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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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.
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.
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.
Gregory, The Terrible Eater
by Mitchell SharmatA very picky eater, Gregory the goat refuses the usual goat diet staples of shoes and tin cans in favor of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and orange juice. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Grandfather's Journey
by Allen SayA picture book masterpiece from Caldecott medal winner Allen Say. Lyrical, breathtaking, splendid--words used to describe Allen Say's Grandfather's Journey when it was first published. At once deeply personal yet expressing universally held emotions, this tale of one man's love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places captures readers' attention and hearts. Images and descriptions available.
Go, Train, Go! (Thomas & Friends)
by Tommy Stubbs and W. AwdryThomas is taking the judge to the train show! He speeds up a hill, across a ridge, through a tunnel, and over a bridge. But as soon as Thomas starts to go fast--screech!--he has to slow down. A goat is in the way, the wind is pushing him back, the tunnel is very dark, and logs are on the track! As soon as Thomas gets past each delay, he gets to go fast--at last! But will they reach the show on time? Go, Thomas, go!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ginger Bear
by Mini GreyAny 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.
Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown
by Paula DanzigerAmber Brown goes into second grade and encounters more problems.
George and Martha
by James MarshallTwo lovable hippos teach the meaning of friendship in five separate vignettes: "Split Pea Soup," "The Flying Machine," "The Tub," "The Mirror," "The Tooth."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Edward and the Pirates
by David M. McphailEdward is a voracious reader of anything he can get his hands on, even seed catalogs in a pinch. One night, while reading a book about pirates, Edward finds himself surrounded by the salty sailors who think his book might tell them where their treasure is buried. They beg, threaten, and bribe him to no avail, but when Edward's father scares the pirates with a shower of arrows, Edward feels sorry for them and relinquishes the book. As it turns out, the pirates can't read, so Edward reads the book aloud to them.
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.
The Doorbell Rang
by Pat HutchinsEach time the doorbell rings, there are more people who have come to share Ma's wonderful cookies.
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.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
by Mo WillemsWhen a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate. In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum. Images and image descriptions available.
Dolphins at Daybreak
by Sal Murdocca and Mary Pope OsborneJack and Annie are ready for their next fantasy adventure in the bestselling middle-grade series--the Magic Tree House!
IT'S SINK OR SWIM for Jack and Annie when the Magic Tree House whisks them off to the middle of the ocean.
Luckily, they find a mini-submarine on a coral reef. Unluckily, they are about to meet a giant octopus and one very hungry shark.
Will the dolphins save the day? Or are Jack and Annie doomed to be dinner?
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.
Dancing Dinos Go to School
by Sally Lucas and Margeaux LucasThe dancing dinos are back, and this time, when their book turns up in a school library, they leap out and bring their musical mayhem to a kid's classroom. This fun, rhyming Step 1 reader is perfect for back-to-school!