The Art Lesson


Tomie dePaola - 1989
    He can't wait to get to school and have real art lessons. When Tommy gets to school and finds out that the art lessons are full of "rules", he is surprised and dismayed. How the wise art teacher finds a way to give Tommy the freedom to create and stay within the "rules" makes a wonderfully perceptive picture book about growing up and keeping one's individuality.Tomie dePaola is the author and illustrator of many beloved books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book Strega Nona. Fans of all ages will be pleased to hear that The Art Lesson is, in fact, based on the artist's own experiences growing up, and offers a welcome glimpse into his past. This bright picture book is as covered with drawings as the walls of Tommy's parents' and grandparents' houses, and sends an inspirational message to budding artists and individualists. Break out the crayons!

Gemma & Gus


Olivier Dunrea - 2013
    Gus is the little brother. Gus is always following Gemma around, but one day Gus sets out on his own. Just who is following who?     Another pair of darling goslings make their debut in this sweet story, with Olivier Dunrea’s perfectly pitched storytelling and endearing illustrations that Gossie & Friends fans have come to cherish.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs


Judi Barrett - 1978
    But it never rained rain and it never snowed snow and it never blew just wind. It rained things like soup and juice. It snowed things like mashed potatoes. And sometimes the wind blew in storms of hamburgers. Life for the townspeople was delicious until the weather took a turn for the worse. The food got larger and larger and so did the portions. Chewandswallow was plagued by damaging floods and storms of huge food. The town was a mess and the people feared for their lives. Something had to be done, and in a hurry.

May I Please Have a Cookie?


Jennifer E. Morris - 2005
    His mommy says there is a better way. What is it? Beginning readers will learn proper manners with Alfie as his mommy teaches him to say the magic words.

Along the Tapajós


Fernando Vilela - 2014
    Here, the homes are on stilts and everyone travels around by boat—even to school! When the rainy season comes, they must leave their village and relocate to higher ground for a while. But after moving this year, Cauã and Inaê realize they’ve left behind something important: their pet tortoise, Titi! Unlike turtles, tortoises can’t swim, and Cauã and Inaê are really worried. So the pair sneaks back at night on a journey along the river to rescue him. Will they be able to save Titi?This picture book, first published in Brazil, offers kids a unique look into the lives of children who live along Brazil’s beautiful Tapajós River.

Morris the Moose


Bernard Wiseman - 1959
    But none of these animals is a moose! These different animals have one thing in common—their friendship.Morris the Moose is a Level One I Can Read, great for shared reading with a child, and especially wonderful for reluctant readers.

The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!


Mo Willems - 2005
    In this board book, readers will see him deliriously emoting at the thought of driving a plane, a train, a car, and more, all in his uproariously over-the-top style.

Froggy Goes to School


Jonathan London - 1996
    "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation....A charming story to calm those pre-school jitters." -- School Library JournalJonathan London is the author of many books for children, including I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me, Like Butter on Pancakes and four other books about Froggy.

Mr Meddle's Mischief


Enid Blyton - 1970
    He's always meddling in other people's business and making dreadful muddles. He tries to be kind and mind the shop for Mr Sugarman, but he serves salt instead of sugar to Dame Flap and canary seed instead of butter to Molly Miggle.

Amelia Bedelia


Peggy Parish - 1963
    and Mrs. Rogers tell her. ...But somehow things never turn out quite right.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff


Paul Galdone - 1841
    With plenty of repetition, this adventure is perfect for reading aloud and for joining in, and a satisfying ending provides a reassuring touch.

Oscar's Book (Sesame Street)


Jeff Moss - 1975
    He puts on a blonde curly wig, and pretends to be "Melody", a new little girl who lives on Sesame Street. But when Big Bird sees "Melody", he invites everyone to meet their new neighbor, and Oscar gives up the charade.Frustrated, Oscar hides in a pyramid of trash cans, but he can still be seen. He then transforms his can into a "superduper grouch rocket balloon", which floats him high up into the sky. A bird pops the balloon, and he falls back to the ground.At the end of the book, Oscar realizes that the reader is going to go away, and he won't have anybody to yell at and complain to anymore. He tells the reader to come back: "You really make me mad!"

The Berenstain Bears Come Clean for School


Jan Berenstain - 2011
    Now they just have to teach Papa!

Paddington Bear Goes to Market


Michael Bond - 1998
    Here are two original board book stories specially written for his younger fans. Michael Bonds sprightly verse, paired with R. W. Alleys bright, cheerful illustrations, bring the beloved bear to life for a whole new audience.In Paddington Bear Goes to Market, follow Paddington Bear as he makes his morning rounds at the Portobello Market, where all the shopkeepers greet him by name. First stop: a very special (and tasty) errand for his friend, Mr. Gruber.

Grover's Own Alphabet


Salvatore Murdocca - 1978
    Lovable old Grover bends over backward to show you the letters A through Z! He uses his own furry little blue body to create his very own alphabet.