Curriculum Center: Picture Books for Vowel Sounds

Art is for everyone--even a bored little girl. Going to the Art Museum with her mom is no fun at all for Anna. Everything is old and boring and there are so many rules: Don't Touch! Do Not Enter! Quiet! A vigilant guard keeps a close eye on the energetic little girl, but even so, Anna manages to set off an alarm and almost tip over a vase. A half-open door draws Anna's attention, but the No Entry sign means yet again that it's off-limits. This time, however, the guard surprises her by inviting her to go in.

Bat and Rat are two best friends living in the big city. Together these nocturnal pals enjoy their favorite things, like riding the subway, dumpster diving in Chinatown, writing songs, and playing in a band. One hot summer night, while tasting their favorite flavors of ice cream, like mosquito ripple, they find the inspiration for the perfect new tune—for they realize their favorite favorite is each other.

Poor Dick and Sally. It's cold and wet and they're stuck in the house with nothing to do . . . until a giant cat in a hat shows up, transforming the dull day into a madcap adventure and almost wrecking the place in the process!

Cat the Cat sure likes her friends. You will too! Join this spunky feline as she introduces the very youngest readers to her world, where a surprise is waiting in every book!

Norval the Fish is hosting a seaside talkshow for the Fish Channel, and the Cat in the Hat and Thing One and Thing Two are Camera cat and Crew! Among Norval's special guests are his old friend Clam-I-Am (a shy gal who lives in the sand and likes to spit), along with horseshoe and hermit crabs, jellyfish, sand fleas, starfish, seagulls, and miscellaneous mollusks. Seaweed, seaglass, tides, tidal pools, dunes, driftwood, and waves make cameo appearances, too. Warning: Beginning readers are apt to be swept away!

Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears: "Click, clack, moo." "Click, clack, moo." "Click, clack, moo." But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes... Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown's farm upside-down!

One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but listens as her classmates talk about what makes their families special. One is raised by a grandmother, and another has two dads. One has many stepsiblings, and another has a new baby in the family. As her classmates describe who they live with and who loves them -- family of every shape, size and every kind of relation -- the child realizes that as long as her family is full of caring people, it is special.

Meet Nancy, who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, Nancy is determined to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy. How Nancy transforms her parents and little sister for one enchanted evening makes for a story that is funny and warm -- with or without the frills.

The original Flat Stanley adventure—a perfect way to celebrate Flat Stanley's 50th anniversary! Stanley Lambchop is an ordinary boy. At least he was, until the night his bulletin board fell off the wall and flattened him. All of a sudden, Stanley can slide under doors, mail himself across the country in an envelope, and fly like a kite! But flatness has its serious side, too. Sneak thieves have been stealing paintings from the Famous Museum of Art, and Stanley knows he's the only one who can stop them. Will the robbers discover Stanley's plan before he foils theirs?

The bestselling Giraffes Can't Dance is now a board book! Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

In this charming story, Have You Seen My Cat?, little boy worries about his missing cat and travels to different places in search of his pet.

Before everyone recycled...There was a town that had 3,168 tons of garbage and nowhere to put it. What did they do? Enter the Garbage Barge! Here's a mostly true and completely stinky story that is sure to make you say, Pee-yew!; Teaching environmental awareness has become a national priority, and this hilarious book (subtly) drives home the message that we can't produce unlimited trash without consequences.

"Teapot fell," said the dinner bell. "Is she dead?" asked the bread. "Broke her spout," said the trout. "Push her up," said the cup. "I can't," said the ant. "Please try," said the pie. "You'll have fun," with this one.

A sturdy board book edition of the classic favorite finds six lovable animals using humorous rhymes to help Lloyd the llama discover what kind of animal his mother is.

Children believe that although bad things can happen, like missing a party because of chicken pox or getting their airplane caught in a tree, their luck may change tomorrow.

The Lady and Rex have a baseball game against the Big City Brats. Jack is not allowed to swing the bat, so he is told to be the Bat Boy. That is, until the Lady Town Ladies and the Big City Brats are tied. It's up to Jack to hit a home run, but on the way to home plate he spots some snacks . . .

Fatherhood is explained by a bear and his dad in this warm, humorous book.

Kiki's Hats is the lively story of a spunky and lovable woman who knits hats and gives them away. Oh, but it is also a story about you and me. Kids and adults. And how much FUN it can be to do something good for someone else. It doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. It can be as simple as knitting a hat. Or raking your neighbor's leaves. Or visiting someone who is sick. It could also be building a house for someone who needs it. Or raising a pile of money and giving it away. We each have the power to create something good that can last a lifetime -- and beyond. That's the miracle of Kiki's Hats.

In simple words and pictures, a young girl describes the life cycle of the apple - from tiny seed to tree; from beautiful blossom to juicy apple - and expresses her gratitude for this small but wonderful miracle of nature.

Mouse does not want to share his big, juicy apple, but he is too small to move it on his own. Can he get his friends to help and still eat it all himself?

It is Little Rabbit's birthday, and his family surprises him with a special trip to Rabbit World Theme Park. Mama Rabbit packs a picnic, and the family sets off for the amusement park with Little Rabbit and his red balloon leading the way. Little Rabbit is excited, insists he is a big rabbit now, and ignores his parents' warnings to stay close. But when he suddenly finds himself all alone, he doesn't feel quite so grown up anymore. Young readers will cheer Little Rabbit's triumphant reunion with his beloved family and will relate to young character's conflicting desire for independence and his need of loving supervision.

