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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Frog and Toad Are Friends
by Arnold LobelFrom writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other--just as best friends should be. Images and image descriptions available.
Young Cam Jansen and the Zoo Note Mystery
by David A. AdlerIt's field trip day in Cam and Eric's class. Only where is Eric's permission slip? He had it on the bus, but now it's gone! Did someone take it? Did it blow away? After a few red herrings, Cam's click-click memory kicks in just in time for Eric to join the class on their field trip to the zoo.
Perfect for new readers, these Young Cam Jansen Easy-to-Read mysteries feature easy-to-follow storylines, brief sentences, and visual clues within the illustrations, and will introduce readers to feisty Cam, whose adventures can be followed in the Cam Jansen series for transitional readers.
Lexile Levels: 210-450
Buffalo Music
by Tracey E. FernOnce, long, long ago, buffalo roamed the West, filling the plains and canyons with the music of their thundering hooves and huffing breath.
Then hunters came and destroyed nearly all of them.
But buffalo are stubborn, ornery creatures, and though the herds were gone, a few lone calves lingered.
If the buffalo were to survive as a species, however, they needed the help of someone just as feisty as they were.
Inspired by the work of Mary Ann Goodnight, a pioneer credited with forming one of the first captive buffalo herds in the 1800s, this is the beautifully told and warmly illustrated tale of one woman's quest to save what otherwise would have been lost forever.
Tacky the Penguin
by Helen Lester and Lynn MunsingerTacky is an odd bird who marches to the beat of his own drummer. He's something of an eccentric, which wouldn't be a problem if all the other penguins weren't such . . . conformists.
Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger have teamed up to tell Tacky's story, about the day when some hunters come to the penguins' Nice Icy Land, and how Tacky's individuality saves the day!
Gooney Bird Greene
by Lois Lowry and Middy ThomasFrom the moment Gooney Bird Greene arrives at Watertower Elementary School, her fellow second-graders are intrigued by her unique sense of style and her unusual lunches. So when story time arrives, the choice is unanimous: they want to hear about Gooney Bird Greene. And that suits her just fine, because, as it turns out, Gooney Bird has quite a few interesting and "absolutely true" stories to tell.Through Gooney Bird and her tales, acclaimed author Lois Lowry introduces young readers to the concepts and elements of storytelling. By demonstrating some of the simple techniques that reveal the extraordinary in everyday events, this book will encourage the storyteller in everyone.
Arthur's Tooth
by Marc BrownArthur is the only one in his class who hasn't yet lost a baby tooth. Will his loose tooth ever fall out?
Love You Forever
by Robert MunschStory of a mother who loves her son and always says "I will love you forever."
The Doorbell Rang
by Pat HutchinsEach time the doorbell rings, there are more people who have come to share Ma's wonderful cookies.
The Hello, Goodbye Window
by Norton JusterFrom the book: The kitchen window at Nana and Poppy's house is, for one little girl, a magic gateway. Everything important happens near it, through it, or beyond it. Told in her voice, her story is both a voyage of discovery and a celebration of the commonplace wonders that define childhood. It is also a love song devoted to that special relationship between grandparents and grandchild. The illustrations in this book look like pictures colored by a child. Pictures are described. This book received the Newberry Award.
Strega Nona
by Tomie DePaolaWhen Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works in this classic Caldecott Honor book from Tomie dePaola.
Strega Nona—"Grandma Witch"—is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical everfull pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. He is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden but one day, when she goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, Big Anthony recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results.
In this retelling of an old tale, author-illustrator Tomie dePaola combines humor in the writing and warmth in the paintings as he builds the story to its hilarious climax.
Bedtime for Frances
by Russell Hoban and Garth WilliamsIt may be bedtime for Frances, but before Frances can sleep, she needs a glass of milk, a kiss from Father, one from Mother, her teddy bear, her doll, another kiss from Father, and another one from Mother. And then there are tigers and giants and ominous cracks in the ceiling to keep her up. Will Frances ever go to sleep?
Ducky
by Eve BuntingWhen a violent ocean storm causes a crate holding assorted plastic tub toys -- including one resilient little duck -- to wash overboard, the course of Ducky's life alters drastically. This engaging story based on a real event includes an author's note.
