Book picks similar to
Henri's Hats by Mike Wu


picture-books
picture-book
family
imagination

We Forgot Brock!


Carter Goodrich - 2015
    Everyone can see Phillip, but only Phillip can see Brock. A night at the Big Fair is all fun and games until Phillip gets sleepy, heads home, and forgets Brock! Brock misses Phillip. And Phillip misses Brock. Will they reunite? With the help of another pair of pals, they just might. Because even imaginary friends get lost sometimes. Finding them is part of the adventure.

Side by Side: A Celebration of Dads


Chris Raschka - 2019
    fathers and children are all of these things and more in Chris Raschka's tribute to this familial pair. Each stanza presents three scenarios in which the father and child's roles are subtly balanced. The pairs vary between stanzas, coming together in a visit to an ice-cream truck. With minimal text and maximum emotion, the book encapsulates Raschka's own passion and nostalgia for being a father to his [now-grown] son.Ages 3-5

Panda Pants


Jacqueline Davies - 2016
    Pandas do NOT wear pants.   And so begins a hilarious battle of wills when a young panda tries to convince his father why pants make perfect sense. After all, pants are soft. Pants keep you warm. Some pants even have . . . POCKETS! But with a menacing snow leopard lurking in the background, will the longed-for pants end up having an even greater role to play?   Jacqueline Davies’s humorous story, with deliciously droll illustrations from Sydney Hanson, captures the push and pull between a parent and child as they face off over the age-old dilemma of what to wear . . . with the most heartwarming of results.

Imagine That!


Yasmeen Ismail - 2017
    Whenever Mommy asks her what she is doing, she always says, "Nothing!" Only Lila can see that she's really wrestling an octopus, racing along in a winged chariot, and flying with birds over a noisy jungle.But playing by yourself can get lonely. So Grandpa decides to join Lila--because using your imagination is even more fun when you play together!Bursting with energy and color, this is a joyous celebration of the imagination and creativity that will speak to child and adult alike.Awards for Time For Bed, Fred!A New York Times Best Illustrated BookA New York Times Book Review Editor's ChoiceA Society of Illustrators Original Art Show PickAwards for Specs for RexA Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Pick

Mustache Baby


Bridget Heos - 2013
    They are reassured when he nobly saves the day in imaginary-play sessions as a cowboy or cop and his mustache looks good-guy great. But as time passes, their worst fears are confirmed when little Billy’s mustache starts to curl up at the ends in a suspiciously villainous fashion. Sure enough, “Billy’s disreputable mustache led him into a life of dreadful crime.” Plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor and cartoonish illustrations make this the perfect baby-shower gift for a mustachioed father-to-be.

Holly's Day at the Pool


Benson Shum - 2017
    What if . . . the water is too cold?" says Holly. Holly the hippo imagines the worst: icebergs and icy water, penguins and seals! Her imagination bursts at every turn, making it harder and harder for her to step foot in the pool. Until she get the chance to be a hero. Holly may be scared, but she is a very brave girl.

My Wild Family


Laurent Moreau - 2015
    An older brother is strong and respected, just like an elephant. A mother is stately and beautiful, but she prefers not to stand out—a tall feat for a giraffe! How are animals like humans, and humans like animals? Readers of all ages will delight in Laurent Moreau's richly rendered, thought-provoking illustrations, and then they will entertain perhaps the most wildly illuminating question of all: What makes you special?

Beard Boy


John Flannery - 2016
    All the most boss people in his town have them. The baker, the barbers, the butcher, they're all bewhiskered—even the old lady who waits at the bus stop has one. Most of all though, Ben wants a beard just like his dad. He tries his best to start on some scruff, but nothing works quite right. And when his dad explains he might have to wait 'til he's older for a beard of his own, he decides to take some more permanent action—with a marker that is. In the end, Ben and his dad find the perfect solution in this hilarious and heartwarming picture book celebrating the bond between father and son.

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day


Beatrice Alemagna - 2016
    Now a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year!All I want to do on a rainy day like today is play my game. My mom says it’s a waste of time, but without my game, nothing is fun! On the other hand, maybe I’m wrong about that…While reading On a Magical Do-Nothing Day, one gets the sense that the illustrator became lost in her drawings, and as a reader, you'll want to do the same. Perfect for fans of picture books by Julie Morstad, Carson Ellis, Jon Klassen, and Tomi Ungerer.“Hands down, Beatrice Alemagna is my favorite contemporary illustrator," said the Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator of Last Stop on Market Street, Christian Robinson.On a Magical Do-Nothing Day has been recognized with a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. Don't miss this picture book that beautifully encourages unplugged exploration.

Everyone's Awake


Colin Meloy - 2020
    Instead of settling down to sleep, Dad bakes bread, Mom fixes the roof, and Grandma plays cards with a ghost. And between the dog, the cat, Sister, and Brother, there's at least three different wars being waged!

Sally and the Purple Socks


Lisze Bechtold - 2008
    . . Sally's purple socks have finally arrived and she can't wait to try them on. Oops, she forgot to include the size when she ordered them. But they're so warm and comfortable. She lounges in them, cleans house in them, even dances in them. But wait, is it just Sally or are her socks . . . growing?! And growing! "Dry Clean Only" takes on a whole new meaning in this adorable and wonderfully illustrated tale about an out-of-control pair of socks and their enchanting owner. A genuine delight for children.

My Red Hat


Rachel Stubbs - 2021
    It can keep you warm and dry. It can help you stand out in a crowd, or it can help you blend in. It can hold your dreams or your secrets, and it can hide your fears. In a debut picture book, Rachel Stubbs pairs winsomely expressive artwork with a gentle meditation on family connection and memory, as a grandfather offers his grandchild the anticipation of a life lived with wonder and openness…and a very special hat.

You Must Bring a Hat


Simon Philip - 2016
    . . you MUST bring a hat. But what if you don’t own a hat? Will bringing a monkey wearing a hat be enough? Find out in this tale that builds to a gloriously surreal and hilarious ending.

Ocean Meets Sky


Terry Fan - 2018
    Every time he looks out his window it’s a constant reminder of the stories his grandfather told him about the place where the ocean meets the sky. Where whales and jellyfish soar and birds and castles float.Finn’s grandfather is gone now but Finn knows the perfect way to honor him. He’ll build his own ship and sail out to find this magical place himself!And when he arrives, maybe, just maybe, he’ll find something he didn’t know he was looking for.

The Snowy Nap


Jan Brett - 2018
    But then a snowstorm starts. Luckily, Lisa finds him and brings him inside so Hedgie gets to see the wonders of winter from inside the cozy house.