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Imagination

Let minds soar

Best of Dr Seuss, Imagination

The possibilities are endless in the board edition of this classic Dr. Seuss Beginner Book --the perfect back-to-school read for a new year! Young readers will delight in this Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! which celebrates the imagination and encourages young readers to think . . . about thinking! “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the Thinks you can think up if only you try.” Originally created by Dr. Seuss himself, Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read. These unjacketed hardcover early readers encourage children to read all on their own, using simple words and illustrations. Smaller than the classic large format Seuss picture books like The Lorax and Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, these portable packages are perfect for practicing readers ages 3-7—and lucky parents too!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 7452 votes, reviews

Dr. Seuss

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Imagination

Don't miss this wholly original celebration of the power of imagination, winner of a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award. This picture book with its visual humor and simple dialogue is great for fans of Mo Willems and Crockett Johnson—and it's a thoughtful graduation gift for creative people of all ages. A box is just a box...unless it's not a box. From mountain to rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows. Inspired by a memory of sitting in a box on her driveway with her sister, Antoinette Portis captures the thrill when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real—when the imagination takes over inside a cardboard box, and through play, a child is transported to a world where anything is possible. After reading this book aloud, continue the fun by drawing shapes like a triangle or circle, and asking your child what the triangle is NOT!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1672 votes, reviews

Antoinette Portis

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Caldecott Medal, Imagination, Emotions

What are you waiting for? An owl, a puppy, a bear, a rabbit, and a pig wait for marvelous things to happen in this irresistible and resonant picture book by the New York Times–bestselling and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes. Five friends sit happily on a windowsill, waiting for something amazing to happen. The owl is waiting for the moon. The pig is waiting for the rain. The bear is waiting for the wind. The puppy is waiting for the snow. And the rabbit is just looking out the window because he likes to wait! What will happen? Will patience win in the end? Or someday will the friends stop waiting and do something unexpected? Waiting is a big part of childhood—waiting in line, waiting to grow up, waiting for something special to happen—but in this book, a child sets the stage and pulls the strings. Timeless, beautiful, and deeply heartfelt, this picture book about imaginative play, the seasons, friendship, and surprises is a Caldecott Honor and Geisel Honor Book. Share Waiting alongside Mo Willems's Waiting Is Not Easy at home or in a classroom—these books about waiting for kids will be enjoyed as picture book stories and also allow kids to explore their emotions about that ultimate frustration: waiting.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 1374 votes, reviews

Kevin Henkes

Imagination

From two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Barbara Cooney and celebrated children’s book author Alice McLerran comes Roxaboxen, a treasured story about the magic of a child’s imagination. Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1088 votes, reviews

Alice McLerran

Barbara Cooney

Imagination

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wonderful Things You Will Be comes the companion to Dream Animals -- a celebration of the imagination of children who dream both day and night! Emily Winfield Martin shows little ones that letting their imaginations run free will lead them into fantastical day dreams. Whether cloud-gazing or wandering through a museum, reading a book or playing in a tide pool, the children in this board book encounter magical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, griffins, and jackalopes. Whimsical rhyming text accompanies the dream-worthy illustrations.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1018 votes, reviews

Emily Winfield Martin

Imagination, Open Ended

The award-winning author of Jumanji and The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg, challenges young readers to use their creativity and imagination in this one-of-a-kind book that asks readers to finish the story. When author-illustrator extraordinaire Harris Burdick goes missing, all he’s left behind are a series of images with accompanying captions, ideas for separate picture books. But what can a picture of a nun quietly sitting in a chair floating in a cathedral have to do with a caption that says, “THE SEVEN CHAIRS: The fifth one ended up in France?” Enticed to come up with their own endings, readers will marvel at the mystery behind these lasting drawings and the charm of an everchanging narrative. Caldecott medal winner Chris Van Allsburg’s call for readers to write their own stories will enthrall young minds again and again.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 933 votes, reviews

Chris Van Allsburg

Imagination

A celebration of the power of imagination from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winning creator of Not a Box Experience the thrill of the moment when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real! Following the critically acclaimed Not a Box, this book proves that a stick is not always just a stick. Whether it's conducting an orchestra, painting a masterpiece, or slaying a dragon—give a child a stick and let imagination take over and the magic begin.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 812 votes, reviews

Antoinette Portis

Imagination

Ideal for bedtime and daytime reading, the books in this irresistible Emily Winfield Martin boxed set—Dream Animals and Day Dreamers—celebrate the imaginations of children who dream. Dream Animals convinces children to close their eyes and discover who their dream animal might be—and what dream it might take them to. Day Dreamers shows readers that letting their imaginations run free will lead them into fantastical day dreams. With whimsical rhymes and gorgeous illustration, this boxed set is perfect for baby shower gifts and for discovering all kinds of dreams!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 776 votes, reviews

