Most Popular Books by David McPhail

"What''s a promise?" When Baby Bear asks Mother Bear this important question, she promises her cub that she will feed him, play with him, and do everything she can to keep him safe. But Baby Bear has more questions: What happens if you break a promise? Can his mother promise that he will always be happy? In this sweetly poignant story from celebrated artist David McPhail, a loving parent has just the right words for explaining that some things in life simply can''t be promised--but family love is forever.

For use in schools and libraries only. When their television breaks down, Emma the Bear''s parents must try to keep her entertained until the set is fixed.

Simple enough for the newest of readers, this affectionate story is a reminder of all the huggable things we see every day. Guided Reading Level A. With a simple text, where only one word changes per page, beloved author-illustrator David McPhail has crafted a sweet story in which a small child shows her love for everything around her-- her cat and dog, her favorite tree, and of course, her family and friends. The gentle waterolor illustrations reflect and reinforce the text, offering clues to help new readers and adding warmth and detail to the scenes. This charming story is perfect to read with a loved one-- or simple enough to be the first book a child reads on their own. The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high-quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own! Level A books, for early kindergarten, have one short sentence that repeats on every page with only one word change per spread. Images help tell the story—leading to faster decoding of sight words. This proven method starts the earliest readers on the path to reading fluency. When Level A is mastered, follow up with Level B.

Thunder cracks. Lightning flashes. The lights go out. But Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa help a young girl feel safe. What makes you feel safe? The storm is very scary! Then Grandma lights candles, Grandpa plays his guitar, Mommy makes cocoa, Daddy brings out some biscuits . . . and hugs are shared by all. But where are the cats, Frankie and JoJo? Have they run out of the house and into the storm?. The family searches high and low and in and out. When hope is gone, the cats emerge from their hiding place. All are safe. The last sentence in the book asks, “What makes YOU feel safe?” inviting caregivers and children to a conversation about coping with fears. David McPhail is a beloved author-illustrator of best-selling children''s books and winner of a New York Times Best Illustrated Award. Pouring his heart and soul into the illustrations for this book, David McPhail has created a dozen ink-and-watercolor mini-masterpieces in jewel-like tones. The character in this story was inspired by David McPhail’s stepchild, whom he has always wanted to keep safe.

A teddy bear, lost by the little boy who loves him, still feels loved after being rescued by a homeless man.

Loving friendships and caring for loved ones are the subjects of this poignant, easy-to-read picture book. When Boy gets sick, family and friends try to help him get well. Mom brings soup. Dog brings a bone, and Bird brings pizza. Though he declines the bone and the pizza, Boy gets well. But now his friends are sick. And now Boy has a chance to help his friends recover. Simple text and expressive illustrations tell a story of love and friendship that holds great meaning for young readers. An I Like to Read® book, Guided Reading Level D.

For the very newest readers, a funny story with charming illustrations--about friendship, animals, and jumping!--by a beloved author-illustrator. I can jump. She can jump. A bug, a cow (over the moon, of course) . . . even a hippo can jump. Delightful illustrations by David McPhail and simple text will have new readers jumping for joy!

The classic children’s book celebrating the joys and challenges of sisterhood—with the author’s illustrations newly hand-colored. Sisters are different in so many ways, and alike in many more. But there is one heartfelt way in which they are most alike—they love each other so very much. David McPhail''s classic tale chronicles the ups and down that bring two young sisters closer than ever before. A favorite with sisters of all ages for more than thirty years, this edition features McPhail’s original pen-and-ink illustrations newly hand-colored by John O’Connor.

"An adaptation of the action words vocabulary from David McPhail''s My Mother Goose"--

The boy in this book is growing and changing-- but that isn''t a bad thing. A sweet Level C story that teaches kids that it''s okay to change. I am too big for my crib. I am too big for my shirt. Celebrate growth and self-acceptance in this simple, sweetly illustrated story about a bunny who is getting too big for baby things-- but who is just right all the same. The boy in this book is too big for his crib, his shoes, and his tricycle. And he is too big for Grandpa to pick up. But he is just right for his big-boy bed, his new shirt, and his bicycle. And he is just right for a hug from Grandpa, for his sister, and for this book. David McPhail''s simple story and softly colored, warm illustrations create a book that''s just right for preschoolers and kindergarteners, who are growing up themselves. It''s just right to share with the little ones in your life. For readers who have mastered basic sight words, Level C books feature slightly longer sentences and awider range of high-frequency words than Level B books. Level C books are suitable for mid-to-latekindergarten readers. When Level C is mastered, follow up with Level D. The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based uponFountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, TheodorSeuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that supportcomprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

Great Cat was the biggest cat in the world. Toby was delighted with her, but his neighbors were afraid for their children. Full-color illustrations.

