Picture storybooks: imagination and play

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Book SynopsisThe Burpee Bears are back in this glorious new picture book from #1 bestselling author Joe Wicks!

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Book Synopsis*NOW A HIT TV SERIES*Meet Dot in this debut picture book by CEO and founder of Zuckerberg Media, editor-in-chief of Dot Complicated, and former Marketing Director of Facebook, Randi Zuckerberg! Dot''s a spunky little girl well versed in electronic devices—she’s a technophile. She knows how to tap . . . to swipe . . . to share . . . and she pays little attention to anything else.Dot''s tech-savvy expertise, mingled with her resourceful imagination, proves Dot knows lots and lots.But will she be able to unplug for one second to tap…swipe…and share with her real-life friends? Find out in this wonderful story about the day when Dot sets off on an interactive adventure with the world surrounding her.

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Book SynopsisA favorite stuffed animal can’t be too loved . Luckily, Peanut could never be replaced, and Pearl shows up just when Peanut needs her the most.With insight and humor, author-illustrator Dana Wulfekotte chronicles what happens when a stuffed animal ventures out on their own.Trade Review“Peanut, a stuffed-animal penguin, remembers Pearl as a baby. . . . It hasn’t always been fun. . . . At the park, the toy ‘accidentally’ falls out of Pearl’s backpack and escapes. At first, the penguin rejoices to be free, but soon they miss Pearl, who finds her toy and takes it home. . . . Simply written and satisfying . . . An endearing read-aloud choice for young children.” — Booklist “Peanut the stuffed penguin enjoys their young human Pearl most of the time, but when all the drooling and rough playtimes (not to mention the nippy dog) become too much, Peanut plots his great escape at the park. . . . Despite assertions to the contrary, Peanut really does start to miss home . . . Peanut’s emotions are effectively relayed to the viewer with expressive posing and a shifting compositions.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Peanut . . . is a stuffed penguin who is tired of being ripped, chewed, and drooled on by its owner, Pearl. One Saturday morning, Peanut throws itself from Pearl’s backpack and escapes into a park. . . . Sadly, it isn’t long before it misses Pearl. . . . Wulfekotte smartly uses color to accentuate major events. . . . Add this one to your collection.” — School Library Journal “Narrator Peanut, a stuffed penguin, has been with preschooler Pearl since the very beginning. First words, first steps—Peanut has seen it all. But life with Pearl can be messy, too. . . . The stuffed penguin hatches a plan to escape from Pearl’s mistreatment . . . Until, that is, ‘freedom’ starts to feel awfully lonely . . . Despairing, the penguin falls into trouble, only to find that friendship stands the test of time. . . . A good reminder to hold on to the ones we love—even the stuffed ones.” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for SILLY WONDERFUL YOU: “[A] cozy but fast-paced story.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisExplore a brightly colored world bursting with spring flowers and adorable baby animals in this Where’s Waldo? He puts on his rain boots and splashes his way across town, searching for frogs at the pond, baby chicks at the botanical garden, and grasshoppers in the meadow.Trade ReviewPraise for BEAR’S MERRY BOOK OF HIDDEN THINGS: “An engaging title that hits the mark ... Seek-and-find holiday collections will find the sweet colorful cartoon illustrations irresistible.” — School Library Journal Praise for BEAR’S MERRY BOOK OF HIDDEN THINGS: “Detailed illustrations in candy-bright colors offer cleverly concealed quests.” — Kirkus Reviews PRAISE FOR BEAR’S SPOOKY BOOK OF HIDDEN THINGS: “Dudás’s artwork is both inviting and artfully designed, and the search-and-find aspect is just challenging enough to keep readers engaged.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisTold entirely in words that contain a double o, this playful story is a great choice for emerging readers.Bright illustrations and an engaging, interactive text will invite repeated readings.Trade Review“With bright...illustration, Fiona Woodcock draws children’s attention to the surprising frequency of double-o’s in Look. ...[a] cheerful picture book.” — Wall Street Journal “A picture book that takes as its text more than 30 words containing two consecutive Os sounds like breezy entertainment, but Fiona Woodcock’s art is worth a close inspection. ...Look is a toothsome and groovy book. Understood?” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) “Woodcock creates art that feels hand-crafted, warm, and extremely appealing. ...each spread [creates] its own tableau within a loose narrative structure. ...A delightful exploration of a thematic concept, exceptionally designed and thoroughly charming.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Clever and eye-catching...With its satisfying narrative arc and imaginative wordplay, this picture book is pretty cool.” — The Horn Book “This picture-book compendium of words with double oo’s finds visual fun in the letters’ shapes…made with hand-cut stencils and printing techniques, burst with playful energy…the scenes create an appealing visual game that will encourage kids to think about word patterns and, perhaps, draw their own spin-offs.” — Publishers Weekly “The ingenious story line becomes clear after just a few pages. ...Laid out on expansive light backgrounds, the artwork invites young readers to look and look again. Playful fun, this engaging read-aloud will be welcome in most collections.” — School Library Journal “Bright colors and simple shapes make Look delightfully appealing and cheerful, while its lights-out ending makes it an ideal bedtime book. Look is full of easy-to-learn sight words for beginning readers, and it will also find a home in classrooms. ...Even nonreaders can keep up with this book’s straightforward plot.” — BookPage

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Woodcock’s latest picture book works through a simple, elegant format of words that contain and repeat the use of double letters. . .The bold graphics flow with lines both straight as an arrow, and rollicking as hills. . . .A fun book for all to fall for! Highly recommended.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “The artwork, done with markers, rubber stamps, and digital compositing, showcases Woodcock’s cheerful, primary palette. . .Deliciously colored end pages, pattered with the letter “L,” highlight the design’s appeal. . . .Woodcock captures the joy of a summer day’s adventure in this diverting romp through a thematic concept.” — Kirkus Reviews “The bright, ebullient images, in reds, yellows, and blues, feature open composition with lots of movement, and the use of heavy, buff paper stock enhances their tactile, textured richness.Woodcock’s careful attention to light establishes a morning-to-night story arc, though this is an outing that will be (repeatedly) enjoyed at any time of day.” — Horn Book Magazine “Fans of the author’s Look will rejoice in this celebration of words with double L’s. . . .Woodcock’s palette is like sherbet on a summer day. Rookie readers won’t mind practicing on this seasonal jaunt.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisNew York Times–bestselling and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes follows five joyful elephants as they march from dawn to dusk.Trade Review“Kevin Henkes has demonstrated a knack for getting it right...and he shows it again with “A Parade of Elephants,” a simple book done up in macaron shades of raspberry, blueberry, lemon, cassis and pistachio...It’s clear, clean and cheerful.” — Wall Street Journal “Henkes’ latest tale for preschoolers focuses on five elephants whose daylong march provides opportunities for counting and exploring opposites. ...A muted palette and uncluttered yet nuanced compositions distinguish yet another winsome title from Henkes. Toddlers and grown-ups—snuggle up and enjoy.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Caldecott winner and fan favorite Henkes is back with a delightful new picture book. ...Henkes’s images are just as integral as the spare text. Done in a light, pastel palette, the five whimsical and expressive elephants speak for themselves. ...A must-purchase.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Henkes again displays his understanding of preschooolers: hungry for new information and experiences but also needing a framework of solidity and comfort. ... Simply perfect.” — Horn Book (starred review) “With little more than well-placed dots and lines, Henkes conveys the elephants’ emotions and sense of accomplishment as the day turns to night. Well-executed and appealing, this book is a useful addition to preschool collections.” — ALA Booklist “There’s a sense of energy on every page...With clear, bold type sized for puzzling out letters, this spare offering will appeal to preschoolers who, like the elephants, are settling down into starry sleep.” — Publishers Weekly “A book that cries out to be picked up and petted and hugged…The softly musical flow of the text belies the delicate exactitude of the wordsmithing…the art turns the slightly individualized elephant poses into endearing choreography as the lines of elephants weave through the pages…high classic potential as a baby bedtime tale!” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “The versatile, ever-perceptive Henkes has created a beguiling book of pastel-colored pachyderms. . .The happy creatures demonstrate counting, a few apropos opposites like “over” and “under,” a dash of wonderous nighttime magic in the form of a shower of stars, and then—as always, parents will bless his name—the joy of settling down serenely to sleep after a full day.” — New York Times Book Review

