Book picks similar to
Batmouse by Steve Smallman


picture-books
children
childrens
children-s-books

Pretend


Jennifer Plecas - 2011
    Their couch turns into a boat! The staircase becomes a mountain! And blankets become a cozy hut, just right to cuddle inside. The one thing they don't have to pretend is how much they love one another. Jennifer Plecas's bold artwork and lively text come together in a celebration of imagination and the love between a parent and child. Great for Father's Day, but wonderful for any day that parent and child spend together.

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!

No Babysitters Allowed


Amber Stewart - 2008
    Honeybunch comes to stay. She wants to play, but Hopscotch would much rather be alone in his special NO BABYSITTERS ALLOWED fort . . . that is, until he hears Mrs. Honeybunch reading his books all wrong. But explaining the right way to tell the stories would mean leaving his fort, and Hopscotch isn't sure he's brave enough for that.This sweetly funny story about separation anxiety will provide ample reassurance to young children (and their worried parents) facing babysitter night.

Froggy Goes to School


Jonathan London - 1996
    "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation....A charming story to calm those pre-school jitters." -- School Library JournalJonathan London is the author of many books for children, including I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me, Like Butter on Pancakes and four other books about Froggy.

It's a Secret!


John Burningham - 2009
    "Where do cats go at night?" the girl wonders. So when she sees him at his cat door dressed to the nines, she begs to come along. And amazingly, Malcolm agrees — as long as she puts on her fancy clothes, gets small, and keeps it all a secret. With a whimsical story and breathtaking artwork, the acclaimed John Burningham takes us on an exciting night’s journey, braving hoodlum dogs and precarious climbs for a rooftop party that is cause for celebration indeed.

Loula Is Leaving for Africa


Anne Villeneuve - 2013
    She's leaving home and going to Africa! Though her quirky parents are too distracted to pay much attention to her plans, Loula has a good friend in the family chauffeur, Gilbert, who gently inquires, “Mademoiselle, may I ask, why Africa?” “Because!” Loula explains. “Africa is far away, very far away, the farthest away I can get from my MEAN, HORRIBLE, STINKY brothers. Plus they are scared of snakes. And if they come, piranhas will eat them.” “Well then,” says Gilbert, “I think Africa is the best destination.” So together, with the help of their imaginations, Loula and Gilbert travel over the sand, through the air and across the water to reach their own special island of Africa. Which, Loula happily discovers at the end of the day, is “not so far away” from home. Award-winning Anne Villeneuve has created a lovable and memorable character in the irrepressible Loula, who enchants and inspires with her spunk and the unique way she approaches the challenges in her life. Villeneuve's artwork, loosely drawn and painted warmly with watercolors, is both witty and charming, just like her character. This is a wonderful story about independence and adventure that also offers a heartwarming example of the important role a caring adult can play in a child's life. It provides a terrific opportunity to discuss dealing with feelings and how to be resourceful when faced with things that are out of your control.

The Bravest Fish


Matt Buckingham - 2006
    One morning, Stanley wakes up late, and the reef is strangely quiet. Follow Stanley as he diligently searches for his friends and meets other ocean creatures, including the Big Shark, in this underwater adventure. Stanley and his friends are highlighted with glimmering, gold foil artwork throughout the story.

I Am Actually a Penguin


Sean Taylor - 2017
    One day, a little girl receives a brand-new penguin outfit and she never wants to take it off.Her family say, "You're not actually a penguin," but she knows she actually is.

Franklin's Flying Bookshop


Jen Campbell - 2017
    One day, he meets a girl named Luna who, rather than being afraid, is fascinated to meet Franklin, having recently read all about dragons in one of her books. They instantly become friends and talk nonstop about what they’ve read: books about roller-skating, King Arthur, spiders, and how to do kung fu. Together they hatch a plan to share their love of books with others by opening a bookshop―a flying bookshop, that is―right on Franklin’s back!Franklin, a well-read and peace-loving dragon, and Luna, a young girl with an independent spirit and an insatiable love of reading, make fantastic role models for young children. Franklin’s Flying Bookshop brings the magic of classic fairy tales into the twenty-first century through exquisite illustrations, and will enchant children as well as anyone who loves books.

The Otter Who Loved to Hold Hands (Storytime)


Heidi Howarth - 2013
    

Big Chickens Go to Town


Leslie Helakoski - 2009
    What ensues is a raucous adventure through town, including foreign food, weird noises, and strange birds. Sidesplitting silliness abounds in this third riotously funny read-aloud by Leslie Helakoski, once again illustrated with Henry Cole?s boisterous art.

There's an Alligator under My Bed


Mercer Mayer - 1987
    Full-color illustrations.

Dog in Boots


Greg Gormley - 2011
    Wants and needs are contrasted through the process of trial and error in this cheerful picture book.

Two Bad Ants


Chris Van Allsburg - 1988
    Falling into a sizzling cup of coffee and a heated stay inside of a toaster is just the beginning for these misbehaved ants.Will they ever make it back home?Chris Van Allsburg's terrific story about the consequences of disobeying reminds us all that the comforts of home aren't so bad after all.

Come Along, Daisy!


Jane Simmons - 1997
    A sudden, scary noise teaches Daisy to heed her mother's words. The author's colorful illustrations will capture children's attention as they enjoy the adventures of this playful duck. Text copyright 2004 Lectorum Publications, Inc.