Mrs. Noodlekugel


Daniel Pinkwater - 2012
    So when they look out their window and see a little house they never knew was there, of course they must visit (especially when their parents tell them not to!). Going through the boiler room, they’re amazed to find to a secret backyard with a garden, a porch, and a statue of a cat. And they’re even more amazed when that cat starts to talk. . . . Welcome to the world of Mrs. Noodlekugel, where felines converse and serve cookies and tea, vision-impaired mice join the party (but may put crumbs up their noses), and children in search of funny adventures are drawn by the warm smell of gingerbread and the promise of magical surprises.

Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School


Mark Teague - 2002
    In reality, Brotweiler is more like camp than prison, but still, Ike's not cut out for life without Mrs. LaRue. Finally, he runs away only to find himself back in Snort City -- just in time to save Mrs. LaRue's life.A classic picture book written and illustrated by How Do Dinosaurs...? artist Mark Teague.

Chowder


Peter Brown - 2006
    Chowder is a hilarious and heartwarming story that introduces an endearing new character: a weird but completely loveable bulldog who learns to make friends by being true to his quirks.

The Dog That Nino Didn't Have


Edward van de Vendel - 2013
    His imaginary dog chases squirrels and plays in the lake with him. His imaginary dog licks the tears off Nino's face and helps Nino feel less lonely while his dad is traveling. But when Nino gets a real dog, it's not quite what he expected. As he spends more time with his dog, though, Nino learns how to be content with what he has, but that doesn't stop him from continuing to dream. This award-winning book beautifully depicts the art of finding a balance between imagination and reality.

Don't Paint the Cat: Can there really be too much of a good thing?


Julia Inserro - 2019
     But then one day she paints, and she paints, and she paints some more, until she runs out of things to paint. Or does she? Don't Paint the Cat is a silly story about embracing the things we love, but also recognizing that even fun things must have their limits. It also teaches that even mommies can say, "I was wrong."Perfect for kids from 4-9, and parents of all ages.

A Squash and a Squeeze


Julia Donaldson - 1993
    A goat on the bed and a cow on the table tapping out a jig? My readers collapsed in heaps, and then had to have it read again. And again." - Vivian French in The Guardian

Charlie the Ranch Dog: Where's the Bacon?


Ree Drummond - 2013
    But when a visitor comes to stay with Charlie's family, Charlie isn't so sure that the new guy knows the rules. In fact, Rowdy the dog doesn't seem to be a very nice guest. After eating Charlie's bacon, drinking Charlie's water, and sleeping in Charlie's bed, Rowdy is in the doghouse! Can Charlie find a way to keep Rowdy in line . . . or at least find some more bacon?Join Charlie the Ranch Dog in his first I Can Read book . . . and find out who is boss!

Bad Dog


Mike Boldt - 2019
    but gets a cat instead!"Look what I got for my birthday! A pet dog!" says a little girl holding a... cat? Rocky doesn't listen or obey like all the other dogs. (Because Rocky is a cat.) And Rocky hates her leash and doesn't seem to like other dogs. (Probably because Rocky is a cat.) And rather than play fetch, Rocky prefers to... lick between her toes? Ew. Rocky is a bad "dog"! BUT Rocky doesn't bark, and is so cute when she sleeps in sunny spots. Maybe Rocky IS a good dog? (Or, you know, maybe Rocky is a cat.)Cat lovers and dog lovers alike will howl with laughter at this little girl's willful insistence that her cat is a dog. The hilarious ways in which cats and dogs are different are brilliantly illuminated with each turn of the page and will leave young readers and their grown-ups giggling.

Socks


Beverly Cleary - 1973
    He lives the good life with his affectionate owners, Mr. and Mrs. Bricker. Ever since the day they saved him from a life spent in a mailbox drop slot, Socks has been the center of their world. And he always has everything he needs—tasty kitty treats and all the lap room he could want!But when a new baby arrives, suddenly the Brickers have less and less time for Socks. Little Charles William is the one getting all the attention. Socks feels left out—and to show it, he starts getting into all sorts of trouble! What will it take to make Socks realize just how much the Brickers care about him?For generations, Beverly Cleary has entertained readers of all ages with the hilarious scrapes and hijinks of characters such as Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, Ribsy, and Ralph S. Mouse. Socks is no exception—as School Library Journal raves, it will make "both children and adults with roar with laughter."

Appleblossom the Possum


Holly Goldberg Sloan - 2015
    White and Dick King-Smith will adore this heartwarming and funny animal adventure by the award-winning author of Counting by 7s Mama has trained up her baby possums in the ways of their breed, and now it’s time for all of them—even little Appleblossom—to make their way in the world. Appleblossom knows the rules: she must never be seen during the day, and she must avoid cars, humans, and the dreaded hairies (sometimes known as dogs). Even so, Appleblossom decides to spy on a human family—and accidentally falls down their chimney! The curious Appleblossom, her faithful brothers—who launch a hilarious rescue mission—and even the little girl in the house have no idea how fascinating the big world can be. But they're about to find out! With dynamic illustrations, a tight-knit family, and a glimpse at the world from a charming little marsupial's point of view, this cozy animal story is a perfect read-aloud and a classic in the making.

Marley and the Kittens


John Grogan - 2010
    But Marley is no graceful kitten. By imitating their gentle behavior, he unintentionally makes a mess all over the house and gets into big trouble for it. What did I do this time? he wonders. Marley is afraid he may have lost his number-one status in the household . . . until an unlikely pair reminds him and his family that no one's purrrrr-fect!In a story that hilariously reveals the differences between cats and dogs, everyone's favorite misbehaving pup learns from some new friends just how special he really is.

The Jungle Crew


Emma Scott - 2015
    Should you have a lot in common with your new friend? Do you have to look the same? What happens when you look very different from each other? “The Jungle Crew” is an enjoyable rhyming story about how animals big and small meet and become great friends. Each animal has something special to share. Although they are look very different, there is something lovable in each and every one. This is a story about diversity and how unusual friendships can lead to fun times and happy occasions. “The Jungle Crew” is a great bedtime story for children 3-5 years old.

Everybody, Always for Kids


Bob Goff - 2021
    Everybody, Always for Kids will get your children excited about being themselves, caring for others, and making a difference in the world. Bob Goff's magnetic spirit and hilarious wit, alongside his daughter Lindsey Goff Viducich's love and understanding of children, shine through each story in Everybody, Always for Kids. Bob and Lindsey share:40 inspiring stories paired with fun artwork perfect for readers, ages 6-10Childlike wonder they've experienced in their regular day to day lives—using a walkie-talkie to talk to a neighbor, swapping places with a limo driver, pretending to be a wax figure, and carrying a bucket around everywhereHow embracing others is the key to living a happier lifeAs the extraordinary success of Love Does, Love Does for Kids, and Everybody, Always shows, Goff's trademark storytelling about unconditional love resonates with every generation as we seek to bring light, laughter, and abundant grace to today's world.

A Dog in the Fog: Sight Word Fun for Beginner Readers


Tanja Russita - 2015
    Written and illustrated by Tanja Russita, mother, teacher, artist and psychologist. The idea for the series came from Tanja's daughter wanting to read childrens' stories "from a Kindle, like my mum." Now the books are enjoyed worldwide by kids who are learning how to read. Watch and listen to your child's reading skills grow. Prepare to have to share your e-reader!

Shark Detective!


Jessica Olien - 2015
    . . but at night, he dreamed of being a detective. When a kitty goes missing, could it be time for Shark's dreams to finally come true?