I’m delighted to have Jackie Azúa Kramer guest posting today with a picture book list that celebrates imagination and friendship. She picked some of my all time favorite picture books in her ten book list; half about Imagination and half about Friendship.
Her newest picture book is also a perfect blend of friendship and imagination. We are giving away a copy of The Green Umbrella too! Please see the giveaway at the bottom of the post.
The Green Umbrella by Jackie Azúa Kramer, illustrated by Maral Sassouni
Elephant’s green umbrella is also Hedgehog’s boat, Cat’s tent, Bear’s flying machine, and Rabbit’s cane. Elephant doesn’t limit the use of the green umbrella to keeping himself dry either; it’s his sword, balancing pole, and baseball bat. As the rain clears up, the animals each want their toy back. Instead of fighting, they come up with the perfect solution for more adventures together. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
How about you? What are your favorite books that spark the imagination, celebrate friendship or even BOTH?! Thanks for sharing!
Picture Books that Spark a Kid’s Imagination
1. The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
A little girl has an amazing idea that she’s going to make the most magnificent thing! All she has to do is make it. But making her magnificent thing leads down a frustrating path of trial and error. This book best reflects–Inspiration + motivation + passion = Endless possibilities. The girl’s emotional journey reminds a child not to quit. [picture book ages 3 and up]
2. If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
A little boy and his basset hound sits by a window and want nothing more than to catch a glimpse of a whale. As he looks, waits and wonders about the whale, there are so many beautiful things to distract him in the world of his own imagination. In this place, whale-shaped clouds swim in the sky, and an armchair becomes a boat. [picture book ages 4 and up]
3. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed with a large purple crayon, Harold draws himself a world full of wonder and imagination. There are lots of funny twists and turns, but Harold keeps his cool with imaginative solutions. A wonderful story that reflects creative problem solving. [picture book, age 4 and up]
4. The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski
Step inside the pages of a little girl’s magical book as she discovers the inspiring idea that we each bring something different to the same story. Not only is this story rich with the power of imagination, the illustrations evoke stories within stories. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
5. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Sam and Dave are on a mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find nothing. Or have they? Children are often hungry for adventure. Barnett tapped into child think and play. It takes great imagination to know that there’s always something spectacular out there. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Great Picture Books About Friendship
6. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad are always there for each other—just as best friends should be. Follow moments like writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons. An ‘odd couple’ friendship where the wit, warmth and caring between Frog and Toad is undeniable. [easy reader, ages 4 and up]
7. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
Autumn has come to the woods, and Bear doesn’t feel well. He sniffles and aches all over and can’t sleep. Worst of all, he’s feeling too poorly to play with his friends. We all need friends like this when we have the sniffles. His friends light a fire, fluff his blanket, and make him some broth and tea. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
8. The Happy Lion by Louise Fatio, illustrated by Roger Duvoisin
A friendly lion in a small French zoo enjoys the visits of the townspeople. One day, when the zoo keeper forgets to close the lion’s door, he decides to visit his friends from the zoo. Mayhem ensues, to his surprise, until a boy saves the day. A child will learn the power of friendship, when fear and prejudice are overcome, a beautiful message. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
9. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead
A lovely friendship between a zookeeper named Amos and the animals he cares for gets turned around when Amos gets sick and the animals come to his house to comfort and care for him. I love the old fashioned feel of the book where the protagonist, Amos, is an adult. A quiet and sweet tale of good deeds is accompanied by the amazing Caldecott winning illustrations. [picture book, ages 2 and up]
10. An Extraordinary Egg by Leo Lionni
Three frogs discover a large white egg, and they decide it must be a chicken egg. When the scaly, green creature emerges from the egg, they call it chicken. A hilarious case of mistaken identity and acceptance. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Win a Signed Copy of The Green Umbrella!
Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to win a copy of The Green Umbrella that includes a signed book plate. Due to the high cost of shipping, we can only ship to U.S.A. addresses and A.F.O. post boxes.
Jackie Azúa Kramern was an actor, singer & school counselor. Now she’s an author, and wiles away her time writing children’s picture books. She lives with her husband, ‘Muti-talented Brad’ and amazing kids ‘Jazz-hands Jonah’ & big sis, ‘Free-spirited Daisy’ in Long Island, NY.
