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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Gossie and Gertie
by Olivier DunreaGossie 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.
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.
The Boy Who Drew Birds
by Jacqueline DaviesJohn James Audubon was a boy who loved the out-of-doors more than the in. He was a boy who believed in studying birds in nature, not just from books. And, in the fall of 1804, he was a boy determined to learn if the small birds nesting near his Pennsylvania home really would return the following spring. This book reveals how the youthful Audubon pioneered a technique essential to our understanding of birds. Capturing the early passion of America’s greatest painter of birds, this story will leave young readers listening intently for the call of birds large and small near their own homes.
Andy and the Lion
by James DaughertyWhen Andy goes to the library, he checks out a book about lions. Suddenly, lions are everywhere! A charming story. This file should make an excellent embossed braille copy.
Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown
by Paula DanzigerAmber Brown goes into second grade and encounters more problems.
Don't Read This Book, Whatever You Do!
by Kalli Dakos and G. Brian KarasPoems reflect life in lively classrooms and are based on the author's experiences as an elementary school teacher.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
by Judith Viorst and Ray CruzAlexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair. And it got worse... His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV! Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages. Images and image descriptions available.
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 Daring Nellie Bly
by Bonnie ChristensenFrom the award-winning picture book biographer of Woody Guthrie comes the inspirational story of Nellie Bly. Born in 1864, during a time in which options were extremely limited for women, Nellie defied all expectations and became a famous newspaper correspondent. Her daring exploits included committing herself to an infamous insane asylum in New York City to expose the terrible conditions there and becoming the first American war correspondent of either sex to report on the front lines of Austria during World War I. In 1889, Nellie completed her most publicized stunt, her world-famous trip around the world in just 72 days, beating the record of Jules Vernes’ fictional hero inAround the World in 80 Days. With an informative text and pen-and-ink illustrations reminiscent of the graphic style of the late 1800s,The Daring Nellie Blycaptures the independent spirit of America’s first star reporter, Nellie Bly. From the Hardcover edition.
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.
Let's Count It Out, Jesse Bear
by Nancy White CarlstromFrom the book: JESSE BEAR IS OFF on a rollicking trip to an amusement park, and he's counting on you to join him! Everyone's favorite bear is at it again, showing off new shoes, bumping in bumper cars, and--oops!-even getting a few bumps and scratches of his own. Nancy White Carlstrom's fanciful counting poems and Bruce Degen's bright, cheery illustrations make Let's Count It Out, Jesse Bear, the sixth in the Jesse Bear series, a guaranteed hit for read-aloud sessions. This rhyming, rambling jaunt will have readers counting, and chuckling, in no time! Other books about Jesse Bear are available from Bookshare.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric CarleThe all-time classic story, from generation to generation, sold somewhere in the world every 30 seconds! Have you shared it with a child or grandchild in your life?
One sunny Sunday, the caterpillar was hatched out of a tiny egg. He was very hungry. On Monday, he ate through one apple; on Tuesday, he ate through three plums - and still he was hungry. When full at last, he made a cocoon around himself and went to sleep, to wake up a few weeks later wonderfully transformed into a butterfly!
The brilliantly innovative Eric Carle has dramatized the story of one of Nature's commonest yet loveliest marvels, the metamorphosis of the butterfly.
Biscuit
by Alyssa Satin CapucilliThe 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.
Food Chain Frenzy
by Anne Capeci and John SpeirsArnold, Ms. Frizzle, and the whole Magic School Bus crew find themselves in a Food Chain Frenzy as they digest lots of fab facts on ecosystems and eating habits.
Ms. Frizzle is the weirdest teacher around, and Arnold is her most reluctant student. A field trip on the Magic School Bus can be torture for Arnold, and there is just one thing that can make it worse: his cousin Janet. With his know-it-all relative's visit combined with an all-wheel learning adventure, it is sure to be a school day Arnold won't soon forget. The Friz is always hungry for adventure, and that's just what the class gets. With so much to learn about ecosystems, even Arnold finds himself eating up all the food-chain facts.
Choo Choo
by Virginia Lee BurtonThe adventures of a beautiful little locomotive who decided to run away from her humdrum duties.
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.
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.
Junie B.'s First Ever Ebook Collection!
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusDear Person Who Is Reading This,Hurray! Hurray! Now you can laugh out loud with the first four books in my First Ever Ebook Collection! (The "E" stands for "Excellent," I believe.) Look inside for Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth, and Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying. These books will make you laugh out loud, I think. Love, your friend, Junie B. Jones Junie B. Jones has kept kids laughing--and reading--for 20 years. Hurray for Barbara Park and the Junie B. Jones® books! New York Times Bestsellers "Junie B. is a darling of the young-reader set." --USA Today "Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.--and reading--are lots of fun." --Publishers Weekly "Junie's swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world. . . . A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud." --Kirkus Reviews "Although Junie B. is a kindergartner, she's sure to make middle graders laugh out loud." --School Library Journal
Goodnight Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement HurdIn this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.
In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight.
One of the most beloved books of all time, Goodnight Moon is a must for every bookshelf and a time-honored gift for baby showers and other special events.
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?
A Bear Called Paddington
by Michael BondPaddington is a most endearing bear from Darkest Peru. Mr. and Mrs. Brown first met him on a railway platform in London. He was sitting on a battered suitcase, wearing a most odd looking hat and a sign hanging around his neck said, "Please look after this bear. Thank you." So that is just what they did, little knowing that home would never be the same once Paddington became a member of the family. For an earnest, gentle and well-meaning bear, poor Paddington has an absolute talent for getting into trouble. His intentions are always the best, but from the very first night when he attempted his first bath and ended up nearly flooding the house, Paddington was seldom far from imminent disaster. Of course, Jonathan and Judy were delighted with the amount of havoc that Paddington could cause and even Mr. and Mrs. Brown had to admit that life seemed to be more filled with adventure when there was a bear from Darkest Peru in the house.
Mine!
by Shutta Crum and Patrice BartonHave 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.
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
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
by Judi Barrett and Ron BarrettLife is delicious in the town of Chewandswallow where it rains soup and juice, snows mashed potatoes, and blows storms of hamburgers--until the weather takes a turn for the worse. Images and image descriptions available.
Close Your Eyes
by Kate BanksA mother tiger entices her child to sleep by telling of all that can be seen with ones eyes closed.