Miss Lauren LOVES These Books: Complete List

Apples, ho! When Papa decides to pull up roots and move from Iowa to Oregon, he can't bear to leave his precious apple trees behind. Or his peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, and pears. Oh, and he takes his family along too. But the trail is cruel -- first there's a river to cross that's wider than Texas...and then there are hailstones as big as plums...and there's even a drought, sure to crisp the cherries. Those poor pippins! Luckily Delicious (the nonedible apple of Daddy's eye) is strong -- as young 'uns raised on apples are -- and won't let anything stop her father's darling saps from tasting the sweet Oregon soil. Here's a hilarious tall tale -- from the team that brought you Fannie in the Kitchen -- that's loosely based on the life of a real fruiting pioneer.

Two young tooth fairies make their first lost-tooth collection in Bob Graham's warm, whimsical tale. A Junior Library Guild Selection. April Underhill, seven-year-old tooth fairy, gets a call on her cell phone. This is it! Her first tooth collection. April and her little sister, Esme, must convince Mom and Dad to let them take on the task all by themselves. But soon, two tiny fairies fly off into the night, over a highway of thundering eighteen-wheelers, eager to prove how grown up they can be. As always, the charm is in the visual details: the pony-tailed, winged dad in baggy jeans; the snug fairy house with teeth dangling from the rafters like wind chimes. Once again, Bob Graham has crafted a tale of heartwarming adventure, magical yet very real.

With sly humor and a subtle tug at the heartstrings, Knudson ("The Library Lion") hatches a story about learning how not just to tolerate, but to love what is different. Full color.

Join Bailey on a school trip to the Museum of Natural History! Bailey is very excited about the school trip to the Museum of Natural History. After all, he loves to dig up bones even more than an archaeologist! And besides bones, there's lots of fun to be had with tepees, totem poles, and dinosaur skeletons. Bailey's classmates never know what will happen next: maybe that's why the museum guard becomes Bailey's special partner. Bailey is a character that every picture-book-age kid wants to read about, and his humor and charm will keep everyone giggling.

One by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up. But even after the tea has been brewed and the corn has been popped, Bear just snores on! See what happens when he finally wakes up and finds his cave full of uninvited guests -- all of them having a party without him!

Birthday parties are supposed to be fun. And this party is really, really fun . . . for everyone but Bernice, that is. She doesn't even get a frosting rose on her piece of cake. Just how far will Bernice go to turn this day around?

A laugh-out-loud funny story about not worrying what others think ; even if you're big and tough, and your friends are fuzzy and cute. Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He has a big, mean car that he likes to drive around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows that Mike is big and mean, and that's just the way he likes it. But one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike can't believe it! Before anyone can see, he puts the bunny down on the sidewalk and drives away. When the tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up again and this time brings a friend ; Mike tells them both to get lost. Big mean dogs do not hang out with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies sure are cute. . . . From best-selling author Michelle Knudsen and illustrator Scott Magoon comes a comical lesson about how keeping up your image is not nearly as fun as being your own quirky self.

A lovable dog who isn't afraid of anything suddenly finds herself feeling rather unbrave when she hears thunder. Beautifully written, this charming picture book addresses a common fear in an accessible way and introduces readers to a great new puppy protagonist with humor and charm.

From the moment the baby arrived, it was obvious that he was the boss... The boss baby is used to getting his way—drinks made to order 24/7, his private jet plane, and meetings around the clock. But when his demands aren’t getting proper responses, he has to go to new lengths to achieve the attention he deserves. Two-time Caldecott Honor medalist Marla Frazee combines her signature wit and style with endearing illustrations in this clever take on one family’s very unusual new arrival.

From the sure-footed duo of James Howe and Randy Cecil comes a hugely endearing new character; in a humorous, heart-warming tale about holding on to your dreams. 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.

A New York Times Book ReviewEditors' Choice nbsp; In thisnbsp;unique construction book for kids who lovenbsp;tools and trucks, readersnbsp;join a girl and her family as they pack up their old house in town andnbsp;set out to build a newnbsp;one in the country. Mom and Dad are going tonbsp;make the new house themselves, from the ground up. From empty lot to finished home, every stage of their year-and-a-half-long building project is here. And at every step their lucky kids are watching and getting their hands dirty, page after page brimming with machines, vehicles, and all kinds of house-making activities! As he imagines it through the eyes of his older sister, this is Jonathan Bean's retelling of his own family's true experience, and includes an afterword with photographs from the author's collection.

What will it take for a little bull to realize he's being a big bully? Bully doesn't have a kind word for any of his friends. When the other animals ask him to play, he responds in the way he's been taught:Chicken! Slow poke! You stink!Laura Vaccaro Seeger's bold, graphic artwork, along with her spare but powerful words, make for a tender, hilarious, and thoughtful tale. A Neal Porter Book

At last--a bedtime book that is rhythmic and soothing, but also filled with fun. Nighttime has come, and the little bunnies are in bed. Good night, good night, sleep tight. But wait, what's that noise?Chuga-chuga-chuga. Sounds like the bunnies have left their beds. Mama and Daddy come to their room and lay down the law. No more tracks, no more trains, they say. And all is quiet until . . .zoom, zoom, vroom!Sounds like the bunnies are at it again. Will Mama and Daddy ever get them to sleep? Or will the parents fall asleep first-- exhausted? Andthenwhat will those mischievous bunnies get into? From the Hardcover edition.

Cat and Bunny. Bunny and Cat. It's always been just the two of them--daydreaming, having adventures, playing their special game. Until the day someone else asks, "Can I play?" Mary Lundquist captures all the charm and magic of first friendship in her winning debut picture book.

One day Miss Bell bought a tiny kitten. He had stripes like a tiger, a tail like a tiger, and a smile like a tiger. So Miss Bell named him Tiger. Sure enough, he grew into a huge tiger, and took over the whole house, but Miss Bell loved him just the same. "Cats are cats," she said cheerfully.

The chickens at the farm are building a wall, and no one is quite sure why. But they know one thing: the hedgehog that wandered in must be trouble. So all winter they build and build, until they have a wall that towers over the barn. When spring comes, though, they find that everything hasnt gone quite according to plan . . .

Chu is a little panda with a big sneeze. When Chu sneezes, bad things happen. Will Chu sneeze today?

Moose loves shapes! Circles! Squares! Triangles! Hooray! So when Moose mysteriously finds himself in a shape book (oh, please don't ask) he is the very picture of a happy Moose. Life is great! Until, well, until he wrecks everything. Now, don't you worry! Zebra will handle it. Zebra always fixes Moose's messes. And what thanks does Zebra get? Really . . . does anyone ever think about Zebra?

With stunning artwork and a rhyming text, the illustrator of the Mercy Watson books tells a tale of human-animal connection full of humor and heart. When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters. Staggering onto a nearby island, they soon win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways. So well do the critters blend in that when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart the bloated blowhard. With buoyant rhymes and brilliantly caricatured illustrations evoking the early nineteenth century, Chris Van Dusen presents a hugely entertaining tale about the bonds of community — and a rare hidden-pictures spread for eagle-eyed readers of all ages.

Two new neighbors discover that friends are what make a house a home Clancy has just moved. He is missing his old house terribly-the new house is much too big and much too lonely-and he wonders how he will ever make it his home. With the help of his new friend Millie, Clancy builds towers to the sky and trains to the street outside, and together they build the home that Clancy thought he had lost forever.

Kids will giggle as they count all the animals that have frightened the monkeys off the pages. Full of fun reader interactions and keeps readers guessing until the very last page! Matching Mac Barnett's brilliant wit are Kevin Cornell's luminous illustrations, which will have young readers begging to count the monkeys all over again.

When James and Eamon go to a week of Nature Camp and stay at Eamon's grandparents' house, it turns out that their free time spent staying inside, eating waffles, and playing video games is way more interesting than nature. But sometimes things work out best when they don't go exactly as planned.   This Caldecott Honor-winning book is a moving and hilarious celebration of young boys, childhood friendships, and the power of the imagination, where Marla Frazee captures the very essence of summer vacation and what it means to be a kid.

Yankee Doodle went to town / a-riding on a pony / stuck a feather in his hat / and called it macaroni. Many know the song Yankee Doodle Dandy, but few understand it. This unapologetically silly picture book reveals that the legendary ride to town (and the whole macaroni thing) was all suggested by Mr. Doodle’s overeager pony. This just makes Mr. Doodle cranky: I do not want macaroni. I do not want a feather. I do not want any other clothing, any other pasta, or any other parts of a bird. I do not want anything that they have in town! A historical note ends this colorful, comical take on a nonsensical old song.

The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch in this clever picture book parable about a rabbit who fears his favorite treats are out to get him. Jasper Rabbit loves carrots--especially Crackenhopper Field carrots. He eats them on the way to school. He eats them going to Little League. He eats them walking home. Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they? Celebrated artist Peter Brown's stylish illustrations pair perfectly with Aaron Reynold's text in this hilarious picture book that shows it's all fun and games . . . until you get too greedy.

