Book picks similar to
Tough Tug by Margaret Read MacDonald


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picture-books

Tomorrow I'll Be Kind


Jessica Hische - 2020
    This uplifting and positive book encourages kids to promise that tomorrow, they will be grateful, helpful, and kind.Tomorrow I'll be everything I strive to be each dayAnd even when it's difficultI'll work to find a way.Immerse yourself in the beautifully hand-lettered words of widsom, hope, and positivity alongside adorable illustrations of love and caring. This book is a reminder to all readers, young and old, that the smallest kind gesture can make the biggest difference in the world--we just have to remember to be kind to one another.Praise for Tomorrow I'll Be Kind"As an introduction to personality characteristics, beneficial behaviors, and social-emotional skills, this is a solid choice, and fans of the previous volume are likely to embrace this one as well. 'I'll dream of all the good that comes / when we all just do our best, ' the text explains--a sentiment that's hard to rebut. Gently encourages empathy, compassion, and consideration." -- Kirkus Reviews"A welcome call to tenderness." -- PW ReviewsPraise for Tomorrow I'll Be Brave"Jessica Hische, one of the great designers and typographers, now shows herself equally adept at creating gorgeous and immersive images for young readers. This is a joyous burst of color."--Dave Eggers, author of Her Right Foot

Babar's Guide to Paris


Laurent de Brunhoff - 2017
    Laurent de Brunhoff’s Paris is filled with charming elephants on every page as they enjoy all the sights and sounds of one of Europe’s most popular cities. This all-new full-color picture book, rendered in beautiful watercolors, evokes the classic feel of the bestselling Babar’s Museum of Art, and it will become a must-have read for fans of Babar, those planning a family trip to Paris, and anyone new to the wondrous world of Babar.   When Babar’s youngest daughter, Isabelle, heads to Paris on her own for the first time, he tells her how to enjoy the iconic city to the fullest. An expert Francophile, Babar recommends food, including cafes, street markets, and brassieres; he also offers the best sightseeing tips, especially observing the Eiffel Tower from every angle, walking along the banks of the Seine, visiting the Louvre and Orangerie museums, and exploring the Luxembourg Gardens. There’s even a postcard-perfect opening scene that features the Babar family visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral on a previous vacation. Babar also gives local advice. He tells Isabelle how apartment buildings work, why an elephant may be surprised by the size of an elevator, how to take the metro, how to find a restaurant to call your own, and to walk—walk as much as possible to see everything that Paris has to offer. In the end, Isabelle is encouraged to enjoy her travels, but she is also lovingly reminded to always come home to Celesteville and her family. Like other classic children’s books featuring international adventures, including Madeline in London and Eloise in Paris, readers will be eager to take the trip to Paris with Babar.

Love Is


Diane Adams - 2017
    In this tenderly funny book, girl and duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight. Children and parents together will adore this fond exploration of growing up while learning about the joys of love offered and love returned.

What's Your Sound, Hound the Hound?


Mo Willems - 2010
    Join spunky Cat the Cat as she introduces the very youngest readers to her world, where a surprise is waiting in every book.

Shawn Loves Sharks


Curtis Manley - 2017
    Fun, quirky obsessions nurtured and celebrated.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Shawn loves sharks.He loves their dark, blank eyes.He loves their big mouths full of sharp teeth.And he loves pretending to be a shark and chasing Stacy around the playground.Shawn loves sharks more than anything else in the world. But Predator Day at school is on Monday and Great White Shark isn't assigned to Shawn.It's assigned to...Stacy.

Brontorina


James Howe - 2010
    Brontorina has a dream. She wants to dance. But Brontorina is rather large too large to fit in Madame Lucille s dance studio. Brontorina does not have the right shoes, and everyone knows you can t dance without the proper footwear. Still, Brontorina knows, deep in her heart, that she is meant to be a ballerina. James Howe introduces a lovable dinosaur whose size is outmatched only by her determination, and whose talent is outmatched only by her charm. Accompanied by Randy Cecil s beguiling illustrations, here is an irresistible story that proves that no problem is too big when the heart and imagination know no bounds."

Go Big or Go Gnome!


Kirsten Mayer - 2017
    Each year, Al feels left out of the Beards International Gnome-athalon, B.I.G.So Al decides to go BIG or go Gnome! It’s a close shave, but with a hidden talent and the help of his friend, Gnorm, Al learns accepting that you are different is the key to fitting in.An Imprint Book

My Truck Is Stuck!


Kevin Lewis - 2002
    Rotten luck. Can't go! My truck is stuck. Tug and tow. Two engines roar. But the truck won't go. Not one inch more. Does anyone know how to make my stuck truck go? In this lyrical read-aloud, young drivers are introduced to the ins and outs of hauling, beeping, and repairing -- get ready for a fun ride!

Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses


Kimberly Dean - 2013
    But with the help of some magic sunglasses, Pete learns that a good mood has been inside him all along.Fans of Pete the Cat will love watching him take his positive outlook and transform a grumpy day into an awesome day!The fun never stops—download the free groovin’ song. Time for magic fun in the sun!

Trashy Town


Andrea Zimmerman - 1999
    Gilly. He cleans up Trashy Town. There’s trash at the pizza parlor, trash at the school, and trash at every house. It’s a big job, but Mr. Gilly does it with a big truck, a big smile, and loads of style.Trashy Town features a rhythmic, repeatable refrain that will have children clamoring for repeat readings. Dynamic art from acclaimed illustrator Dan Yaccarino puts the zip in Mr. Gilly’s stride and adds style and charm to trash collection. Perfect for fans of all books about things that GO!Dump it in, smash it down, drive around the Trashy Town!An ALA Notable Children’s Book

Old Rock (Is Not Boring)


Deb Pilutti - 2020
    Spotted Beetle, Tall Pine, and Hummingbird think just sitting there must be boring, but they are in for a wonderful surprise. Fabulous tales of adventurous travel, exotic scenery, entertaining neighbors, and more from Old Rock's life prove it has been anything but boring.Great storytellers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and Old Rock's stories are sure to inspire questions that lead to wonderful conversations about the past and the natural world.

The Wonky Donkey


Craig Smith - 2009
    In this very funny, cumulative song, each page tells us something new about the donkey until we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey, which will have children in fits of laughter! There is much fun to be had by listening to the song and trying to predict the new word for each clue given!

How to Catch a Star


Oliver Jeffers - 2004
    So much so that he decided to catch one of his very own. But how? Waiting for them to grow tired from being up in the sky all night doesn't work. Climbing to the top of the tallest tree? No, not tall enough. The boy has a rocket ship . . . but it is made of paper and doesn't fly well at all. Finally, just when the boy is ready to give up, he learns that sometimes things aren't where, or what, we expect them to be. First-time author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers offers a simple, childlike tale of reaching for the stars, and emerging with a friend.

Adopting a Dinosaur


José Carlos Andrés - 2019
    They jokingly tell her she may have a dinosaur if she can find one, and she does! A charming and humorous tale about imagination, fantastical pets, and parents who get themselvees in trouble.

Unicorns Are the Worst!


Alex Willan - 2020
    Or are they?