Author Profile
Arnold Lobel
31 Books
Arnold Lobel was a celebrated American author and illustrator of children's books, most famous for creating the beloved Frog and Toad series. He crafted gentle, humorous stories and charming illustrations that focused on enduring themes of friendship and everyday adventure. Alongside his iconic amphibious duo, his notable works include the Caldecott Medal-winning book Fables, as well as playful collections like The Book of Pigericks and Whiskers and Rhymes.
Meet a delightful cast of whiskered characters in this charming collection of original rhymes. Arnold Lobel brings his signature warmth and gentle humor to a new generation of nursery rhymes, featuring playful cats engaged in all sorts of silly and surprising activities. You will discover clever felines sailing in sieves, measuring the moon, and building castles out of cheese.
Each short poem is perfectly crafted for young readers who are just beginning to explore the rhythm and bounce of language. The bouncing verses and friendly feline faces make this an ideal read aloud choice. It is a timeless addition to any poetry shelf, ready to be read and shared again and again.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into a colorful collection packed with over three hundred classic rhymes and joyful verses. From Humpty Dumpty sitting on his wall to Little Miss Muffet and her sudden spider visitor, these timeless verses have been bringing smiles to children for generations. Every turn of the page brings a new bouncing rhythm and a lively illustration to match. You will meet dancing pigs, leaping cows, and mischievous children getting into all sorts of playful trouble. The vibrant, bustling artwork brings each short verse to life in wonderful detail, giving you new things to spot every time you look. This expansive treasury gathers the absolute best traditional poems in one beautifully illustrated place. It is a wonderful way for young readers to build their vocabulary, practice reading with rhythm, and share the very same funny stories their parents and grandparents enjoyed.
6-8 Years
176 Pages
N/A
/5
New Amsterdam is a complete and utter mess. When the new governor, Peter Stuyvesant, arrives by ship in 1647, he expects to find a neat and orderly settlement. Instead, he steps onto shores covered in garbage, ruined buildings, and citizens who do not seem to care at all. Disgusted by the terrible state of his new town, the strict leader immediately issues a series of firm commands to clean things up. The townsfolk must sweep the streets, repair their broken homes, and work together to build a proper community. Told through lively, rhyming verses, this historical tale shows how a very grumpy but determined leader managed to transform a disastrous village into a thriving early version of New York City. It offers a fun and engaging way for young readers to learn about American history while enjoying a comical clash of personalities.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
Prince Bertram enjoys causing trouble from the moment he wakes up. He throws objects at the royal guards, terrorizes the castle staff, and creates chaos wherever he goes. Everyone in the kingdom agrees that he is incredibly badly behaved. His terrible tantrums continue unchecked until he crosses paths with a very powerful and unamused witch. Unwilling to tolerate his awful attitude, the witch casts a spell that turns the naughty prince into a small, scaly dragon. Suddenly, Bertram finds himself on the other side of the bullying, realizing just how hard life can be when you treat others poorly. To return to his human form, he must figure out how to change his ways and do something genuinely good. This classic, cautionary fairy tale blends magical consequences with a valuable lesson about kindness, showing that even the worst troublemakers can choose to be better.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Arnold Lobel
A crocodile decides to try out the wallpaper in his bedroom, while an ostrich attempts to become a member of high society. In this celebrated collection of twenty short stories, animals take on very human personalities with hilarious and thought-provoking results. Each unique tale introduces a new creature facing a silly predicament, from a foolish baboon hiding from the rain to a pelican who talks way too much. Just like the classic tales of old, every single story ends with a clever, memorable moral that makes you stop and think. The detailed, beautiful artwork perfectly captures the expressions of these quirky animals as they learn important life lessons the hard way. It is a wonderful blend of wit, wisdom, and humor that offers something new on every page. Young readers will love spotting the mistakes these characters make and discovering the funny truths hidden in each colorful adventure.