Based on the true story behind Gilbert Stuart's famous portraits of Washington, this funny historical read will leave rascals, ruffians, and troublemakers of all ages laughing. Charlotte, James, and baby John have promised to be on their very best behavior for when George Washington comes to have his portrait painted by their father, Gilbert Stuart. But, it seems like every time George Washington comes to visit, Charlotte has to write another apology letter, even when they try to follow George Washington’s Rules of Good Behavior. If these whippersnappers want any dessert, they are going to have to learn some manners—and fast! What results is a hilarious chain of events, a giant mess…and a painting that will be remembered for centuries to come.

Dinosaur is spending the day with Mommy. ROAR! He helps her wake up, go shopping, sort laundry and more. 'Help' though is a subjective word, and what Dinosaur thinks is 'helpful' Mommy things is 'a horrific disaster.' Will Dinosaur win his heroic battle? Or will Mommy? Or - better yet- will they learn to work together? In the same simple and effective vain of others in the Dinosaur Vs. series Dinosaur vs. Mommy is chock full of bold graphics and catchy lines that children love to repeat.

When the going gets tough, Dog . . . takes a nap Dog canSit. He canStay. He can evenDance. But when he's in charge, can he keep the cats in line? All one, two, three, four, five of them? With slapstick silliness and utterly earnest charm, Dog will quickly wiggle his way into preschoolers' hearts.

When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate. In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum.

When Senor Sasquatch boards the bus, he makes one thing perfectly clear to driver: he doesn’t like to be squished. But as the bus travels along its route, other passengers get on--like Miss Elephant Shark, Mr. Octo-Rhino and Miss Whale Goat! Soon senor Sasquatch finds himself at risk...of being squished!

With warmth and humor, award-winning author-illustrator Matt Phelan follows a child as she leads her daddy on some rainy-day flights of fancy. It’s raining and raining and raining, and Penelope is bored. "What would you do if you had your druthers?" asks her daddy. Well, if Penelope had her druthers, she’d go to the zoo. Or be a cowgirl. Or a pirate captain who sails to the island of dinosaurs, or flies away on a rocket to the moon. If Penelope had her druthers, she’d go off on amazing adventures — but then again, being stuck inside may not be so bad if your daddy is along for the ride!

Duck is finally going on vacation. He has a beach chair, a book, and peace and quiet. Well, almost. When you - yes, YOU - turn the pages of this book, Duck's vacation gets really interesting!

Eddie is looking for a friend who likes adventure. Then Eddie meets Dog and the fun begins!

He stood out here. He stood out there. He tried everything to be more like them. It's not easy being seen. Especially when you're NOT like everyone else. Especially when what sets you apart is YOU. Sometimes we squish ourselves to fit in. We shrink. Twist. Bend. Until-!-a friend shows the way to endless possibilities. In this bold and highly visual book, an emphatic but misplaced exclamation point learns that being different can be very exciting! Period.

On a cool December morning near San Francisco, a distress call was radioed to shore by a local fisherman. He had discovered a humpback whale tangled in hundreds of yards of crab-trap lines, struggling to stay afloat. A team of volunteers answered the call, and four divers risked their lives to rescue the enormous animal. It was the first successful whale disentanglement performed off the West Coast of the United States and prompted a rare and remarkable demonstration of animal behavior. This celebrated story, beautifully depicted in Jennifer ;Connells mesmerizing paintings, will make you wonder about animal emotions and the unique connections we can have with other animals, seven whales. To research The Eye of the Whale, Jennifer traveled to San Francisco where she met Captain Mick Menigoz and rode his rescue boat, Superfish, out into the Pacific Ocean to the area where the events in the book took place. This experience fueled her inspiration as she created the images and words of this extraordinary story.

Chester has always been amazed by his best friend, Forsythia. She can do the most incredible things, like tame ferocious animals at the zoo and play the piano while standing on her head. But one day when Forsythia gets sick, Chester discovers all the amazing thingshecan do. Vincent X. Kirsch's charming story and whimsical illustrations will warm the heart of any reader who has ever admired a friend.

There are lots of frightening things out there. Witches. Trolls. Sharks. The DARK! But nothing seems as scary once you turn on the light. In this hilarious picture book, a boy and his two dogs go through a list of all the things, both real and imagined, that make the hair on the backs of their necks stand on end--and come up with a clever way to face their fears.

Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur . . . and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. One day, for no particular reason they decided to tidy up their house, make the beds, and prepare pudding of varying temperatures. And then for no particular reason they decided to go . . . someplace else. They were definitely not setting a trap for some succulent, unsupervised little girl. Definitely not! This new take on a fairy-tale classic is so funny and so original it could only come from the brilliant mind of Mo Willems.

Mother Goat, alarmed by Gregory's bizarre dietary preferences--he prefers toast and scrambled eggs to shoe boxes and tin cans--consults Dr. Ram, who devises a new diet for little Gregory.

Meet one Grumpy Goat. He's cranky, he's hungry, and he's never had a friend. He is making a terrible mess at Sunny Acres Farm, and the other animals just stay away. He knocks over the pigs' trough, kicks down the garden fence, and eats everything in his path. Until one special flower stops him in his tracks. And once Goat opens his eyes, his heart is soon to follow. See how stopping to smell the flowers really can change everything.

In this beautifully written picture book, Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school's talent show. The trouble is, she's only a beginner, and she's had only three lessons. Her brothers insist she isn't good enough. "It's a talent show, Hana," they tell her. "You'll be a disaster!" Hana remembers how wonderfully her talented grandfather, or Ojiichan, played his violin when she was visiting him in Japan. So, just like Ojiichan, Hana practices every day. She is determined to play her best. When Hana's confidence wavers on the night of the show, however, she begins to wonder if her brothers were right. But then Hana surprises everyone once it's her turn to perform -- even herself!

When Cat loses a tooth, the Tooth Fairy delivers a wholly unwanted sidekick: a mouse. Together, Cat and Mouse are tasked with running a few Tooth Fairy-related errands - a challenge, since Mouse is just as competitive and mischievous and hilariously self-involved as Cat. The stakes rise and so does the deadpan humor, culminating in a satisfying surprise that will leave readers eager for yet another delightfully devious Cat adventure. An homage to classic comic strips from the author of The Quiet Bookand The Loud Book, thisNew York Timesbestselling series is perfect for fans of Pete the Cat, Bad Kitty, and Mo Willems's Pigeon books.

6½ stories about 2 surprising friends. Having a stuffed alligator for a best friend can be surprising. Sometimes Amanda surprises her alligator with books. Sometimes Alligator surprises Amanda by eating them. But what happens when Amanda brings home a special--and not entirely welcome--surprise? The result might be unexpected indeed. Beloved author-illustrator Mo Willems has created a funny and tender portrait of friendship that readers of any age will love.

Watch out! Hoot Owl is hungry in an offbeat story with deadpan humor and bold, striking illustrations. Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl. He is a master of disguise! In the blackness of night, he’s preparing to swoop on his prey before it can realize his dastardly tricks. Look there—a tasty rabbit for him to eat! Hoot Owl readies his costume, disguising himself as . . . a carrot! Then he waits. The rabbit runs off. Never mind! Surely his next juicy target will cower against such a clever and dangerous creature as he! Kids will hoot at Sean Taylor’s deliciously tongue-in-beak narration, belied by the brilliantly comical illustrations of Jean Jullien.

This interactive retelling of the Three Little Pigs story allows the reader to play the part of the big bad wolf. Three interior die-cut holes invite readers to huff, puff, and blow the pigs' houses down! This fractured fairy tale ends sweetly when, rather than blowing down the third pig's brick home, the wolf/reader blows out the candles on a cake baked by the pigs! A satisfying and engaging read for every young Three Little Pigs fan.

Humpty Dumpty used to love climbing, but after his big fall his confidence is shattered. The doctor can fix his shell, but how will he get his nerve back? When one of the King's horses gets stuck on a cliff, Humpty has a chance to show the world what a resilient egg he can be. Dave Horowitz creates a wholly original tale and cleverly mixes in lots of beloved nursery rhyme characters in a story that celebrates his love of climbing.

The creator of "Dinosaur vs. Bedtime" is back with a brand-new story. A boastful shark is not afraid of anything, which impresses his underwater friends until they ask about spiders. Full color.

When a giant squid takes inventory of all of the creatures in the ocean, he realizes that he's way bigger than most of them! Of course, there are bigger things lurking around . . . but maybe this giant squid with a giant touch of hubris doesn't really care? First-time author-illustrator Kevin Sherry is sure to garner fans of all sizes for his perfect-for-preschool read-aloud with simple text, bold and delightful collage art, and a lovable squid whose spirit just cannot be crushed.

If you happen to have a dinosaur, lying around your living room, and you don't know what to do with it ... why don't you use it as a can opener? It will make a terrific nutcracker too! There are oodles of uses for a dinosaur -- from a fine umbrella to an excellent kite and a dandy pillow, not to mention a reliable burglar alarm and the perfect excuse to forget your homework. This delightfully absurd exploration of the domestic uses of dinosaurs -- and the things dinos just aren't good for at all -- is guaranteed to tickle funny bones and spark imaginations. If you read carefully, you'll learn how to make your dinosaur last a very long time.