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the highly acclaimed, New York Times bestselling novel Pax comes a gorgeous and moving middle grade novel that is an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere. Ware can?t wait to spend summer ?off in his own world??dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must endure Meaningful Social Interaction and whatever activities so-called ?normal? kids do.On his first day Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next to the camp. Soon he starts skipping Rec, creating a castle-like space of his own in the church lot.Jolene scoffs, calling him a dreamer?he doesn?t live in the ?real world? like she does. As different as Ware and Jolene are, though, they have one thing in common: for them, the lot is a refuge.But when their sanctuary is threatened, Ware looks to the knights? Code of Chivalry: Thou shalt do battle against unfairness wherever faced with it. Thou shalt be always the champion of the Right and Good?and vows to save the lot.But what does a hero look like in real life? And what can two misfit kids do?

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Book SynopsisWhen two cats compete in a pumpkin contest, they both win a new friend in this charming story about pumpkins, Halloween, and cats!Mimi and Clara are neighbors.Trade Review“Her [Rozelaar’s] friendly illustrations are brightly colored and nicely textured, depicting sweater-clad cats with large, round heads and stubby limbs. The anthropomorphic cats’ expressive faces evince a wide range of emotions, including amazement, suspicion, and anger. This lesson in cooperation goes down easy.” — Kirkus Reviews Accessible to young readers. The tale of emerging friendship is one to which most can relate. Readers will enjoy the surprise ending and the ways through which Clara and Mimi connect. VERDICT This is an enjoyable and lighthearted story of friendship and collaboration for young children. — School Library Journal “This mellow autumn tale’s straightforward text conveys that kindness and teamwork yield the best fruit of all. Playful pastel-toned, mixed-media illustrations reward careful viewers with literary and feline references.” — The Horn Book “Rozelaar’s winsome mixed-media pictures [. . .] sweetly portray the blossoming of a friendship.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Rozelaar (The Great Pumpkin Contest) creates a playful space of repetition children will want to reenact as Jeff shows off his claws and bellows a mighty roar. Gouache and collage are used for the digital artwork, which brings movement, depth, and dynamism to the spreads. Jeff’s sassiness and cleverness sparkle across his face and in words, especially when he meets the dream tiger, and he quickly adapts without losing his sense of self. VERDICT Every library needs Jeff to empower children to be themselves, dream big, and that it’s okay to be a little wild." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Rozelaar’s hand-painted cut-paper collage artwork is lovely . . . Perhaps this book will find its home in the lap of a cat-loving child . . . " — Booklist

