Book picks similar to
Emma Bean by Jean Van Leeuwen


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Sisters


David McPhail - 1984
    But there is one heartfelt way in which they are most alike—they love each other so very much. David McPhail's celebration of the joys—and trials—of sisterhood has been a favorite with sisters of all ages for almost twenty years. Now published in full color for the first time, in its original intimate size, a new generation of sisters will love to read this treasure . . . together.Features a presentation page, a personal touch for gift giving.

My Teacher Sleeps in School


Leatie Weiss - 1984
    Marsh's class as they search for clues to prove their teacher sleeps in school, and enjoy their surprise when a mystery bus trip ends in front of a nice white house with a blue door--a house much like the ones they live in themselves.

Do Not Open


Brinton Turkle - 1981
    Captain Kidd wasn't the famous pirate; he was a cat. One morning after a storm, Miss Moody found him washed up on the beach. He was nearly drowned. She nursed him until he was well, and he repaid her kindness by keeping her cottage free of mice.

The Signmaker's Assistant


Tedd Arnold - 1992
    But what he'd really like to do is make his own signs. Then one day he gets his chance... and suddenly, all signs are pointing to trouble!'Well suited for reading aloud... (this book) will appeal to children's sense of fun.'- School Library Journal

The Mysterious Tadpole


Steven Kellogg - 1977
    But it soon becomes clear that this "tadpole" is not turning into an ordinary frog! It'll take a little help from friends and a lot of ingenuity to feed and shelter this unusual, ever-growing pet. The Mysterious Tadpole, with its giddy mix of fantasy, adventure, and high humor, is one of Steven Kellogg's most popular books. It was an ALA Notable, an IRA-CBC Children's Choice, and won the Irma Simonton Black Award. For its anniversary, Steven has reworked aspects of the story and has created entirely new artwork in the bright, bold colors that weren't reproducible twenty-five years ago. He discusses why he wanted to revise the book in a lively author's note.

Why the Chicken Crossed the Road


David Macaulay - 1987
    The tale of the chicken and Desperate Dan, a bandit, told in beautiful full-color pictures and leavened by the trademark wit of David Macaulay.

Buttons


Brock Cole - 2000
    "Wife! Wife!" he cried. "We are undone! My britches have burst and my buttons are burnt, every one!" After putting her husband to bed, the wife enlists the aid of her three daughters in replacing their father's buttons. The eldest promises to find a rich man who will give her buttons in exchange for her hand in marriage. The second daughter decides to join the army for the sake of the buttons on a soldier's uniform. And the youngest is going to run through the meadows with her apron held out before her, hoping to catch a few buttons falling from the sky. Which of these young ladies will succeed in restoring the family fortunes? The answer is the essential and satisfying stuff of fairy tales. Brock Cole's whimsical prose and pictures make this original story feel like a hundred-year-old classic.

Goose


Molly Bang - 1996
    Adopted by woodchucks at birth, goose never feels she truly belongs ... until the day she discovers she can fly.Written in 1996, Goose was named a best book of the year by both School Library Journal and Horn Book. In 2016 it won the Phoenix Picture Book Award from the Children's Literature Association."I wrote Goose for my daughter when she was having a terrible time getting used to her first year of college. It was not intended as a book, but she suggested that it should be. It turns out that people see Goose not only as a story for children, but often give it to young people who are about to go to college or into the work world, or to retirees who are about to enter some new phase of life. It is also, obviously, a book about the difficulties faced by an adoptive child—or by any child who feels she or he doesn't quite fit into the family." —Molly Bang

The Rag Coat


Lauren A. Mills - 1991
    With paintings that capture all the beauty of Appalachia in authentic detail, this tender story about a resourceful mountain girl's special coat will touchreaders with its affirming message of love and friendship.

Miss Fannie's Hat


Jan Karon - 1993
    Now includes an audio CD of the author reading the story.

Martha Walks the Dog


Susan Meddaugh - 1998
    She enjoys sniffing and scratching with her pals down by the hydrant. But today something is different. A house down the street has been sold, the for sale sign replaced by a new sign - Beware of Dog! Always curious, Martha investigates and discovers that there's a new dog in town, a blustering tough-dog named Bob. He's big and mean, and even Martha reluctantly concedes that he may be a bad dog. Martha will have to keep all her canine wits about her to protect her buddies and herself from the savage bully. Fortunately, she makes the acquaintance of a long-winded Parrot, and together the talkative duo may be able to restore peace to the neighborhood. In this hilarious new escapade by Susan Meddaugh, Martha is back, busily proving that there's no substitute for the simple power of praise for taming the toughest old dogs.

A Baby Sister for Frances


Russell Hoban - 1964
    But when she overhears her parents talking about how much they all miss her, she decides that she should go back home. After all a being a big sister means she has lots of grown up things to do!

Christina Katerina & the Box


Patricia Lee Gauch - 1971
    In it they swear undying friendship, wage furious battles

The Caboose Who Got Loose


Bill Peet - 1971
    Katy Caboose is tired of being last, and one day an accident allows her to realize her dream of peace and solitude.

Birdie's Lighthouse


Deborah Hopkinson - 1996
    Sometimes it roars so load that it drowns our voices. Mama says there hasn't been a storm this fierce since the night I was born. She thinks it too dangerous for me to go to the tower again. Yet what else can I do? I'm the lightkeeper now. On the tiny lighthouse island that is her family's new home, Birdie faithfully keeps a journal. She writes down everthing: the change of seasons, the rhythms of the sea, and all that her father, the lightkeeper, is teaching her. But then one stormy night, her father is taken ill. And only Birdie knows how to keep the lighthouse's strong beam running. Will she be brave enough to guide the boats safely into harbor?