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Bellwood Bouse loves his beautiful home and all the wonderful things inside it. One sunny day, he decides it is incredibly unfair that his furniture never gets to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather outside. Opening his front door wide, he invites all his belongings to step out and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the town. To his great surprise, the chairs, tables, and even the teacups happily bounce right out the door and rush down the street. The situation quickly spirals out of control as Bellwood chases his lively belongings all over the neighborhood, desperately trying to convince them to return home. This wildly inventive and funny tale spins a magical scenario out of a simple idea. It shows what happens when your favorite possessions get a mind of their own, creating a delightful reading experience filled with visual humor and rhythmic storytelling.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Grasshopper loves the simple joy of walking down a long, winding country road. He does not have a strict destination in mind, preferring to see where the path takes him and who he might meet along the way. During his peaceful journey, he runs into a very rigid club of beetles, a housefly obsessed with cleaning, and a mosquito who insists on obeying strange rules. Each bug he encounters has a very strong, unbending opinion about the right way to live, work, and behave. Grasshopper kindly listens to them all, but he refuses to let their rigid routines stop him from enjoying his open-ended adventure. Divided into easy-to-read short stories, this gentle early reader shows the importance of staying true to yourself while respecting others. It is a wonderful, humorous look at different personalities and the value of keeping an open mind on the journey of life.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
A peaceful mouse is sitting quietly under a tree, simply reading a good book, when a hungry weasel suddenly scoops him up. The weasel takes him straight home, drops him into a large cooking pot, and prepares to make a warm, tasty mouse soup. Thinking fast, the clever mouse points out a major flaw in the recipe: a truly delicious soup requires stories to give it the proper flavor. To stall for time, the mouse begins sharing four distinct, engaging tales about falling rocks, singing crickets, and a thorny bush. As the weasel becomes entirely captivated by the storytelling, the mouse carefully plans his daring escape. This highly entertaining early reader is packed with humor, quick thinking, and a celebration of the power of a good story. It gives young readers an exciting, easy-to-follow adventure that perfectly blends mild suspense with very funny, satisfying results.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Frog and Toad
Days with Frog and Toad
By:
Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad are the very best of friends, and they are ready to share a brand new set of everyday adventures with you. Whether they are trying to fly a stubborn kite on a windy day, telling spooky stories in the dark, or simply deciding to spend a quiet day alone, these two companions always find a way to support each other.
You will laugh as Toad tackles his never ending list of chores for tomorrow, and you will understand exactly how he feels when a hat just does not fit right. The simple sentences and gentle humor are beautifully designed for readers who are gaining confidence. This classic collection shows that the best days are the ones spent with your closest friends.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into a delightfully absurd bird sanctuary where the feathered friends look surprisingly familiar. Here, you will encounter the peculiar Ice cream Cone Coot, alongside the unusual Waterglass Goose and the high stepping Highbutton Bobolink. Each bizarre bird is crafted from everyday household objects, creating a hilarious twist on the traditional nature guide.
The clever, bouncing verse introduces you to these silly creatures and their strange habits. You will find yourself laughing out loud as you try to spot the everyday items hidden in their feathers, from milk bottles to old shoes. It is a wildly creative and funny journey that will inspire you to look at the ordinary objects around your house in a completely new and imaginative way.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Martha is not your average mouse. While other mice might look for a cozy barn or a warm house, Martha has found the perfect home right inside a bustling movie theater. She spends her days surrounded by the magic of the silver screen, watching grand adventures and laughing at funny comedies from her secret hiding spots.
But living in a theater comes with its own unique set of challenges and surprises. When her quiet routine is suddenly interrupted, Martha must use all her cleverness and bravery to find her place in this giant, noisy world. This charming story brings the excitement of the cinema to life, giving you a mouse sized peek behind the velvet curtains and into the heart of the show.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready for a herd of hilarious swine in this uniquely funny collection of thirty eight original limericks. Arnold Lobel introduces you to a wonderfully eccentric cast of pigs from all walks of life. You will meet an old pig from Schenectady, a brave pig from upstate, and plenty of other muddy, messy, and mischievous characters.
