Most Popular Books by Bob Shea

Calling all daredevils! It''s time to play CRASH, SPLASH, OR MOO! in this boisterous picture book with all the excitement of a game show. Mr. McMonkey is your host, and your contestants are America''s favorite stunt clam, Action Clam...and a cow! These unlikely daredevils face off in a zany sequence of challenges--and readers get to guess the outcome of all the wacky stunts. The winner gets a Golden Banana! Readers will be laughing, cheering, and giving themselves a round of applause as they play the game over and over again. Bob Shea, creator of many favorite funny books, including Unicorn Thinks He''s Pretty Great and the Ballet Cat series, provides endless storytime fun with high-energy audience participation. Don’t miss these other funny books by Bob Shea! Chez Bob Pizza for Birds Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great Dinosaur Vs. Bedtime The Scariest Book Ever!

For anyone who has ever craved sleep—and anyone too full of energy to settle down—a comedy from Bob Shea, creator of the popular Dinosaur vs. series, and singular illustrator Jarvis. It’s sleepy time for Lion and Penguin. Correction: it should be sleepy time for Lion and Penguin, but Lion’s eyes aren’t tired, and his ears would like a story. Penguin, however, is tired and nods off into sweet candy dreams—until a noise wakes him. “Oh, are you awake?” asks Lion sweetly, seated before a drum set. “Let’s have that story, then!” “Not now. It is time to close your eyes and dream dreams.” And so it goes, with an ever-more-disgruntled Penguin trying to nod off while an exuberant Lion innocently practices his drumming, bounces on his squeaky trampoline, and munches on his crunchy chips. Will Penguin need to resort to extreme measures to get his friend to sleep, or has the answer been there all along? Bob Shea’s signature wit, delivered only in dialogue, and Jarvis’s unassuming, retro art and knack for visual humor are sure to delight young readers—and their caregivers—whether at naptime, bedtime, or anytime.

From the creator of the mega-popular Dinosaur vs. series comes a hilariously deadpan look at new parenthood—from a baby’s point of view. I am not sleepy. I am not sleepy because I am a baby. Mommy is sleepy. Mommy is sleepy because I am a baby. With humor and sympathy, Bob Shea looks at the chaos of life with a baby as amiably narrated by the new arrival. Repeating the mantra (and blithe explanation) “because I am a baby,” the tiny narrator leads us through scenes of exhaustion, grumpiness, squishy diapers, spilled milk, cowering kittens, and chubby overfed pups (oopsie!). Playing against the simple, matter-of-fact text are freewheeling illustrations of mess and mayhem, in which the grown-ups’ exaggerated body language is sure to send older children into fits of giggles. With its endearing, unabashedly self-pleased star, I Am a Baby will find a place at showers, in nurseries, on parents’ shelves, and in the hands of appreciative big siblings, as it celebrates the changes a little one brings, at once challenging and full of love.

Introducing an irresistible new board book series filled with cute pups, big construction trucks, and laugh-out-loud humor! It’s the first day of puppy school and Dig Doug, Puddles, and Cheddar can’t wait to start digging, building, and loading in their trucks. But when their teacher, Miss Polly, gets stuck under some rocks, they’ll have to come together and use teamwork to get her free! Closing their eyes to make the rocks disappear doesn’t work . . . so which of Miss Polly’s lessons can Dig Doug, Puddles, and Cheddar save her? Beloved children’s book author Bob Shea and illustrator Brian Won have created an endearing new board book series with the cutest construction workers around.

These cute pups are in big trucks and ready to dig! Book two of this original board book series is perfect for toddlers with big building dreams. Dig Doug, Puddles, and Cheddar are ready for a big day at puppy school. Today they have an extra big project—using their construction trucks to dig a swimming pool! Dig Doug is so happy because Dig Doug LOVES to dig. But when he digs a bit too deep, his puppy friends must figure out a plan to save him.

