Special Collections
Picture Books and Easy Readers
Description: Browse this list of popular favorites for bedtime stories, picture books and early readers. Some books will have pictures, and some will have picture descriptions. You can find more books by many of these authors in the Bookshare collection. #kids
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Gleam and Glow
by Eve BuntingIt’s too dangerous to stay any longer--the war is coming closer. Viktor, little Marina, and Mama must pack what they can carry and flee their home. As they trudge beside the other refugees, Viktor worries about what lies ahead, and what he’s left behind--his room, his books, the fish Marina loves so much. Even worse, his papa is off fighting with the Liberation Army and doesn’t know they’ve left home. How will Papa ever find them now? Inspired by real events, master storyteller Eve Bunting recounts the harrowing yet hopeful story of a family, a war--and a dazzling discovery.
Babe
by Dick King-SmithFarmer Hoggett and his wife discover that their new piglet Babe is no ordinary pig (made into a movie called Babe).
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Fly Guy
by Tedd ArnoldAfter accidentally swallowing her grandson's pet fly, Grandma tries to retrieve it by consuming progressively larger animals.
If the Dinosaurs Came Back
by Bernard MostWhat would happen if the dinosaurs returned? Would they trample towns, smash automobiles, mash up people like asparagus? "No!" declares a little boy, who dreams of having a dinosaur of his own. Dinosaurs could help build skyscrapers and catch lost kites. They could push away rain clouds and plow farmers' fields. And giraffes would have someone to look up to. . . .
Wangari's Trees of Peace
by Jeanette WinterAs a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . . This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change. Includes an author’s note.
Charlotte's Web
by E. B. WhiteSome Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.
This is a tender novel of friendship, family, and adventure that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Newbery Honor book
Five Little Monkeys Storybook Treasury
by Eileen ChristelowThis 20th-anniversary treasury features a special introduction and five full-length picture books--Five Little Monkeys Jumping on a Bed, Five Little Monkeys Bake a Cake, Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree, Five Little Monkeys with Nothing to Do, and Five Little Monkeys Wash the Car--as well as a lesson on how to draw your own fabulous monkeys.
Three Tales of My Father's Dragon
by Ruth Stiles GannettThe classic fantasy trilogy of Elmer Elevator and the flying baby dragon has delighted children and their parents for generations. Now, on the occasion of their fiftieth anniversary, Random House is proud to bring the three timeless tales together in one beautiful commemorative edition, complete with the original delightful illustrations. A Newbery Honor Book and an ALA Notable Book, My Father's Dragon is followed by Elmer and the Dragon ("rich, humorous, and thoroughly satisfying"*) and The Dragons of Blueland ("ingenious and plausible, the fantasy well-sustained"*). Each story stands alone, but read in succession, they are an unforgettable experience.*Library Journal, starred review From the Hardcover edition.
Owen and Mzee
by Isabella Hatkoff and Graig Hatkoff and Paula KahumbuThe inspiring true story of two great friends, a baby hippo named Owen and a 130-yr-old giant tortoise named Mzee (Mm-ZAY). When Owen was stranded after the Dec 2004 tsunami, villagers in Kenya worked tirelessly to rescue him. Then, to everyone's amazement, the orphan hippo and the elderly tortoise adopted each other. Now they are inseparable, swimming, eating, and playing together. Adorable photos e-mailed from friend to friend quickly made them worldwide celebrities. Here is a joyous reminder that in times of trouble, friendship is stronger than the differences that too often pull us apart.
The Quiet Book
by Renata Liwska and Deborah UnderwoodAll quiet is not created equal. In this irresistibly charming picture book, many different quiet moments are captured, from the anticipation-heavy "Top of the roller coaster quiet" to the shocked-into-silence "First look at your new hairstyle quiet." The impossibly sweet bears, rabbits, fish, birds, and iguanas are all rendered in soft pencils and colored digitally, and, as in all of the best picture books, the illustrations propel the story far beyond the words. A sure-to-be-a-classic bedtime favorite. Awards: 2011 ALA Notable Children's Book, 2010-2011, New York Times bestseller, 2011 CCBC Choices, 2011 NCTE Notable Children's Trade Book, 2010 New York Times Notable Book, 2010 Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, 2010 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Shark vs. Train
by Chris Barton and Tom LichtenheldShark VS. Train! WHO WILL WIN?! If you think Superman vs. Batman would be an exciting matchup, wait until you see Shark vs. Train. In this hilarious and wacky picture book, Shark and Train egg each other on for one competition after another, including burping, bowling, Ping Pong, piano playing, pie eating, and many more! Who do YOU think will win, Shark or Train? [star] "This is a genius concept. " -- Publishers Weekly, starred review [star] "Lichtenheld's snarling shark and grimacing train are definitely ready for a fight, and his scenarios gleefully play up the absurdity. The combatants' expressions are priceless when they lose. A glum train in smoky dejection, or a bewildered, crestfallen shark? It's hard to choose; both are winners. " -- Kirkus, starred review
The Doorbell Rang
by Pat HutchinsEach time the doorbell rings, there are more people who have come to share Ma's wonderful cookies.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
by Shel SilversteinCome in . . . for where the sidewalk ends, Shel Silverstein's world begins. You'll meet a boy who turns into a TV set, and a girl who eats a whale. The Unicorn and the Bloath live there, and so does Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who will not take the garbage out. It is a place where you wash your shadow and plant diamond gardens, a place where shoes fly, sisters are auctioned off, and crocodiles go to the dentist. Shel Silverstein's masterful collection of poems and drawings is at once outrageously funny and profound.
