earth.
Animals inspire their little ones to chase their dreams and reach for the stars in this modern classic-in-the-making.
Do you believe that dreams come true?
We believe it.
Absolutely!
Just like we believe in you.
New York Times-bestselling author Beth Ferry and Caldecott honoree Molly Idle join forces in this stunning new picture book about the power and joy of believing in yourself and in one another.
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