Best Literature & Fiction Books for 3 Year Olds

Here are the top 30 literature & fiction books for 3 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.

1. Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

by: Dr. Seuss
Release date: Jan 22, 1990
Number of Pages: 56
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Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully wise Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is the perfect send-off for grads—from nursery school, high school, college, and beyond! From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and illustrations, while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within. In a starred review, Booklist notes, “Seuss’s message is simple but never sappy: life may be a ‘Great Balancing Act,’ but through it all ‘There’s fun to be done.’” A perennial favorite and a perfect gift for anyone starting a new phase in their life!

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Dr. Seuss

2. Little Blue Truck

by: Alice SchertleJill McElmurry
Release date: May 01, 2008
Number of Pages: 32
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Beep! Beep! Beep! Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up–that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they’re willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.
Filled with truck sounds and animals noises, here is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Farm Animals

3. Little Blue Truck Lap Board Book

by: Alice SchertleJill McElmurry
Release date: Mar 03, 2015
Number of Pages: 30
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Beep! Beep! Beep! Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up–that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they’re willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.
Filled with truck sounds and animals noises, here is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Farm Animals

4. A Bucket of Blessings

by: Kabir SehgalSurishtha SehgalJing Jing TsongMaya Angelou
Release date: Apr 29, 2014
Number of Pages: 32
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A beautiful myth from India comes to life in this enchanting, New York Times bestselling picture book.

Near a majestic mountain in a vast jungle with many mango trees, it has not rained for weeks and weeks. The village well and pond are dry. Monkey and his friends look everywhere for water, but they have no luck. And then Monkey remembers a story his mama used to tell him, a story about how peacocks can make it rain by dancing. So he sets out to see if the story is true…

This little-known legend, told with dramatic rhythm and illustrated with the colors and textures of India, is sure to delight and inspire.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Apes & Monkeys

5. Mother Bruce

by: Ryan T. HigginsRyan T. Higgins
Release date: Nov 24, 2015
Number of Pages: 48
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Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he’s their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can’t seem to rid himself of his new companions. What’s a bear to do?
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Bears

6. Andrew Henry’s Meadow

by: Doris Burn
Release date: Apr 01, 2005
Number of Pages: 48
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Andrew Henry’s Meadow by Doris Burn is a children’s classic. This 40th Anniversary Edition will entertain children and adults alike. The creative antics of Andrew Henry Thatcher and his friends will inspire your imagination.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Sleep

7. I Will Surprise My Friend! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

by: Mo WillemsMo Willems
Release date: Jun 03, 2008
Number of Pages: 64
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Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.


In I Will Surprise My Friend!, Gerald and Piggie want to play a game and surprise each other-but the biggest surprise is the one they least expect.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Elephants

8. We All Went on Safari (Travel the World)

by: Laurie KrebsJulia Cairns
Release date: Feb 01, 2003
Number of Pages: 32
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Join Arusha, Mosi, Tumpe and their Maasai friends as they set out on a counting journey through the grasslands of Tanzania. Along the way, the children encounter all sorts of animals including elephants, lions and monkeys, while counting from one to ten in both English and Swahili. The lively, rhyming text is accompanied by an illustrated guide to counting in Swahili, a map, notes about each of the animals, and interesting facts about Tanzania and the Maasai people.
tags:

Children’s Books > Geography & Cultures > Explore the World > Africa

9. You Should, You Should

by: Ginny Tilby
Release date: Oct 01, 2013
Number of Pages: 32
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Hippo’s morning starts off good,
until friends say, “You should! You should!”
You should prance! You should sing!
Wear this hat! Stretch your wing!
Though Hippo wants to be a friend,
he wonders when the shoulds will end.

