From the Big Screen to Storytime: Picture Books Inspired by This Summer’s Blockbusters!

Finding Dory Little Golden Book (Disney/Pixar Finding Dory), by RH Disney
Keep the memories alive – for Dory’s sake, of course! If you want to relive her madcap journey again and again – and learn a few important things about family along the way, then you’ll want to pick this story up for tonight’s storytime.

Shark vs. Train, by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld
Between Shark and Train, it’s hard to tell who would win a pie eating, burping, or hide-and-seek competition. So it’s best if they undertake these hilarious contests RIGHT NOW! This is an action-packed board book for ocean and train enthusiasts of all ages—may the best giant win!

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss didn’t create classics by accident; he celebrated the things kids love best—like saying funny-sounding words aloud and using their imaginations! From Zox to Yink—and a mouthful of pink ink—there’s plenty here to keep the silly undersea fun going on long after you’ve left the movie theatre!

Pete the Cat: Scuba-Cat, by James Dean
Pete is back for his latest adventure—he’s about to become the coolest scuba diver in the sea! He’s learned the rules from Captain Joe, suited up, and now he’s ready to take the plunge. Seahorses are at the top of his list of things to see—but they’re so elusive, even when you’ve got grooviness on your side. Go exploring with Pete tonight!

Did the The BFG’s world of dreams amaze you? Did Sophie’s courage leave you astounded? Here are some more whizzpoppers for you! 
ABC Dream, by Kim Krans
In the hours between dreaming and waking, there exists a magical world—where unicorns can fly and clouds can talk. This place moves us, fascinates us, and rarely are we offered the opportunity to visit it during the daytime—until ABC Dream. This is an enchanting book indeed, and it’s perfect for storytime.

Bloom, by Doreen Cronin and David Small
This touching fable features a Mud Fairy named Bloom, who possesses the extraordinary ability to turn weeds into flowers and sand into glass. She’s lithe and powerful, but she leaves dirt in her wake, which upsets the delicate people of her glass kingdom who cannot abide a mess. Under-appreciated and disappointed, Bloom goes into seclusion, and it will take another extraordinary being to coax her back to save the kingdom. Complex and rewarding, this subversive narrative is an important read for readers of all ages.

Three Magic Balloons, by Julianna Margulies, Paul Margulies, and Grant Schaffer
Instead of spending money on themselves after a day at the zoo, three generous sisters decide to buy food for the animals they’ve enjoyed all day. In exchange for their selfless acts, a vendor gives them each a magic balloon to affix to their bedposts. Just as they hoped, their dreams are enchanted, and they visit far-off kingdoms and encounter mystical creatures. Magical balloons may be the featured attraction here, but there’s real heart in this story too.

What Do You Do With a Problem?, by Kobi Yamada
If you’ve ever had a problem and chosen to ignore it, it probably didn’t dissipate. Instead, it’s gotten bigger—and likely more persistent. This follow-up to What Do You Do With an Idea? shows us, quite simply, the life cycle of a problem. Readers of all ages are reminded that a challenge makes us more courageous, and when we are encouraged to confront our predicament head-on, we often find that it’s less daunting than we originally perceived it to be.

If The Secret Life of Pets was simply a reaffirmation of your long-held personal truths, then you’ll sit, stay, and lay down for these stories!
What Pet Should I Get?, by Dr. Seuss
When Dr. Seuss retreated from the world that had inspired him for 87 years, he left behind an overflowing box of partially finished manuscripts and illustrations. These brilliant documents immortalized his life’s work—creating meaningful nonsense—and among the most precious treasures were pages of an unfinished book that tackled a quintessential moment of childhood: what pet to get. Join these characters as they mull over the decision inside the pet store. What will they choose? You’ll love the zany rhymes that meander their way to the final answer!

Click, Clack, Peep, by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
There’s a new addition to Farmer Brown’s barnyard crew, and it’s an adorable ball of downy fluff that’s downright LOUD at bedtime. “Peep! Peep! Peep!” pierces the long country night, and Duck wonders if this duckling will ever wind down! There are more than a few chuckles here, and a deceptively simple solution that all parents will appreciate.

R Is for Rocket: An ABC Book, by Tad Hills
If you and your little reader haven’t met Rocket yet, it’s high time the two of you take a moment to experience the world from his 4-legged perspective. Rocket, of course, is the lovable mutt who, along with a colorful cast of characters, brings the alphabet to life in an unforgettable way. It will surely be love at first bite, and you likely won’t stop biting until you’ve devoured all of Rocket’s adventures, like How Rocket Learned to Read, Rocket’s Mighty Words, and Rocket Writes a Story.

Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery, by David Gordon
Whoever said you can’t be cute and crank up a crane never met Karen, a benign creature sporting an adorable tutu that’s perfect for the construction site. Indeed, when Skyler starts bullying Karen at the sandbox, she responds with no less than a bulldozer, blowtorch, forklift, and helicopter in return. The endearing story about overcoming bullies—and offering forgiveness—will be a hit with readers of all ages.
What blockbuster-inspired books are you picking up at storytime this summer?