Every short, bouncy poem tells a complete and silly story about these unforgettable farm animals. The clever wordplay and rhythmic verses are incredibly fun to read aloud, making you giggle with every turning page. It is a beautifully illustrated tribute to the wonderful world of nonsense poetry and the charming, clumsy nature of everyone's favorite barnyard friends.
6-8 Years
56 Pages
N/A
/5
Frog and Toad
Frog and Toad Together
By:
Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad are back for another season of funny and touching adventures. These two best friends do absolutely everything together, whether they are reading seeds a story to help them grow or trying very hard not to eat an entire batch of freshly baked cookies.
In these five classic stories, you will join them as they test their bravery against dragons and giants, and discover what happens when Toad's very important list of things to do suddenly blows away in the wind. The simple, beautifully crafted sentences are perfect for readers who are just starting to read on their own. It is a timeless celebration of the gentle, everyday moments that make friendship so incredibly special.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Frog and Toad
Frog and Toad Are Friends
By:
Arnold Lobel
Meet Frog and Toad, two amphibious best friends who are always there for each other. Frog is cheerful and energetic, while Toad would usually prefer to stay in bed. Yet, together, they make the perfect pair.
Join them for five classic adventures that celebrate the true meaning of friendship. You will help Toad search for his lost white button, wait patiently for a very important letter to arrive in the mail, and celebrate the joyful arrival of spring. The short chapters and highly accessible vocabulary are specifically designed to help you build confidence as you begin to read independently. It is a funny, tender, and deeply comforting introduction to one of literature's most beloved duos.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into the warm and wonderful world of a master storyteller. This special collection brings together some of the most beloved and funny tales from a legendary creator, all in one exciting volume. You will encounter clever animals, gentle lessons, and the quiet humor that has made these stories favorites for generations.
Whether you are discovering these timeless characters for the very first time or returning to visit old friends, there is a perfect story waiting for you inside. The friendly text and delightful pacing make it an excellent choice for cozy reading sessions or independent practice. It is a treasure chest of classic storytelling that highlights the beauty of kindness, friendship, and everyday adventure.
6-8 Years
186 Pages
N/A
/5
Giant John is a very big fellow with an equally big heart, and he is eager to help out the royal family. When he takes a job performing odd chores around the towering castle, his massive size makes him incredibly useful. He can clean high windows and lift heavy stones with ease, quickly becoming the king and queen's favorite helper.
Everything is running perfectly until a group of mischievous, musical fairies arrives in the kingdom. The lively tunes are just too catchy, and Giant John simply cannot resist the powerful urge to dance. You will laugh out loud as his giant, joyful steps cause magnificent chaos throughout the royal grounds in this classic, towering tale of music and magnificent mistakes.
6-8 Years
38 Pages
N/A
/5
Long ago, the world was completely gray and entirely boring. The trees, the houses, and even the people were all the exact same dull shade. But everything changes when a clever wizard decides to invent a brand new thing called color in his secret laboratory.
First, he fills the world with a brilliant, sweeping blue, but everyone soon feels a little too sad. Then, he tries a blazing yellow, but it is much too bright and dizzying. You will discover how a series of magical, messy accidents ultimately leads to the beautiful, balanced rainbow of colors we see around us today. It is a clever, visually stunning fable about finding the perfect mix of feelings and shades.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
Ming Lo and his wife have a very large, rocky problem. Their house sits right at the bottom of a towering mountain, and heavy stones are constantly crashing down onto their fragile roof. Tired of the danger and the mess, Ming Lo decides there is only one logical solution: the mountain simply must be moved.
He seeks out the village wise man, who gives him a series of highly unusual and funny instructions on how to push a giant mountain away. You will follow Ming Lo as he follows this silly, dance like advice, discovering a surprisingly clever trick to solve his massive problem. It is a wonderfully funny, folklore inspired tale about changing your perspective when an obstacle seems too big to budge.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
A sneaky robber is lurking in the dark, and he wants the nighttime to last forever. Because he can only commit his sneaky crimes under the cover of shadows, he creates a tricky plan to stop the morning sun from ever rising. His main target is the noisy farm rooster, whose loud crowing is known to wake up the dawn.
