Most Popular Books by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

Very short, creative stories pair with bold illustrations in this picture book that will inspire young readers to stretch their imaginations and write stories of their own. "One day. . . I went to school. I came home. The end," says our storyteller—a girl with a busy imagination and a thirst for adventure. The art tells a fuller tale of calamity on the way to school and an unpredictably happy ending. Each illustration in this inventive picture book captures multiple, unexpected, and funny storylines as the narrator shares her shorter-than-ever stories, ending with "One day. . . I wanted to write a book." This book demonstrates a unique approach to writing and telling stories and is a delightful gift for children as well as for teachers seeking a mentor text for their classrooms.

This picture book is a celebration of life and the perfect gift to mark any milestone, from a new baby to a birthday to graduation. Illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell! In this inspiring story, a young rabbit travels through the wide world, experiencing joy and sorrow and wonder. Along the way he chooses a path and explores the unknown. And at the end of his journey, braver and more confident, he returns home—a place he can always count on. Author Rebecca Kai Dotlich’s wise words and Cordell’s beautiful illustrations combine in this book ideal for any special gift-giving occasion, and is an excellent choice for any graduate!

Two polar bear friends have a thrilling adventure as they imagine solutions to a variety of possible situations; their story will show readers how to create their own tales in response to the question "What if...?" in this ingenious picture book. "What if . . . we got lost far, far, far away, and couldn''t find our way home? Then we would become the bravest explorers in the world." So begin the adventures of two intrepid polar bears. Traveling on a ship imagined from an iceberg, the bears encounter magnificent sights and scary situations. When a city made of crayons melts, the bears use pencils to create a beautiful gray world. When all the words in the universe disappear, the bears invent their own language. When something really big and really scary happens, they whistle and hold hands until it''s not as big or scary anymore. And when they find their way back home, they''re ready to imagine a thousand more possibilities. This companion title to the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book One Day, The End. is ultimately a book about imagination, friendship, and finding possibilities in the smallest moments.

Race car 1 honks look at me! He zooms in front with the turn of a key. Race car 2 is close behind. The sound of vroom is on his mind. This simple, rhyming text is perfect for reinforcing counting with young children, and the vibrant, energetic illustrations make this a terrific package for the youngest vehicle enthusiasts.

From the creators of What Can a Crane Pick Up? comes a train-ride adventure—perfect for fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. In this inviting, rhyming read-aloud, two kids become travel buddies as they watch cities and landscapes and other hard-working trains rush by, and also observe the conductor and funny goings-on inside the train, all illustrated in a fresh, hip, colorful style. Hop aboard! "The chugga-chugga beat and appealing anthropomorphized trains will charm young train-lovers in this entertaining title that’s a perfect fit for storytime."--Booklist

A tiny tugboat overcomes her fears of a turbulent storm to save a stranded barge in this timeless tale of persistence. When faced with a tough challenge, Little Scoot only tries harder. Sent into a gathering storm to rescue a barge that''s run aground, Little Scoot is tempted to turn around. But though she''s scared of the squall, she perseveres through thunder, lightning, blustery winds, and swamping waves, reminding herself "Little Scoot never quits!" This triumphant tale is a testimony to the power of determination.

Oliver Wizard overcomes his nighttime fears as his father gently helps him get ready for bed. Oliver uses imaginary magic in every step of his bedtime ritual. Accompanied by his father, Oliver conjures a bedtime snack, brushes his teeth, reads a book, and waves his wand to keep scary things away. The lighthearted, loving relationship between Oliver and his father is the star of this imaginative story that will help soothe restless toddlers to bed. Rebecca Kai Dotlich''s lyrical text and Josée Masse''s charming illustrations will help every child find the magic of sleep.

Like the spicy sweetness of an ice-cold glass of lemonade, these bright and happy poems promise--and deliver--a shiver of recognition and refreshment. From the classic subjects of "My Lemonade Stand" and "Jacks" to the jazzy rhythms of "Jump Rope Talk" to the lyrical beauty of "Backyard Bubbles," this stunning collection from Rebecca Kai Dotlich is drenched in summer colors and pleasures. Color illustrations by award-winning artist Jan Spivey Gilchrist add an edgy charm.