What is happening outside today? Peek through the window to find out. What is happening inside? Peek again! Whimsical die-cuts throughout this charming book lead to surprising reveals with every turn of the page. Fun details (can you find the two mice slyly situated on every page?) make this deceptively simple book one readers will visit again and again.

Awarded a 2011 Caldecott Honor! A favorite joke inspires this charming tale, in which a little chicken's habit of interrupting bedtime stories is gleefully turned on its head. Its time for the little red chicken's bedtime story —and a reminder from Papa to try not to interrupt. But the chicken can't help herself! Whether the tale is HANSEL AND GRETEL or LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD or even CHICKEN LITTLE, she jumps into the story to save its hapless characters from doing some dangerous or silly thing. Now it's the little red chicken's turn to tell a story, but will her yawning papa make it to the end without his own kind of interrupting? Energetically illustrated with glowing colors;and offering humorous story-within-a-story views ;this all-too-familiar tale is sure to amuse (and hold the attention of ) spirited little chicks.

Once upon a planetoid, amid her tools and sprockets, a girl named Cinderella dreamed of fixing fancy rockets. With a little help from her fairy godrobot, Cinderella is going to the ball. But when the prince's ship has mechanical trouble, someone will have to zoom to the rescue! Readers will thank their lucky stars for this irrepressible fairy tale retelling, its independent heroine, and its stellar happy ending.

An evocative story about two brothers who are growing up (one faster than the other), an unusual summer night and a special tree house that proves childhood is not just a time but also a place.

Musk Ox, our rambunctious anti-hero, literally chews through the cover of this anarchic alphabet book. Having eaten the apple that A was supposed to be for, he blithely inserts himself, claiming A is for Musk Ox - because musk oxen are Awesome and live in the Arctic, which includes Alaska! Zebra, his nemesis, is less than thrilled. And so this cantankerous couple lead the reader on a romp through the alphabet with Musk Ox claiming every letter for himself, and Zebra doing his level best to keep him under control. Filled with Matthew Myers's hilarious artwork with lots of hidden details for kids to explore, this may be the funniest alphabet book ever created.

STOP RIGHT THERE. Don't move a muscle, buster. Stay out of this book or I WILL CHOMP YOU!   So says the not-so-fierce inhabitant of I Will Chomp You!, a tale of deception, greed . . . and cake!   In their funny read-aloud, Jory John and Bob Shea bring a fresh twist to a time-tested blueprint as their little monster threatens, reasons, and pleads with readers to go no further in the book because he will NOT share his beautiful, delicious cakes. Children will identify with the monster's high valuation of his possessions, and (importantly) will laugh at the silly measures he takes to protect them.

Smartly dressed mice give sage advice on all elements of proper pet care in this photographic picture book. Who hasn't yearned for the perfect pet? The mice in this book-hand-sewn and inhabiting enchanting, diorama-style scenes-know all about critter care, and they're here to share wise words about choosing and keeping animal companions. Whimsical images of the mice with their own petite pets, including bumblebees, ladybugs, and butterflies, complement the warm humor of this extraordinary picture book that's truly like no other!

The fastest man in the West meets his match in this deliciously clever original tall tale-perfect for the Common Core classroom. a With his extra-long legs, Jackrabbit McCabe can outrun anything on the American frontier: horses, trains, and even twisters. So of course, everyone in the town of Windy Flats always counts on his speed when a message has to get out fast. Then something new comes to town: the telegraph, which can send Morse code messages with the speed of electricity. At first, no one believes the newfangled contraption can deliver a message quicker than Jackrabbit. . . . But in a race between man and machine, who will be left in the dust? a An author's note includes information about the invention of the telegraph, a Morse code key, and a riddle written in Morse code for kids to transcribe.

Jasper likes to be neat. Each morning he tidies his nest and puts on his cap and bow tie. Joop likes to be messy! Each morning he rumples his nest and musses his feathers. Despite their differences, Jasper and Joop are two very good friends--birds of a feather! But what will happen when one friend gets into trouble with some busy bees? Another pair of darling goslings make their debut in this story, with Olivier Dunrea's perfectly pitched storytelling and illustrations that Gossie&Friends fans have come to cherish.

What does Johnny Boo do when there's nothing to do? Johnny Boo Does Something! In fact, he does a LOT of things! Watch Johnny Boo have a Boring Adventure and discover Yawn Power, write an angry letter to Ice Cream Magazine, get a squiggly new hairdo, fall to the bottom of Ice Cream Hole #25, and celebrate the maybe-birthday of his pet ghost Squiggle, all adding up to the most inventive Johnny Boo book yet!

Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship. A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also lead her home and to her heart’s desire? With supple line, luminous color, and nimble flights of fancy, author-illustrator Aaron Becker launches an ordinary child on an extraordinary journey toward her greatest and most exciting adventure of all.

When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighborhood except how quiet it is!nbsp;So Julia puts a sign up: "Julia's House for Lost Creatures." Soon she's hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet isn't a problem anymore for Julia...but getting her housemates to behave themselves is! nbsp; The simple, sweet text of this picture book by New York Times Best-Sellingnbsp;Zita the Spacegirl author/illustrator Ben Hatke is perfectly balanced by his lush, detailed, immersive watercolor illustrations.

A spider on a quest to drop the "Bitzy" and become "just Itzy" runs up against some challenges—and a few familiar nursery-rhyme characters. Itzy the spider is tired of being called "Itzy Bitzy." On his first day of spindergarten, Itzy decides to prove to everyone that he’s a big spider by catching his own lunch. But spinning a web is hard work, and every time Itzy gets close to catching a fly, something gets in the way?—?whether it’s a girl sitting on a tuffet, an old lady swallowing everything in sight, or a dangerous waterspout. Will Itzy ever get a chance to prove himself and shake his pesky nickname? Illustrated in bold vignettes by Geisel Award winner Greg Pizzoli, Itzy’s amusing adventures are a clever balm for the frustrations of preschoolers fed up with being too little.

From Michael Buckley, the bestselling author of the Sisters Grimm and NERDS series, and Dan Santat, author-illustrator of Sidekicks, comes this hilarious picture book starring Kel Gilligan (a.k.a. The Boy Without Fear;) that encourages kids to laugh at their fears and celebrates the bravery it takes to try new things no matter how ordinary. Narrated by Kel himself as he attempts his; with Evel Knievel like flair, the story unfolds as a performance in which readers themselves become part of the audience, encouraging Kel to get dressed all by himself (without a net!), eat new foods like broccoli (eww!), and take a bath (gasp!). Bold, interactive, and downright silly, this is a book to make kids cheer and attempt some stunts; of their own. Praise for Kel Gilligan's Daredevil Stunt Show: "The stunned faces on the 'audience' as Kel successfully chews and swallows broccoli are hilarious, and their comments will inspire many giggles... the intended audience will be rolling on the floor laughing at these silly antics... Santat's illustrations, are busy, grandiose, loud, and proud, just like Kel Gilligan. They add depth and humor to the action."

Drywater Gulch has a toad problem. Not the hop-down-your-britches, croaking-all-night toad kind of problem. The thievin', hootin' and hollerin', steal-your-gold never-say-thank-you outlaw toad kind of problem.   Then hope rides into town. Sheriff Ryan might only be seven years old, and he might not know much about shooting and roping. But he knows a lot about dinosaurs. Yes, dinosaurs. And it turns out that knowing a thing or two about paleontology can come in handy when it comes to hoodwinking and rounding up a few no-good bandits. From Bob Shea and Lane Smith comes this hilarious picture book, Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads.  

The New York Times bestselling stars of LMNO Peas and 1-2-3 Peas are back for a romp through a rainbow of colors! A passel of playful peas keeps it green as they experience the colorful world around them, from red kites to yellow buses to purple mountains and more! Bright and bold illustrations fill the pages of this delightful exploration of color.

Mama is expecting a baby and Little Rabbit is going to be a big brother! Hes full of plans; he will teach the baby to play all sorts of games and be the best big brother ever. And when Mama has triplets, it looks like there will be three times the fun.

Well, there’s overprotective—and then there’s Little Red Henry’s family! A hilarious tale about what happens when a coddled kid asserts his independence. Little redheaded Henry’s family treats him like a baby. They dress him. They feed him. They brush his "widdle toofers." But he’s not a baby anymore. He’s a little boy who wants to do things for himself. So with his family watching anxiously from the wings, Henry sets out on a glorious day of independence. But will things swing too far in the other direction? In this charming reworking of the classic tale of the Little Red Hen, author Linda Urban and illustrator Madeline Valentine gently and humorously depict a family trying to find a middle ground between hovering over their youngest member and giving him room to grow.

