Intern's Input: Picture Books

For dinosaur lovers and fans of Steve Jenkins's Prehistoric Actual Size, this unexpected look at prehistoric life explores what is known about our favourite extinct creatures before they became massive, full-grown adults. How big (or small) was your favourite dinosaur-as a baby? We see how some stack up, alongside childhood favourites such as a toy truck or a rubber duck. Did you know that T. rex hatchlings were only about the size of a turkey? Or that the huge, long-necked brontosaurus are said to be only eleven pounds at birth? In this early picture book, young readers learn that before dinos grew to be large and powerful, they started off as something much smaller to behold.

Embark on a prehistoric journey with this picture book of fun stories and incredible facts about dinosaurs. Introducing A Dinosaur's Day: Deinonychus Goes Hunting - a story time adventure that teaches kids exciting facts about dinosaurs. Go on an adventure with a young deinonychus as it searches for food, gets caught in a storm, and learns to climb trees with its big claws. Packed with beautiful pictures and compelling facts, this dinosaur book helps children aged 3-6 to learn about the deinonychus species through images, pronunciation guides, and amazing facts and figures. Little dinosaur lovers can join Deinonychus on a quest to find food and hunt down prey in the mighty Jurassic world. A Dinosaur's Day: Deinonychis Goes Hunting... Helps children learn about dinosaurs in this beautiful picture book format. Teaches readers dinosaur facts and behaviour in a very natural way. Includes a non-fiction section about the dinosaur species following the story. Features bright, colorful pages with an engaging narrative. Has clear and fun text to help children learn and engage easily. Teach children about different prehistoric species in this educational dinosaur book through a fun and engaging story and vibrant images. This fantastic dinosaur interactive book is perfect for pre-reading toddlers, and children just learning to read. Little ones can enjoy the spectacular scenery in the Jurassic world along the way, as Deinonychus climbs, feasts and flees.  Complete the series This delightful dinosaur book is part of the A Dinosaur's Day series of board books for babies and toddlers from DK Books and also includes A Dinosaur's Day: Diplodocus Finds Its Family.

With its sweet illustrations, appealing characters, and clever concept, Charles Fuge's wonderful new picture book really soars to imaginative heights. nbsp; Scratch, Spike, and Lofty--a friendly trio of dinosaurs--dream only about flying. So one day they climb a volcano, hoping that if they jump off the edge and flap, they just might really take flight.nbsp; But it turns out that flying is harder than it seems--until a kind pterodactyl shows them the way, and helps them turn “let's pretend” into reality.

Find out what really drove the dinosaurs to extinction in this funny, wacky celebration of underpants from top-selling author-illustrator team Claire Freedman and Ben Cort! The mystery of dinosaur extinction is solved! Scientists have plenty of theories about why dinosaurs are extinct, but the UK's bestselling authorillustrator team of Claire Freedman and Ben Cort knows the real answer: The dinos were wiped out in an Underpants War! This wacky celebration of underpants is perfect for reading aloud, and the hilarious antics of T. rex and the gang are endlessly entertaining. Featuring fun, vibrant art and short, rhyming text, Dinosaurs Love Underpants is a prehistoric pleasure parents and kids will want to read again and again.

Which prehistoric performers are set to appear? Quick, take a look: T-Rex is here. His fang-tastic tango burns up the floor. Isn't that exciting? But wait . . . there's more. See some disco with the Duckbills, tap-happy raptors, Tracey Tops with body pops, and a moonwalk with Miss Maia. The All-saur All-stars are real twinkle toes. These dinos can do anything! They boogaloo, twist and shout, jig, waltz, and samba. Kids love dinosaurs, and this loopy lineup of dancing creatures will have them laughing, moving, and joining in the fun. The rhythmic, rhyming text is happily musical, and the exuberant, colorful art features humorous touches throughout--like witty judges' comments, comic costumes, and wacky moves.

The concept of size is relative -- and takes on prehistoric proportions -- in a funny and reassuring tale from a maven of children's books. Some dinosaurs are small and slow. They take their time in the prehistoric jungle, collecting fruits and leaves and using their tiny teeth to munch them. Some dinosaurs are big and fast. With huge teeth and claws, they steal food from small dinosaurs, and they're always hungry for more. So when three big dinosaurs come across one small one, what -- or who -- can save the little plant-eater? Beautifully drawn and brightly colored, Charlotte Voake's imaginative introduction to the concept of size brims with visual humor and culminates in a sweet surprise ending.

A lively celebration of all the wonderful things that make dinosaurs so much fun to learn about, from knowing their names to fossil hunts. A counting element makes this book perfect for reading aloud! 10 Things I Love About Dinosaurs is a lively celebration of the most wonderful things about dinosaurs, from learning facts and figures and knowing the names of the dinosaurs, to a fossil hunt and a trip to the dinosaur museum! A fun counting element makes this the perfect book for reading aloud. PERFECT FOR- Young dinosaur lovers FUN AND EDUCATIONAL- Includes names of dinosaurs and fun facts IDEAL READ-ALOUD- Features a fun counting element Tiger Tales' 10 Things I Love About series spotlights the top 10 things that children love most about familiar events, situations, or moments in their lives. Each book features a counting element and is told from a child's perspective to convey the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of children.

