Book picks similar to
The Painted Chest by J.C. Mills


picture-books
childrens
folktale
music

Dust Devil


Anne Isaacs - 2010
    Swamp Angel has a reputation as the greatest woodswoman and wildest wildcat in all of Tennessee. But when she grows too big for that state, she moves to Montana, a place so sizeable, even Angel can fit in. It’s there that she wrestles a raging storm to the ground and, at its center, finds herself a sidekick—a horse she names Dust Devil. And when Backward Bart, the orneriest, ugliest outlaw ever known, starts terrorizing the prairie, seems like Angel and Dust Devil may be the only ones strong enough to stop him. Dust Devil received four starred reviews and was named a New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year and an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Winner. Children will be captivated by the beauty and exaggerated humor of Paul Zelinsky’s American primitive–style paintings and the wit and energy of Anne Isaacs’s unparalleled storytelling. Here is an original folktale starring an extraordinary gal who is as feisty as she is funny and as courageous as she is kind.

SpongeBob's Secret Valentine (Spongebob Squarepants)


David Lewman - 2004
    That is, until Patrick convinces him that giving Sandy a valentine will not only change his friendship with her, but will stop him from hanging out with his other friends. Find out what really happens in this heartwarming Valentine's Day tale!

Zootopia: Judy Hopps and the Missing Jumbo-Pop (Disney Picture Book (ebook))


Walt Disney Company - 2016
    Her day started out like any other, until she stumbled across a crying elephant who was missing his Jumbo-pop. Hand-in-hand, the two retraced his steps and followed clues across the city. Will this whirlwind tour lead them to the Jumbo-pop before it melts?

Goggles: The Bear Who Dreamed of Flying


Jonathan Gunson - 2019
    Then one day, he discovers a BIG SECRET that means his dream might just come true...The perfect picture book for parents and grandparentsThis sweet book will be loved by both boys and girls, age 3 - 9. It is written to inspire children's imagination and encourage them to follow their dreams, making it a magical experience when reading it to them.Beautiful, illustrations with hidden surprises!There are bears hidden in the clouds, a mischievous mouse on every page, an amazing fantasy airplane, and an animated honey jar in the page corners: Just flip the pages, and magically, the honey jar fills up!Plus: Special history page about the famous Wright BrothersThe bears in the story are the first bears to fly, so they're called "The Wright Bears", after the famous Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, the first people to fly. There's a dedication page to the brothers, with photographs of their famous plane "The Wright Flyer."More flying bears coming soon...The series includes a teddy bear picnic, bear magic, and bear pirates. Kids will cherish the books and learn from the fun-to-read stories.

We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song


Debbie Levy - 2013
    It only takes a few people to believe that change is possible. And when those people sing out, they can change the world. "We Shall Overcome" is one of their songs. From the song's roots in America's era of slavery through to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and today, "We Shall Overcome" has come to represent the fight for equality and freedom around the world. This important book, lyrically written by Debbie Levy and paired with elegant, collage-style art by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, pays tribute to the heroic spirit of the famous song that encompasses American history.- Jane Addams Award Honor Book- Bank Street College Best Book- NCSS Notable Social Studies Book- American Folklore Society Aesop Accolade- Chicago Public Library Best Informational Book“The power of song to bolster courage, combat bigotry, and effect change courses through this . . . . enlightening and inspiring book.” –Publishers Weekly “An inviting introduction to a spirited and spiritual anthem.” –Kirkus Reviews “An innovative capturing of history through the lens of a song and a passionate affirmation of human rights.” –Booklist

SpongeBob LovePants (Spongebob Squarepants Ready-to-Read)


Erica Pass - 2006
     Can SpongeBob change his mind?

The Runaway Mommy


Jane Paris - 2013
    The Runaway Mommy imagines what life would be like if she ran away. She learns flamenco dancing in Barcelona, joins a tech startup in San Francisco and hits the campaign trail interning for a presidential candidate. All the while, her little one follows with a captivating eagerness that brings the runaway mommy back where she belongs.

I Dreamed You


Justine Avery - 2020
    I Dreamed You gives a voice to the feelings so difficult to express and so important to share.Award-winning and beloved children's author Justine Avery thoughtfully, reverently expresses the sentiments behind welcoming a child into our lives, whether we're a grandparent, adopting parent, step-parent, sibling, or anyone else blessed with a cherished young one.

Berlioz the Bear


Jan Brett - 1976
    But a strange buzzing sound coming from inside Berlioz's double bass causes him to steer the mule-driven bandwagon of musicians into a hole in the road. Who will rescue the wagon? Readers will be surprised at the answer. "Quintessential Brett and a pleasure to behold."--Booklist. Full color.

The Greatest Power


Demi - 2004
    "To know the greatest power in the world is to know the greatest peace," Emperor Ping announces. "Whoever knows this harmony will become the new prime minister." The children get to work right away and have many bright ideas. The greatest power must be weapons! It must be beauty! It must be money! But as a young girl named Sing reflects upon the challenge, she wonders how any of those things, which cannot last forever, could be the greatest power in the world. She is certain there is something even more powerful, and the source of this power will surprise and delight her. A companion to Demi's stunning picture book The Empty Pot, The Greatest Power continues the story of Ping now that he has become an emperor. With striking artwork and a lovely, lyrical text, this next chapter in Emperor Ping's life is sure to enrapture young readers.

Sing a Song: How "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Inspired Generations


Kelly Starling Lyons - 2019
    From that moment on, the song has provided inspiration and solace for generations of Black families. Mothers and fathers passed it on to their children who sang it to their children and grandchildren. It has been sung during major moments of the Civil Rights Movement and at family gatherings and college graduations. Inspired by this song's enduring significance, Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett tell a story about the generations of families who gained hope and strength from the song's inspiring words.

The Do-Over Day: a children's book about surviving the worst day ever


Julia Inserro - 2019
    But some days are the worst! Sometimes everything just goes wrong: your little sister presses the elevator button first your favorite socks are missing you're not allowed to wear your mermaid costume to the dentist you can't wear your snorkel in the bathtub But how great would it be if we could learn how to have a good do-over day? Think of all the moaning and groaning and fussing and grumping we could avoid.The Do-Over Day is a great book for kids ages 3-9 and can teach us all how to handle the occasional worst day ever. It even comes with practice cards, so you can begin to have better do-over days, too.

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam


Hans Wilhelm - 2006
    Beautifully illustrated and based on the well-known hymn, this book will be read again and again.

How Andrew Got His Spots


Louise Lintvelt - 2014
    He does not have any spots, you see! He keeps seeing spots wherever he goes… One spot, two spots, three spots, Four! And many, many, many more. “Where did you get your spots?” he asks. Join Andrew as he discovers how the ladybug, the leopard and the owl came to have spots and discovers that spots often appear when you are least expecting them! This is a wonderful rhyming picture book for children of all ages.

Pop the Bubble!


Mary Eakin - 2016
    Children will love creating a bubble, playing with it and of course they’ll want to pop the bubble! Encouraging imagination with exciting interactive elements will make this a wonderful read-aloud experience.