Yucky music, great big feet. Ladies smelling way too sweet. Look at knees and stand in line. Llama Llama starts to whine. Does any child like to go shopping? Not Llama Llama! But Mama can't leave Llama at home, so off they go to Shop-O-Rama. Lots of aisles. Long lines. Mama is too busy to notice that Llama Llama is getting m-a-d! And before he knows it, he's having a full-out tantrum! Mama quickly calms him down, but she also realizes that they need to make shopping more fun for both of them.

Macca the alpaca's days were happy and carefree until -- drama! -- a llama.In this adorable, quirky picture book, Macca the alpaca loves splashing in puddles and gives the best cuddles. But when he bumps into a big bullying llama named Harmer (who's no charmer), Macca must prove the value of smarts and kindness.

One fine day, from out of town--and without any warning at all--a magic hat appears in the sky. It tumbles and bounces through the air and makes magic wherever it lands. Everyone is delighted as, one by one, the townspeople are transformed into giant playful animals. And then a wizard arrives. . . . With irresistible rhyming language and bright, whimsical illustrations, this perfect read-aloud by internationally acclaimed author Mem Fox will weave its way into the hearts of young children everywhere.

Hugely popular! Children will want to sing, chant, read, and clap!

They're back! Rediscover the zaniest characters you've ever met in this best-selling series which has sold millions worldwide. Bright and charming, with easily recognizable characters and a small take-along format, Mr. Men and Little Miss books are easy enough for young readers, witty enough for humor-prone adults, and highly collectible for one and all. Also check your local listings to view the Mr. Men & Little Miss TV show.

Mama and Papa Scaredy Cat are so terrified of everything that they wind up doing nothing at all. They don't get dressed. They don't even watch sunsets. Finally Baby Scaredy Cat has had enough and takes matters into her own paws.

A hilarious and informative picture book about head lice. Miriam Moss and Delphine Durand tackle the uncomfortable issue of head lice in this straightforward and very silly picture book. Miss Calypso and her class become the unsuspecting hosts of a family of those pesky parasites, but fortunately, the principal knows how to handle them. In a surprise, romantic ending, the head lice end up being one of the best things to ever happen to Miss Calypso.

From the bestselling author of "Russell the Sheep" comes a brand-new, lovable character. It's Splat the cat's first day of school and he's worried. What if he doesn't make any new friends? As the day progresses, Splat learns an important lesson.

The delightful story of an unconventional family of kids who learn the ups and downs of working together. Merra, Locky, Roozle, Finn, and little Jory love their ramble shamble house. It's a lot of work taking care of the garden, the chickens, and themselves, but they all pitch in to make it easier--even Jory, who looks after the mud puddles. When they come across a picture of a "proper" house in a book, they start wondering if their own home is good enough.

This is a simple story about a cattle herdsman and his wish for rain on the African plain. The narrative structure of the story is based on a sequence of events that builds suspense and interest in children until the end of the story.

It's Grandma's birthday, and Max wants to make her an icky, worm-infested cake. But Ruby says, "No, Max. We are going to make Grandma an angel surprise cake, with raspberry-fluff icing." Will Max let his bossy older sister keep him out of the kitchen? Or will they both become bunnies who bake?

Jake can’t sleep. He climbs into bed with his mom and dad. Now Jake’s parents can’t sleep. Even the dog is awake. This family needs a good night’s rest. Where can they sleep? The answer will delight and reassure children and their (sleep-deprived) parents!

Being on time is an art—an art most families have yet to master. From spilling coffee to misplacing keys, we’ve all dealt with the many things that can derail our morning routines. This humorous depiction of chaotic mornings is oh, so true. Kate and her two children, Nate, and his older sister, Maddie, have all overslept. How will they EVER make it to school and work on time dressed, fed, and organized?

Katy, a brave and untiring tractor, who pushes a bulldozer in the summer and a snowplow in the winter, makes it possible for the townspeople to do their jobs.

Business returns to a once-prosperous restaurant when a mysterious stranger pays for his meal with a magical paper crane that comes alive and dances.

Ace has built her very own car and is getting ready to race! After oiling the wheels and kicking the tires, Ace sets out to win. But when a missing part and a rut in the middle of the track threaten to keep her in last place, Ace has to think fast to finish strong -- and come out on top!

When rain comes to the parched African savanna, the animals use all their senses to track the storm. The porcupine smells rain in the air. The zebras see lightning. The baboons hear thunder. The rhino feels the first drops. And the lion tastes the cool water. For a time, the grasslands abound with new green leaves, juicy fruits, and fresh pools of water. But soon the hot sun dries out the land, and the animals must again wait for the next big rain.

Blue sky. Yellow sun. White clouds. Then, suddenly, gray clouds. Gray sky. RAIN. Using bold graphics and few words, Rain explores concepts like weather, colors, and a changing landscape. It's a book for very young readers to enjoy and learn from, rain or shine.

