Best of
Picture-Books

2003

The Snail and the Whale


Julia Donaldson - 2003
    Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the snail feels very small in the vastness of the world. But when the whale is beached in a bay, it's the tiny snail who saves the day.

Boxes for Katje


Candace Fleming - 2003
    Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom "thick and bright," Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje's street to deliver a mysterious box – a box from America! Full of soap, socks, and chocolate, the box has been sent by Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana. Her package is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. What's inside so delights Katje that she sends off a letter of thanks – beginning an exchange that swells with so many surprises that the girls, as well as their townspeople, will never be the same.This inspiring story, with strikingly original art, is based on the author's mother's childhood and will show young readers that they, too, can make a difference.Boxes for Katje is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!


Mo Willems - 2003
    As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate. In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum.

Old Turtle and the Broken Truth


Douglas Wood - 2003
    Now Old Turtle returns in a timeless story about love, acceptance, and the nature of truth.Long ago, as truth descended onto earth, it split in two: one piece landing among the people and the other blazing through the sky. When the people discover the piece of truth, it gives them strength and happiness. But over time, it turns them arrogant and greedy. They do not share their truth with others, wars rage on, and the earth begins to suffer. Then a Little Girl eager for change journeys to find Old Turtle, seeking the precious piece of wisdom that will mend the people's broken truth, making it -- and them -- whole once again.Douglas Wood's stirring and eloquent fable, soulfully illustrated in luminous watercolor by Jon J Muth, offers readers of all ages inspiration, hope, and a healing vision of peace.

The Family Book


Todd Parr - 2003
    Full color.

My Lucky Day


Keiko Kasza - 2003
    Fox's door "accidentally," the fox can hardly believe his good luck. It's not every day that dinner just shows up on your doorstep. It must be his lucky day! Or is it?Before Mr. Fox can say grace, the piglet has manipulated him into giving him a fabulously tasty meal, the full spa treatment (with bath and massage), and . . . freedom.In a funny trickster tale of her own, Kasza keeps readers guessing until the surprise ending when they'll realize it was piglet's lucky day all along.

You Choose


Pippa Goodhart - 2003
    Where would you live? Where would you sleep? Who would be your friends? What games would you play? Go on . . . you choose! With the help of Nick Sharratt's wonderfully detailed illustrations, Pippa Goodhart looks at a whole range of scenarios where choosing is made fun!

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee


Chris Van Dusen - 2003
    Magee seriesA new adventure with Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee: In A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when along comes a lumbering, marshmallow-loving bear and the excitement begins. The next thing the two campers know, they are plunging down a mountain, racing down a river, and teetering on the edge of a waterfall! How will Mr. Magee and Dee find their way out of this slippery situation? • Filled with charming, vibrant illustrations and playful, rhyming text. • Chris Van Dusen is the author and illustrator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee and Learning to Ski with Mr. MageeFans of the Mr. Magee series, Llama Llama Loves Camping and Curious George Goes Camping will love this outdoor adventure with Mr. Magee.A lesson on overcoming obstacles with an easy to follow storyline, fun illustrations, and likable characters • A fun read-aloud for families and elementary story time• Books for kids ages 3-6• Books for early and emergent readers

Curious George Visits the Library


Margret Rey - 2003
    But it’s not easy for a little monkey to sit still too long. From selecting books to getting his very own library card, George’s day at the library makes reading fun.

Falling for Rapunzel


Leah Wilcox - 2003
    Instead of her curly locks, she throws her dirty socks. Instead of silky tresses, out go lacey dresses. And you can predict the guaranteed-to-crack-kids-up clothing she sends down when the prince simply says hair. . . .Finally Rapunzel heaves out something that makes all the prince's dreams come true, showing how misunderstandings can lead to happily-ever-after.Hilarious text, clever page-turns, and vibrant, eclectic art make this a non-traditional Rapunzel kids will want to read about again and again.

Bear Wants More


Karma Wilson - 2003
    He wants more! With his friends' help, he finds some berries, clover, and fish to eat, but that's not enough. Bear wants more! How Bear's friends help him to finally satisfy his HUGE hunger in a most surprising way will enchant young readers. Karma Wilson's rhythmic text and Jane Chapman's vibrant illustrations make Bear Wants More a perfect springtime read-aloud.

Skippyjon Jones


Judy Schachner - 2003
    He would rather be El Skippito, the great sword fighter, who can do anything. Like saving a roving band of Mexican Chihuahuas from a humongous bumblebeeto that is tormenting them.Join Skippyjon Jones on his first great adventure. He's fearless, he's fun, he gets the job done - yes, indeed-o.

The Dot


Peter H. Reynolds - 2003
    Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark -- and follow where it takes us.Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can't draw - she's no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. "There!" she says.That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti's journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds's delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.

