The Trial of Cardigan Jones


Tim Egan - 2004
    When Mrs. Brown’s fresh apple pie goes missing, witnesses come forward to place Cardigan at the scene of the crime. Finding himself on trial, Cardigan insists to judge and jury that he didn’t take the pie — he just wanted to smell it. No one believes him. But despite his assurances, he can’t explain what happened to the pie, either . . . or can he?

Nuts in Space


Elys Dolan - 2014
    They have found the Lost Nuts of Legend and according to the myth, the bearer of this mythical snack will be immortal, invincible and never will it be past their bedtime – now all they have to do is go home. But – oh dear – if only it were that simple. Everyone is starving, the Star Nav is broken, the neighbours are distinctly unfriendly and it was a really, REALLY bad idea to stop at the Death Banana and ask for directions. Will they EVER find their way home? And, most importantly will they get home before something happens to the Nuts?’From the hugely talented creator of Weasels, this stellar story is full of humour and action-packed pages to pore over.

Puff, the Magic Dragon


Peter Yarrow - 2007
    Yet singer/songwriter Peter Yarrow and co-composer Lenny Lipton have never allowed a picture book adaptation of this magical tale…until now. With Yarrow’s and Lipton’s blessing, Puff, Jackie Paper, and the land of Honalee finally live on the page. The exquisite package includes a cloth case with a tipped-in illustration and an embossed jacket with foil touches, as well as an exclusive CD featuring not only Puff, but several other songs performed by Yarrow, his daughter Bethany, and cellist Rufus Cappadocia. This is a publishing event sure to attract broad attention and please Puff’s many fans.In richly-hued paintings of the deepest sea blues and greens, Puff and his friend Jackie Paper frolic in the land of Honalee—traveling in a fantastic boat with billowed sails, climbing red castle stairs onto a balcony to meet with noble kings and princes, and watching pirate ships lower their flags for the roaring dragon. Artist Eric Puybaret has brought an entire magical world into being with enthralling landscapes, color, and characters. And everyone will love the way the art cleverly turns the song’s end, which at first seemed so sad, into a surprising and joyful moment.Best of all—this is only the first of many more collaborations with Peter Yarrow to come!

Tasty Baby Belly Buttons


Judy Sierra - 1999
    When they raided a village it was the babies they stole. In a delightful retelling of the folktale, Judy Sierra has added a feminist twist in the person of a fearless young heroine, determined to stop them. Little Urikohme, or Melon Princess, was born inside a watermelon and has no bellybutton. She travels to the Onis' fortress island, and with the help of some animal friends, rescues the babies, leaving the Onis crying for mercy. A wonderful short tale to read aloud, children will gleefully join in the Onis' chant and cheer at the triumph of small over large. In cleverly inspired watercolors, Meilo So outfits the Melon Princess in a watermelon-designed kimono and her humorous depiction of the oversized bullies is sure to elicit giggles. An author's note discusses the origin of the tale and its place in Japanese folklore.

Not This Bear: A First Day of School Story


Alyssa Satin Capucilli - 2015
    Mama says all bears love school; Bear isn't so sure.But school turns out to be full of fun—painting pictures, listening to stories, and making new friends.Maybe this bear will like school after all.

Mr. Finnegan's Giving Chest with CD


Dan Farr - 2005
    Finnegan (Dick Van Dyke) is no ordinary toymaker. His providential meeting with Maggie, a resentful girl who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas, is the beginning of a series of miracles that will change her heart forever.

Tawny Scrawny Lion


Kathryn Jackson - 1952
    Once there was a tawny scrawny lion who chased monkeys on Monday—kangaroos on Tuesday—zebras on Wednesday—bears on Thursday—camels on Friday—and on Saturday, elephants!So begins the funny, classic Golden story of a family of ten fat rabbits that teaches the hungry lion to eat carrot stew—so that he doesn’t eat them!From the Hardcover edition.

Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes


Wab Kinew - 2018
    Including figures such as Crazy Horse, Net-no-kwa, former NASA astronaut John Herrington and Canadian NHL goalie Carey Price, Go Show the World showcases a diverse group of Indigenous people in the US and Canada, both the more well known and the not- so-widely recognized. Individually, their stories, though briefly touched on, are inspiring; collectively, they empower the reader with this message: "We are people who matter, yes, it's true; now let's show the world what people who matter can do."

