A Bubble


Geneviève Castrée - 2018
    Leaving behind a last note for a young child is an incomprehensible task; Castrée responds with grace and subtlety. Using precise, exquisite drawings of herself and her daughter, Castrée depicts changes in their daily routines as a greater story unfolds. Mother and daughter float from page to page, encased in a bubble that protects them from the outside world. A contemplation of love and loss, A Bubble is a lasting declaration, a final memory, a comfort for others experiencing grief, and a beautiful archive of one of the world’s most talented cartoonist’s final artistic achievements.Known for her hauntingly beautiful music (under the names Ô PAON and Woelv), engrossingly detailed album illustrations, and delicate, subtle comics, Castrée’s previous graphic novel, Susceptible, shows her rare ability to handle difficult personal material with intimacy and honesty. A Bubble acts as an extension of her life story and the final chapter of a beautifully full existence. Castrée passed away in 2016 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Please Bring Balloons


Lindsay Ward - 2013
    Especially if you bring balloons.Ever wondered what it would be like to ride a carousel right off its platform?  As Emma discovers, all it takes is a handful of balloons and a very kind polar bear to show you the way.  This soaring story of friendship, between a carousel bear and the little girl who noticed him, will take readers to the arctic and back—in time for bedtime, of course—and remind them anything is possible.  Even flying.

Would You Rather Be a Princess or a Dragon?


Barney Saltzberg - 2016
    The message of this book is that you can actually be both!There are lots of things you can be: a little wild, a little sweet. A little polite, a little troublesome. A little dainty, a little dragony.There's nothing stopping you from being just what you want to be . . . so which would you rather be: a princess or a dragon? Here's just the book to help you sort through that difficult question. You might be surprised at what you decide by its end.

Tooth Trouble


Jane Clarke - 2003
    Wilbur's tusk hurts but he still does not want to go to the dentist until Grandpa persuades him that it might help.

The World Shines for You


Jeffrey Burton - 2017
    This artistic and heartwarming first book truly says what every parent wants to share with their little ones: The World Shines for You.

The Rooster Struts


Richard Scarry - 1963
    . . the bear shuffles . . . the worm wiggles . . . and the eagle soars! Recently unearthed in the Golden Books archivesâ��and one of Richard Scarryâ��s most breathtaking booksâ��it is the perfect first book about animals with its bold color, simple lines, and sturdy pages.

Even Firefighters Hug Their Moms


Christine Kole MacLean - 2002
    When he's fighting fires, serving and protecting, and rescuing people at sea, he's too busy to show Mom any affection. Still, she keeps reminding him that even these tough guys hug their moms. Eventually, even happily, the boy gives in. This lively picture book celebrates imaginative play and family togetherness as it pays a subtle tribute to today's heroes.

On My Way to the Bath


Sarah Maizes - 2012
    Everything is more fun than baths. But when Livi's mother hollers "Bathtime!"-a call readers and their parents are all familiar with-her imagination takes her on a journey full of daring obstacles and exciting events. She must battle a snake, rule the world, and escape quicksand, all while her mother waits with the bubbles ready. With delay tactics as creative as this, it's a wonder she ever makes it all the way into the tub.Bringing together a picture book debut, author Sarah Maizes and illustrative veteran, Michael Paraskevas, this funny, fresh book will be a must for every parent who wants to foster creativity while fulfilling the every day necessities.

How to Be Cooler Than Cool


Sean Taylor - 2021
    . . uh-oh! Of course, Cockatoo’s dancing on top of the seesaw wearing the glasses will definitely make him too cool for school . . . oh no! How about Pig’s standing up on the swing in the coveted shades? Drawn in by the silly story and the bold, graphic illustrations, kids will laugh out loud at the comeuppance of the animal poseurs and cheer for the savvy little chick who shows that coolness comes from just having regular old fun.

Pick a Pumpkin, Mrs. Millie!


Judy Cox - 2009
    Millie is at it again! In the fall, she takes her kindergarteners on a class trip to pick pumpkins for their harvest party. The class has fun guessing the meanings of their favorite teacher’s nonsense words. They go on a dragon (wagon) ride, pet the boats (goats), and drink apple spider (cider). Coupled with hilarious artwork in pen, pencil, and colored dyes by Joe Mathieu, the lighthearted text sets a class trip on its ear, even as it teaches a subtle lesson in wordplay.

Sixteen Runaway Pumpkins


Dianne Ochiltree - 2004
    Hooray!It's harvest time in the pumpkin patch...."Whoosh" -- there they go!Can Sam catch sixteen hill-rolling, ditch-jumping, stump-bumping, runaway pumpkins?Come along on Sam's pumpkin-counting adventure...and find out!

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round


Annie Kubler - 2001
    Available in three formats, suitable for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and the nursery or classroom.

Llamas in Pajamas


Russell Punter - 2014
    It can also be enjoyed by children who are beginning to read for themselves. The simple rhyming text helps to develop essential language and early reading skills, and there are guidance notes for parents at the back of the book.

Railroad Hank


Lisa Moser - 2012
    She's feeling kind of blue. Along the way, he stops to talk to Missy May, Country Carl, Cinnamon Cobbler, and Reel-'Em-In Sam. Each friend offers up something to cheer Granny Bett, but Hank has bigger ideas. By the time he reaches the mountaintop, his train is bursting with crazy cargo! And Granny Bett has a great idea for what to do with it all.

I Can Roar!


Frank Asch - 1988
    Each page introduces a different animal with a suggestion for how a child can imitate that animal, such as “I can roar like a lion” and “I can snap like a turtle.” In place of the animal's face on each brightly illustrated page is a four-inch circular cut-out, allowing the child to insert his or her own face and pretend to be the animal by acting out what the text instructs. Alternating between animal sounds (“I can hoot like an owl”) and animal actions (“I can stick out my tongue like a snake”), this book provides children with loads of opportunities for imaginative play. It is also an excellent resource for teaching the youngest children about many kinds of animals. From a walrus to a cow, a cat to a bear, seventeen are featured in all, including household pets, farm favorites and creatures that live in the wild. The final page of the book concludes with the empowering message “I can be anything!” Created by the bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Frank Asch, this book would work beautifully for a creative activity with preschoolers or kindergartners. It could be used one on one with a child or could be passed around the circle allowing each youngster to take a turn with the next animal. This is a truly fun book that young children are sure to request.