But this clever rooster is not easily fooled. When the thief tries to silence him with sneaky tricks, the rooster must use his quick wits to outsmart the villain and save the day. You will cheer for the brave bird as he plays a hilarious game of wits against the grumpy robber in this bright, funny story about protecting the morning light.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
Welcome to the warm, crackling fireplace of Owl's very cozy house. Owl lives all by himself, but his days are never boring and his imagination is always running wild. In these five funny, gentle chapters, you will join him as he tries to be in two places at the exact same time and bravely investigates the mysterious, strange bumps hiding under his bed covers.
You will feel the chill as Owl kindly invites the freezing winter wind inside to warm up, and you will share a quiet, beautiful walk with his glowing friend, the moon. With carefully chosen words and a comforting pace, these stories are perfectly crafted for readers who are mastering their independent reading skills. It is a wonderfully cozy look at living alone and finding magic in everyday moments.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Arnold Lobel
Lucille is an honest, hardworking farm horse who suddenly decides she is tired of pulling plows and looking plain. When the farmer's wife offers to give her a glamorous makeover, Lucille jumps at the chance to become a fancy lady. Soon, she is strutting around the barnyard wearing fancy hats, elegant dresses, and polished shoes.
But being a high society horse is not as easy or comfortable as it looks. You will laugh as Lucille struggles to balance teacups and walk in her very strange outfits. This funny, fast paced story follows her chaotic journey as she discovers that fancy clothes might look pretty, but being true to your own dusty, hardworking self is the best feeling in the world.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Frog and Toad
Frog and Toad All Year
By:
Arnold Lobel
Grab your sled, your gardening hat, and your favorite ice cream cone, because Frog and Toad are ready to celebrate every single season of the year with you. No matter what the weather looks like outside, these two inseparable friends always find a way to make the day special.
You will race down a snowy hill in the dead of winter, search eagerly for the very first signs of spring around the corner, and try to eat a melting ice cream cone on a blazing hot summer afternoon. These five classic, perfectly paced stories gently guide newly independent readers through a full calendar of funny mishaps and heartwarming surprises. It is a joyful, year round reminder that any season is wonderful when you spend it with your best friend.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Mister Muster
A Holiday for Mister Muster
By:
Arnold Lobel
Mister Muster is ready for a relaxing vacation, and he knows exactly who he wants to take along. Packing his bags for the bright, sunny seaside, he invites his very favorite companions: the entire crew of animals from the city zoo. It is time for the elephants, lions, and bears to feel the sand between their toes.
But taking a massive group of wild animals on a beach holiday is no easy task. You will join the chaotic, hilarious fun as the animals discover the joys of swimming, sunbathing, and getting into massive amounts of trouble by the ocean. It is a joyful, breezy adventure filled with slapstick humor and the wonderful, unbreakable friendship between a very patient man and his favorite creatures.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
When a young elephant receives the frightening news that his parents are lost at sea, he is swept up into the caring, wrinkled arms of his Uncle Elephant. Even though he is feeling incredibly sad and scared, his wise and wonderful uncle knows exactly how to bring the light back into his days.
You will share in their quiet, comforting moments as Uncle Elephant tells fantastic stories, makes impossible wishes come true, and even trumpets loudly at the dawn to wake up the sun. The beautifully simple chapters are designed to support early readers while exploring big, tender feelings. It is a deeply moving and gentle story about the powerful comfort of family, showing how love and laughter can help heal a heavy heart.
6-8 Years
64 Pages
N/A
/5
Mister Muster
A Zoo for Mister Muster
Mister Muster loves animals more than anything else in the world. In fact, he spends every single day visiting his favorite creatures at the city zoo, sharing quiet moments and friendly smiles with the elephants, lions, and bears. But when the zoo closes at night, Mister Muster feels incredibly lonely in his quiet apartment.