"On Saturday morning, the rain came down. It made the chickens squawk." But that's only the beginning. Before the sun comes out again, an entire neighborhood is in a crabby uproar. The owner of the beauty parlor squabbles with the barber, who argues with the painter, who has just accidentally bonked the barber in the head with his paint can. Then the baker unintentionally pokes the pizza man in the nose with his umbrella, and they start quarreling. Soon, "the whole block was honking, yelling, bickering, and barking." There's no end in sight... until the rain stops, the sun comes out, the air smells fresh and sweet, and a rainbow appears. Before they know it, the bickerers are helping each other clean up the mess caused by the ruckus, and everyone's smiling again.

Tad the tadpole loves spending every minute with his awesome dad, whether they're swimming together, catching flies, or sleeping. But now little Tad is getting bigger. He's growing new limbs and jumping to new heights. His dad is proud, but when Tad's accomplishments carry over into nighttime - bringing lots of wiggling, croaking, and kicking in his sleep - their lily pad starts feeling mighty crowded!

Choo Choo! Kids love trains! Especially the old-timey steam engines found in amusement parks and zoos. But what about a super-speeder in Japan that zooms on the track at 361 miles per hour? Or the world's longest freight train, stretching on for a whopping 4.6 miles? Or futuristic railways in the sky?

To make . . . a cake, a garden, a song, you first gather, then make--and wait. To make a story (like this one), you gather, make, wait. To make anything--big or small--it will take some time. You may have to gather more, make more, and wait a little more, but you can create wonderful things if you just gather, make, and wait.

How can Benny pretend to be a brave pirate when his pesky little sister, Penny, wants to tag along and is always asking for a hug? He tries to lose her, but when he does, he starts to feel a little lost himself. Penny proves her bravery and saves Benny from a bug. They hug as Benny explains he was only pretending she bugged him.

Two dogs who are opposite in every way are also the best of friends.

It's never bath time for Big Smelly Bear: he doesn't brush, he doesn't wash, and he's simply unBEARable. No one can stand to come close! Then, one day, he wakes up with a most awful, unreachable itch. He could really use a little scratch from a friend, but Big Fluffy Bear won't help because Big Smelly Bear stinks! Will he change his ways and bathe? The witty ending is sure to satisfy!

When the Chinese emperor proclaims that his successor will be the child who grows the most beautiful flowers from the seeds the emperor distributes, Ping is overjoyed. Like the emperor, he loves flowers and anything he plants bursts into bloom. But the emperor's seed will not grow, despite months of loving care, and Ping goes before the emperor carrying only his empty pot.

It's an extraordinary day on Pebble Island for three frogs when one of them discovers a beautiful white egg. They've never seen a chicken egg before, but they're sure that's what this must be. So when the egg hatches and out crawls a long green, scaly creature, they naturally call it . . . a chicken!

“Do you like green eggs and ham?” asks Sam-I-am. In a house or with a mouse? In a boat or with a goat? On a train or in a tree? Sam keeps asking persistently. With unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, Dr. Seuss’s beloved favorite has cemented its place as a children’s classic. In this most famous of cumulative tales, the list of places to enjoy green eggs and ham, and friends to enjoy them with, gets longer and longer. Follow Sam-I-am as he insists that this unusual treat is indeed a delectable snack to be savored everywhere and in every way.

Henny, Penny, Lenny, Denny and Mike are five fish friends who love everything about life in the fish tank--except for clean-the-tank day and the snail that lives with them, who they mostly ignore. But one day, when they get an enchanting new fairy-tale castle, disaster strikes!

When an industrious red hen finds seeds, the other animals refuse to help her plant them. But when the little red hen finally bakes the bread from the wheat she has grown, the others are all eager to eat it!

Poor Little Red Pen! She can't possibly correct a mountain of homework all by herself. Who will help her? "Not I!" says Stapler. "Not I!" says Eraser. "¡Yo no!" says Pushpin, AKA Señorita Chincheta. But when the Little Red Pen tumbles in exhaustion into the Pit of No Return (the trash!), her fellow school supplies must get themselves out of the desk drawer and work together to rescue her.

Today is the day Nanette gets to get the baguette! Is she set? YOU BET! Nanette's Baguette, follows our plucky heroine on her first big solo trip to the bakery. But . . . will Nanette get the baguette from baker Juliette? Or will Nanette soon be beset with regret?

Outside, the crescent moon is shining brightly and the world is covered with snow. Inside, a boy and his father feel sad. So they put on their hats and coats and climb a hill, pulling a red sled. Father and son climb aboard and zoom down the hill under a starlit sky. With their spirits lifted high, they return home for a mug of hot chocolate. Then it's time for bed.

When Mary Ellen gets bored with her reading, Grandpa knows a hunt for a bee tree is just what she needs. Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: Sometimes, even the sweetest of things must be worked for.

Identical twins Dee and Bee enjoy fooling people by switching places with each other, at school, in the neighborhood, and at bedtime. Full-color illustrations.

How many kinds of green are there? There's the lush green of a forest on a late spring day, the fresh, juicy green of a just-cut lime, the incandescent green of a firefly, and the vivid aquamarine of a tropical sea.

"Me hungry!" the boy pleads. "Me busy," say his preoccupied mom and dad. So the boy decides to go hunting, setting his sights on an elusive rabbit, a prickly porcupine, a too-mean tiger, and finally, a like-minded mammoth who’s more than happy to help.

