Book picks similar to
But the Bear Came Back by Tammi Sauer


picture-books
picture-book
friendship
animals

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend


Dan Santat - 2014
    He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and-at long last-is given his special name: Beekle.New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art, creating an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world.

The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room


Stan Berenstain - 1983
    Sure to make toddlers smile while they absorb an implied lesson."--Publishers Weekly.

Duncan, the Story Dragon


Amanda Driscoll - 2015
    When he reads a story, his imagination catches fire! Unfortunately…so does his book.Fire breath is great for roasting marshmallows, but it’s not so great for reading. Duncan just wants to get to those two wonderful words, like the last sip of a chocolate milk shake: The End. Will he ever find out how the story ends?This bright, warm tale champions determination, friendship, and a love for books. And milk shakes!

Penguin on Vacation


Salina Yoon - 2013
    Penguin's tired of the snow and cold--so he decides to go on vacation! But where should he go? And what new friends will he meet along the way?Seasoned illustrator Salina Yoon's spare text and bright, energetic illustrations bring this favorite character to life, ensuring that readers will be clamoring for more Penguin stories--whether they find their home in the cold or the warm.

The Runaway Bunny


Margaret Wise Brown - 1942
    Generations of readers have fallen in love with the gentle magic of its reassuring words and loving pictures.

The Hat


Jan Brett - 1997
    When Lisa's red-and-white woolen stocking blows off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and sticks his nose inside, only to discover his prickles prevent him from pulling out of it. Soon all the farm animals are coming around to chuckle at silly Hedgie's stocking cap. But in the end, nimble-witted Hedgie gets the last laugh. Now young fans of this glorious Scandinavian picture book can curl up with the illustrious Hedgie, himself! This fluffy 5-inch fellow, with long, lush, decidedly unprickly fur, sports the very sock--uh, hat--that got him in trouble. A soft body and cheerful smile guarantee many friends for this huggable guy. Packaged with the only available board book version of the award-winning The Hat, this delightful book and sweet plush toy set make a perfect gift any time of year! (Ages 3 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Flora and the Peacocks


Molly Idle - 2016
    Will this trio find a way to get back in step? In the third book featuring Flora and her feathered friends, Molly Idle's gorgeous art combines with clever flaps to reveal that no matter the challenges, true friends will always find a way to dance, leap, and soar—together.

Run Wild


David Covell - 2018
    Intrigued, the boy runs out after her, leaving his shoes (and phone) behind, and into a world of sunshine, dewey grass, and warm sand. Filled with the pleasures of being alive in the natural world, Run Wild is an exquisite and kid-friendly reminder of how wonderful life can be beyond doors and screens.

The Wish Tree


Kyo Maclear - 2016
    His brother and sister don't believe there is such a thing, but his trusty companion Boggan is ready to join Charles on a journey to find out. And along the way, they discover that wishes can come true in the most unexpected ways.

Hector and Hummingbird


Nicholas John Frith - 2016
    The pair have always been best friends, but will Hector ever find peace and quiet with Hummingbird around?

Girl & Gorilla: Out and About


Rick Walton - 2016
    Girl and Gorilla want to play at the park. But how will they get there? They can . . . Hopscotch! Or jump rope! Maybe they can just close their eyes and wish they were there! But when they open their eyes . . . they are not at the park. Will Girl and Gorilla ever get to play at the park?

Waddle! Waddle!


James Proimos - 2015
    Waddle...waddle...belly slide! into a charming and funny story about friendship, featuring three adorable penguins!What's a penguin to do when he can't find his new friend?Yesterday he made a friend who was an absolutely amazing dancer--but now he can't find him anywhere!Waddle...waddle...bellyslide! along with this hopeful penguin as his search for his new friend takes him on some zany adventures--and ultimately, to an unexpected and heartwarming conclusion.Acclaimed creator James Proimos, illustrator of Year of the Jungle by Suzanne Collins, brings his zest and zany humor to this charming friendship story.

The Wonky Donkey


Craig Smith - 2009
    In this very funny, cumulative song, each page tells us something new about the donkey until we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey, which will have children in fits of laughter! There is much fun to be had by listening to the song and trying to predict the new word for each clue given!