Emily Winfield Martin

Imagination

Super Bowl champion and literacy crusader Malcolm Mitchell presents the story of a magician who reveals an awe-inspiring treasure from his bag of tricks -- books that make every kid's dream come true!This is not your typical afternoon at the library -- a magician invites kids to reach into his hat to pull out whatever they find when they dig down deep. Soon -- poof! -- each child comes away with something better than they could've imagined -- a book that helps them become whatever they want to be, and makes their dreams come true through pages and words, and the adventures that follow. But each child can't help but wonder, What's really making the magic happen?
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 503 votes, reviews

Malcolm Mitchell

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Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Grandparents, Imagination

Molly Lou Melon's grandma taught her to be happy with herself no matter what, but that's not all she learned. Molly Lou heard all about how her grandma didn't have fancy store-bought toys when she was little. She made dolls out of twigs and flowers and created her own fun in her backyard. So Molly Lou does just that, proving that the best thing to play with is a huge imagination!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 381 votes, reviews

Patty Lovell

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David Catrow

Diverse Leads, Imagination

Creativity, the power of imagination, and the importance of self-expression are celebrated in this inspiring picture book written and illustrated by real-life best friends. This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream... Stunning mixed media illustrations, lyrical text, and a breathtaking gatefold conjure powerful magic in this heartfelt affirmation of art, imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 379 votes, reviews

Samantha Berger

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Mike Curato

Imagination

Based on the Academy Award-winning film, The Red Balloon is the moving story of a boy and his best friend—a bright red balloon. Told through captivating photographs taken during filming, and set against the unmistakable beauty of the streets of Paris, Albert Lamorisse's beloved story is a moving tribute to childhood that continues to inspire readers of every generation.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 298 votes, reviews

Albert Lamorisse

Imagination, Vehicles

Fun and playful story by Margaret Wise Brown, best-selling author of the children's classics Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny. Riding along in my airplane, Over the clouds and through the rain… See the birds way up high and the people down below in this rhyme full of movement, wonder, and excitement from the hidden treasures of Margaret Wise Brown, author of the children's classics Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 280 votes, reviews

Margaret Wise Brown

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Henry Fisher

Caldecott Medal, Imagination

From the astonishing imagination of Chris Van Allsburg (Jumanji, The Polar Express) Sometimes that very thin line between illusion and reality is not as clearly defined as we would like it to be. It certainly wasn't the day that Alan Mitz stumbled into the garden of Abdul Gasazi. For in this bizarre and eerie place -- where strange topiary trees loomed—the eerie visage of Gasazi casts its shadow. And even after Alan escapes, the spell of Gasazi still seems to penetrate into his everyday world. The very first picture book from the astonishing imagination of legendary Chris Van Allsburg explores both the real and surreal worlds with incredible deftness in this unusual tale. In doing so, he has created exquisite and beautiful images that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have left the enchanted garden of Abdul Gasazi.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 270 votes, reviews

Chris Van Allsburg

Imagination

Lulu loves to play dress-up. Her favorite thing to be is Ladybug Girl. But she also loves to dress up like a fairy princess, a wild tiger, a secret spy, and more! Join Lulu on her dress-up adventures in this book.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 245 votes, reviews

Jacky Davis

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David Soman

Imagination

Patrick Picklebottom is back - and so is his love of books and reading! This time, when Patrick sees a sign announcing story time is coming up, he's the first to arrive. But to his dismay, however, he arrives hours early, and the wait just feels like forever. Patrick has his work cut out for him to keep himself occupied, and not go stir-crazy during his very long wait. Was it five yet? He looked at the clock just to see, but oh no! It was only two minutes past three. It felt like a week had already gone by - and for a moment he thought he might break down and cry. He had to find something to pass time along, so he decided to start...by singing a song. He began with "Dem Bones," right into "Blind Mice" then some '80s rock ballads that he thought were quite nice. He was dancing around, having all sorts of fun, and the next thing he knew, it was 3:31. Join Patrick Picklebottom as he explores his imagination to make the longest wait ever a while lot more fun. Using art and music, Patrick creates new worlds for himself and the reader, showcasing that in any trip, there's far more fun in the journey than in the destination. And with a surprise twist at the end, we never know where his imagination will take us next! From the best-selling author of Ricky, the Rock that Couldn't Roll, Tess, the Tin that Wanted to Rock, The Bear and the Fern and Patrick Picklebottom and the Penny Book comes a new cast of lovable characters and a story you and your children will cherish for years, and read over and over again. Combining the spirit of She Silverstein, the heart of Mo Willems, and the rhyme and rhythm of Dr. Seuss, Patrick Picklebottom and the Longest Wait is ideal for children ages 3-9 and Pre K-3rd grade.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 239 votes, reviews

