Predictable books help early readers predict what the next sentences are going to say by using repetitive language, sequences, rhythms, and rhymes. These include chain/circular stories, cumulative sequences, familiar/known sequences, pattern stories, question and answer, phrase/sentence repetition, and rhyme/rhythm repetition.
In chain or circular stories, the ending leads right back to the beginning.
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by
"In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. "Elegance has become the Dillons' hallmark. . . . Matching the art is Aardema's uniquely onomatopoeic text . . . An impressive showpiece." -Booklist, starred review.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by
If a hungry little traveler shows up at your house, you might want to give him a cookie. If you give him a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. He'll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache, and then he'll ask for a pair of scissors to give himself a trim . . . . The consequences of giving a cookie to this energetic mouse run the young host ragged, but young readers will come away smiling at the antics that tumble like dominoes through the pages of this delightful picture book.
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by
If you take a mouse to the movies, he'll ask you for some popcorn. When you give him the popcorn, he'll want to string it all together. Then he'll want to hang it on a Christmas tree. You'll have to buy him one.... The energetic little mouse from If You Give A Mouse A Cookie is back again, this time with a host of holiday antics.
If You Give a Moose a Muffin by
If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it. When he's eaten all your muffins, he'll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix. In this hilarious sequel to If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the young host is again run ragged by a surprise guest. Young readers will delight in the comic complications that follow when a little boy entertains a gregarious moose.
If You Give a Dog a Donut by
If you give a dog a donut, he'll ask for some apple juice to go with it. When you give him the juice, he'll drink it all up. Then, before you can say "Woof" . . . Dog is off on a backyard adventure! The exuberant dog who first appeared in if you give a pig a party is now the star of his very own book.
In cumulative stories, each part builds upon the parts that come before. As each new part is added, ALL the rest of the story is repeated, building a string of events or ideas that can help early readers recognize patterns and words.
There's a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake by
A cumulative text featuring repetition and tongue-twisters combine with gorgeous illustrations from New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long for a book kids will clamor for at storytime. Endpapers include sheet music and lyrics for kids and parents to have their own singalong!
Inside a Zoo in the City by
A squawking parrot wakes a colorful cast of sleeping creatures, and a symphony of chattering and barking ensues! This jolly story is told with picture words that invite young kids to "read" along. The combination of playful text and humorous illustrations will make this a favorite among emergent readers.
Inside a House That Is Haunted by
The author/illustrator team of Inside a Barn in the Country uses picture clues to tell this funny story about a spider, a cat, a bat, and many other "creatures" inside a spooky house.
Lot at the End of My Block by
Chock-full of dump trucks and bulldozers, this cumulative story by the author of "Chugga-Chuga Choo-Choo" is about the construction of a building, beginning with an empty lot at the end of the block and ending with a new house and neighbors.
In Enzo's Splendid Gardens by
A cumulative rhyme describes the uproarious chain of events that ensue when a waiter trips over a book dropped by a boy watching a bee.
Sitting down to Eat by
A young boy's snacktime is interrupted by a visit from an elephant. As soon as he moves over to make room, they are joined by a tiger ... and a hippo ... and a big blue whale ... and soon a full menagerie, each insisting there's room for one more.
The House That Drac Built by
One by one young readers meet the creatures that live in Drac’s house--a bat, a werewolf, a monster, a mummy, a zombie, and other frightful monsters. They chase, wrestle, and roar until the doorbell rings and in walks a group of fearless trick-or-treaters who know exactly what to do. Clever, repetitive text--a playful adaptation of the popular nursery rhyme about the house that Jack built--and creepy paintings are sure to make this a spooky favorite for years to come. “The skillfully executed artwork adds a zesty dollop of suspense to a familiar storyline.”--The Horn Book
Real Stuck, Way Up by
The hero of this humorous, cumulative tale is a big old apple tree, which is the centerpiece for each of this book's detailed, full-color illustrations. A little boy wants to get an apple from a high branch. He tosses a ball to knock down the apple, but now his ball is stuck. He tosses his shoe to kick the ball, and a glove to slap the shoe. Finding out how he finally gets the apple puts one final, funny touch on this delightfully silly story.