Pinky and Rex
by James Howe and Melissa SweetPinky and Rex are the best of friends, but a trip to the museum with Pinky's dad and his sister, Amanda, puts their friendship to the test. When Pinky, whose favorite color is pink, and Rex, who loves anything to do with dinosaurs, set their sights on the very same stuffed animal at the museum gift shop, it takes a little wisdom and some help from an unexpected source before the matter is neatly sorted out. "Pinky and Rex" is the first in a series of short chapter books about this inseparable pair by acclaimed author James Howe. Accompanied by Melissa Sweet's exuberant illustrations, "Pinky and Rex" captures perfectly the challenges -- and the rewards -- that true friendship brings.
A Letter to Amy
by Ezra Jack KeatsGenerations of children have read, re-read, and loved Ezra Jack Keats's award-winning, classic stories about Peter and his neighborhood friends. In this story, read about Peter's adventures sending a letter to his friend Amy.
Game of My Life New York Rangers
by John Halligan and John KreiserFamous games and players have been the hallmark of the New York Rangers from their NHL debut in 1926 to the present day. From Frank Boucher and the original Blueshirts to Jaromir Jagr, the Rangers have thrilled their fans with some of the most memorable performances in hockey history. In this newly revised edition of Game of My Life New York Rangers, John Halligan and John Kreiser share the recollections of over twenty of the most famous names in Rangers history as they discuss the most memorable games in their careers. Boucher describes the Rangers' first game; Clint Smith remembers what it was like to win the Stanley Cup in 1940; Mark Messier and the stars of the 1994 team share their memories of the games that ended the fifty-four-year Cup drought; Wayne Gretzky talks about his final NHL game; and Jagr describes his feelings about setting team scoring records. It's the best kind of anecdotal history, in which the people who made history are the ones doing the telling. Game of My Life New York Rangers takes readers inside the mind of each player and behind the doors of the locker room to reveal what really happened, and how it affected the people who were involved in some of the most memorable moments in New York hockey history.
Curious George and Friends
by H. A. ReyCurious George and Friends: Favorite Stories by Margret and H. A. Rey features eight classic stories by the creators of Curious George. The book opens with an introduction called "Memories of the Reys" by Margaret Bloy Graham, the illustrator of the popular Harry the Dirty Dog and other books about Harry. Graham was a long-time friend and neighbor of Hans and Margret Rey. Throughout their lives the Reys created many lively books together. The character for whom the author-illustrator team became best known, Curious George, arrived as one of many monkey children in Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys, Hans's first book for children. Encouraged by their publisher and children throughout the world, the Reys continued with more books about Curious George. In the meantime, the Reys published a number of books showcasing their creative talents and their rare, immediate connection with childhood. These books feature characters, all with their own personalities, and a few with resemblances to George. Whether they come to you as new friends or old, they are sure to entertain children's book lovers everywhere.
Martha Speaks
by Susan MeddaughWhen Helen Finney feeds alphabet soup to her dog Martha, Martha begins to speak. But having a talking dog is not as fun as it seems.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
by Laura Joffe NumeroffIf a hungry traveler shows up at your house, you might want to give him a cookie. If you give him a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. And there, the story begins. There are many, funny consequences of giving this mouse a cookie; read and play along!
The Candy Corn Contest
by Blanche Sims and Patricia Reilly GiffIt's almost Thanksgiving, and Richard Best can't stop thinking about Ms. Rooney's Candy Corn contest. Whoever can guess the exact number of yellow-and-orange candies in the jar on Ms. Roney's desk gets to keep them all. The only problem is Richard has to read a page in a library book for each guess.Smelly Matthew, who sits in front of him, knows they'll never win. "We're the worst readers in the class, " he says. But Richard won't give up. He can already taste those Candy Corns. And before he knows it, he has. Three fat juicy ones.What will Ms. Rooney do when she finds out?From the Trade Paperback edition.
Yoko
by Rosemary WellsMmm, Yoko's mom has packed her favorite for lunch today: sushi! But her classmates don't think it looks quite so yummy. "Ick!" says one of the Franks. "It's seaweed!" They're not even impressed by her red bean ice cream dessert. Of course, Mrs. Jenkins has a plan that might solve Yoko's problem. But will it work with the other children in class? Now in paperback for the first time, this tender story from Rosemary Wells demonstrates the author's uncanny understanding of the pleasures and pains of an ordinary school day.
Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse
by Leo LionniA Caldecott Honor Book. Alexander, the mouse, makes friends with Willy, a toy mouse, and wants to be just like him until he discovers that Willy is to be thrown away.
The House in the Night
by Susan Marie SwansonA spare, patterned text and glowing pictures explore the origins of light that make a house a home in this bedtime book for young children. Naming nighttime things that are both comforting and intriguing to preschoolers—a key, a bed, the moon—this timeless book illuminates a reassuring order to the universe.
Henry and the Kite Dragon
by Bruce Edward HallEveryone knows that kids from Chinatown don't go to the park when the kids from Little Italy are there. They're rough, they're big, and they don't like Chinese kids. That's okay--Henry doesn't like them, either. But what Henry does like is kites. He loves them. Even more, he loves to help his friend Grandfather Chin make them and send them soaring over Chinatown and the park. But when Tony Guglione and his friends from Little Italy keep throwing rocks and destroying their beautiful creations, Henry and his friends decide enough is enough! In this touching story based on true 1920s events, two rival groups of children representing two different cultures come face-to-face, and when they do, they find they share much more than just the same sky. A beautifully told and brilliantly illustrated celebration of diversity and acceptance.