New Picture Books for July
Looking for some new bedtime story favourites? Here are some new picture books, recently added to our collection.
- When you go to dragon school / Campbell, Chelsea M
An engaging and delightful book about going to school, although regular school is probably not quite as exciting as this! What better way to make school exciting, than dragons? School Library Journal has called this "a must purchase", but now you don't have to! This book is on order, so reserve it today to be one of the first to take it home!
- Jo and the No / Mewburn, Kyle
A beautifully illustrated fable about overcoming resistance to trying new things. We love picture books that take large, complicated themes and are able to capture them into a simple, engaging story. In Jo and the No, Aotearoa based, and award-winning author Kyle Mewburn has given us exactly this. Jo encounters a No and now can't get away from it, and even worse it's growing bigger! But as Jo learns to live with the No, and be braver, we learn what the No really is.
- This book is dangerous! / Clanton, Ben, 1988-
An interactive book about being brave when things are thorny, toothy and maybe even dangerous. This book is a spin-off from the popular Narwhal and Jelly, starring bedtime's cutest anxious jellyfish. Kirkus Reviews calls this book "Funny, energetic, and empowering", and has been named one of Barnes & Noble’s Best Picture Books of 2025 (So Far).
- Boar and Hedgehog / Elliott, David
Making friends is hard! A witty, sweet story about a grumpy boar and an overly friendly, know-it-all hedgehog. Beautiful illustrations, and a sweet tale about what it takes to make a friend. Will Boar leave their cave to help their new potential friend? You'll have to read to find out!
- Noah's New Home: A sensitively told story about refugees settling in a new place / Akhter, Zeshan
A heartwarming, timely story about a young refugee and their family settling into a new country and home. A beautifully illustrated, thoughtful book about the refugee experience, the tragedy of war, and the power of community coming together in tough times to find hope.
- Take a Breath, Big Red Monster! / Emberley, Ed
An interactive peek-a-boo book that takes children through the stages of calming down. Work through your anger with Big Red Monster! As you turn the pages, take deep breaths and see how you can calm the angriest of monsters. Colourful illustrations bring this monstrously funny and interactive story about of managing big emotions to life.
- Duck Delivers / Tinn-Disbury, Tom
A nervous duck dives into their first big adventure! This delightful book is all about getting outside your comfort zone, overcoming obstacles and, of course, bird puns. Filled with playful illustrations and the very fun to say catchphrase "Oh breadcrumbs!", this book looks like a charming and engaging choice to add to your next story time.