Fall in love with a turtle wearing a bear suit—determined to prove that he’s a “for-real” bear—in this laugh-out-loud silly friendship story from the award-winning Bob Shea, author-illustrator of the popular Dinosaur VS. series and Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great When a turtle in a bear suit claims he is a “for-real” bear, he must prove himself to another turtle who just so happens to be a for-real bear expert. Hilarity ensues as Bearsuit Turtle proves he can climb trees, hibernate, and do other for-real bear stuff . . . like riding bikes, eating ice cream, and smashing pumpkins. But when Bear-Expert Turtle reveals a secret, Bearsuit Turtle has to admit a truth of his own. Whether or not these two turtles are for-real bears or experts, they just might become for-real friends. With a fabulously endearing, offbeat, and memorable new character; playful, true-to-life child dynamics; and a goofy, kid-perfect sense of humor, Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend is sure to charm readers everywhere. Includes a page of “for-real bear facts” at the end.

This laugh-out-loud funny sequel to breakout hit Chez Bob introduces a cutthroat competition between everyone''s favorite birdseed restauranteur and his pizza-delivery rival! Look out, Bob--there''s a new restaurant in town. Meet Ryan! This guy''s got it all: The hippest hair! The coolest bike tricks! The wildest parties! And most awesome of all...PIZZA FOR BIRDS! Can Bob--the big cheese at the best birdseed restaurant around--cook up a recipe for disaster that''ll stir the pot and push his rival to go south? In this parody of the phenomenon of online bullying, Bob''s relatable flaws of jealousy, impulsive reactivity, and fear of abandonment offer a valuable lesson which will resonate in a world where lies and misinformation abound on the internet.

Cute Pups! Big Trucks! These three puppies must swap their beloved trucks in this original board book that''s perfect for toddlers with big building dreams. Dig Dug, Puddles, and Cheddar have some very important work to do . . . but it seems absolutely impossible to drive some-puppy else’s truck instead of their own beloved truck, but with a lot of teamwork, these pups just might be able to finish their task before snack time.

Drywater Gulch has a toad problem. Not the hop-down-your-britches, croaking-all-night toad kind of problem. The thievin'', hootin'' and hollerin'', steal-your-gold never-say-thank-you outlaw toad kind of problem. Then hope rides into town. Sheriff Ryan might only be seven years old, and he might not know much about shooting and roping. But he knows a lot about dinosaurs. Yes, dinosaurs. And it turns out that knowing a thing or two about paleontology can come in handy when it comes to hoodwinking and rounding up a few no-good bandits. From Bob Shea and Lane Smith comes this hilarious picture book, Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads. This title has Common Core connections.

Ready . . . Set . . . Go to Bed! Jet to bed to get to bed! Don''t be fooled or be misled! I''m gonna beat you, beat you to bed! It''s a race to bedtime—but who will get there first? This zippy read-aloud will make bedtime a fun time for those little ones reluctant to make it to the nightly finish line.

Something new can change the way you look; it can change the way you feel; and, in the case of new socks, it can change the way you walk--especially if you''re a chicken. With a quirky sense of humor, retro style, and hip attitude, Bob Shea captures the excitement one irresistible chick experiences when he puts on a brand new pair of socks. This is for readers who have decided that they can wear nothing but their superman capes or tutus or have discovered that the only food worth eating is macoroni and cheese. In other words, this book is told with "kid logic" and it embraces the affection we have for things when they''re brand new.

Daddies . . . They can be funny and lovable and really, really silly. Oh, Daddy!

Roaaaar! Roaar! Nothing can stop me! Nothing can stop little dinosaur--not talking grownups, spaghetti, or even bath time. But what happens when he faces the biggest challenge of all...bedtime? With spare text and irresistible dinosaur roaaars, little dinosaurs will be begging for this book to be read again and again. The sturdy board book format is ideal for strong-minded toddlers.

