Raising Dragons


Jerdine Nolen - 1998
    At first Ma and Pa are wary of Hank, but it’s not long before they see him as their daughter does--and welcome the baby dragon into their family. As it turns out, Hank is not cut out for farm life, but still, he warms the hearts of those around him and leaves a legacy that no one will ever forget.

The Wump World


Bill Peet - 1970
    The Pollutians invade the Wump World and turn the green meadows into a concrete jungle.

The Mermaid and the Shoe


K.G. Campbell - 2014
    Some might call them mermaids. Each one, it seemed, was more remarkable than the last. Except Minnow.The only remarkable thing about Minnow was the questions she asked. So many questions! "Where do bubbles go?" "Why don't crabs have fins?" "What lies beyond the kingdom?"When a curious and beautiful new object drifts into her life, Minnow can't imagine what it might be for, but she's certain it must have a purpose. So she follows her questions into the unknown, all the way to another, wondrous world. There she makes several remarkable discoveries...

Roly Poly Pangolin


Anna Dewdney - 2010
    Meet Roly Poly Pangolin?a little pangolin who?d rather stick close to his mama instead of facing anything unfamiliar. Whether it?s a line of ants, a friendly monkey, or a loud noise, Roly Poly runs the other way. Then he hears something that really scares him. So he does what all pangolins do when they?re frightened?he rolls up into a tiny ball. But Roly Poly is surprised when he finally peeks out, because another ball is peeking back . . . it?s a small pangolin just like him!Anna Dewdney has created another irresistible character to reassure children about the world around them.

Who Sank the Boat?


Pamela Allen - 1982
    They were good friends, and one warm, sunny morning, for no particular reason, they decided to go for a row in the bay. Do you know who sank the boat? "The idea is funny, the pictures are splendid, and the easy text is just right for the very young."--The New Yorker "A bright, brisk tale, simply told, illustrated by cheerful, comical pictures."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Jangles: A Big Fish Story: A Big Fish Story


David Shannon - 2012
    Fishing alone at dusk,a boy feels a tug on his line and comes face-to-facewith the gigantic trout--whose enormous jaw is coveredwith so many lures and fish hooks that he jingles andjangles when he swims. Terrified by the sight, the boy isshocked when Jangles befriends him and takes him on anadventure to the bottom of the lake. A surprise endingwill leave readers laughing and shaking their heads. Hereis Shannon at his very best-in a wild and witty story thatbegs repeated reading.

Bedtime in the Forest


Kazuo Iwamura - 1984
    This time, they are up and out in the middle of the night. After all, the owl children are wide-awake and playing. So why can’t squirrel children stay up late and play, too? "Baby squirrels find unlikely new friends in their first non-seasonal outing (Hooray for Snow!, 2009, etc.). While frolicking on a tree branch one morning, squirrel siblings Mick, Mack and Molly spy an owl family sleeping inside the tree. Mama Owl wakes up long enough to tell them to come back at night if they want to play, and they do, even though their parents have warned them not to. There's fun for a while, but the squirrels soon tire and fall asleep. Luckily, Father and Mother have guessed what their children are up to and bring them home. Though playing together won’t work for owl and squirrel children, Mick, Mack and Molly come up with a great idea: They make a mailbox so they can be pen pals with the owlets. Iwamura’s adorable animals are well-matched by both his muted palette and his gentle story. Pleasantly reminiscent of Beatrix Potter..." -Kirkus Reviews "Three squirrel children meet two owlets and would love to play with them, but they go out only at night. That evening, too excited to sleep, Mick, Mack, and Molly sneak out of their tree to join the owls, raring to go in their little red overalls. However, the squirrels, clad in cozy, soft pajamas, soon fall asleep, and their father finds them and takes them home....One of the appeals of this tale is that the squirrel children solve their problem themselves. This unpretentious story with lovely art and endearing animals will be enjoyed by young children." - School Library Journal

Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door


Adam Rubin - 2011
    But now that it's spring and his beloved birds are back, nothing can spoil his good mood--until a cat named Muffins arrives next door. Muffins terrifies the birds and interrupts Fookwire's painting. He even gives the squirrels wet willies! How can this bully be stopped? Someone had better come up with a plan.It's brains versus brawn in this hilarious picture book, and the results surprise everyone. Except, perhaps, those darn squirrels.

The Very Cranky Bear


Nick Bland - 2008
    But it is plain, boring Sheep who has the answer. Ages 3+.

Posy


Linda Newbery - 2008
    This beautifully illustrated picture book by an award-winning author and illustrator team is bound to be adored by cat lovers of all ages, everywhere!

Pokko and the Drum


Matthew Forsythe - 2019
    When Pokko takes the drum deep into the forest it is so quiet, so very quiet that Pokko decides to play. And before she knows it she is joined by a band of animals —first the raccoon, then the rabbit, then the wolf—and soon the entire forest is following her. Will Pokko hear her father’s voice when he calls her home? Pokko and the Drum is a story about art, persistence, and a family of frogs living in a mushroom.

Where Bear?


Sophy Henn - 2014
    But over time the bear cub grew . . . and grew . . . and GREW! And did things that bears do . . . and do . . . and DO! One day the boy looked at the bear and realized he was just too big and bearish to be living in a house. "I think it's time we found you a new place to live where you can be bearish and big," said the boy. "But where, bear?"From the only two-time World Book Illustrator Sophy Henn, here is a delightful journey that reminds us that even when best friends are apart, they always stay together.Praise for WHERE BEAR? * "[N]othing short of magnificent. Each page is absolutely charming and begs to be looked at again and again."–Library Media Connection, starred review "[A] winsome debut . . . The catchy refrain, 'Then where, bear?,'and Henn’s sophisticated matte-toned illustrations make for a zippy take on the 'finding your place' genre."–New York Times Book Review   "This gentle tale about friendship and home will give early readers and their grown-ups plenty of food for discussion."–Kirkus Reviews"Simple illustrations in bold colors allow the bear’s repertoire of expressions — chagrin, boredom, and terror — to take center stage."–Boston Globe"[C]hildren will gravitate to the rhythmic repetition and the graphic design. A notable debut."–Booklist

Walk on the Wild Side


Nicholas Oldland - 2015
    But sometimes their competitive natures got in the way of having fun." One day, the three set off to climb a mountain togetherClasses may discuss woodland animals, their habitats, or the pleasure of outdoors.

A Penguin Story


Antoinette Portis - 2008
    She is convinced there is something more out there. So she sets out on a quest—a quest for color. When she finally finds what she's been looking for, it's everything she hoped for and more. But that doesn't mean she will ever stop looking.

I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!


Emma Chichester Clark - 1998
    When Blue Kangaroo feels misplaced by Lily's new toys, he wonders if she would even notice if he were gone? A heartwarming and comforting tale of sibling rivalry, loyalty, and lasting love, I Love You Blue Kangaroo is a Child Magazine Best Kids' Book of the Year.