Dazzling wordplay sets young imaginations spinning. Rebecca Kai Dotlich pays poetic tribute to things that shake or slap, whoosh or whirl, swirl or spill in this captivating book of verse. With charming illustrations by Karen Dugan, these twenty-three poems sparkle with clever imagery and crackle with dazzling wordplay. Here''s a remarkable collection by a gifted poet.

Introduces young children to the ever-changing world of science and about curiosity, asking questions, and exploring possible answers.

Here are twenty-nine rhyming riddle poems about everyday objects that children love: roller coasters, trampolines, kites, yo-yos, licorice, and more. With plenty of clues in each rhythmic verse and in the colorful illustrations, children of all ages will enjoy guessing these riddles and challenging one another to the answers.

This collection of poems, creatively presented in the format of an allegorical house, will engage anyone who has ever wondered “why?” as it shows young readers that wonder is everywhere—in yourself and in the world around you. Welcome to the Wonder House, a place to explore the cornerstone of every great thinker—a sense of wonder. This Wonder House has many rooms—one for nature, one for quiet, and one for mystery, among others. Each room is filled with poems and objects covering a wide variety of STEAM topics, including geology, paleontology, physics, astronomy, creative writing, and drawing, that will inspire curiosity in young readers. This enchanting book written by award-winning poets Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Georgia Heard both sparks wonder and shows readers how to kindle it in themselves.

What were all those fairy-tale characters thinking? Jane Yolen and Rebecca Kai Dotlich answer this question in paired poems, with sometimes startling results. The Princess claims all those mattresses kept her awake—not a silly pea—while the poor pea complains that the princess snores. One Snow White begs the witch to settle by the bay and throw that mirror away. Another boldly tells the mirror she "won''t be guided by a glass that''s so one-sided." Grumbles from the Forest is a bewitching brew of voices—grumbling, pleading, bragging, reminiscing, confiding—that bubbles with magic and wonder. The spectacular paintings that tie the poems together are full of surprise and intrigue. This stunning collection includes end notes that briefly describe the tales and their history and an introduction that invites readers to imagine their own poems from unusual perspectives.

With the snappy rhythm of a bouncing ball, Rebecca Kai Dotlich offers a rolling ode to a favorite shape.

Fourteen Mother-Goose rhymes enjoyed by generations of children are creatively presented as "poem pairs"—with a twist!—in this playful poetry picture book. Mother Goose has a few secrets tucked in her feathers! Did you know that the shoe loved the Old Woman and her many children? And that the three blind mice weren’t actually blind, only near-sighted? Or that Humpty Dumpty fell when skateboarding on a wall? Featuring wildly different voices and perspectives, this terrific read-aloud features with stunning illustrations and hilarious details. The book includes the original Mother Goose rhymes, endnotes that briefly describe their history, and an introduction that invites readers to imagine their own poems from unusual perspectives and "create magic."

Rhyming tale about animals and where they sleep.

What can a crane pick up . . . a truck? Yes, a truck! And a truck . . . And a truck . . . And a railroad car, if it gets stuck. A truck, a train, a car, a plane can all be lifted with a crane. From poet Rebecca Kai Dotlich and artist Mike Lowery comes a rollicking picture book about cranes—the kind that pick things up! We start with pipes and bricks and loads of steel and then move on to funny, whimsical objects: a cow, a ferris wheel, men in business suits, and an ancient mummy''s case. With a rhyme that begs to be read aloud again and again, and quirky, exuberant illustrations, this book is sure to delight kids and parents alike. But watch out: Cranes pick UP—that''s what they do! Look out, or a crane might pick up you!

Gorgeous illustrations surround a collection of poetry written for children about the magic, beauty, and promise of sea voyages.

Some little pigs describe the many things and activities that their mother loves and shares with them.

Through a rhyming game and brilliant photographs, children learn what is square in the world.

Through rhyming text and brilliant photographs, children learn what everyday things are shaped like a triangle.

Boyds Mills Press publishes a wide range of high-quality fiction and nonfiction picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction

Peanut and Pearl have everything they need for a picnic . . . except each other!

