Book picks similar to
Look for Ladybugs by Dana Meachen Rau


first-books
animals
picture-books
zstorytime

Little Hoot


Amy Krouse Rosenthal - 2007
    But no . . . Mama and Papa say little owls have to stay up late and play. So Little Owl spends all night jumping on his bed, playing on the jungle gym, and doing tricks on his skateboard—but he's hooting mad about it! Children who have a hard time going to bed will love this fun twist on the universal dilemma.

The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures


Curtis Manley - 2021
    You know, the ones stranded in the middle of the sidewalk. Upside-down, flopping, or near-frozen.A lot of the time, that earns her funny looks from kids in school.But when a swarm of baby spiders finds its way into the classroom, Roberta will save the day with her knowledge and creativity, showing everybody that tiny creatures aren’t so scary after all. They just need friends who rescue and understand them!Established Roaring Brook Press author Curtis Manley has teamed up with up-and-coming illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins, creator of Truman and Stumpkin, to present this quirky and adorable picture book.“Childlike images by Cummins use expressive, charcoal-y lines and bright colors to present information clearly, including the insects Roberta’s interested in, how they behave (“The millipede… curled into a spiral when I picked it up”), and how it’s possible to take those it’s too late to save and look at them under the microscope. This substantive story by Manley is both a STEM tale about insects and a lesson in staying true to oneself, as Roberta’s distinctive interest takes her from odd kid out to minor celebrity with a like-minded new friend.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“The appealing, cartoonlike pictures illustrate the action and the characters’ emotions effectively. Well worded and engaging, Roberta’s first-person narrative is heartening in several ways. She feels so strongly about helping animals that she continues despite ridicule. By sharing her knowledge, she unexpectedly earns her classmates’ respect. And more broadly, one person can make a difference, not only through action but also by influencing others. An original picture book and a rewarding read-aloud choice.” —Booklist (starred review)

The Party: and Other Stories


Sergio Ruzzier - 2018
    But Fox and Chick are always friends.

Super Bugs


Michelle Meadows - 2016
    Even heroes need to rest."Young insect enthusiasts will enjoy the fun facts for all nineteen insects in Super Bugs: ants, beetles, bumblebees, butterflies, caterpillars, cicadas, cockroaches, crickets, daddy longlegs, dragonflies, fireflies, fleas, grasshoppers, houseflies, mosquitoes, moths, spiders, stinkbugs, and termites.

Polar Opposites


Erik Brooks - 2010
    Zina is a tiny penguin. Alex lives in the Arctic. Zina lives in the Antarctic. Alex and Zina are polar opposites! They live on opposite sides of the world. Their personalities are very different, too. But they find a way to meet in the middle. Erik Brooks’s simple text and vibrant watercolor illustrations bring opposites to life in this lively look at two unusual best friends.

Mushroom in the Rain


Mirra Ginsburg - 1974
    Soon, a wet butterfly, then a drenched mouse, a dripping sparrow, and even a rain-soaked rabbit each beg to join him under his miniature umbrella. How can the ant let the others in when there is barely room enough for one? But as the rain comes down and down, they all somehow manage to squeeze together and share the tiny shelter. And when the sun finally comes out, the ant discovers a magical secret of just what happens to mushrooms in the rain!

A Baby Sister for Frances


Russell Hoban - 1964
    But when she overhears her parents talking about how much they all miss her, she decides that she should go back home. After all a being a big sister means she has lots of grown up things to do!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn


Kenard Pak - 2016
    In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.

Manuelo, the Playing Mantis


Don Freeman - 2004
    One warm summer evening, a lonely praying mantis named Manuelo listens to the music of an outdoor concert.  Manuelo wishes that he, too, could make music like the crickets and the katydids.  But the instruments he makes don't play.  Then Manuelo meets someone who shows him how to fashion a cello using a walnut shell, a stick, and a special ingredient.  Manuelo makes his first true friend and, together, they create the music they both love.

Slug in Love


Rachel Bright - 2021
    Pure, riotous, nonsensical joy' - The Guardian Doug the slug needs a hug. But who wants to hug a slug called Doug? Snuggle up with lonesome Doug on his search for love in this completely charming picture book which shows that you just never know when love might come flying by... (And which introduces an unsuspecting world to snail superstar, Gail!) A warm and endearing rhyming text by Rachel Bright (Love Monster, The Lion Inside) is perfectly paired with funny and fabulous illustrations by Nadia Shireen (Good Little Wolf, Billy and the Beast) in this adorable future classic.

Hands Up!


Breanna J. McDaniel - 2019
    She stretches her hands up high like a plane's wings and whizzes down a hill so fast on her bike with her hands way up. As she grows, she lives through everyday moments of joy, love, and sadness. And when she gets a little older, she joins together with her family and her community in a protest march, where they lift their hands up together in resistance and strength.

Dinosaur Kisses


David Ezra Stein - 2013
    There is so much to see and do. She tries this — STOMP! And she tries that — CHOMP! Then she sees a kiss and knows just what she wants to try next. Who can she kiss? And after a few disastrous attempts, can she figure out how to give someone a kiss without whomping, chomping, or stomping them first? Young children will chuckle and cheer when Dinah finds just the right creature for her dinosaur kisses in this funny new picture book from David Ezra Stein.

My House


Byron Barton - 2016
    A modern preschool classic.Using bright, simple illustrations and clean prose, Byron Barton deftly familiarizes young readers with the various rooms and important parts of a house in this companion to his critically acclaimed My Car, My Bike, and My Bus.Jim the cat leads readers through the bedroom, the kitchen—and even onto the roof—before his owner, Jane, comes home and makes his dinner. The rhythmic text and bright bold illustrations make this the perfect book for very young children and repeated readings.“Jim’s abode is a welcome place for all who enter.”—School Library Journal

Found


Salina Yoon - 2014
    After all, the stuffed bunny must feel lonely and want to return safely to its owner and home! But as Bear diligently searches for the bunny's owner, posting notices high and low, he begins to grow attached to his newfound friend. What will happen when the bunny's owner finally comes forward? Was Bear meant to find Bunny all along? Prolific author/illustrator Salina Yoon's spare text and bright, energetic illustrations bring to life this endearing story celebrating love and friendship in many forms, reminding us that nothing is lost that is not meant to be found.

Just a Duck?


Carin Bramsen - 2015
    Now that Cat has learned to play games that Duck enjoys, it’s Duck’s turn to try things that Cat likes. However, climbing trees and swatting at leaves prove to be a bit tricky for flat-footed Duck. What’s an unlikely pair of friends to do?"Outstanding." - School Library Journal"Sweet, tender and delightful." - Kirkus Reviews"A gently funny story of the differences, similarities, and compromises that make for rewarding friendships" - Publishers Weekly