Book picks similar to
The Evil Spell by Emily Arnold McCully


picture-books
children-s-lit
school-library-books
animals-bears

My Dog Is the Best


Laurie Ann Thompson - 2015
    Using simple words and spare illustrations, My Dog Is the Best celebrates the special bond that exists between a young child and a beloved family pet. It’s the heartwarming story of two best friends. . . told by a boy with a very active imagination.“This simple, quiet story conveys the enduring bond between child and dog, with the added appeal of a joke that younger children just beginning to understand humor can enjoy.” —Kirkus Reviews“Though ‘a boy and his dog’ may not be a groundbreaking theme, it’s often a popular one—and this gentle tale of friendship is no exception…. While this is a familiar story, it’s a well-executed and charming one.” —School Library Journal

Way Past Bedtime


Tara Lazar - 2017
    When his parents tuck him in at night, Joseph imagines all kinds of things that he’s missing out on: big parties, hot-fudge fountains, exotic animals, and more. But there is only one way to find out if what he imagines is actually true—and bedtime super-sleuth Joseph is determined to discover what happens way past bedtime.

Chicken Soup, Boots


Maira Kalman - 1993
    A dazzling series of linked portraits deftly draws us into a colorful, fantastical world full of people engaged in assorted occupations. Full-color illustrations.

The Great Thanksgiving Escape


Mark Fearing - 2014
    Gavin expects a long day of boredom and being pestered by distantly related toddlers, but his cousin Rhonda has a different idea: make a break for it — out of the kids’ room to the swing set in the backyard! Gavin isn’t so sure, especially when they encounter vicious guard dogs (in homemade sweaters), a hallway full of overly affectionate aunts, and worse yet, the great wall of butts! Will they manage to avoid the obstacles and find some fun before turkey time? Or will they be captured before they’ve had a taste of freedom?

Captain Beastlie's Pirate Party


Lucy Coats - 2014
    Captain Beastlie is eagerly counting down the days till his birthday – but what he doesn’t know is his crew has got a special secret lined up for the Big Event. His days of being the smelliest, dirtiest pirate ever are numbered, and when Captain Beastlie’s birthday finally comes, he’s in for a big surprise...

Is Two a Lot?: An Adventure with Numbers


Annie Watson - 2019
     Is 2 a Lot? is a wonderfully charming and authentic exchange between mother and child. Annie Watson’s story makes numbers tangible, and Rebecca Evans’s illustrations bring them to life.

Suddenly!


Colin McNaughton - 1994
    The wolf pursues the little pig throughout the day, but each time, quite unaware, the pig evades him until in the end the wolf gets his come-uppance in an unexpected and hilarious way. SUDDENLY is an ideal book for young children, who will love the wicked humour and child-centred repetition.

Aalfred and Aalbert


Morag Hood - 2019
    Sometimes, Aalfred thinks he might like to be part of a pair, and sometimes Aalbert thinks he might like to be one of two. But Aalfred sleeps all day, and Aalbert sleeps all night--so how will the two ever meet? Luckily, a helpful bystander intervenes and when Aalfred and Aalbert's paths cross in the most unexpected way, they find that they go together quite well, just like cheese and broccoli.This adorable story about two aardvarks and an unlikely matchmaker will appeal to families with LGBTQ parents and family members as author-illustrator Morag Hood keeps children laughing with funny situations and entertaining teachable moments about relationships.

Jam & Honey


Melita Morales - 2011
    A little bee is on its way to gather nectar, nectar to make honey for her honeycomb. Their meeting in the same berry patch shines a gentle light on a common childhood fear from two points of view. This picture book provides a sweet way to convey even to the youngest child the importance of understanding and respecting all creatures.Alternate Title: Jam and Honey

Silly Goose's Big Story


Keiko Kasza - 2012
    Except one thing - Goose is always the hero. And when they ask to take turns leading the fun, Goose doesn't agree. While they argue about it, no one notices the hungry wolf sneaking up on them until he shouts, "Hello, Lunch!" This real-life danger shows Goose how silly he's been and that his friends make terrific heroes! Always a surefire hit on laps or at storytime, Keiko Kasza's latest shows how imagination can come in handy in an unexpected way.

Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse


Lindsay Barrett George - 2004
    One day they both went on a trip. They traveled up, down, across, around, through, between, behind, over, and under, until they finally met in the middle. Hello!Are they old friends?Or new friends?Did they just meet today?Or do they visit every day?And what do you think might happen next to the inside mouse and the outside mouse?

Thumb Love


Elise Primavera - 2010
    She and her thumb were very happy together—in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, Lulu and her thumb were best friends. Despite the urging of her family and the teasing of her friends, Lulu just would not give up her thumb-sucking habit. That is, until one day . . . when Lulu made up her mind to stop. And to help herself and thumb suckers all over the world, Lulu developed a program—one with steps. Twelve steps, to be exact. Join Lulu in her quest to kick the habit as she goes through the steps in this funny and insightful picture book. Told in a light-hearted manner and filled with good humor about a universal and important concern, Thumb Love will be embraced by parents and caregivers alike. This is not an issue book but a story that will resonate with anyone who is—or was—a kid.

Little Miss Spider at Sunny Patch School


David Kirk - 2000
    Full of excitement and anticipation, she tries hard to, but just can't, mater her new lessons. In the end, however, she discovers that her true talent is kindness. Now, in a special mini-book format, the menagerie of new school friends and the ever sparkling, simple rhymes of David Kirk's lilting tale will delight children who are both nervous and excited for their own first day of school.

Fairly Fairy Tales


Esmé Raji Codell - 2011
    Gifted writer and educator Esme Raji Codell has writtten a book that incorporates fractured fairy tales with this kind of parent-child interplay to create a pitch-perfect combination of bedtime read-aloud and fairytales that will delight children and parents!

Grandfather Twilight


Barbara Helen Berger - 1984
    Little birds hush as he walks by, and the rabbits and other small woodland creatures watch in silence as he performs his very special evening task and returns to his house among the trees. Small readers and listeners, too, will sense the serenity of this poetic story, and will be comforted to learn that the twilight is a gentle, friendly time.Exquisite pictures extend and illuminate the text, to reveal the nightly miracle so faithfully performed by Grandfather Twilight. Perfect for reading aloud and for sharing at bedtime, this beautiful and reassuring book will be cherished by old and young alike.