Little Elliot, Big City


Mike Curato - 2014
    In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy—like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter—a friend.

Tiptop Cat


C. Roger Mader - 2014
    How this cat bounces back will encourage readers everywhere to try, try again. Eye-catching art and crisp graphic paneling invite even the youngest of children to get back on their feet to explore the city alongside TipTop Cat.

Big Little Brother


Kevin Kling - 2011
    But how would you feel if your little brother grew to be bigger than you? And what if he insisted on touching all your things and following you everywhere you went? It’s enough to frustrate the most even-keeled of kids.The narrator of Big Little Brother wants nothing more than to escape his brother’s sticky fingers. Then an encounter at the old Woman in the Shoe play area teaches him that a pesky younger sibling can actually be a pal. Maybe having a brother, big or small, is a blessing after all.Storyteller Kevin Kling, described as “one of our great national treasures” by public radio personality KristaTippett, has delighted audiences through his performances, plays, and audio and printed collections for decades. Illustrator Chris Monroe brings her witty, slightly subversive artistic sense to this heartwarming tale. the result is a playful, tender look at the familiar pains and joys of being a sibling.Storyteller Kevin Kling is the author of two books and several plays, including the musical Busytown, with composer Michael Koerner, based on the classic and amusing picture books by Richard Scarry. Painter and cartoonist Chris Monroe draws the weekly comic strip Violet Days and is the author and illustrator of Monkey with a Tool Belt and Sneaky Sheep, among other books for children.

The Fish Who Found the Sea


Alan W. Watts - 1944
    Alan Watts, beloved for bringing a childlike wonder to the spiritual journey, once wrote a story for children. The Fish Who Found the Sea brings this delightful and wise parable to life for a new generation. Presented with new art from award-winning illustrator Khoa Le, here is a story as timely as it is entertaining—sharing a key message about getting into harmony with the flow of life.In this tale of a tail, we meet a fish with a curiously familiar problem—he’s gotten himself so mixed up that he spends all his time chasing himself in circles! Only the Great Sea knows how to help our poor fish get out of the mess he’s created with his own runaway thoughts. Here is a parable that perfectly captures the wit and wisdom that have made Alan Watts a timeless teacher we will never outgrow.

Rosie Revere, Engineer


Andrea Beaty - 2013
    When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal--to fly--Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true. But when her contraption doesn't fl y but rather hovers for a moment and then crashes, Rosie deems the invention a failure. On the contrary, Aunt Rose inisists that Rosie's contraption was a raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit.

Leo: A Ghost Story


Mac Barnett - 2015
    He likes to draw, he makes delicious snacks, and most people can't even see him. Because Leo is also a ghost. When a new family moves into his home and Leo's efforts to welcome them are misunderstood, Leo decides it is time to leave and see the world. That is how he meets Jane, a kid with a tremendous imagination and an open position for a worthy knight. That is how Leo and Jane become friends. And that is when their adventures begin. This charming tale of friendship—from two of the best young minds in picture books: the author of the Caldecott Honor–winning Extra Yarn and the illustrator of the Bologna Ragazzi Award–winning Josephine—is destined to become a modern classic that will delight readers for years to come.

The Very Impatient Caterpillar


Ross Burach - 2019
    Right. I knew that...WAIT?! You're telling me I can become a BUTTERFLY?Yes.With wings?Yes.Wait for ME!!Ross Burach's hilarious, tongue-in-cheek exploration of metamorphosis will make you flutter with glee, while also providing real facts about how caterpillars transform into butterflies.

What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig


Emma J. Virjan - 2015
    . . .As a panda in a blouse, a skunk on a trunk, and more hop on board, it becomes clear that what this story really needs is a bigger boat! Join Pig on an exciting boat ride as she discovers that life is more fun with friends in this fantastic funny read-aloud with cumulative text from author-illustrator Emma J. Virján.The "What This Story Needs..." books are bright and lively and inspire giggles. "A story with echoes of Seuss and Willems," School Library Journal said in a starred review of What This Story Needs Is a Hush and a Shush.

A Stone Sat Still


Brendan Wenzel - 2019
    The follow-up to They All Saw a CatA Stone Sat Still tells the story of a seemingly ordinary rock—but to the animals that use it, it is a resting place, a kitchen, a safe haven...even an entire world.

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?

Have You Seen My Cat?


Eric Carle - 1973
    Along the way, he meets lots of interesting people and sees many beautiful members of the cat family, including lions and tigers and panthers. But over and over again he has to say "This is not my cat!" until at last he finds the cat he's looking for -- who has a delightful surprise for him. Eric Carle's simple, repetitive text and distinctive cut-paper illustrations make this modern classic a book to treasure.

The Paper Bag Princess


Robert Munsch - 1980
    In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald--who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance. Full color.

Ruby Valentine and the Sweet Surprise


Laurie B. Friedman - 2014
    

Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred)


Josh Schneider - 2015
    But not Fred. He has far too much to do!Armed with plenty of imagination, this determined little boy resists bedtime with adventurous flair. Drowsy animals of all stripes look on in disbelief as he just keeps going and going and going, until...Could it be that, after so much activity, even Fred needs to rest? Shhh. Close the book softly, and please let Fred sleep.

Wynken, Blynken, & Nod


Eugene Field - 1889
    The luminosity of the moonlit sea is captured in muted shades of blue that create a soothing mood for the dramatic verse.”—School Library Journal “Westerman captures the tone of the poem in a fittingly traditional way. . . . a pleasing rendition of an old favorite.” —Booklist “Westerman’s inventive design elements provide a soothing accompaniment for the familiar text, a staple for bedtime reading.”—Publishers Weekly