Hot Rod Hamster


Cynthia Lord - 2010
    From Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and NYT bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson comes an INTERACTIVE read-aloud picture book for the very young-featuring an extremely lovable and adorable hamsOld car, new car, shiny painted blue carRust car, clean car, itty-bitty green car.WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?Newbery Honor-author Cynthia Lord and New York Times bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson put the pedal to the metal in this endearing, rhythmic, rip-roaring race to the finish line where a hamster creates a sizzling hot rod with a little help from his new furry friends and YOU!

Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred)


Josh Schneider - 2015
    But not Fred. He has far too much to do!Armed with plenty of imagination, this determined little boy resists bedtime with adventurous flair. Drowsy animals of all stripes look on in disbelief as he just keeps going and going and going, until...Could it be that, after so much activity, even Fred needs to rest? Shhh. Close the book softly, and please let Fred sleep.

Sir Simon: Super Scarer


Cale Atkinson - 2018
    He's a professional ghost who has been transferred to his first house. And just in time! He was getting tired of haunting bus stops and forests and potatoes. And to top it off, this house is occupied by an old lady -- they're the easiest to haunt!But things don't go as planned when it turns out a KID comes with this old lady. Chester spots Simon immediately and peppers him with questions. Simon is exasperated. . . until he realizes he can trick Chester into doing his ghost chores. Spooky sounds, footsteps in the attic, creaks on the stairs -- these things don't happen on their own, you know!After a long night of haunting, it seems that maybe Chester isn't cut out to be a ghost, so Simon decides to help with Chester's human chores. Turns out Simon isn't cut out for human chores either.But maybe they're both cut out to be friends . . .

At the Old Haunted House


Helen Ketteman - 2014
    Vibrantly painted illustrations lead three children through the house, where new creatures await in each room. Readers can count along as they see Pa goblin and his wee goblins four and witches and ghosts, and so many more. Just the right blend of spooky fun, this book is a can't-miss treat for Halloween.

Ninja, Ninja, Never Stop!


Todd Tuell - 2014
    . . only to be out-ninja’d by his younger brother’s sneak attack! Young readers will be drawn in by the fast-paced rhymes that parallel the little ninja’s quick moves, and will chant the refrain with glee! This humorous ode to stalking, sneaking, spying, and scheming is sure to be read over and over again, inspiring imaginary play for a new generation of ninjas. Praise for Ninja, Ninja, Never Stop "Bright primary hues add an energetic yet retro feel to Carpenter’s illustrations... a good choice for mischievous preschoolers with an interest in the martial arts."--Kirkus Reviews

Mary Had a Little Lab


Sue Fliess - 2018
    Petros Bouloubasis will illustrate; publication is slated for spring 2018.

The Pomegranate Witch


Denise Doyen - 2017
    However, on Halloween, while the witch is away, a Kindly Lady has a surprise for every child."Luscious rhymes and an atmospheric eeriness immerse readers in a neighborhood battle." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

If I Had a Gryphon


Vikki VanSickle - 2016
    She's not really impressed. The hamster isn't very exciting--he mostly eats and sleeps and gets his shavings wet. BORING!After reading a book about mythological creatures, Sam gets some ideas for more exciting pets. But she soon realizes that taking care of these magical beasts might not be as wonderful as she though. Unicorns are shy, gryphons scare the dogs at the dog park and having a fire extinguisher handy at all times makes dragons seem like an awful lot of work. Maybe the hamster really is the best pet for her. A nice, safe pet... right?

Ten Timid Ghosts


Jennifer O'Connell - 2000
    But one clever ghost, before flying away, unravels the witch's plan! Together, the ghosts rise up against the witch in a big, scary BOO! Jennifer O'Connell's wacky yet mysterious illustrations lead the reader through the ghosts' dilapidated mansion. And her gently spooky and rhyming text encourages children to participate in the haunted countdown, making reading and learning eerie fun!

Pirates Don't Go to Kindergarten!


Lisa Robinson - 2019
    Especially since Cap’n Chu—the roughest, toughest, awesomest preschool cap’n ever—is right down the hall. So Emma decides to head back to the preschool ship to see if she can stir up a mutiny against kindergarten! Is that what she really wants? Or does she just miss her beloved Cap’n Chu? Batten down the hatches, mateys, because the first day of school is going to be stormy!

Monster Trucks


Anika Aldamuy Denise - 2016
     On a spooky speedway, Monster Trucks moan! Monster Trucks grumble! Monster Trucks groan!Join Frankentruck, Zombie Truck, Ghost Truck, and more as they race to the finish line. But one of these trucks isn’t quite who you think.

Little Beauty


Anthony Browne - 2008
    He appears to have everything he needs, but one day he signs that he is sad and needs a friend. His keepers bring him a tiny cat called Beauty and the two of them become inseparable.

Fall Mixed Up


Bob Raczka - 2011
    Geese hibernate. Squirrels fly south in big figure eights." Fall is all mixed up in this silly book from Bob Raczka! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures?Fall Mixed Up is a collection of mixed-up fall images from the imagination of Bob Raczka taken to their visual extremes in the intricate mixed-media illustrations of Chad Cameron.

After Squidnight


Jonathan E. Fenske - 2020
    This rhyming tale showcases a crew of creative creatures as they make art (or maybe just a mess) and leave you to deal with the consequences!

Shivery Shades of Halloween


Mary McKenna Siddals - 2014
    . .” Children will learn their colors as they follow a cute little creature on his adventure through haunted halls, moonlit forests . . . perhaps even a Halloween party! Jimmy Pickering’s stylized settings and adorable monsters add a blast of colorful creepy-crawliness that will make kids giggle. Who knew that learning colors could be such spooky fun?