Book picks similar to
The Jar of Happiness by Ailsa Burrows


picture-books
picture-book
friendship
children

Katie Loves the Kittens


John Himmelman - 2008
    She loves them so much!But Katie's enthusiasm frightens the kitties, and she's sad when they run away from her. Don't they know that she just wants to play?Katie Loves the Kittens is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

The Tiny Baker


Hayley Barrett - 2020
    Every day, insect customers line up to dine at the tiny baker's tearoom, but when her ladybug cooks fly away, upending the pristine kitchen, the baker learns an important lesson about friendship.

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love


Michelle Edwards - 2016
    Mrs. Goldman always knits hats for everyone in the neighborhood, and Sophia, who thinks knitting is too hard, helps by making the pom-poms. But now winter is here, and Mrs. Goldman herself doesn’t have a hat—she’s too busy making hats for everyone else! It’s up to Sophia to buckle down and knit a hat for Mrs. Goldman. But try as Sophia might, the hat turns out lumpy, the stitches aren’t even, and there are holes where there shouldn’t be holes. Sophia is devastated until she gets an idea that will make Mrs. Goldman’s hat the most wonderful of all. Readers both young and old will relate to Sophia’s frustrations, as well as her delight in making something special for someone she loves.A knitting pattern is included in the back of the book.

Breathe


Scott Magoon - 2014
    Breathe. This simply told story follows a young whale on a journey of discovery as he experiences his first day at sea on his own! He swims, explores, and makes friends in his marine habitat. After a day of independence, this little whale delights in returning home to his mother. Young readers will be drawn to Scott Magoon’s reassuring story of adventure.

I Will Love You Anyway


Mick Inkpen - 2016
    I don't do 'sit!'I don't do 'stay!'But I will love you anyway.Dog is very badly behaved - he destroys everything, chases cars and won't stop running away! But when he finds himself lost and alone there is one person he can count on.

Kitten and the Night Watchman


John Sullivan - 2018
     All night he is alone. Every hour he makes his rounds. He sees the stars twinkling. He hears the sounds of the night: ki-DEE ki-DEE ki-DEE shhhhheeeeeEEEERRRROOOOooooommmmmm Woof! Woof! Woof! Meeeoooow. When he is joined by a stray kitten, the night suddenly seems different. Has the kitten found a new home? Kitten and the Night Watchman is inspired by the true story of author John Sullivan meeting a stray cat while working as a night watchman. The cat, Beebe, was John’s companion for seventeen years.

Peep and Egg: I'm Not Hatching


Laura Gehl - 2016
    No how.It is too scary out there.Peep wants Egg to hatch so they can do fun things together, like watch the sunrise, splash in puddles, and play hide-and-seek.But Egg is not cracking... Joyce Wan's bright and bold illustrations will have young chickies giggling at Laura Gehl's reassuring tale that takes the not out of I'm not.

South


Daniel Duncan - 2017
    Together, the two form a special friendship and enjoy life at sea until both the healing process and the journey must come to an end. In the tradition of the classic Amos & Boris, South is a story about making new friends and the bittersweet process of saying good-bye to the ones we love. It beautifully depicts the power of new beginnings and the freedom in coming home.

Day by Day


Susan Gal - 2012
    The industrious pigs of Day by Day build a home, plant a garden, help their neighbors, and then gather in a harvest grown with hard work and kindness.  The language is sweet and simple: Day by day, the seasons turn. Shoulder to shoulder, pigs gather the harvest. Hand in hand, pigs give thanks, then cheek to cheek, they dance. The artwork is bright and full of the merry antics of a happy family and a tight-knit community.  And these pigs are flat out adorable!This delightful story celebrates family and community, caring and sharing.

Matilda's Cat


Emily Gravett - 2012
    She tries everything she can think of: climbing trees, playing with wool, even tea parties and dress-up games, but as Matilda gets more and more creative in her entertainment attempts, her cat moves from unimpressed to terrified. Will Matilda ever figure out what her cat likes? In the style of Dogs and Monkey and Me, this young picture book from Emily Gravett is an insightful, fond, and funny look at the relationship between a little girl and her cat that’s sure to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever loved a pet.

If Wendell Had a Walrus


Lori Mortensen - 2018
    Together, they’d ride bikes, tell jokes, and have a grand time. If only he could find one! But looking for a walrus turns out to be its own adventure, one with an unexpected and happy result.Acclaimed author Lori Mortensen and New York Times-bestselling illustrator Matt Phelan have created a sweet, playful, memorable book in If Wendell Had a Walrus that kids are sure to request again and again.

You Are the Pea, and I Am the Carrot


J. Theron Elkins - 2013
    . . and two best friends who together create the ultimate recipe for friendship! Sweet, rhyming text and sidesplitting illustrations welcome young readers into a whimsical world of tasty combinations and tender sentiments and make them hungry for another read. Perfect for friends of any age, You Are the Pea, and I Am the Carrot is a delicious gift for the one you love. Praise for You are the Pea, and I am the Carrot "The text’s springboard is a cherished, symbiotic adult relationship (as Elkins’ dedication attests), which is lovely..." --Kirkus Reviews "The concept is sound, celebrating the love between friends or family members..." --School Library Journal "Every vignette is worth at least a giggle, usually an 'Awww,' and, in one instance, a book of its own..." --Publishers Weekly

Can I Be Your Dog?


Troy Cummings - 2018
    Arfy writes to every person on Butternut Street about what a great pet he'd make. His letters to prospective owners share that he's house broken! He has his own squeaky bone! He can learn to live with cats! But, no one wants him. Won't anyone open their heart--and home--to a lonesome dog?

Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears?


Carmela LaVigna Coyle - 2012
    Are super heroes always brave and daring? We're brave and bold and kind and caring. After five successful books in the "Princesses" series, Carmela LaVigna Coyle now turns her attention to an all new childhood fantasy in this wonderful new story about imagination and play. Every little boy and girl has a super hero somewhere inside just waiting to come out. Tie on your cape (blankies recommended) and join the adventure. P.S. Do super heroes have teddy bears? Why, yes, they do! Check out the trailer on YouTube

Bear Feels Scared


Karma Wilson - 2008
    When Bear’s friends discover that he is not at home in his lair, they march out into the cold to find their pal. Friends don’t let friends stay lost! Wren, Owl, and Raven take to the skies while Badger, Mole, and Mouse search on the ground. Pretty soon Bear is found, and once he’s back in his cave, he feels quite safe with his friends all around.