Book picks similar to
Clark the Shark: Afraid of the Dark by Bruce Hale


picture-books
picture-book
children-s-books
childrens-books

The Storm Whale


Benji Davies - 2011
    One night, a great storm washes a small whale onto the beach. The boy discovers the whale is a good listener. The father discovers the boy is lonely. Together, they return the whale to the sea. And from that day on, the boy learns that the father can be a good listener too, in Benji Davies's heartwarming tale, The Storm Whale.

Please, Mr. Panda


Steve Antony - 2014
    Panda for doughnuts?Patiently and politely, Mr. Panda asks the animals he comes across if they would like a doughnut. A penguin, a skunk, and a whale all say yes, but they do not remember to say "please" and "thank you." Is anyone worthy of Mr. Panda's doughnuts?Steve Antony has captured a cute panda, delightful animals hungry for doughnuts, and a manners lesson. With the black-and-white animals, plain backgrounds, and brightly colored doughnuts, Antony's art is bold, striking, and engaging.

I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!


Emma Chichester Clark - 1998
    When Blue Kangaroo feels misplaced by Lily's new toys, he wonders if she would even notice if he were gone? A heartwarming and comforting tale of sibling rivalry, loyalty, and lasting love, I Love You Blue Kangaroo is a Child Magazine Best Kids' Book of the Year.

Go to Sleep, Monster!


Kevin Cornell - 2016
    But getting a monster to sleep? That’s an adventure.A funny and surprising twist on the typical monster-under-your-bed story.

Say Hello to Zorro!


Carter Goodrich - 2011
    He has wake up time, nap time, rest time, dinner time, etc. And everyone knows to follow his schedule. Then disaster strikes.A stranger comes home at "make a fuss time" and throws everything off! Zorro is little bit bossy and Mister Bud wants nothing to do with him. But when the dogs discover they like the same things (like chasing the cat and napping), everything becomes more fun. As long as everyone follows the schedule.

Peanut Butter Brains: A Zombie Culinary Tale


Joe McGee - 2015
    He tries to tell his zombie pals that there’s more to life than eating brains, but they’re just not interested. Will Reginald find a way to bring peace to Quirkville and convince the other zombies that there’s nothing better than peanut butter and jelly?Debut author Joe McGee and up-and-coming illustrator Charles Santoso have crafted a delicious tale about being true to yourself that will make readers hungry for more.

A Small Thing . . . but Big


Tony Johnston - 2016
    That's where Lizzie meets an elderly man and his companion, Cecile, a dog about her size.But Lizzie is afraid of dogs, so she'll have to rely on her new friend to help her take things one step at a time.Getting over your fears may seem like a small thing . . . but it sure can feel big.

Carnivores


Aaron Reynolds - 2013
    It's difficult to fit in when plant eaters can be so cruel--just because you ate a relative of theirs that one time! What's a carnivore to do? Aaron Reynolds's roaringly funny text is perfectly paired with Dan Santat's dynamic illustrations, creating a toothsome picture book that's sure to stand out from the herd.

Shoe Dog


Megan McDonald - 2014
    And chew and chew. But he doesn’t chew a boring old bone. Not a squeaky old toy. Not a smelly old sock. Nope. Shoe Dogs chews…well, take a guess! Chewing shoes poses a problem, however, and Shoe Dog needs help to solve it. Good thing there’s...Shoe Cat! With illustrations so lively that Shoe Dog nearly scurries off the page, this is an irresistibly adorable read-aloud ideal for pet owners and animal lovers alike.

Smiley Shark


Ruth Galloway - 2003
    Smiley Shark longed to dip and dive, jiggle and jive, dart and dash with a splash and a splash with all the other fish; but whenever he smiled at them they swam away. But when all of the other fish are trapped in a fisherman's net, it's up to Smiley Shark to find away to free them-and he saves the day with his big, toothy smile!

Buddy and Earl Go Exploring


Maureen Fergus - 2016
    But just as Buddy settles in for a nice, long sleep, Earl says it’s time to say “Bon voyage.”Soon these mismatched pals are at it again, exploring the wilds of the kitchen and defending a lovely lady hedgehog — who may or may not be Mom’s hairbrush — from imminent danger. When they’ve finally vanquished the greatest monster of all — the vacuum cleaner — it’s time for some well-earned shut-eye.This second book in the Buddy and Earl series reunites this odd and loveable animal couple: a dog who likes to play by the rules and a hedgehog who knows no limits.Be sure to join them on their next adventure — Buddy and Earl and the Baby.

I Am a Wolf


Kelly Leigh Miller - 2019
    After all, she's not sweet, she's not cute, and she is just fine on her own! Luckily, there's one little girl at the shelter who knows that sometimes, good dogs act bad when they feel afraid and that extending a little kindness can help even the most wolfish pup at the pound let down her guard.

The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight


Elli Woollard - 2016
    But this is no ordinary boy, he's a knight in training! And the strange creature is a young dragon, on his very first hunt for a nibblesome knight...

There Is a Rainbow


Theresa Trinder - 2021
    A hopeful, timely picture book that helps us all see the rainbows that connect us!On the other side of a window, there is a neighbor.On the other side of a sadness, there is a hug.And on the other side of a storm, there is a rainbow.Sometimes we are separated by distance, sometimes by the way we feel. Even though the world is full of barriers that can make us feel unconnected, we are all just on one end of a rainbow. Connected by all that color and light, there is always something, or someone, waiting for us on the other side.Poetically told with an uplifting message for some of life's most difficult moments, this book encourages readers to look past their immediate surroundings and find comfort, community, and inner courage—all are closer than we might think.Inspired by the multitude of rainbows found in the windows of homes around the world following the coronavirus lockdown, this uplifting picture book shares a message of hope and resilience that is truly timeless.• TIMELY: Sweet, sincere, and uplifting, this book offers comfort to readers young and old. Its graceful approach to navigating both today's difficulties and the inevitable obstacles of the future makes this a staple picture book little ones and their parents will cherish for years and return to time and again.• HOPEFUL: This book provides a much-needed dose of realistic optimism, encouraging readers to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Painting a believable picture of what is and what might be, it also shows readers all the wonderful things within our reach, even in difficult times. Its underlying message has the potential to change perspectives.• COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The book's emphasis on finding a network of support—whether it's among family members a phone call away, the neighbors right across the street, or a wider community accessible through technology—is particularly potent. Imbued with the unshakeable sense that we are never alone, this is one picture book with a message everyone can get behind, and which will, itself, spread hope from home to home, community to community.• READ ALOUD: As this reassuring picture book artfully reveals what's on the other side of both concrete objects and abstract ideas, it smartly uses the page turn to do so—it will have young readers eagerly turning the page to complete each sentence, to see what's on the other side. It provides the perfect read-aloud experience for story time in the classroom, in the library, and at home.• THE INSPIRATION: This picture book was inspired by the author's own experiences during the COVID-19 crisis.Perfect for:• Children going through a wide variety of difficult experiences, possibly for the first time• Parents and grandparents looking for a hopeful, comforting picture book• Caretakers and gift givers looking for profound, beautifully written, optimistic picture books• Teachers, librarians, and booksellers looking for the perfect uplifting read-aloud option• Fans of picture books that teach new perspectives

I'm My Own Dog


David Ezra Stein - 2014
    Not this dog. He fetches his own slippers, curls up at his own feet, and gives himself a good scratch. But there is one spot, in the middle of his back, that he just can’t reach. So one day, he lets a human scratch it. And the poor little fella follows him home. What can the dog do but get a leash to lead the guy around with?