Special Collections
Early Childhood Books
Description: This collection is a sampler of of books for emergent readers to read, and books for adults to read to emergent readers. Each is accessible and contains image and audio descriptions. #kids #earlychildhood #picturebooks #earlyreaders #earlylearning
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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.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (25th Anniversary Edition)
by Bill MartinA big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck--all parade across the pages of this delightful book.
Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages.
Combined with Bill Martin's singsong text, they create unforgettable images of these endearing animals. Images and Image descriptions available.
Green Eggs and Ham
by Seuss“Do you like green eggs and ham?” asks Sam-I-am in this Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss. In a house or with a mouse? In a boat or with a goat? On a train or in a tree? Sam keeps asking persistently. With unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, Dr. Seuss’s beloved favorite has cemented its place as a children’s classic. In this most famous of cumulative tales, the list of places to enjoy green eggs and ham, and friends to enjoy them with, gets longer and longer. Follow Sam-I-am as he insists that this unusual treat is indeed a delectable snack to be savored everywhere and in every way.
[This text is listed as an example that meets Common Core Standards in English language arts for K-1 at http://www.corestandards.org.]
We Are in a Book!
by Mo WillemsGerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In We Are in a Book! Gerald and Piggie discover the joy of being read. But what will happen when the book ends?
Using vocabulary perfect for beginning readers (and vetted by an early-learning specialist), Mo Willems has crafted a mind-bending story that is even more interactive than previous Elephant & Piggie adventures. Fans of the Geisel Award-winning duo won't be able to put this book down--literally!
I Love My White Shoes
by Eric LitwinDon't miss the first and bestselling book in the beloved Pete the Cat series!
Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes!
But no matter what color his shoes are, Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes asks the reader questions about the colors of different foods and objects—kids love to interact with the story.
The fun never stops—download the free groovin’ song.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
by Dr Seuss“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.
And don't forget to celebrate Grinch-mas this Christmas season, the annual holiday tradition inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas that encourages readers to grow their hearts three sizes by doing good deeds!
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
by John Archambault and Lois Ehlert and Bill MartinA told B, and B told C, I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree. In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no - Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom! The well-known authors of Barn Dance and Knots on a Counting Rope have created a rhythmic alphabet chant that rolls along on waves of fun. Lois Ehlert's rainbow of bright, bold, cheerful colors makes the merry parade of letters unforgettable.
Quiéreme con ternura
by Stephanie Graegin and Elvis Presley
Quiéreme con ternura.
Quiéreme con dulzura.
Nunca me dejes ir.
Has llenado mi vida.
Te quiero mucho, mi amor.
Tomando como punto de partida la letra oficial de la conocida canción de Elvis Presley, este precioso y tierno álbum ilustrado es una oda al lazo de amor que existe entre padres e hijos.
La Luna se fue de Fiesta
by Matthew Gollub and Leovigildo Martinez and Martín Luis Guzmán FerrerThe sun lights the day and the moon lights the night, and morning seldom breaks to find them both up in the sky. But when the moon does stay up past dawn, the people of Oaxaca, Mexico, have an explanation: “The moon was at a fiesta.” Once again, Matthew Gollub and Leovigildo Martínez have created a sumptuous original tale set amid the rich folk culture of Mr. Martínez’s own Oaxaca—a tale as exhilarating as a moonlit fiesta full of music, tamales, and paper lanterns.
California Department of Education Suggested Reading Title Artwork honored by the Society of Illustrators in New York Paintings and text displayed in Art Institute of Chicago and over 40 museums nationwide
¿Cómo lo ves?
by Vera GalindoThe other day I discovered something amazing! We don't all see everything the same. A journey through art led by grand contemporary artists: Picasso, Barquiat, Frida Khalo, Mondrian, etc. Discover how they paint the things they see and that inspire them. And the best part, see how you can paint them, too.
