Book picks similar to
The Staring Owl by Luke Edwards


picture-book
animals
australian
children-s-books

A River


Marc Martin - 2015
    From factories to farmlands, freeways to forest, each new landscape is explored through stunning illustrations and poetic text from this award-winning picture-book creator.

The Bear and the Piano


David Litchfield - 2015
    As time passes, he teaches himself how to play the strange instrument, and eventually the beautiful sounds are heard by a father and son who are picnicking in the woods. The bear goes with them on an incredible journey to New York, where his piano playing makes him a huge star. He has fame, fortune and all the music in the world, but he misses the friends and family he has left behind. A moving tale of exploration and belonging from an exciting debut author-illustrator.

The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear


David Bruins - 2005
    Though each friend is very different from one another, they enjoy each other's company. Until one day when they begin quarreling and compete to see which one is the best. The bear can pile up rocks the highest. The cowboy can collect the most raspberries. The ninja can catch the most rabbits. When each contest leads to more resentment, it seems the friends will never stop disagreeing. Only when they learn to be considerate of their differences do they finally realize how much they appreciate each other. The cute, yet stylized artwork combined with a fun story about friendship and celebrating differences make this legend an unforgettable one. This playfully illustrated picture book also includes instructions for the Ninja-Cowboy-Bear game, which is similar to Rock Paper Scissors except that kids use their whole body.

The Lady and the Lion: A Brothers Grimm Tale


Jacqueline K. Ogburn - 2003
    She fears for her life, but finds kindness rather than danger there, for the lion by day is a gentle young man by night-a prince under the spell of a wicked enchantress. Soon the lady and the lion fall in love. Unlike the more familiar tale, however, this story has only just begun. The prince is not yet safe from the enchantress, and it will take all of the lady's strength and courage, through a seven-year quest, to rescue him. Dazzlingly romantic and visually magnificent, this is a book for the ages-an exhilarating tale of virtue, heroism, and the power of love. Illustrated by Laurel Long.

A Weekend with Wendell


Kevin Henkes - 1986
    Playing house, Wendell was the father, the mother, and the children; Sophie was the dog. Playing bakery, Wendell was the baker; Sophie got to be the sweet roll. But when Wendell gave her a new hairdo with shaving cream, it was the last straw, and Sophie made up a game that left Wendell speechless for a time—and won the day for friendship.Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten's First Full Moon, and Chrysanthemum, this classic picture book is "a hilarious read-aloud" (The Bulletin).Whether shared at home or in the classroom, this picture book for ages 3-7 will make kids laugh in recognition.

The Curious Case of the Hounds of Hell


Peter Cawdron - 2018
    The world's most famous detective is back in a case that brings him to an isolated mansion outside of the small town of Hell, Maine, investigating the murder of a young boy apparently killed by wolves.

Have You Seen Duck?


Janet A. Holmes - 2011
    Sowhen Duck goes missing, the boy looks everywhere for him. "He won't know what to do without me," he says. The boy asks the shopkeeper, the postman, the bus driver, and the dog next door. No one has seen Duck. Back at home, what's hiding between the couch cushions? Duck!

Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff (Cami Kangaroo and Wyatt Too Book 2)


Stacy C Bauer - 2019
    She collects them, sorts them and builds with them. There's only one problem: her room is so messy that it's nearly impossible for her to find things! Will she ever be able to figure out how to be more organized? In this funny and relatable new release from author Stacy C. Bauer, Cami tries to find a way to keep her treasures from taking over her room! The best book for teaching your kids about minimalism. It’s only natural that children will have a harder time finding the value in minimalism at their age. Their classmates are discussing the latest fads, which change every couple of weeks, leading to mountains of unused toys. Younger children will have a materialistic idea of what’s valuable to them, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In Too Much Stuff, children can easily relate to Cami Kangaroo, as she struggles to contain all of her things. They’ll start to learn the benefits of minimalism and gain valuable life skills. Marie Kondo for kids! Searching for a book that encourages children to clean their rooms and stay organized? Look no further! Author Stacy C Bauer was inspired by Marie Kondo (The life-changing magic of tidying up), Elaine N. Aron (The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You), and Melissa Michaels (Simple Organizing). Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff provides parents with advice and tips to help guide their children as they declutter their space and find peace in their surroundings. This best selling book is Ideal for children ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. It is the second in a series of books that reflect gentle parenting and nurture universal values that inspire and empower kids. Too Much Stuff is a thoughtful gift for baby showers and birthdays. Perfect for toddlers, preschool, kindergarten, first grade and second grade, Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff will compliment books from authors like Jay Miletsky (Ricky the Rock that Couldn’t Roll), Diane Alber (I’m NOT Just a Scribble), Laurie Wright (I can do it- Mindful Mantras) and Deborah Diesen (The Pout-Pout Fish). Praise for Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff!: "Marie Kondo for kids! Every child struggles with organization at some point in their young lives. The earlier we can teach them how to stay organized, the more clear their lives will become. Clarity in the mind is directly related to clarity in life. Get this book to help develop this in your child!" -Mary, author and mother "My kids love both of the Cami Kangaroo stories (we're hoping there will be more). Having too much stuff is something many kids deal it, so this is very relatable. And Cami, as always, figures out a good solution. I love the helpful tips at the end, too! Don't forget to read through those with your kids - it's never too early to teach tidying skills." -Julia M, author and mother Praise for Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets! (book 1): "Cami is fun, adorable and crafty, a very relatable character." -Crystal, mother and teacher "A sweet little book for sweets lovers everywhere!" -Angela Halgrimson, author and mother "My kids love th

