Book picks similar to
This Way, Ruby! by Jonathan Emmett


picture-books
childrens
children-s
children

The Story About Ping


Marjorie Flack - 1933
    He liked his life on the riverboat just and liked his large family and his kind master. He didn't like to be the last in line to board the boat at night, for that unlucky duck got a loud spank. So what did Ping do when it seemed that he would be the last on line? What else but set out on his own to explore the fascinating world of life on the Yangtze River.The Story about Ping is one of the best-loved and enduring children's books, both for its spirited and irrepressible hero and for its beautiful evocation of a distant land and way of life. Every child can sympathize with a dawdling duck who wants to avoid a spanking, and share his excitement and wonder as he sails down the river.

The Tea Party in the Woods


Akiko Miyakoshi - 2010
    When she arrives at a strange house in the wintry woods, a peek in the window reveals that the footprints Kikko had been following did not belong to her father at all, but to a bear in a long coat and hat! Alice in Wonderland meets Little Red Riding Hood in this charmed tale.

Hattie & Hudson


Chris Van Dusen - 2017
    Hattie McFadden is a born explorer. Every morning she grabs her life jacket and paddles out in her canoe to discover something new on the lake, singing a little song on her way. When her singing draws up from the depths a huge mysterious beast, everyone in town is terrified except Hattie, who looks into the creature's friendly, curious eyes and knows that this is no monster. So Hattie sneaks out at night to see the giant whom she names Hudson and the two become friends. But how can she make the frightened, hostile townspeople see that Hudson isn't scary or dangerous at all? Chris Van Dusen brings his colorful, perspective-bending artwork to this satisfying new story about acceptance, friendship, and sticking up for those who are different.

Perfect Square


Michael Hall - 2011
    Perfect Square is the perfect choice for teaching kids to think outside the box! This imaginative picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling. Young readers will learn days of the week and colors of the rainbow, as well as emotional resilience.In brilliant, innovative collage artwork, Michael Hall illustrates how a happy square transforms itself after facing one challenge after another. Cut into pieces and poked full of holes? Time to become a burbling fountain! Torn into scraps? Grow into a garden! Day after day, the square reinvents itself, from simple and perfect to complex and perfect . . . and always happy. “A near perfect concept book . . . a book to revisit often, and with delight.”—The Horn Book“Pages are lusciously intense as we watch versatility trump geometry”—The Chicago Tribune

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?


Eve Bunting - 2013
    Did I put them in my box?” Simple rhymes—including socks, box, fox, and ox!—spin the tale of a small duck who waddles through the countryside, forlornly searching for his blue socks. “I’m trying not to be depressed. / Without my socks I feel undressed.” Finally, a sharp-eyed peacock sees a bit of blue peeking out of duck’s lace-up shoes and the mini-mystery is solved! Soft-hued, adorable pen-and-ink and watercolor paintings adorn this winsome story that shares the familiar experience of not really losing something after all.

Boot & Shoe


Marla Frazee - 2012
    They eat out of the same bowl, pee on the same tree, and sleep in the same bed. But they spend their days apart - Boot on the back porch because he's a back porch kind of dog, and Shoe on the front porch because he's a front porch kind of dog. This is exactly perfect for them. But then a crazy neighborhood squirrel arrives . . . and everything goes topsy-turvy!Caldecott Honor medalist Marla Frazee brings her signature wit, tenderness, and hilarious illustrations to this tale of an irresistible puppy pair.

The Black Rabbit


Philippa Leathers - 2013
    There’s a large black rabbit chasing him. No matter where he runs — behind a tree, over the river — the shadowy rabbit follows. Finally in the deep, dark wood, Rabbit loses his nemesis — only to encounter a real foe! Kids who like to be in on the secret will revel in this humorous look at shadows and friendship, brought to light by a talented animator.

Mice


Rose Fyleman - 2012
    Featuring whimsical, comforting text and vibrant collage illustrations from Caldecott Honor medalist Lois Ehlert, this engaging story puts a fresh spin on the classic cat-and-mouse dynamic.

Too Many Carrots


Katy Hudson - 2016
    When he tries to move in with friends, more chaos ensues. Will Rabbit learn to change his selfish ways?

All for Pie, Pie for All


David Martin - 2006
    Grandma Mouse finds a piece of apple pie, and there's plenty for everyone — and even crumbs left over. Grandma Ant spies some crumbs of apple pie, and there's plenty for everyone. But what's left over after cats, mice, and ants have had their fill? Little readers will eat up this scrumptious, gently math-related story that's as sweet and satisfying as a fresh-baked dessert.

It's So Quiet: A Not-Quite-Going-to-Bed Book


Sherri Duskey Rinker - 2021
    As the rhythmic symphony of nighttime noises build in this rollicking read-aloud, the mouse starts to wonder whether he wouldn't like a little MORE quiet.• From the bestselling author of the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series• Sweet illustrations by renowned artist Tony Fucile• A hilarious read-aloud perfect for bedtime or story timeLittle readers will delight in the humor and interactivity of It's So Quiet—which concludes by encouraging an appreciation of nighttime's soothing quiet.• Children's books for kids ages 3–5• Funny, rhyming picture book• Perfect for kids who love animals and animal noises

Dog Gone!


Leeza Hernandez - 2012
    But being a "dog gone" isn't as easy (or fun!) as it looks, and soon the pup misses his owner and home. Luckily, even though he's made a mistake, his human best friend is always waiting with open arms.Leeza Hernandez is an exciting new SCBWI award-winning author-illustrator who brings lively art to a classic friendship story, with easy-to-read verse perfect for a read-aloud or young readers just starting out.

Bunny's Staycation (Mama's Business Trip)


Lori Richmond - 2018
    But it's Mama's turn to read bedtime stories! Bunny does not like Mama leaving one bit. If Bunny can just figure out how to keep her home... or maybe Bunny can go with her! But Papa and Bunny have a better idea. They set off on a grand adventure... in the living room. And kitchen. And bathtub. Bunny's Staycation is the perfect book for every family with travel-for-work Mamas or Papas. Kids and parents will laugh, cheer, and celebrate the wonders -- and happy challenges -- faced by families who are juggling the joys of stay-at-home fun and business trips.

Worm Loves Worm


J.J. Austrian - 2016
    J. Austrian and the acclaimed author-illustrator of Little Elliot, Big City, Mike Curato.You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm . . . and a worm.When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux?The answer is: It doesn't matter. Because Worm loves Worm.

Dog Loves Books


Louise Yates - 2010
    At first he’s short of customers. But that’s all right, because when Dog is surrounded by books, he is never short of friends—or fun. And when customers begin arriving, he knows just which books to recommend.Louise Yates’s expressive little white dog—and his many expressive doggie customers—extend an irresistible invitation to the very youngest to try reading. It’s fun!