The animals love their gentle visitor just as much, and they decide they cannot stand to be separated from him. You will follow along on a hilarious, chaotic adventure as the clever zoo animals organize a massive, secret escape to visit Mister Muster at his home. It is a wildly funny and heartwarming story that shows how a true bond with animals can lead to the perfect, unexpected job.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Having an older brother is not easy, especially when his name is Anthony. Anthony is bigger, he runs faster, and he always seems to win every single game. He never lets his little brother forget who is in charge. But just wait. Someday, things are going to change!
This little brother has a giant plan. When he finally turns six, he is going to be the boss. He imagines all the brilliant, hilarious ways he will finally get the upper hand and show Anthony who is truly the best. He will be stronger, smarter, and completely unstoppable.
You will laugh at his wild daydreams and secret plots for revenge. This totally relatable story captures the classic struggle of being the younger sibling. It is a fantastic tale for anyone who has ever wished they could shrink their older brother down to size!
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
Hildilid absolutely hates the dark, shadowy night. She lives high in the hills of Hexham, and she is determined to get rid of the darkness once and for all. Armed with her broom, a pot of boiling water, and a lot of frantic energy, she tries every single trick she can think of to chase the night away from her tiny cottage.
You will laugh at her increasingly ridiculous attempts to sweep, scrub, and even tie up the darkness. She works so incredibly hard fighting the shadows that by the time the bright morning sun finally peaks over the hills, she is entirely exhausted. It is a beautifully illustrated, funny folk tale about a very stubborn woman and the peaceful rest she finally finds.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
It all begins with a single, beautiful red rose sleeping in the sun. But as you turn the pages of this cleverly constructed story, the garden grows larger and more colorful right before your eyes. Tall hollyhocks, bright zinnias, and cheerful sunflowers are added one by one, building a magnificent, towering garden bed.
This cumulative tale uses rich, rhyming language to introduce a stunning variety of flowers, stacking words just like the growing plants. But look closely among the petals and leaves, because a surprise visitor is hiding in the shadows, waiting to disrupt the peace. It is a wonderfully suspenseful and beautifully observed look at the quiet drama hiding in a summer backyard.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
N/A
/5
The farmer promises to help his wife with the daily chores, but his words do not match his actions. Instead of working, he sleeps all day, leaving her to handle the heavy lifting on her own. He claims he will finally start helping when their pigs bloom in the garden like flowers, or when they grow on trees like apples. Taking his wild excuses to heart, the clever and determined wife decides to make his silly conditions come true. She uses her imagination and a lot of effort to set up hilarious traps that bring those very scenarios to life. Young readers will laugh out loud as they watch the farmer wake up to some very surprising sights. This funny, classic folktale shows the value of teamwork, the consequences of being lazy, and just how far a little creativity can go to get a point across.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
A young boy heads down Market Street with a pocket full of coins, ready to buy gifts for a very special friend. Along the way, he encounters a bustling row of incredible merchants, each one offering something completely different. From apples to zippers, he moves through the alphabet, finding a unique treasure for every single letter. The truly magical part is the shopkeepers themselves, who are completely constructed out of the very items they are selling. One merchant is entirely built out of playing cards, while another is a towering figure made of fresh, green vegetables. Every page introduces a stunning visual puzzle that will keep young readers looking closely at the details. This brilliant, award-winning journey through the ABCs combines a simple shopping trip with breathtaking artwork, turning a basic alphabet lesson into an unforgettable adventure.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
It starts with a gray and rainy morning and one forgotten goodbye kiss. When Mr. James leaves the house in a hurry, it sets off a chain reaction of grumpy feelings that spreads to everyone in the family. Suddenly, Mrs. James is cross, the children are bickering, and nobody seems to know how to stop the bad moods from taking over the house.
You know exactly how a bad mood can sometimes catch on like a cold. But just when it seems like the whole afternoon is ruined by crummy weather and cranky attitudes, a playful little dog steps in to show everyone how to turn things around.
This gentle and relatable story explores how easily feelings can be passed from person to person. It is a perfect read for understanding your own big emotions and seeing how a little bit of unexpected happiness can instantly brighten the gloomiest of days.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
N/A
/5
