Run Run is a young elephant handler – a mahout – who lives in old Siam with his beloved elephant, Walking Mountain. When the boy and his elephant accidentally insult a spiteful prince, Run Run turns the prince’s “gift that is a curse” — a sacred white elephant — into a blessing. Their riveting story is told by a Newbery Medal-winning author.
The White Elephant
Koko was an extraordinary real-life great ape who learned hand signs to communicate with her teacher (and the author of this book). For her birthday, Koko wanted a cat. Full-color photographs emphasize not only the size difference between Koko and her kitten, but the affection and trust they shared. This sensitive and revealing glimpse at animal communication is sure to win over animal lovers of all ages.
Koko’s Kitten
When it starts to rain, Rover is pleased that other animals join him in his doghouse. That is, until a skunk finds his way there — and everyone exits! When the storm is over, Rover enjoys a bone and the solitude of his doghouse. Expressive illustrations and animated, rhythmic language make for a satisfying story.
Move Over, Rover!
When the wizard asks the little dragons to take care of his cats, they work hard to follow the instructions he left behind. They take the cats swimming, put them in a cupboard, and then take them camping — all because, as the Good Knight discovers, the small dragons have not quite mastered reading! Alliterative language and lighthearted illustrations make this a delightful tale of humorous misinterpretations.
Take Care, Good Knight
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! Luminous, realistic, highly-detailed watercolors breathe freshness into this traditional tale.
Little Red Hen
When is a gorilla like Curious George? When he (and a parade of animals) follow the zookeeper home at bedtime — and snuggles in with the zookeeper’s wife with very fast and funny results.
Good Night, Gorilla
Introduce children to the five senses in this delightfully offbeat book, with a flop-eared bunny as your guide. Snappy, rhythmic language and expressive, jaunty illustrations create a book ideal for sharing.
Five for a Little One
When old Mr. Putter decides to join his neighbor’s knitting club, he and his faithful feline companion Tabby contribute chaos and laughs for readers. Lighthearted illustrations add to the fast-paced fun.
Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn
Henry and Mudge visit Henry’s Great Grandpa Bill in his home with all the other old grandpas, bringing slobbery kisses, great joy, and lots of energy. Together, the Great Grandpas along with Henry and his dad go swimming and lean on Mudge — literally — when they get tired proving that even a big, wet dog can make a difference!
Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas
When a tsunami orphans a young hippopotamus, a group of concerned Malidi (on the east coast of Kenya) villagers figure out how to capture the 600 pound baby thus beginning his new life in an animal sanctuary with a new and unlikely companion — a 130 year old tortoise named Mzee. Full color photographs and straightforward text are used in this inspiring, appealing and true story told first by a young girl and her father.
Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
Quirky but appealing, crass but informative, Dr. Dog is the Gumboyle family’s pet beagle who provides health advice when they most need it, such as “don’t scratch your bum and suck your thumb.” Dr. Dog also gives competent counsel regarding certain culinary treats and their potential impact. Gross but funny, Dr. Dog provides digestible information.
Dr. Dog
Hally is the much loved pet of the Tosis family. They love everything about her except for her bad breath which may bring their happy days as a family to an end — that is until Hally saves the day by bungling burglars! This pun-filled text teams with laughs that come in a variety of smells.
Dog Breath
What would happen if the dish and the spoon (of “hey diddle diddle” fame) ran away and didn’t want to come back? Well, that’s the premise of this funny, pun-filled saga. Other nursery rhyme characters follow a map to find the runaways in this lively, visually sophisticated, and humorous book.
And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon
Readers take over for the bus driver, who cautions them not to let the pigeon stay up late. But as in other books about this willful bird, well … Children get to see this situation from the adult’s perspective as the pigeon finds excuses not to go to bed.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
When Peter throws a bottle into the ocean with a message for the sea creatures to come visit him, he hardly expected them to take him up on the offer! After various marine animals cause chaos in his hometown, Peter must set the situation straight. Awash with humor and puns, this is a great book for discussing literal and figurative meanings, and provides details on over 30 species of fish that appear in the book.
Dear Fish
School is out and Babymouse heads to the beach with her surfboard — and brother — in tow. The energetic mouse is awash in nonstop beach adventures, depicted in bold line and pink wash.
Babymouse: Beach Babe
Who else except Lilly would Mr. Slinger, Lilly’s favorite teacher, invite to be flower girl in his wedding? His niece, Ginger, that’s who! Lilly’s indomitable personality and the author’s genuine respect for children shine through in this wholly credible story — a very funny and satisfying saga in which Lilly saves the day.
Lilly’s Big Day
Young children will delight in seeing familiar animals in their natural habitats, portrayed in the distinct styles of various artists. Lively descriptions accompany the illustrations, and endnotes include artist, time period, and owning museums.
Animals: A First Art Book
Socks has a difficult start in life, but things get much better when he is taken in by the Brickers. The young couple adore their feline friend. But when the baby arrives, Socks loses his place at the center of the Brickers’ universe. Socks’ antics are both humorous and recognizable in this engaging novel. Older siblings will relate!
Socks
Henry Huggins is a regular kid who longs for some excitement in his otherwise normal – and he thinks boring life. When it arrives in the form of a scrawny dog he names Ribsy, the adventures and laughs begin!
Henry Huggins
A familiar traditional Shaker hymn has been interpreted in bold, semi-abstract, jewel-toned illustrations reminiscent of artist Paul Klee. A cat, squirrel, bird and turtle characters create the feel of the music.
Simple Gifts
Monkey’s friends prepare a surprise party and then share the birthday fun! A familiar song is extended by singer/songwriter Raffi and presented here with engaging, child-like illustrations sure to get readers singing and clapping along with monkey and friends.
If You’re Happy and You Know It
A cool cat named Oobie-Do moves to San Francisco, plays his saxophone and works as a short order cook, until his jazzy talents are recognized by nightclub owner Minnie, who books him for a gig. The bold, stylized illustrations are a cool complement to the rhythmic language of this off beat(nik!) tale.
Hip Cat
Can 50 lizards get to the stage in time for the show to start? A frantic snake looks for the performers and gradually, the lizards leap into sight in groups of five (5) then ten (10) until all 50 are on stage. The colorful, rhyming romp is sure to encourage counting as the story builds.