![Henry Hikes to Fitchburg](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0395968674.jpg?itok=X6F2wV6G)
A dapper brown bear named Henry and his friend decide to visit another town. As Henry hikes, he leisurely soaks in the flora and fauna as he meets a number of his contemporaries (and a sly way to introduce historical figures such as Mrs. Alcott, Mr. Emerson, and Mr. Hawthorne). His friend, however, misses these as he takes the train. Other books about Henry are also inspired by Thoreau and provide a brief introduction to his life and beliefs.
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg
![Wow! Said the Owl](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0374385181.jpg?itok=_fUYI6yA)
A young owl decides to stay awake during the day and discovers a range of colors, from pink dawn to yellow sun to blue sky. But the small owl decides that the nighttime stars are the most beautiful of all. A color wheel is included and displays the same vibrant colors used throughout the story.
Wow! Said the Owl
![Pouch!](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399250514.jpg?itok=QlqHYeaD)
A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother pouch, each time going a little farther, but each time returning after meeting an unexpected animal. Like children, however, Joey, finally recognizes itself in another and leaves his mother’s safety for a bit longer. Repetition and lively illustrations make this an engaging story.
Pouch!
![Peek-a-Boo What?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1934618500.jpg?itok=95gCH9Ie)
Each sturdy page begins with “peek-a-boo” in words and a die-cut page that folds over to reveal the hidden object. Clues are included before the flap opens and provide lots to point to and talk about with young children in this rhyming, playful, and colorful board book.
Peek-a-Boo What?
![One, Two, Buckle My Shoe](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823422305.jpg?itok=HSUugwbm)
The familiar rhyme continues all the way to 20 as a rabbit helps the farm animals get ready for a party. A small chick on each page encourages young readers to look closely as chicks are hidden on each spread. Bright, boldly lined illustrations are appealing and child-like.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
![My Little Polar Bear](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0545146003.jpg?itok=3z79_dwf)
The arctic environment contrasts with the warmth of a mother polar bear and her cub who emerge from their den for the first time. The mother’s encouragement allows her child to build confidence as he grows and explores his wintry but safe surroundings. This gentle, handsomely illustrated story makes a comforting bedtime book.
My Little Polar Bear
![Maisy's Animals / Los animales de Maisy](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763645176.jpg?itok=rrNiO3cZ)
Maisy’s favorite animals are introduced in both English and Spanish accompanied by Cousin’s signature illustrations on sturdy pages. Maisy is a familiar character with a simplicity of illustration and text that captivates young children.
Maisy’s Animals / Los animales de Maisy
![Hello Baby!](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1416985131.jpg?itok=VxUJ_TnM)
Highly textured, realistic collages on uncluttered backgrounds combine with rhythmic, rhyming, and repetitive text to introduce a range of animals. Ranging from very familiar to lesser known, young listeners will meet creatures and language in this compelling and participatory book.
Hello Baby!
![Have You Ever Tickled a Tiger?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0375843965.jpg?itok=8uxJvwoY)
Short rhymes introduce out-of-the ordinary animals and invite readers to touch a part of the illustration to feel such things as an octopus’ textured tentacles. This could be a colorful companion to the much-loved classic, Pat the Bunny.
Have You Ever Tickled a Tiger?
![Dog Wants to Play](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0670011266.jpg?itok=GJnDCQqP)
The round little dog has a colorful ball but no one to play with; all of the farm animals have excuses. Dog is forlorn until a pair of human hands picks up the ball — and fun can start. Simple language in an easy rhyme combines with colorful, gentle illustrations for a satisfying story.
Dog Wants to Play
![Dog and Bear: Three to Get Ready](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1596433965.jpg?itok=DDm02p54)
A teddy bear and a small dog share a great friendship in these three satisfying short tales. Young listeners and new readers will appreciate the gentle humor and vivid, boldly outlined illustrations in this latest Dog and Bear installment.
Dog and Bear: Three to Get Ready
![Whoo Goes There?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/159643371X.jpg?itok=yqClupkw)
A hungry owl sits on a branch to listen for something he might catch for dinner, like a plump little mouse. The predictable pattern, onomatopoeic words, and realistic, highly detailed illustrations combine to make a satisfying story for all except for the still-hungry owl.
Whoo Goes There?
