Book picks similar to
First Ballet by Deanna Caswell


picture-books
picture-book
ballet
poetry

Seven Little Postmen


Margaret Wise Brown - 1971
    What happens after the boy drops it into the mailbox? How does it get to his grandma’s house? Children will enjoy this rollicking tale of the seven little postmen who got the mail through.

Cougar Cub Tales: Lost and Alone


Sharon Cramer - 2009
    They have ungrounded apprehension about whether or not the blind bobcat is a real cougar cub . By the end of the tale, they realize that they really ARE the same, overlooking their fears and differences as they embrace their new friend. Eighteen watercolors.

Fabulous Fishes


Susan Stockdale - 2008
    With a simple, rhyming text and richly textured illustrations, author-illustrator Susan Stockdale introduces young readers to different kinds of fish and the underwater world they call home. An afterword offers fascinating facts and a closer look at each fish.

Bubba the Bulldog Tries to Smile


Bree Clausen - 2013
    When his best friend Ryan breaks his leg, Bubba tries to cheer him up. After getting into some mischief around the house, Bubba learns that every time he accidentally smiles, Ryan smiles too. In his efforts to smile, Bubba has to conquer his worst fear by facing the BROOM. In the end, Bubba finds out he had the ability to smile INSIDE him all along.

A Year with Friends


John Seven - 2013
    . . July is time for fireworks . . . This beautifully formatted picture book takes young readers through every month of the year as a little boy, girl, dog, and cat celebrate each month with unique, playful images that convey what makes it special. With gentle pastel illustrations in sequential panels, A Year with Friends teaches young readers about the seasons and the delightful ways they can be experienced with those you love. Praise for A Year with Friends: "This expressive childhood tribute to the joys of nature throughout the year warmly conveys the message that anytime is best when shared with a friend." —Kirkus Reviews "A beautiful, fun, and minimalist journey through the seasons...The format is varied, with panels, spreads, and full-page pictures, and the art is delightful. Youngsters are sure to take pleasure in following the characters’ activities throughout the year." —School Library Journal "In this pleasing concept book, husband-and-wife author-illustrator team Seven and Christy introduce two children enjoying typical activities throughout each month of the year." —Booklist "This beautiful new picture book will be a great way to start the New Year in classrooms with young readers. Illustrated with soft shades and panels across double page spreads, the story line alternates between a young girl and a young boy having fun each month of the year." —Reading Today Online "Rather than mentioning specific holidays by name, the book hints at festive occasions...keeping the emphasis on the generous, sociable, and downright fun things friends do together. Christy's illustrations provide humor, energy, and entertainment with year-round appeal." —Publishers Weekly

Llama Llama Nighty-Night


Anna Dewdney - 2012
    Toddlers will love this perfect read-aloud.

Who Wants To Play With Little Mouse?: A fun counting story about friendship


Jana Buchmann - 2020
    Little Mouse travels around counting from one to ten, meeting cute little friends along the way. He encounters the world’s three most adorable spiders catching golden rays of sunshine and various other creatures like six slow slimy snails and seven busy buzzing bees. But none seem to care about him. Little Mouse heads home, dejected. The next day, however, his numbered friends arrive to recount all the good times they’ve shared with Little Mouse. So together they count down from ten to one and regain their friendship.Jana Buchmann demonstrates a musician’s timing and a poet’s skill in this perfectly penned book for aspiring little readers. The story, which centers on being disappointed when things don’t go your way, is easy to follow and is relevant for young children. The counting lesson is delivered is such a beautiful and engaging way that kids won’t even realize they are mastering their numbers. The colorful illustrations are divine, embellishing an already wonderful story. I highly recommend Who Wants To Play With Little Mouse? by Jana Buchmann to anyone with toddlers or preschoolers at home, as it is an easy-to-grasp story that teaches counting and important lessons in such a way that every child will be eager to learn.

Swan Lake


New York City Ballet - 2019
    With beautiful art illustrated by Valeria Docampo, this magnificent retelling is a perfect gift for an aspiring ballerina or any family who wants to add this enchanting and classic tale to their library.

Wild Symphony


Dan Brown - 2020
    Each has a special secret to share.Along the way, you might spot the surprises Maestro Mouse has left for you- a hiding buzzy bee, jumbled letters that spell out clues, and even a coded message to solve!Children and adults can enjoy this picture book as a traditional read-along, or can choose to listen to original musical compositions as they read--one for each animal--with a free interactive smartphone app, which uses augmented reality to play the appropriate song for each page when a phone's camera is held over it.

The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat


Nurit Karlin - 1996
    "Get off!" said the rat. But the fat cat just sat. Will the rat get the fat cat off the mat? Enjoy reading this silly story aloud for maximum effect!Find out if rat can get cat off the mat in this funny, phonetic Level One I Can Read that's perfect for kids learning to sound out words and sentences. With repeating sounds and words, beginning readers will grow their reading confidence as they laugh about the cat and the rat and their sibling-style squabble.

So, What's It Like to Be a Cat?


Karla Kuskin - 2005
     Are cats afraid of the dark? Where do they prefer to sleep? What time do cats eat their breakfast? And what do they really think of dogs (and people!)? The award-winning team of Karla Kuskin and Betsy Lewin explore the secret inner lives of felines in this beguiling question-and-answer interview between an intrepid child and a very clever cat.

Do Princesses Make Happy Campers?


Carmela LaVigna Coyle - 2015
    Through rain and sunshine, fairy houses and fishing, this happy camper discovers that lots of fresh air and looking on the bright side is all a girl needs to make her a princess."

Cat Jumped In!


Tess Weaver - 2007
    That is, until he finds his way in once more--this time into someone's heart. Beautiful, bright watercolors from Caldecott-winning illustrator Emily Arnold McCully nearly spring off the page, buoyed by a playful text that highlights simple prepositions. Preschoolers will delight in Cat's unintended disasters and mess, and the heartwarming story, the product of a pairing of exceptional author and illustrator talents, will charm cat people of any age.

You're Here for a Reason


Nancy Tillman - 2015
    If you think you're not I would just say that perhaps you forgot . . . a piece of the world that is precious and dear would surely be missing if you weren't here.Every person matters. Here, national-bestselling and beloved author Nancy Tillman shows readers how each of us fits into life's big picture, and how the world would be incomplete without you in it.

A Hop Is Up


Kristy Dempsey - 2016
    Dempsey's poetic and playful text is brought to life by Richmond's rich, kid-friendly illustrations. It all comes together for an inspired story that will have everyone on their feet!