Book picks similar to
If a Horse Had Words by Kelly Cooper


picture-books
picture-book
horses
friendship

Big Bear Hug


Nicholas Oldland - 2006
    One day, the benevolent bear meets up with a human. This human proceeds to do something the bear cannot understand: he raises his axe and begins to cut down a tree. Suddenly the bear doesn't feel like hugging anymore and must make a difficult decision on how to stop this destruction in his forest.The environmental message of Big Bear Hug is both funny and powerful, while simple enough to engage very young children and show them the awesome power of a hug.

Eduardo Guadardo, Elite Sheep


Anthony Pearson - 2018
    He may look cute. But he’s no little lamb. He’s about to graduate from the FBI—that’s the Fairytale Bureau of Investigations—as an Elite Sheep. He knows five forms of kung fu, and he can outfox the foxiest of foxes. In fact, he’s so good they put him on his own case: to keep the farmer’s daughter, Mary, safe from Wolf, Troll, and Witch. It’s a job for somebody baaaaaaad—someone like a soon-to-be Elite Sheep. The thing is, protecting Mary isn’t quite as easy as Eduardo expected…This imaginary backstory for “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is hilarious, action-packed, and filled with subterfuge (that means pulling the wool over your eyes, for you civilians).

Friends Stick Together


Hannah E. Harrison - 2018
    Levi, the new tickbird in class, is not. He burps the alphabet, tells corny jokes, and does really embarrassing air guitar solos. Worse, he lands right on Rupert and is determined to be Rupert's symbiotic best pal! Rupert wants him gone. But when Levi finally does bug off, Rupert finds the peace and quiet a little boring. It turns out, Rupert could really use a friend like Levi.This sweet and moving friendship story shares an important message of acceptance for every reader--whether they're a Rupert or a Levi.

Bee & Me


Alison Jay - 2016
    This beautiful picture book makes the story personal and brings a message of hope. A little girl befriends a bee, which takes her on a journey of discovery and to an action each child can take to aid in conservation. Alison Jay’s original artwork brings the story gently to life, pointing out the sadness of a world without bees.

Cowie


Elizabeth Rose Stanton - 2020
    Will his friends help him make his dream come true? Find out in this sweetly told story about discovering your true self.Cowie was born a donkey but he knows he’s meant to be a cow. He wants to be a cow. Cows can graze in the meadow all day long and no one asks them to carry heavy packages. So, he stands with the cows in the barn but nothing happens. Will his dream ever come true, he wonders. Can Mousie and Duckie help Cowie feel happy in his own skin?

The House of Grass and Sky


Mary Lyn Ray - 2021
    This house—an old one hunkered in the deep grass below a wide country sky—is a waiting house. Once it was full of laughter and song. The sounds of life rang within its walls. Now it stands quiet and still. The house has sheltered many families over the years and remembers them fondly, especially the children. New families arrive to look, but none stay. Perhaps the house, too, now belongs to the Long Ago and Used to Be? Or will the “right” family move in to honor its past and build new memories? Wistful and nostalgic, Mary Lyn Ray’s poetic text, combined with glowing, pastoral illustrations by E. B. Goodale that capture the lonely house’s unique character, create a quietly affecting hymn to hope and surprise that will enchant readers of all ages.

The Capybaras


Alfredo Soderguit - 2020
    They are happy with life as it is, and each hen knows her job. They don’t even seem to notice when one of them is carried off from time to time. Until the day the capybaras appear. To the hens, they are too hairy, too wet, and too big. They don’t even follow the rules! But it’s hunting season, and the capybaras need refuge.

Blaze and the Forest Fire: Billy and Blaze Spread the Alarm


C.W. Anderson - 1969
    Anderson.Billy and Blaze are more than just friends—they’re heroes! When they spot smoke in the brush, they race through the woods to sound the alarm. At the end of the day, Billy and Blaze are rewarded for their bravery—with carrots for Blaze, chocolate cake for Billy, and a very special present that they can share. Blaze and the Forest Fire is part of the classic Billy and Blaze series. Sensitive drawings and easy-to-read words capture the warmth and special understanding between a boy and his horse.

Baby Bear Counts One


Ashley Wolff - 2013
    Baby Bear is back in this cozy, counting-themed companion to the celebrated Baby Bear Sees Blue.Fall has arrived in Baby Bear's forest, and the woods are teeming with animals busily preparing for winter.How many animals?Count along from one to ten with Baby Bear as he and Mama hustle home to their cozy den; just in time for the season's first snowfall.

Claymates


Dev Petty - 2017
    Things might get a little crazy.In this photographic friendship adventure, the claymates squish, smash, and sculpt themselves into the funniest shapes imaginable. But can they fix a giant mess before they're caught in the act?

Octopus Alone


Divya Srinivasan - 2013
    From her cozy cave, she can see clown fish, and sea turtles, and little butterflies swimming by. She especially loves watching the seahorses having fun, wiggling and twirling. Sometimes she will play with them, but occasionally Octopus just wants to be alone, somewhere quiet, and not so busy. So one day, she swims far, far beyond the reef and finds another cozy cave, only here she is perfectly, wonderfully alone. It is exactly what she wanted . . . until she’s ready to go back home to be with her friends.As she did in Little Owl's Night, Divya Srinivasan shows children a wonderful part of the natural world in a very warm-hearted way.

Marshmallow


Clare Turlay Newberry - 1942
    Marshmallow is an endearingly and beautifully illustrated book about an adorable baby bunny who comes to live in the house of a pampered cat, and the friendship that develops between them.

City Dog, Country Frog


Mo Willems - 2010
    “You’ll do,” Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog’s rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.Mo Willems’ spare, poignant text and Jon J. Muth’s expressive watercolors team up to tell a story that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Bear and Squirrel Are Friends . . . Yes, Really!


Deb Pilutti - 2015
    But can they still be friends? Find out in this clever picture book that’s perfect for preschoolers.The other bears said, “Squirrel would make a good midnight snack!” Bear said, “Squirrel’s my friend. I would never eat a friend.” But what happens if Bear gets really, really hungry? Squirrel has just the solution! This story about the power and bond of friendship will warm the hearts—and tickle the funny bones—of everyone who reads it.

Copycat Bear!


Ellie Sandall - 2012
    To Mango's annoyance, Blue copies everything Mango does. One day, Mango has had enough of Blue's copying and flies off in a huff. But once she's on her own, she finds herself thinking only of Blue"--