8 Picture Books for September Afternoons
Pardon me, but how is it already September?
This is just wrong.
But school’s been in for more than a month and I’m starting to think about Halloween (eek!) and it’s sometimes below 100 degrees here, so September it must be.
Here are some of some good new picture books we have really enjoyed this month (and if you want more ideas for reading with your children, sign up for my free course, Raising Readers!):
8 good new picture books to check out
Margaret and the Moon by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Lucy Knisley
I love a book about women in science, especially one that doesn’t feel preachy or message-y. This one had fantastic illustrations and just felt like a good story. And of course I love the USA space program, so this one just hit all the buttons for me.
Escargot by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson
Bart read this one in an outrageous French accent and I just died over it. Seriously, this one, narrated by a tiny little snail who wonders why no one ever picks snails as their favorite animals, was just hilarious.
Black Belt Bunny by Jacky Davis, illustrated by Jay Fleck
You probably know Jacky Davis from her wildly popular Ladybug Girl series, and this one has her trademark sweetness and humor but feels very different with an off-screen narrator asking Black Belt Bunny to make a salad. Perfect for ninja lovers and anyone who has a picky eater.
Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups by Tadgh Bentley
This book was just SO DARN FUN to read out loud with the penguin hiccuping every few words, thanks to eating some spicy chili. I never got tired of this one. Also, I just found out that there is another Little Penguin coming out in October, called Little Penguin and the Lollipop.
King Hugo’s Huge Ego by Chris Van Dusen
I think Chris Van Dusen can basically do no wrong (The Circus Ship is one of our very favorite picture books) and this one is no exception. I read this one to Star before naps and bedtime every day for several weeks and I loved that she just called it “the King book.” It’s a funny story about a tiny king who is convinced he’s the best thing ever, and the illustrations just make it.
7 Ate 9: The Untold Story by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Ross MacDonald
So many good puns and math and number jokes here. I just got a little giggle out of every page.
Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli
I knew nothing about this wordless picture book when we opened it up and we followed this crocodile’s morning as he dressed and traveled through the city and then when we got to the end, the finale took me completely off guard and completely delighted me. I won’t ruin it for you, but it’s a good one.
Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex
I find Adam Rex a little bit hit or miss – some of his books delight me and others seem a leeeeeetle bit weird. This one definitely has some weirdness, but it’s so funny I didn’t care. Orange wants to know why all the other fruit are included and he’s left out because nothing rhymes with orange. And it just gets goofier and goofier. It’s absolutely one of my favorite new books.
P.S. Looking for other picture book recommendations? Check out all our favorites here!
if you liked this list of good new picture books to try out, you might like these other posts:
- 8 Picture Books to Read with a Cup of Cocoa
- 100 Picture Books to Read This Summer
- How to Make Using the Library Less Stressful: Part 1
Anytime you share a list like this or show picture books on IG, I immediately add them all to my library list (unless we’ve already read them). We’ve read so many good ones thanks to your recs!
Yup, just worked our way through this list. So glad for people like you who go before and then tell us all about it so we don’t have to do the legwork! Nothing rhymes with orange made me laugh out loud, especially the parts with Neiztche (college philosophy major mom here).