New-Books-February

It’s time for new picture book releases!  Check out these new February picture books that are going to be released in 2025 (and add some to your TBR list!).

New Books February 2025

Bitsy Bat, Team Star by Kaz Windness

Our favorite flying friend is back with an important lesson about friendship and teamwork. When a non-speaking student joins the school, Bitsy must choose between winning and being a supportive teammate. Told from an autistic perspective, this story celebrates how our differences make us shine.

Cranky Makes a Friend by Phuc Tran

Cranky Makes a Friend continues the popular construction site series. When an enthusiastic new crane named Lefty joins the crew, Cranky struggles with feelings of jealousy and self-doubt. This thoughtful story explores self-acceptance and building supportive friendships.

Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook

This book follows a curious neighborhood cat observing Eid preparations. Through Nylah’s eyes, readers discover families creating decorations, preparing special foods, and coming together for this important celebration.

Happy Father's Day from the Crayons by Drew Oswalt

Drew DeWalt’s Happy Father’s Day and Happy Mother’s Day thoughtfully explore diverse family structures and different ways to celebrate parental figures.

Good Golden Sun by Brendan Wenzel

Good Golden Sun by Brendan Wenzel celebrates the sun’s impact on our world, from nurturing flowers to warming soil, perfect for Earth Day discussions.

The Gift of the Great Buffalo by Carole Lindstrom

Rose is a young Métis-Ojibwe girl who has traveled far with her family for the biannual buffalo hunt made up of hundreds of other Métis families. The ritual of the hunt has been practiced for generations, and each hunt must see the community through the next six months. But in recent years, the buffalo population has dwindled, and after days on the hunt, there are no buffalo to be found. Can Rose help her family find the herd that will enable them to survive the long winter?

Gus by Liz Murray

Gus by Liz Marie tells the heartwarming story of a lifelong friendship between a crocodile and his zookeeper. When Edward misses their shared birthday celebration, Gus embarks on an adventure to find his friend, demonstrating the depth of their bond.

Hope in a Jar by Deborah Marcero

Llewellyn the bunny and his friends dream of many things. Some of their dreams are small, like learning to ice skate, visiting a friend, or acting in the school play. And some of their dreams are big, like going to the moon, or becoming a ballet dancer or a wildlife photographer. Their dreams feel so precious that the bunnies place them in jars for safekeeping. But when a storm comes and destroys their collection of jars, Llewellyn and his friends wonder: what’s the point of dreaming if everything could be lost?

Janie Writes a Play by Heidi Stemple

Based on a true story to the beginning of the storied career of children’s book author Jane Yolen, written by her daughter. Janie Yolen loves to read, write, dance, and sing. So when her teacher announces Janie’s elementary class will perform a play, Janie is thrilled. There’s just one problem . . . the play is boring. With the support of her teacher and classmates, Janie rewrites the play, resulting in a hit class musical.

Kwesi & Nana Ruby Learn to Swim by Kobina Commeh

Kwesi likes spending time at the lake with his friends, except he can’t swim. But guess what? Neither can Nana Ruby! She tells Kwesi about when she moved to the US and the history of segregation that kept her out of pools and caused a fear of water among many Black people.  This story teaches the importance of naming, acknowledging and facing fears.
 

Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan

Every Monday, Mabel wakes up early and peeks out her window to make sure she didn’t miss the one thing she’s been looking forward to the whole week. She drags her chair down the hallway, past her big sister and Mom and Dad, out the door, and waits. But no one else in her family seems to understand…until they see what’s honking down the street!

Mr. Norton's New Hat by Huw Lewis Jones

One Monday morning, Horace Norton finds that a mouse has made a house in his hat. Now, this is something of a surprise . . .and it’s only the start of a wild week for the kind and calm Mister Norton, who, with each passing day, discovers more and more animals have moved in with him.  What will Mister Norton do when the animals take over his bathroom, his bed – and even HIS BEARD?

Ramadan on Rahma Road by Razeena Omar Gutta

In the houses of Rahma Road are people from all over the world. Some are fasting for Ramadan, and some are not. But the annual potluck iftar is something they all attend. From chicken tikka to roti bom, each house is planning on bringing something to share. Travel from house to house on Rahma Road to see what everyone’s making.

I am Sally Ride by Brad Meltzer

This book explores the journey of America’s first female astronaut. Through comic-style illustrations and engaging storytelling, readers follow Sally from her adventure-loving childhood to her groundbreaking NASA career. The book includes helpful timelines, photos, and fascinating facts that make this historical figure accessible to young readers.

Smiling Eyes by Linda Sue Park

For a little boy, an ordinary day is filled with the joys and surprises of seeing and being seen. All around him, people are using their eyes: big eyes, small eyes, eyes that are open wide, or shut tight, or even winking! 

Soggy Like Cush Cush by Linda Sue ParkKarly Pierre

Rain falls outside an old Louisiana Creole house until the ground is as soggy as a bowl of cush cush. Petite Marie thinks she’s going to have to spend all day indoors, but Gran-moman takes Petite Marie on an unexpected journey around town. Soon, Petite Marie is having a magical day filled with friends, delicious Louisiana creole cooking, and a lot of care and kindness. With the help of Gran-moman she discovers that any day can be beautiful, no matter the weather.

You are a Wildlife Warrior by Bindi Irwin

You Are a Wildlife Warrior by Bindi Irwin takes readers on an immersive tour of the Australia Zoo. Through personal family photos and animal encounters with lemurs, rhinos, kangaroos, and crocodiles, Irwin shares her passion for wildlife conservation and inspires young readers to protect our planet.

Worm Makes a Sandwich by Brianne Farley

Worm Makes a Sandwich by Brian Farley turns composting into an entertaining adventure. Told from a worm’s perspective, this clever story explains the composting process through humor and engaging illustrations.

Which of these new books from February 2025 will you grab first? Your students are sure to love all of them! 

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Listen on the Podcast - New Books February 2025