La bañera
by Lisa Biggi and Paloma CorralEs la hora del baño, una rutina diaria que puede convertirse en una auténtica aventura cuando le echamos imaginación. Si el envase del jabón nos recuerda a un platillo volante, la esponja nos transporta al autolavado y la espuma del champú se parece mucho a un iceberg, ¿hay algo mejor que un baño para vivir grandes emociones? Sí, que mamá se bañe contigo. Pero… ¿es mamá o es una isla desierta? Una invitación a jugar y dejar volar la imaginación en el baño.
Una Canasta de Cumpleaños para Tía
by Pat MoraTo celebrate the birthday of her beloved great aunt (or tia), young Cecilia gathers together a basket full of cherished memories. By the author of Pablo's Tree.
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.
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.
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.
Go, Dog. Go!
by P. D. EastmanWhether by foot, boat, car, or unicycle, P. D. Eastman's lovable dogs demonstrate the many ways one can travel. The new text emphasizes the concept element of the original while maintaining its rhythm and charm.
Amelia Bedelia Makes A Friend
by Lynne Avril and Herman S. Parish IIIFriends are the best! Amelia Bedelia misses an old friend and makes a new friend in this funny story about friendship.
I'm A Seed
by Jean Marzollo and Judith MoffattThe story of two newly planted seeds, the first a marigold, the second a mystery seed, discussing the changes that take place as they grow until the second seed delightedly becomes a bright pumpkin plant with five baby pumpkins.
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.
We Came to America
by Faith RinggoldA timely and beautiful look at America&’s rich history of diversity, from Faith Ringgold, the Coretta Scott King and Caldecot Honor winning creator of Tar Beach From the Native Americans who first called this land their home, to the millions of people who have flocked to its shores ever since, America is a country rich in diversity. Some of our ancestors were driven by dreams and hope. Others came in chains, or were escaping poverty or persecution. No matter what brought them here, each person embodied a unique gift—their art and music, their determination and grit, their stories and their culture. And together they forever shaped the country we all call home. Vividly expressed in Faith Ringgold&’s sumptuous colors and patterns, We Came to America is an ode to every American who came before us, and a tribute to each child who will carry its proud message of diversity into our nation&’s future. PRAISE FOR WE CAME TO AMERICA: &“As Americans wrestle with the moral and legal aspects of immigration, Ringgold offers a reminder of the country&’s multifaceted lineage—and of the beauty to be discovered at cultural crossroads…. The simplicity of Ringgold&’s text, combined with the captivating designs, makes this a compelling, must-have narrative for a wide audience.&” –School Library Journal, starred review &“Using a broad brush and folk style familiar from her story quilts, Ringgold pictures families of diverse heritage… her powerful voice emphasizes unity and mutual appreciation.&” –Publishers Weekly &“[A] timely look at the diverse makeup and backgrounds of the American people.&” –Booklist
Andy Shane and the Queen of Egypt
by Jennifer Richard JacobsonPushy Dolores really wants Andy to do a school project together -- but sometimes you need to take your time to make the right choice. The school Culture Fair is coming up, and Andy Shane has to pick an African country to learn about. Deciding isn't easy for Andy, so he's glad when Granny Webb gives him a scarab beetle, which he knows is a symbol of Egypt. But when Andy tries to tell Ms. Janice, Dolores Starbuckle springs up with her gold jewelry and glitter sandals and claims that she is the queen of Egypt. Dolores always gets her way -- but this time Andy doesn't feel like caving in. What will it take for him to share his project with the bossy queen? Fans of the endearing Andy Shane will be happy to see him holding his own in his new early-chapter-book adventure.
Too Many Babas
by Carolyn CrollThe soup Baba Edis requested to warm her frail bones is spoilt when Baba Basha, Baba Yetti, and Baba Molka each decide something--salt, pepper, garlic--is missing, in an illustrated folktale with a Russian flavor.
A New Year's Reunion
by Yu Li-QiongThis poignant, vibrantly illustrated tale, which won the prestigious Feng Zikai Chinese Children’s Picture Book Award in 2009, is sure to resonate with every child who misses relatives when they are away — and shows how a family’s love is strong enough to endure over time and distance.