A timeless story to share among the generations from the #1 New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of the Otis series and The Little Engine That Could  In the middle of a little forest, there lives a Little Tree who loves his life and the splendid leaves that keep him cool in the heat of long summer days. Life is perfect just the way it is. Autumn arrives, and with it the cool winds that ruffle Little Tree's leaves. One by one the other trees drop their leaves, facing the cold of winter head on. But not Little Tree--he hugs his leaves as tightly as he can. Year after year Little Tree remains unchanged, despite words of encouragement from a squirrel, a fawn, and a fox, his leaves having long since turned brown and withered. As Little Tree sits in the shadow of the other trees, now grown sturdy and tall as though to touch the sun, he remembers when they were all the same size. And he knows he has an important decision to make.

Pip, Midge, and Dot, the lovable, goofy hens of Loopy Coop Farm, are back in their third adventure. This time they wrestle with the age old question: Why do apples fall? On their way to their own unique conclusion, they are first scared silly, then end up just acting silly. Showing bravery, curiosity, and loyalty to each other, these three irresistible hens will inspire young ones to face their own funny fears. With easy-to-read text and charmingly comic illustrations, this read-aloud is the perfect combination of sweetness and whimsy.

A little courage yields unexpected surprises when Justin visits the dreaded lost and found. When Justin loses the special hat his grandmother made for him, he looks everywhere he can think of to find it. Everywhere, that is, except the lost and found. Mr. Rumkowsky, the old school custodian, is the keeper of all the lost and found items, and everyone is afraid of him, including Justin. With his grandmother coming to visit soon, his mom upset, and the hat nowhere in sight, Justin finally musters the courage to enter Mr. Rumkowsky's domain. There he discovers a whole world of treasures - lost items Justin's friends (and generations of children before them) have been too afraid to claim. Things keep getting weirder and weirder, until way down at the bottom of Rumkowsk's giant box Justin unearths something completely unexpected...

From the creator of Marshall Armstrong Is New to Our School comes a visually stunning, hilarious picture book that explores children’s tendency to jump to the conclusions they want. When Leo’s mom announces that there will be a surprise at dinner, she unknowingly sets in motion a riotous chain of events. What could the surprise be?! Leo and his brother are desperate to find out. Could it be a bike? A pool? A new car? Their imaginations run wild until they latch, with utter conviction, onto what surely must be the answer: an all-expenses-paid, two-week trip to Hawaii! Perhaps not surprisingly, the brothers are soon proven wrong. But the ingenious way their family decides to cheer them up poignantly reminds us that, sometimes, embracing what you already have is enough to make you feel “lucky.” nbsp;

Praise for Lucky Ducklings *"This generation's duckling rescue story." -Publishers Weekly, starred review *" Writer and artist have conspired to give children a sure-to-be classic that they're sure to love." -School Library Journal, starred review "This book impresses all on its own with its fine design, compelling story, expressive images and gentle environmental message." -Kirkus "Moore's expert use of pattern and repetition as she names each of the ducklings . . . is nicely echoed in individual illustrated vignettes and will make this a good choice for reading aloud." -Horn Book

It's magic! With an eye-popping design and see-through pages to flip back and forth, these clever books introduce children to basic concepts in the most delightful way!   What happens when you mix two colors? Kids can find out the answer with this wonderfully tactile, imaginative, and interactive book. When they flip the see-through acetate over the different-colored pages, they'll see a transformation happen right in front of their very eyes as new colors and new pictures emerge!  

Without even thinking about it, Mama Seeton puckered her lips and whistled. It was not a loud whistle. Or a fancy whistle. Just a simple two-note whistle. When Mama Seeton whistles, her children run home for chocolate cake, hugs, kisses, and shared memories. But as time passes, they travel farther and farther away from the familiar sound. Can mama's whistle be heard all over the world, and bring her children home one more time? Newbery Award-winning author Jerry Spinelli's sweet lyrical text and New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham's charming illustrations show the timeless love between a mother and her children.

The best-selling author of Library Lion pairs with award-winning illustrator Matt Phelan to create a picture book gem with an unexpected twist. Some of the kids in Marilyn’s class have monsters. Marilyn doesn’t have hers yet, but she can’t just go out and look for one. Your monster has to find you. That’s just the way it works. Marilyn tries to be patient and the kind of girl no monster can resist, but her monster doesn’t come. Could she go out and search for him herself? Even if that’s not the way it works? From favorite picture-book creators Michelle Knudsen and Matt Phelan comes a story about one little girl and the perfect monster she knows is out there . . . and what happens when she decides she’s waited long enough.

Mimi knows exactly what she likes: her stuffed bunny, her pet roly-poly bug (named Frank), eating bananas that are cut just-so;and forks.  Young readers can spend a day with Mimi as she goes to preschool, plays with friends, and spends time with her family;all the while searching for Frank, who seems to have been lost along the way;Adorable 3-D art distinguishes the book, which is sure to be a natural read at naptime, bedtime, and story hour.

Greetings, Special Agent! You've accepted the mission: you're going to be a big sibling! This is your super-secret guide to training your family's newest recruit. There will be lots to do, like leading physical training (teaching your sibling to walk) and sharing intel (reading together), but we know you're up for the challenge. Best of luck, Agent! This is HQ, signing off. Over and out!

Monkey and me, Monkey and me, Monkey and me, We went to see... A little girl and her toy monkey love imitating different animals, everything from jumping like kangaroos to waddling like penguins! Open this book and play along with them. Can you guess what animal they are now?

Monkey Ono is not exactly a real monkey, but he really,reallywants to go to the beach! So when Beach Day arrives, and the children who own him forget the bag he's in, Monkey Ono does not take this lying down, like most stuffed animals would. Oh no, he's got a plan. In fact he's got many, many plans. From riding the family dog to ricocheting through the sky to diving down the water pipes. All end with hilarious results, but not exactly according to plan. Will Monkey Ono ever get to the beach? Only if the beach comes to him... J.C. Phillipps’s spirited text and stunning illustrations, done in colorful cut paper collage, deliver a humorous story with a great message;try and try again!

Are you bored with being so proper? Do you want to have more fun? Mr. Tiger knows exactly how you feel. So he decides to go wild. But does he go too far? From Caldecott Honor artist Peter Brown comes a story that shows there's a time and place for everything...even going wild.

A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book nbsp; In a near wordless masterpiece that could only have been devised by David Wiesner, a cat named Mr. Wuffles doesn't care about toy mice or toy goldfish. He’s much more interested in playing with a little spaceship full of actual aliens—but the ship wasn't designed for this kind of rough treatment. Between motion sickness and damaged equipment, the aliens are in deep trouble. When the space visitors dodge the cat and take shelter behind the radiator to repair the damage, they make a host of insect friends. The result? A humorous exploration of cooperation between aliens and insects, and of the universal nature of communication involving symbols, “cave” paintings, and gestures of friendship.

When Baby Javier comes for a playdate, Baby Billy, a.k.a. Mustache Baby, feels the need to show him a thing or two, seeing how Javier's new to town--and also sports an impressive beard. What ensues is a hilarious test of wills and facial hair, as each baby sets out to prove his manliness. It seems Mustache Baby may have truly met his match . . . but one-upmanship isn't the point of a playdate, is it?

A rollicking, rhyming, fun rendition of a favorite folksong about a many-times recycled coat--by the award-winning, bestselling team of Jim Aylesworth and Barbara McClintock. When my grandfather came to America he made himself a handsome coat! Then he wore it and he wore it and he wore it-- until it was all worn out! So what did he do? He snipped and he clipped-- and he stitched and he sewed. . . and out of the still-good cloth of his coat-- he made himself a smart jacket! How many things can Grandfather make out of that old frayed coat? Jim Aylesworth's satisfying retelling and Barbara McClintock's heart-warming pictures celebrate how Grandfather cleverly recycles his beloved coat through four generations.

A hilarious new book about a boy who refuses to wear clothes, from comedian Michael Ian Black and illustrator Debbi Ridpath Ohi, the team that brought you I'm Bored, a New York Times Notable Children's Book. Michael Ian Black and Debbie Ridpath Ohi, whose "smart cartoony artwork matches Black's perfect comic timing" (The New York Times Book Review), have paired up again to showcase the antics of an adorable little boy who just doesn't want to get dressed. After his bath, the little boy begins his hilarious dash around the house...in the buff! Being naked is great. Running around, sliding down the stairs, eating cookies. Nothing could be better. Unless he had a cape...

Nerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd. One thing is clear: being a nerdy birdy is a lonely lifestyle. When he's at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. He has friends and discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky.

A hungry mouse is determined to find the perfect house for her oversize apple in this funny, vibrantly illustrated story with die-cut surprises. One morning Mouse finds an enormous apple and decides that she really must take it inside. But her burrow is too small — so she sets out in search of a new, bigger house and an owner who's willing to share. Will she ever find a burrow to fit her and her apple, which she nibbles away as she goes? With bold shapes and colors and an ingenious die-cut design, Petr Horácek tells a humorous tale about burrows that get bigger, an apple that gets smaller, and a mouse who discovers there's no place like home.

