10 New Picture Books, February 2025

Bitsy Bat Team Star written and illustrated by Kaz Windness
EMPATHY, COMPETITION, TEAMWORK
It’s the Critter Games, and Bitsy wants to be the BEST flyer –at any cost, maybe even at the cost of being kind to Enzo Owl, who communicates with sign language and a tablet. After dreaming about the race and hearing her mom’s encouragement about being a good teammate, Bitsy still clings to her one goal — winning. She starts the race, flying fast, but soon realizes that her friend Mo needs help. Now Bitsy faces a difficult decision — to help or to win? Expressive, darling character art perfectly matches this charming and relatable story about what’s really important.

Nimbus Plays Alone written and illustrated by Saki Tanaka
SEL / STEM
In this charming, layered story, an introverted rain cloud learns about making friends with other cloud friends, despite initially wanting to be left alone. Nimbus meets Cumulus, Cirrus, and Stratus who don’t understand that Nimbus wants to play alone. Nimbus eventually realizes that maybe they do want to play with others sometimes. Readers will see how Nimbus learns more about who they are and grows in surprising ways while also learning about the science of clouds. 

Goat Is the G.O.A.T. written by Bea Birdsong, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
FUNNY
Goat misunderstands being a G.O.A.T. and tries to figure out why he’s the greatest. After testing his speed, strength, leadership, and much more, he realizes he’s not the greatest at anything. But maybe that’s not true. Could be be great at something after all? And maybe he’s okay with simply being a goat. An enchanting, sweet story with plenty of heart and humor, darling illustrations, and a positive message.

Ramon Fellini the Dog Detective written and illustrated by Guilherme Karsten
MYSTERY
If you like subversive picture books, you will love this story about a sneaky cat who tricks a little boy. When the boy is investigating who tipped over the fishbowl, a “dog” detective named Ramon, who looks like a cat, appears at the front door to help him solve the crime. Besides asking questions, Ramon’s methods are strange. But the boy is impressed. So impressed, he lets Ramon take the fish to look for suspects. Maybe you’ll guess what happens next, but I’m not going to tell you. Read the story and find out!

Something Good written and illustrated by Kenneth Kraegel
HEARTWARMING
This kid is having one of those days where everything goes wrong! Until she spots a gift. Maybe this will turn things around! Or not. But maybe? What if something good could happen after all, and the girl could share it with a friend? Relatable, funny, heartwarming, and rereadable, you’re going to love sharing this book aloud to the kids on your lap!

Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me written by Jennifer Bradbury, illustrated by Pearl Auyeung
ADOPTION
When standing in line at the ice cream truck, and someone questions if the brothers are related, one boy elaborates on everything he and his brother have in common. And it’s beyond sweet. What are the things, you ask? Their parents met them in a photograph, both of them hated baths at first, they both love trampolines and breakfast for dinner. But there’s more, and you will melt when you read it. This story is a sweet way to introduce and discuss adoption and family. I predict you’ll want to read it multiple times, too.

Sweet Babe! A Jewish Grandma Kvells written and illustrated by Robin Rosenthal
GRANDMA & BABY
The illustrations pop off the page with cuteness, showing a grandma playing with a baby and mixing Yiddish words with English words. From the baby’s tuchus to the smile on the little genius’s face, this grandma is verklempt.

Matzah Day! written by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Jason Kirschner
JEWISH HOLIDAY
With playful rhymes, this story shows a family celebrating Pesach/Passover with matzah they bake and then eat at Sedar with different toppings. The illustrations are very cool — oversized ingredients and small characters make you feel like you’re in the kitchen with the family. Back matter gives readers a matzah recipe and information about Passover and matzah.

Little Freddie Two Pants written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
FUNNY
For readers who like silly stories, this will hit the read-aloud spot. Little Freddie is a dog who wears two pairs of pants, underwear, and hats, but all in the wrong places.