Imagine a Night


Sarah L. Thomson - 2003
    Imagine a night when your toy train rumbles on its tracks out of your room and roars back in, full sized, ready for you to hop on for a nighttime adventure. Imagine a night when a farmer plays a lullaby on his fiddle, and his field of sunflowers begins to dip and sway to the rhythm. Imagine a night when ordinary objects magically become extraordinary...a night when it is possible to believe the impossible. With the intrigue of an Escher drawing and the richness of a Chris Van Allsburg painting, renowned Canadian artist Rob Gonsalves depicts that delicious time between sleep and wakefulness, creating a breathtaking, visual exploration of imagination and possibility that will encourage both children and adults to think past the boundaries of everyday life, and see the possibilities beyond.

The Lady and the Lion: A Brothers Grimm Tale


Jacqueline K. Ogburn - 2003
    She fears for her life, but finds kindness rather than danger there, for the lion by day is a gentle young man by night-a prince under the spell of a wicked enchantress. Soon the lady and the lion fall in love. Unlike the more familiar tale, however, this story has only just begun. The prince is not yet safe from the enchantress, and it will take all of the lady's strength and courage, through a seven-year quest, to rescue him. Dazzlingly romantic and visually magnificent, this is a book for the ages-an exhilarating tale of virtue, heroism, and the power of love. Illustrated by Laurel Long.

Beegu


Alexis Deacon - 2003
    Now she is lost and wandering. Waiting for a rescue signal from her mother, she fails to make friends with the strange creatures she encounters. Rabbits don't seem to understand her; windblown leaves won't stay still to listen. But at last, on a school playground, Beegu discovers a group of fantastic companions who are happy to let her join their games . . . until a grownup creature spoils the fun.Beegu's spirits are sinking lower than ever just as the mother ship arrives, in this simple, bittersweet picture book that shows us our world through the three eyes of an innocent outsider with the help of stylish art and a wry, understated text.

My Name Is Yoon


Helen Recorvits - 2003
    But her father tells her that she must learn to write it in English. In English, all the lines and circles stand alone, which is just how Yoon feels in the United States. Yoon isn't sure that she wants to be YOON. At her new school, she tries out different names – maybe CAT or BIRD. Maybe CUPCAKE!Helen Recorvits's spare and inspiring story about a little girl finding her place in a new country is given luminous pictures filled with surprising vistas and dreamscapes by Gabi Swiatkowska.My Name Is Yoon is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Just a Minute!: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book


Yuyi Morales - 2003
    He requests that she leave with him right away. "Just a minute," Grandma Beetle tells him. She still has one house to sweep, two pots of tea to boil, three pounds of corn to make into tortillas -- and that's just the start! Using both Spanish and English words to tally the party preparations, Grandma Beetle cleverly delays her trip and spends her birthday with a table full of grandchildren and her surprise guest. This spirited tribute to the rich traditions of Mexican culture is the perfect introduction to counting in both English and Spanish. The vivacious illustrations and universal depiction of a family celebration are sure to be adored by young readers everywhere.

Always and Forever


Alan Durant - 2003
    They feel they will never get over their great sadness. How can life go on without him? Then one day Squirrel comes to visit. She reminds Fox's family of all the funny things he used to do. And as the friends share dinner and tell stories, they realize at last that in their hearts and memories, Fox is still with them, and he will be--always and forever.With thoughtful, delicate illustrations by acclaimed artist Debi Gliori, this gentle story is just right for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers


Mordicai Gerstein - 2003
    From a highly-respected picture book author/illustrator comes a lyrical evocation of Philippe Petit's 1974 tightrope walk between the World Trade Center towers.

Almost to Freedom


Vaunda Micheaux Nelson - 2003
    They eat together, sleep together, and even pick cotton together. So, on the night Lindy and her mama run away in search of freedom, Sally goes too. This young girl's rag doll vividly narrates her enslaved family's courageous escape through the Underground Railroad. At once heart-wrenching and uplifting, this story about friendship and the strength of the human spirit will touch the lives of all readers long after the journey has ended.

Tanka Tanka Skunk!


Steve Webb - 2003
    When you say their names together, they sound like drums!"Steve Webb's innovative and visually stunning picture book introduces young readers to simple rhythms with this riot of shout-out-loud words and cavorting animals. TANKA TANKA SKUNK! makes reading tons of fun as the text and the illustrations leap and dance across the pages.