In this hilarious tale of blame, compassion, and forgiveness, a very embarrassed bear is reminded that accidents can happen--but with the support of good friends, life goes on. Reuben the bear''s got donuts for everyone in his scout troop, but his friends are all staring at something else: there''s a wet spot on Reuben''s pants, and it''s in a specific area. "WHO WET MY PANTS?" he shouts, and a blame game starts. His buddies try to reassure him there was no crime. Just an accident. It could happen to anyone! But as all the clues begin to point in Reuben''s own direction as the culprit, Reuben must come to terms with the truth. Who Wet My Pants? isn''t a potty-training book. It''s a witty and wise story about embarrassment and anger, empathy and acceptance, and ultimately...forgiveness.

Robert O''Rourke, bastard son of a Belfast scullery maid, came to America in 1820. He started life in a nation that was experiencing the ups and downs of the start of the Industrial Revolution. by working in one of Lowell''s first mills. Anti-papists drove him north in 1821. He fled to Dover, New Hampshire to begin life anew. He married into one of the town''s oldest families, earning his father-in-law''s respect and his brother-in-law''s hatred. Years passed and he amassed holdings in textiles, bricks, land, lumber, railroads and new inventions from Bangor, Maine to Chicago. He learned who his father was and what wealth and power the man left him. His life was entwined with historic happenings as inhabitants of a boisterous new nation strove to cope with government struggles, world recognition and the slavery question. As O''Rourke built his dynasty, even joining the ''49 Gold Rush, family members, business associates and friends sought to find a place in the life of this melancholy man. All of this took place in a fast changing country in the years before the agony of secession and Civil War.

Dinosaur doesn''t need to use the potty. Even when he''s making lemonade, running through the sprinkler, having a three juice box lunch, and splashing in rain puddles. See? He''s doing his victory dance. Wait . . . that''s not a victory dance, that looks like a POTTY DANCE! Run, Dinosaur, run!/DIV DIVDinosaur vs. the Potty, with humor that both toddlers and parents will enjoy, is a great way to toilet train. Dinosaur''s stubborn resistance--and Potty''s ultimate victory--will evoke roars of laughter.

Dinosaur is going to one of his favorite places: the library! On the way, he invites his friends--a lonesome turtle, a sad owl and more-- to roar along with him. But how will his roaring go over at the library? Has Dinosaur finally met his match in Storytime?/DIV DIVBy combining everyone''s favorite feisty red dinosaur with a variety of animals and a celebration of reading, author-illustrator-designer Bob Shea has created another irresistable romp for toddlers and parents to enjoy together.

Dinosaur is starting preschool today. ROAR! There are new friends to meet, dress-up outfits to wear, glitter and googly eyes to paste, musical instruments to play, and snacks to eat. What''s not to like? But then, oh, no! It''s Dinosaur vs. Clean-up Time! Fortunately, when friends work together, EVERYONE WINS! With all the bright colors, bold lines, and toddler-like exuberance that have made the previous Dinosaur vs. books irresistible, DINOSAUR VS. SCHOOL will both amuse and reassure anyone going off to school for the first time.

Reader beware! This is the scariest book ever! Or so claims its melodramatic ghost narrator. You can go ahead and turn the page, but don''t expect him to come with you. Anything might pop out of that black hole in the middle of the forest. What do you mean it''s just a bunny? Well, it''s probably a bunny with big fangs. Watch out, it''s--picking pumpkins with its friends, you say? Actually, despite the ghost''s scare-mongering, none of the animal characters in the illustrations seem scary at all. . . . What''s up with that? Many delights, such as surprises after the page turn, an alarmist narrator, and punch lines to anticipate make this book a scream for both kids and parents.

"I''ve got big plans, BIG PLANS I say!"/DIV A little boy sits in the corner of a classroom, plotting his future. He''s got plans...and have you heard? They''re BIG. With the help of a mynah bird and lucky stinky hat, he''ll find a quarter...boss around some muckety-mucks...become the mayor--or even the president! And while he''s at it...fly to the moon! DIVThis exuberant story is perfect for any child who is ready to dream BIG. Are you in?

Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony are trying to decide what to play today. Nothing that Sparkles suggests--making crafts, playing checkers, and selling lemonade--goes well with the leaping, spinning, and twirling that Ballet Cat likes to do. When Sparkles''s leaps, spins, and twirls seem halfhearted, Ballet Cat asks him what''s wrong. Sparkles doesn''t want to say. He has a secret that Ballet Cat won''t want to hear. What Sparkles doesn''t know is that Ballet Cat has a secret of her own, a totally secret secret. Once their secrets are shared, will their friendship end, or be stronger than ever?

Shark''s not afraid of anything. The dark? Nah. A big mean bear? Don''t make him laugh! But there is one thing that even Shark fears. . . . Can you guess what it is?

What could be happier than a book with a dancing cake, a candy parade, and a hug monster? A book with all those things (and more) plus YOU! Your happy, happy thoughts will make this book super happy happy! But something seems off. Could it be that frowny frog? Perhaps we could shake some sense into him, or slap a Post-it over his face. No? Well then, maybe its time for that frog to SCRAM! Hooray! He''s gone! Time for a happy dance! Wait, what''s wrong? Now NO ONE seems happy! Let''s see if we can''t do something to truly make this the happiest book ever. In his most interactive book yet, Bob Shea proves that happiness is more than just a piece of chocolate cake. (Though that comes pretty close!)

Rah! Buddy''s a monster, and he''s hungry! Time for all cute little bunnies to hop into his mouth. "Oh no!" they say. "There are cupcakes in the oven!" They offer Buddy some, and he becomes too full to eat the bunnies. He''ll have to come back tomorrow. And so it goes between Buddy and the bunnies--they take him swimming, after which he is too tired to eat; they take him on all the rides at a carnival, after which he is too dizzy to eat; they even form a Buddy fan club . . . and who could eat their own fan club? Eventually Buddy realizes that the bunnies have tricked him. The bunnies aren''t food at all--they are friends! The bunnies'' seemingly naive offers of friendship are a charming--and clever--mode of survival in this sweet and silly story about a not-at-all-scary monster.

Dinosaur is spending the day with Mommy. ROAR! He helps her wake up, go shopping, sort laundry, and more--his way, that is. By bedtime, it looks like Mommy is down for the count. Is one little red dinosaur just too much for her, or will Mommy win? Chock full of the bold graphics and exuberance that has made the Dinosaur vs. series so popular, this book will tickle toddlers and mommies on Mother''s Day and every day thereafter. Praise for Dinosaur vs. Mommy *"Shea''s buoyant, emotive artwork and sharp comic timing make Dinosaur''s [sixth] story feel as fresh and funny as his first one." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) "The emphatic text and bold illustrations reflect Dinosaur''s exuberance; with its lively colors and expressive lines, the art also makes the most of the humorous situations. . .This take on the mother/toddler dynamic will have both sides of the battle roaring with laughter." -Horn Book Praise for Dinosaur vs. Bedtime *"Kids will be only too happy to capitulate to this irresistible package." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Dinosaur vs. the Potty *"Shea''s bold collages are as in-your-face charming as his energetic hero, whose exuberance and stubborn avoidance of the potty will elicit both empathy and laughter." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Dinosuar vs. the Library "Story time may have conquered Dinosaur, but with boisterous noise and boundless energy, Shea''s Dinosaur titles will never fail to be read-aloud hits." -Kirkus Reviews Praise for Dinosaur vs. Santa "Dinosaur''s unbridled energy is as infectious as ever." -Publishers Weekly Praise for Dinosaur vs. School *"Shea''s illustrations are as unruly and imaginative as ever in this pitch-perfect, egocentric take on living (school) life to the max." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Unicorn Thinks He''s Pretty Great "Shea''s cleverly written tale makes this a standout, but there''s substance here, too. The grass may always seem greener, but the message comes across that everybody has special strengths, and togetherness can often maximize them. This tale of discovered friendship will delight unicorn fans and perhaps create new fans for goats." -Booklist (starred review) "Shea examines a universal struggle that readers of all ages face: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Unicorn may seem like he has it all...but that doesn''t mean he''s content. Even unicorns want to eat something besides glitter now and then. Brilliant in execution and hysterical in dialogue; Shea''s pretty great, too." -Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A lazy alligator comes up with a plan to lure his prey by opening up a restaurant for birds--until he realizes that birds are even better as friends"--

