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


Showing 1 through 25 of 130 results

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

by William Steig

One rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his own donkey self makes a story that is beautifully tender and perfectly joyful.

Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this winner of the 1970 Caldecott Medal is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere. It also features his moving Caldecott Medal acceptance speech.

Date Added: 05/16/2019


Harold and the Purple Crayon

by Crockett Johnson

From 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.

Date Added: 05/23/2019


Buffalo Music

by Tracey E. Fern

Once, 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.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Make Way for Ducklings

by Robert Mccloskey

This classic tale of the famous Mallard ducks of Boston was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1941. Make Way for Ducklings has been described as 'one of the merriest picture books ever' (The New York Times). Ideal for reading aloud, this book deserves a place of honor on every child's bookshelf. Images and image descriptions available.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


You Read to Me, I'll Read to You

by Mary Ann Hoberman and Michael Emberley

Mary Ann Hoberman and Michael Emberley have added Aesop's fables to their bestselling and award-winning series! Rediscover familiar tales and find new favorites in this irresistible fifthYou Read to Me collaboration. These stories of classic characters-from wise ants and kind mice to sly foxes and hungry wolves-are fables as you've never seen them before! With clear, color-coded typography and clever illustrations, this book "in two voices" uses traditional reading teaching techniques-alliteration, rhyme, and repetition-to invite young children to read along with peers or with an adult.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Ruby Lu, Brave and True

by Lenore Look and Anne Wilsdorf

Most days the best thing about being Ruby is everything. Like when she's the star of her own backyard magic show. Or when she gives a talk at the school safety assembly on the benefits of reflective tape. Or when she rides the No. 3 bus all the way to Chinatown to visit GungGung and PohPoh. And then there are the days when it's very hard to be Ruby. Like when her mom suggests Chinese school on Saturdays. Or when her little brother, Oscar, spills all of Ruby's best magician secrets. Or when her parents don't think she's old enough to drive! Come along with Ruby Lu in her chapter-book debut -- which even includes a flip book of a magic trick -- and share the good and the not-so-good days with an (almost) eight-year-old Asian-American kid.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin

by Lloyd Moss

Using evocative poetic language, the author describes ten instruments coming on stage and performing, to the delight of the audience. [This text is listed as an example that meets Common Core Standards in English language arts for K-1 at http://www.corestandards.org.]

Date Added: 05/25/2017


I Lost My Bear

by Jules Feiffer

It's not under the bed, or on the chair, or beneath the couch, or behind the curtains.It's GONE!

What do you do when your favorite toy disappears, and you can't find it where you left it? What if your family is NO help at all? A determined little detective heads up the search, and discovers more than she ever expected! No one will help look for Bearsy. Mom's too busy. Dad's reading, and Sister's grumpy. But when Jules Feiffer's spunky heroine strikes out on her own to find her favorite stuffed toy, she discovers much more than anyone ever expected! With a simple text and bold, expressive pictures, here is a playful salute to a girl who won't give up.

00-01 Young Reader's Choice Award Program Masterlist

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Gossie and Gertie

by Olivier Dunrea

Gossie and Gertie are best friends. They splash in the rain, play hide-and-seek, and they dive in the pond together. Everywhere Gossie goes, Gertie does too. Or does she?With charming illustrations and gentle text, Olivier Dunrea has created two lovable, sweet characters that will appeal to the youngest listeners.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Biscuit

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

The city is a big, busy place for a little yellow puppy. From gazing at the tops of tall buildings to chasing pigeons across crowded sidewalks, there's so much to do! There are more people than Biscuit's ever seen before, too -- and so many new friends to make! Image Descriptions Added.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


