It’s time for our monthly roundup of brand-new picture books hitting the shelves. April brings us an amazing collection of stories that are perfect for your classroom read-alouds. From stories about acceptance and friendship to environmental consciousness and finding one’s place in the world, these books offer wonderful teaching opportunities across your curriculum. Let’s dive into these fresh April releases that your students will love!
New April Picture Books
Brave Old Blue by Colleen Muske
An old horse arrives at a rescue farm feeling unsure and afraid, where he meets a young girl named Bobby who welcomes him with open arms. As Old Blue struggles with past fears and disappointments, he wonders if he’s finally found his forever home. This touching story offers a beautiful opportunity to discuss themes of trust, new beginnings, and finding comfort in unexpected places.
City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon
From award-winning author Kiese Laymon comes a lyrical picture book about three Black boys who form a deep connection during a transformative summer in Mississippi. Under the watchful eyes of Grandmama and Mama Lara, the boys explore the woods, play marco polo in the garden, and sled on cardboard by the underpass, discovering the tender bonds of friendship. This beautiful story celebrates the rich connections Black boys forge with one another.
Hazel the Handful by Jamie Michalak
Hazel is an adorably pampered pooch who rules the roost until a new baby arrives and changes everything. When Hazel no longer receives all the attention she’s used to, she runs away to hide, only to discover just how much her family truly loves her. This endearing comedy is perfect for discussing family dynamics, adjusting to change, and making room for new family members.
Hedgehogs Don’t Wear Underwear by Marissa Valdez
From #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Valdez comes a hilariously zany story about Jacques, a little hedgehog with a BIG secret – he loves wearing underwear! In a world where hedgehogs definitely do NOT wear underwear, Jacques must find the courage to embrace himself and share his love of tighty-whities. This uproariously fun story offers wonderful lessons about identity, self-acceptance, and the courage to be yourself.
The Littlest Drop by Sascha Alper
Featuring Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney’s final illustrations (completed after his death by his son, Brian Pinkney), this poignant fable tells the story of a tiny hummingbird who takes action when a fire threatens her home. While larger animals are too scared to help, the little hummingbird shows that even the smallest among us can make a difference. This empowering story reminds children that no matter how little we may be, we all have the power to change the world.
Piggle the Pig: The Perfect Pigsty by Dudolf
When Piggle’s parents announce they’re stopping by for a visit, he faces the overwhelming task of cleaning several months’ worth of mess in his pigsty. From laundry mountains to mysterious creatures living in appliances, Piggle’s housecleaning adventure is hilariously relatable. Children who dread room-cleaning day will find Piggle’s struggle both amusing and comfortingly familiar.
Skunk! Skedaddle! By Peter Bently
Nobody wants to be friends with a smelly skunk, but Sally is desperate to show the townspeople that she would never use her stink around friends. When she encounters the town robber, she finally gets a chance to show everyone how useful her unique ability can be! This charming story by multi-award-winning author Peter Bently teaches children not to judge others by their differences.
Twigs and Stones by Joy Cowley
Snake and Lizard are good friends who live together in a desert burrow, but trouble arises when they decide to display their names above the entrance. They must decide whose name should appear first, and when Lizard makes a spelling mistake that Snake doesn’t find funny, a lesson about names and friendship unfolds. This story brilliantly holds a mirror to human flaws while reminding us that words must be used with care.
A Universe of Rainbows: Multicolored Poems for a Multicolored World by Matt Forrest Esenwine
This iridescent collection features poems from Nikki Grimes, Joyce Sidman, Janet Wong, and seventeen other poets exploring rainbows across nature – not just in the sky. From crystals and finches to marble caves and constellations, each selection captures a different rainbow in various poetic forms. With brilliant illustrations by Jamey Christoph and fascinating science sidebars, this collection takes readers on a mind-boggling tour of colorful wonders big and small.
The Peddler of Puddles by Beth Ferry
From the bestselling creators of Stick and Stone comes a heart-expanding story about an inventor who makes perfect puddles for his forest friends. Though the Peddler delights in creating puddles for ducks, frogs, and thirsty hummingbirds, his constant travels leave him feeling lonely until his friends step in to help. This friendship-forward tale, filled with whimsy and adorable detail, celebrates finding a place to call home.
Yes, We’ll Do It! By Dafna Strum
When a musician goes missing from the marching band, a chain reaction of community help begins. As the baker helps the barber, the doctor helps the baker, and the gardener helps the doctor (with a clown getting in on the action), things get hilariously out of hand. Based on ancient Jewish teachings, this humorous story highlights the importance of community and our responsibility for one another.
A Cup of Quiet by Nikki Grimes
From award-winning author Nikki Grimes comes a beautiful picture book about a special grandmother-granddaughter relationship. When Grandma gets thirsty for “a cup of quiet” away from the noise of daily life, her granddaughter is confused – how can quiet fit in a cup? Together, they venture into the garden to collect the calming sounds of nature, teaching the value of slowing down and appreciating life’s gentler moments.
Odder: An Otter’s Story by Katherine Applegate
Adapted from Katherine Applegate’s #1 bestselling middle-grade novel, this stunning picture book tells the story of Odder, a playful otter whose life takes a dramatic turn when she’s rescued by humans. As she recovers among other rescued otters, Odder discovers her talent for teaching younger pups how to “otter.” Inspired by a real-life program that pairs orphaned otter pups, this heartwarming tale celebrates resilience and finding purpose
These April 2025 releases offer so many wonderful opportunities for classroom discussions, cross-curricular connections, and simply enjoying the magic of a great story together. Whether you’re looking for books that teach social-emotional skills, connect to science concepts, or just bring pure joy to your read-aloud time, this month’s selections have something for everyone.
Remember that picture books are powerful teaching tools across all elementary grades, so don’t hesitate to share these stories with your students, regardless of their age. Which of these new releases are you most excited to add to your classroom library? Let me know in the comments below!