America's favorite dinosaurs romp and roar as they soak books in the bathtub, throw them, and finally learn how to enthusiastically -- and carefully -- read them...with Mama and Papa at bedtime.Get ready to laugh at this lighthearted, heartwarming, and funny approach to books! Children sometimes feel the task of learning to read is overwhelming, but the winning combination of rhyme and illustrations here provide a perfect way to present the subject in a comical, engaging, and nonjudgmental way. The contrast of enormous dinosaurs in kid-sized bedrooms (with human parents) adds irresistible humor as families explore the do's and don'ts of reading. Both practical and engaging, this book shows dinosaurs getting into all sorts of reading-related trouble! But of course, in the end, the dinosaurs learn how to carefully handle their books, read out loud, and read a lot!Each book in the endlessly popular How Do Dinosaurs series is a combination of childish antics followed by a gentle lesson -- with over 14.5 million books in print. This book, the twelfth, ends with pages designed to get your own little dinosaur excited about learning to read -- especially this word: Dinosaur!

Everyone in town knows Edwina. She is the dinosaur who plays with the kids. She is the dinosaur who helps little old ladies cross the street. And best of all, she bakes yummy chocolate-chip cookies. Everyone loves Edwinaexcept for Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie. Reginald knows dinosaurs are extinct and is ready to prove it. But will anyone listen? And if they do, what will happen to Edwina?

Join the dinos for a bash before bedtime! Much like us, dinosaurs love to have fun. Dinosaurs from all around gather together to play instruments, dance, and sing before bedtime. But soon the dinosaurs grow tired and need their rest. This is a book that's sure to have kids following the dinos' lead as they get ready to go to sleep.

Encourage your little dinosaur to let out their proudest roar in this touching picture book for kids, the perfect Easter gift! Celebrate your favorite little dino and what makes them fiercely one-of-a-kind in this inspiring book about unconditional love. Filled with vibrant art of dinosaurs like Triceratops, T. rex, Stegosaurus, and more, this heartfelt self-esteem story features affirmational encouragement as a child grows and touches on timeless themes of kindness, perseverance, courage, and dreaming big. Perfect for sharing with your roarsome dinosaur to show just how much joy they bring, this sweet read aloud will become a favorite bedtime story for children, parents, and grandparents alike! You're fierce and strong, my dinosaur, in all you say and do. And I hope you'll always remember I love you through and through... The best encouragement book gift for: Children ages 3-7 who love dinosaur stories! Holiday stocking or Easter basket stuffers Preschool and kindergarten graduations Mother's and Father's Day "I love you" gifts for parents and grandparents Boys' and girls' birthdays and more!

"A rousingly rumbly ramble." --Kirkus Reviews The Land Before Time meets Eric Carle in this delightful read-aloud featuring "melodious and spare" (USA TODAY) language by master storyteller Tim McCanna. Follow a triceratops, a sauropod, and an ankylosaur on a prehistoric adventure filled with sights and sounds identified by playful onomatopoeia. Chip. Chop. Flip. Flop. Shatter. Scatter. Smack. Vibrant illustrations and crisp, fun language make this the perfect read-aloud, and backmatter about rock types and more inform curious readers about the world dinosaurs lived in.

Dragon knows he is supposed to be brave--because that's what dragons do. He's so brave and valiant, he's ready to try out his fearsome roar! But when he hears something that scares him, he turns to his forest friends to find the noise, and to help him be brave. Young readers will relate to Dragon's fears, and delight in his quest to be brave. Bestselling author/artist David Kirk, creator of the popular Miss Spider series, has created another beautiful, meaningful picture book to follow Oh So Tiny Bunny.

Everybody knows your typical dragon breathes fire. But when Crispin tries to breathe fire on his seventh birthday, fire doesn't come out--only whipped cream! Each time Crispin tries to breathe fire, he ends up with Band-Aids marshmallows teddy bears? Crispin wonders if he'll ever find his inner fire. But when a family emergency breaks out, it takes a little dragon with not-so-typical abilities to save the day. With wry humor and whimsical illustrations, Not Your Typical Dragon is the perfect story for any child who can't help feeling a little bit different.

A #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon, this deliciously funny read-aloud is an unforgettable tale of new friends and the perfect snack that will make you laugh until spicy salsa comes out of your nose. Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You're in red-hot trouble. This makes the perfect gift for any special occasion, from award-winning team of Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri who created Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel, El Chupacabras, High Five, Robo-Sauce, and Secret Pizza Party.

When Enzo the dragon catches a cold, it's no mere sniffle. No indeed! His coughs and sneezes set fields aflame and barns on fire. The villagers are fleeing their farms and the townsfolk are up in arms. What's a poor fire-sneezing dragon to do? As it turns out, a royal magician has just the right medicine to help Enzo get rid of his cold. And soon, with a little bit of Abbra-ka-brew, Enzo is feeling better and ready to head back to his dragon den. Told in rollicking rhyming text this cautionary tale from author/illustrator Kurt Cyrus (Shake a Leg, Egg! and Invisible Lizard) reminds readers of all ages to cover their mouths when they sneeze.

Young Drake the dragon is sent to the local village to cause some mischief and start a fire. But Drake has only ever breathed fire to roast a tasty caterpillar. How will be burn down a whole house? Or a school? Or even an old wooden shack? Has Drake got what it takes to make his father proud? Dragons: Father and Son is a funny and moving story about the bonds between fathers and children, with a positive, peaceful message - and all the magic and mayhem you'd hope for in a tale about dragons. Named one of Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year, 2018!

Douglas doesn't fit in with other dragons. Instead of battling knights and frightening princesses, he likes to spend his time picking flowers and baking treats. To get him to become more fearsome, Douglas' doctor prescribes some dragon exercises. With help from a clever knight, Douglas works to become the scariest creature in the land. But he soon learns that mean and frightening are not the only things a dragon can be.