![The Terrible Plop](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0374374287.jpg?itok=DDQ1DxWJ)
A loud “plop!” sounds while a bunch of bunnies are eating. Off they run, frightening other animals into running away as well, including a big brave bear. Only the smallest and brightest young rabbit (who notices the apples dropping into water) enjoys a repast alone. Rhythmic language and retro illustrations make this cumulative tale fresh.
The Terrible Plop
![Polo and the Dragon](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1596434988.jpg?itok=ovytzHyv)
Polo’s adventure begins as his others do: leaving home for an imaginative journey. Here, the small dog sails away in his boat but gets frozen in ice. He gets help from a new friend whose fiery breath allows them to sail off together. Words are not needed in this enjoyable tale.
Polo and the Dragon
![Otis](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399252487.jpg?itok=vujsCeRa)
Otis, a small tractor, becomes despondent when he is replaced by a larger, more modern tractor. Even his friend, a once lonely calf, can’t stir Otis — that is, until the calf becomes stuck in a pond of mud and only small, brave Otis can save her. A limited palette and onomatopoeic language create an old-fashioned feeling and completely satisfying book.
Otis
![Ocean's Child](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0375847529.jpg?itok=npjBjNn6)
As an Inuit mother and her child paddle home in their boat, they notice other animal mothers and their children preparing for sleep. Attractive, stylized illustrations evoke the Arctic setting as mothers and their young prepare to rest.
Ocean’s Child
![Little Mouse Gets Ready](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1935179012.jpg?itok=RVmBwUHa)
The little mouse struggles to get dressed to go out to the barn with efforts that children will readily recognize just as they will appreciate the humor in mother mouse’s reminder that mice don’t wear clothing! Simple illustrations in graphic novel-like format for the very young make a pleasing package.
Little Mouse Gets Ready
![Little Beauty](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1406319309.jpg?itok=S4FtUjKM)
Beauty is a small kitten who becomes a large gorilla’s best friend as they happily share their lives together (reminiscent of Koko’s Kitten). When “King Kong” is mistreated, the gorilla smashes the television. The keepers come to remove Beauty, but Beauty signs that she broke the TV, not her friend. Realism and fantasy combine in this smart, expressive book.
Little Beauty
![The King's Taster](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0060753722.jpg?itok=3-7CiZ9V)
A long-eared hound is the king’s official taster whose job is to make sure that nothing will harm the young royal. Even after dog and his cook search worldwide for new, tasty recipes, the king refuses to eat. Intervention by royal parents is required when secret candy eating is revealed, resolving all issues. Humor abounds in this satisfying saga.
The King’s Taster
![Grizzly Dad](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0385751737.jpg?itok=6E7VwCVv)
In spite of a grumpy dad who literally turns into a grizzly bear — as seen in the very amusing illustrations — the grizzly dad and his son enjoy an outing together. By the time the mom and other child return home at the end of the day, dad has returned to himself. The literal transformation is not only child-like, but the notion will be broadly appreciated!
Grizzly Dad
![Farley Follows His Nose](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/006170234X.jpg?itok=wreLsw0W)
A bath made Farley, a hairy (and very pleasing) pooch, hungry and so before his owner could slip his collar back on, Farley is off following delicious smells. Although Farley becomes disoriented, he finds his way home and even helps a lost child along the way. Comic strip fans will recognize the characters, though this tale stands alone.
Farley Follows His Nose
![Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399254439.jpg?itok=FwqoK13X)
Friendships come in all sizes and shapes — even among animals of different kinds. Here crisp photographs and a straightforward text chronicle the unusual friendship between a retired circus elephant named Tarra and a stray dog, Bella, who appeared at the elephant sanctuary in Tennessee. Fans of Owen and Mzee are sure to enjoy this story.
Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends
![The Longest Night](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/082342054X.jpg?itok=yldGTkhn)
Though larger animals try to call the sun up on the long, snow-filled winter night, only the song of a small chickadee awakens the day. Told with a storyteller’s voice, this gentle tale is luminously illustrated with limited colors to evoke the depth of a wintery forest and the brilliance of a new day.
The Longest Night
![Panda Kindergarten](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0060578505.jpg?itok=Xkzc5ROg)
Panda cubs living in China’s Wolong Nature Preserve provide a unique opportunity to observe the animals from birth to the time they join “panda kindergarten.” There, these appealing animals learn skills for survival in the wild. Colorful photography combines with a readable text for an engaging, informative look at these endangered animals.