Hippo and friends will soon find out
that being yourself is what life’s about.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

10. The Donut Chef

by: Bob StaakeBob Staake
Release date: Sep 24, 2013
Number of Pages: 40
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In this tasty tale, a baker hangs out his sign on a small street, and soon the line for his donuts stretches down the block. But it’s not long before the competition arrives and a delectable battle of the bakers ensues.
tags:

Children’s Books > Humor

11. The Donut Chef (A Golden Classic)

by: Bob StaakeBob Staake
Release date: Sep 09, 2008
Number of Pages: 40
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IN THIS DELICIOUS tale, a baker hangs out his shingle on a small street, and soon, the line for his doughnuts stretches down the block. But it’s not long before the competition arrives and a battle of the bakers ensues. In the competitive frenzy, both bakers’ doughnuts become “quite bizarre, like Cherry-Frosted Lemon Bar, and Peanut-Brickle Buttermilk, or Gooey Coca- Mocha Silk!” Some are not even very tasty: “Donuts made with huckleberry (don’t be scared, they’re kind of hairy).” One day, Debbie Sue, just barely two, enters the bakery, and searches in vain for her favorite doughnut, where “the choice of donuts left her dazed. Said Debbie Sue, “But I want . . . glazed.” A fun lesson in keeping it simple in which our hero chef decides to go back to the basics, and wins over the whole town.

From the Hardcover edition.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life

12. Zen Pig: Volume 1 / Issue 1

by: Mark BrownAmy Brown
Release date: Apr 15, 2015
Number of Pages: 30
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“Care for each other
As much as yourself
And never lose sight,
That love is true wealth.”
These are the wise words of “Zen Pig” – the critically-acclaimed children’s book character that teaches children compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness in easy to understand language and is brought to life in beautiful minimalist art. 
“Zen Pig” also teaches the fulfillment that comes with giving back; partnering with the non-profit Know.Think.Act. each PRINT copy sold provides 10 people access to clean water for 1 year! 
Here’s what real, unpaid parents are saying about Zen Pig:
“Zen Pig is a phenomenal book. The illustrations are beautiful, and the simple, yet powerful message is even more beautiful.” 
-Sean, Franklin, TN
“Zen Pig is a fun, modern approach to teaching kids life lessons.”
-Tina, Chesapeake, VA
“Such a wonderful heart-filled message that everyone (from 1 – 100) needs to hear! I absolutely love it and can’t wait to gift it to friends! 
-Courtney, Nashville, TN

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

13. My Yellow Balloon

by: Tiffany PapageorgeErwin Madrid
Release date: Oct 01, 2014
Number of Pages: 48
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It all started at the carnival. . . .

That’s where Joey makes a new friend: a bright yellow balloon. Joey and his beloved balloon do everything together, until the balloon accidentally slips off Joey’s wrist and flies far, far away. What will Joey do without his special friend?

Tiffany Papageorge has crafted a poignant tale of love, loss, and letting go that will serve as a comforting guide to children who are navigating the complicated emotions of grief. Rich, luminous illustrations by Erwin Madrid perfectly capture these timeless themes, making them accessible to even the youngest reader.

Honest, unflinching, and ultimately reassuring, My Yellow Balloon will resonate with anyone who has endured the darkness of grief, while offering hope for brighter days ahead.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Difficult Discussions > Death & Dying

14. Slinky Malinki Open the Door (Hairy Maclary and Friends)

by: Lynley Dodd
Release date: Jul 28, 2009
Number of Pages: 32
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When Slinky Malinki and Stickybeak Sid are left in the house on their own, they cause absolute mayhem by opening all the carefully shut doors in the house – and leave a trail of destruction from bathroom to bedroom to kitchen. But then Slinky Malinki opens the final door and comes face to face with his old adversary – Hairy Maclary!
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Birds

15. Rory the Dinosaur: Me and My Dad

by: Liz Climo
Release date: May 05, 2015
Number of Pages: 40
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Meet Rory, the dinosaur. He loves spending time with his dad, but today he wants to go on his own adventure and explore his island home. He can’t wait to tell his dad all about the things he can do all by himself, from crossing rivers to finding shelter from the rain. Little does Rory know, his father is never far behind. There’s nothing Rory’s dad won’t do for his intrepid son–he’ll even let him think he’s made the journey all by himself.
Comic artist Liz Climo celebrates the bond between father and child with her adorable, deceptively simple illustrations and her timeless story of a child’s quest for independence.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Dinosaurs

16. Ladybug Girl and Bingo

by: Jacky DavisDavid Soman
Release date: May 01, 2012
Number of Pages: 40
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This hardcover picture book in the New York Times bestselling Ladybug Girl series explores the theme of responsibility for a pet and the fun of a first camping trip.
 