A grumpy dragon gets fired up when he is mistaken for a Very Large Frog in this laugh-out-loud picture book perfect for fans of Mo Willems and Jon Klassen! A squad of frogs is excited when they spot a Very Big Frog in their pond. But when the creature says that he isn't a frog, the frogs insist that he's the one who is wrong. What happens when the creature has had enough of the frogs' quibbling Find out in this pitch-perfect, hilarious read-aloud about misunderstandings, imagination, forgiveness, and friendship!

A playful, interactive and laugh-out-loud-funny picture book with a deliciously hilarious ending!"Once upon a time," begins the big blue monster who is trying to tell a fabulous story. "It needs to be about a kid who is eaten by a dragon," he insists.But his little monster friend is not convinced that this is a good idea. "Dragon stories usually don't end well," he warns.As the two monsters argue over how the story should go, a hungry dragon named Dennis is listening nearby. Dennis knows exactly how this story should go... And by the way, what day is it?Watch out!

We all know that "there was an old lady" who swallowed lots of things. Now meet the old dragon who swallows pretty much an entire kingdom! 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. In days of yore, before a certain fly's ultimately fatal encounter with an Old Lady, there was an old dragon who felt rather peckish. "There was an old dragon who swallowed a knight. / I don't know why he swallowed the knight // It's not polite!" He follows the knight with the knight's steed ("that galloped around at a terrible speed"). Then a squire, a cook, a lady, a castle, and finally a moat are each swallowed in turn. But..."With all of that water, he started to bloat. / And that's when the dragon roared, and I quote: / 'Okay, enough! I've had enough-- / More than enough of this swallowing stuff!' " So realizing that eating all those things might have been "a tad impolite," the old dragon burps them all out in reverse except the knight (which is "ahhh...just right"). Klostermann's debut is a rollicking and warped Medieval take on the well-worn cumulative rhyme. Prolific British animator and illustrator Mantle's expressive and bright cartoon illustrations of the red, horned dragon (and the contents of his stomach) are a perfect match. The antics within the dragon's stomach--every image of the steed is accompanied by a little "clippity, clippity, clippity, clop" in teeny type--and his copious burping will leave 'em laughing. No matter how many swallowed-fly titles you own, this one belongs on your shelf too. KIrkus, May 1,2015 From the Hardcover edition.

★ Children's Favorite 2024 Winner ★ Librarian's Favorite 2024 Winner ★ Northern Lights Book Awards Winner 2023 ★ National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist 2023 Wrapped in Eastern and Western dragon lore, this fantasy tale celebrates perseverance, cultural inclusion, and self-discovery. It's the first day of Dragon School, where all the young dragons must learn how to harness their fire-breathing skills. Today's lesson? Using it to cook food! All the dragons are excited to test their powers . . . except Long. Long is from the East and can only breathe out water. No matter how hard he huffs and puffs, he isn't sure he can match his fire-breathing classmates. But will his talents be discovered? Or will Long find his own unique path to cooking-and to fitting in? From TOFU TAKES TIME author Helen H. Wu and New York Times bestselling illustrator Mae Besom (WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?) comes a gorgeously illustrated and stirring tale around self-discovery.

Sapphire isn't like other dragons; she doesn't enjoy destroying things. One day, she discovers a forest filled with flowers. "Hello, neighbors!" she calls to the animals, who run away in fear. Despite her best efforts to make friends, the animals don't want her around. "You can't live here," they tell her. "Leave us alone!" But when the animals settle down for a nap, they find themselves surrounded by dragons with fiery flames! Can Sapphire help-or have they driven her away forever?

No matter how hard Little Wing tries to fly, he always flops . . . until one day when his fluttering takes him above the clouds and far away--maybe too far away! Lost in the sky, Little Wing has to find his way home. But thanks to a special someone, he learns the importance of dragon rules. And with a helping wing to guide him, Little Wing can be flip, flop, fearless! With Calista Brill's sincere story and Jennifer A. Bell's vibrant illustrations, Little Wing Learns to Fly is utterly convincing as a sweet coming-of-age tale. Fans of Finding Nemo and Giraffes Can't Dance will love rooting for Little Wing as the little dragon that could. Children and adults alike will get carried away on Little Wing's journey home!

Princess Smartypants doesn't want to get married; she'd rather live with herpets. Commanded by her parents to find herself a husband, the Princess sets tasks for her horde of suitors. . . . All of the potential husbands fail miserably as the gleeful Princess looks on--until Prince Swashbuckle appears. . . .

The funny and empowering tale of a determined princess who takes matters into her own hands when a dragon ravages her kingdom and her royal parents are too preoccupied with frills and sparkles to help. The kingdom is under attack from a dragon, and the king and queen have emptied the royal coffers to buy sparkly things for the princess. But Princess Susan doesn't want sparkly things! She wants to save the kingdom! So, with the help of an outspoken scullery maid and a loyal canine companion, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. As formidable as the dragon is, Princess Susan's most daunting challenge may be convincing her parents to pay attention to what she wants and actually listen to her. Fortunately, the resourceful and entrepreneurial princess has a perfect (and delightfully unexpected) plan to ensure that everyone--even the dragon--lives happily ever after.  

When a prince sets out to find a princess to marry, he soon discovers this is not a simple task. There is no shortage of so-called princesses, but how can he tell whether or not they are what they claim to be? Then one night, a great storm rages, there's a knock on the palace gate, and the prince's life is never the same. Caldecott Honor winning artist Rachel Isadora exquisitely illustrates this retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and takes readers to a beautiful African setting - a first for the true story of a tiny pea that changed everything.

