picture books for children

A guide for writing that provides fourteen explained lessons and a detailed description of the process used by author Lester Laminack to compose his picture book, "Saturdays and Teacakes," and explains how to read from a writer's perspective.

"In the rockpool above the sea, live two crabs: Big Crab and Little Crab. Today, they're going for a dip in the sea. 'This is going to be so great!' says Little Crab. But then Little Crab catches a first glimpse of the water... Oh. The waves! They're ENORMOUS. 'JEEPERS!' Will Little Crab be brave enough to go in?"--Provided by the publisher.

Mr. Elephant wants nothing more than some peace and quiet--that is, until he gets it.

"When Sharko calls for a boat, Hippo pulls out a goat. He wants a pole, but Hippo gives him a pail. And instead of bait, a beet and a boot! Hippo's coat pockets seem to have everything except what Sharko asks for! Will their fishing trip ever get off the ground?"--Jacket flap.

After Horse and his friend Buggy plant a seed, Horse must exercise patience while waiting for it to grow.

"When Ellie is very small, she finds a lovable newborn dragon on a carton of eggs in the grocery store. Ellie calls him Scratch, takes him home, and moves him into her dollhouse. Her mother can't see Scratch, and her teacher doesn't notice when Ellie brings Scratch to preschool, yet her friends are amazed. Ellie is lucky to have an affectionate, house-trained dragon like Scratch! But dragons get quite large as they grow. And Ellie is growing, too, moving from dollhouses to dance parties, not noticing that Scratch's brilliant green scales are beginning to fade a little... Beloved picture-book creator Bob Graham illustrates the joys of imagination and friendship in this touching story. With his signature gentle wit and warm, whimsically detailed illustrations, he captures the bond between girl and dragon, as well as the changes that come with time's passage. A wistful, quietly thought-provoking tribute to the friends who appear when we need them most, even if it's just for a little while"--From the publisher's web site.

"Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the new year by eating a special soup, a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. This year, Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make the soup--Freedom Soup--just like she was taught when she was a little girl. Together, they dance and clap as they prepare the holiday feast, and Ti Gran tells Belle about the history of the soup, the history of Belle's family, and the history of Haiti, where Belle's family is from. In this celebration of cultural traditions passed from one generation to the next, Jacqueline Alc?ntara's lush illustrations bring to life both Belle's story and the story of the Haitian Revolution. Tami Charles's lyrical text, as accessible as it is sensory, makes for a tale that readers will enjoy to the last drop"--From the publisher's web site.

"It's cleaning day in the snack cabinet and Cheese Doodle, Pretzel, and Sprinkles are hard at work. When the food friends learn that someone has moved in next door, though, they make like bananas and split to go meet their new neighbor. But when their knock not only goes unanswered, but also opens the door to Dr. Nuttenstein's house with a creeeeak, what they find inside leaves them as shaken as if they'd been placed in a blender..."--Jacket flap.

"A picture book that explores emotions, like anger and sadness, and reminds the reader that these aren't feelings to run away from, but instead to help each other through"--Provided by the publisher.

A young bear rejoices in the beauty of his woodland home, but when he wakes up from his winter sleep he has become a boy in a wilderness of tall buildings, in a world run by clocks, where he must learn to fit in, and embark on the adventure of growing up.