Book picks similar to
The Mellops Go Spelunking by Tomi Ungerer


out-of-print
kids
picture-book
children-s-books

The Boring Book


Shinsuke Yoshitake - 2017
    The Boring Book is a humorous picture book that follows the story of one particularly bored child.As the story progresses, our protagonist discovers there's actually more to boredom than what meets the eye—more questions, more theories, and heaps of humor.This exploration of boredom from acclaimed author-illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake playfully unpacks the ways in which a seemingly stagnant state is actually a portal into a dynamic, life-enriching experience.• Embraces the topic of boredom—an ever-so-popular kid complaint—and runs with it• Yoshitake's illustrations promote visual literacy and show young readers what the process of creative thinking looks likeThis smart, laugh-out-loud picture book just might change your child's perspective on the state of boredom forever.

Big Wolf & Little Wolf


Nadine Brun-Cosme - 2005
    He is alone, but happy. One day he sees another wolf approaching, a little wolf. Without a word, Little Wolf sits down next to Big Wolf. He stays all night and all the next day. At first Big Wolf is suspicious. He also is worried that Little Wolf will grow bigger and become a rival. After a while, however, he starts to feel fond of his small companion. He decides to let Little Wolf share his covers, just a little, so he isn’t cold at night. The next day he shares some of his lunch. Just as Big Wolf is starting to get used to his new friend, and even to care for him, Little Wolf disappears. Big Wolf is too proud to cry or get upset, but the reader cannot miss the great mix of emotions he feels, which are movingly portrayed in Olivier Tallec’s sensitive illustrations. Big Wolf loses his appetite and cannot sleep. He spends his time staring at the horizon, waiting for Little Wolf to return, but without the slightest reason to hope that he will. But with the arrival of spring Little Wolf does return. Big Wolf is so happy his heart almost bursts. The two wolves shyly admit that without each other they found life lonely. Never again will they leave each other’s side.Prix de l’album 2007 CherbourgPrix France Télévision 2006Prix des Enfants 2006 du Salon Chrétien de TroyesPrix littéraire jeunesse de 2006 Chambray-les-toursAdopted by the French National curriculum

Hansel and Gretel


Ian Wallace - 1812
    Set in Atlantic Canada.

Harold and the Purple Crayon


Crockett Johnson - 1955
    Adventure goes hand in hand with imagination to create this charming classic story.

Pigs to the Rescue: A Picture Book


John Himmelman - 2010
    Broken-down tractors, kites stuck in trees--they're always having problems! It's a good thing they have such helpful farm animals on hand.This time around, the pigs want to pitch in, and boy, do they ever! The Greenstalks soon find, though, that life might just be a little easier without their help... Pigs to the Rescue is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake


Laura Joffe Numeroff - 1998
    They continue the tradition that began with such whimsical titles as If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and If You Give a Moose a Muffin with yet another tale of actions and consequences: If You Give a Pig a Pancake. Once again, Numeroff follows the potential effects of one creature's chaotic demands, creating a tale filled with beguiling characters, delightful anticipation, and a fun sense of adventure. In addition to being humorous and entertaining, If You Give a Pig a Pancake allows children to see how their own constant demands might frazzle their parents. Kids should also enjoy studying the subtleties in Bond's colorful illustrations, such as the facial expressions of the book's adorable protagonist or the details found in a mountain of bubbles and the contents of a closet. Easy to understand, stimulating to both mind and eye, and irresistibly amusing, this is one book children will likely want to read over and over again. --Beth Amos

Moon! Earth's Best Friend


Stacy McAnulty - 2019
    Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

999 Tadpoles


Ken Kimura - 2003
    Hungry hawks are flying through the sky. A young frog makes a mighty tasty morsel.   Never underestimate the quick wits of 999 young frogs!

The Tiger Who Came to Tea


Judith Kerr - 1968
    Funny and entertaining.

Hippopposites


Janik Coat - 2010
    Simple pairings of words, both expected (small/large) and unexpected (clear/blurry), are humorously illustrated with a graphic and lovable red hippopotamus. Bold colors and surprising die-cuts and textures spice up this elegantly engaging board book. Praise for Hippopposites "Nicely done and a perfect gift, your favorite little one will love this book." —KIWI Magazine "This is a marvelous introduction to linguistic nuance for the very young." —The Wall Street Journal "A distinctive offering stands out in the crowded field of concept contenders." —Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW "French illustrator Coat blends a quirky sensibility with a slick visual aesthetic...it’s an excellent (and fun) vehicle through which to demonstrate the concept." —Publishers Weekly, starred review Award 2013 ALA/ALSC Notable Book

Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast


Josh Funk - 2015
    Off they go, racing past the Orange Juice Fountain, skiing through Sauerkraut Peak, and reeling down the linguini. But who will enjoy the sweet taste of victory? And could working together be better than tearing each other apart?

Ganesha's Sweet Tooth


Sanjay Patel - 2012
    Ganesha is just like any other kid, except that he has the head of an elephant and rides around on a magical mouse. And he loves sweets, especially the traditional dessert laddoo. But when Ganesha insists on biting into a super jumbo jawbreaker laddoo, his tusk breaks off! Ganesha is terribly upset, but with the help of the wise poet Vyasa, and his friend Mr. Mouse, he learns that what seems broken can actually be quite useful after all. With vibrant, graphic illustrations, expressive characters, and offbeat humor, this is a wonderfully inventive rendition of a classic tale.

The Frog and Toad Treasury: Frog and Toad are Friends/Frog and Toad Together/Frog and Toad All Year


Arnold Lobel - 1987
    Not much really happens in these stories. The illustrations are beautiful but rather small. The eponymous friends carry on their friendship through mild misunderstandings and misadventures, always ready to forgive each other and forget. These gentle stories are among my favorite kids' books. I have fond memories of Frog and Toad from my childhood, and I never tire of re-reading them to my 4-year-old daughter. She seems to like them, too.

It's not easy being a Lazy Bug: A Hilarious Story For Teaching Kids The Value of Independence and Doing Things For Themselves


Pragya Tomar - 2020
    He never gets dressed, or makes his own food, or even goes to school! But when his parents decide to stop doing everything for him, Bug soon discovers that being lazy isn’t such a good idea after all… and that becoming independent is fun after all!It’s Not Easy Being a Lazy Bug is a hilarious and enjoyable tale that inspires kids to do things for themselves and not be lazy. Featuring vivid illustrations and an upbeat theme, Bug’s delightful story is perfect for teaching young children about the downsides of being lazy and the rewarding satisfaction that comes from taking control and being independent.Book details:- Makes A Great Bedtime Story For Kids Aged 4-6- Teaches The Value and Joy of Independence- Features Colorful, Lively Illustrations and a Charming Story- Specially Designed For Early Readers, Reading Aloud, Group Readings and More- And It Will Quickly Become Your Child’s Favorite Tale!Ideal for gifts, passing the time, and even as a way to help early learners strengthen their reading skills, this colorful book helps empower kids to be more independent by showing them the amazing benefits of doing things yourself. So if you’re searching for a funny and cheerful tale about one lazy bug who sees the error in his ways, then this book is for you!

Rosie Revere, Engineer


Andrea Beaty - 2013
    When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal--to fly--Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true. But when her contraption doesn't fl y but rather hovers for a moment and then crashes, Rosie deems the invention a failure. On the contrary, Aunt Rose inisists that Rosie's contraption was a raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit.