The Snatchabook


Helen Docherty - 2013
    But books are mysteriously disappearing. Eliza Brown decides to stay awake and catch the book thief. It turns out to be a little creature called the Snatchabook who has no one to read him a bedtime story. All turns out well when the books are returned and the animals take turns reading bedtime stories to the Snatchabook.

Tell Me the Day Backwards


Albert Lamb - 2011
    Timmy tries to remember everything that happened to him that day in reverse, from watching the sunset on the hill to the picnic supper before that, from being chased by bees to finding honey in an old tree stump, all the way back to waking up that morning from his winter-long hibernation. Albert Lamb and David McPhail spin a charming bedtime story sure to have parents and children sharing their own day — backwards — with each other.

Everyone Is Yawning


Anita Bijsterbosch - 2015
    Look. I think it is tired. All the little animals yawn. And the little kid? Does the little kid yawn too? You’ll find out as you lift-the-flaps in this surprising book.A sleepytime book filled with tired animals and friendly flaps from the author-illustrator of the Oppenheim Gold Award winner Whose Hat is That?

A Color of His Own


Leo Lionni - 1975
    Pigs are pink. Only the chameleon has no color of his own. He is purple like the heather, yellow like a lemon, even black and orange striped like a tiger! Then one day a chameleon has an idea to remain one color forever by staying on the greenest leaf he can find. But in the autumn, the leaf changes from green to yellow to red . . . and so does the chameleon. When another chameleon suggests they travel together, he learns that companionship is more important than having a color of his own. No matter where he goes with his new friend, they will always be alike.

Hello Hello


Brendan Wenzel - 2018
    Beginning with two cats, one black and one white, a chain of animals appears before the reader, linked together by at least one common trait. From simple colors and shapes to more complex and abstract associations, each unexpected encounter celebrates the magnificent diversity of our world—and ultimately paints a story of connection. Brendan Wenzel's joyous, rhythmic text and exuberant art encourage readers to delight in nature's infinite differences and to look for—and marvel at—its gorgeous similarities. It all starts with a simple "Hello."

A Bear and His Boy


Sean Bryan - 2007
    Like "A Boy and His Bunny" and "A Girl and Her Gator," this new picture book will entertain young children and their parents, and put smiles on the faces of their grandparents too. Mack, a type-A bear who is terribly over-scheduled, is initially stressed to discover the boy, named Zach, and tells him: "Here's the deal . . . I've got no time to slack. I'm looking at my schedule, and it is jam-packed." But in the end, after a rhyme-filled tour through Mack's fanciful schedule, Zach teaches the bear to slow down and enjoy life, rather than rush through it. With aplayful text and simple, witty illustrations, A BEAR AND HIS BOY will help everyone stop and smell the lilacs!

Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball


Vicki Churchill - 2001
    Or sticking out his pink tongue--and pulling funny faces (now that can be fun)! And maybe he'll jump just as high as he can, and see how much noise he will make when he lands. But when the day ends and the sun starts to fall...he goes back home to mama and curls into a ball. Good night! Soft-toned illustrations portray an endearing little wombat and the warm and friendly world around him--and every page is filled with charming details that stand up to repeat viewings: cute mice, rabbits and turtles peering from behind tall grass, marching pigeons, and a menagerie of other adorable animals. The images, along with the lyrically rhyming text, combine to make a sweet-spirited bedtime story to ease young ones to sleep.

The Lady with the Alligator Purse


Nadine Bernard Westcott - 1988
    These outrageous rhymes will appeal to reluctant readers, eager readers, silly readers, and the whole family together!

No More Naps!: A Story for When You're Wide-Awake and Definitely NOT Tired


Chris Grabenstein - 2020
    Dad tries to encourage sleepiness by pushing her around the park in her stroller. Along the way, they pass a man sitting on a bench, dog walkers walking dogs, a boy on a skateboard, kids playing ball, a girl practicing her juggling, and others. Each of them thinks that taking a nap is a great idea and if Annalise Devin McFleece doesn’t want hers, they’ll happy take it. And one by one, everyone falls asleep…except Annalise Devin McFleece. But when she’s finally ready for her nap, all the naps are taken! Is there anyone who has an extra nap to spare?

Old MacDonald Had a Truck:


Steve Goetz - 2016
    And on that farm he had a...TRUCK?! With a DIG DIG here and a SCOOP SCOOP there, this classic folk song just got revved up! Beloved machines—the excavator, dump truck, bulldozer, and more—will have vehicle enthusiasts of all ages reading and singing along. • With colorful, fun illustrations, and subtle themes of gender equality, both parents and kids will enjoy this story over and over again• Ideal for family and elementary school story time• Steve Goetz was inspired to write his debut picture book, Old MacDonald Had a Truck, after his son began to sing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" with alternative lyricsFans of Old MacDonald Had a Boat and Old MacDonald's Things That Go will love this entertaining read (and sing-aloud book) with a surprise ending.Recommended for children ages 4-6 years to enjoy any time of day.• Perfect family read aloud book• For early and emergent readers in Preschool through Grade 1

George Shrinks


William Joyce - 1985
    But taking care of his giant baby brother and brushing his teeth can be real challenges for the mouse-sized George.Ages 3-7

Down by the Barn


Will Hillenbrand - 2014
    The group of animals grows and grows until at last they reach their destination?and find a surprise. Charming illustrations and rhythmic text filled with sound words make this the perfect read-aloud for young children.

Meet the Parents


Peter Bently - 2013
    Discover the best of them in this lively picture book from two Roald Dahl Funny Prize favorites!It might seem like parents spend an awful lot of time telling kids what to do. And, well, that’s true! But there’s so much more to them: Parents are towels for wiping your grime on. They’re whirlers and twirlers and tree trunks to climb on. Parents sort out all your messes and muddles. And best of all, parents give cuddles! This funny and affectionate look at all the things parents do is a blast to read aloud.

Can You Growl Like a Bear?


John Butler - 2007
    The simple text invites young children to mimic the animals' sounds. When all the animals are quiet, readers are encouraged to imitate their animal friends one last time: "It's time to gently close your eyes and fall fast asleep."

Hoot and Peep


Lita Judge - 2016
    She's finally old enough to learn all his big brother owly wisdom: First, owls say hooo. Second, they always say hooo. Lastly, they ONLY say hooo! But why would Peep say hooo when she could say schweeepty peep or dingity dong? Why would she speak when she could sing? As she explores the breathtaking Parisian cityscape, Peep discovers so many inspiring sights and sounds—the ring of cathedral bells, the slap of waves on stone—that she can’t help but be swept up in the magic of it all. Hoot doesn’t understand Peep’s awe, until he takes a pause to listen . . . and realizes that you're never too old to learn a little something new.From the beloved author/illustrator of the classic picture book Red Sled , this gorgeous read aloud celebrates the wonder found in little things—and in the hearts of dreamers, young and old.