Book picks similar to
Crocodiles Play by Robert Heidbreder


sports
storytime
not-leveled
picture_books

Game of Gnomes


Kirsten Mayer - 2017
    Every gnome in the Garden calls Ginger nicknames like "red" or "curly" because of her hair, but this Winter sports competition is the perfect chance to make a name for herself--her own name!Gnomes compete in downhill sledding, figure skating, and curling, but Ginger can't help showing off some daring skills in each event! Her rule-busting moves put her on thin ice with the judges. But when her friend Al needs help, Ginger proves with courage and creativity that she's more than her appearance.

Tomorrow I'll Be Kind


Jessica Hische - 2020
    This uplifting and positive book encourages kids to promise that tomorrow, they will be grateful, helpful, and kind.Tomorrow I'll be everything I strive to be each dayAnd even when it's difficultI'll work to find a way.Immerse yourself in the beautifully hand-lettered words of widsom, hope, and positivity alongside adorable illustrations of love and caring. This book is a reminder to all readers, young and old, that the smallest kind gesture can make the biggest difference in the world--we just have to remember to be kind to one another.Praise for Tomorrow I'll Be Kind"As an introduction to personality characteristics, beneficial behaviors, and social-emotional skills, this is a solid choice, and fans of the previous volume are likely to embrace this one as well. 'I'll dream of all the good that comes / when we all just do our best, ' the text explains--a sentiment that's hard to rebut. Gently encourages empathy, compassion, and consideration." -- Kirkus Reviews"A welcome call to tenderness." -- PW ReviewsPraise for Tomorrow I'll Be Brave"Jessica Hische, one of the great designers and typographers, now shows herself equally adept at creating gorgeous and immersive images for young readers. This is a joyous burst of color."--Dave Eggers, author of Her Right Foot

Ice Dogs


Terry Lynn Johnson - 2014
    With food gone and temperatures dropping, her survival, and that of her dogs and the mysterious boy she meets in the woods, is entirely up to her.Author Terry Lynn Johnson is a musher herself and her crackling writing puts readers at the reins as Victoria and Chris experience setbacks, mistakes, and small triumphs in their wilderness adventure.

Who's on First?


Bud Abbott - 2013
    What’s on second. I Don’t Know’s on third.” One of the classic comedy sketches of all time is now transformed into a priceless picture book—and it’s a great read for kids of all ages. Follow the mistaken identities, confusion, and lots of laughs as Rabbit and Bear act out this scene. The book will appeal to Abbott and Costello fans, baseball fans, and anyone who enjoys funny banter-driven picture books. Illustrated in full color with slightly retro stylized illustrations.“The book is stunning ~ dad and Bud would be proud!!”—Chris Costello, Daughter of Lou Costello

What's Next Door?


Nicola O'Byrne - 2018
    All he wants to do is find his way home, but he can't get there by himself -- he needs your help! In this unique interactive book, children are encouraged to take part in the story and use their imaginations to guide him door-to-door on his journey. Will he ever find his way home?

Gretzky's Tears: Hockey, Canada, and the Day Everything Changed


Stephen Brunt - 2009
    Wayne Gretzky’s tears, unlike Orr’s, announced not an ending but another beginning. Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers had four Stanley Cup victories, but Gretzky may then have had other goals in mind.Beginning with his dad, Walter, and continuing with Nelson Skalbania, Peter Pocklington, Bruce McNall, Jerry Buss — and with the CBC’s Peter Gzowski as chronicler for the eager masses — the enormity of Gretzky’s talent attracted all sorts of people who were after a variety of vicarious thrills.

Walrus in the Bathtub


Deborah Underwood - 2018
    And, as it turns out, once a walrus settles in for a soak, it's pretty darn hard to get him out. What's a family to do?This pithy picture book will keep readers giggling as our narrator lists the many terrible things about the blubbery beast in his bathtub, but realizes that even the soggiest, splashiest, walrus-song-iest situations aren't always as awful as they appear.

Thirsty, Thirsty Elephants


Sandra Markle - 2016
    Little Calf follows along and mimics her grandmother at each stop on their journey. When Grandma leads them to a watering hole she recalls from years before, the elephants are overjoyed and Little Calf splashes about with her tender leader. Grandma's persistence and powerful memory is something Little Calf will never forget. Based on true events. Sandra Markle's acclaimed nonfiction writing takes on a more lyrical style alongside Fabricio VandenBroeck's gorgeous illustrations making this story of animal behavior accessible for younger readers. Back matter includes further information about the phenomenon of a herd of elephants that survived a drought, as well as fascinating elephant facts.

No Place Like Home


Ronojoy Ghosh - 2016
    Not knowing where home is makes it even worse.So George sets off on a search. He isn't sure what home looks like, but he'll know it when he finds it.

Froggy Plays Soccer


Jonathan London - 1997
    His soccer team is playing the Wild Things for the City Cup. All Froggy has to do is remember the rule: "Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! BUT DON'T USE YOUR HANDS!" But Froggy's busy doing cartwheels and picking daisies. Uh oh, Froggy! Here comes the ball! Budding soccer players and Froggy's many fans will welcome Froggy's latest hilarious adventure.

The Book Hog


Greg Pizzoli - 2019
    There's only one problem: he can't read! But when a kind librarian invites him to join for storytime, this literature-loving pig discovers the treasure that books really are.Geisel Medalist Greg Pizzoli presents a new character who is sure to steal your heart in this picturebook full of humorous charm and vivid illustrations.

Amos McGee Misses the Bus


Philip C. Stead - 2021
    But after a late night planning a surprise for all his friends, Amos is tired. So tired, in fact, that he falls asleep during breakfast and misses his bus to the zoo! Now he knows he won't have time for the surprise he planned for his friends. Unless... perhaps his friends can step in and help him out.Ten years after the phenomenally successful, Caldecott Medal-winning classic, A Sick Day for Amos McGee, we are reunited with the gang in a brand new, heartwarming story from acclaimed author Philip C. Stead and award-winning illustrator, Erin E. Stead. .

Me & Dog


Gene Weingarten - 2014
    He’s an ordinary kid. He’s far from perfect. But to Murphy, Sid’s faithful dog, Sid is the whole world. Murphy thinks Sid is the absolute best—and that he’s in charge of everything. Sid loves Murphy right back, but he can’t help but wonder what Murphy would think if he realized the truth: Sid’s just a kid, and Murphy’s just a dog, and neither one can control the world. This deceptively simply picture book is the perfect start to a discussion about a subject seldom seen in children’s books—the nonthreatening feel of a world based on fact and reason, and not faith.

Atticus Caticus


Sarah Maizes - 2021
    Whether Atticus is lying in the sun or stealing a sip from a water glass, sharpening his nails on a favorite chair or settling in for the night on his boy’s head, this cat will win your heart—and maybe inspire you to improvise a few riffs of poetry about your own animal friends.

Buy My Hats!


Dave Horowitz - 2010
    . . but no one is buying! Everyone is crazy about Blue Monkey?s skateboards, Mister Pig?s Cup O? Mud and Big Ox?s remote-control robot cell phones?so what?s their secret? Dave Horowitz?s cast of crazy characters is sure to delight young readers. The world of retail has never been more entertaining than in the story of these two friends determined to understand what on earth their customers really need.