Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite


Nick Bromley - 2013
    What would you do if you were settling down for a quiet bedtime story and you realized that a crocodile had fallen into your storybook and was — not to put too fine a point on it — wreaking havoc? Would you slam that book shut and cram it back onto the bookshelf? Or would you be brave enough to peek?

Grumpy Monkey


Suzanne Lang - 2018
    His friends can’t understand it—how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson. This picture book is an excellent case study in the dangers of putting on a happy face and demonstrates to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings (though they should be careful of hurting others in the process!).

Bark, George


Jules Feiffer - 1999
    "Bark, George," says George's mother, and George goes: "Meow," which definitely isn't right, because George is a dog.And so is his mother, who repeats, "Bark, George." And George goes, "Quack, quack."What's going on with George? Find out in this hilarious new picture book from Jules Feiffer.

White Rabbit's Color Book


Alan Baker - 1999
    Soon the little rabbit is jumping from bucket to bucket and learning all about colors and how they mix. Quivering with excitement, Brown Rabbit nudges open a square gift box and finds five balloons which take on all sorts of shapes. Gray Rabbit and Black-and-White Rabbit have their own adventures as they discover numbers and the alphabet. Toddlers will have fun and learn with these concept books, warmly illustrated with meticulous detail by Alan Baker.

Dude!


Aaron Reynolds - 2018
    They want to go surfing but dude, there's this shark who's in the ocean, too.But don't worry. This shark approaches and you'll never guess what happens.

Down by the Cool of the Pool


Tony Mitton - 2001
    A wonderful watery and whimsical rhyming romp!

Under My Hood I Have a Hat


Karla Kuskin - 2004
    Winter is hereand it's time to put on your gloves and mittens and scarf and hat and...Only award-winning poet Karla Kuskin and illustrator Fumi Kosaka could make bundling up for the snow so much fun!

Where Bear?


Sophy Henn - 2014
    But over time the bear cub grew . . . and grew . . . and GREW! And did things that bears do . . . and do . . . and DO! One day the boy looked at the bear and realized he was just too big and bearish to be living in a house. "I think it's time we found you a new place to live where you can be bearish and big," said the boy. "But where, bear?"From the only two-time World Book Illustrator Sophy Henn, here is a delightful journey that reminds us that even when best friends are apart, they always stay together.Praise for WHERE BEAR? * "[N]othing short of magnificent. Each page is absolutely charming and begs to be looked at again and again."–Library Media Connection, starred review "[A] winsome debut . . . The catchy refrain, 'Then where, bear?,'and Henn’s sophisticated matte-toned illustrations make for a zippy take on the 'finding your place' genre."–New York Times Book Review   "This gentle tale about friendship and home will give early readers and their grown-ups plenty of food for discussion."–Kirkus Reviews"Simple illustrations in bold colors allow the bear’s repertoire of expressions — chagrin, boredom, and terror — to take center stage."–Boston Globe"[C]hildren will gravitate to the rhythmic repetition and the graphic design. A notable debut."–Booklist

I Went Walking


Sue Williams - 1989
    The boy sees a black cat, then a brown horse, then a red cow, and so on, and before he knows it, he’s being trailed by the entire menagerie! The Australian illustrator Julie Vivas brings the parade to life in lovely, lively watercolors—when the pink pig looks at the boy, for example, the boy sprays off his muddy body with a hose. Big type, repetition, friendly art, clean design—and the visual guessing game created by introducing each animal only partially at first—make this beloved tale a winner at story time.

Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn't Fit


Catherine Rayner - 2009
    He is so big he can't fit inside his book! Luckily, Ernest is also a very determined moose, and he and his little chipmunk friend aren't going to give up easily. With some tape, odd bits of paper, and plenty of enthusiasm, the pair constructs an enormous gatefold page by themselves, and everything fits together in the end.

Pug Meets Pig


Sue Lowell Gallion - 2016
    He has his own yard, his own bowl, and even his own cozy bed! That is, until Pig moves in and starts eating from Pug’s bowl, interrupting Pug’s routine, and, worst of all, sleeping in Pug’s bed. Will Pug and Pig ever learn to live together as friends? This sweet and silly story about a darling duo celebrates the timeless themes of embracing change, being kind to others, and finding friends in unlikely places.

Jamberry


Bruce Degen - 1982
    The fun wordplay and bright paintings with lots of details for young readers to explore make Jamberry a perennial favorite, and this board book edition is a great stocking stuffer.A small boy and a big friendly bear embark on a berry-picking extravaganza, looking for blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Their fun adventure comes to a razzamatazz finale under a starberry sky.From author-illustrator Bruce Degen, Jamberry is perfect for sharing. "With delightful, rich illustrations and zany wordplay, Jamberry is a must have book for any family with young children," according to Children's Books Guide.HatberryShoeberryIn my canoeberryUnder the bridgeAnd over the damLooking for berries...Berries for jam!

How to Dress a Dragon


Thelma Lynne Godin - 2016
    Also, beware of ticklish toes, shirts with buttons, and hats that do not fit neatly between his horns! In this charming, second-person narrative, our little boy hero imparts his infinite knowledge of how to dress a dragon, a task that isn't quite as easy as it may seem. With helpful hints like, You may have to tickle-tackle him to the floor and give him belly kisses, and warnings like, Dragons do not like shirts. But they do like capes ! this story is not only delightfully entertaining, but extremely endearing. Author Thelma Lynne Godin and illustrator Eric Barclay come together perfectly to bring this fantasy to life!

Rex Wrecks It!


Ben Clanton - 2014
    Every time they build something with their blocks, Rex wrecks it! Whether it’s an out-of-this-world rocket, a magical heart, or the biggest, strongest, most awesomerific castle ever, Rex sends it crashing down with a "Rawr!" (and sometimes a sheepish"Rawry!"?). Isn’t there any way to make playtime fun for everyone? With Rex-size humor, Ben Clanton explores the challenges of friendship, the benefits of working together, and the joys of destruction.

Punk Farm


Jarrett J. Krosoczka - 2005
    But meanwhile, back at the barn . . .Cow sets up her drums.Pig plugs in his amp.Goat tunes his bass.Chicken sets up her keyboards.And Sheep checks the microphone.They are Punk Farm and tonight they're ready to ROCK! With adorable farm animals - and a surprise tribute to Old MacDonald - this rollicking tale is sure to have kids cheering--and singing--along.