Mr. Jay

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Gary Wilkinson

Imagination, Caldecott Medal

One of TIME's 100 Best Children's Books of All Time! My House goes walking every day... and rain makes applesauce. Oh, you're just talking silly talk! So begins this award-winning collection of nonsense verse and images. A story-hour favorite since it was first published in 1964, this beloved read-aloud has been carefully remastered to bring back the rich, vivid details of its Caldecott Honor-winning artwork. Featuring an introduction by Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney, Rain Makes Applesauce is popular both as a bedtime story and as a go-to title for elementary teachers of creative writing. Created by the unique team of legendary NASA publicist Julian Scheer and illustration master Marvin Bileck, this influential picture book has inspired artists and writers, as well as young children creating their own nonsense stories, for more than 50 years.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 157 votes, reviews

Julian Scheer

Marvin Bileck

Imagination

Although Roger Bradfield wrote this charming little book over fifty years ago, it reads as though it was penned (and illustrated) just yesterday. It celebrates the spark of magic we call "imagination" that lives within each child. The child in this book feels perfectly at ease talking and dreaming with his favorite rock. Have you ever chatted with an inanimate object? If not, you've missed out on some interesting conversation and children learn that friends like you just the way you are.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 88 votes, reviews

Roger Bradfield

Imagination

After winding a large ball of string, a young boy has fun finding ways of using it.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 75 votes, reviews

Marion Holland

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Imagination

From award-winning author Pat Zietlow Miller, a timeless story about creativity, exploration, and friendship What can you do with a rock? You can skip them. You can sort them. Best of all, you can share them. Rocks are simple, but the things you can do with them are endless. Rocks can build, sparkle, and tell a story. They can be memories. They can even be a little bit magic. This ode to curiosity and creative play from New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller and acclaimed illustrator Katie Kath is bound to inspire.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 59 votes, reviews

Pat Zietlow Miller

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Imagination

The imaginary Hippo can do what he likes on the roof. In fact, he does all the things a little girl wishes she could, but is not allowed. When she takes a bath, the hippo takes a shower; when she goes to bed, the hippo watches television on the roof. And when the repair men come to fix the roof, the hippo conveniently disappears, returning of course to eat a very large piece of cake.
average rating is 4.5 out of 5, based on 51 votes, reviews

Hazel Edwards

Nature Lovers, Imagination

A young girl imagines a lovely island populated by thousands of birds, where she picnics with her animals, plays games, reads, and collects flowers. You too are welcome on this island, if you know how to dream. Gorgeous, colorful illustrations accompany this gentle yet impactful story that celebrates the imagination of young readers.
average rating is 4.5 out of 5, based on 27 votes, reviews

Stephanie Demasse-Pottier

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Seng Soun Ratanavanh

Family, Diverse Leads, Imagination

The first children's book from the best-selling author of We Should All Be Feminists and Americanah—a tender story about a little girl’s love for her mother’s scarf, and the adventures she shares with it and her whole family Chino loves the scarf that her mama ties around her hair at night. But when Mama leaves for the day, what happens to her scarf? Chino takes it on endless adventures! Peeking through the colorful haze of the silky scarf, Chino and her toy bunny can look at her whole family as they go through their routines. With stunning illustrations from Joelle Avelino, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf is a celebration of family, and a touching story about the everyday objects that remind us of the ones we love.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 13 votes, reviews

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Joelle Avelino

Imagination, Dinosaurs

Let’s all draw dinosaurs … outdoors! In this remarkable picture book, a group of students spend an unforgettable day drawing dinosaurs outside with their extraordinary teacher. Maybe your school has a playground, gym, computers, and a library. But at this school in a faraway mountain range, things are a little different. There’s a blackboard, some chairs … and not much else. But with the help of an extraordinary teacher and a little imagination, anything is possible! The students in this spirited picture book spend their days drawing dinosaurs outdoors. They draw astounding, spectacular creatures that come to life before their eyes, and turn their school into a wondrous place, where any child would want to go and learn. Drawing Outdoors celebrates the amazing impact of teachers, and the wonderful worlds kids can create while drawing. A perfect gift for a beloved teacher, kids who love dinosaurs, and aspiring artists!
average rating is 3.3 out of 5, based on 3 votes, reviews

Jairo Buitrago

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Rafael Yockteng

Imagination

The creator of Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover), Off-Limits,and I’m a Unicorn brings her original whimsy to the tale of a child’s special friend who goes missing after a bath—or does he? Help! This little girl has lost her best friend. He’s a dinosaur (not the extinct kind). He’s enormous (bigger than a panda!). He was last seen before she gave him a bath and washed off all the mud (maybe that wasn’t a good idea?). She’s tried to lure him with snacks and put up Lost Dinosaur posters, but nothing has helped. If only it weren’t such a clear day—if only it were raining, or snowing, or the leaves were falling, or . . . something. Would it help if she drew a picture? With delicate visual sleights of hand and an underlying sweetness, author-illustrator Helen Yoon invites us to see through a child’s eyes.
average rating is 4 out of 5, based on 1 votes, reviews

Helen Yoon

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Imagination

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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