Book picks similar to
The Red Boat by Hannah Cumming


picture-books
picture-book
children
imagination

The Girl and the Dinosaur


Hollie Hughes - 2019
    . . In a little town by the seaside, Marianne can often be found foraging on the beach. But she isn’t playing with children her own age; instead Marianne is alone, digging for dinosaur bones. When she finds an entire skeleton, she names him Bony and vows to become his best friend.That night, she goes to sleep wishing with all her heart that her dinosaur might come to life . . . and her wish comes true. Together, a girl and her dinosaur’s adventures are only limited by their imagination.

How to Train a Train


Jason Carter Eaton - 2013
    But what if somebody’s taste in pets runs to the more mechanical kind? What about those who like cogs and gears more than feathers and fur? People who prefer the call of a train whistle to the squeal of a guinea pig? Or maybe dream of a smudge of soot on their cheek, not slobber? In this spectacularly illustrated picture book, kids who love locomotives (and what kid doesn’t?) will discover where trains live, what they like to eat, and the best train tricks around—everything it takes to lay the tracks for a long and happy friendship. All aboard!

Someday, Narwhal


Lisa Mantchev - 2017
    Potted plant. Umbrella stand. Piano. Red front door. Potted plant. Umbrella stand. Piano. That’s what the world looks like from inside Tiny Narwhal’s fishbowl. It’s not very exciting. She dreams of the world beyond: endless blue sky, tall buildings, a bridge. But Tiny Narwhal hasn’t any feet and doesn’t know the street names. And what if it’s cold outside? What this little narwhal does have, though, are good friends. With the help of her boy and his friends, plus a penguin, bat, and giraffe, Tiny Narwhal finally feels brave enough to go on an adventure. Someday, Narwhal features the same adorable cast of pets and sweet, lyrical language as Lisa Mantchev’s beloved Strictly No Elephants.

Before I Wake Up


Britta Teckentrup - 2016
    A young girl falls asleep and travels in her dreams throughthe sky, down to the ocean's depths, and into a jungle. She isaccompanied by a lion friend, who eases her fears, gives herconfidence, and helps her explore the world around her. Alongthe way she meets whales, jellyfish, grizzly bears and wolves.Then it is time for the moon balloon to take the girl home toher bed, where she awakes, snuggled safely next to the lion, who returns to being a stuffed toy. Award-winning children'sillustrator Britta Teckentrup's collage-like artwork creates amagical world of captivating colors, classic shapes, and softlydetailed textures. The gently told story reassures childrenthat they are never alone, even in their dreams. Exquisitelyproduced, this book is certain to become a pre-bedtimefavorite for children and their parents.

Pirates Don't Change Diapers


Melinda Long - 2007
    Sure, there's buried treasure to be found, but nobody's digging up anything until Bonney Anne quits her caterwauling. So, quicker than you can say "scurvy dog," Braid Beard and his swashbuckling pirates become . . . babysitters? Blimey!     This hilarious companion to How I Became a Pirate reveals that minding the nursery can be even more terrifying than walking the plank--especially if you're a pirate.

Lilly's Big Day


Kevin Henkes - 2006
    Slinger has big news.He's getting married.Married!Lilly has big plans.She's going to be the flower girl.(Lilly has always wanted to be a flower girl.Even more than a surgeon or a diva or a hairdresser.)But what's the biggest,the best,the most perfect thing of all?You're invited to the wedding -- so start reading!

Room for Bear


Ciara Gavin - 2015
    Snead & Erin Stead’s Bear Has a Story to Tell.   When Bear wakes up one spring, he goes in search of a new home. And he thinks he’s found the perfect place. Unfortunately, things are a bit . . . snug. Can five little ducks find room for one big bear in their home—and in their hearts? Ciara Gavin’s luminous picture-book debut explores the unconditional love of families in all their colors, shapes, and sizes.

Number One Sam


Greg Pizzoli - 2014
    Will he learn what it truly means to be a winner?

When No One is Watching


Eileen Spinelli - 2013
    But when everyone's watching, this book's shy young narrator finds it far easier to hide. With her best friend, Loretta, though, she doesn't feel shy, embarrassed, awkward, or odd -- not one bit. Together they're like two peas in a pod, whether anyone's watching or not.Any readers who have felt shy will certainly recognize themselves within the pages of this adorable book, which will encourage even the most timid of audiences with its celebration of the value of a good friend.Watch the trailer

The Adventures of Polo


Régis Faller - 2006
    Polo's journey is packed with incident and expression; 80 pages of seamless, satisfying picture storytelling are perfectly targeted to the youngest reader. Unique, dynamic, and playful, The Adventures of Polo calls to mind the worlds of film animation, comics, and classic books from Harold and the Purple Crayon to The Snowman--and has style, appeal, and substance all its very own.

Beegu


Alexis Deacon - 2003
    Now she is lost and wandering. Waiting for a rescue signal from her mother, she fails to make friends with the strange creatures she encounters. Rabbits don't seem to understand her; windblown leaves won't stay still to listen. But at last, on a school playground, Beegu discovers a group of fantastic companions who are happy to let her join their games . . . until a grownup creature spoils the fun.Beegu's spirits are sinking lower than ever just as the mother ship arrives, in this simple, bittersweet picture book that shows us our world through the three eyes of an innocent outsider with the help of stylish art and a wry, understated text.

Love Is


Diane Adams - 2017
    In this tenderly funny book, girl and duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight. Children and parents together will adore this fond exploration of growing up while learning about the joys of love offered and love returned.

Emily's Blue Period


Cathleen Daly - 2014
    She likes painting and loves the way artists like Pablo Picasso mixed things up.Emily's life is a little mixed up right now. Her dad doesn't live at home anymore, and it feels like everything around her is changing.“When Picasso was sad for a while,” says Emily, “he only painted in blue. And now I am in my blue period.”It might last quite some time.A Neal Porter Book

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich


Julia Sarcone-Roach - 2015
    . . . A sly classic-in-the-making for fans of Jon Klassen, Peter Brown, and Mo Willems. By now I think you know what happened to your sandwich. But you may not know how it happened.So let me tell you.It all started with the bear . . .   So begins Julia Sarcone-Roach’s delicious tale of a bear, lost in the city, who happens upon an unattended sandwich in the park. The bear’s journey from forest to city and back home again is full of happy accidents, funny encounters, and sensory delights. The story is so engrossing, it’s not until the very end that we begin to suspect this is a TALL tale.   The wonderfully told story, spectacular illustrations, and surprise ending make this Julia Sarcone-Roach’s best book to date. You’ll want to share it with your friends (and keep a close eye on your lunch).

Home


Carson Ellis - 2015
    Home may be on the road or the sea, in the realm of myth, or in the artist's own studio. A meditation on the concept of home.