Fractured fairy tales are paired with a lesson in manners in this book about a spunky-but-imperfect princess. From the top of her tiara to the tips of her petite feet, Princess Isabel was perfect in every way but one: she wouldn't say "please." This character flaw soon catches up with her. Three times Isabel's chance to find true love is thwarted by her terrible manners. But in the end, Princess Isabel learns her lesson and lives happily every after.

Girls 3-7 will love this rollicking full-color storybook based on Disney's animated short Tangled Ever After about Princess Rapunzel's wedding day.

Once upon a time, there were seven princess sisters who did everything together, from horseback riding to jumping in royal leaf piles to throwing legendary piñ parties. But one day, they had the biggest fight in the entire history of princess fighting. There was no worse sound than the sound of this fight. Will the sisters ever find a way to fill their kingdom with sounds of laughter and playing again? Princesses of all sizes will royally delight in this modern-day fairy tale of sibling rivalry, adventure, and unconditional sisterly love.

Even the prettiest dresses, latest toys, and friendliest elephant can't cure Princess Antonia's boredom. And when she becomes so bored, she decides to run away! Luckily, with friends like Rapunzel, Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, a big adventure is sure to follow! 2014 Amelia Bloomer Project Recommended Feminist Literature for Birth through 18

A magical story starring three Black mermaid sisters who each wish to wear the underwater crown! Perfect for fans of Little Mermaid and Oona. Anaya, Shante, and Kianna are sisters. And these mermaid princesses couldn't be more different! One day, when a problem too big for any of them to solve alone comes their way, they find out which one of them has what it takes to become legend of the sea. This fun adventure, inspired by African mermaid myth, magic, and spirituality, reminds young readers about the importance of teamwork and the different strengths we can all bring to the table--or throne.

Princesses Mellie, Allie, and Libby are back in another rollicking, royal adventure. When the girls begin to argue about which princess is the prettiest in the land, they decide to hold a contest. But of course, the girls get side-tracked helping others on their way to the contest leaving Princess Mellie as the muddiest, Princess Allie as the yuckiest, and Princess Libby as the drippiest. But due to their kindness, the princesses win in the end!

Featuring vibrantly colored, richly textured and dramatically shaped collages, this retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, set in Africa, follows twelve princesses who dance all night long until their secret is eventually discovered

A modern South Asian princess, sparkling writing, lots of humor, and just the right amount of conflict come together for a clever and enchanting friendship story. Rani lives in a luxurious palace full of busy adults, but she's lonely. Being the only princess in the kingdom is boring, tedious, dull. She has no one to play with--except her baby brother, who doesn't count! So one morning, Rani decides to leave for the beach in search of adventure. She's sure it will be the opposite of her life in the palace: wonderful, marvelous, fun! But in the world outside the palace walls, Rani isn't a princess anymore, she's just a kid who's not so great at building sandcastles. And what she finds there is something she didn't even know she was looking for: a friend. Set in a vibrant South Asian-inspired world, this story of a strong-willed princess from two award-winning picture book creators is full of wordplay, heart, and humor.

Everyone's favorite fairy princess is back and just in time for her ballet recital in this new picture book addition to the Julie Andrews Collection. At first, when Gerry is cast as the Court Jester and not the Crystal Princess, she is dismayed -- nothing is pink and no one can see her crown under her silly jester hat! But just as the recital looks like it's headed for disaster, our ever-energetic very fairy princess swoops in to save the day! Gerry's sparkle radiates from the page once more through Christine Davenier's whimsically elegant illustrations in this spirited, ballet-themed follow-up to The Very Fairy Princess from the renowned mother-daughter team of Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton.

Here comes Spring! March along with Mama and Baby Bunny as they welcome a festive parade of budding flowers and blossoming trees, new birds, butterflies and bees, and all of their beloved friends, emerging from the winter season.

All through the year, this shaggy, raggy, rumbly, bumbly bear faces down whatever comes his way: bee stings and scolding squirrels, cold rushing rivers and prickly bushes. And he does it all with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. There's just one thing he can't abide. Luckily, he knows exactly what to do about it.      Season by season, Alice Schertle and Matt Phelan lead us through a year in the life of a charming, resourceful, and quite hairy bear.

The beauty of each season of the year... the change each season brings... the passage of time and its special charm come to life in poetic rhyme, accompanied by gorgeous illustrations in this bedtime book.

A celebration of home, family, and finding beauty in your heritage, beautifully illustrated by the artist behind Anti-Racist Baby. Claire has been surrounded by the deep blue waves of Hapuna Beach and the magnificent mountains of Hawai'i all her life, but has never, ever seen snow. When her father drives her and her family to the top of the Mauna Kea, she can't help but to be disappointed...it's not the winter wonderland she's always dreamed of. And that's what she wants, more than anything. But as Claire edges ever closer to the new year, she wonders if maybe-- just maybe--she can delight in the special joys of winter in her own way--right there, on her Big Island of Hawaii. Includes backmatter that captures the environmental culture of Hawaii, and will teach children not only about the local flora and fauna, but also the value of being environmentally friendly.

Despite dire predictions about winter, a child is smitten by the season's charms in this ode to living in the moment. Nothing is better than summer, with its joys of swimming every day and eating ice cream. One little boy's older sister tells him he'd better make the most of it, because summer is going to end soon. When winter comes, she assures him, it will be cold and dark, and the icy rain will turn to snow. They'll be stuck on the sofa for days and won't even dream of eating ice cream. . . . Simona Ciraolo's expressive illustrations belie the bleak forecast with images of glowing autumn leaves, cozy couch snuggles, wintry play, and sweet desserts. A celebration of the changing of the seasons, this inviting tale shows how much fun can be found around every sunny--or snowy--corner.

