Books by Theme

Imagine, Think and Play!

Imagine, Think and Play!

Imagine: a baby from the familiar lullaby makes a different sort of journey; crayon actors meet an old monster; cut-outs combine with bold color to make something unfamiliar into the very familiar. Open these books and it will happen. They are sure to inform and inspire and spark readers’ imaginations through pictures and lively language.

Apples and Robins

Apples and Robins

By: Lucie Felix
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

What do circles and die-cuts on a red page have to do with apples? Find out with a page turn to see apples followed by other shapes, bright colors, and cut-outs for a surprising, delightful, and highly imaginative jaunt in a simple yet surprisingly sophisticated presentation.

Frankencrayon

Frankencrayon

By: Michael Hall
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Why would it be cancelled? What villain has added the red scribble to the picture book stage? With tongue in cheek, the author presents another humorous look at the life and interactions of crayons, this time riffing on old horror movies. Bold crayon characters (and scribbles) appear on open pages with varied typeface.

Frog on a Log?

Frog on a Log?

By: Kes Gray
Illustrated by: Jim Field
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Silly rhymes abound as a cat informs a frog that it must sit on a log, a hare on a chair, goats on coats, cows on plows, etc. All’s well until a dog —of course — sits on the frog! Comic illustrations accompany the lively language to enhance the spirited wordplay.

Leaps and Bounce

Leaps and Bounce

By: Susan Hood
Illustrated by: Matthew Cordell
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Lots of eggs all “Round and spotted/polka-dotted” are in the pond. Readers will soon see tadpoles “Wiggle tails!/Squiggle tales!” emerge in this light, rhyming journey from egg to frog. Delightful wordplay combines with comic illustrations, many on pages that open to double the size, sure to engage young readers or listeners.

My Dog, Bob

My Dog, Bob

By: Richard Torrey
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Bob is a very talented pup who lives with the young narrator and his family. Bob, however, is not a showoff, demonstrating his talent for his family only. The understated, easy-to-read text and lightly colored cartoon line drawings emphasize the humor of Bob’s humility and his family’s affection for him.

My Wild Family

My Wild Family

By: Laurent Moreau
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

What is your family like? Is your big brother as big and respected or your little brother “flighty and a dreamer”? How would you describe your cousins or even your best friend? The narrator characterizes each member of her “Wild Family” in descriptive language that is accompanied by a bold, energetic illustration which includes an animal that meets the description.

Never Insult a Killer Zucchini

Never Insult a Killer Zucchini

By: Elana Azose, Brandon Amancio
Illustrated by: David Clark
Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Readers may never look at a science fair in the same way after reading this alphabetical introduction to one school’s effort. From “Anti-matter” to “Zero gravity” (and of course, an animated z for zucchini) real and imagined inventions (differentiated in an endnote) and science concepts are presented. Cartoon illustrations and speech bubbles are used in this silly romp. 

Pink Is for Blobfish

Pink Is for Blobfish

By: Jess Keating
Illustrated by: David DeGrand
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

What do these 17 animals — from tarantulas to blobfish to seahorse and with lots in between — share in common? Each one is pink! An amazing array of pink animals is presented in image and text to inform, intrigue, and inspire. Additional information is included.

Rock-a-Bye Romp

Rock-a-Bye Romp

By: Linda Ashman
Illustrated by: Simona Mulazzani
Genre: Poetry
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

The traditional nursery rhyme is turned into an imagination nighttime journey enjoyed by a baby who goes from the familiar treetop to a soft sheep to a boat (with lots in-between) until baby is back with mother, “…where you belong.” Deeply hued, stylized illustrations complement the cozy rhyme sure to please young listeners.

Tower of Giraffes: Animals in Groups

Tower of Giraffes: Animals in Groups

By: Anna Wright
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Many animals, like people, live in groups. Many of these groups have special words to describe them — from a colony of koalas, to a scurry of squirrels, and even a flamboyance of flamingos. Stunning collage and line illustration of each group march across each double page spread. A bit of information about the animals’ behavior is included in this memorable book.

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