Dizzy Lizzie


Kat E. Erikson - 2020
    Born under an old house, in a dark wee den, with cobwebs in the corner and dirt underfoot, every day is a struggle for the tiny kitten, until she learns a trick or two to make sure she gets her share. But just as things seem to improve, Dizzy Lizzie’s home is destroyed and she is torn from her mother. Soon, Lizzie is faced with a new set of problems, and if she wants to stick with her sister and secure a forever home, the little kitten must learn to curb her big temper. “No matter how teeny-tiny, no matter how weebly-wobbly,” Dizzie Lizzie vows, “I’ll find a way!” But as she tumbles from one calamity to the next, can Lizzie tame her tantrums and find her forever home? Based on a true story, this beautifully illustrated and uplifting rescue cat tale explores themes like loyalty, family love—whether that family is by blood or adoption—and never giving up.

Porcupette Finds a Family


Vanita Oelschlager - 2010
    He wants to have an attachment to the bear family he finds, but is afraid his "bear" mother and "bear" brother and sister will leave him too. This causes him to act out his fears inways that jeopardize acceptance from his adopted family. However, with the understanding and help of Mother Bear, Porcupette finally accepts that he is truly loved and wanted despite, or maybe because of, his differences.

My Dog, Bob


Richard Torrey - 2015
    But unlike other dogs, Bob cooks breakfast for himself and his family, drives the family car and digs for dinosaur bones with a paleontologist. When the girl next door challenges Bob's owner to a contest to see whose dog is best, Bob doesn't sit, fetch or speak on command. Bob loses. "I'm sorry," Bob says as the girl and her dog march off in triumph. But to make up for his deficiencies, Bob makes pizza for the family.Readers will enjoy the wry humor that is underscored by an ironic text and understated illustrations.

Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest


Sarah Hampson - 2018
    Archibald Coo, an erudite big-city pigeon, is tired of the way people treat him and the other pigeons. They're always being shooed and swatted, and they're never admired the way the other birds are. As Dr. Coo tells his pigeon friends: ?It wasn't always this way.? In ancient times, pigeons were known to accompany the gods. They brought news of the Olympic Games to all of ancient Greece. And more recently, they delivered messages and medicine to soldiers on battlefields. They were heroes! Surely, Dr. Coo reasons, pigeons can find a way to earn the admiration of people once again. And he's got just the bold plan to do it. Award-winning journalist Sarah Hampson's picture book debut is a celebration of the diversity inherent in a big city and a lesson on how looking for the good in others is the best way to get along with them. Through her activist pigeons, she offers a child-friendly example of how to affect change, and shows how cooperation and compromise are the keys for diverse groups to harmoniously coexist --- a topical subject. With soft lines and a warm palette, Kass Reich's illustrations bring a fresh pigeon's-eye perspective to New York's inhabitants and cityscapes. This book could be used to spark classroom discussions on respecting differences, working out disagreements, or stepping up to counter injustice, all important subjects for the budding self-awareness and personal development of young children. It also aligns with character education lessons on self-respect, initiative and inclusiveness.

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.

Sunny the Bunny: Goes to Camp


Jace Higgins - 2020
    Trying new things can sometimes be scary, and Sunny is worried that she won’t make any friends this summer and she’ll be lonely so far away from her family.  Boy is she wrong! When brave little Sunny the Bunny arrives at summer camp, all sorts of friendly animals jump onto the scene to be her new pals. Sunny’s days are soon filled with zip-lining, sports, outdoor movies, ballet, yoga, rappelling, and even a talent show.  As the last day of camp nears, Sunny the Bunny is super sad to leave all her friends, but is jumping up and down at the thought of coming back next year. Sunny missed her parents, but her grand adventure has taught her that even nervous little bunnies can conquer their fears. And of course, no matter where you go, you can always find some bunny that loves you. Join Sunny as she discovers that leaving the comforts of home and trying different things can be the most fun of all!

Porcupining: A Prickly Love Story


Lisa Wheeler - 2003
    What could be more poignant than a porcupine pining for a companion? With pun-filled prose and pleasing pictures, this passionate tale of love and friendship between two prickly creatures in a petting zoo makes a perfect read aloud (and a sublime Valentine).

The Bear Who Couldn't Sleep


Caroline Nastro - 2016
    When Bear can t sleep, he goes on an adventure and discovers the wonders of New York City a parade, Central Park, hot dogs, and more! But when he finally gets tired and looks for a place to rest . . . he learns why it s called the city that never sleeps. What s a bear to do? Caroline Nastro s gentle adventure and Vanya Nastanlieva s engaging illustrations are sure to comfort and delight!"

Mr. Murry and Thumbkin


Karma Wilson - 2004
    Murry Mouse worries too much, his neighbor Thumbkin is carefree, but with friendship their attitudes meet in the middle.

Gilbert the Ghost


Guido Van Genechten - 2014
    What will happen to Gilbert when he's sent by the Head of school to the Abandoned Tower? A warm picture book by bestselling author-illustrator Guido van Genechten about a friendly and special ghost.

The (Not) Sleepy Shark (Xist Children's Books)


Tamia Sheldon - 2015
    In this fun bedtime book, a silly shark explores the way other sea animals get ready for bed until she's finally ready to say goodnight. From the author and illustrator of The Hungry Shark.

The Most Magnificent Thing


Ashley Spires - 2013
    She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!? But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right.

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?

Rupert's Snowman


Phillipa Warden - 2020
    Sledging, building snowmen, making snow angels and having snowball fights. But wait! What is this? Why is Rupert racing back up the hill? Join him and his mummy as they are forced to embark on a Snowy Adventure Rescue...

Me and Annie McPhee


Olivier Dunrea - 2016
    Meet two wee dogs who think that they're frogs, three perky pigs that are all wearing wigs, four frumpy hens who are hunched with their pens -- and more! The lonely island "just big enough for me and Annie McPhee" might not be so lonely after all!