It’s time for more books! I get so excited every month when new picture books come out and this month, there are quite a few! Check out these new October picture books that were released in 2023.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the New Books: October 2023 on my Youtube channel.
This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
New October Books 2023
What You Need to Be Warm by Neil Gaiman
During the coldest season, when the world feels scary—what do you remember about being warm?
Baked potatoes.
Trust.
A kettle on the stove.
Blankets.
A smile.
And, most of all, the reassurance that you belong.
In his powerful and moving poem, featuring illustrations from thirteen extraordinary artists, bestselling author and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Neil Gaiman draws together many different memories to answer the question, what do you need to be warm?
Busy Betty and the Circus Surprise by Reese Witherspoon
The exuberant Busy Betty is back in her second adventure, where she throws a surprise party for her mother. However, Betty gets a surprise of her own! With her big heart and even bigger ideas, there’s much to love about this vivacious character created by the award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon.
I am Mister Rogers by Brad Meltzer
Children learn how a shy Fred Rogers inspired millions with his television show promoting kindness in this appealing picture book biography. Complete with a timeline and photographs, this book captures the essence of a truly admirable person who made the world a better place through compassion and consideration for others.
Flat Cat by Tara Lazar
After accidentally taking a spin in the dryer, Flat Cat’s smooth, two-dimensional body puffs into a fluffy new form. Tara Lazar’s cleverly crafted text pairs expertly with Pete Oswald’s giggle-worthy illustrations in this purrrfect story about flexibility and finding your groove when life takes an unexpected turn.
Lawrence & Sophia by Doreen Cronin
his sweet friendship story stars a boy and a bird who fear the unknown beyond their homes. When a storm approaches, they bravely overcome their fears and leave their comfort zone to ensure the other is safe.
Sankofa by Eric Adjepong
In this beautiful celebration of culture, a young boy named Kofi initially dreads the idea of bringing a dish for his class potluck. However, once his parents introduce him to their family cookbook, he gains insight into the traditions of his ancestors. With a new appreciation for his roots, Kofi can’t wait to share a special meal with his classmates.
Nesting Dolls by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
When a young girl named Anyiaka feels like she doesn’t fit in with the rest of her family, her grandmother cleverly uses homemade nesting dolls as a metaphor. Although each doll is unique, they all fit together perfectly — just like her family. This is a beautifully told and heartfelt story!
Begin Again by Oliver Jeffers
With his bold, iconic art, Oliver Jeffers follows the human path from the dawn of our species through history, sharing profound, sometimes poignant, commentary on our present, and then offers a challenge: Where do we go from here? How can we create new stories and new systems that allow all of humanity to flourish? How can we journey toward a collective and robust future?
Ethan & the Strays by John Sullivan
On the way to school, Ethan notices some stray kittens in the alleyway. He wants to look after them, but his dad has a strict no-pet policy. Still, with the help of his older brother, Ethan does what he can to rescue the kittens and realizes that caring for something else can bring great joy. This hopeful story is based on the author’s real-life experiences rescuing stray animals.
Finn’s Little Fibs by Tom Percival
What happens when one little lie turns into a big problem? Finn always looks forward to spending time at Grandma’s house. But when he accidentally breaks her clock, he panics and tells a little fib, blaming it on his sister. Then-POP!-a little blob appears! As Finn’s fibs start piling up, more and more blobs appear. All the fibs make Finn feel awful and upset, until staying at Grandma’s isn’t fun anymore! Can Finn get rid of the fibs and work up the courage to tell the truth?
Heartwarming and genuine, this book in the Big Bright Feelings series is the perfect starting point for helping children learn the importance of honesty, forgiveness, and responsibility.
The Big Bright Feelings picture book series provides kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics-from being true to yourself to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings.
There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds
Back in the day, there was a heckuva party, a jam, for a word-making man. The King of Letters. Langston Hughes. His ABCs became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole country. They sent some people yelling and others, his word-children, to write their own glory.
Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and more came be-bopping to recite poems at their hero’s feet at that heckuva party at the Schomberg Library, dancing boom da boom, stepping and stomping, all in praise and love for Langston, world-mending word man. Oh, yeah, there was hoopla in Harlem, for its Renaissance man. A party for Langston.
Listen on the Podcast
Get a FREE Book List!
If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will also receive a FREE Book List for Social Emotional Learning for blog exclusive subscribers!
Save this Book List
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to these new October books when you are ready to read them aloud with your students.