In a humorous easy reader, barnyard animals discover how they are alike and how they are different from a new animal on the farm. Original.

A boy describes all the things that he does not like about having a younger brother--and the things he does like.

Beloved author-illustrator David McPhail crafts a simple, powerful allegory about the safety of home and the strength of unconditional love. After a long night of foraging, a tired raccoon returns home to sleep in Old Tree''s branches by the shore. Suddenly, a howling wind comes up! Waves smash! Thunderbolts crash! Danger after danger assails Old Tree; oblivious to the raging storm, the raccoon sleeps on, safely sheltered in its branches. Though all seems lost, Old Tree never gives up on the raccoon—and the raccoon never gives up on Old Tree. This classic tale is sure to warm the heart.

A big brown bear turns blue with paint when a little bear accidentally knocks over his ladder with her baseball bat.

The artist''s illustrations present a painting of at least one animal for each letter of the alphabet.

Truffle, a dedicated farm dog who loved his work but struggled with cats, embarks on a journey to find what’s missing in his life. This is the story of a little dog who had difficulties with cats, until the day that everything changed. Truffle, a small dog, was born and raised on a farm, where he was put in charge of keeping the rats out of the barn, and the badgers out of the fields. Truffle enjoyed his work, and he took pride in doing it well. The only difficulty he had was with cats. Nothing irritated Truffle more than the sight of a cat sleeping on the job while the mice ate their fill in the corncrib. Truffle would howl loudly, waking the cat, which then would dash off with Truffle close behind! He never actually caught the cat, and he would not harm it if he did. It was all about the chase. Truffle enjoyed his work, but he felt that something was missing in his life. So, he left the farm to search for those missing pieces.

Although two brothers are different in many ways, they are alike, too--most importantly, in their love for each other.

A man in the 1800s comes upon a beautiful forest and decides to build his home there. When he clears the land, he leaves one special tree to grace his front yard. Over the years, several generations of his family enjoy this tree, but it is endangered by a plan to build a highway. A young boy and his host of animal friends get together to make a stand, and give back to the tree which has given them so much. With lavish illustrations and very few words, David McPhail delivers a timeless environmental message and a heartwarming story for ages 4 to 8.

David McPhail celebrates ingenuity, creativity, and friendship in this picture book created especially for the newest reader. Boy and Bird can go up to the tree house, but Dog cannot. Boy has an idea. Using a rope and a pot, the boy is able to pull the dog up the tree to a vantage point where the three friends can observe all good things in the world—including Mom bearing a plate of cookies. David McPhail''s poignant characters express intelligence, joy, and the affectionate bond of friendship. Together they live in a world that is wondrous, safe, and happy. An I Like to Read® book. Guided Reading Level D.

Great for fans of the Little Bear series, this collection of four sweet stories of friendship and discovery makes a perfect new baby gift. This collection of simple, short, and irresistibly sweet stories about Baby Bear finding things--and figuring out what to do with them--includes "Baby Bear Finds a Book," "Baby Bear Finds a Flower," "Baby Bear Finds a Baby Bird," and "Baby Bear Finds a Friend." Charmingly written and illustrated by celebrated artist David McPhail, the impeccably classic feel of the text and art will take readers back to Sendak''s Little Bear and Lobel''s Frog and Toad books.

A fox in a dress, a rabbit in shoes-if they can get dressed, so can you! From David McPhail comes a board book of early concept words. In I Get Dressed, animals try on different articles of clothing, often to hilarious effect, ultimately teaching children the names for all kinds of clothes. These new board books are not only handy, fun guides for early learning concepts, but also the youngest readers'' introduction to the whimsical world of David McPhail.

Sometimes brothers are different. Sometimes they''re alike. Some days brothers get along. Other days they don''t! But on this they agree: brothers stick together. Always. A veces los hermanos son distintos. A veces se parecen. Hay días que se llevan bien. ¡Y otros días no! Pero sí están de acuerdo en algo: Los hermanos permanecen juntos. Siempre. A sweet and humorous English/Spanish bilingual edition of David McPhail''s Brothers, a celebration of the lasting bond between siblings.

Pig Pig doesn''t want to go on a road trip with Aunt Wilma and Uncle Fred! Pig Pig would rather stay home and spend his summer vacation building a rocket ship model or reading back issues of Daring Pig Exploits. Besides, his mother and Fluffy the cat might miss him too much. His uncle insists that this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and soon Pig Pig is enjoying an eye-opening road trip. But he worries—what if his mother and Fluffy don''t remember him when he gets back? This charming and timeless story of trying new things and managing trips away from home and family will delight.