Grab your blankets and pillows! From the creators of Finding Wild, a new picture book that follows the changing of the seasons and is as cozy as a fort.   Winter, spring, summer, fall. Each season brings new materials to make the perfect fort. From leaves to snow, from mud to sand, there is a different fort throughout the year. As a group of friends explore and build through the seasons, they find that every fort they make is a perfect fort.   From the team behind Finding Wild, which Publishers Weekly called "a sparkling debut" and a "whimsical meditation on the idea of wildness," Megan Wagner Lloyd and Abigail Halpin are together again for a portrayal of a classic childhood endeavor that is perfect all year long.

Ethan Long's From Season to Season is the fourth book in the Happy County preschool picture book series featuring earth science and educational activities about winter, spring, summer, and fall. For readers who love Richard Scarry's Busytown books. Adventure awaits in another exciting trip through Happy County--where each new season packs plenty of surprises! Farmer Dell rides his tractor through the crops all summer long; Jimmy and Sammy search for Grammy Tammy in the autumn corn maze; Dolly and Molly build an igloo with the fresh winter snow; and Miss Humdiddy's flower garden buzzes with pollination when spring arrives. This primer compendium is filled with lovable characters and educational content connected to weather, geography, earth science, word identifications, as well as the concepts of shapes, patterns, telling time, and grammar--all delivered through plenty of clever scenarios to keep little ones engaged and curious. Christy Ottaviano Books

Watch the world transform when spring comes! In a starred review, School Library Journal called this delightful picture book "A must-have, joyful seasonal title for the youngest listeners." In this beautiful book for young children, Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition, and alliteration to introduce basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. And acclaimed artist Laura Dronzek's gorgeous, lush paintings show the transformation from quiet, cold winter to the newborn spring. Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it--and you can read it! In a starred review, The Horn Book said, "This joyful reflection is as welcome as spotting the first brave crocus." In the Middle of Fall, Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes, and Summer Song make for a beautiful quartet of seasonal-theme picture books to share at home or in the classroom. Ideal for introducing the season, for story time, and for bedtime reading.

A joyful, sun-drenched tribute to the anticipation and adventures of the warmest season of the year. When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it's time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there's something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season. Tom Brenner's lovely, lyrical ode to summers spent outdoors will strike a chord with anyone who's ever counted down the days until school gets out, and Jaime Kim's jubilant, nostalgia-soaked illustrations leave little doubt that summer is indeed a time unlike any other.

What would you do if you were allergic but really wanted a dog? In this whimsical picture book, a young girl uses her crafty nature and imagination to create four-legged friends each season as the weather changes. She builds a dog out of snow in winter, sand in summer, leaves in fall, and flowers in spring!

The shivering cold of winter. The fresh, new signs of spring. The toe-wiggling freedom of summer. The leaf-dropping days of fall. Each season is celebrated for many different reasons, but one never fails to roll right into the next. Jane Yolen's lilting verses and Lisel Jane Ashlock's sensitive portraits convey the cyclical nature of the seasons in this poetic tribute to the characteristics of the four periods of the year.

As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again. Everyone knows--spring is on its way!Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.Godwin Books

Welcome the outdoors inside for story time with this classic tale of a garden changing through the seasons. A young girl and her older companion watch birds, fly a kite, plant flowers, and play in the snow, watching flowers bloom and leaves fall as the year passes. This quiet story celebrates the simple joys found close to home, and the importance of sharing those experiences with the ones you love. A perfect story time pick for any season, In My Garden explores the natural marvels of the world around us and encourages young readers to think about what they love best throughout the year. Written by picture book master Charlotte Zolotow and originally published in 1960, this elegant reimagining of In My Garden features all-new illustrations by accomplished author-illustrator Philip Stead. His delicate illustrations and gentle, colorful palette bring new life and meaning to this classic tale-- a beautiful tribute to the experience of childhood, and a thank you to a master storyteller.

In this gorgeous, lyrical celebration about the passing of seasons, readers will follow a mother bear and her cubs through the course of a year.   Deep in her den under a snowflake blanket, Mama snuggles her newborn babies. When spring arrives, the bears awaken and emerge from their lair, and as the weather warms to summer, Mama teaches her young ones to fish, gather berries, and dig for roots. Then, in fall, the leaves turn gold, food grows scarce, and the family prepares for hibernation and the coming winter.   With spare, accessible text and charming illustrations, here is a sweet, gentle introduction to how bears experience the changing seasons, perfect for the youngest readers and listeners.

A tree gets planted in the middle of a big city and sprouts beautiful green leaves in the springtime. The local birds and butterflies are impressed by the tree's pretty foliage, but the little tree doesn't want to share. "Go away!" he tells them. Summer turns into autumn, and before long the tree notices his leaves are turning yellow. As winter approaches, the leaves dry out one by one and fall to the ground. "I must be very sick," the tree thinks, panicked, as he regrets his selfishness. Finally the old crow takes pity on the tree and explains the cycle of the seasons. With a sigh of relief, the tree promises to share his branches.

Children's book legend Margaret Wise Brown--author of the cherished classic Goodnight Moon--and Caldecott Medal-winner Leonard Weisgard bring young readers an enduring picture book about the magic of nature.   Winner of the 1947 Caldecott Medal, this beautifully moving story centers around a little island in the midst of the wide ocean, and the curious kitten who comes to visit. As the seasons pass, the island and the creatures who call it home witness an ever-changing array of sights, smells, and sounds--proving that, no matter how small, we are all an important part of the world.

