Book picks similar to
Mr. Tanen's Ties by Maryann Cocca-Leffler


picture-books
children-s-literature
fiction
kids-books

Chicken Cheeks


Michael Ian Black - 2009
    This one recruits every animal that comes along to form, well, a stack. The result? Tail of the duck to the gluteus maximus of the duck-billed platypus (with many other rears in between). Readers will giggle with delight at the bird's eye view of some hysterical animal bottoms. Follow this back-sided journey up the tree - where the real surprise awaits. The pairing of Black's minimal text with Hawkes's visual story line will keep you chuckling from the bottom up.

I Don't Want to Be a Frog


Dev Petty - 2015
    A cat, perhaps. Or a rabbit. An owl? But when a hungry wolf arrives—a wolf who HATES eating frogs—our hero decides that maybe being himself isn’t so bad after all.

Silent Letters Loud and Clear


Robin Pulver - 2008
    Wright's class thinks silent letters should be banned because they make spelling too tricky. but when the unappreciated letters decide to go on strike, the class realizes how important the letters really are. Both new and experienced spellers will appreciate this dynamic book from the creators of Punctuation Takes a Vacation and Nouns and Verbs Have a Field Day.

The Big Trip


Valeri Gorbachev - 2004
    What could be more fun than a big trip?  Pig can't wait to go, but Goat is worried.  How will Pig get there?  Bicycles are unsteady, horses can throw you off.  Cars can break down and trains get stuck in tunnels.  A trip can be no vacation at all...but leave it to Pig to send Goat's worries packing and turn tricky travel into smooth sailing!Valeri Gorbachev has brought his comic characters from Where is the Apple Pie? and One Rainy Day to another neighborly story of fun and friendship.

Big Plans


Bob Shea - 2008
    He's got plans...and have you heard? They're BIG. With the help of a mynah bird and lucky stinky hat, he'll find a quarter...boss around some muckety-mucks...become the mayor--or even the president! And while he's at it...fly to the moon! This exuberant story is perfect for any child who is ready to dream BIG. Are you in?

Little Elliot, Big City


Mike Curato - 2014
    In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy—like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter—a friend.

Hats Are Not for Cats!


Jacqueline K. Rayner - 2019
    His patronizing tirade doesn’t convince this cat, however. Defiantly, she wears an assortment of hats, described in the gleeful rhyming text, and brings in other cats to join the protest. The silliness of both text and pictures offers a cheerful take on bossiness and managing conflict, with a win-win resolution.

Piggie Pie!


Margie Palatini - 1995
    The only thing that could make her happy is something extra special for lunch, and that is: Piggie Pie! Gritch zooms off on her broomstick to find eight plump piggies -- where else? -- on Old MacDonald's Farm. Cleverly disguised pigs impersonate ducks, chickens, a cow, and Old MacDonald himself, as this uproarious, quick-paced story builds to an ironically surprising conclusion. Wacky, hip, and illustrated with bold, bright paintings, "Piggie Pie" adds a new twist to an old fairy-tale scene.

Tinyville Town: I'm a Librarian


Brian Biggs - 2017
    In I’m a Librarian, readers get to know the town librarian as he helps a little boy find a favorite book. As the search progresses, fans of the series will recognize many other residents of Tinyville Town also visiting the library.     From New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Brian Biggs, the Tinyville Town series launched in 2016 with three books: Tinyville Town Gets to Work!, a world-establishing picture book that introduces the town and its many residents, and two board books: I’m a Veterinarian and I’m a Firefighter. With a nod to the busy world of Richard Scarry and the neighborhood feel of Sesame Street, this new series is becoming a favorite among preschoolers and a staple of preschool classroom libraries. Set in a cozy community of kind, friendly people, the Tinyville Town books are ideal for story time and class discussions about occupations and community helpers.

I Love You, Stinky Face


Lisa McCourt - 1997
    Lisa McCourt and Cyd Moore beautifully weave a reassuring tale of the love and affection of a parent. The imaginative son turns himself into a meat-eating dinosaur, a swamp creature and much, much more before being satisfied with the fact that no matter how stinky he is or how slimy of a creature he could possibly be, he is loved and nothing will change that.

The Lion Inside


Rachel Bright - 2015
    A rhyming story about one little mouse trying to make himself heard and discovering along the way that even the smallest of us has the heart of a lion.

1-2-3 Peas


Keith Baker - 2012
    These tiny green mathematicians will have young readers everywhere calling for more peas, please!

The Baby Beebee Bird


Diane Redfield Massie - 1963
    The new baby beebee bird is keeping everyone up with his happy night song. Will they ever get some sleep?

When's My Birthday?


Julie Fogliano - 2017
    In this enthusiastic celebration of all things BIRTHDAY, acclaimed author Julie Fogliano and award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson bring you the perfect birthday book! Join our excited narrator as she lists all the things that will make her birthday the BEST birthday.when’s my birthday?where’s my birthday?how many days until my birthday?i’d like a pony for my birthdayand a necklace for my birthday.i’d like a chicken for my birthday.i’d like a ball to bounce and bounce.i’d like a big cake on my birthdaywith lots of chocolate on my birthdayand lots of candles on my birthday1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6!

Seriously, Cinderella Is SO Annoying!: The Story of Cinderella as Told by the Wicked Stepmother


Trisha Speed Shaskan - 2011
    Along with bright, bold illustrations, the bestselling OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY series gives young children a fresh perspective on familiar tales. Read others in this series by acclaimed author Trisha Speed Shaskan, including TRULY, WE BOTH LOVE BEAUTY DEARLY! and HONESTLY, RED RIDING HOOD WAS ROTTEN!