Peep is out for a walk with his mother and sisters. When they hop off a steep curb, Peep freezes. It's too high! He just can't do it! Will Peep overcome his fear and take a leap? This gentle tale is perfect for anyone facing a challenge big or small.

A flock of hapless sheep drive through the country in this rhyming picture book.

A dog and his pet cat share good-night kisses and playful dreams until morning wakes them in this bedtime story for youngest beginning readers.

"Time to sleep," calls the mama sheep in the grass knee-deep. Outside in the farmyard, ten lively lambs would rather play than go to sleep. So off they scamper, off they skip. But the sun is sinking, the stars are twinkling, and sleepy eyes can't stay open. Ten, nine, eight. . . . One by one, ten drowsy sheep drop off to sleep in a cozy country countdown.

Train wheels. Plane wheels. Gear wheels. Rear wheels. What if there were NO wheels? How would people go?

There are red sheep and blue sheep, wind sheep and wave sheep, scared sheep and brave sheep, but where is the green sheep? The search is on in this cozy, sheep-filled story from beloved author Mem Fox and popular Australian cartoonist Judy Horacek.

In a lively guessing game format, find out why the feet of tree frogs, and those of eight other animals, are perfectly adapted to their habitats. Illustrated with brightly detailed paintings, this simple, informative text will have children looking at feet in a whole new way.

A blue norther's a-blowin', and Miss Billie Armadilly is hankering to make a pot of chili! Only she needs to fix it all by herself because Tex the tarantula, Mackie the bluebird, and Taffy the horned toad are too busy to lend a hand.

When four big chickens see a wolf sneaking near their coop, they run into the woods to hide. But for a bunch of big chickens, running away from danger isn't as easy as it looks. As they continue on their way, they wonder: What if they get stuck in a ditch? What if they hit an iceberg in the lake? What if they step into a cow patty? Eewww!

The four big chickens who are afraid of everything are now feeling all cooped up, so they set off to find the farmhouse. Where is it? the hapless hens wonder. First they find a doghouse, then they run into a tractor, and then they stomp into the barn. Who knew the farmhouse was right under their beaks the whole time?

Biggie Bear lives in a quiet corner of a busy little town. He collects stamps, plays jazz, and enjoys being by himself. One day, the town soccer team knocks on his door, and they need BIG help. Biggie’s never played soccer before, and once they are out on the field, Biggie realizes that maybe there is more to soccer than just being big.

Follow Billy and Milly through thirteen adventures in these funny and simple short stories. Through very basic storytelling, these brief narratives are told in only three or four words apiece.

When Tommy receives an invitation from his eccentric Aunt Jeanne, he doesn't hesitate before hopping into the taxi parked outside his house. He is whisked away to a bustling magical metropolis, but Aunt Jeanne is nowhere to be found. Instead, he discovers her rhyming clues that guide him through the decorated streets and squares of Christmas City--each more lively and beautiful than the last.

Great children's book with three stories in one book about a city mouse and a country mouse and their different ways of life.

Pipkin the smallest penguin is always asking questions, but what he wants to know most of all is how big is a million? So he sets off to find out and along the way meets a hundred penguins, sees a thousand snowflakes and meets one new friend before being amazed to finally find out how big a million really is.

The important thing about The Important Book -- is that you let your child tell you what is important about the sun and the moon and the wind and the rain and a bug and a bee and a chair and a table and a pencil and a bear and a rainbow and a cat (if he wants to). For the important thing about The Important Book is that the book goes on long after it is closed. What is most important about many familiar things -- like rain and wind, apples and daisies -- is suggested in rhythmic words and vivid pictures.

In this classic book, a winsome, winning inchworm is proud of his ability to measure anything under the sun.

Ramon loved to draw. Anytime. Anything. Anywhere. Drawing is what Ramon does. It¹s what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes. A single reckless remark by Ramon's older brother, Leon, turns Ramon's carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, though, his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just "right."

Three selfish frogs live together on an island in the middle of Rainbow Pond. All day long they bicker: It’s mine! It’s mine! It’s mine! But a bad storm and a big brown toad help them realize that sharing is much more fun.

When Miss Spider pops out of her egg, surrounded by brothers and sisters scurrying about, her mother is nowhere to be found - but kind Betty the Beetle is there to fill the role.

Mingo is ready to fly but gets lost from the rest of the flock during a terrible storm. To make matters worse, when he crashes, he completely forgets who he is and where he belongs. With the help and training from some new friends, he must find the strength to make it back home and reunite with his family.

The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school. The students don’t proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their own wicked ways.

When three brothers (Pig, Pigger, and Piggest) meet three sisters (Witch, Witcher, and Witchest) the results are a muddy mess in which they all live sloppily ever after.

Billy is a bit of a worrier. He worries about hats and shoes. He worries about clouds and rain and giant birds. Most of all, he worries about staying at other people's houses. His mum and dad try to help, but still Billy worries...until a visit to his grandma's shows him how to overcome his fears with the aid of his imagination - and some tiny worry dolls.

