Book picks similar to
Can I Join Your Club? by John Kelly


picture-books
children
kids
children-s-books

Bears Don’t Read!


Emma Chichester Clark - 2014
    "Bears don't read!"George isn't happy doing the usual bear things like chatting and fishing. But what else is there? Then one day, he finds a book beneath a tree and knows… More than anything he wants to learn to read!But, arriving in town, George soon discovers that it's not easy to be a bear at school! If only he could find someone to teach him the alphabet and change his life forever… Perhaps a little girl called Clementine can help?A feel-good story of determination and friendship – sure to encourage a lifelong love of books.

Nobody Hugs a Cactus


Carter Goodrich - 2019
    He sits in a pot in a window that faces the empty desert, which is just how he likes it. So, when all manner of creatures—from tumbleweed to lizard to owl—come to disturb his peace, Hank is annoyed.He doesn’t like noise, he doesn’t like rowdiness, and definitely does not like hugs.But the thing is, no one is offering one. Who would want to hug a plant so mean? Hank is beginning to discover that being alone can be, well, lonely.So he comes up with a plan to get the one thing he thought he would never need: a hug from a friend.

I say OOH You say AAH


John Kane - 2018
    When I say Ooh, you say Aah. Let’s try it.”In this interactive picture book, young readers help to tell the story by responding to simple verbal or visual cues. This hilarious book is perfect for reading aloud and is fun for the whole family.

The Very Cranky Bear


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

The Storm Whale


Benji Davies - 2011
    One night, a great storm washes a small whale onto the beach. The boy discovers the whale is a good listener. The father discovers the boy is lonely. Together, they return the whale to the sea. And from that day on, the boy learns that the father can be a good listener too, in Benji Davies's heartwarming tale, The Storm Whale.

A Mouse Called Julian


Joe Todd-Stanton - 2019
    They seem to just get in the way and sometimes even try to eat him! But one day, Julian has an unexpected dinner guest...When the fox tries to sneak into Julian's burrow for a tasty bite of mouse, it finds itself stuck headfirst in Julian's front door!

Penguin


Polly Dunbar - 2007
    "Hello, Penguin!" he says. "What shall we play?" But Penguin says nothing. Even when Ben tickles its belly, sings a funny song, does a dizzy dance, stands on his head, sticks out his tongue, and resorts to increasingly rude and drastic measures, Penguin makes no response. What will it take for Penguin to say something — or for Ben to understand what Penguin has to say? Fresh, spare illustrations bring whimsy to this wonderful tale, in which a silent Penguin turns marvelously eloquent and a little boy finally gets his heart’s desire.

Bear's Big Bottom


Steve Smallman - 2013
    From children's favourite Steve Smallman, author of Smelly Peter, the Great Pea Eater and The Monkey with A Bright Blue Bottom.

In a Jar


Deborah Marcero - 2020
    He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls. And, best of all, when they hold the jars and peer inside, they remember all the wonderful things they've seen and done. But one day, Evelyn has sad news: Her family is moving away. How can the two friends continue their magical collection--and their special friendship--from afar?

Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker


Christianne C. Jones - 2012
    She talks all day, and sometimes all night. But when she loses her voice, Lacey learns the importance of listening.

Very Grumpy Day


Stella J. Jones - 2016
    Soon Bear's bad mood has made everyone grumpy! Can a little bit of love make them happy again?

Bee-Wigged


Cece Bell - 2008
    Then a wig changes Jerry's life: when he puts it on, he looks just like a boy! Jerry creates quite a buzz with his kindness and generosity, and for the first time, he has friends. But will his new pals stick around when his true identity is revealed? In this zany and tender tale, written and illustrated by Cece Bell, Jerry finds that having friends you can "bee" yourself around is as sweet as honey.

Little Mouse's Big Secret


Éric Battut - 2004
    So he buries it, and no matter how many of his friends ask what he hid, Little Mouse won't tell.  But when a tree sprouts from the seeds of the fruit, there are enough apples for everyone-and Little Mouse realizes some secrets are even better when they're shared.  Award-winning illustrator Éric Battut has created a charming picture book that will delight-and teach-children.

The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth


Ellie Hattie - 2017
    Look out! There's a mammoth on the loose! Follow Oscar through a magical museum of curious creatures to find the mammoth before the clock strikes one!

Little Beauty


Anthony Browne - 2008
    He appears to have everything he needs, but one day he signs that he is sad and needs a friend. His keepers bring him a tiny cat called Beauty and the two of them become inseparable.