Pumpkin Cat


Ann Turner - 2004
    Rescued by two kind librarians, Pumpkin Cat makes a home for herself in the large children's room. But the wooden sheep and the sock monkey never talk, and once the librarians leave for the day, Pumpkin Cat is lonely. Searching for what is missing, she makes a new friend in a neighborhood girl and receives a Halloween gift that fills her heart. Ann Turner's tender story, paired with Amy June Bates's cozy illustrations, explores the idea that sometimes for a home to be found, a home must be given. Ann Turner is the author of several books for children, including Red Flower Goes West, illustrated by Dennis Nolan. She lives with her family in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.

Smug Seagull


Maddie Frost - 2020
    That's a fact!Sandwiches. Pretzels. French Fries. You bring 'em to the beach, he's going to swipe 'em. But when a crab with even better swiping skills comes along, this seagull will have to decide if there are enough treats on the beach for everyone . . .Maddie Frost's unforgettable characters and bright, kid-friendly illustrations combine in this humorous story about patience, sharing, and wicked good snacks.

Little Tree


Loren Long - 2015
    Life is perfect just the way it is. Autumn arrives, and with it the cool winds that ruffle Little Tree's leaves. One by one the other trees drop their leaves, facing the cold of winter head on. But not Little Tree—he hugs his leaves as tightly as he can. Year after year Little Tree remains unchanged, despite words of encouragement from a squirrel, a fawn, and a fox, his leaves having long since turned brown and withered. As Little Tree sits in the shadow of the other trees, now grown sturdy and tall as though to touch the sun, he remembers when they were all the same size. And he knows he has an important decision to make.

Moo Moo in a Tutu


Tim Miller - 2017
    Quackers in their debut, Moo Moo in a Tutu.A cow who wants to be a ballerina? Are you for real? This is a hilarious, one-of-a-kind friendship story between an adventurous cow and a very loyal duck that will have you quacking up all the way through and applauding for more.

Hibernation Station


Michelle Meadows - 2010
    Young readers will be soothed and delighted as this story introduces them to different types of hibernating animals. The creatures on the train are preparing to snuggle into sleep, although with a passenger list that includes chipmunks, bears, snakes, hedgehogs, groundhogs, frogs, turtles, mice, bats, and more, there’s a lot of noise! Will the hibernating critters ever get to sleep? Take a trip to Hibernation Station to find out!

Sir Simon: Super Scarer


Cale Atkinson - 2018
    He's a professional ghost who has been transferred to his first house. And just in time! He was getting tired of haunting bus stops and forests and potatoes. And to top it off, this house is occupied by an old lady -- they're the easiest to haunt!But things don't go as planned when it turns out a KID comes with this old lady. Chester spots Simon immediately and peppers him with questions. Simon is exasperated. . . until he realizes he can trick Chester into doing his ghost chores. Spooky sounds, footsteps in the attic, creaks on the stairs -- these things don't happen on their own, you know!After a long night of haunting, it seems that maybe Chester isn't cut out to be a ghost, so Simon decides to help with Chester's human chores. Turns out Simon isn't cut out for human chores either.But maybe they're both cut out to be friends . . .

The Cow Said Meow


John Himmelman - 2016
    When the kind old lady inside opens the door, the cow gets an idea--one that spirals out of control!Minimal text and maximum hilarity make for a zany, fun-filled tale as we find out what happens when the cow says meow.

Rot, the Cutest in the World!


Ben Clanton - 2017
    Like most mutant potatoes, Rot loves all sorts of games and contests. So when he sees a sign for the “Cutest in the World Contest,” he can’t wait to enter. But when Rot realizes who he’s up against—an itty-bitty baby bunny, a little-wittle cuddly kitten, and an eenie-weenie jolly jellyfish—he loses confidence. Will the judges find room in their hearts for an adorable mutant potato?

How to Build a Haunted House


Frank Tupta - 2020
    From mummies to Cyclops to the skeleton crew, they’re all working hard to get the job done. But they’d better hurry, because the house needs to be finished before the sun comes up. It’s a good thing their foreman, Frankenstein, is here to keep everyone in check. Will they get it done in time?

The Scarecrow's Hat


Ken Brown - 2001
    A delightful circular tale and fall read-aloud!"Great for storytelling, with big beautiful pictures for a topper." ―Kirkus ReviewsChicken really admires Scarecrow's hat. Scarecrow would gladly trade his hat for a walking stick to rest his tired arms. Chicken doesn't have a walking stick to trade--but she knows someone who does.Author-illustrator Ken Brown pairs vivid, realistic watercolors with an inventive plot, engaging sequencing and repetition and to tell a charming circular story packed with relatable themes of friendship, bartering, and problem solving. An ideal storytime choice for autumn and harvest themes.Also available from Ken Brown: What's the Time, Grandma Wolf?Awards:Children's Literature Choice List (Picture Books, Ages 4-8) ―Children's LiteratureBest Bets for the Classroom (Picture Books) ―Virginia Center for Children's BooksNevada Young Readers' Award (Nominee, Picture Books) ―Nevada Library Association

Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family


Nelly Buchet - 2020
    Sure, they fight like.... well, cats and dogs, but they're used to one another. Dog-- a different dog-- lives a happy only child life in the city with his dad. He has the bed to himself, he never has to share his toys, and that's the way he likes it. So what happens when the Dog's dad and Cat and Dog's mom move in together? Well, it's chaotic. There's not enough room on the bed, for starters. But as the seasons pass, the three animals become a trio and learn to (mostly) love one another. Just as they're settling into a cozy life as a threesome, along comes..... a baby! This laugh-out-loud picture book, which cleverly uses two repeating words, is sure to strike a chord with kids dealing with the ups-and-downs of settling into a blended family of their own.

Thankful


Elaine Vickers - 2021
    Thankful for parents who read me stories and comb my hair gently, gently. Who whisper the same poem every night when they tuck me in. When the first snow falls, a little girl writes down the things she’s thankful for on strips of paper and links them together. As one idea leads to another, her chain grows longer. There’s so much good in her life: a friend, things that are warm, things that are cold, color, things that can be fixed. This beautiful story is a much-needed reminder to observe and honor life’s small joys.

Seven Hungry Babies


Candace Fleming - 2010
    “Feed us! Feed us!” the little ones chant, and Mama calms them as only a mother can—before she frantically flies away to gather more delectable worms. Readers can count with Mama Bird as she zooms back and forth across the pages, going from seven hungry babies to none…until one by one the babies wake up again…hungry!

The Thankful Book


Todd Parr - 2012
    Now, The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bathtime to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments. The perfect book to treasure and share, around the holidays and throughout the year.

The Secret Life of the Red Fox


Laurence Pringle - 2017
    Stunning, realistic illustrations celebrate the beauty of these mysterious creatures as readers learn important facts through an engaging and fascinating story. The book also includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.