Lilly is a spunky little girl who delights in the unexpected pleasures of each season, peering inside shells in the summer and tasting different kinds of apples in the fall. In this charming and subtle book, Lilly learns more about the outdoors and introduces the youngest readers to the colors, words, and shapes that arise in nature.

When a homeless rat named Slim is forced into a life of crime, he encounters a kind young mouse named Jim, who's willing to take him in and give him a chance. But when Slim's checkered past catches up to him, their friendship is put to the test.

Small Pig loves to sit in good, soft mud. When the farmer's wife cleans his pigpen, Small Pig runs away. In the city he finds a new mud puddle—but it is not full of mud at all. And now Small Pig has one big problem!

Oh moon so full, round, and bright We beg one favor of you tonight For witches who tattle, witches who snitch, Tie their tongues, zip their lips! No witch shall squeal or tell on friends. This spell will be broken when the snitching ends!" Tattling is an all too familiar occurrence among children that can have harmful impacts on friends and relationships. This spellbinding story encourages children to examine the difference between snitching and telling, and the impact of their words on others.

Deep in the sea there lives a happy school of little fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how—with ingenuity and team work—they can overcome any danger.

Come along with me and learn all about reading! Brian P. Cleary's wacky sentences and Jason Miskimins's colorful art will make phonics fun!

Mama tells her three little fish that it's time to make their own homes. Jim builds his house of seaweed, but the big bad shark munches it up. Tim builds his house of sand, but the shark crunches it up. It's smart Kim who sets up house in an old sunken ship!

Titch is little. Everything he has is little -- his little pinwheel, his little tricycle. He even plays a little whistle. Peep. Pete and Mary are big. Everything they have is bigger than Titch's and better. Their big bikes go faster. Their big kites fly higher. And their huge instruments are much louder. BANG! But then Titch gets a little seed. And what comes from it is a hundred times bigger then anything Pete and Mary could ever have!

As a curious little chipmunk leaves his nest to greet the twilight, he gazes at the glittering sky above him. He can't help but also notice the sparkling dewdrops on a spider's web, the lights of the fireflies, and the shimmers of moonlight on the water. "How I wonder what you are!" marvels the tiny creature, launching a dreamlike quest to reach for the stars.

This book is about a little boy named Peter. When he sees a boy whistling to call his dog, Peter decides to whistle to call his dog, Willie. He tries and tries to learn how to whistle. He practices every day and in varieties of ways. He keeps trying until he's able to whistle. His dog, Willie, looks around to see who is whistling and calling him. Peter becomes so happy with himself and for what he is able to do that when he goes on an errand to the grocery store, he whistles all the way there and all the way back home.

Look out, world! There's a shiny, new Bike in town. But what does this mean for rusty, old Trike? Trike is a rusty little fellow, a trusty little fellow, on three worn-down wheels. Now that Lulu has outgrown him, he's lonely in the garage. But then a newcomer shows up. He's shiny and big and has FOUR wheels. It's BIKE! Gulp. Trike worries that Bike won't know how to take care of Lulu. Bike won't listen, and challenges Trike to a race. It's ON! Who will win?

Small Bear has a new bike, but before he can ride it, his dad insists on a teaching him about bike safety. From learning how to stop and turn to going down a hill and traveling roads you know, Small Bear has a lot to learn. And Father Bear has an unforgettable way of showing his son all the tricks of biking.

Birdy starts every day by smiling at herself in the mirror. She says you can smile while doing just about anything--brushing your teeth, taking out the garbage, or eating broccoli. Okay, maybe not while eating broccoli. Even people with bad teeth (like our first president, George Washington) should show their toothy grins because there’s no such thing as a bad smile.

Discover the lost art of the high five and improve your slapping skills just in time for the annual high five contest! From hand-limbering stretches to lessons on five-ing with finesse, readers are guided through a series of interactive challenges, each goofier than the next.

Little ones in need of positive reinforcement will find it here. An exuberant pig proclaims "I like me!" She likes the way she looks, and all her activities....When she makes a mistake, she picks herself up and tries again.

Iris finds out that having a stomach virus is exhausting, especially when her brother, Doug, lets her know that she always gets sick at the wrong time. The sibling rivalry and misunderstanding of what germs are when they are called bugs unfold in this lighthearted story of Iris’s ordinary illness and her unfounded concerns.

This itsy bitsy spider has exciting encounters with a fan, a mouse, a rocking chair, a cat and a big maple tree. Finally, the itsy bitsy spider finds a lovely spot to rest and spin a new silky web.

Lavi The Lion Finds His Pride is a whimsical children's picturebook featuring a young male lion who has grown too big to live with his mother and her cubs. So he strikes out to find a pride (family) of his own - yet his is a truly adventurous journey, whisking him from Rome to a Texas stage to the city of Pittsburgh, in search of the fabled Pittsburgh Pride. Pittsburgh Pride isn't a lion family - it is the emotion, respect, and commitment people have for their city, yet through that emotion Lavi The Lion finds a place where he truly belongs.

The third book in the series, this text features words with long vowel sounds, with each double-page spread introducing readers to a set of three short, rhyming words (for instance, Jake, make, rake) and then using them in a sentence (“Jake can make a cake with a rake”). Smaller illustrations offer visual clues to the words’ meanings, and a larger illustration depicts the sentence’s action.