Lauren Child tells the familiar tale of a less-than-welcome sibling with subtlety, insight, affection, and humor. Elmore Green starts life as an only child, as many children do. He has a room to himself, where he can line up his precious things and nobody will move them one inch. But one day everything changes. When the new small person comes along, it seems that everybody might like it a bit more than they like Elmore Green. And when the small person knocks over Elmore’s things and even licks his jelly-bean collection, Elmore’s parents say that he can’t be angry because the small person is only small. Elmore wants the small person to go back to wherever it came from. Then, one night, everything changes. . . . In her signature visual style, Lauren Child gets to the heart of a child’s evolving emotions about becoming a big brother or sister.

It's very dark in here. So turn on a light. I can't. Why not? This book is about night animals. It's supposed to be dark. How are we supposed to read it then? Flashlight?

Bedtime becomes an unforgettable k-nightly adventure! Come on a bedtime adventure with one little knight as he rides through forests to reach his bedroom, battles crocodiles to brush his teeth and climbs the tallest tower to get into bed. This exciting and imaginative bedtime tale is told through Owen Davey's charming and witty words and illustrations - making this a perfect k-nightly read for every young adventurer.

Late at night, when the owls are out, some people are awakeÂ--and doing all sorts of interesting things!   They are on the night shift.   Open this book, and you will discover the nighttime world of people who go to work when you are sleeping:   Street sweeper Window dresser Radio DJ Security guard Newspaper printer Bridge painter Zookeeper Freighter captain Truck driver Road worker Donut baker Fisherman Tug boat captain Waitress   Come meet them all!

"You can see why I'm King of the Jungle," said Big Lion. "It's because I'm the best." But what is he best at? He quickly discovers that the jungle is full of talented animals. Cheetah, monkey, snake, and elephant giggle as Big Lion tries and fails to run, climb, creep, and crash through the forest. Energetic and expressive illustrations will entertain young readers until the very end when Big Lion finds out what he does best. And then, Nobody Laughs at a Lion!

Nilson and Amelia do everything together. But if one little thing goes wrong, Nilson throws the biggest, most house shaking-est fit ever! Amelia helps Nilson control his gorilla-sized temper by promising him banana ice cream and letting him play with her froggy coin purse. But, sometimes, Amelia needs to be calmed down, too.

From Newbery Medalist MacLachlan ("Sarah, Plain and Tall") comes a reassuring story set on America's frontier about new beginnings and making friends. Illustrations.

Clementine really wants to practice her first-aid skills, but her brother presents an unexpected challenge in a sweet, funny story from Simon James. It's Clementine Brown's birthday, and Mr. and Mrs. Brown have given her a nurse's outfit and a first-aid kit; just what she wanted! There is no shortage of emergencies that need her attention (and her liberal use of bandages): Mr. Brown's stubbed toe, Mrs. Brown's headache, even Wellington the dog's tender paw. But her brother, Tommy, is a different matter. Even though he keeps crashing into things, he insists that he doesn't need a nurse. Clementine is sad; nurses really need someone to help. But could it be that when a real emergency occurs, her skills will be needed?

Can the OCTOPUPPY be the perfect pet? Edgar wanted a dog. Instead, he got an octopus named Jarvis. Jarvis is brilliant and does his best to act like the dog Edgar wants, but nothing he does is good enough to please Edgar. Ultimately, Edgar recognizes that while Jarvis might not be the dog he wanted, he is special in his own endearing way. Young readers will love the funny, imaginative illustrations that are paired with a relatable lesson of appreciating the greatness of what we have in front of us.

Bold, hilarious artwork captures the innocent charm of affable George, a dog who is trying to be good - with disastrous results. George is a dog with all the best intentions. And his owner, Harry, has all the best hopes that George will be a well-behaved dog when he leaves him alone for the day. But when George spies a delicious cake sitting on the kitchen table, his resolve starts to waver. You see, George loves cake. . . . Uh-oh. What to do now? It's so hard to be a good dog when there are cats to chase and flowers to dig up! What ever will Harry say when he gets back? Chris Haughton's fetchingly funny story and vibrant, retro illustrations are sure to lure dog lovers of all ages - and anyone who has ever met a temptation too good to resist.

Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein’s lively tale is a fantastic read-aloud, and feisty Mama Squirrel will have fierce mamas everywhere applauding! Ol’ Mama Squirrel has raised lots of babies, and she knows just how to protect them. Whenever trouble comes nosing around, she springs into action with a determined;Chook, chook, chook!” and scares trouble away. Her bravery is put to the test, however, when a really big threat wanders into town and onto her tree. But no matter what, Mama’s not about to back down! nbsp;

Old Bear loves Little Cub with all his heart. He makes sure that Little Cub eats all his porridge, takes a nap during their snowy walk, and wraps his red scarf tightly around his ears. Little Cub doesn't want to be told what to do, but he always listens to Old Bear because he knows that Old Bear loves him so. But when Old Bear catches a cold, it's Little Cub who knows just what to do to make Old Bear feel better. This winning story shows just how much Old Bears and Little Cubs love one another-with all their hearts. From the creator of the Gossie and Gertie books comes a playful and charming twist on the relationship between children and the adults who care for them.

On a momentous visit to the aquarium, Elliot discovers his dream pet: a penguin. It's just proper enough for a straight-laced boy like him. And when he asks his father if he may have one (please and thank you), his father says yes. Elliot should have realized that Dad probably thought he meant a stuffed penguin and not a real one . . . Clever illustrations and a wild surprise ending make this sly, silly tale of friendship and wish fulfillment a kid-pleaser from start to finish.

"One day. . . I went to school. I came home. The end,” says our storyteller--a girl with a busy imagination and a thirst for adventure. The art tells a fuller tale of calamity on the way to school and an unpredictably happy ending. The genius of this picture book is that each illustration captures multiple, unexpected, and funny storylines as the narrator tells her shorter-than-ever stories, ending with "One day. . . I wanted to write a book.” An original and incredibly deep combination of text and art invites readers to make up stories of their own.

For every kid who has ever had trouble sharing a special toy.Peanut has a new ball and her big sister, Fifi, wants to play with it. Peanut doesn't want to share, so Fifi tries to entice her with the many different imaginary games they could play with the ball--they could tell fortunes, or have a bakery, or let a seal balance the ball on its nose! Peanut is NOT convinced, until Fifi comes up with a spectacular imaginary adventure that Peanut can't refuse: a trip to space! But is it too late for her to join the game? Illustrated in bold graphics and bright colors by an illustrator Maurice Sendak calls 'an artist with a superb eye for line and composition,' here's a story where the older sibling doesn't always have the upper hand.

For fans of The Day the Crayons Quit, Little Pea, or How Are You Peeling? What’s a little piece of bread to do when he’s feeling lonely? Find a friend, of course! And that’s exactly what Peanut Butter tries to do. But sometimes friends are hard to come by, especially when Hamburger has to walk his (hot) dogs, Cupcake is too busy building castles in her sprinkle box, and Egg laughs so hard he starts to crack up! Does Peanut Butter have a soulmate? Young readers will know the answer long before Peanut Butter does and laugh along with each mismatched pairing. In a story that pairs silliness with poignancy, and friendship with anthropomorphic food, Terry Border, the photography mastermind behind the Bent Objects project, makes a triumphant entrance into the children's book world. Complete with a rhyming refrain, this is sure to be a favorite family read-aloud--and laugh-aloud.

The talent show is coming up and Penguin doesn't have a special skill to showcase - or does he? All of Penguin's friends are excited about the upcoming talent show, but Penguin can't seem to figure out what he can do. He tries juggling appliances with Bear, doing magic tricks with Rabbit, and burping the alphabet with Fox, but he doesn't seem to be good at any of it. Stuck behind the scenes organizing, Penguin leaves the contest saddened, the only one who hasn't received a medal. His friends decide to throw him a party to make him feel better, but their festivities fizzle. That's when Penguin discovers he might have some special skills after all as he sets to work planning the best party ever.

A little dog named Ted sets out to find his perfect place, but no matter where he goes, he doesn’t stand out. Will anyone ever notice Ted? Ted has lived among the dogs at the pet store for as long as he can remember. But there are so many dogs there, nobody ever chooses Ted. So he decides to go someplace else — someplace perfect. But Ted can’t fly through the air like the circus dogs, and he doesn’t have fancy pom-poms like the show dogs. Just as he loses hope, he sees a sign: Wanted: Perfect Pet. Little animal lovers will be tickled along with Ted at the unusual household that finally becomes his perfect place.

One pig wants potatoes . . . then so does his brother . . . his sister makes it three pigs, and Papa makes four. Then there are the neighbors! Now all the piggies want potatoes, and soon it's one big potato party! Anika and Christopher Denise have teamed up to create this most charming, classic counting book, full of picture-perfect pigs and pleasing rhyme. Children will love Pigs Love Potatoes as much as, well, pigs love potatoes. And as you'll see, that's quite a bit!