Lulu and her dog Bingo the basset hound are best friends. Whenever they play outside, Bingo always stays close by Lulu’s side. When they go camping for the first time, Lulu does her best to be responsible and hold tight to Bingo’s leash. But what happens when Bingo wants to explore the forest on his own and runs off? This is a job for Ladybug Girl! She will find Bingo in time for toasting marshmallows at the campfire. 
 
For fans of Fancy Nancy and Toot and Puddle, the Ladybug Girl series honors a love of the outdoors, family, and creativity!
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Dogs

17. LEGO City: All Aboard! (Level 1)

by: ScholasticSonia Sander
Release date: Aug 01, 2010
Number of Pages: 32
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Build your LEGO City library with these adventures!

The cargo train is busy loading and unloading. Move the fork lift! The big crane can lift a car onto the train! Destination: LEGO City! Emerging readers will be on the right track with this Level 1 reader.

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Beginner Readers

18. There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight

by: Penny Parker KlostermannBen Mantle
Release date: Aug 04, 2015
Number of Pages: 40
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We all know that “there was an old lady” who swallowed lots of things. Now meet the old dragon who swallows pretty much an entire kingdom! Will he ever learn a little moderation?! This rollicking rhyme is full to bursting with sight gags, silly characters, and plenty of burps! Parents and kids alike will delight in Ben Mantle’s precisely funny illustrations and in Penny Parker Klostermann’s wacky rhymes.

In days of yore, before a certain fly’s ultimately fatal encounter with an Old Lady, there was an old dragon who felt rather peckish. “There was an old dragon who swallowed a knight. / I don’t know why he swallowed the knight // It’s not polite!” He follows the knight with the knight’s steed (“that galloped around at a terrible speed”). Then a squire, a cook, a lady, a castle, and finally a moat are each swallowed in turn. But…”With all of that water, he started to bloat. / And that’s when the dragon roared, and I quote: / ‘Okay, enough! I’ve had enough— / More than enough of this swallowing stuff!’ ” So realizing that eating all those things might have been “a tad impolite,” the old dragon burps them all out in reverse except the knight (which is “ahhh…just right”). Klostermann’s debut is a rollicking and warped Medieval take on the well-worn cumulative rhyme. Prolific British animator and illustrator Mantle’s expressive and bright cartoon illustrations of the red, horned dragon (and the contents of his stomach) are a perfect match. The antics within the dragon’s stomach—every image of the steed is accompanied by a little “clippity, clippity, clippity, clop” in teeny type—and his copious burping will leave ’em laughing. No matter how many swallowed-fly titles you own, this one belongs on your shelf too. KIrkus, May 1,2015

From the Hardcover edition.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

19. The Legend of Dust Bunnies, a Fairy’s Tale

by: Michelle R. EastmanKevin Richter
Release date: Oct 08, 2014
Number of Pages: 24
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This is not a typical fairy tale, and Artie is not a typical fairy. Artie is a misfit. His fellow Dust Fairies have a knack for dirtying people’s houses. They fire soot from their slingshots and enter crumb-spitting contests. While we sleep, they spread dust everywhere. Artie doesn’t make messes. He has a unique habit of collecting things. The other Dust Fairies don’t appreciate Artie’s collection of tidbits, so he spends his nights alone. One cold night, Artie’s loneliness leads to inspiration, and he creates something legendary. His story will have families looking at Dust Bunnies in a new light and may actually give kids an excuse NOT to clean their rooms. Artie’s story helps kids realize that we all have unique gifts and not everyone fits in with the crowd. (Children’s Picture Book, ages 3-9)
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