Kalispel lives underground with his darkness-loving family and friends and is afraid of only one thing: daylight. One day, with the help of Digger the Rotomite, he learns to face the day and to see its mysterious beauty.

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

A small boy, not allowed to have a dog because times are tight, finds a starving kitten in a trash can on the same day his father loses his job.

To stay up past bedtime, you've got to fight the night. Flashlight in hand, a determined Ronald sets out to battle sleep in this refreshed edition of Tomie dePaola's spirited 1968 picture book.

Tinka is a cool dog, a school dog, a breaking all the rules dog. A hall dog, a ball dog, a crash-into-the-wall dog. Join Tinka, a dandy, sandy Golden Retriever, as she unexpectedly visits her owner at school and helps his class learn to read.

A wily fox, notorious for stealing eggs, meets his match when he encounters a bold little girl in the woods who insists upon proof that he is a fox before she will be frightened.

Fox is up late in the night. There are shadows and noises everywhere. Fox is sure the night is full of monsters! Then he meets the real creatures of the night and realizes they are not so scary after all.

When a fox in socks meets Knox in a box, you know that hilarity will ensue. Add chicks with bricks (and blocks and clocks) and you’re sure to get your words twisted and lips locked.

Dog wants to play. Can Dog play with Frog, Frog, and Frog? The frogs hop... but Dog just FLOPS. Will the frogs ever play with Dog? Then a hungry bear comes along! Can Dog find a way to help the frogs?

From big dogs and little dogs to red, green, and blue dogs, dogs going up and dogs going fast . . . who knew dogs were so busy? And laughter will ensue at the repeated question “Do you like my hat?”

In an empowering story of an underdog who finds his voice and sense of self-worth through music, here is one hip dog who starts out as a dejected mutt but finds his groove—and his place in the world—through hip hop.

See Red and Ned and Ted and Ed in a bed. And giggle as Pat sits on a hat and on a cat and on a bat . . . but a cactus? Pat must NOT sit on that!

A quiet day at the playground turns into a boisterous park-wide adventure as one boy on the slide becomes two kids on the see-saw, then three jumping rope. Before long, ten new friends are playing like they've known one another forever.

This touching story about a young boy coping with his grandfather's disability has long been one of Tomie dePaola's most popular picture books. Readers of all ages will love to watch Grandpa Bob teach Bobby to walk, and how Bobby returns the favor when Bob has a stroke.

Oscar is a sock monkey who can do anything. One day, his little girl, Susie Green, forgets something important, and Oscar knows he must bring it to her. He embarks on an adventure of epic proportions and learns to read a map, navigate a city, and defeat a bully. He even has time to enjoy cupcakes and subway music and dance a little jig. It's all in a day's work for this intrepid little sock monkey.

Zip has zapped a bot. Zip tells the bot what to do. Will the bot listen? (Spoiler alert: The bot does not listen and Zip learns an important lesson, complete with a pie being thrown in his face!)

The rocks around their mountain farm serve all of the Woods family in many ways, both utilitarian and recreational, until the day two ladies from the city come to visit.

In this very young picture book mystery, a little boy out for a walk with his family stops to show a building doorman his new "bot"- "I have a bot!" Only he doesn't have it for long, because it floats up out of his hands like an escaped balloon. "Stop! Bot!" Springing to action, the kind doorman runs up to each floor of the building to try and catch it -- along with the help of each floor's resident.

Ten Black Dots is a counting book, a book of simple rhymes, and a book of everyday objects.

Pippin is as mad as can be. "I can't find my other sock!" he exclaims. "My yellow sock with clocks, just like the one I am wearing!" Where do those maddening missing socks go? Pippin is determined to find out. Together with his friend Tog, he embarks on the greatest sock search ever.

Carmelita loves to greet everyone in her colorful neighborhood. There are people from so many different cultures! They all like to say hello too, so now Carmelita can say hello in Spanish, English, French, Japanese, and many other languages. And her dog, Manny? Well, he seems to understand everyone, and gives a happy "Woof!" wherever he goes.

A small child imagines a future when he will be old with his Granddaddy and will sit beside him in a rocking chair and talk about everything...The poignant reality that time will never allow these two to coexist at the same age is softened by the fact that they do not have to be the same age in order to share happy times.

Grandpa tells stories of the fruit and vegetable huckster in his childhood neighborhood, a man he learns to appreciate after a rocky start.

It's okay to need some help. It's okay to be a different color. It's okay to talk about your feelings. It's Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format featuring Todd Parr's trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes.

Parr enumerates a number of different things that are okay, such as "It's okay to be short" and "It's okay to dream big".

In this playful interactive chant, three mischievous little goats find their way out of the gate (squeak, squeak, squeak!), over a bridge (click, click, click!) through some mud (squish, squish, squish!), onto a carousel (um pah pah pah, um pah pah!)...and right into the path of an angry ogre! Of course, they are happy to turn right around and run straight back over the path the traveled until at last they are back home gain, safe and sound.

Tony Baloney is a macaroni penguin. He loves fish tacos, Little Green Walrus Guys, his stuffed animal, Dandelion, and anything with wheels. He does not love trouble . . . but trouble loves him. Sometimes, when he is tired of Bossy Big Sister Baloney and exasperated with the Bothersome Babies Baloney, Dandelion behaves badly. And then, Tony must say he is sorry, which is not always easy for him.