Big Brown Bear is visited by a rat who wants to use one of his slippers for a bed. Gentle tale about unusual friendship. 4 yrs+

How a small boy with a stammer ended up on the stage, becoming one of New Zealand''s best loved comedians. In The Years Before My Death, renowned and much loved actor-director and comedy show writer David McPhail recounts his early life and what led him to pioneer the satirical TV programmes (including A Week of It and McPhail and Gadsby) for which he is famous, what drove him to perform comedy, and what was behind his desire to make New Zealanders laugh. He tells of his creative friendships with the likes of A.K. Grant, Bruce Ansley and Jon Gadsby; his encounters with former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, the comic genius Dudley Moore, and the television networks of the day. As one would expect, every anecdote is told with insight, perfect timing and a glint in the eye.

Sisters can be different in so many ways, but there is one heartfelt way in which they are most alike—they love each other so very much. David McPhail''s celebration of the joys—and trials—of sisterhood has been a favorite with sisters of all ages for almost twenty years. Now available in a bilingual edition featuring Spanish and English text set in two colors for easy readability, a new generation of sisters will love to read this treasure . . . together.

Emma''s search for a soft, cuddly pet has a surprising ending.

The New York Times–bestselling illustrator of Budgie & Boo presents a cuddly raccoon in a tender tale of love and friendship. Waddles the raccoon loves to eat. In fact, he eats so much that his usual walk has turned into a waddle! He also loves to spend time with his best friend, Emily the duck. One day, Emily asks Waddles to sit on her unhatched eggs so she can go for a swim, and the very cuddly Waddles is happy to help. But he gets a big surprise when the ducklings begin to hatch! Waddles soon finds himself very attached to the new family of ducklings, so when it’s time for them to fly south for the winter, Waddles wonders if he will ever see his friends again . . . Tenderly crafted and illustrated, Waddles introduces readers to a delightful new character who learns that love and friendship are the only things that make someone truly “full.” Praise for Waddles “McPhail celebrates interspecies camaraderie in another picture book divided into four short chapters. . . . McPhail’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations elevate the familiar story of mismatched, devoted friends, coaxing expertly drawn emotion from his endearing characters. A tender, year-round reminder of the sustaining power of friendship.” —Booklist

Meet beloved adventurer Pig Pig as he masters the art of walking! Baby Pig Pig is sitting in his playpen with the kitten. Bored, he decides to leave the pen and find Mama. He pulls himself up. He stands! He falls. He tries again. With perseverance and pride, Baby Pig Pig makes his way out of his pen and down the hall and right into Mama’s arms. Youngsters will love the building excitement of Baby Pig Pig''s first steps, following David McPhail''s adorable illustrations to their delightful conclusion. A must for baby showers and new-baby gifts.

Meet beloved adventurer Pig Pig as a baby! Baby Pig Pig is delighted to imitate the sounds he hears—a cat’s meow comes out as “Duba;” a snake''s hiss becomes “Hissa;” a duck’s quack becomes “Quacka.” The more he hears, the closer he gets to making the right sound himself. But however he tries to copy his mother''s speech as she points out the animals and objects around them, nothing he says seems to come out right. What will Baby Pig Pig''s first real word be? A must for baby showers and new-baby gifts.

After an ordinary puppyhood, Weezer develops extraordinary skills that make him a major influence in the world.

Morning, noon, and night, Budgie and Boo work in their gardens, have adventures, and solve problems for each other—from fixing a leaky roof to fixing breakfast—because that’s what best friends are for. Together they learn that even if they lose their way, friendship is all they need to get through the day.

A young boy who has trouble reading helps Santa with his yearly rounds and receives a special Christmas present.

On his way to school, a small boy befriends a very large bear who is lost.

David McPhail''s The Lost Little Bird is a funny and affirming picture book about a little bird who goes on an adventure to discover who he is. When a little bird bumps his head one day, he loses his memory. He can''t even remember what kind of bird he is! Determined to find out, he sets off on a great journey. Along the way, he meets many new birds—including some scary crows, an inquisitive owl, and two helpful chickens—but none who are quite like him. Where is his bird of a feather? Sweet and heartfelt, The Lost Little Bird is a story about accepting yourself as you are.

One minute, the narrator of this cleverly rhyming romp is quietly reading. The next minute, pigs descend upon his house in every imaginable getup, by every available means, from every possible place—even “Pigs from France” and “Pigs just in their underpants.” What results is lovable porcine mayhem and a pizza pig-out! * “A must for all picture-book collection.”—School Library Journal, starred review * “McPhail presents a magnificent group of porkers, whose capacity for costumes and capers is truly wondrous . . . Kids will find this a very good book indeed.”—Booklist, starred review * “This is McPhail at his whimsical best.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review A Booklist Children''s Editors'' Choice

While waiting to have his picture taken, Pig Pig practices saying "Cheese" as he looks through a photo album and is amazed at the outcome.