When winter is at its coldest and darkest, take heart! Every day the sun shines longer, Spring is on its way! All winter, the days grow a little bit longer, The nights grow a little bit shorter, until the day becomes exactly as long as the night. On that day we say... HAPPY SPRINGTIME! This bright, bouncy, and deliriously colorful picture book is an ode to the joys of spring, encouraging everyone who waits out the slow lengthening of days through the end of winter. From earmuffed crossing guards to sweater wearing dogs, from painters of flowers to planters of seeds, Happy Springtime! celebrates the burst of life following the thaw of winter. Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honoree Kate McMullan's jubilant love-letter to this exciting time of year is the perfect book to bring in the season of birth and renewal, especially when accompanied by the riotous watercolor illustrations of Sujean Rim.

A story for anyone who has ever been afraid of facing the unknown--and a celebration of the friends who help us take the leap. A New York Times Best Illustrated Book. It's autumn. The apples are crisp, the pumpkins are orange, the geese are flying south, and brightly colored leaves are falling everywhere. Finally, as the days get shorter and the nights get colder, a little yellow leaf discovers that it is the very last leaf on the tree. The little yellow leaf does not want to let go . . . not quite yet. Even when the first frost arrives, this little yellow leaf holds on, determined. Carin Berger's stunning cut-paper illustrations--there are literally thousands of scraps of newsprint, catalogs, and ephemera assembled on these pages--tell a perennial and powerful story of courage, friendship, and the rewards of embracing change while introducing the fall season to young children.

A sparkling and deeply felt story of love, loss, renewal-and jam!-offering a gentle reminder of the cyclical nature of the world around us. If you ever have a mulberry tree, you'll climb branches and shake with all your might. You'll gather berries and smush fruits, while your dad boils jars in a tall, silver pot sweating and happy as the kitchen fills with steam. Because if you've ever had a mulberry tree, you know that the sweetest things are worth waiting for. Sumptuous text and deliciously expressive illustrations come together to form a gentle ode to nature's bounty, to patience, and to one girl's lifelong connection to the tree in her yard.

Little Witch Hazel is a tiny witch who lives in the forest, helping creatures big and small. She's a midwife, an intrepid explorer, a hard worker and a kind friend. In this four-season volume, Little Witch Hazel rescues an orphaned egg, goes sailing on a raft, solves the mystery of a haunted stump and makes house calls to fellow forest dwellers. But when Little Witch Hazel needs help herself, will she get it in time? Little Witch Hazel is an ode to nature, friendship, wild things and the seasons, that only Phoebe Wahl could create.

Sun and Grass, Water and Tree, Fire and Rain--nature's cycle of creation unfolds in a compelling lyrical text and striking illustrations. Sun grows beams and Grass grows blades and Cloud cannot contain herself. Spring rains change Water from a tumbling creek to a roaring river and bring Tree nutrients it needs to stretch toward the sky. As Sun's rays intensify, the sprouts and fruits and insects of the forest grow and bloom and develop, all working together in harmony. Even Fire, whose work causes Tree to ache from the inside, brings opportunity for the next generation of flora and fauna. Paired with the vivid, organic imagery of Dominique Ramsey, Liz Garton Scanlon's poetic tribute to our planet's resilience is a resonant story of life, death, and regeneration.

To everything there is a season in this beautiful story about gardening, seasons, and treasured memories. This inspiring picture book written by Zoë Tucker and illustrated by Julianna Swaney--the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines--celebrates the friendship between a young girl and an elderly woman as they plant seeds in a community garden alongside friends and neighbors, waiting for the seeds to flower. By mid-summer, the friends welcome a rainbow of color in the garden and picnics in the sun. At harvest, the young girl's elderly friend is bed-ridden, but jubilant as they share baskets with red tomatoes and snap peas amid the sweet smell of lavender. When the last leaves fall, everything is different. But in the spring, hope arises anew.

From the New York Times Bestselling author of The Pout-Pout Fish series Dig holes in the autumn soil. Drop the bulbs in one by one. Cover them with dirt. Come spring, the bulbs will flower! In this lushly illustrated story from Deborah Diesen that celebrates life and growing up, a mother and daughter plant a garden to see how something small blooms into something as beautiful and strong as their love.

When the city is hit by a colossal snowstorm, only one superhero can save the day. But who is this mysterious hero, and why does he disappear once his job is done? Find out in this snowy tale about a little truck with a very big job, the second of Stephen Savage's vehicle-based picture books.

Strap in for a rousing, rumbling ode to trucks of all stripes, loaded with high-energy verse and whimsical illustrations. Trucks and MORE trucks! Open-door trucks! Heavy-load trucks! Shake-the-road trucks! Whether hauling dirt or carrying treats, hurrying to put out a fire or hailing from outer space, this endless array of big, noisy vehicles is a dream parade for every child who loves trucks. Revved up by Peter Stein's rhythmic verse, combined with Bob Staake's warm and witty illustrations, this is a road trip kids will want to take again and again.

All monsters love the autumn air, just right to sneak and spook and scare. But other seasons of the year, they shift into a different gear. Monsters get to work--paving roads, plowing snow, hauling muck--with their monster trucks in this fun, rhyming picture book. With a gentle bedtime ending, this not-too-scary story is perfect for young monster and truck lovers.