From the minds of Scieszka and Shannon comes a tale of a quixotic robot determined to conquer the earth. The only problem is that the earth he lands on is a suburban kitchen and he is three inches tall. Robot Zot, the fearless and unstoppable warrior, leaves a trail of destruction as he encounters blenders, toasters, and televisions. But when he discovers the princess...a pink cell phone...his mission takes a new course. Robot Zot must learn how to be a hero - in the name of true love.

Mo Jackson is a little boy with a big passion for sports. He may not be the biggest, the strongest, or the fastest player, but he won't let that stop him from playing! Mo is the youngest kid on the Robins, his football team. His classmates don't mind, but the kids on their rival team tease him for being a "butterfingers" who's too tiny to catch the ball. But Mo's coach has a plan to turn Mo's little size into a big win for the Robins!

Have fun with Olivia... dressing up, singing songs, building sand castles, napping (maybe), dancing, painting on walls, and -- whew! -- going to sleep at last.

It's Okay to Make Mistakes embraces life's happy accidents, the mistakes and mess-ups that can lead to self discovery. Todd Parr brings a timely theme to life with his signature bold, kid-friendly illustrations and a passion for making readers feel good about themselves, encouraging them to try new things, experiment, and dare to explore new paths.

It's raining cats and dogs! Good thing Rover is snuggled safe and dry inside his doghouse--until, one by one, a soggy menagerie of creatures shows up looking for a cozy place to sit out the storm. But who's the very unwelcome surprise visitor? Skunk, of course. Suddenly that doghouse isn't quite so crowded after all!

This hilarious count-to-ten book features goats of all shapes, sizes, hobbies, and professions—and each spread gives readers a delightful opportunity to count the funny four-legged creatures.

Frog is turning the rules upside-down in this riotous, rhyming sequel to Frog on a Log?!"You know the rules," said cat. "Cats sit on mats, frogs sit on logs, and dogs sit on FROGS!""Well, I'm changing the rules," said the frog.In this hilarious sequel to Frog on a Log?, frog decides that he does not want to sit on a log, and he definitely does not want a dog to sit on a frog! So he changes the rules.

A playful ode to toes and feet, this narrative verse captures a young child's delight in all the things she, and her feet, do throughout the day.

IN THIS DELICIOUS tale, a baker hangs out his shingle on a small street, and soon, the line for his doughnuts stretches down the block. But it’s not long before the competition arrives and a battle of the bakers ensues.

Climb on board with this adorable family of bumbling bears as they row, row, row their boat into a merry adventure. Hold on to your hats and get ready to laugh as these irresistible characters rock, bash, and splash their way into your heart.

A classic Appalachian counting rhyme that features animal mothers and their babies living in unique habitats. Welcome to a lush meadow bustling with activity, where one turtle digs, two fish swim, three bluebirds sing, and so on to ten fireflies that shine in the night.

"Hello, ocean, my old best friend." Relive a day at the beach with this lovely book of memories. You can almost feel the salt spray on your face and smell the musky scent of ocean in the cool morning air. Remember how the sand squishes between your toes as the tide rushes to shore and taste the tang of the ocean on your lips.

Why is it that a piece of metal doesn't float but a huge ship made of steel does? Here are answers to questions about density and flotation.

Come along with me and learn all about reading! Brian P. Cleary's wacky sentences and Jason Miskimins's colorful art will make phonics fun!

From award-winning talent Cece Bell, a sweetly offbeat story about two shy first-graders and the woodchuck who helps them become friends. When Caroline's classmate Chuck brings Woodchuck to show-and-tell, Woodchuck is so funny that their teacher says he can come to school every day!

Practical jokers Spud and Joe get away with every trick in the book until the day they meet a little girl named Mary Frances Hooley.

Is it a duck or a rabbit? Depends on how you look at it .

The meanings of "up" are conveyed with merry verse and illustrations in a happy book that celebrates the joy of life.

When anyone tells Baby Owl he is adorable or small, he replies, "I'm not cute!" However, when Mama agrees with him, Baby Owl starts to rethink his proclamation.

When Mommy and Daddy are gone, even for only a little while, Lola feels lonely. There is nobody around to give her a hug! Her baby-sitter is no fun, and the cartoons on TV can't snuggle. But then Lola comes up with a clever idea: she brings every cuddly thing she has into the living room and makes her very own Cuddle Island! Now Mommy and Daddy are in for a big surprise!

Mama Grunt sends Little Grunt out to find a dozen eggs. All he can find is one huge egg. The egg hatches and out pops a baby dinosaur. Little Grunt names him George. Soon George grows too big for the Grunt family cave, and poor Little Grunt has to send him away. But when the local volcano erupts, there's only one dinosaur who can save the day!

Tippy, tippy, tippy, Pat! That's the sound three hungry bunnies make when the sun goes down and the moon comes up and Mr. McGreely's garden smells yum, yum, yummy. While he's dreaming of his mouth-watering carrots, the bunnies are diving over fences and swimming trenches to get the veggies first!