20. Who Loves You the Most of All? (Morgan James Kids)

by: P. J. Palu
Release date: Jul 28, 2015
Number of Pages: 38
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“Who Loves You The Most Of All” shares a mother and child’s bedtime conversation on the topic of one of life’s sweetest and most important questions. Join Joshie and Mommy on a journey of the heart to discover just WHO loves him the most of all. “Who Loves You The Most Of All” will connect children to the Source of All Love for the rest of their lives. #1 Bestseller.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Sleep

21. Cat Says Meow: And Other Animalopoeia

by: Michael Arndt
Release date: Mar 04, 2014
Number of Pages: 36
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Dog says woof . . . pig says oink . . . cow says moo. Animals and the sounds they make are paired up in playfully compelling ways in this eye-catching illustrated gift book featuring bold colors and an engaging use of onomatopoeia. Kids and parents will delight in discovering the ways in which the letters that spell out each animal’s sound are key elements of that animal’s illustration. With so much to see and to sound out, kids will relish this unique visual and educational experience, brimming with color and letters. Plus, this is a fixed-format version of the book, which looks nearly identical to the print version.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

22. Joone

by: Emily Kate Moon
Release date: Jun 13, 2013
Number of Pages: 32
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Joone likes the color orange, ice-cream sandwiches, and playing outside. She lives in a yurt with her grandfather and her pet turtle, Dr. Chin, who rides around on her hat. Grandpa teaches Joone something new every day. Sometimes Joone teaches him something new, too, like how to make a daisy chain. Together they enjoy life’s small joys—sunsets, tree houses, and most of all, each other.

Emily Kate Moon’s debut picture book is a charming tribute to the outdoors and a tender portrait of a grandfather and granddaughter’s loving relationship. Fans of Ladybug Girl, Freckleface Strawberry, and even Dora the Explorer will fall in love with this independent, free-spirited little girl.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Turtles

23. Penguin on Vacation

by: Salina YoonSalina Yoon
Release date: Aug 20, 2013
Number of Pages: 34
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Penguin’s tired of the snow and cold–so he decides to go on vacation! But where should he go? And what new friends will he meet along the way?

Seasoned illustrator Salina Yoon’s spare text and bright, energetic illustrations bring this favorite character to life, ensuring that readers will be clamoring for more Penguin stories–whether they find their home in the cold or the warm.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals

24. Angel Birthdays: A Day to Remember, A New Way to Heal, A Celebration of Life

by: Erin GarayKristin Abbott
Release date: Oct 01, 2013
Number of Pages: 32
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When Gracie and Jakes Grandma passes away, these children come up with a brilliant plan to help them grieve and celebrate their grandmas lifeto host an Angel Birthday Party to celebrate their grandmas angel birthday.  They buy balloons, bake her favorite cake, and create their own memorable gifts to celebrate her special day.  Angel Birthdays is a heartfelt book that encourages children and adults alike to reframe this universal experience.  This story is positive, reassuring, and provides families with tangible activities they can incorporate into their own healing process.  It is a true gift for any child, family, or friend who is celebrating an Angel Birthday of a loved one.
tags:

Self-Help > Death & Grief > Grief & Bereavement

25. The Amazing Flight of Little Ray

by: V.R. Duin
Release date: Feb 02, 2012
Number of Pages: 24
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Acclaimed children’s author V. R. Duin does it again in The Amazing Flight of Little Ray, a frolicking, fabulously fun, and flighty tale of what a bored stingray will do to spice up his day. Capturing the very best of rhyme and alliteration, V. R. Duin brings yet another larger than life character to the page to spark beginning readers’ imaginations. Little Ray can’t think of anything better to do today than fly the friendly skies. The only thing holding him back is the fact that he is a sea-bound stingray, which, for him, proves to be only a minor setback. When he hurls himself into the air, it will take a little luck, a little ingenuity, and some feathery help from above to return him to the cool salty waters. Thank goodness, Little Ray has a lot of gumption and even more panache; it will come in handy during this soaring adventure.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Marine Life

