ManaReads :: Picture Books
Big stories, big pictures. From rollicking to sweet to sublime, for sharing or solo, our extensive, hand-picked Picture Book section has the best of it all!
A Ball for Daisy
In his wordless picture book, A Ball for Daisy, Chris Raschka brings us the touching story of a frisky dog with a very special toy. Through his amazing watercolor illustrations, Raschka evokes the universal feelings experienced when we lose something important to us, and when we find a new friend! Allow your child to tell you the story in their own words, and this is sure to become your family's new favorite! Meet the author of this book on Saturday, April 27th, as he signs his newes… read more »
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Amos McGee gets up early every morning, excited to get to his job at the zoo. While at the zoo, he is able to spend time with all of his friends--the tortoise he runs races with, the owl he reads to, and many others. One day, Amos is sick and can't go to work. Instead, his animal friends make a visit to his house to keep him company. This book is beautifully illustrated and will delight both kids and adults.… read more »
Bear Has a Story to Tell
From the Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator of A Sick Day for Amos McGee comes a fantastic new book for fall! Bear wants to tell a story, but his friends Mouse, Duck, Frog, and Mole are busy preparing for winter. Instead of sharing his story, he offers help to his friends. When winter passes, the animals are reunited, but Bear has forgotten his story; now it’s his friends’ turn to help him. … read more »
Bear in Love
Bear in Love is a sweet little mystery involving tasty treats left for Bear, resulting in Bear's infatuation with a special someone. Find out more from illustrator Will Hillenbrand, when he visits blue manatee on Saturday, September 22nd at 11:30am! … read more »
Beautiful Oops!
A life lesson that all parents want their children to learn: It’s OK to make a mistake. In fact, hooray for mistakes! A mistake is an adventure in creativity, a portal of discovery. A spill doesn’t ruin a drawing—not when it becomes the shape of a goofy animal. And an accidental tear in your paper? Don’t be upset about it when you can turn it into the roaring mouth of an alligator. Barney Saltzberg offers a one-of-a-kind interactive book that shows young readers how every… read more »
Bluebird
In his most beautiful and moving work to date, Bob Staake explores the universal themes of loneliness, bullying, and the importance of friendship. In this emotional picture book, readers will be captivated as they follow the journey of a bluebird as he develops a friendship with a young boy and ultimately risks his life to save the boy from harm. Both simple and evocative, this timeless and profound story will resonate with readers young and old. Hear Bob Staake discuss this book when he c… read more »
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - hardcover
A told B, and B told C, I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree. In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the cocunut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no - Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom! The well-known authors of Barn Dance and Knots on a Counting Rope have created a rhythmic alphabet chant that rolls along on waves of fun. Lois Ehlert's rainbow of bright, bold, cheerful colors makes the merry parade of letters unforgettable.… read more »
Cincinnati - Our City, Our Story
Cincinnati - Our City, Our Story is a guided tour of greater Cincinnati, and its people, places, and history, with illustrations by an all-star cast of talented children from throughout the region, ages 6-13. This work was submitted via area schools and juried by a panel from the Cincinnati Public Library. Special guest appearances by local stars Loren Long, Will Hillenbrand, and C.F. Payne. Created locally, printed locally, and sold locally, the book’s mission is to inspire civic pride, t… read more »
Corduroy
Corduroy has been on the department store shelf for a long time. Yet as soon as Lisa sees him, she knows that he's the bear she's always wanted. Her mother thinks he's a little shopworn- he's even missing a button! Still, Corduroy knows that with a bit of work he can tidy himself up and be just the bear for Lisa. And where better to start than with a quick search through the department store for a new button! … read more »
Crafty Chloe
Chloe is always creating and embellishing things. She struggles to find the perfect gift for her friend’s birthday, and when another girl purchases the doll that she had her eye on, she gets to work on some accessories for the doll. Her home-made dress comes in handy, as a mishap takes place at the party. Crafty Chloe ends up saving the day, and makes a new friend in the process! This book has so many elements that need to be reinforced for children, especially girls: creative problem-solv… read more »
Darth Vader: A 3-D Reconstruction Manual
Discover what lies inside Darth Vader layer by layer! Sturdy pages and large format show incredible detail of our favorite Lord of the Dark Side (or is he a hero in Sith clothing?). … read more »
Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle
Learning to ride a bike is one of the most important milestones of childhood, and no one captures the emotional ups and downs of the experience better than Chris Raschka, who won the 2012 Caldecott Medal for A Ball for Daisy. In this simple yet emotionally rich "guide," a father takes his daughter through all the steps in the process—from choosing the perfect bicycle to that triumphant first successful ride. Using very few words and lots of expressive pictures, here is a picture book … read more »
Extra Yarn
Extra Yarn is about a girl named Annabelle who lives in a very dull, colorless town. She finds a box of brightly-colored yarn, so she knits herself a sweater. She has more yarn, so she knits for everyone and everything including the trees and a truck, until her whole city is covered in bright knitted goodness. A villainous archduke offers to buy the box, but Annabelle refuses. He steals it, but finds it contains no yarn at all, and with the help of just a bit more magic, it finds its w… read more »
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
In Mo Willems' newest picture book, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, Goldilocks falls into the not-so-secretive trap of a mama, a papa, and a Norwegian dinosaur family. Will she make it out before she becomes a delicious chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbon (definitely not the favorite treat for hungry dinosaurs)?… read more »
Harold and the Purple Crayon - hardcover
One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path... And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in all of children's books. The creative concept behind this beloved story has intrigued children and kept them absorbed for generations, as page by page unfolds t… read more »
Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat
This new book from the Caldecott Medal-winning author of A Sick Day for Amos McGee will capture the imaginations of children and their grown-ups. When Jonathan’s parents trade his stuffed bear in for a toaster, he goes searching for him on a Big Blue Boat. Along the way, he picks up a hodgepodge of a crew that includes a mountain goat, a circus elephant, a whale, and a girl. The unexpected, satisfying twist at the end adds to the message of friends old and new, and the illustrations,… read more »
Kel Gilligan's Daredevil Stunt Show
From Michael Buckley, the bestselling author of the Sisters Grimm and NERDS series, and Dan Santat, author-illustrator of Sidekicks, comes this hilarious picture book starring Kel Gilligan (a.k.a. “The Boy Without Fear”) that encourages kids to laugh at their fears and celebrates the bravery it takes to try new things no matter how ordinary. Narrated by Kel himself as he attempts his “stunts” with Evel Knievel–like flair, the story unfolds as a performance in w… read more »
Kel Gilligan's Daredevil Stunt Show
From Michael Buckley, the bestselling author of the Sisters Grimm and NERDS series, and Dan Santat, author-illustrator of Sidekicks, comes this hilarious picture book starring Kel Gilligan (a.k.a. “The Boy Without Fear”) that encourages kids to laugh at their fears and celebrates the bravery it takes to try new things no matter how ordinary. Narrated by Kel himself as he attempts his “stunts” with Evel Knievel–like flair, the story unfolds as a performance in w… read more »
Knuffle Bunny
Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat. But the exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes somebunny was left behind - Using a combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrations, this stunning book tells a brilliantly true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy's in charge and things go terribly, hilariously wrong. A Caldecott Honor Book!… read more »
Knuffle Bunny Free
Knuffle Bunny is back! Trixie is growing up, but she still needs her Knuffle Bunny, especially when she goes to visit her "Oma" and "Opa" in Holland. When she realizes Knuffle Bunny has been left on the plane, Trixie's vacation could be ruined, or maybe not . . .… read more »
Madeline
Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital is as appealing today as it was in 1940. The combination of spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes "Madeline" a perennial favorite with children of all ages. … read more »
Moustronaut
A heartwarming picture book tale of the power of the small, from bestselling author and retired NASA astronaut Commander Mark Kelly and hometown hero C.F. Payne. Astronaut Mark Kelly flew with “mice-tronauts” on his first spaceflight aboard space shuttle Endeavour in 2001. Mousetronaut tells the story of a small mouse that wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. The little mouse works as hard as the bigger mice to show readiness for the mission . . . and is chosen for the f… read more »
Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? (Hardcover)
There isn't a sound Mr. Brown can't do, from a hippo's gum chewing to a goldfish's kiss. The noisemakers are graphically illustrated and the "sound effects" are printed in big lettering.… read more »
Nightsong
Nightsong is the story of Chiro, a young bat who is sent by his mother into the night for the first time alone. It’s an adventure, but how will he find his way? And how will he find his way home? As the young bat discovers, navigating the world around him is easy as long as he uses his good sense.… read more »
Otis - hardcover
On the farm, Otis is best of friends with the little calf, who lives in the next barn stall over. But when Otis is replaced with the big yellow tractor, he is cast away behind the barn . . . until the little calf gets stuck in Mud Pond. It's Otis to the rescue! Loren Long has crafted an unforgettable story celebrating the power of friendship and perseverance.… read more »
Otis and the Puppy
Otis and his farm friends love to play hide-and-seek. Otis especially loves to be "It," finding his friends as they hide. Yet when the newest addition to the farm—a bounding puppy who can't sit still and has a habit of licking faces—tries to hide, he finds his attention wandering and is soon lost in the forest. Night falls and Otis, knowing his new friend is afraid of the dark, sets out to find him. There's just one problem: Otis is also afraid of the dark. His friend is al… read more »
Otis and the Tornado
Otis, the friendly tractor, is leading a rousing game of "follow the leader" with his farmyard friends. All of the animals play together, except for the bull, who scares everyone away with his snorting and stomping. Suddenly, the sky turns dark and the winds pick up, and a tornado forms. Otis bravely leads the animals to safety, but a cry is heard from far in the distance- from the bull! Otis doesn't think twice about helping the large, scared animal, and heads to the pen as fast as his wheels c… read more »
Slow Down for Manatees
This is a book about the gentle creatures who are the namesakes of our store! In this story, a manatee gets badly injured by a boat and is taken to an aquarium to recover, just like the manatees at the zoo. While in the aquarium, the manatee gives birth to a calf and longs to return to the coastal water. There is no better place to read a book about manatees than blue manatee children's bookstore!… read more »
Steam Train, Dream Train
The team behind the #1 New York Times bestseller Goodnight, Goodnight,Construction Site have answered their fans’ plea for “one more book beforebed.” In Steam Train, Dream Train, the train pulls into the station, and one by one the carsare loaded: polar bears pack the reefer car with ice cream, elephants fill the tankercars with paints, tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars, kangaroos stuff thehopper car with balls (while zebras referee). Sweet dreams are guaranteed.… read more »
Stuck
Oliver Jeffers' newest picture book tells the tale of Floyd, and the hopeless day he finds himself retrieving his stuck kite from a tree. In his fateful position (that which we have all found ourselves in at one point or another) Floyd has the brilliant idea to fish it out by tossing up his favorite shoe. And that's when the trouble really began. Floyd's persistence and inventiveness unravel into hilarity as everything from a blue whale to a milkman and even the kitchen sink gets flung up (and e… read more »
The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man
Any picture book from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon is bound to be awesome! Every superhero has a secret, and Awesome Man is no exception. It's no secret that he can fly, or hug mutant talking Jell-O from Beyond the Stars, or make positronic force shields. Awesome Man's secret is his true identity... but we're not telling! … read more »