In the Rain with Baby Duck

by Amy Hest

It's a rainy, rainy day, and that makes Baby mad. Baby's parents worry-whoever heard of a duck who doesn't like the rain? But when Grandpa uncovers a sparkling red umbrella in the attic, and matching boots too, Baby finds out just how much fun playing in the rain can be. With gentle affection and lots of pluck, Amy Hest and Jill Barton create a story that will have every puddle-jumper wishing for rain.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Blackout

by John Rocco

One hot summer night in the city, all the power goes out. The TV shuts off and a boy wails, "Mommm!" His sister can no longer use the phone, Mom can't work on her computer, and Dad can't finish cooking dinner. What's a family to do? When they go up to the roof to escape the heat, they find the lights--in stars that can be seen for a change--and so many neighbors it's like a block party in the sky! On the street below, people are having just as much fun--talking, rollerblading, and eating ice cream before it melts.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Love You Forever

by Robert Munsch

Story of a mother who loves her son and always says "I will love you forever."

Date Added: 05/25/2017


The Hello, Goodbye Window

by Norton Juster

From 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.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Mine!

by Shutta Crum and Patrice Barton

Have you ever had a toy you really really liked? Have you ever had a lot of toys you really really liked?Have you ever said "MINE!"?If so, this book is for you!Enjoy this adorable, playful, picture-based book about two very young children and an adorable dog navigating the troubles and triumphs of sharing.From the Hardcover edition.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown

by Paula Danziger

Amber Brown goes into second grade and encounters more problems.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


The Seals on the Bus

by Lenny Hort

A fun repetitive type book for young children. The story is a take off on the song "The Wheels on the Bus" and features animals on the bus. Includes picture descriptions.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?!

by Jonah Winter

In this striking picture book biography, an old-timer tells us what made Sandy Koufax so amazing. We learn that the beginning of his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers was rocky, that he was shy with his teammates, and experienced discrimination as one of the only Jews in the game. We hear that he actually quit, only to return the next season-- different-- firing one rocket after another over the plate. We watch him refuse to play in the 1965 World Series because it is a Jewish high holy day. And we see him in pain because of an overused left arm, eventually retiring at the peak of his career. Finally, we are told that people are still "scratchin' their heads over Sandy," who remains a modest hero and a mystery to this day. Accompanied by sidebars filled with statistics, here's a book sure to delight budding baseball fans.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Officer Buckle and Gloria

by Peggy Rathmann

Officer Buckle is dedicated to teaching schoolchildren important safety tips, such as never put anything in your ear and never stand on a swivel chair. The problem is, Officer Buckle's school assemblies are dull, dull, dull, and the children of Napville just sleep, sleep, sleep. That is, until Gloria the police dog is invited along!

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Choo Choo

by Virginia Lee Burton

The adventures of a beautiful little locomotive who decided to run away from her humdrum duties.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Poppleton

by Cynthia Rylant

Meet Poppleton, the new pig in town, who lives in a charming house and goes to the library every Monday to read good books.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Little Bear

by Else Holmelund Minarik

In one story, "Birthday Soup," Little Bear cannot find his mother and presumes she has forgotten his birthday. With the prospect of guests arriving and no cake in sight, he sets out to make birthday soup (all his friends like soup). Just as the gathering is sitting down for soup, Mother Bear shows up with a big, beautiful birthday cake.

"I never did forget your birthday, and I never will," she says to her son as he hugs her leg. In "Little Bear Goes to the Moon," Little Bear declares that he will fly to the moon in his new space helmet. Mother Bear tells him to be back by lunch, and he is.

[This text is listed as an example that meets Common Core Standards in English language arts for K-1 at http://www.corestandards.org.]

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Nate the Great

by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Marc Simont

Nate 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.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Ginger Bear

by Mini Grey

Any child who loves cookies will enjoy this inventive tale of Ginger Bear, a cookie in the shape of a bear, who sets out to avoid being eaten. As she did with Traction Man Is Here! and The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon, Mini Grey has created a totally original book that is fun to read and fun to look at.From the Hardcover edition.

Date Added: 05/25/2017


Strega Nona

by Tomie DePaola

When 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.

Date Added: 05/15/2019



Showing 1 through 25 of 130 results