As a bear strolls through the forest, he meets a lonely gorilla, a noisy crocodile, a lion, and even an elephant. They all look as if they are missing something, so the bear steps in to save the day, using his magic pencil to draw just what they are looking for. Originally published in 1988, this enchanting story by a picture-book master is available again for a brand-new audience.
Early Years (ages 2-6)
How To Hide A Lion
Iris understands that grown-ups are afraid of lions, but when she finds one in her playhouse she knows he is kind so she keeps him hidden from her parents for as long as possible.
Hickory Dickory Dog
“Hickory, dickory, dare, Dogs aren’t allowed in there. A sneaky peek through . . . Then a hullabaloo! Hickory, dickory, dare.” Zack and his dog, Rufus, are best friends. So when Zack goes to school, Rufus follows along. And once he’s there, Rufus joins right in with painting, lunchtime, and even garden time — which makes for one messy pup when it’s time to go home! Engaging illustrations capture the people and playthings of a child’s day, with an array of analog clocks sprinkled throughout for good measure.
Yellow Is My Color Star
There are so many wonderful colors in the world! The child in this rhyming picture book loves yellow best, but he knows there are lots of other delightful colors out there too. Playful walk through a bright, bold watercolor world, filled with red roses, pink pillows, and gorgeous green grass and trees is described.
Toucan Can!
A tongue-twisting, ludicrous rhyme full of escalating hilarity and off-the-wall characters. It will have you tripping and flipping and dancing and singing.
Red Panda’s Candy Apples
Red Panda is selling homemade candy apples. They are very sticky and quite delicious. So delicious, in fact, that Red Panda can’t help but feel a little reluctant to let them go. Like most preschoolers, he would rather eat treats than sell them. He munches one, then another, and sets aside a third for later. What will happen when there’s only one apple left to sell, but two friends waiting to buy?
A Perfect Place for Ted
Ted has lived among the dogs at the pet store for as long as he can remember. But there are so many dogs there, nobody ever chooses Ted. So he decides to go someplace else — someplace perfect. But Ted can’t fly through the air like the circus dogs, and he doesn’t have fancy pom-poms like the show dogs. Just as he loses hope, he sees a sign: Wanted: Perfect Pet. Little animal lovers will be tickled along with Ted at the unusual household that finally becomes his perfect place.
The Very Cranky Bear
On a cold, rainy day in the jungle, Moose, Lion, Zebra, and Sheep take shelter in a cave on a cold and rainy day, only to realize that a bear is there. The bear roars loudly and says that he is trying to sleep. Not understanding why the bear is so cranky, the other animals come up with ways to cheer up the bear. Moose finds antlers for him, Lion gives him a mane, and Zebra paints on stripes. Is there anything the four well-meaning friends can do to help the bear sleep?
Milo and Millie
Bath time is an adventure for Milo and Millie! As child and bear navigate their way through imagined cityscapes, spouting whales, and swirling whirlpools, they arrive at their destination just in time for bed and a cozy good night. Beautiful watercolor illustrations and a sweet, funny narrative are complemented by instructions for little listeners on how to make their own paper boat. Join Milo and his teddy bear, Millie, at bath time, where they’re about to have an exciting journey across the high seas.
The Frog Who Lost His Underpants
Hopping through the jungle, this way, that way. Frog is in a frenzy, scattering the ants. Teddy’s looking too now, this place, that place. Will they ever find those jolly underpants? Poor Frog. Someone stole his underpants! Good thing Teddy Bear, Little Chimp, and Big Gray Elephant are there to help — although they may find it hard to hide their smiles. A jungle frog in underpants? Now that is something to see.