It is a sad and sorry day when Burnt Beard the Pirate and his scurvy crew swagger into Old Cheyenne looking to bury their treasure. Black Bob McKraw—terror of the Wild West;and his posse don't take too kindly to pirates invading their town. And to add insult to injury, the pirates and cowboys can't understand a lick of what the others are saying. None of them cowboys speak Pirate, and none of them pirates speak Cowboy. Who will save the day before these sorry;and stinky bilge rats and yellow-bellied varmints draw their cutlasses and six-shooters? From the creator of the hilarious Creepy Carrots, comes the story of a simple misunderstanding that almost meant the end of Old Cheyenne.

?I just went to the store!? What happens one frantic week when everyone forgets to put the things they need on Mom's shopping list? First, it's cookies, but no milk. Then macaroni, no cheese. And don't even ask about the toilet paper! Newcomer Kristen Darbyshire's quirky humor, fresh, graphic style, and sweetly expressive family of chickens will make this a favorite with kids . . . and the beleaguered grocery shoppers in their lives.

This is a story about a crayon I know. I wrote it for you.

When a pig visits a frog pond, sits on a rock, and says only "Ribbit!," news spreads fast but only the wise old beetle has an explanation, in this warm, funny, and beautifully illustrated story of friendship. Full color.

Rodeo Red and her hound dog Rusty are happier than two buttons on a new shirt... until Side Swiping Slim shows up. Red is sure that anyone who hollers that much will be hauled to the edge of town and told to skedaddle, but her parents seem smitten. When that scallywag sets his eye on Rusty, Rodeo Red had better figure out a way to save her best friend in all the world. Can she make a bargain with a varmint?

Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus—but what’s that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences? Or will a sandwich come between them? The smallest things can pull us apart;until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference. In a glorious three-page gatefold at the end of the book, Salma, Lily, and all their classmates come together in the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance.

Scaredy Squirrel is not too comfortable with the idea of camping ? unless it's on his couch! There will be no mosquitoes, skunks or zippers to worry about when he watches a show about the joys of camping on his brand-new TV. But first Scaredy must find an electrical outlet, and that means going into the woods! Will the nutty worrywart's plans prepare him for the great outdoors, or will his adventure end up as a scary story told around the campfire?

The seals on the bus go 'errp, errp, errp' 'errp, errp, errp' 'errp, errp, errp' The seals on the bus go 'errp, errp, errp' All around the town... What will the people on the bus do when more and more raucous animals hop on board? This beastly twist on a favorite song will have young readers errping and roaring and honking along.

Smick is a BIG dog. Sit, Smick. Chick is a little chick. Stay, Smick! So what happens when they see a stick? Written by New York Times bestselling author Doreen Cronin and ingeniously illustrated by newcomer Juana Medina, Smick is a story of unlikely friendship, a sense of adventure, and a lot of wonderful wordplay. Praise for Smick: 'Maximum fun.' Booklist, starred review 'Less is definitely more in this fetching, fun-filled mix of dog, chick and stick, guaranteed to tickle all.' Kirkus Reviews

Bedtime story meets Coachella in this adorable book about a sloth who packs up his pajamas to attends an arena festival for nappers, dozers, and the very best sleepyheads. Snuggleford Cuddlebun is a champion sleeper. In fact, she's such a good sleeper that she decides to go to Snoozefest, an arena festival that celebrates sleep. There, she lounges in her hammock while bands like the Nocturnal Nesters and the Quiet Quartet serenade the audience with lullabies. There's warm milk and honey to be had, designer pajamas from Diane von Firstinbed, and no one dares be seen without a baby blanket. But before she knows it, the nuzzling, snuggling, and dreaming are over—and Snuggleford has slept through it all. This hilariously endearing bedtime story is perfect for anyone who loves sloths, music festivals, and/or cuddles.

Emma can't wait to have a sleepover with her cousin Abby! But snow is falling outside the Snow Blew Inn where Emma is waiting. Stranded travelers arrive seeking shelter, and soon the inn is packed. Emma even gives up her own room for the Fox family. "Where are Abby and her Mama?" She wonders. When Abby finally arrives, she and Emma camp out on the parlor floor and have their sleepover at last! This cozy story is about family, friendship, and sharing.

Thirteen witty and wacky poems pose riddles that challenge readers to "Name That Book." With a glass slipper here and a spiderweb there, Lynn Munsinger's adorable illustrations lead young readers to the solutions. From Goodnight Moon to Madeline , children and parents alike will delight in recognizing their most cherished stories.

When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with a Pinecone, the pair becomes fast friends. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favor? Author Beth Ferry makes a memorable debut with a warm, rhyming text that includes a subtle anti-bullying message even the youngest reader will understand. New York Times bestselling illustrator Tom Lichtenheld imbues Stick and Stone with energy, emotion, and personality to spare.         In this funny story about kindness and friendship, Stick and Stone join George and Martha, Frog and Toad, and Elephant and Piggie, as some of the best friend duos in children's literature.

Every day, in a house by the sea, a little boy watches his father leave for a long day's work. One night, a great storm washes a small whale onto the beach. The boy discovers the whale is a good listener. The father discovers the boy is lonely. Together, they return the whale to the sea. And from that day on, the boy learns that the father can be a good listener too, in Benji Davies's heartwarming tale, The Storm Whale.

For little girls who love Ladybug Girl and Fancy Nancy, here's the perfect story to share on any day you're filled with love! "Today I am Superlove! There will be love, a wedding, and happily ever after." So begins the day of one young girl who decides to stage a wedding between her stuffed animal, Mr. Mittens, and Pinky--her cat. Pinky is less than thrilled with the idea, even when Superlove dresses up as the flower girl and arranges some practice weddings between her other stuffed animals. Will Superlove get Pinky out of the tree in time to be the blushing bride? Or will she come up with another way to save the day?

Izzy is thrilled to finally help set the table, learning all the proper places for her friends Fork, Spoon, Dish, Napkin, Cup, and Knife. But once they get into a nightly groove, Izzy and her friends grow tired of their same old spots. Shaking things up doesn’t go over so well with Mom and Dad, so Spoon and Dish run off for an adventure of their own. Lonely without her favorite tablemates, Izzy will need to find a way to convince Spoon and Dish to come back to the table.Perfect for any kid who has ever resisted a daily task, this clever, pun-filled story is gentle reminder that every dish has its place, and that injecting some creativity into daily tasks can make even the dullest ones lots of fun.

A little boy's grandfathers, one in America and one in Japan, teach him about baseball and its rich, varying cultural traditions. Full color.

A girl and a bear cub have only one thing in common: they both want cookies!When Cub follows his nose through the woods, he discovers a backyard tea party . . . with cookies!  He is just about to dig in when the hostess of the tea party shows up. And she has several strong opinions on how Tea Party must be played. Cub tries to follow her rules . . . but just how much can one bear take, even for cookies?A laugh-out-loud funny look at the required give-and-take of playtime, Tea Party Rules is an eventual friendship story that will delight grubby cubs, fancy girls, and cookie lovers everywhere.

One day, a very hungry fox meets a very plump goose. A dinner invitation is offered. Will dinner go as planned? Or do the dinner plans involve a secret ingredient . . . ? (Don't forget to listen to the baby geese!) From the brilliant mind of Mo Willems comes a surprising lesson about listening to your inner gosling.

There was an old dragon who swallowed a knight...and a steed, a squire, a cook, a lady, a moat, and a castle! Will he ever learn a little moderation?! This rollicking rhyme is full to bursting with sight gags, silly characters, and plenty of burps! Parents and kids alike will delight in Ben Mantle's precisely funny illustrations, and in Penny Parker Klostermann's wacky rhymes.

Sick of adults thinking you can't do anything by yourself? Join Jeff, as he shows you the book he made of the things he can do all by himself! Want to see what Jeff drew? It's a book about him and all the things he can do!   He can make his own lunch!  He can get his own drink.  He can take his own bath-pretty cool, don't you think?   Get ready for a riotous time as Jeff explains, in words and self-drawn pictures, all the things he can do-in a book he made all by himself!   A Neal Porter Book

WINNER OF THE 2013 CALDECOTT MEDAL! From the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling and award-winning I Want My Hat Back comes a second wry tale. When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it's a good thing that enormous fish won't wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he'll ever know what happened. . . . Visual humor swims to the fore as the best-selling Jon Klassen follows his breakout debut with another deadpan-funny tale.

Toot and Puddle fans, rejoice! The lovable pigs are back in a touchingtale of friendship lost and found--literally. The story begins with a note fromToot, "Puds, Gone for a walk. Be back soon. T." But he doesn't get back soon (nosurprise to Toot and Puddle fans), and by dinnertime, Toot is worried. He headsinto the night, searching everywhere. He decides to think like his buddy totrack him down, so he hops a train, then a bus, then gets on an airplane toProvence. And, what's this? "'Bonjour, mon ami!' Toot cheered." Once together,they head for Nepal, naturally, for the top of the world. And then they gethomesick. Hollie Hobbie's gentle watercolors are as charming as ever. Childrenwill worry about Toot, admire Puddle's loyalty, and cheer the happy ending.(Ages 3 to 7) --Karin Snelson

Magic happens every night. It happens everywhere, from sunset to sunrise. It even happens when your eyes are closed. When you wave good-bye to the sun, fireflies start to blink outside, owls wake up in the forest, and stars shine above cities and towns and farms and mountains. Shhhhh. Magic happens every night. And in this book, you become the magician. How? Tap the sky, make a wish, touch the stars, and whisper to the moon. And then . . . turn the page.