"Trucks bring ice cream. Trucks bring blocks, books and bulldozers, dolls and socks." Through mountains and flatlands, past deserts and towns, the trucks are rolling! With its rhyming text and bold illustrations, Trucks Roll! invites kids along on a day in a trucker's life and shows that many things we enjoy depend on the trucker's work.

What's better than a truck? A truck on top of another truck! Trucks on Trucks hits the highways and the byways while exploring basic concepts such as size, shape, color, numbers, and professions. A wonderful choice for children who love vehicles vehicles and books such as Donald Crews's Truck and Freight Train, and Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry's Little Blue Truck.  Trucks on trucks on trucks! Large trucks, small trucks, red trucks, blue trucks . . . and don't forget about your truck. Featuring Sorche Fairbank's lively, rhythmic text and illustrator Nik Henderson's bold and energetic art, this picture book stars page after page of trucks hauling trucks. Trucks on Trucks is custom-built for vehicle lovers and introduces young readers to basic preschool concepts such as size, colors, numbers, professions, and community. A fresh new take on the classic "things that go" theme. 

Count the trucks getting stuck in a traffic jam in this rhythmic read-aloud sure to draw in kids who love everything on wheels. One ice-cream truck selling everything sweet breaks down and blocks the middle of our street. If you're a little boy on a bike, an ice-cream truck on your street is always a welcome sight. But what if the truck breaks down and blocks the mail truck behind it (now there are two), not to mention a third truck carrying hay? One by one, trucks of all types and sizes and functions are sure to pile up behind, offering ample opportunity for ogling -- and counting. And maybe the boy's idea for putting one of the trucks to good use might even save the day!

Popular collaborators Kevin Lewis and Daniel Kirk team up to create the perfect read-aloud for fans of trucks or anything that can go! Rotten luck. Can't go. My truck is stuck. Tug and tow. Two engines roar. But the truck won't go. Not one inch more. Does anyone know how to make my stuck truck go? In this rhyming story, young drivers are introduced to the ins and outs of hauling, beeping, and repairing--get ready for a fun ride!

From the popular creators of I Stink! and I'm Dirty! comes the perfect tough addition to their noisy series: a pick-up truck! I'm not the BIGGEST TRUCK in the parking lot . . . but when my cargo bed's PACKED and STACKED I've got what it takes to HAUL it ALL! You can count on me--I'll get the job done! 'Cause guess what-- I'M TOUGH!

It's Cement Mixer's first day on the job and he doesn't want to make any mistakes. How can he help the other trucks on the construction site? By mixing some powdery white cement, of course! He mixes it up, adds a little water, and presto . . . a cake?! He must have mixed flour instead of cement. Not to worry, he'll try again . . . and presto! Frosting?! He'll keep trying until he gets it just right and it's time for one more mixing: a bubble bath!

From the author of Dinosaurs Love Underpants comes a charming picture book that follows a group of tired trucks and machines as they get ready for bedtime after a long day at the building site. "Beep, beep, beep!" called the sleepy machines after a busy day on the building site. Follow along as the machines settle in for the night in this adorable picture book filled with sweet rhymes.

The construction crew is back and ready to help out on the farm! Working together with new friends, they'll get the job done all year long.   There's work to do! No time to waste! All year the farm's a busy place! Six hardworking trucks--with help from brand-new farm vehicles--have work to do in each of the seasons: planting in spring, building a barn in the summer, harvesting in fall, and finally tucking the animals in for a cozy winter. Construction enthusiasts will love this look at a farm through the year, and all the rough, tough work there is to do! Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford, the author-illustrator team behind the many bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site books, bring their playful rhyming text and vibrant illustrations to another exciting tale of teamwork, sure to delight little construction fans everywhere. THE CREW VISITS THE FARM: This new addition to the bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series features the same beloved trucks in an exciting new setting: a busy farm! They'll help build a barn, repair a road, and bring in crops, while the farm vehicles till, water, and harvest.   EXPLORE EVERY SEASON ON THE FARM: Just right for teaching early concepts such as weather or seasons, this picture book invites little readers to experience adventure on the farm every day of the year! From learning about nature and growing food to watching the construction crew tuck the animals into their new barn, there's so much to see and do on the farm! At last everyone is tucked in tight for winter--and a sweet goodnight!   ROLLICKING READ ALOUD: Sherri Duskey Rinker's bouncing, energetic rhymes make for a tremendously satisfying read-aloud experience, perfect for energetic kids who love construction.   TEACHES TEAMWORK: Just like all the stories in the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series, this book emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and working together--real-world skills presented to young readers in a fun, accessible setting!   Perfect for: Fans of the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series Truck and construction vehicle enthusiasts Gift-givers Teachers and librarians

The Little Fire Truck is ready for rescues big and small in Book 3 of the Little Vehicles series! Join firefighter Jill and her fearless little fire truck as they zip all over town to put out smoky fires and rescue those in need, with the help of the fire crew in this picture book companion to The Little Dump Truck and The Little School Bus. There's lots of challenging work to do, but this trusty team is always ready to rescue! A Christy Ottaviano Book

From the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of the Food Group series, Pete Oswald, and debut picture book author Phuc Tran, this is a hilarious picture book about big trucks, big feelings, and even bigger friendships! It's the last day at the construction site and Cranky the crane truck is feeling, well, cranky. And he doesn't want to talk about it. His friends Zippy, Wheezy, and Dump Chuck try to cheer him up. But you know what doesn't help when you're feeling cranky A lot of talking. But what will help  With Phuc Tran's hilarious text and Pete Oswald's bold, expressive illustrations, this tale shows young readers how kind friends and honesty are the perfect tools for navigating strong emotions. Perfect for fans of Grumpy Monkey and construction vehicles.