Down by the marsh, by the sleepy, slimy marsh, one duck gets stuck in the muck . . . Can two fish, tails going swish, help? What about three moose, munching on spruce? Bright, spirited illustrations by Jane Chapman enhance this one-of-a-kind counting tale by Phyllis Root - a feast of sounds and numbers that will have listeners scrambling to join in the slippy, sloppy fun.

Doug the slug needs a hug. But who wants to hug a slug called Doug? After a long search for someone to snuggle, lonesome Doug is ready to give up hope. But you never know when love might come flying by!

All day long, Tubby plays oompah, oompah with his orchestra, but what he really wants is to "dance with the pretty little tune." A resourceful bullfrog shows Tubby that everyone has the right to play his own melody.

What do you do with a curmudgeon that just won't budge? Why, shake off the grumpy 'tude and embrace the fun! Have you ever seen a curmudgeon that looks like your brother, but is in such a bad mood you hardly recognize him? You can try all the peanut butter sandwiches and brownies you have, but he is not moving. Nothing works, especially nudging, and he just makes you so grumpy that eventually you have no choice but to fight back--and then... Have you ever become a curmudgeon that just won't budge?

Uptown is a rich mix of flavors, colors, sounds, and cultures that come together to create a vibrant community like no other in the world. Seen through the eyes of one little boy who lives there, the details of life in Harlem are as joyous as a game of basketball on a summer's afternoon and as personal as a trip to the barbershop where old-timers reminisce.

Celebrate your favorite holiday traditions in this silly romp that's sure to make kids giggle (and want new undies!) There's underwear for every day of the week and every month of the year. But come December, Pea proclaims to everyone who will listen that it's his favorite time of the year!

The story is of a little girl Sal and her mother as they go out into the country to pick blueberries for winter and a bear and his mother as they go to eat berries for winter from the other side of the same hill.

When Ike Larue is "imprisoned" at the Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy, he tries everything to get sent home--weepy letters to his owner, even illness. In reality, Brotweiler is more like camp than prison, but still, Ike's not cut out for life without Mrs. Larue & his creature comforts. Finally, he runs away only to find himself back in Snort City--just in time to save Mrs. Larue's life.

Who knew that cakes were so rude?! In this deliciously entertaining book, a not-so-sweet cake--who never says please or thank you or listens to its parents--gets its just desserts.

Everyone agrees that Cutie LaRue is a perfect child . . . except at bedtime. She just isn't tired. Cutie's parents try absolutely everything to get her to bed--with disastrous results. But finally they discover Night Owl, a wondrous toy that takes Cutie on a fantastic journey to Dreamland.

For a charming girl and an endearing mutt, friendship is just around the . . . hedge. These two lonely souls sit just opposite each other: She pining after a parade of passing dogs, he pining after a parade of passing owners. Until--finally--the girl and the mutt spot each other. You? they ask. You! they shout.

A persnickety spud, Yam, introduces the grammar-challenged Donkey to a new friend, Ewe, a lady sheep. The confusion between "ewe" and "you" results in a fabulously funny series of who's-on-first misunderstandings, even though Yam explains the concept of homonyms to Donkey clearly enough for the youngest of readers to understand. Heightening the humor is an over-the-top love triangle, because everyone is in love with You. Err, Ewe.

The Land of Unicorns is in trouble -- it has been raining and raining for what seems like forever. This is a big problem because there are only three ways that unicorns can get their magic- from the golden sun, from magnificent rainbows, and from the sparkle of believing. Luckily, Uni the Unicorn has always always always believed...that little girls are REAL.

Meet Chick and Brain. And their friend Spot. Chick likes to follow the rules. Brain might not be as smart as he looks. And Spot just wants to eat lunch. In a graphic reader loaded with verbal and visual humor, Cece Bell offers a comical primer on good manners gone awry.

Mr. McMonkey is your host, and your contestants are America's favorite stunt clam, Action Clam...and a cow! These unlikely daredevils face off in a zany sequence of challenges--and readers get to guess the outcome of all the wacky stunts. The winner gets a Golden Banana!

Follow a sniffly girl on a hands-on trip to the zoo,

Look! It's a book! Starring a brother and sister who go to the zoo, see kangaroos and baboons, and get to bring home balloons! Told entirely in words that contain a double O, this playful story is a great choice for emerging readers.

Look! A book! A hook! A cowboy cook! Weird and kooky things that go! Some go fast and some go slow! Can you find the squawking crow? Go on a crazy seek-and-find adventure in this new picture book from award-winning artist Bob Staake.

When Miss Moo leaves the farm for something more exciting it seems as if there is no place for her, until she finallly finds a special new home.

When Cow gets her hooves on the farmer's car, she takes it for a wild ride through the country. Moooo! But a bump in the road brings this joy ride to a troublesome end. Moo-moo. . . Has Cow learned her lesson about living life in the fast lane?

Cow and Owl are best friends. Moo Hoo! They do everything together, like make music. Two Coo! But when a stranger arrives--Roo New!--the two friends must decide whether their group can expand to form a New True Crew.

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!

Get out your fiddle and play a sweet song. Musical pups will love howling along. There are so many wonderful things you can do for the four-legged friend who's so loyal to you. Funny and sweet, this rhyming ode to dogs reminds us to show our love every day-in small ways, in silly ways, in soft and warm and cuddly ways.