Ever since Unicorn moved into the neighborhood, Goat has been feeling out of sorts. Goat thought his bike was cool-until he saw that Unicorn could "fly" to school Goat made marshmallow squares that almost came out right, but Unicorn made it rain cupcakes Unicorn is such a show-off, how can Goat compete? When Goat and Unicorn share a piece of pizza, Goat learns that being a unicorn might not be all its cracked up to be. And when Unicorn shows his admiration for Goat, it looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

A bunch of friendly vegetables wear colorful underwear of all varieties--big, small, clean, dirty, serious, and funny--demonstrating for young ones the silliness and necessity of this item of clothing. The unexpectedness of vegetables in their unmentionables is enough to draw giggles, but the pride with which the "big kid" attire is flaunted in front of the baby carrots in diapers will tickle readers of all ages. With rhyming text that begs to be chanted aloud and art that looks good enough to eat, this vibrant story will encourage preschoolers to celebrate having left those diapers behind!

As a boy and his mother move quickly through the city, they're drawn to different things. The boy sees a dog, a butterfly, and a hungry duck while his mother rushes them toward the departing train. It's push and pull, but in the end, they both find something to stop for. Acclaimed author/illustrator Antoinette Portis' signature style conveys feelings of warmth, curiosity, humor and tenderness in this simple, evocative story. A Neal Porter Book

What are you waiting for? An owl, a puppy, a bear, a rabbit, and a pig—all toys arranged on a child's windowsill—wait for marvelous things to happen in this irresistible picture book by the New York Times–bestselling and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes. Five friends sit happily on a windowsill, waiting for something amazing to happen. The owl is waiting for the moon. The pig is waiting for the rain. The bear is waiting for the wind. The puppy is waiting for the snow. And the rabbit is just looking out the window because he likes to wait! What will happen? Will patience win in the end? Or someday will the friends stop waiting and do something unexpected? Waiting is a big part of childhood—waiting in line, waiting to grow up, waiting for something special to happen—but in this book, a child sets the stage and pulls the strings. Timeless, beautiful, and deeply heartfelt, this picture book about imaginative play, the seasons, friendship, and surprises marks a new pinnacle in Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes's extraordinary career.

CAUTION This book contains monkeys, alligators, and a whole lot of silliness. "You really shouldn't be opening this book." "I'm serious." "Just put it back on the shelf." "Right...now." "You're still reading this?" "Well, don't say I didn't warn you..." It looks like a book, it feels like a book, and it even smells like a book. But watch out...madness and mayhem lie within Debut author Adam Lehrhaupt urges you NOT to take a walk on the wild side in this humorous, interactive romp with inventive and engaging illustrations from Eisner Award-winning comic artist and rising star children's book illustrator Matthew Forsythe. This quirky, subversive creation begs to be enjoyed again and again and again.

The importance of imaginary friends is very real in this picture book adventure from the author of Say Hello to Zorro! and lead character designer for Despicable Me, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. Phillip and Brock are best friends. Everyone can see Phillip, but only Phillip can see Brock. A night at the Big Fair is all fun and games until Phillip gets sleepy, heads home, and forgets Brock! Brock misses Phillip. And Phillip misses Brock. Will they reunite? With the help of another pair of pals, they just might. Because even imaginary friends get lost sometimes. Finding them is part of the adventure.

One sunny day, a little boy heads outside for a swim, but his pool is already taken . . . There's a big whale in the water and it's not budging! The boy tries everything to get the whale to leave. Nothing seems to work. Not fetch. Not tag. Not even offering his allowance. What's a boy to do? Luckily, he comes up with the perfect solution: he decides to chill out on a spray of water over the whale's spout. This colorful whale of a tale from the talented Joyce Wan is sure to inspire giggles from little guppies!

A happy-go-lucky Walrus escapes the zoo in search of adventure in this wordless instant classic. Bored with life at the zoo, an adventurous walrus escapes to the outside world. With the zookeeper in hot pursuit, Walrus cleverly tries on all sorts of hats to disguise himself. Will a yellow hardhat point to a new life as a construction worker? Or will a red swimming cap reveal his true talents? Follow the happy-go-lucky runaway as he hides amongst firefighters, businessmen, and even high-stepping dancers in this delightful wordless picture book.

Who's on first. What's on second. I Don't Know's on third; One of the classic comedy sketches of all time is now transformed into a priceless picture book—and it’s a great read for kids of all ages. Follow the mistaken identities, confusion, and lots of laughs as Rabbit and Bear act out this scene. The book will appeal to Abbott and Costello fans, baseball fans, and anyone who enjoys funny banter-driven picture books. Illustrated in full color with slightly retro stylized illustrations.

Warty Warthog may have warts and tusks, but he likes himself that way! Join him as he celebrates all of his animal friends and the attributes that make each one unique. Whether it's Crocodile's toothy grin or Kangaroo's huge feet or Leopard's spottiness, each animal is different. Wouldn't it be dull if all the animals at the zoo--and all the people in the world--looked alike? A joyful picture-book celebration of everything that makes us individuals!  

Families of all kinds will delight in this sweet tale of new babies, sibling rivalry, bravery, unconditional love...and veggies! The Bunny family has adopted a wolf son, and daughter Dot is the only one who realizes Wolfie can--and might--eat them all up! Dot tries to get through to her parents, but they are too smitten to listen. A new brother takes getting used to, and when (in a twist of fate) it's Wolfie who's threatened, can Dot save the day?

Xander planned a panda party. Yes, a dandy whoop-de-do! But Xander was the only panda. Just one panda at the zoo. The zoo’s paucity of pandas doesn’t impede Xander’s party planning for long. He decides to invite all the bears. But Koala protests. She’s not a bear—she's a marsupial! Does that mean she can’t come? Xander rethinks his decision to invite only bears, and “Calling all bears” evolves into “Calling all creatures.” The Newbery Medal author Linda Sue Park introduces animal taxonomy in a wonderfully engaging way, and the celebrated artist Matt Phelan’s charming ink and watercolor paintings are the icing on the cake. A read-aloud whoop-de-do!

All Yeti wants to do after a long day in the woods is to close his eyes and go to sleep. But something is not right! Shadows lurk, sounds creak, and there are monsters...or are there? This entertaining bedtime book featuring the fierce and frenetic GAMAGO Yeti will amuse and delight kids, all while encouraging them to turn out the light and go to sleep!

You will always be the first... A touching tribute to baby's early milestones -- those unforgettable moments that will always be cherished. From first smiles to first cuddles and even to that first kiss, here's a loving ode to every child's -- and parent's -- momentous "firsts."

Fashion goes to the dogs in this lovable follow-up to Say Hello to Zorro! Mister Bud and Zorro get along just great.They wake up together, have walk time together, and take naps together.But something is about to interrupt their schedule: Zorro has to wear a fancy outfit. Zorro is embarassed, mortified, aghast. Mr. Bud tries to cheer him up, but nothing works.Everyone makes fun of Zorro, and he refuses to participate in chew-on-a-stick time.Mister Bud doesnt know what to do. But when another dog;a very cool dog;shows up in an outfit and does amazing tricks and beats all the other dogs in a race, Zorro discovers that wearing clothes might not be so bad after all. Everything is back on schedule.

His sister is a big kid in grade five. His brother is a big kid in grade three. Ben is a little kid in preschool. He can't swim; he can't use chopsticks; he can't even see out of the car window. If only he could bring home a real report card like the older kids do, then Ben would be happy. But there are no report cards in preschool. Sometimes older siblings remember what it was like to be little, however, and Ben's brother and sister are about to present Ben with his very own report card, grading him on all the activities that little brothers do best.Award-winning author and illustrator Sarah Ellis and Kim La Fave team up to produce a book that is a triumph for little siblings everywhere. The engaging text, lively illustrations, and board book format are perfect for eager readers with little hands, big hearts, and bigger dreams.

Yes, bears sometimes eat squirrels. But can they still be friends? Find out in this clever picture book that’s perfect for preschoolers. The other bears said, “Squirrel would make a good midnight snack!” Bear said, “Squirrel’s my friend. I would never eat a friend.” But what happens if Bear gets really, really hungry? Squirrel has just the solution! This story about the power and bond of friendship will warm the hearts—and tickle the funny bones—of everyone who reads it.