This picture book is a celebration of life and the perfect gift to mark any milestone, from a new baby to a birthday to graduation. Illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Matthew—now in a Spanish paperback format. Illustrated by 2018 Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell and written by award-winning author Rebecca Kai Dotlich, The Knowing Book is an inspiring and wise picture book that will encourage readers to trust themselves and live life to its fullest. The story begins and ends with the sky that is always above you. In between, a young rabbit travels through the wide world, experiencing joy and sorrow and all the wonder that the world has to offer. Along the way he chooses a path, explores the unknown, and ventures along trails on and off the map. And at the end of the journey, braver and more confident, he returns home, to the place you can always count on and will always know. This beautiful celebration of life is ideal for any special gift-giving occasion, and is an excellent choice for any graduate!

These are the things a Grandpa loves: Baseball and billboards. Tales of the sea. Flipping the pancakes and being with me! Grandpa always finds the time to share what he loves with his little ones. In a perfect companion book to Mama Loves, Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Kathryn Brown have once again teamed up to create a tender ode to the special times between Grandpa and Grandchild.

Two poets ? two friends ? reached out to each other to create this book, writing and sharing poems virtually and apart. Inspired by the tragic events of 2020, Georgia Heard and Rebecca Kai Dotlich began to express their shared feelings of loss and longing through poetry as a means of inspiring hope, comfort, and healing. The poems in A Field Guide to the Heart take the reader from sadness and loss through healing to hope and love, and invite personal reflections and journaling along the way. The book is unique in that it is both a poetry book and a journal, with space for readers to express themselves in any way that they wish.

A Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book Very short, creative stories pair with bold illustrations in this picture book that will inspire young readers to stretch their imaginations and write stories of their own. "One day . . . I went to school. I came home. The end," says our storyteller—a girl with a busy imagination and a thirst for adventure. The art tells a fuller tale of calamity on the way to school and an unpredictably happy ending. Each illustration in this inventive picture book captures multiple, unexpected, and funny storylines as the narrator shares her shorter-than-ever stories, ending with "One day . . . I wanted to write a book." This book features a unique approach to writing and telling stories and is a delightful gift for children as well as for teachers seeking a mentor text for their classrooms.

Bella wants to write poems. Bean wants to go for a walk. Bella wants to write poems. Bean wants Bella to look at her cute toes. Could these two best friends be more different? But as Bean''s attempt to coax Bella away from her notepad become ever more over the top, Bella finds her poetry taking unexpected twists. You might be a Bella or you could be a Bean - either way, this sweet, clever tale will remind you there is perfect poetry to mismatched friends.

For older siblings, the introduction of a baby into the family can be a mixed blessing. There is someone new for everyone to dote on, but all of a sudden, everything special about the baby can make older children feel competitive. In this warmly illustrated board book, a poem perfectly encapsulates the balancing act of giving attention to both older and younger siblings, encouraging families to carve out ample "you and me" time for everyone!

Boyds Mills Press publishes a wide range of high-quality fiction and nonfiction picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction

A lively celebration of math and all the ways it applies to everyday life. What is math? So many things! Counting and calendars, weights and fractions, shapes and distances, charting and graphing. Math is the way we measure and code our world, from seasons to clocks, recipes, classrooms, and beyond. Math is all around us! This rousing read aloud offers an engaging and accessible introduction to math--perfect for sparking an early interest in STEM subjects for young children.

In wonderfully evocative poems, the authors explore castles of history and fantasy that have facinated people for hundreds of years--Bunratty, Hearst, Tower of London, Himeji, Bran, and Olavinlinna.

Today is the big dino party, and Digger and Dadasaur take a ride into town to get a cake, but before long, they end up getting lost.

A child mails a letter.

A pair of polar bears have a thrilling and very creative adventure as they imagine solutions to a variety of possible situations.

Unable to play baseball with his friends until his room is cleaned, Digger the dinosaur works at top speed but finds that the faster he moves with his big tail and feet, the messier his room becomes.

"It''s Stego''s birthday and Digger knows the perfect present to give his best friend--a song! But when Digger mixes up the words, things get super silly." -- Back cover.