Which Way is My Home?


John G. Pedicini - 1991
    An Ivory seagull loses his Arctic home when his iceberg melts. He meets a friendly snail, Poco, who helps him on his journey to find a new home. But, the seagull is afraid of the world and cannot find a home. He moves slow and cannot keep up with the other Ivory seagulls, earning him the nickname, "Slow Moe". As a result, the other seagulls shun him and force him off the docks. When Slow Moe crash-lands in a dark forest, he encounters a lost group of children and their puppy. However, a hungry pack of coyotes are lurking in the darkness. Can the group escape danger and find their way home? Can they rescue their puppy who was taken by the coyotes ? And who will lead them through the darkness ? Slow Moe learns the most important lesson. He discovers that his real home is among his friends.The story is an action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to read the next page. Stunning, colorful, and detailed graphics will make you feel as if you are in the forest with the group.

Doctor Ted


Andrea Beaty - 2008
    Ted knows it is time to become Doctor Ted. Well, what else is a bear to do?

Along the Tapajós


Fernando Vilela - 2014
    Here, the homes are on stilts and everyone travels around by boat—even to school! When the rainy season comes, they must leave their village and relocate to higher ground for a while. But after moving this year, Cauã and Inaê realize they’ve left behind something important: their pet tortoise, Titi! Unlike turtles, tortoises can’t swim, and Cauã and Inaê are really worried. So the pair sneaks back at night on a journey along the river to rescue him. Will they be able to save Titi?This picture book, first published in Brazil, offers kids a unique look into the lives of children who live along Brazil’s beautiful Tapajós River.

It Could Always Be Worse: A Yiddish Folk Tale


Margot Zemach - 1976
    When the poor man was unable to stand it any longer, he ran to the Rabbi for help.As he follows the Rabbi's unlikely advice, the poor man's life goes from bad to worse, with increasingly uproarious results. In his little hut, silly calamity follows foolish catastrophe, all memorably depicted in full-color illustrations that are both funnier and lovelier than any this distinguished artist has done in the past.It Could Always Be Worse is a 1977 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, and a 1978 Caldecott Honor Book.

The Bath Time Book


Michael Yu - 2012
    Alfie doesn't want a bath. He just wants to play.Read along as Alfie turns this nightly chore into a fun, imaginary adventure. From safari hunts to slaying dragons, bath time will never be the same.This is the perfect book to read before bed or bath!

Rooster's Off to See the World


Eric Carle - 1971
    Soon he's joined by two cats, then three frogs, then four turtles, then five fish. But one group by one, his new friends decide to head home, leaving the rooster alone again -- and ready to return to his own comfortable home as well. Bold, colorful collage illustrations, a beguiling story, and a simple introduction to number sets, addition, and subtraction combine to make Rooster's Off to See the World a delight for Eric Carle's many young fans.

Marsupial Sue


John Lithgow - 2001
    But who knew all that jumping around could cause such problems? Marsupial Sue, that's who, a smartly dressed young 'roo who can't abide by all the bouncing: "It rattled her brain. It gave her migraine. A backache, sideache, tummyache too." So John Lithgow recounts in 4/4 time--along with the jaunty, waltzy music and score on the CD that's included--in his second foray into children's books (The Remarkable Farkle McBride being the first). Probably best known as Dick Solomon on TV's 3rd Rock from the Sun, Lithgow brings his comic knack to this Down Under story about the importance of being yourself. Marsupial Sue might be intrigued by the idea of being a climbing koala or prawn-slurping platypus, but with Lithgow's cooing reassurance as the narrator, she eventually comes around: "Be happy with who you are. / Don't ever stray too far from you. / Get rid of that frown / And waltz up and down / beneath a marsupial star. / If you're a kangaroo through and through, / Just do what kangaroos do." Lithgow will likely never surpass the spiritual contributions he made to our world as Doctor Emilio Lizardo and John Whorfin, but don't hold that against him. Like Farkle, Marsupial Sue is surely worth a read (and a listen), especially with illustrator Jack E. Davis's cool cast of sunglass- and snappy-hat-wearing Aussie animals. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes