The Fun Book of Scary Stuff


Emily Jenkins - 2015
    Witches. Trolls. Sharks. The DARK!But nothing seems as scary once you turn on the light. In this hilarious picture book, a boy and his two dogs go through a list of all the things, both real and imagined, that make the hair on the backs of their necks stand on end—and come up with a clever way to face their fears.

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.)


Peter Brown - 2014
    You see, his teacher is a monster.But when Bobby runs into his teacher outside of school, he learns there is more to her than meets the eye.

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners


Laurie Keller - 2007
    Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters. OTTERS! But he doesn't know anything about Otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends? Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises wise Mr. Owl. And so begins Mr. Rabbit's reflection on good manners.In her smart, quirky style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor--just follow the Golden Rule! This title has Common Core connections.A Junior Library Guild SelectionDo Unto Otters is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Just Because


Mac Barnett - 2019
    Little ones and their parents will be charmed and delighted as a patient father offers up increasingly creative responses to his child’s nighttime wonderings. Any child who has ever asked “Why?” — and any parent who has attempted an explanation — will recognize themselves in this sweet storybook for dreamers who are looking for answers beyond “Just because.”Curious minds are rewarded with curious answers in a fantastical bedtime book by Mac Barnett and Isabelle Arsenault.

If Kids Ruled the World


Linda Bailey - 2014
    Every two-page spread offers something new about this fantasy life, including, ?If kids ruled the world, every day would be your birthday! Birthday cake would be good for you. Your doctor would say, 'Don't forget to eat your birthday cake so you'll grow up strong and healthy!'? And, ?You could go to any kind of school you like ... Circus School. Fairy School. Inventing School. Lots of kids would go to Recess School.? The topics that bestselling, award-winning author Linda Bailey has chosen are pitch-perfect for young children, from bedtime and baths (none!) to pets and tree houses (lots!). And illustrator David Huyck's detailed, brightly hued artwork is full of energy, joy and humor that gets right to the heart of a child's view of the world. While this is a book that would happily be enjoyed from cover to cover, it's not hard to envision an enthralled child spending long stretches of time daydreaming about one particular scenario. In the classroom, this book would make an excellent springboard for art projects or creative writing assignments that explore children's own unique image of the perfect world. Particularly gratifying is the emphasis throughout on sharing all the good things brought to life in a world of a child's own making. This book is a truly exuberant celebration of childhood, play and imagination. It's sure to become a classic.

I Loathe You


David Slonim - 2012
    Unconditional loathing is monsterly love in this sweetly humorous picture book.Just how much does Big Monster loathe Little Monster? Let it count the ways....     I loathe you more than tooth decay      More than blizzard snow in May      More than garbage in a dump      More than splinters in my rump      No matter what, through thick and thin, I loathe you there and back again!      Author and illustrator David Slonim depicts a tender, tongue-in-cheek celebration of a very special kind of loa...er, love.

Petey and Pru and the Hullabaloo


Ammi-Joan Paquette - 2013
    Petey reacts in turn, and before long, things have escalated from a scuffle to a tussle to a true hullabaloo!This beautifully illustrated story about the true meaning of friendship is packed with excitement and near disaster as well as vocabulary-expanding words that are fun to say and thrilling to master. Glossary.

Rosco vs. the Baby


Lindsay Ward - 2016
    Rosco vs. the Baby: Round 1. Rosco does not like the new baby, and he is determined to maintain his place as “alpha” within the household. But Rosco has underestimated his opponent. This baby will not be tamed, will not step aside, unreasonably refuses to stand down and find another home. Enough is enough! Rosco takes action. Baby retaliates. Two heavyweights. One house. Rosco has met his match. But will they call a truce?

It Came in the Mail


Ben Clanton - 2016
    His mailbox delivers, sending Liam more than he could have hoped for…and how! But as the mail starts to pile up, Liam realizes that the best packages and parcels are even better when shared with friends.

The Bear's Song


Benjamin Chaud - 2011
    Papa Bear is searching for Little Bear, who has escaped the den. Little Bear is following a bee, because where there are bees, there is honey! When the quest leads both bears into the bustling city and a humming opera house, theatrical hijinks ensue, culminating in a deliciously harmonious reunion. Children and parents alike will savor Benjamin Chaud's lush illustrations, and relish in the book's bonus seek-and-find elements.Looking for more Papa Bear and Little Bear? Check out Bear's Sea Escape!

Naptastrophe!


Jarrett J. Krosoczka - 2017
     It s a tale as old as time naptime, that is. Lucy is not tired, not tired, NOT tired. She is not going to nap today. Lucy is an expert at staying awake. But when running errands with her dad, it s suddenly way too LOUD. The lights in the store are way too bright. It s . . . a naptastrophe! With vibrant, charming illustrations and a relatable main character, this hilarious story is the perfect reminder to parents and kids that you only miss out on the fun when you skip your nap!

Leonardo, the Terrible Monster


Mo Willems - 2005
    No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to frighten anyone. Determined to succeed, Leonardo sets himself to training and research. Finally, he finds a nervous little boy, and scares the tuna salad out of him! But scaring people isn't quite as satisfying as he thought it would be. Leonardo realizes that he might be a terrible, awful monster--but he could be a really good friend.

Open This Little Book


Jesse Klausmeier - 2012
    Open this book and you will find...another book...and another...and another. Debut author Jesse Klausmeier and master book creator Suzy Lee have combined their creative visions to craft a seemingly simple book about colors for the very youngest readers, an imaginative exploration of the art of book making for more sophisticated aficionados, and a charming story of friendship and the power of books for all.

Once Upon a Goat


Dan Richards - 2019
    They’d prefer a boy, with glowing skin, bright eyes, and two roses for lips…but any kid will do. When they find themselves gifted with a baby goat (also known as a kid) instead, they can’t imagine how he’ll fit into their lives.

Vampenguin


Lucy Ruth Cummins - 2021
    But these intrepid young adventurers are not content with staying in their proper places. Instead, baby Dracula slips into the Penguin House to spend the day eating, swimming, and hanging around, while baby Penguin waddles into the stroller to explore the rest of the zoo. Dracula’s family doesn’t even notice the switch—will they bring the right baby home? Observant and adventurous young readers will love this tale of the shenanigans that happen when parents’ backs are turned.