Let's Do Nothing!
by Tony FucileMeet Frankie and Sal, two boys who've done it all. They've played every board game. They've read every comic book. They've painted a zillion pictures. What's left to do? Just when it seems they will collapse from boredom, Sal gets a brilliant idea. What about doing nothing? But is it possible--can two boys do ten whole seconds of nothing? Hold your breath and get ready for this laugh-out-loud romp created by feature film animator and debut picture-book artist Tony Fucile.
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
Nate the Great
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Marc SimontNate the Great has a new case! His friend Annie has lost a picture. She wants Nate to help her find it. Nate the Great must get all the facts, ask the right questions, and narrow the list of suspects so he can solve the mystery.
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.
Where the Wild Things Are
by Maurice SendakWinner of the 1964 Caldecott Medal for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year, Where the Wild Things Are became an iconic book that has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations. It continues to be one of the best loved books of all time the world over, by the one and only Maurice Sendak. Supports the Common Core State Standards. Images and image descriptions available.
Are You My Mother?
by P. D. EastmanA baby bird goes in search of his mother in this hilarious Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss. When a mother bird's egg starts to jump, she hurries off to make sure she has something for her little one to eat. But as soon as she's gone, out pops the baby bird. He immediately sets off to find his mother, but not knowing what she looks like makes it a challenge. The little hatchling is determined to find his mother, even after meeting a kitten, a hen, a dog, and a Snort. The timeless message of the bond between mother and child make P. D. Eastman's Are You My Mother? A must for baby showers, beginning readers, and Mother's Day.
Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
[This text is listed as an example that meets Common Core Standards in English language arts for K-1 at http://www.corestandards.org.]
Images and descriptions available.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
by Crockett JohnsonFrom beloved children’s book creator Crockett Johnson comes the timeless classic Harold and the Purple Crayon!
One evening Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement.
Harold and his trusty crayon travel through woods and across seas and past dragons before returning to bed, safe and sound. Full of funny twists and surprises, this charming story shows just how far your imagination can take you.
Anna All Year Round
by Diane De Groat and Mary Downing HahnEight-year-old Anna enjoys one exciting experience after another in this charming story set in Baltimore just before World War I. She gets a new winter coat that's even better than Rosa's, rollerskates down the steepest hill in the neighborhood, and rides the trolley all by herself. And she delights in the changes occurring in the world around her, as motorcars and electric lights appear for the first time on her street. Based on the childhood experiences of the author's mother, these heartwarming episodes touch on timeless themes of family, friends, and the wonders of growing up.
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
by Kevin HenkesLilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can't wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly's fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends.
Lilly, the star of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World, is back. And this time she has her name in the title - something she's wanted all along. If you thought Lilly was funny before, you are in for a treat. So hurry up and start reading. Lilly can't wait for you to find out more about her.
Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type
by Doreen Cronin and Betsy LewinFarmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears:
Click, clack, MOO.
Click, clack, MOO.
Clickety, clack, MOO.
But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes.... Doreen Cronin's understated text and Betsy Lewin's expressive illustrations make the most of this hilarious situation. Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown's farm upside down.
The Cat in the Hat
by SeussPoor Dick and Sally. It's cold and wet and they're stuck in the house with nothing to do . . . until a giant cat in a hat shows up, transforming the dull day into a madcap adventure and almost wrecking the place in the process! Written by Dr. Seuss in 1957 in response to the concern that "pallid primers [with] abnormally courteous, unnaturally clean boys and girls' were leading to growing illiteracy among children, The Cat in the Hat (the first Random House Beginner Book) changed the way our children learn how to read.
One Funny Day
by Kate McmullanAn Easy-to-Read Book.
Laughter is the best medicine for Pearl and Wagner!
Wagner is having a bad day. He oversleeps and is late for school. His best friend, Pearl, his teacher, and even the school librarian are acting very strangely. And the lunch lady is serving bug juice!
Why?
It's April Fools' Day!
But when Pearl picks another partner for the class dance contest, she's not joking around. It's one unfunny day for poor Wagner ... until he dreams up the perfect way to get the last laugh!
Winner of the Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor
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).