Picture Book Lists: Contemporary Classics

Before the universe was formed, before time and space existed, there was . . . nothing. But then . . . BANG! A seamless blend of science and art, this picture book reveals the composition of our world and beyond -- and how we are all the stuff of stars. (description from catalog)

"An opportunistic little visitor. A billy goat who takes no prisoners. An industrious (and self-preserving) red hen. From best-selling, award-winning author-illustrator Lucy Cousins, here are three classic children’s tales—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and The Little Red Hen—showcased together in one rousing volume." (description from publisher)

When Farmer Brown's cows find a typewriter in the barn they start making demands, and go on strike when the farmer refuses to give them what they want. (description from catalog)

When Duncan arrives at school one morning, he finds a stack of letters, one from each of his crayons, complaining about how he uses them. (description from catalog)

When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works. (description from catalog)

In this colorful story of a sloppy dog, you can count on a happy ending. (description from catalog)

When Taylor's block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but only the rabbit quietly listens to how Taylor is feeling. (description provided by the publisher)

"Whether at home getting ready for the day, enjoying the beach, or at bedtime, Olivia is a feisty pig who has too much energy for her own good." - description from catalog

In his diary, a wombat describes his life of eating, sleeping, and getting to know some new human neighbors. (description from catalog)

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, but when he asks her to wait a while before showing her new purse, she does something for which she is very sorry later. (description from catalog)

When Old Bear falls asleep for the winter, he has a dream that he is a cub again, enjoying each of the four seasons. (description from catalog)

Bruce is a grumpy bear who likes no one and nothing but cooked eggs, but when some eggs he was planning to boil hatch and the goslings believe he is their mother, he must try to make the best of the situation. (description from catalog)

When a big new yellow tractor arrives, Otis the friendly little tractor is cast away behind the barn, but when trouble occurs Otis is the only one who can help. (description from catalog)

On a small family farm, an old truck falls into disrepair and lies nearly forgotten, except by the family's daughter. (description provided by the publisher)

Brave bear hunters go through grass, a river, mud, and other obstacles before the inevitable encounter with the bear forces a headlong retreat. Published from Catalog.

Laszlo is afraid of the dark which lives in the same big, creaky house as him, until one night the dark pays him a visit. (description from catalog)

Presents the wacky story of three dinosaurs, including a visitor from Norway, who insist that they have not tidied up their home and prepared yummy pudding to trap a tasty little girl. (description from catalog)

A trip to the laundromat leads to a momentous occasion when Trixie, too young to speak words, realizes that something important is missing and struggles to explain the problem to her father. (description from catalog)

When the bus driver decides to take a break from driving, a wild and wacky pigeon pleads and begs to take his place, capturing the antics of a preschooler's temper tantrum.

Mother and child ponder the different ways a dinosaur can say goodnight, from slamming his tail and pouting to giving a big hug and kiss. (description from catalog)