The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone


Timothy Basil Ering - 2003
    . . plants the idea that with some strategy, good communication and goodwill, you can grow wonderful things." —PORTLAND PRESS HERALD"Frog Belly Rat Bone,one, two, three . . .the specks in the earthare protected by me.You must be patient andthen you will see. . . ."Once upon a time, in a dull, gray endless place called Cementland, there lived a very special boy who wished to find a treasure. After much searching among piles of greasy toaster ovens and wet smelly socks, he spies a box filled with specks and a wrinkled note that says, "Put these wondrous riches in the earth and enjoy." Horrified to learn that thieves are after his treasure, the boy scrounges the junkyard and conjures a creature to stand guard - a scarecrowlike gardener with crooked bony arms, a giant belly, a jaunty crown, and preternatural wisdom: Frog Belly Rat Bone, king and protector of the specks.With subtle, delicate tones, fantastical figures, and bursts of glowing color, the surreal artwork and hand-lettered text of Tim Ering’s picture book debut exude all the whimsy of an inspired imagination - and the wonders of a natural world that awaits discovery, even in Cementland.Included with each book: a whimsical full-color bookmark offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the artist, his technique - and his inspiration!

The Magic Paintbrush


Julia Donaldson - 2003
    She paints fish, pots and ladders and watches them come to life for the poor people in her village. But when the Emperor hears of this, how can Shen outwit his greedy plans?

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?


Steve Jenkins - 2003
    Readers can explore the many amazing things animals can do with their ears, eyes, mouths, noses, feet, and tails in this beautifully illustrated interactive guessing book.

Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook


Michael Garland - 2003
    However, he has no idea just how different it will be.Zack can't wait for Mrs. Smith to read out loud again from her incredible book. The first story fills the classroom with dueling pirates and the sound of their clashing swords. The second story transports Zack's class to the shady forest of the Big Bad Wolf. At the end of each spellbinding tale the characters slip quietly back into the book. But one day Mrs. Smith is late for school, and the principal takes charge. When he runs away in terror from a fire-breathing dragon, Zack and his classmates set free the rest of the story-book characters and have a morning of high-spirited fun... until they notice that the pirates have hoisted their Jolly Roger on the roof of the school.

I Took the Moon for a Walk


Carolyn Curtis - 2003
    Their unusual journey is described in lyrical verse, creating a magical story that celebrates the serene beauty of the world at night.

Some Dogs Do


Jez Alborough - 2003
    Full color.

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School


Lauren Child - 2003
    After all, why would she need to count higher than ten when she never eats more than ten cookies at a time? Once again, it's up to ever-patient big brother Charlie to persuade Lola that school is worthwhile — and that her invisible friend, Soren Lorensen, will be welcome, too.

Yesterday I Had the Blues


Jeron Ashford Frame - 2003
    But one thing’s for sure: when you’ve got love around you, the blues won’t stick around long.

Arnie the Doughnut


Laurie Keller - 2003
    One by one, doughnuts were chosen, placed in paper bags, and whisked away with their new owners. Some went by the dozen in giant boxes.Good-bye! Arnie yelled to each doughnut. Have a good trip!This is so exciting! Arnie beamed. I wonder who will choose ME?At first glance, Arnie looks like an average doughnut--round, cakey, with a hole in the middle, iced and sprinkled. He was made by one of the best bakeries in town, and admittedly his sprinkles are candy-colored. Still, a doughnut is just a doughnut, right?WRONG! Not if Arnie has anything to say about it. And, for a doughnut, he sure seems to have an awful lot to say. Can Arnie change the fate of all doughnuts--or at least have a hand in his own future? Well, you'll just have to read this funny story and find out for yourself. This title has Common Core connectionsArnie, the Doughnut is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Where's the Dragon?


Jason Hook - 2003
    Look inside this amazing picture book and feel the embossed pages. Can you see and touch the dragon? Can you find lots and lots of dragons? They’re everywhere! That’s because Mr. Jones is simply mad about the creatures. He carves them out of wood and he tells thrilling stories about them. But he’s never seen a real dragon, so he and his grandson George have set sail in search of one. Come along and help, using your sharp sense of sight and sensitive fingers to navigate through the pictures. But remember: to discover a really, truly fire-breathing dragon, you have to hunt high and low and always, always believe hard enough. A story kids will joyously read over and over again.

Halibut Jackson


David Lucas - 2003
    He would prefer not to be noticed at all. But he loves to make his own suits, especially suits that help him blend into the background: He has a flowered suit for the park, a book-patterned suit for the library, and a fruit-adorned suit for the shops. But mostly he stays indoors. When Halibut's invited to a party at the palace, he's too bashful to go, until he decides to make a palace-patterned suit. "No one will even notice me!" he thinks. Except that it's a garden party . . . and everyone notices Halibut. Soon, he's the most popular guy in town, thanks to his skills with a needle and thread, and his fabulous fashion sense. This is a winning homage to shy people everywhere. Do you know a Halibut Jackson?

Full, Full, Full of Love


Trish Cooke - 2003
    With a special focus on the bond between little Jay Jay and his grannie, Trish Cooke introduces us to a gregarious family we are sure to want more, more, more of.

