Everyone...


Christopher Silas Neal - 2016
    A celebrated illustrator explores the universality of feelings in his authorial debut.Christopher Silas Neal, praised by the New York Times for his "stunning retro-style illustrations," invites young readers to explore how we feel what we feel, and how everyone else feels it, too. From the animals in the woods to the neighbors in their homes nearby, everyone has feelings and shares them in this whimsical story. Vivid, childlike art in a limited palette conveys a full spectrum of emotion. Young children easily frustrated by a popped balloon or overjoyed by a sky full of stars will relish this simple exploration of empathy.

A Pet Named Sneaker


Joan Heilbroner - 2013
    Go!, and A Fish Out of Water, Sneaker is the story of a pet-store snake who longs for a real home. When he is finally adopted by Pete—a young boy charmed by Sneaker's uncanny ability to twist himself into different shapes—Sneaker not only proves himself a good pet, but proves to be a good student (sneaking into school with Pete and learning to read and write); a good citizen (saving a drowing toddler at a community pool); and a goodwill ambassador for the entire animal kingdom (inspiring the community to open the pool to all animals)! With delightfully understated, wickedly funny illustrations by Pascal Lemaitre, this is a fantastic, funny book that will sneakily get beginning readers reading on their own! Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.From the Hardcover edition.

The Lonely Book


Kate Bernheimer - 2012
    But over time it grows old and worn, and the children lose interest in its story. The book is sent to the library's basement where the other faded books live. How it eventually finds an honored place on a little girl's bookshelf—and in her heart—makes for an unforgettable story sure to enchant anyone who has ever cherished a book. Kate Bernheimer and Chris Sheban have teamed up to create a picture book that promises to be loved every bit as much as the lonely book itself.

Bizarro Day! (DC Super Friends Step into Reading)


Billy Wrecks - 2013
    The heroes have their hands full when Superman's oddball opposite Bizarro comes to Metropolis intent on becoming a hero. Will the Super Friends be able to help him before he causes more harm than good?

Be Nice to Spiders


Margaret Bloy Graham - 1967
    The lions snoozed all day long, the elephants enjoyed their baths, and the zebras ate their hay in peace -- all because Helen was spinning webs and catching flies.But one day Helen's webs were swept away. The Keeper had the cages cleaned for the Mayor's inspection tour. Soon the flies were back again and the animals were miserable once more. But not for long...Children will be fascinated and amused by the way Helen solved the problem and won a permanent place of honor for herself in the Zoo.Margaret Bloy Graham's pictures match the wit and charm of her delightful story.

Pete the Cat: A Pet for Pete


James Dean - 2014
    When Pete gets a goldfish, Goldie, he decides to paint a picture of his new pet. Word spreads of Pete's cool paintings, and soon everyone wants one. But Pete doesn't have enough time to make one for everyone in town. With a little help from his mom, Pete finds the perfect solution so that everyone can enjoy a Goldie painting and Pete has time to finish his homework!A Pet for Pete is a My First I Can Read Book, which means it's perfect for shared reading with a child. Fans of Pete the Cat will delight in this hilarious I Can Read tale featuring the grooviest cat, Pete!

Gemma & Gus


Olivier Dunrea - 2013
    Gus is the little brother. Gus is always following Gemma around, but one day Gus sets out on his own. Just who is following who?     Another pair of darling goslings make their debut in this sweet story, with Olivier Dunrea’s perfectly pitched storytelling and endearing illustrations that Gossie & Friends fans have come to cherish.

Twindergarten


Nikki Ehrlich - 2017
    They go together like peanut butter and jelly.It’s the night before the twins are starting kindergarten, and they have the just-about-to-start-school jitters. After all, they will be in different classrooms! What will kindergarten be like when they’re not together all day? But Dax and Zoe will learn that kindergarten is full of new surprises and adventures, and being apart for a short while isn’t so bad.From author Nikki Ehrlich and artist Zoey Abbott Wagner comes a heartwarming picture book that’s perfect for anyone dealing with new experiences, especially little ones getting ready for school.

Lion Lessons


Jon Agee - 2016
      There are seven steps to becoming a proper lion, including Looking Fierce, Roaring, Prowling Around, and Pouncing. Our young hero, a rather meek and scrawny human boy, does his best to learn the necessary skills during his training with a master instructor (who just happens to be a real lion). After a grueling set of lessons, the boy discovers that that the final step—Looking Out for Your Friends—is the most important of all. That’s how any kid can earn his lion diploma (not to mention the affection of every cat in town).

Revenge of the Dinotrux


Chris Gall - 2012
    AND LOOKING FOR A SNACK! Millions of years ago, DINOTRUX ruled the earth. But in the present day, people rule them! Their rusty fossils have spent decades stuck in a drafty museum surrounded by screaming kids, and now they're ready to break out and let off some really old steam. HONNNK!!! DINOTRUX ARE ON THE LOOSE! Garbageadon eats cars, Craneosaurus peeks in windows, and Tyrannosaurus Trux climbs a skyscraper... Who will win the mighty standoff between man and prehistoric beast? Find out in this rip-roaring sequel to Chris Gall's highly praised Dinotrux, featuring all your favorite trux and some never-before-seen ones!

Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?


Shel Silverstein - 1964
    Looking for a new pet? Bored with cats, dogs, goldfish, gerbils, and hamsters? How about a cheap rhinoceros? Shel Silverstein's loving look at the joys of rhino ownership may convince you to be the one lucky kid to take home this very, very unusual pet.

Poor Louie


Tony Fucile - 2017
    Even the playdates with Mom's friends despite their little crawling creatures who pull Louie's ears aren't all that bad. But then things get weird: cold food on the floor, no room in the bed, and lots of new stuff coming into the house in pairs: two small beds, two little sweaters, two seats in the stroller. Does that bode double trouble ahead, or could there be a happier surprise in store for Louie?

The Little Green Hen


Alison Murray - 2018
    A fun-filled retelling of The Little Red Hen with important messages about caring for our environment and working together!

The Mysterious Tadpole


Steven Kellogg - 1977
    But it soon becomes clear that this "tadpole" is not turning into an ordinary frog! It'll take a little help from friends and a lot of ingenuity to feed and shelter this unusual, ever-growing pet. The Mysterious Tadpole, with its giddy mix of fantasy, adventure, and high humor, is one of Steven Kellogg's most popular books. It was an ALA Notable, an IRA-CBC Children's Choice, and won the Irma Simonton Black Award. For its anniversary, Steven has reworked aspects of the story and has created entirely new artwork in the bright, bold colors that weren't reproducible twenty-five years ago. He discusses why he wanted to revise the book in a lively author's note.

A Beasty Story


Bill Martin Jr. - 1999
    . . BEAST! But don't be scared--this beast may not be so beastly after all. The beloved Bill Martin Jr and Steven Kellogg bring their enormous talents together to create a ghoulish story that's both scary and snug. Includes fun new book-related activities!