The Wreck of the Zephyr


Chris Van Allsburg - 1983
    How did it get there? "Waves carried it up in a storm," says an old sailor. But is it possible that waves could ever get that high? There is another story—the story of a boy and his obsessive desire to be the greatest sailor, the story of a storm that carried the boy and his boat to a place where boats glide like gulls high above the water and not upon it. Chris Van Allsburg tells that story of the boy and his boat, the Zephyr, in words and haunting, full-color pastel paintings. His sailboats sail the night sky with the stars in pictures so vivid that the reader can almost hear the wind in the sails. Here is a work of unusual artistry that will enchant readers of all ages for many years to come.

The Green Bath


Margaret Mahy - 2013
    It begins with Sammy, whose obnoxious neighbors get to go to the beach in their brand new boat, while he has to get clean for a visit from grandma. Worse, it's a bath in the strange tub his dad just bought at a tag sale! But the magic of the tub soon has Sammy roaring out to sea, befriending a giant sea serpent, conquering pirates in a huge soapy battle, and returning home with the greatest of treasures. Bath time will never be the same! (Plus Grandma's got surprises of her own!)

Chirri & Chirra: On the Town


Kaya Doi - 2005
    When they're done, they find a wonderful surprise hidden in the branches of a tree. Memorable for Doi's luminous appreciation of the natural world as well as her respect for beautiful edibles, this new installment is sure to delight!

Mama, Why?


Karma Wilson - 2011
    "When the moon sails high in the arctic sky, Polar Cub asks, "Mama, why?" A polar bear cub asks his mother a multitude of "why" questions before he goes to sleep: Why is there a moon up in the sky? Why do we dream? Why are there stars in the sky? And why can't we see the stars during the day?  Finally, once his Mama has explained everything to him, Mama ushers her little one off to sleep, explaining that she will sleep too, so she can dream about her dearest cub.

Rainbow Fish Finds His Way


Marcus Pfister - 2006
    Luckily, with the help of some new friends, it isn't long before Rainbow Fish is reunited with his glittering school of fish.

Mervin the Sloth Is About to Do the Best Thing in the World


Colleen A.F. Venable - 2016
    Are you patient enough to wait? No? Turn the page!

Thomas's Christmas Delivery


Wilbert Awdry - 2004
    But Thomas is a Really Useful Engine and has several important deliveries to make. Will he get home in time to make sure his stocking has been carefully hung? And when a big blizzard blows up, Thomas fears that Father Christmas may not find the engine shed at all.The Reverend W Awdry first started telling his young son tales of Thomas, Percy and the other Really Useful Engines in 1944. In 1945, he started writing the tales down, and upon their publication they were immediately embraced by train lovers in Great Britain and worldwide. Before his death in 1997, the Reverend wrote 26 volumes of stories that continue to thrill generations of young readers.

Pirate Stew


Neil Gaiman - 2020
    It's time to make some PIRATE STEW.Marvellously silly and gloriously entertaining, this tale of pirates, flying ships, donut feasts and some rather magical stew is perfect for all pirates, both young and old. With a deliciously rhyming text from master storyteller Neil Gaiman, and spellbinding illustrations by the supremely talented Chris Riddell, three-times-winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, this is the picture book of the year! Joyful, quirky and action-packed, it makes a spectacular and magical gift.

Alice in Wonderland: A BabyLit® Colors Primer


Jennifer Adams - 2012
    Kids will love Alison Oliver’s colorful and cheeky illustrations bringing life to Little Master Carroll’s beloved children’s classic.

Umbrella


Taro Yashima - 1958
    All she needs now is a rainy day! Soft illustrations portray a thoughtful story about patience and growing independence.

Llama Llama Nighty-Night


Anna Dewdney - 2012
    Toddlers will love this perfect read-aloud.

Franklin In The Dark


Paulette Bourgeois - 1986
    A turtle afraid of small dark places, and therefore of crawling into his shell, asks a variety of animals for advice, only to find out that each has a fear of its own.

I Stink!


Kate McMullan - 2002
    His job? Eating your garbage and loving every stinky second of it!And you thought nighttime was just for sleeping.

Goo and Spot in the Do Not Wiggle Riddle


Elsa C. Takaoka - 2014
    This amusing riddle about Goo and Spot's amazing and colorful adventures will definitely hit a child's funny bone, with a valuable lesson learned along the way. A great resource for preschool educators, librarians and parents of wiggly little children. Best suited for ages 5 and under.

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy


David Soman - 2009
    Sam likes Diggers, while Lulu thinks Monkeys is the best game. Sam suggests playing under the castle, but Lulu knows that the top is the most fun. They just can't agree! And then Lulu asks, "Have you ever played Ladybug Girl?" As Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, Lulu and Sam save the playground from hairy monsters and big mean robots, and have their very own parade on the bouncy dinosaurs. They figure out that when they work together, they can create fun games that they both like to play.