ABC: a Child's First Alphabet Book


Alison Jay - 2003
    . . but in Alison Jay's ABC, B also stands for basket, beehive,and butterfly. Featuring a simple format and bright paintings, this acclaimed alphabet book is perfect for toddlers. Older readers are encouraged to look and look again as each spread reveals a new perspective on what has come before and intriguing hints of what's still to come.

The Secret Remedy Book: A Story of Comfort and Love


Karin Cates - 2003
    But when her mother and father leave her alone with Auntie Zep for a whole month, a great sadness develops in Lolly and she can't make it go away. So Auntie Zep finds the perfect remedy for Lolly's sadness, the Great-Great-Grandmother's Secret Remedy Book. The book contains seven different remedies for Zep and Lolly to share. Together they slowly drink fresh apple juice, plant a seed, feed a wild thing, read poetry, and much more.

The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Song of the Bell


Kathy-jo Wargin - 2003
    Heading for a port in Cleveland, the giant transport ship is loaded with ore that will be used to build cars. But disaster is building in the wind as a gale storm begins to track after the great ship. This suspenseful retelling of the last hours of the doomed vessel pays homage to all sailors who traverse deep waters, in fair skies and foul. Atmospheric paintings from award-winning artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen bring the story to life.The author of the best-selling books The Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of Mackinac Island, Kathy-jo Wargin aims to help young readers notice the most intricate details of a story by adding the nuances that create magic and wonder in a good tale. She lives in the woods of northern Michigan with her family. The Edmund Fitzgerald is her 10th book with Sleeping Bear Press. Born in the Netherlands, Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, or Nick as he prefers to be known, studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in Holland. He immigrated to the United States in 1976. The Edmund Fitzgerald is Nick's 13th children's book with Sleeping Bear Press. The Legend of Sleeping Bear was Nick's first book and has sold more than 200,000 copies.

Snow White


Jane E. Ray - 2003
    In six intricate spreads, delicate paper layers let children peer in the palace window at the wicked queen with her mirror, watch Snow White run to the house of the seven dwarves, and gaze as the prince wakes her in her coffin. As the familiar text unfolds on flaps evoking stage curtains, the scenes play out in dioramas of rare depth and beauty.

How Groundhog's Garden Grew


Lynne Cherry - 2003
    From seed-gathering to planting, harvesting, and eating home-grown fruits and vegetables, children join Little Groundhog in learning about the gardening process. At the end, Little Groundhog invites his animal friends to a Thanksgiving harvest feast. Beautiful illustrations and thorough research on plants and insects make this sweet story an engrossing read, as well as a great picture-book introduction to how plants grow. Children and schools can follow Groundhog's lessons.

The Gifts of Being Grand: For Grandparents Everywhere


Marianne Richmond - 2003
    The Gifts of Being Grand pays tribute to the special joys and rewards of grandparenthood from beloved bestselling author Marianne Richmond who has touched the lives of millions!Filled with wit and warmth, the book's lyrical poetry and vibrant illustrations let "grown-up" moms and dads recall their parenting past, celebrate their own kids, and delight in the newfound gifts of grandparenthood.From a "grand" new name and lots of hugs and kisses...to a second chance for patience, adventure and fun, this book for grandparents counts each gift as a reason to cherish this grand season of life!Whether you're looking for the perfect grandparent gift to honor your seasoned loved one or to enthuse them with a first-time grandparent gift, The Gifts of Being Grand is a treasured reminder of how good it is to be grand!

Mirror


Suzy Lee - 2003
    Author and illustrator Suzy Lee masterfully creates a world where a little girl explores and dances — at first cautiously, later exuberantly — with her reflection in the mirror. When discord between the girl and her reflection surfaces, Lee's unforgettable story provides a gentle reminder that our actions have consequences. A beautiful book sure to be embraced by the many fans of Wave, Suzy Lee's Mirror strengthens her growing reputation as one of the most exciting new authors to watch.

The Three Grumpies


Tamra Wight - 2003
    She tries everything to get rid of them: stomping, hollering, and even ignoring them. But they only grin and retaliate by tripping her or splattering paint on her brand-new shirt. It seems she will never be rid of them...until a little smile creeps across her face and with an arsenal of giggles she soon manages to make the Grumpies flee.

The Nutcracker: A Magical Pop-up Adventure


Nick Denchfield - 2003
    Children can open the pop-up presents, watch the midnight battle between the mice and the toy soldiers (with the tallest pop-up Christmas tree you've ever seen) then join Clara on her sleigh ride to the Land of Sweets. Sue Scullard's astonishingly detailed illustration, combined with Nick Denchfield's miraculous pop-up scenes, make this the most magical "Nutcracker" ever.

Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Rapunzel


Patricia Storace - 2003
    With only a pet green monkey named Callaloo for company, Sugar Cane is lonely-her only consolation is her love of music. Often she stands at her window and sings, imagining that the echo of her voice is someone answering her. Then one night, someone does hear her song, but could this young man with a gift for music break the spell of Madam Fate and help Sugar Cane set herself free? Patricia Storace's lyrical and poignant retelling of the Rapunzel tale in a Caribbean setting is perfectly matched with Raúl Colón's lush illustrations. An unforgettable feast for the senses.

Little Bear's Little Boat


Eve Bunting - 2003
    He rows it around Huckleberry Lake, fishing and dreaming. But then Little Bear begins to grow and grow, until one day he doesn’t fit in his little boat anymore! All children who experience growing pains will appreciate Little Bear’s predicament. And they will smile with satisfaction as the solution to his problem unfolds in simple, lyrical words and charming pictures from two award-winning picture-book creators.

Shining


Julius Lester - 2003
    As she grows, Shining runs, plays, and smiles like other children, but she does so silently. The villagers fear and shun her, but Shining remains silent and waits for the right moment, and for the right sound, to come--a sound so true, it will win the hearts of her people . . . and win Shining her rightful place as their leader. Newbery Honor author Julius Lester has created a powerful tale about the importance of remaining true to one's self and finding one's voice. John Clapp's luminous paintings add a breathtaking dimension to Shining, a character as distinct and enchanting as the world she inhabits. Notes by the author and the illustrator supplement the text.

Players in Pigtails


Shana Corey - 2003
    With the same exuberant spirit that fueled the formation of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, joyful text & jubilant pictures celebrate these brave girls' love of the game & the league they called their own.

The Errant Knight


Ann Tompert - 2003
    The Errant Knight is the touching story of a brave knight who sets out to serve his King. After first helping a group of distraught travelers, he is led astray from his mission again and again in order to serve those in need. Ann Tompert's heartfelt story shows that there are many ways to be faithful to one's life purpose. Doug Keith's masterful oil paintings offer delight and surprise at every turn of the page.

The Big Blue Spot


Peter Holwitz - 2003
    A big blue spot. It was all alone. Until one day . . . Follow the big blue spot as it drips and races its way through the pages of this fun, interactive book, eventually finding just the friend it has been searching for. Told in catchy rhyming verse, this simple yet clever story introduces children to the concept of combining colors to form new ones. Who knew spots could be so much fun?

Simple Acts of Faith: Heartwarming Stories of One Life Touching Another


Margaret Feinberg - 2003
    This gathering of select Rockwell classics is joined by stories that illuminate acts of goodwill that transformed people's lives: A cycle shop owner gives Lance Armstrong his first bike, and the rest is history.The young, hurting Frank Peretti is shown compassion that opens up his heart.One man's sharing of faith changed the life of shoe salesman Dwight L. Moody.Norman Rockwell fans, Americana collectors, and those who cherish an uplifting look at life will treasure this celebration of family, community, and the goodness that overflows from the simplest acts of faith.

The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman


Darcy Pattison - 2003
    Woodman? You'd know if you had--he's made of wood. And he's on a spectacular cross-country journey. Folks of all sorts guide Oliver along the way and report back in letters and postcards to his friend Uncle Ray. After all, there's a lot of road--and adventure!--between South Carolina and California. Oliver's been spotted truckin' in Texas, riding in a Utah parade, and scaring off bears in the California redwoods. Where will he show up next? Read the letters. Follow the map. And buckle up for a road trip you'll never forget!

The Name Quilt


Phyllis Root - 2003
    As Sadie chooses from among the patchwork of hand-stitched names of generations of relatives, Grandma tells story after story – stories of hog-riding and hornets and Grandma’s own wedding. Then one summer day, a fierce storm comes on too quickly to get the washing off the line, and the quilt is blown away. That night, Sadie worries that more than just the quilt has disappeared, until Grandma shows her that all her favorite names and stories are more a part of Sadie than she knows. Phyllis Root’s loving tribute to a bedtime ritual from her own childhood and Margot Apple’s intricate illustrations bring the story of Sadie and the name quilt to the page with just the right touch of humor and heart. The Name Quilt is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

The Hard-Times Jar


Ethel Footman Smothers - 2003
    That means "no extras," so Emma must be content to make her own stories and books. Emma has a plan, though – she's going to save all the money she earns picking apples and put it in Mama's hard-times jar. Then there will surely be enough for extras. But when Mama tells Emma that this year she has to go to school instead of to work, it spoils everything. Now she will never own a store-bought book! But school turns out to have a wonderful surprise in store for Emma.Based on Ethel Footman Smothers's childhood, the story is brought to life with lush acrylic paintings, giving us a touching portrait of a book-hungry child.

