With a new spin on an old theme (remember "The House That Jack Built"?), this jolly story is the perfect picture-book choice for beginning readers.

    There would be executive orders to give, babies to kiss, tuna casseroles to veto (or VETO!)…and so much more! Not to mention that recess would definitely require more security.With deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, best-selling picture book creator Lane Smith introduces readers to an unforgettable new character.

    Full color.

    It's a book that pays tribute, in word and form, to all that a book is and can be. Once upon a time there was a girl who had a dog named Egg Cream. This girl loved her dog, but she also loved her special book. And Book loved her. But how about Book and Egg Cream? Could they coexist as the girl's two favorite things in the whole wide world?

    Then Skunk. Then Wolf comes running."What could it possibly be?" asks Bat."Night Animals!" the animals declare."But you are night animals," Bat informs this not-so-smart crew.Children will love the oh-so-funny animals in this twist on a cozy bedtime book.

    A series of holes peeping through to the next page leads the young child on to the next stage of the day, giving a hint of what is to come.

    There's a new baby penguin in his home. And though Marcel is sleeping in his crib now, he can't stay there forever. But where can they put him? Mama's arms are way too big to cuddle a tiny baby penguin. It's definitely too scary high up on Daddy's shoulders for him. And as anyone can see, when Daddy is on one side and Mama on the other, with Leon in the middle, there's no room for anyone else. ?We can't put a baby penguin anywhere ...? Leon says. Is there a place that's just right for a little brother penguin to go?In this endearing and cozy picture book, author and illustrator Émile Jadoul poignantly captures the worries and evolving feelings that arise when a new baby enters the family of a young child. The sweet story is told with sensitivity and gentle humor from the child's perspective, allowing young readers' understanding to grow along with Leon's, as he eventually figures out where and how a new sibling will fit into his family. The uncomplicated artwork is charming and expressive and a perfect complement to the limited text, conveying simply and realistically the emotions of the story. This book would make a wonderful starting point for a conversation about becoming a new big brother or sister, a common experience for preschoolers and kindergartners. A cozy read-aloud, it also lends itself to exploring growing up or family life, or a character education lesson on adaptability.

    He'd love to watch them fly and hear them sing, but he's only ever read about them in books. . .until a real bird comes along. He's dying to meet her, but there's just one problem: Shy is, well, shy--so shy, in fact, that he's afraid to leave the gutter of the book. Can Shy overcome his fears and venture out onto the page? This sweetly relatable picture book from the acclaimed Deborah Freedman speaks to every child who's ever felt like hiding instead of facing the daunting world.

    Cat—crouching, creeping, prancing, pouncing—chases Mouse.And Mouse—skipping, sneaking, dodging, dashing—chases Cat.How will the game end? And will Cat and Mouse still be friends when it's over?

      Bear is tired of waking up every morning in the same green forest, so he decides to search for a new place to live. He visits the birds in the trees, a mole underground, a camel in the hot desert sand, puffins in the cold arctic snow . . . only to realize his own home is the perfect place for him after all. Welcome Home, Bear offers rich illustrations, bright colors, and a simple, spare text—all wrapped up in a beautiful, kid-friendly package. Readers meet animals in their habitats around the world—and return with Bear to the one place he is truly happy.

    A wry and affectionate look at the ups and downs of preschoolers in the big city. "That's why they call permanent markers permanent," Harris' mother says as she surveys Harris and his best friend Ayana's handiwork in his bedroom.In 13 illustrated vignettes, young Harris gets into big and little adventures at home, at best friend Ayana's house, and throughout his diverse city neighborhood.Inspired by her own child, celebrated author-illustrator Amy Schwartz captures a preschooler's sense of wonder and possibility, such as when Harris and Ayana vow to keep holding hands "forever and ever"--even while riding stampeding elephants.A Junior Library Guild Selection

    A very small pumpkin seed. A very small but special pumpkin seed. And what will become of this very small but special seed? He'll only find out if he lets it grow...and grow...and grow! Because sometimes the smallest things can lead to the biggest adventures! In a world full of immediacy and instant gratification, author Mary Ann Fraser plants the seed of patience in her playful picture book about the life cycle of a giant pumpkin and the rewards of letting it grow.

    On a snowy day, Mouse is swept outside where he plays in the snow, ice skates on a frozen puddle, and makes sure his friends the birds get something to eat.