The Napping House by
A cozy bed, a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing--WAIT There's a surprise in store, and little ones will want to discover it over and over again. So pull on your sleeping cap and snuggle in for a timeless cumulative tale that's truly like no other. Don and Audrey Wood's beloved picture book has sold more than one and a half million copies. To celebrate its birthday, the original hardcover book now has a fresh new design for both the jacket and interior, and the reproduction of the illustrations has been enhanced to better match the original artwork. A CD is tucked into a sleeve on the inside the front cover. The music, originally produced in 1989, is based on the book and was written and performed by children's musicians Carl and Jennifer Shaylen. The CD begins with a reading of the story and follows with six original songs that are just as fun, jaunty, and sweet as the book itself.
Stories with familiar or known sequences include a common, easily recognizable theme (such as the days of the weeks, months, counting).
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by
Follows the progress of a hungry little caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food until, full at last, he forms a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep. Die-cut pages illustrate what the caterpillar ate on successive days.
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by
Lois Ehlert uses watercolor collage and pieces of actual seeds, fabric, wire, and roots in this innovative and rich introduction to the life of a tree. A special glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, and other facts about trees. “Children will beg to share this book over and over.”--American Bookseller
Chickens to the Rescue by
Meet the most heroic chickens in town! On Monday, Farmer Greenstalk dropped his watch down the well. . . . On Tuesday, Mrs. Greenstalk was too tired to make dinner. . . . Who will help the poor Greenstalk family? Chickens to the rescue! The amazing chickens on the Greenstalk farm race to help various family members and farm animals every day of the week. Every day until Sunday, that is, when Emily Greenstalk has a little trouble . . . John Himmelman's expressive illustrations are filled with the kind of hilarious details that will delight young readers.
In a pattern story, the scenes or events are repeated with a variation.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears by
"With the same delightfully irreverent spirit that he brought to his retellings of Little Red Riding Hood, Marshall enlivens another favorite. . . . The illustrations are fraught with delicious humor and detail. Like its predecessor, perfect for several uses, from picture book hour to beginning reading."--Kirkus Reviews. Caldecott Honor Medal.
Three Little Kittens by
Young children all know the Mother Goose rhyme of the kittens who have lost their mittens, but they've never seen it illustrated with so much energy, beauty, and flair. Preschoolers will delight in these cuddly kittens as they frolic outside in the falling leaves, get their whiskers sticky while eating a just-baked apple pie, and do the washing-up under Mama Cat's watchful gaze.Caldecott Medal winning, New York Timesbestselling author/artist Jerry Pinkney brings a gloriously vivid palette, delightful details and tremendous warmth to his version of this favorite nursery rhyme.
Where's Spot? by
For more than three decades, children have been looking everywhere for Spot in this classic, first-ever lift-the-flap book. Is he in the piano? Is he under the stairs? After finding other familiar animals, there he is in his basket.
Ten Cats Have Hats by
A counting book that uses intriguing pictures containing unusual details to present numbers 1 to 10.
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by
Joseph had a little overcoat, but it was full of holes - just like this book! When Joseph's coat got too old and shabby, he made it into a jacket. But what did he make it into after that? And after that? As children turn the pages of this book, they can use the die-cut holes to guess what Joseph will be making next from his amazing overcoat, while they laugh at the bold, cheerful artwork and learn that you can always make something, even out of nothing.
In question and answer stories, one question is repeated throughout the story.
From Head to Toe by
What does an elephant do? It stomps its foot. Can you? This interactive story invites kids to imitate animal movements. Watching giraffes bend their necks or monkeys wave their arms is fun, but nothing could be better than joining in. From their heads down to their toes, kids will be wriggling, jiggling, and giggling as they try to keep up with these animals! Alligators wiggle, elephants stop, gorillas thump, and giraffes bend. Can you do it?
