Book picks similar to
The Night Garden by Elise Hurst


picture-books
bedtime
imagination
cats

Delilah D. at the Library


Jeanne Willis - 2006
    When she goes to the library, however, Library Anne is there with her own rules: no climbing, no running, no singing, and above all, no cupcakes. But in the libraries in her land, Delilah says, running and climbing are allowed, and cupcakes and doughnuts are provided. Clearly, Library Anne doesn’t know the first thing about how to run a library!When this lively battle of wills has run its course, Library Anne is dreaming about becoming an astronaut—and Delilah D. has a library book to take home. In her land, of course, everyone reads upside down.With bright, comical illustrations, including open-out gatefold pages, this extra-big picture book will captivate any child who has ever considered breaking the rules.

Cat Talk


Patricia MacLachlan - 2013
    Authors Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest and illustrator Barry Moser give voice to and celebrate our most opinionated furry friends in this spirited collection of poems filled with rich language, perfect for reading aloud. Cat Talk is sure to make readers wonder what their own four-legged friends have to say.Supports the Common Core State Standards

How Oakley Lost His Spots (Oakley and Bella Book 1)


D.C. Swain - 2013
    Convinced by his friend Rover that he has lost them, he sets off to find his spots, only to find out that Dalmatians aren’t born with spots and that they all develop at different times. A vividly illustrated picture book, this story is perfect for showing children how everyone develops at different rates. ***Check out the other books in the "Oakley and Bella" series: -When Oakley Met Bella -Oakley and Bella Meet Puss -Oakley and Bella on Holiday

It's Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones!


Warren Hanson - 2013
    Jolly Bones is far from typical—but tons of fun! It’s Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones, there’s laundry to be done.So gather up the dirty clothes and sort them one by one.Wash them, dry them, iron them, and fold them nice and neat—Then fling them out the window so they brighten up the street! Mrs. Jolly Bones has a very busy week ahead of her—and a very unique style of doing her chores. Each day of the week brings a new thing to do. But with the help of her animal roommates, she’ll grocery shop, clean house, and garden, getting everything done just in time for a wrestling match with her best gal pals! From bestselling picture book creators Warren Hanson and Tricia Tusa, here is a days-of-the-week story like no other.

Frankie Works the Night Shift


Lisa Westberg Peters - 2010
    . .Z-z-z-z-z-z. . . Frankie is hard at work, cleaning and scheming. There's no time for rest.Clang! Splash! Eeeeeek!But here's a little secret—Frankie really seems to enjoy the night shift.Is he working hard or hardly working? Open this book and decide for yourself.Good job, Frankie!

Yoga Babies


Fearne Cotton - 2017
    Sometimes life is busy and tricky, but not to worry! Yoga can help everyone chill out. Follow these babies big and small as they practise yoga at home, in the garden and before bedtime, then you can have a go at home, too!

Little Lola


Julie Saab - 2014
    . . especially school. What is school like? Find out when Lola the cat heads to school herself and gets a paw (or two) into just about everything. Lively, funny, irresistible, and mischievous, Lola will appeal to fans of Olivia and Peppa Pig.When an apple hits Lola the cat on the head and wakes her up, she knows it is going to be that kind of day. So when she sees something curious, she decides to follow it . . . right onto a school bus (fun!) and right into school. The kids have never seen a cat at school before, but this classroom is open to everyone and everything, and soon Lola is having the time of her life. This lively introduction to Little Lola the curious cat is a winning choice for back-to-school, as well as for sharing aloud all year long.The husband-and-wife team of Saab and Gothard introduce Lola, an irrepressible street cat who decides to have an adventure at school, donning pink eyeglasses, a cute outfit, and a backpack, and following schoolchildren onto the bus. The kids love Lola, and she thrives at school: “Lola practiced painting, playing, hiding, singing, swinging, and sharing.” Gothard’s watercolors have a retro, Richard Scarry simplicity and showcase Lola’s personality at every turn, whether she’s learning “subtracting” by eating goldfish crackers or showing off her many talents (including cheerleader and one-cat-band) during show-and-tell. An entertaining and promising debut for both Lola and her creators. Ages 4–8. Publishers Weekly, starred review

There's a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake


Hazel Edwards - 1980
    I know why there's a hole. There's a hippopotamus on our roof eating cake.' The cake-eating hippo is ageless. This classic story about one of the largest and most famous imaginary friends has been delighting children around the world for almost 40 years. To celebrate the original hippo story was republished in a hardback gift edition for the 30th anniversary with a special sparkly hippo on the cover, ready to delight a whole new generation of children. Now available from Penguin Puffin, and in Chinese from Sichuan Children's Publishing, there are seven titles in the series. 'Ho Ho Ho There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Christmas Cake' sold out at Christmas 2018. . A short film made by Pocket Bonfire Productions was shown at the Sydney Opera House in 2012. In 2016, Garry Ginivan Attractions toured 'Hippo! Hippo! the Musical' nationally.In 2020 there will be special celebrations for the 40th anniversary of this across the generations, favourite book character.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star


Iza Trapani - 1994
    Join our irresistible young heroine as she wishes upon a mischievous, twinkling star. Granting her wish, the little star takes her on a dazzling journey through the swirling, iridescent lights of the night sky.Iza's flowing watercolors and reassuring verses make this journey a night wish for every star gazing child.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea


Judith Kerr - 1968
    Funny and entertaining.

You Are Not a Cat!


Sharon G. Flake - 2016
    Written completely in dialogue, this minimalist text by award-winning novelist Sharon G. Flake (in her debut picture book) is fun to read aloud and easy enough for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. Anna Raff’s humorous and deceptively simple artwork highlights the characters’ personalities, showing Duck’s quirkiness and good humor and Cat’s rising frustration as Duck impersonates a variety of animals, refusing to concede that he is, indeed, a duck. Duck’s silliness will appeal to children who enjoy pretend play, and older siblings will relate to Cat’s annoyance as Duck refuses to leave his side. This concise, funny story is ideal for multiple readings, with playful details in the artwork and humor that never fades.

The Big Pets


Lane Smith - 1991
    You've never seen pets like these before!An enormous cat that can fly to the starsA hamster big enough to saddle up and rideA snake that can twist itself into a jungle gym!

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy


Lynley Dodd - 1983
    All is uneventful until they meet Scarface Claw, the toughest tom in town, and run for home. The story is told by a brilliant, cumulative rhyming text and terrific pictures.

Tatty Ratty


Helen Cooper - 2001
    Might he be driving a train?... or sailing on a pirate ship? An imaginative and heart-warming story, with glowing illustrations from Helen Cooper, twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Me and My Cat


Ekaterina Trukhan - 2012
    Cat lovers will instantly recognize all the quirks and joys that come with having a kitty companion.