Book picks similar to
The Night is Like an Animal by Candace Whitman


picture-books
poetry
storytime
storytime-art-lessons-craft

They Say Blue


Jillian Tamaki - 2018
    They Say Blue follows a young girl as she contemplates colours in the known and the unknown, in the immediate world and the world beyond what she can see. The sea looks blue, yet water cupped in her hands is as clear as glass. Is a blue whale blue? She doesn’t know — she hasn’t seen one.Stunningly beautiful illustrations flow from one spread to the next, as time passes and the imagination takes hold. The world is full of colour, and mystery too, in this first picture book from a highly acclaimed artist.

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.

Psssst! It's Me...the Bogeyman


Barbara Park - 1998
    A genuine, creepy-crawly, blood-chilling, spine-tingling Bogeyman, who lives under beds, reveals something he soon regrets.

The Hand-Me-Down Doll


Steven Kroll - 1983
    Keep me and love me and give me a name, begs the doll. Finally, her luck changes when she meets a little girl who appreciates her and takes her home. Originally published in 1983, the slightly shortened text is beautifully interpreted in Dan Andreasen's nostalgic oil-painted illustrations.

The Pout-Pout Fish


Deborah Diesen - 2008
    Fish swims aboutWith his fish face stuckIn a permanent pout.Can his pals cheer him up?Will his pout ever end?Is there something he can learnFrom an unexpected friend?Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading "dreary wearies" isn't really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this fun fish story that's sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.The Pout-Pout Fish is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Before I Wake Up


Britta Teckentrup - 2016
    A young girl falls asleep and travels in her dreams throughthe sky, down to the ocean's depths, and into a jungle. She isaccompanied by a lion friend, who eases her fears, gives herconfidence, and helps her explore the world around her. Alongthe way she meets whales, jellyfish, grizzly bears and wolves.Then it is time for the moon balloon to take the girl home toher bed, where she awakes, snuggled safely next to the lion, who returns to being a stuffed toy. Award-winning children'sillustrator Britta Teckentrup's collage-like artwork creates amagical world of captivating colors, classic shapes, and softlydetailed textures. The gently told story reassures childrenthat they are never alone, even in their dreams. Exquisitelyproduced, this book is certain to become a pre-bedtimefavorite for children and their parents.

Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson?


Lois G. Grambling - 2006
    And not just any pterodactyl: this one wards off bullies, loves to read stories, and makes an excellent science display. Hilarious illustrations capture the madcap imagination of the determined hero and his creative pleas to his teacher.

Princesses Wear Pants


Savannah Guthrie - 2017
    Penny has important responsibilities, which means she wears the pants! Whether she's flying in the Pineapple Air Command, hosting a science fair, or working in the vegetable garden, her dazzling collection of pants is a symbol of both fashion and function. TODAY’s beloved co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, and educator Allison Oppenheim have created an empowering new character who knows how to get the job done while staying true to herself. A delightful celebration of girl power and self-expression, Princesses Wear Pants will appeal to princess-loving young readers everywhere.

Does Frankenstein Get Hungry?


John Solimine - 2018
    But instead of pulling the covers over her head, she comes up with a list of important questions, like:Does Frankenstein get hungry?Does Dracula floss his fangs?Does the boogeyman have boogers?Does the thing that lives beneath my bed get lonely under there?With each inquiry, the little girl's confidence grows--proving monsters are no match for her imagination! From debut talent John Solimine, this laugh-out-loud picture book has all the silly and gentle reassurance kids need for a good night's sleep.

No Sleep for the Sheep!


Karen Beaumont - 2011
    All is peaceful until—QUACK! Is that a duck at the barn door? And now a goat? A pig? A cow? A horse? Each new unexpected guest is bigger and louder than the last! How will the sheep ever get this barnyard crowd to quiet down before—COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!

Your Hand In My Hand


Mark Sperring - 2014
    A perfect picture book to share at bedtime or as a gift to welcome a new baby, and for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash


Sarah Weeks - 2000
    McNosh Hangs Up Her WashAsk your child to describe the story by looking at the picturesMake up other silly events that could happen in the story

The Giant of Jum


Elli Woollard - 2015
    And the tastiest of all is a boy known as Jack! But Jack and his friends don't see a scary giant, they see a magically tall man - a man who can fetch lost balls and rescue cats from trees! Perhaps this hungry giant is softer than he seems...An incredible rhyming text and a brilliant, big-hearted twist on a classic fairy tale, this book sees the launch of a major new picture book pairing: the uniquely talented author and poet, Elli Woollard, and award-winning illustrator, Benji Davies.Also contains an important message for all: don't eat kids, eat cake!

Kiyoshi's Walk


Mark Karlins - 2021
    As Kiyoshi discovers that poems come from the way the world outside of us meets the world within each of us, he also finds the courage to write a haiku of his own. This lovely book will speak to any reader who treasures poetry, city life, grandparents, or the beauty of the everyday.

So, What's It Like to Be a Cat?


Karla Kuskin - 2005
     Are cats afraid of the dark? Where do they prefer to sleep? What time do cats eat their breakfast? And what do they really think of dogs (and people!)? The award-winning team of Karla Kuskin and Betsy Lewin explore the secret inner lives of felines in this beguiling question-and-answer interview between an intrepid child and a very clever cat.