How to Be a Good Cat


Gail Page - 2011
    So when Mr. Hiccup needs someone to watch his new kitten, Bonkers, Bobo eagerly volunteers. He can't wait to teach his young friend a few tried-and-true tricks. But Bonkers doesn't want to sit or stay or fetch. He'd rather shred the curtains or terrorize the goldfish. Luckily, Cat knows all about cat things-like stretching, pouncing, and landing on his feet. But even with lessons, can a good dog really teach a bad cat how to behave?No matter which animal they prefer, all readers will love the silliness that ensues when this big dog and sweet (but naughty!) kitten go head to head.

I Spy With My Little Eye


Edward Gibbs - 2011
    Peeking through the pages, children will be able to spot a different colored animal every time, and guess what it is using a simple, factual clue. Bold illustrations and die-cut holes will absorb young readers as they learn about colors and animal names.

Thank You Bear


Greg E. Foley - 2007
    He looked inside. Then he exclaimed,"Why, it's the greatest thing ever! Mouse will love this."Bear's friends aren't so sure of his newfound treasure, however. "That's not so great," says Monkey. "I've seen those before," says Owl. And by the time Bear finds Mouse, his own doubts have grown. But Mouse has the last say when he looks inside the little box. "It is the greatest thing ever," he tells his friend. "Thank you, Bear."Part mystery, part fable, this deceptively simple story of true friendship is perfect for the very youngest reader. It is sure to tug at your heart.Good Luck Bear is the 2008 winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award.

McToad Mows Tiny Island


Tom Angleberger - 2015
    Why? Because on every other day of the week, McToad mows Big Island, but on Thursdays, McToad mows Tiny Island. To do so, he puts his mower on the back of a truck, which drives to a train, which goes to a helicopter, which flies to a boat, which uses a crane to put the lawn mower onto Tiny Island. There McToad mows and drinks some lemonade, and before you know it, it’s time to turn around and go back home. But first, the mower has to get lifted by a crane, to get put back on a boat, which is lifted by a helicopter, and . . . well . . . you get the idea. From master storyteller Tom Angleberger and celebrated illustrator John Hendrix comes this playful narrative that treasures the journey over the destination, with lots of planes, trains, and automobiles to boot. Also available by John Hendrix: Miracle Man

Bunny's Lessons


Harriet Ziefert - 2011
    When Charlie plays the tuba, Bunny learns about “loud.” When Charlie plays doctor, Bunny learns about “ouch.” Harriet Ziefert and Barroux charmingly tell the tale of an inseparable pair who learn about the daily delights (along with the bumps and bruises) of friendship and love.

No Fits, Nilson!


Zachariah OHora - 2013
    But if one little thing goes wrong, Nilson throws the biggest, most house shaking-est fit ever! Amelia helps Nilson control his gorilla-sized temper by promising him banana ice cream and letting him play with her froggy coin purse. But, sometimes, Amelia needs to be calmed down, too. Inspired by Ohora's own "negotiations" with his two sons, No Fits, Nilson! is a hilarious preschool pick for kids and parents navigating the treacherous tantrum phase.

Hooray for Hat!


Brian Won - 2014
    Off they march to show Turtle! The parade continues as every animal brightens the day of a grumpy friend. An irresistible celebration of friendship, sharing, and fabulous hats.

How to Catch An Elephant


Amy Schwartz - 1999
    Follow your uncle's advice and take to the jungle "3 cakes, 2 raisins, 1 telescope, and a pair of tweezers." Find a tree and wait for an elephant. If the elephant is angry, obstreperous, and hungry...hold on, be brave--things are not always what they seem.

Squeak!


Laura McGee Kvasnosky - 2019
    Those pinecones wake the trout, who splash around and wake up an elk on the riverbank.And so goes the story of Squeak!, a chain-reaction story set in a beautiful, rolling landscape with animals who are all woken up one by one with the rising of the sun. With lush and vivid art, and plenty of fun animal noises on each page, this story is a perfect read-aloud to wake up to--or to read any time of day.Praise for Squeak! * The text is melodic and vivid [and] a joy to read aloud . . . A surefire hit for storytime, one-on-one reading, and gift giving. -- Booklist , *STARRED REVIEW**This adorable circular story for young readers is a great way to start or end the day with a little humor. -- SLJ , *STARRED REVIEW*A delightful, onomatopoeic introduction to the interactive sounds of awakening animals. -- Kirkus Reviews

Mr. Gumpy's Motor Car


John Burningham - 1973
    Gumpy decides to go for a ride in his bright-red car, everyone wants to come along -- a rabbit, a cat, a dog, a sheep, chickens, a calf, a goat, and a boy and girl. "All right," says Mr. Gumpy. "But it will be a squash." So they all squash in and, for a while, chug along happily. Then it starts to rain, and the car becomes stuck in the mud. Who will help Mr. Gumpy push the car out? "Not me," says each passenger. In the end, however, they all have to help, and a wonderful time is had by all.John Burningham, twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for his outstanding illustrations, has written a simple story of delightfully understated humor and illustrated it in his most enchanting style.

I Love Birthdays


Anna Walker - 2008
    In the bestselling spirit of Karen Katz, Anna Walker’s simple, appealing text and gentle illustrations are ideal for a young audience. Runaway hits in Australia, the Ollie books are easy to love and hard to put down, and I Love Birthdays is a delightful treat for parents and children to share year round.

Digger and Tom!


Sebastien Braun - 2011
    Little Digger is eager to help with the work, but all the other construction vehicles are bigger and make a lot more noise. The dump truck, steam roller, steam shovel, bulldozer, crane, cement mixer, and excavator keep taking over his jobs. Children will identify with Little Digger as he struggles to find his place on the construction crew and will cheer when Digger discovers there are some jobs he can do better than anyone! Sebastien Braun’s charming illustrations show the loveable personalities of all the construction vehicles at the work site.The building site will not be ready until one last rock is removed, and although the big machines all have a go at it, only Little Digger has what it takes to get the job done--with some encouragement from Tom, the dump truck.