The Fort That Jack Built


Boni Ashburn - 2013
    Unfortunately, those objects belong to his family members, so when they want their things back—there goes the walls and roof! Jack struggles to keep his fortress going as it crumbles piece by piece. Finally, Grandma saves the day with her quilts for a sweet, satisfying ending filled with family fun. Boni Ashburn’s text is brought to life by acclaimed illustrator Brett Helquist, whose lively style takes this tale beyond the living room and into the world of adventure.

The Troublemaker


Lauren Castillo - 2014
    He is well satisfied with the results—until his own stuffed animal disappears. Could it be that he is not the only troublemaker around . . . ?     A case of sibling rivalry is neatly resolved with the “assistance” of a hilarious raccoon in Lauren Castillo’s warm, simple text and gorgeous classic illustrations.

I'm Trying to Love Spiders


Bethany Barton - 2015
    Lay on a BIG spidey smoocheroo.b. Smile, but back away slowly.c. Grab the closest object, wind up, and let it fly.d. Run away screaming.If you chose b, c, or d, then this book is for you! (If you chose a, you might be crazy.)I'm Trying to Love Spiders will help you see these amazing arachnids in a whole new light, from their awesomely excessive eight eyes, to the seventy-five pounds of bugs a spider can eat in a single year! And you're sure to feel better knowing you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than being fatally bit by a spider. Comforting, right? No? Either way, there's heaps more information in here to help you forget your fears . . . or at least laugh a lot!

Lion and Mouse


Jairo Buitrago - 2019
    Before the lion can eat him for breakfast, the mouse begs for mercy. “If you let me go, I might be able to return the favor.” The lion laughs at the idea of such a small, insignificant creature helping him out … until the next day when the mouse frees the lion from a hunter’s trap.Jairo Buitrago and Rafael Yockteng, one of the great creative teams in picture books, have fun in this simple and never-didactic story about how it’s possible to get along through negotiation, acceptance and learning to put up with a friend’s eccentricities. You can be good to one another not because you expect anything in return but just because you are friends.

The Magic Word


Mac Barnett - 2016
    Heymeyer’s babysitter tells him to say the magic word, she could never have imagined that what would happen next would be a walrus chasing her, an elephant in the living room playing cards, and a full water park and moat in the front yard. And that’s just the beginning…

Where Are My Books?


Debbie Ridpath Ohi - 2015
    He reads a book every night. But one morning his favorite book goes missing, and in its place is a tulip. Spencer searches high and low, but he can't find his book.The next morning another book is missing, a nut in its place. And the morning after that, another book is missing.What is happening to Spencer's books? When he finds out, Spencer devises a surprising solution that will delight readers (and librarians) everywhere.

Hannah and Sugar


Kate Berube - 2016
    All of the other kids love Sugar, but Hannah just can’t conquer her fear of dogs. Then, one day, Sugar goes missing, so Hannah joins the search with her classmates. Will Hannah find a way to be brave, and make a new friend in the process?

My No No No Day


Rebecca Patterson - 2012
    She hates her breakfast egg, she won't share, she has a hurting foot, her supper is too hot, and her bath is too cold. And then it's no, no, no to bedtime. But at last a yawn, a story, and a kiss from mother end the day, with the promise of a cheerful tomorrow.Every parent, teacher, and caregiver will respond to this hilariously accurate portrait of one toddler with a case of the Terrible Twos!

The Chickens Are Coming!


Barbara Samuels - 2019
    When they see a sign for chickens that need a home, Mommy says they don't need to live in the country to raise chickens. And what could be better--pets that lay eggs! So they prepare the coop, tell their friends, and soon enough, the chickens arrive. But it seems that no matter what the children try, these chickens don't want to be pets, and they refuse to lay eggs. Can anything change their minds? Will the chickens ever feel at home?With bright, funny illustrations and an informative note from author Barbara Samuels, The Chickens are Coming! is a story about doing something new, learning to be patient, and welcoming new members into the family.

Pug and Doug


Steve Breen - 2013
    They both love doughnuts, bird watching, and polka music. They are also very different. Doug has a big imagination. Pug…not so much. When a misunderstanding between the friends hurts Doug’s feelings, Pug must find a way to set things right.  This charming and hilarious odd-couple friendship story is perfect for best buddies who usually, but don’t always, see eye-to-eye.

This School Year Will Be the BEST!


Kay Winters - 2010
    Some kids' hopes are familiar while others are off-the-wall. Whether it's looking good on picture day or skateboarding at school, everyone's wishes are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt this school year will definitely be the best!

Chicken Said "Cluck!" (My First I Can Read)


Judyann Ackerman Grant - 2002
    Chicken wants to help. But it seems like the only thing Chicken is good at is getting in the way.Then grasshoppers invade the pumpkin patch, and Earl and Pearl can do nothing to stop them. Suddenly it's up to Chicken to save the day!This funny and satisfying book is a delightful treat for children just starting to read.

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.)


Peter Brown - 2014
    You see, his teacher is a monster.But when Bobby runs into his teacher outside of school, he learns there is more to her than meets the eye.

ROAR-chestra!: A Wild Story of Musical Words


Robert Heidbreder - 2021
    Each term is first featured on a spread beside an image of a conductor animatedly leading his (unseen) orchestra in alignment with the term. Turn the page, and we find a short line of text that provides a succinct physical definition of the term, along with expressive art showcasing the animal orchestra using movement to interpret the description. For glissando, we find: “Gently gliding, slipping, sliding,” with an image of animals flowing across the pages as if rolling on a wave. For fortissimo, the text reads, “Loudly crashing --- stomping, stamping,” while the animals are shown with their heads thrown back and their mouths wide open, roaring for all the world to hear. It's a performance so enticing, readers won't be able to resist joining in!This unique picture book provides an engaging and entertaining way for children to understand and remember the meanings of these common musical terms (all Italian and great fun to pronounce). But it is also sure to inspire readers to get up and move, following and mimicking the animals, or, perhaps, playing the conductor. An excellent choice for any unit on music, this book offers an accessible and effective way to learn musical terms as well as a fun opportunity to play with music.

Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth


Nicola Davies - 2017
    The planet is full of millions of species of plants, birds, animals, and microbes, and every single one -- including us -- is part of a big, beautiful, complicated pattern. When humans interfere with parts of the pattern, by polluting the air and oceans, taking too much from the sea, and cutting down too many forests, animals and plants begin to disappear. What sort of world would it be if it went from having many types of living things to having just one? In a beautiful follow-up, the creators of the award-winning Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes deliver an inspiring look at the extraordinary diversity of Earth's inhabitants -- and the importance of their preservation.