I Was So Mad


Mercer Mayer - 1983
    Whether he’s cranky on the slide or stubborn in the sandbox, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to teach children about their emotions!

The Midnight Fair


Gideon Sterer - 2021
    When night comes and the fair is empty, something unexpected happens. Wild animals emerge from the forest, a brave raccoon pulls a lever, and the roller coasters and rides explode back into bright, neon life. It’s time for the woodland creatures to head to the fair! In a gorgeous wordless picture book, author Gideon Sterer and illustrator Mariachiara Di Giorgio offer an exuberant take on what animals are up to when humans are asleep. Suffused with color and light, the panel illustrations celebrate the inherent humor and joy in deer flying by on chair-swings, a bear winning a stuffed bear, three weasels carrying a soft pretzel, and a badger driving a bumper car. With thrills both spectacular and subtle, Midnight Fair will have readers punching their tickets again and again to revel in this fantastic nocturnal world.

Dying to Tell Me


Sherryl Clark - 2011
    Police dog King forms a protective relationship with the family, who work together to solve a local mystery. Fast paced mystery with thoughtful, realistic family relationships.

Mighty Moby


Barbara DaCosta - 2017
    In a ship up above the ocean waves, a one-legged captain pursues the whale he clashed with long ago. Mighty Moby and the captain are soon locked in another battle...but things aren't always what they seem. Caldecott Medalist Ed Young and writer Barbara DaCosta, the creative team behind bestselling award-winner Nighttime Ninja, have crafted another thrilling adventure, this time based on Herman Melville’s great novel Moby Dick. This classic American tale is retold in collage of pictures, prose, and song, along with a surprise ending. Minnesota Book Award finalist.

Making the Moose Out of Life


Nicholas Oldland - 2009
    This moose may live in the wild, but he doesn't act it --- he watches from the sidelines as his friends have fun. Every now and then, he wonders if he's missing out on anything.When the moose finally takes a chance and goes on a solo sailing trip, a raging storm carries him far from everything he knows. Will he curl up in a ball and cry, or make the most of it?The moose's unlikely hero-journey is a lighthearted, contemporary fable that celebrates living life to the fullest.

Ganesha's Sweet Tooth


Sanjay Patel - 2012
    Ganesha is just like any other kid, except that he has the head of an elephant and rides around on a magical mouse. And he loves sweets, especially the traditional dessert laddoo. But when Ganesha insists on biting into a super jumbo jawbreaker laddoo, his tusk breaks off! Ganesha is terribly upset, but with the help of the wise poet Vyasa, and his friend Mr. Mouse, he learns that what seems broken can actually be quite useful after all. With vibrant, graphic illustrations, expressive characters, and offbeat humor, this is a wonderfully inventive rendition of a classic tale.

Maudie and Bear


Jan Ormerod - 2010
    Maudie's world also revolves around Maudie. In this delightful picture book, readers will meet Maudie, a plucky young girl, and her friend Bear, a gentle giant with a heart of gold. Whether they are going on a bike ride, fixing an afternoon snack, or dancing together, Bear's love for Maudie is unwavering and his devotion will win over readers of all ages. With beautiful prose and irresistible illustrations, Maudie and Bear is a classic in the making.