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This adorable story is conveyed in lilting, rollicking rhymes that zing along with minimal text per page. Its original take on a Halloween theme and its cute 'Gingerbread Man' vibe will entertain and delight young readers." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The prose rhymes loosely, bouncing ahead in a rhythm that is a pleasure to read aloud." — Kirkus Reviews “As Ava progresses from baby talk to short words and onomatopoeia, Snider dives into the language-acquisition process...[and] employs a lively rhyme scheme throughout." — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisThis charming picture book from author-illustrator Anya Glazer follows two sisters in a celebration—and adorable demonstration—of how sisterhood and encouraged question asking can lead to the most surprising journeys.Trade Review"In this sweet tale of an anthropomorphized dinosaur, Thesaurus lives up to his name and then some. A charming picture book for young readers, especially dinosaur lovers, about the joy of sharing a good book." — School Library Journal “Poring over the pictures will reward observant viewers, who may spot delicate details such as each girl’s favorite pattern or color as well as interesting creatures in the jungle. This story of sisterly devotion begins with endpapers featuring sweet, affectionate scenes and concludes with endpapers hinting at more adventures to come—together, of course.” — Horn Book Magazine “This story of sisterly devotion begins with endpapers featuring sweet, affectionate scenes and concludes with endpapers hinting at more adventures to come—together, of course.” — The Horn Book “The gentle watercolor cartoons are akin to Kevin Henkes’ mouse books in. A little more exploring provides a fun discovery before [the sisters] do return home, safe and sound, relationship strengthened. Storytime fun for sisters—or for anyone, really.” — Kirkus Reviews Praise for Thesaurus Has a Secret: “Salutary messages about the pleasures of words and reading (and reading aloud), the art is festooned with appropriate or playfully altered classics.” — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisFamilies will laugh along with this Halloween picture book. A young trick-or-treater has the best Frankenstein costume ever...if he can make it out the front door! Every time he tries to set foot into the dark and stormy night, his overly concerned parents interrupt with yet another warm and cozy addition to his costume.Trade Review"An unusual, funny take on the typical Halloween story...This humorous tale establishes a rollicking pattern [of] holiday-themed rhymes and spooky, painterly illustrations." — Kirkus Reviews "Loren doesn’t miss a beat in his gleaming picture book debut, synchronizing perky verse with equally hilarious digital art to deliver a genuine Halloween treat...” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A picture-book celebration of a favorite Tex-Mex treat.. Emmerich’s bright and spritely cartoons are a perfect match for this exuberant salute to crunchy, cheesy yums. Fine fare for fans of the song (or tacos).” — Kirkus Reviews “A birthday party with cake, pizza, and a bouncy house, what’s not to love?... readers will find the rhyming text, robust color palette, and imagery of tacos pouring from the sky a real treat.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisJoin imaginative ninjas Wes and Georgie as they take the stage in this Level One I Can Read book with text by N. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own.Trade ReviewPraise for Hello, Ninja: "An action-packed storytime for young ninjas everywhere. A lively read-aloud for picture book shelves." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisA Bank Street Books Best Children''s Book of the Year for Family/School/Community Fiction, noted for outstanding merit (2024)Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech delivers a companion to the New York Times bestselling picture book favorite A Fine, Fine School. Beloved characters Tillie, Beans, and Mr. Keene return, with a timely message about the importance of creativity in the classroom.Mr. Keene runs a fine, fine school. He encourages his students to express themselves through the creative arts: drawing, painting, reading, and singing. Then Mr. Keene’s appendix bursts, and he''s rushed to the hospital.A new principal named Mr. Tatters arrives to take his place, and he is a serious man. He does not smile, does not laugh, disapproves of their creative methods of learning, and immediately implements a policy of daily tests, banning songs, flowers, art, and fun!Soon the students

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Book SynopsisOn the first day of school, new classmates are asked to share what they would most like to happen in the upcoming year. Some kids' hopes are familiar while others are off-the-wall. Whether it's looking good on picture day or skateboarding at school, everyone's wishes are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt—this school year will definitely be the best!

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Book SynopsisCuddle up with your little one and giggle your way through I Love You, Funny Bunny. With its read-aloud rhymes and adorable springtime illustrations, you’ll discover all the fun and loving parts of your own relationship with your child. This special book tugs at the heartstrings as it celebrates the special bond between you and the funny bunny in your life.I Love You, Funny Bunny?is: Perfect for children ages 0-4 A fun book to read aloud at naptime, bedtime, or any other time of day when you and your little one need some extra snuggles A durable padded board book with adorable illustrations by talented illustrator Sean Julian An ideal gift for baby showers, baptisms,

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Book SynopsisThis padded board book edition of Thankful, by bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli, combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings.

