Book picks similar to
I Can Be Anything by Shinsuke Yoshitake


picture-books
picture-book
imagination
humor

Banana


Ed Vere - 2007
    Follow one little monkey's journey through many emotions as he tries every trick in the book to get hold of his friend's banana, until he finally hits on the magic word - please! Using only two words, this is a fantastic introduction to the value of manners and compromise for young children. Packed with humour, colour and exuberance, this is a brilliant observation of toddler behaviour.

Most Marshmallows


Rowboat Watkins - 2019
    Most marshmallows read a book before bed and then fall asleep to dream ordinary marshmallow dreams. But, this book isn't about most marshamallows, is it? No. That's because author Rowboat Watkins knows that, just like you, some marshmallows have big dreams, and just like you, these marshmallows can do anything they set their minds to. This sweet and silly book is an inspiring reminder to everyone that by being true to ourselves, each of us has the power to be extraordinary. Whether for a new parent or a recent graduate, the message here will fit the bill. Another slightly off kilter book from rising picture book-maker Rowboat Watkins. The art (and subversive humor) has nods to Maurice Sendak (with whom Watkins studied), but is unlike anything else out there. If you and your child are a fan of Rude Cakes, Pete With No Pants, and The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, you will love this book. This book is ideal for:• Read Aloud Book for preschoolers• Early Reading book for toddlers• Parents & Grandparents • Recent high school and college graduate gifts• Anyone looking for an empowering story

I Need My Monster


Amanda Noll - 2009
    One night, when Ethan checks under his bed for his monster, Gabe, he finds a note from him instead: "Gone fishing. Back in a week." Ethan knows that without Gabe’s familiar nightly scares he doesn't stand a chance of getting to sleep, so Ethan interviews potential substitutes to see if they've got the right equipment for the job—pointy teeth, sharp claws, and a long tail—but none of them proves scary enough for Ethan. When Gabe returns sooner than expected from his fishing trip, Ethan is thrilled. It turns out that Gabe didn't enjoy fishing because the fish scared too easily.

If Only


Mies van Hout - 2020
    And the stick insect wants to swim like a whirligig beetle.One after the other, the denizens of bestselling author-illustrator Mies van Hout's vibrant garden landscape wish to be like somebody else. From the glowing firefly to the capable spider to the adorable ladybugs, each one brings something to be admired. And when the dragonfly wishes to be like a child who can run, play, laugh, and build, a world of possibilities opens up.A gentle but effective story for social emotional learning, If Only allows children to reach their own conclusions and acknowledge that while it’s common to compare ourselves to others, it’s best to remember and celebrate what we ourselves can do.

Children Make Terrible Pets


Peter Brown - 2010
    Meet Lucy's Pet. She calls him Squeaker. Lucy and Squeaker have the best day ever. Until things start to go wrong...Do children make terrible pets? What do you think?

It's an Orange Aardvark!


Michael Hall - 2014
    Another winner from the author of My Heart Is Like a Zoo, Perfect Square, and Cat Tale!Five carpenter ants at home in their tree stump hear a noise. What is it? One ant thinks it is a hungry aardvark lurking outside the stump, just waiting to eat them. One ant makes a hole in the stump to see. Orange light floods the stump—it's not an aardvark, proclaims the ant chorus. It's orange! So what is lurking outside the stump? This very funny picture book features die-cut holes on almost every page, suspenseful page turns, a wonderful surprise ending, and an introduction to a rainbow of colors. It's an Orange Aardvark! is a tour de force for Michael Hall, the acclaimed and bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo, Perfect Square, and Cat Tale.

Don't Push the Button!


Bill Cotter - 2013
    Who knows what would happen?Okay, quick. No one is looking... push the button.Uh, oh.

Are We There Yet?


Dan Santat - 2016
    And when things get boring, time slows down. In this book, a boy feels time slowing down so much that it starts going backward--into the time of pirates! Of princesses! Of dinosaurs! The boy was just trying to get to his grandmother's birthday party, but instead he's traveling through Ancient Egypt and rubbing shoulders with Ben Franklin. When time flies, who knows where--or when--he'll end up.

Snappsy the Alligator


Julie Falatko - 2016
    Is Snappsy making crafty plans? Is he prowling for defenseless birds and soft, fuzzy bunnies? Is Snappsy a big, mean alligator who’s obsessed with snack foods that start with the letter P? It’s no wonder Snappsy won't invite the narrator to his party! Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) is an irreverent look at storytelling, friendship, and creative differences from a pair of rising stars in the picture book world.

There’s a Monster in Your Book


Tom Fletcher - 2017
    A fantastic celebration of all the fun that can be had with a book, with a wonderful wind-down bedtime ending!

Chicks Run Wild


Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen - 2011
    But those chicks...run...wild! They jump around and do cartwheels until Mama comes in and scolds them. But when she turns out the lights, the chicks start a pillow fight! Finally, Mama gets her chickies settled—but it turns out she’s not ready for bed, either…. Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen’s playful rhymes and spunky attitude pair with Ward Jenkins’s exuberant artwork to make a family favorite for each and every bedtime.

The Very Cranky Bear


Nick Bland - 2008
    But it is plain, boring Sheep who has the answer. Ages 3+.

Me Hungry!


Jeremy Tankard - 2008
    "Me busy," say his preoccupied mom and dad. So the boy decides to go hunting, setting his sights on an elusive rabbit, a prickly porcupine, a too-mean tiger, and finally, a like-minded mammoth who’s more than happy to help. With comical, energetic illustrations and a simple, repetitive text, this child-friendly tale will have little listeners fully engaged right up to the funny final twist.

What! Cried Granny


Kate Lum - 1998
    It's almost bedtime, but there's a problem-Patrick doesn't have a bed at Granny's. So Granny goes out to her yard, chops down some trees, and makes a comfy bed for Patrick. Now he can go to sleep. Right? Not yet. He doesn't have a pillow! So Granny dashes to the henhouse, collects some feathers, and sews a fluffy pillow for Patrick. Now he can go to sleep. Right? Not yet. A few other things are still missing . . . . If Patrick is lucky, this could go on all night!"Children will snuggle down with smiles on their faces after this comic spin on the paraphernalia associated with a common ritual." (Kirkus Reviews)

Monsters Go Night-Night


Aaron Zenz - 2016
    For monsters, bedtime looks a little different. They brush their teeth, but not with a toothbrush. They get dressed for bed, but not in slippers and nightcaps. They snuggle, but not with a blankie or a teddy bear. Monsters Go Night-Night takes readers through the bedtime rituals of seven friendly monsters while making each step of the routine a guessing game. Getting ready for bed has never been so much fun!