This sweet and hilarious doggy adoption tale features a pooch wearing--wait for it--bright yellow shoes.   When Mini finds a small moppet of a dog, with fluffy ears, no collar, and wearing yellow booties, she understandably wants to take it home. Despite Mom's insistence that the dog probably already has a family, Mini gets attached and is awfully proud of her new pal, who can sing, sit, and give both paws. But when the pup runs off one day at the park, Mini comes to understand how someone else out there might be missing the little guy too.   This story, by a debut author/illustrator, perfectly captures the undeniable bond between dog and owner. "A charming tale of compassion and empathy, with a resonant message about getting your new best friend at the animal shelter." --Patrick McDonnell, creator of MUTTS "Immensely funny.... Comedic pacing and simultaneously scrupulous and silly artwork will leave readers howling." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred

The perfect thing to do on a chilly day is to make a blanket cave. But, of course, a comfy cave never stays empty for too long...What's a boy to do when a bear takes over his cave? Try to distract him with a trail of blueberries? Some honey? A nice long back scratch? How to Share with a Bear is a story about how although it's not always easy, sharing with a sibling can make things even more fun!

Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols's expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow's strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution.   Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.

Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he's their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can't seem to rid himself of his new companions. What's a bear to do?

Cartwheel moves to a new country with her auntie, and everything is strange: the animals, the plants--even the wind. An old blanket gives Cartwheel comfort when she's sad--and a new blanket just might change her world.    This multicultural story of friendship is about leaving home, moving to a foreign and strange place, and finding a new friend. It's a story for all who have experienced change. Irena Kobald's poetic text, paired with Kate Greenaway medalist Freya Blackwood's powerful paintings, renders an emotional and heart-warming story about two children from diverse backgrounds coming together to become new friends.  

Reginald isn't like the other zombies who shuffle through Quirkville, scaring the townspeople and moaning for BRAINSSSSS! The only thing Reginald's stomach rumbles for is sticky peanut butter and sweet jelly. He tries to tell his zombie pals that there's more to life than eating brains, but they're just not interested. Will Reginald find a way to bring peace to Quirkville and convince the other zombies that there's nothing better than PB&J? Debut author Joe McGee and up-and-coming illustrator Charles Santoso have created a delicious tale about being true to yourself that will make readers hungry for more.

An adorable story about a grumpy panda who wakes up on the wrong side of the bed One morning, Pom Pom Panda wakes up on the wrong side of the bed . . . and then nothing goes right. He can't find his blanky, Timmington. And to make matters worse, his baby brother, Boo Boo, is playing with his favorite toy. Harrumph! By the time he arrives at school, Pom Pom is in a terrible mood. When his friends ask if he wants to play, that terrible mood comes pouring out: "LEAVE ME ALONE!" And that's exactly what happens, much to Pom Pom's surprise. From the creator of Where Bear? comes an adorable story that'll be sure to cheer up any child (or parent) who woke up with a case of the grumps.

Chicken Little thinks that the sky is falling -- and inspires a dance craze! Award-winning author and illustrator Mark Teague tells his humorous version of "Chicken Little" with a zany twist! When an acorn hits Chicken Little on the head, she panics and screeches, "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" Squirrel, who knew a thing or two about acorns, tried to set the record straight, as did the other animals. The chickens started dancing -- they moonwalked, they mamboed, and they did the twist. Pretty soon the other animals joined them. You can't blame someone for wanting to dance, even if the sky isn't really falling!

When the local Pet Club won’t admit a boy’s tiny pet elephant, he finds a solution—one that involves all kinds of unusual animals in this sweet and adorable picture book. Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend. Imaginative and lyrical, this sweet story captures the magic of friendship and the joy of having a pet.

We all know dragons are terrible, but this one isespeciallyterrible. He scribbles in books. He steals candy from baby unicorns. He even burps in church. Seriously, who does that? Dragon, that's who. The king, the knights, and the villagers are desperate to take down this beast once and for all. But sometimes it's up to the unlikeliest of heroes to tame a dragon this terrible.

What could be happier than a book with a dancing cake, a candy parade, and a hug monster? A book with all those things (and more) plus YOU! Your happy, happy thoughts will make this book super happy happy! But something seems off. Could it be that frowny frog? Perhaps we could shake some sense into him, or slap a Post-it over his face. No? Well then, maybe its time for that frog to SCRAM! Hooray! He's gone! Time for a happy dance! Wait, what's wrong? Now NO ONE seems happy! In his most interactive book yet, Bob Shea proves that happiness is more than just a piece of cake.

From the author-illustrator of Something Extraordinary comes a tale filled with dragons, pickles, friendship, and lots of mail—perfect for fans of Mo Williams and Bob Shea. Liam really wants some mail, so he writes a letter to his mailbox asking for something in return. His mailbox delivers, sending Liam more than he could have hoped for…and how! But as the mail starts to pile up, Liam realizes that the best packages and parcels are even better when shared with friends.

A laugh-out-loud new picture book from The Princess and the Pony author, Kate Beaton! All hail King Baby! He greets his adoring public with giggles and wiggles and coos, posing for photos and allowing hugs and kisses. But this royal ruler also has many demands, and when his subjects can't quite keep up, King Baby takes matters into his own tiny hands. A modern, funny, and (let's be honest) realistic take on life with a new baby, and the perfect gift for anyone with an adorable little ruler in their life.

When Maple is tiny, her parents plant a maple tree in her honor. She and her tree grow up together, and even though a tree doesn't always make an ideal playmate, it doesn't mind when Maple is in the mood to be loud - which is often. Then Maple becomes a big sister, and finds that babies have their loud days, too. Fortunately, Maple and her beloved tree know just what the baby needs. Lori Nichols' enchanting debut features an irresistible, free-spirited, little girl who greets the changing seasons and a new sibling with arms wide open.

"In a big field, a boy has a tree house, and one day, he has a neighbor-a monster with a talent for silly dances and funny faces. The two become fast friends, even setting up a pulley-line to pass notes between their tree houses. The boy knows just how to celebrate this invention-with music! But the monster's tuba music is loud. Really loud. Way. Too. Loud. Before the boy can think, he hurls a water balloon at his neighbor to get him to stop. An epic water-balloon fight ensues, until the boy-fed up, spent, done-cuts the clothesline. No more note-passing. No more monster. Can the boy and monster ever be friends again? Does the boy even want to? Maybe he just needs to see things from a new, unexpected perspective. Praise for The Monster Next Door"

A hilarious picture book from New York Times bestselling author of The Penderwicks Jeanne Birdsall and New York Times bestselling illustrator Harry Bliss about one child's outrageous school essay on his "pet" sheep.   Things to know about sheep: Sheep live outside. Sheep have wool. Sheep will not learn to ride a skateboard. Sheep will not climb a tree. Sheep will come into the house...but this will get you into trouble.   Seventeen sheep plus one Gus means that life is never dull on the farm! From National Book Award winning author Jeanne Birdsall and New York Times Bestselling illustrator Harry Bliss comes a hilarious tale about man's other best friend.

Have you ever thought: I have so many problems and nobody even cares? Well, penguins have problems too! Discover them in this hilarious collaboration from Jory John (All my friends are dead. and Quit Calling Me a Monster!) and Lane Smith (The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales)!   This penguin has come to tell you that life in Antarctica is no paradise. For starters, it is FREEZING. Also, penguins have a ton of natural predators. Plus, can you imagine trying to find your mom in a big ol' crowd of identical penguins? No, thank you.   Yes, it seems there is no escaping the drudgery of your daily grind, whatever it might be. Or perhaps we've just learned that grumps are everywhere. . . .    This book is sure to tickle kids' funny bones and will elicit appreciative sighs from the adults reading it aloud.

The talented creators of I Will Chomp You! brilliantly frame the struggle to buck stereotypes and learn empathy in this monster's hilarious lament.   Floyd Peterson is so much more than shaggy purple fur and pointy monster teeth-- why can't people just see him for him? Jory John and Bob Shea have struck gold in creating a knee-slapping, read-it-again story that will start a valuable discussion about how we treat others and how it feels to be seen as "different."

"A sweet read-aloud for first-time tortoise owners." --Kirkus, starred review Could there be any better pet than a puppy? One young girl is about to find out. From beloved author Dave Keane and acclaimed illustrator K.G. Campbell, a laugh-out-loud story of unexpected friendship!     When the spunky, loveable narrator receives a tortoise for her birthday, instead of the cuddly puppy she's longed for her entire life, she's more than a little disappointed.  But while her new lump of a pet isn't what she dreamed of, it doesn't take long--between tortoise-on-skateboard walks, sparkly shell makeovers, and a lemonade stand selling chances to hold a real life tortoise--for the little girl to change her mind--sort of.  But when her pet goes missing, all she wants is to be reunited with her new best friend.

Today is a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel. Cat is lounging among the daffodils. Dog is sitting in the wading pool, deep in the cool water. Chickadee is eating fresh seed from the birdfeeder. Squirrel is munching on his very own corncob. Today is a perfect day in Bert's backyard. Until Bear comes along, that is. Bear crushes the daffodils, drinks the pool water, and happily gobbles up the birdseed and corncob. Today was a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel. Now, it's just a perfect day for Bear. Lane Smith uses perfect pacing and vibrant illustrations to emphasize the power of perspective in this hilarious picture book about the goings-on in Bert's backyard.