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Book SynopsisImagine all the cozy, warm hugs little ones love to receive on cold, blustery days. This highly huggable sequel to the bestselling and beloved I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! encourages parents and grandparents and their children and grandchildren to giggle and play as they cozy up for their own celebration of the winter season.From acclaimed author and illustrator pair Caroline B. Cooney and Tim Warnes comes I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug!, a delightful padded board book with adorable, cuddly illustrations that inspire children to get cozy and as they follow along with a story overflowing with winter fun.Imagine who might stomp, sled, and swish through the snow to give a warm hug in these whimsical rhymes and sweet, playful illustrations. Then laugh and play your way through this celebration of the winter season.I’m Going to Give You A Polar Bear Hug!:Is a perfect cuddle-up-and-Trade ReviewGreat for the preschool crowd, this book is a joyful celebration of childhood imagination paired with loving family fun. The animal hugs offer an opportunity to add gross motor play to a winter story time with learners reenacting the seal stands, bunny hops, and cardinal flight of the protagonist's vivid imagination. * Pennsylvania School Librarians Association *The story encourages parents and grandparents and their children and grandchildren to giggle and play as they cozy up for their own celebration of the winter season. Imagine who might stomp, sled, and swish through the snow to give warm hug in these whimsical rhymes and sweet, playful illustrations. Adults will enjoy reading this book almost as much as little ones will enjoy hearing it. Practicing their reading skills will be fun using this book. * Midwest Book Review *

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Book SynopsisFrom renown picture book author Denise Fleming, a cozy, cumulative book to warm a cold winter dayAlive with swirling snow and lots of outdoor fun, the first ten days of winter bring special gifts for a special friend. This cumulative tale will have children chanting along as they discover all the trimmings needed for the most perfect snowman ever!

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Book SynopsisEveryone’s favorite baby-with-a-mustache dons shining armor in hopes of staving off sleep in this hilarious bedtime book.Knights in shining armor go full baby (and full mustache) in this silly and soothing bedtime adventure. Young knaves will fall blissfully asleep after hearing the tale of two brave knights: Baby Billy, House of Mustache, and Baby Javier, House of Beard, and how they fought to conquer their biggest foe: bedtime! The babies fight their enemy valiantly, but eventually even gallant Baby Billy falls victim to sleep, foiled by, of all things, an enchanted book. Though Billy succumbs to the magic of the story, in his dreams, he rejoins his bearded co-knigh . . . and they became the stuff of legend.

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Book SynopsisAn upROARiously funny take on following your wildest dreams, from the bestselling creator of Dinosaur ComicsBeing a regular old human is kind of a drag. That's why Sal is not going to be a teacher or doctor or lawyer when she grows up. She is going to grow up to be an awesome Tyrannosaurus Rex. Her brother thinks it's impossible, but Sal sure shows him! And in the beginning, being a T. Rex is AWESOME. But did you know that it's kind of hard to make friends when you are a super-giant, super-loud, super-stompy dinosaur? If only there were a way for Sal to be 100% awesome, 100% of the time...Eisner Award-winning writer Ryan North makes his picture book debut with this bright, bold, and quirky story about finding--and taming--the beast within.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A good discussion starter for the beginning of the school year."--Booklist

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Book SynopsisA magical tale of friendship, the joy of reading, and the power of the imagination!When Oliver finds a lost library book fluttering behind a secret door in his bedroom, he knows he must return it. But when he does, a mysterious world opens up beneath his feet, taking Oliver, his new friend Rosie, and the book in tow. What--or who--will they find waiting in this strange new place? And how will they escape?  A beautiful, lyrical take on the imaginative power of books and the transformative power of friendship.

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Book SynopsisThe kids of the Cardboard Kingdom go on a new adventure! This time, they are in search of new friends—but what they discover is a lot more like enemies...It’s winter break in the Cardboard Kingdom, and kids from the town across the park want to play together! But according to the evil Sorceress, not just anyone can join the kingdom… So it’s not long before the two communities spiral into battle.Will the Sorceress realize the error of her ways before all hope is lost? Will friendship still manage to win the day?

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