Amadou has waited...and waited... and WAITED for his class trip to the zoo. It is hard to sit still and wait, especially when his teacher would rather talk about rules and facts than spend time with real, live animals. Always one step ahead of his teacher, Amadou eagerly explores the zoo in his own special way--by allowing his imagination to lead. As more and more classmates follow him into his irresistible world of wild adventure, the sepia-toned zoo fills with vibrant color. Only one question remains--will Amadou's teacher follow, too? At once an ode to childlike wonder and patient teachers, Amadou's Zoo encourages the child and adult reader alike to find connections with the world around them. Based on her own observations at the palace zoo in Paris, Rebecca Walsh has delicately captured the feel of both a Victorian-era Parisian zoo and the modern, diverse class trip taking place within it.

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. Bright illustrations and an engaging, interactive text will invite repeated readings. Hooray! A brother and sister can't wait to go to the zoo, where they have an exciting day ahead full of food, balloons, baboons, and so much more. This playful concept-and-story book is ideal for new readers. Author-illustrator Fiona Woodcock's spare text uses only words containing double o's, an important concept for early literacy. Each word is cleverly woven into stunning illustrations. And it all ends with a bedtime book, of course. Good night!

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?

Hi, this is me! I come from a famous family. I myself am particularly famous. You might think you could be famous too. But I can tell you--it's not easy being perfect like me! Take a trip through the zoo with this irrepressible pigeon, as she preens and poses alongside all the animals, right up to the sharp teeth of a grumpy lion. An irreverent, layered story full of deadpan humor.

What little animal lover wouldn't want to set all the animals in the zoo free and fly through the sky with them? Lift-the-flap and open the door to join Lola and the animals, with an accordion fold that turns the pages into a stand-up story-telling scroll! The little girl in this whimsical wordless adventure story begins the day with a trip to the zoo, accompanied by her mother. Lola has fun imitating the monkeys, the giraffes, and all the animals -- until it starts to rain, and they run back home. That night, as she drifts off to sleep, Lola is joined by all the animals in the zoo. Little readers can lift a little flap that looks like a door to enter into a dreamscape and fly through the night sky as the pages fold out to become a stand-up scene of Lola's dream. This truly one-of-a-kind novelty picture book -- with two stories in one book -- will astound and delight adventurous book-lovers of all ages.

Have you ever wondered what happens at the zoo before the gates open? Foxes who steal keys, beavers who cook chili, hyenas who play the blues...when no one is looking, anything can happen! Readers won't believe the antics of these wacky animals, and they'll have a blast counting along with the simple text as they encounter each increasingly crazy creature. First-time illustrator Colin Jack's unique retro style paired with contest winner Lori Degman's enthusiastic words provide an entertaining peek inside the zaniest zoo around!

Goat has always dreamed of having his very own space. But Goat lives in a petting zoo, surrounded by hugs and rubs and grabby little hands. Determined to find his perfect alone space, Goat escapes into the big zoo. But space is not an easy thing to find, in this humorous picture book from Jacob Grant, Through with the Zoo.

The celebrated John Burningham opens the door to a child's secret adventure in this picture-book classic. What if you noticed a door in your bedroom that wasn't there before? And what if it led to a passage to . . . the zoo? You might want to take just one little bear back to your room with you, or maybe just all the smaller animals. But how could you resist the penguins and the tigers and the birds? In this classic child's fantasy featuring John Burningham's delightfully expressive artwork, an unlocked door leads to pandemonium -- and one little girl's formidable voice reins in an entire menagerie.

A wild and wonderful cast of zoo animals boogie and zoogie the night away in this zany dance party celebration from watercolorist Sujean Rim! What do the animals at the zoo do when the gates close at night? They boogie until dawn! This bouncy, funny read-aloud is filled with an assortment of animals dancing to their own beat and celebrating their individuality. See the flamingos do the fandango, the elephants cha-cha-cha, and the little penguins break-dance as they all avoid being discovered by the zookeeper, and then turn the page to see everyone come together in one unforgettable conga line! Kids will be dancing and moving as they read along with Sujean Rim's irresistible cast of animal characters that fills every page. It all culminates in a surprise orientation shift that reveals an unforgettable finale!Featuring hilarious nods to dance movie classics like Flashdance, Dirty Dancing, and Dance Fever, this book is sure to make readers of all ages want to start grooving.

In this near-wordless picture book, a girl's bad mood is cured at the zoo when she cheers up a group of friendly penguins. How do you shake off a bad mood? Try climbing up the Monkey Walk! On that unpredictable path, you might meet a mischievous (and kind of hairy) stranger. You might go on ridiculous missions. You might even make friends where you least anticipate doing so.                         It's a visit to the zoo like no other in Colleen Madden's zany, wholly delightful tale of a big sister whose sour mood is turned around by helping others in an unforeseen way.

When a hyena can't find his funny, a friend offers a sweetly surprising solution in this adorable picture book, winner of the General Mills Spoonful of Stories contest. Henry Hyena is feeling blue. He usually chuckles at monkeys swinging from trees, giggles as he chases hares, and belly laughs when he hears an elephant burp. But one day at the zoo, Henry can't even muster up a smile. Will a visit with a wise old giraffe, Dr. Long, help Henry find the key to laughing harder than ever?

As calves, Asian elephants Precious and Baba roam the wild together, curious and proud. But when they get captured and are split up, their time together seems like a distant memory. Still, separated by many miles and over many years, their friendship remains, and there's hope they will once again roam wide open spaces together.