Freight Train


Donald Crews - 1978
    . . freight train.In simple, powerful words and vibrant illustrations, Donald Crews evokes the rolling wheels of that childhood favorite: a train. This board book features sturdy pages and is just the right size for little hands.This Calecott Honor Book features bright colors and bold shapes. Even a child not lucky enough to have counted freight cars will feel he or she has watched a freight train passing after reading Freight Train.Donald Crews used childhood memories of trains seen during his travels to his grandparents' farm in the American South as the inspiration for this timeless favorite.

My Heart Is Like a Zoo


Michael Hall - 2009
    Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick says, "Starting with one simple shape, Michael Hall shows us a nearly infinite number of ways to make a menagerie of love."This award-winning picture book is a must-have for every young reader, who will learn that a heart can be hopeful, silly, happy, rugged, snappy, or lonely. A heart holds every different feeling, and author-artist Michael Hall captures each one with his bold, graphic artwork. An ideal springboard for conversations about emotions, and for introducing concepts, math, and art projects in the classroom and at home. School Library Journal called it an "outstanding choice for one-on-one sharing."

Bark Park!


Trudy Krisher - 2018
    Bark! Bark Bark!

Everybunny Dance!


Ellie Sandall - 2016
     Now’s the perfect chance. Ready bunny, Steady bunny, EVERYBUNNY DANCE! Thus begins a whimsical celebration of movement, which will have children jumping out of their seats to dance, play, and sing with these cheerful bunnies—and one not-so-scary fox. Everybunny is invited to join together in this joyous display of playful creativity.

Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball


Vicki Churchill - 2001
    Or sticking out his pink tongue--and pulling funny faces (now that can be fun)! And maybe he'll jump just as high as he can, and see how much noise he will make when he lands. But when the day ends and the sun starts to fall...he goes back home to mama and curls into a ball. Good night! Soft-toned illustrations portray an endearing little wombat and the warm and friendly world around him--and every page is filled with charming details that stand up to repeat viewings: cute mice, rabbits and turtles peering from behind tall grass, marching pigeons, and a menagerie of other adorable animals. The images, along with the lyrically rhyming text, combine to make a sweet-spirited bedtime story to ease young ones to sleep.

Tiptoe Joe


Ginger Foglesong Gibson - 2013
    Joe instructs his buddies to be as quiet as possible. They tiptoe--as well as they can on their hooves, claws, and furry feet--through a field, across a fallen log leading over a stream, through the woods, and up a hill. When they arrive at Joe's, he shows them something very special. It's his brand-new baby bear cubs, fast asleep! Tiptoe Joe is a great pick for parents who want to acclimate a child to a new baby brother or sister, and perfect for bedtime or story hour. Charming full-color illustrations by Laura Rankin bring Tiptoe Joe and the rest of the animals to life.

A Boy and His Bunny


Sean Bryan - 2005
    How would you feel if one morning you woke up with a big-eared, wet-nosed bunny on your head? Would you be surprised? Happy? And what would you do if you learned the bunny's name was Fred and he liked it there on top of your head?

Everyone Is Yawning


Anita Bijsterbosch - 2015
    Look. I think it is tired. All the little animals yawn. And the little kid? Does the little kid yawn too? You’ll find out as you lift-the-flaps in this surprising book.A sleepytime book filled with tired animals and friendly flaps from the author-illustrator of the Oppenheim Gold Award winner Whose Hat is That?

Old MacDonald Had a Truck:


Steve Goetz - 2016
    And on that farm he had a...TRUCK?! With a DIG DIG here and a SCOOP SCOOP there, this classic folk song just got revved up! Beloved machines—the excavator, dump truck, bulldozer, and more—will have vehicle enthusiasts of all ages reading and singing along. • With colorful, fun illustrations, and subtle themes of gender equality, both parents and kids will enjoy this story over and over again• Ideal for family and elementary school story time• Steve Goetz was inspired to write his debut picture book, Old MacDonald Had a Truck, after his son began to sing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" with alternative lyricsFans of Old MacDonald Had a Boat and Old MacDonald's Things That Go will love this entertaining read (and sing-aloud book) with a surprise ending.Recommended for children ages 4-6 years to enjoy any time of day.• Perfect family read aloud book• For early and emergent readers in Preschool through Grade 1

I Took My Frog to the Library


Eric A. Kimmel - 1990
    But it's the well-behaved elephant who causes the biggest problems of all! Full-color throughout.

Blue Chameleon


Emily Gravett - 2010
    Will he ever find someone to talk to? Someone just like him? With a subtle and witty interplay between words and illustrations this introduction to colours and shapes (and chameleons ) is sure to delight everyone, from the youngest child upwards. Another triumph by prize-winning Emily Gravett.

Hello Hello


Brendan Wenzel - 2018
    Beginning with two cats, one black and one white, a chain of animals appears before the reader, linked together by at least one common trait. From simple colors and shapes to more complex and abstract associations, each unexpected encounter celebrates the magnificent diversity of our world—and ultimately paints a story of connection. Brendan Wenzel's joyous, rhythmic text and exuberant art encourage readers to delight in nature's infinite differences and to look for—and marvel at—its gorgeous similarities. It all starts with a simple "Hello."

Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise


Sean Taylor - 2014
    beware! But, somehow, Hoot Owl's prey keeps escaping... Hmmm, perhaps he isn't quite as masterful as he believes. Will he ever succeed in catching himself some dinner?

Ten Pigs: An Epic Bath Adventure


Derek Anderson - 2015
    When Pig Number 10 jumps into the crowded tub, the first pig comes up with a plan to enjoy his bath.

The Pout-Pout Fish


Deborah Diesen - 2008
    Fish swims aboutWith his fish face stuckIn a permanent pout.Can his pals cheer him up?Will his pout ever end?Is there something he can learnFrom an unexpected friend?Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading "dreary wearies" isn't really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this fun fish story that's sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.The Pout-Pout Fish is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.