Dinosaur is getting ready for Santa He tackles many challenges--decorating, making presents for Mom and Dad, trying not to be naughty--and defeats each one with his trademark ROAR But on Christmas Eve, when he hears some rustling downstairs, he can''t resist a peek. Will our feisty red friend meet his match in the man in the red suit? Complete with sparkly silver foil on the front cover, this funny and sweet book is a must-have for the holiday season. Praise for Dinosaur vs. Santa "Dinosaur''s unbridled energy is as infectious as ever." -Publishers Weekly "Energetic, retro mixed-media illustrations depict Dinosaur in a series of fabulous Christmas sweaters, smothering the bottom third of the tree in ornaments and lights, and roaring his way through the best Christmas ever. A must for most collections." -School Library Journal Praise for Dinosaur vs. Bedtime *" Kids will be only too happy to capitulate to this irresistible package." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Dinosaur vs. the Library "Story time may have conquered Dinosaur, but with boisterous noise and boundless energy, Shea''s Dinosaur titles will never fail to be read-aloud hits. Dinosaur wins again " -Kirkus Reviews

Ballet Cat is getting her friend Butter Bear ready for her big ballet debut. "Leap, Butter Bear, leap!" Ballet Cat prompts. But Butter Bear would prefer to just point her toe. When Ballet Cat keeps pushing, Butter Bear gets hungry, then thirsty, then sleepy . . . The bottom line is that Butter Bear would rather do almost anything to avoid making a big leap. Why? Because her bottom is covered in silly underpants! This second entry in the Ballet Cat series will have beginning readers rolling on the floor with laughter.

Ballet Cat and her cousin Goat are preparing a show for Grandma. Each is trying to outdo the other--Ballet Cat with an elaborate dance routine (of course), and Goat with his amazing (amazingly lame, that is) magic tricks. Neither act goes off quite as planned, but it doesn''t matter . . . because Grandma falls asleep during the performance! Oh well, at least Ballet Cat and Goat learn how to cooperate. (But Ballet Cat cooperates better!) Praise for THE TOTALLY SECRET SECRET: *"This early reader has simple, vivacious cartoon artwork done in inks with digital enhancements. Shea''s signature style and bright bold colors add to the fun. Although the text is somewhat sophisticated and the dialogue is entirely in word balloons, the humor and theme of friendship and sharing will have broad appeal beyond the beginning reader set. VERDICT Move over Elephant and Piggie!" --School Library Journal (starred review) *"Tapping into the same barely restrained exuberance and visual energy that characterizes much of his previous work, Shea introduces Ballet Cat, a pearl-and-tutu-wearing feline who loves to dance as much as the author''s Dinosaur and Cheetah characters love winning. Like Mo Willems''s Elephant and Piggie, these two are a contemporary comic duo with staying power; Shea mines Ballet Cat''s dialed-up enthusiasm and Sparkle''s hangdog expressions for everything they are worth. Boldly contrasting backgrounds heighten the strong emotions at play and, luckily, after Sparkles reveals his ''secret secret'' about dancing, this friendship is undiminished." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) An ALA Notable Book

A boastful shark is not afraid of anything, which impresses his underwater friends until they ask about spiders.