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by
With more than two million copies sold, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? has opened up a world of learning to a generation of children. For this edition, created for the twenty-fifth anniversay in 1992, Bill Martin, Jr., restored his text to its original wording. And Eric Carle created all new pictures--based on the originals, but clearer, brighter, and truer to the colors they represent. Bill Martin has been devoted to writing children's books for more than thirty years. He has a Ph.D. in early childhood education and he has long been a proponent of using rhyme and rhythm to teach young children how to read. Eric Carle, illustrator of many beloved children's books, was born in the United States, but spent his early years in Stuttgart, Germany, where he studied art and design at the Academy of Applied Art. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the first book he illustrated.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by
What will you hear when you read this book to a preschool child? Lots of noise! Children will chant the rhythmic words. They'll make the sounds the animals make. And they'll pretend to be the zoo animals featured in the book-- look at the last page! Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle are two of the most respected names in children's education and children's illustrations. This collaboration, their first since the classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (published more than thirty years ago and still a best-seller) shows two masters at their best. A Redbook Children's Picture Book Award winner The rollicking companion to Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Have You Seen My Cat? by
A little boy's cat is missing and he is worried. Beautiful illustrations and a brief, easy-to-read text lead small readers on a round-the-world quest for the lost cat, and to an ending that is a wonderful surprise. Along the way, the little boy meets a wide variety of people, all trying to be helpful, and sees many beautiful members of the cat family strikingly pictured in Eric Carle's distinctive collage technique.
Repetition stories might repeat a single phrase or sentence, or they might repeat a recognizable rhyme, rhythm, or refrain.
Goodnight Moon by
In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room -- to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to themittens and the kittens, toeverything one by one -- the little bunny says goodnight. In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.
Good Night, Gorilla by
It's bedtime at the zoo, and all the animals are going to sleep. Or are they? Who's that short, furry guy with the keys in his hand and the mischievous grin? Sneak along behind the zookeeper's back and see who gets the last laugh in this riotous good-night romp. The new generous trim size of every toddler's favorite book is even easier to share. With a warm, funny author's note highlighting how much this book has meant to kids and families since it was first published and some clever new details hidden in the illustrations, "Good Night, Gorilla "is the perfect gift for new babies as well as fans young and old.
Silly Sally by
Dance a jig with a silly pig. Play leapfrog with a silly dog. And that's just the beginning of all the fun! Come along and join Silly Sally and her outrageous friends as they parade into town in a most unusual way.
Sheep Out to Eat by
Those mischievous sheep are back, and they’re hungry! The whole flock ventures into a tea shop for treats, and it doesn’t take long for the disasters to start . . .
Sheep in a Shop by
In Sheep in a Shop, the sheep are off to the store in search of the perfect birthday gift. With these muttonheads, a normal outing is sure to turn into a joyous lark. Rhyming text and disarming illustrations make these shear delights!
Sheep on a Ship by
The rhyming misadventures of a group of zany sheep on a pirate ship. Sheep on a deep-sea voyage run into trouble when it storms and are glad to come paddling into port.
Sheep in a Jeep by
Beep!Beep! Out for a drive in the country, Nancy Shaw and Margot Apple's now well-known and beloved sheep run into one mishap after another with their sturdy red jeep.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by
"A told B, and B told C "I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree."" The perfect pairing of Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault's lively rhymes, and Caldecott Honor artist Lois Ehlert's bright, bold, cheerful pictures made "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" an instant hit and a perennial favorite.
The Seven Silly Eaters by
Peter wants only milk, Lucy won’t settle for anything but homemade lemonade, and Jack is stuck on applesauce. Each new addition to the household brings a new demand for a special meal. What’s a mother to do? “[A] highly comic rhyming romp that surprisingly (and nicely) twists into a birthday story.”--School Library Journal