26. Too Many Frogs

by: Sandy AsherKeith Graves
Release date: Feb 17, 2005
Number of Pages: 32
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Rabbit lives alone. He cooks for himself, cleans up for himself, and at the end of the day, reads himself a story. It’s a simple life, and he likes it. But one evening, Froggie shows up at his door. He wants to listen to Rabbit’s story, too. While eating a snack-or three. While lounging on a pillow-or ten. And bringing over his family-dozens and dozens of frogs! Rabbit has finally had enough; Froggie will have to go! But when he sits down alone to read himself a story, Rabbit realizes something is missing: someone to listen; someone to share a wonderful story.
Keith Graves’ boisterous, humor-filled artwork lends just the right touch to this multilayered tale that celebrates the joy of reading aloud.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Frogs & Toads

27. One-Dog Canoe

by: Mary CasanovaArd Hoyt
Release date: May 26, 2009
Number of Pages: 32
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I set off one morning in my little red canoe.
My dog wagged his tail.
“Can I come, too?”
“You bet,” I said.
“A trip for two?just me and you.”

When a girl and her dog set out on a canoe trip together, they’re expecting a quiet afternoon for two. Then a beaver decides to join them, even when the girl protests that “It’s a one-dog canoe.” And when a loon, and a wolf, and a bear, and a moose all ask for a ride, it’s almost too much. But they all manage to fit in this one-dog canoe?until a frog comes along. . . .

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Dogs

28. The Paper Princess (Picture Puffin Books (Prebound))

by: Elisa Kleven
Release date: May 01, 1998
Number of Pages: 40
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When a little girl makes a paper doll, she calls her the Paper Princess. But before she has time to draw on her hair, the wind blows her doll away. It is not long before the Paper Princess discovers that the most important thing to her is the love of the little girl, and so begins her journey home.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

29. Rudy’s New Human

by: Roxanna EldenGinger Seehafer
Release date: Jan 05, 2016
Number of Pages: 32
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Life was good for Rudy the dog?until the new baby arrived . . .

Rudy loves being top dog in his family of three. When Rudy’s human parents tell him that they are having a baby, Rudy thinks the newest member of the family will be interested in the same games he likes?chewing bones, chasing cats, and playing fetch. But Rudy’s new human is not what he expected! The baby cuts into Rudy’s naptime, gets him in trouble, and, worst of all, steals the spotlight! Will Rudy ever find his place again in his family now that he’s sharing it with the new human?

Rudy’s New Human is a sweet and humorous story that helps older siblings to learn to share parents’ attention?and maybe even become friends with a new family member.

Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers?picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Dogs

30. Brunhilda’s Backwards Day

by: Shawna J. C. Tenney
Release date: Aug 02, 2016
Number of Pages: 32
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Brunhilda the witch loves making trouble. Each morning, she wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, puts on her ugliest dress, eats spider mush for breakfast, and brushes her teeth with candy. Then she looks in the mirror and happily observes, ?You are utterly repulsive!” As soon as she leaves the house, she begins to spread her misery. No one is safe from her rainy-day spells or her wart-growing charms!

But one night, Brunhilda’s cat makes trouble instead.

When Brunhilda wakes up that next morning, she is on the right side of the bed. All she can find to wear is a fluffy pink ball gown. And her spider mush is replaced with oatmeal; her candy replaced by toothpaste! The day has gone completely backwards. What will happen when Brunhilda casts her all-time favorite misery-inducing spells?

This is a silly story about how sometimes being nice can be more rewarding than being mean. Brunhilda may decide to keep some of her warts in the end, but she’s a changed witch. Waking up on the wrong side of the bed just doesn’t work for her anymore.

A picture book for 3 to 6 year olds, this book teaches kids that being kind and nice to people actually makes you feel better than playing tricks and being mean. A good lesson for young children, teachers and parents will enjoy the message while kids will be enthralled with the bright, colorful illustrations and the silly, warty witch.

Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers?picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Values

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Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 3:07 AM