Finklehopper Frog


Irene Livingston - 2003
    But Finklehopper learns that it’s best to be himself and do what he loves--because that’s the perfect way for him!Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 3/1/2008 Pages: 32 Reading Level: Age 3 and Up

Swimsuit


Kit Allen - 2003
    The day ends with a refreshing snow cone and a little one dozing in the car during the trip home.

Billy's Bucket


Kes Gray - 2003
    Inside it, he can see all kinds of magnificent sea creatures. But Mum and Dad are sceptical and, when Dad unwittingly uses the bucket to clean his car, he's in for a big surprise!

Shadowbox Hunt: A Search & Find Odyssey


Laura L. Seeley - 2003
    Each section offers a wealth of items to be searched for and discovered-all hidden within a single page, rich with fabulous detail and vivid color. Key pages located in the back of the book offer answers and additional items to look for and uncover. Both children and adults, alike, will find themselves mesmerized as they begin their adventure into the extraordinary world of Shadowboxes! Laura Seeley was born in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in Andover, a suburb just south of Salem, New Hampshire. She has illustrated numerous children's books and also visits schools and libraries to do interactive programs with children. Laura is the recipient of the Georgia Author of the Year for Juvenile Literature award, and her work has been praised by the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews. Her book, A Book of Shadowboxes: A Story of the ABC's, won her much acclaim and is a bestseller. She currently lives in San Francisco, California.Praise For A Book of Shadowboxes: A Story of ABC's:"An intriguing find-the-object book . . . will certainly occupy a child's searching mind."-"School Library Journal"Additional praise for Laura Seeley:"Seeley's delicately detailed illustrations are entrancing, with informative vignettes tucked into her decorative borders."-"Kirkus Reviews"

What I Like about You


Colleen Ludington - 2003
    You're not three; you're not two; you are one of a kind!"Written with the whimsy of Dr. Seuss and the love of a parent, this rhyming verse makes kids' toes tap and their faces smile. Kids love listening again and again as a silly Mom counts the reasons for loving her child, while also reminding us of God's boundless love. Children are reassured by the message that love isn't dependent on glamorous looks or great accomplishments-it comes without conditions."Is it all coming clear now? Can you see that it's true? All those things that I like, are what I LOVE about you!"

French Kitty in Kitty Goes to Paris


Mighty Fine Inc. - 2003
    Fashionable New York City cat, French Kitty flies to Paris in search of the perfect hat! Immersing herself in French culture, cuisine and haute couture, Kitty's campy but impeccable style, joie de vivre and adventure should inspire and delight her fans.

Splash!


Jane Hissey - 2003
    Is it a shark? Is it a dolphin? No, it’s Splash the baby seal! Little Bear has found a brand-new friend, and soon the two are speeding through the waves on an exciting adventure.This is a bright, new look, for Old Bear and the team, by author/illustrator Jane Hissey.

Disney Winnie the Pooh - What's That Sound? (It's Fun to Learn Sounds)


Lisa Ann Marsoli - 2003
    In What's That Sound? your child will identify with Tigger's curiosity about different sounds. With this and other volumes in the series, new and exciting discoveries await your child at each stage of development.

How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?


Jane Yolen - 2003
    Can you imagine dragging a very stubborn styracosaurus into the doctor's office? Or saying "Open wide" to a very sharp-toothed carnotaurus? From enormous sneezes to gigantic wails, the outrageous antics of the mischievous young dinosaurs in this book are sure to bring laughter to anyone - large or small - who has ever said atchoo!

Join-In Stories for the Very Young


Mathew Price - 2003
    Some stories include instructions to “act out” sounds and movements in the story (clapping, making faces) to enhance the reading experience, and a fun die-cut “index” with character pictures allow children to find their favorite story.Atsuko Morozumi’s The Reindeer Christmas has sold over one hundred thousand copies in the United States. One Gorilla (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) was an American Bookseller Pick of the List and a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book.

Picture My World: Nature


Picture My World - 2003
    Questions on every page encourage children to explore preschool concepts. Monty, the Mouse appears throughout the book, guiding children along as they learn new words and gain confidence identifying familiar objects.Young children can explore trees, plants, and creatures with over 200 vocabulary words and photos perfect for budding outdoor enthusiasts.

Orville: A Dog Story


Haven Kimmel - 2003
    All Orville can do is bark to tell the world how unhappy he is, and the more he barks, the more he is left alone. But everything changes when Sally MacIntosh moves into the little house across the road and Orville falls in love. A beautifully crafted text that blends wry humor with the poignant twang of a country-and-western song is accompanied by dreamy, spare watercolor-and-ink illustrations for a fresh, original picture book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lonely or misunderstood.