To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.
I am an Amazon affiliate which means if you buy anything through my blog, I get a very small kickback at no cost to you. I use this money to pay for postage and handling for my giveaways.
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Frog & Toad and Amos McGee are among my favorites too, Jackie! Congrats!! Really looking forward to reading your book. I love Maral’s art too!
Hi Maria,
We love Frog & Toad too!
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Alyssa Annico
I love Sam and Dave Dig a Hole!
The Green Umbrella looks adorable!
Hi Alyssa,
The Green Umbrella is wonderfully sweet and inspiring! I hope you get a chance to read it!
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This post makes me happy! I have a copy of Jackie’s book so if I win it, I’ll donate it to one of the Little Free Libraries in my town.
Hi Penny,
I love her book and Little Free Libraries! What a treat to discover it in a free library!!
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I really like almost all of these, but I think Sick Amos is probably my favorite. I am not familiar with the Green Umbrella but would like to read it.
I haven’t read Sick Amos yet! Thanks for your great book recommendation Barbara Ann!
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Kathy
I also love the Frog and Toad books! But others that come to mind are The Hat by Jan Brett, and Swimmy by Lionni.
I love your recs Kathy! Thank you!
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Okay, this is the very first time I have entered a rafflecopter. But, I really want the Green Umbrella for many reasons! Such a great cover. Have read a number of reviews and find it enchanting!
Patricia Tilton recently posted…Every Falling Star: How I Survived and Escaped North Korea
Hi Patricia,
It is such a great book! Let me introduce you to the author! She’s lovely as well!
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Have seen The Green Umbrella in a lot of places lately and am oh-so-curious… Can’t wait for a chance to read it and share with kiddos.
It is such a great picture book on several levels. I love the focus on friendship and imagination. The illustrations are charming too! Thanks for entering Melissa!
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John Smith
I love “The Whisper” by Pamela Zagarenski–the illustrations are so beautiful!
Thanks for your great book recommendation John!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…The Nian Monster Chinese New Year Author Event
Thanks i had great time on reading this post.
Thanks Balaji!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…The Nian Monster Chinese New Year Author Event
Making friends and using one’s imagination are important skills. (And not just for kids!)
gayle swift recently posted…It’s Routine: Children Find Comfort & Security in Repetition
Yes!! Agree with you totally Gayle! And the animals do it so nicely in this lovely picture book!
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Jennifer Oliger
I love What do You Do With an Idea? It helps children see that their ideas are valuable and they can use their imagination to come up with new ideas.
That’s such a great STEM picture book! I loved it too! I think there is a sequel. I read both standing in a bookstore but I was really tempted to buy What Do You Do With An Idea?! Thanks Jennifer!
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There are some truly magical picture books on this theme. The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems is very popular in my house.
maryanne recently posted…How To Use Stories To Teach Children Black History
We have a special place in our hearts for the Elephant and Piggie series. It was the first books that my son read independently.
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Cathy Ogren
What a wonderful list of books!
Thanks so much Cathy!
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Those are great books, Mia! Thanks for sharing your list.
Thanks so much Rosie! I’m glad you liked Jackie’s list!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…The Nian Monster Chinese New Year Author Event
What a great assortment of books.
Thanks so much Sue!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…The Nian Monster Chinese New Year Author Event
These are great suggestions for social skill building books!!
I’m so glad that you liked Jackie’s list Crystal!
Pragmatic Mom recently posted…The Nian Monster Chinese New Year Author Event
I think the one I enjoy most and enjoy reading to my kids is the Giving Tree by Sal Silverstein.
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Hi Lisa,
It’s such a good example of friendship and giving but I have to say it always makes me a little mad that the boy/man would let the tree get cut down.
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olga
I love the adventures of Beekle, the unimaginary friend. It’s a cute, sweet story.
Hi Olga,
Beekle is such a great picture book! Thanks for that great suggestion!
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Rajee Pandi
I love Frog and Toad books Great book to rad
That is one of my favorite all-time series, especially in the Easy Reader category. Thanks Rajee!
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