Pokémon® Ruby & Sapphire Official Trainer's Guide


Phillip Marcus - 2003
    Solutions to the new puzzles, rosters for every new trainer, and more! Plus, tips to defeat every trainer and gym leader, coverage of the new Pokemon in each version, and how to catch, breed, and raise them!

Galoshes


Kit Allen - 2003
    Boots, slicker, and umbrella are followed by stomp! (in puddles), sailing, and more. The busy day finishes with a hot bowl of soup and a cozy child napping on the couch.

Treasures of the Heart Edition 1.


Alice Ann Miller - 2003
    DarnellPoetic author Alice Ann Miller brings sentiment and importance to the treasures a child holds dear as he ever so cautiously shares them with his mother:"It's buried deep and very safe. I have it in my special place. Come along, it's through this door."Combining perspective with intricate detail and fanciful style, artist Kate Darnell allows us to envision our own treasures and to experience sharing them with those we love: "A yellow sock, my lucky rock...my favorite car, my cricket jar."

Little Raindrop


Gloria Villaraza-Guzman - 2003
    Here, children learn about the cycle of life and how rain is an important part of it.

Lonesome George, the Giant Tortoise


Francine Jacobs - 2003
    Then visiting fishermen introduced goats to the unique island, which completely disrupted the ecosystem.One lone tortoise stubbornly clung to life, even after his fellow tortoises disappeared slowly. Then, years after it was believed that all Pinta Island tortoises were extinct, scientists discovered one lone tortoise among the rocky hills of the now barren land.The scientists named this miraculous survivor "Lonesome George" and brought him to the Darwin Research Station, where they hoped to find him a mate. Even though George has remained a steadfast bachelor while waiting for a Pinta Island mate, he is an inspiration for survival as well as a living reminder of the terrible price of extinction.

You Do!


Kes Gray - 2003
    Mom denies it but Daisy's memory is like a steal trap. Her one weakness? Tickles! The mother-daughter relationship in this book is sure to amuse readers large and small, who will recognize some of their own bad habits and the good reasons for slipping up sometimes.

Loons: Diving Birds of the North


Donna Love - 2003
    This lively and informative book covers loon history, physiology, behavior, and coexistence with humans, with plenty of information for young researchers and older enthusiasts. Gorgeous paintings bring the text alive, showing loons diving, swimming, preening, raising chicks, and acting, well, just plain "loony." Suggested activities for home or classroom provide opportunities for further exploration of loons as kids learn how to walk, paddle, and float like a loon. An appendix offers more information on all five species of loons found worldwide. A bibliography provides a list of books and web addresses fro continued study. For ages 8 and up.

The Journey of the Little Red Boat: A Story from the Coast of Maine


George Smith - 2003
    It has several emotional encounters with rocks, sailboats, a seal and cormorant birds. Finally the little red boat drifts into a cove where it is discovered and cared for by a little girl and her grandparents and finds a happy home once again.

Oswald's Sleepover


Dan Yaccarino - 2003
    Oswald's excited, but Weenie's a little nervous. She's never been to a sleepover before. Oswald makes sure she has her things from home, but Weenie learns that trying new things can be fun too!

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?


Carmela LaVigna Coyle - 2003
    A girl asks her mother copious questions in this tale that encourages readers to follow their dreams.

Nine Dragons


George Herman - 2003
    Nine Dragons is an inspirational tale about overcoming mistrust and misunderstanding to achieve peace. Fully illustrated, this book will appeal to children of all ages who love dragons.

Winter Woes


Marty Kelley - 2003
    What if he slips on the snow? What if he falls through the ice? What if he's frozen--til spring ? ? The silliness builds like a snowball rolling downhill as our hero posits all the things could possibly go wrong in the winter wonderland outside his house.

Mrs. Twiggenbotham Goes to Town


Emily King - 2003
    Includes Mrs. Twiggenbotham's original recipes!

The Ultimate Barbie Princesses and Fairy Tales Sticker Book


Catherine Saunders - 2003
    Full color. Consumable.

The Great Possum Creek Drought


Dan Vallely - 2003
    

Call of the Child


Craig Ahlstrom - 2003
    

My Imagination Kit


Jeffrey Fulmer - 2003
    As he draws, he knows that blue is the color of rainfall, but it's also the hue of the ocean, where schools of rainbow fish swim. A green crayon creates a jungle and a small friendly lizard, while yellow is perfect for a flowery meadow on a sunny day. With each stroke of color comes another brightly rendered discovery, until at last a million white stars in the night sky provide the perfect backdrop for a silver spaceship heading towards Mars. Vividly illustrated and cheerfully told, this delightful picture book will undoubtedly inspire young readers to use their own imagination kits on the next rainy day to color a journey of their own!

South Korea (Welcome to My Country)


Karen Kwek - 2003
    

The Cricket Who Came to Dinner


Else Holmelund Minarik - 2003
    Everyone is having a wonderful time. But when they hear an odd noise, Little Bear finds out that they have an unexpected guest for dinner -- a cricket

Cosmo's Moon


Devin Scillian - 2003
    They both come to realize though that lots of things depend on the moon - the ocean tides, morning glories, and the dogs, who can't stop howling. A magical book about the power of friendship and the nature of responsibility, Cosmo's moon will charm everyone who's ever been bewitched by the beauty of the moon."Cosmo loved the moon. He had moon pajamas and a moon nightlight and stars and moons all over his bedroom. Every night, Cosmo's mother and father gave him a hug and a kiss and tucked him into his bed. But just as soon as they closed his bedroom door, he threw aside the covers, ran to the open window, and watched as the golden moon came into the night sky just above the sycamore tree. And as a gentle night breeze blew across the curtains, Cosmo would talk and the moon would listen."

Brady Brady and the Big Mistake


Mary Shaw - 2003
    To make it extra special, he decides to borrow his father's most cherished hockey souvenir -- a puck signed by Bobby Orr. Brady knows he's not allowed to play with it, but he convinces himself that his dad won't really mind.When Brady's friends arrive, they are so impressed by the puck, Brady decides they can play with it. Convinced it's helping his game, he winds up to take a shot... and misses! Unfortunately the puck soars over the net and into a snowbank! Everyone jumps in after it, but it's lost.Brady's friends try to help him think of an excuse, but by the time his father comes home, Brady decides he should tell the truth. Luckily, although his dad is hurt and disappointed, he's proud of his son for taking responsibility for his actions. And, just as luckily, he's noticed that Brady's dog has retrieved the puck, and assures his son that it's closer than he thinks.

I Saw a Bullfrog


Ellen Stern - 2003
    . . and a catfish. Don’t they? What if these creatures looked just like their names–half one animal and half another? Here’s an imaginary menagerie–from the cowbird to the zebra fish–richly illustrated in full color and with stunning detail. Each animal is introduced by a poem that speculates about what such a curiously named creature might be like. Also included is a glossary of facts about the real animals that inspired the author to create the imaginary ones.

Pigs Don't Fly! A Flip-the-Flap Book of Farm Animals


Jackie French - 2003
    Pigs don't fly...but they love to wallow in the mud!Flip the flaps to find out all the things farm animals love to do!

Lizard and the Painted Rock (Waterford Early Reading Program, Traditonal Tale 3)


Elizabeth Lane - 2003
    

The Story of Daniel in the Lions' Den


Michael McCarthy - 2003
    The Story of Daniel in the Lion's Den retells this Old Testament story.

Happy Halloween, Strawberry Shortcake!


Marga Querol - 2003
    Strawberry Shortcake and Apple Dumplin' are having a Halloween party for all of their friends! They pick out pumpkins from a field, decorate Strawberry's house, make Halloween treats, play party games, tell berry silly ghost stories, and best of all, they get to decorate their berry own treat bags!

Cats: Gatos (My World Of Animals)


Frances E. Ruffin - 2003
    Repetitive text that teaches readers about the world of cats will also give new readers confidence as they learn to recognize familiar words and sounds.

Apples Away!


Megan E. Bryant - 2003
    It's subtraction made clear and easy! Illustrated by Liz Conrad.

Brady Brady And the Great Exchange


Mary Shaw - 2003
    Mary Shaw. Illustrated by Chuck Temple. 32 pp., pbk. Grades 1-3/ Ages 4-8.

The Muscular System (Body Systems)


Susan H. Gray - 2003
    Includes photographs and sidebars to further explain more complex concepts.

The Ira Collection: Ira Sleeps over and Ira Says Goodbye


Bernard Waber - 2003
    IRA

The Coolest Rock


Sherilin Chanek - 2003
    A diagram illustrates the rock cycle.

Get Ready for the Fair!


Phoebe Beinstein - 2003
    A new stage has to be built, and everybody must pitch in. Little readers can help the machines find their building materials and decorate the stage by using the enclosed stickers.

The Fire Stealers: A Hopi Story


Ekkehart Malotki - 2003
    By emphasizing the dependence of humans on animals, the story affirms the vital connections among all living species.Illustrator Ken Gary was inspired by ancient Pueblo kiva murals, especially those at Pottery Mound in New Mexico and Awat'ovi and Kawaika-a in Arizona. The illustrations are reminiscent of the highly stylized, geometric, two-dimensional mythological motifs of these murals. Third in a series based on collaboration between storyteller Michael Lomatuway'ma and Professor Malotki, this book follows The Mouse Couple (1988) and The Magic Hummingbird (1996).