Books like 'Once Upon a Memory'
Readers who enjoyed Once Upon a Memory by Nina Laden also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy animals outdoors children coming-of-age friendship family
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The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsSchool is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary... -
![We Don't Eat Our Classmates! by Ryan T. Higgins]()
We Don't Eat Our Classmates! by Ryan T. Higgins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIt's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins... -
![I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems]()
I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsGerald is careful. Piggie is not.Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.Gerald and Piggie are best friends.In I Broke My Trunk! Gerald tells Piggie the long, crazy story about breaking his trunk. Will Piggie end up with a long, crazy story of her own?Once again, Mo Willems creates another hilarious escapade starring the Geisel Award-winning duo... -
![Ida, Always by Caron Levis]()
Ida, Always by Caron Levis
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always.Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn’t going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs... -
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![October, October by Katya Balen]()
October, October by Katya Balen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA classic in the making for anyone who ever longed to be WILD.October and her dad live in the woods. They sleep in the house Dad built for them and eat the food they grow in the vegetable patches. They know the trees and the rocks and the lake and stars like best friends. They read the books they buy in town again and again until the pages are soft and yellow - until next year's town visit... -
![The Gift of Dark Hollow by Kieran Larwood]()
The Gift of Dark Hollow by Kieran Larwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Longburrow series is Middle-earth for middle graders as readers are drawn deeper and deeper into the story of the young rabbit Podkin One-Ear fighting to save his land from evil. Hiding with fellow refugees, Podkin, Paz, and Pook are temporarily safe in Dark Hollow Warren. But their enemies—the evil Gorm—still search for them... -
![Home Again by Kallie George]()
Home Again by Kallie George
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the final installment of this sweet illustrated chapter book series, summer has come to Fernwood Forest, and the staff of the Heartwood Hotel must trust each other as they contend with their biggest challenge yet.It's summer at the Heartwood Hotel, and everyone is in a flurry getting ready for Ms. Prickles's wedding to Mr. Quillson! Meanwhile, a new mouse guest named Strawberry comes to stay... -
![Grandfather Twilight by Barbara Helen Berger]()
Grandfather Twilight by Barbara Helen Berger
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis favorite bedtime story about Grandfather Twilight's evening walk through the forest is now released in a board book format with glowing color illustrations and poetic text... -
![In a Jar by Deborah Marcero]()
In a Jar by Deborah Marcero
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLlewellyn, a little rabbit, is a collector. He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls...Categorized as:
animals outdoors friendship children children-books fiction fantasy action-adventure -
![Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney]()
Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsYucky music, great big feet.Ladies smelling way too sweet.Look at knees and stand in line.Llama Llama starts to whine.Does any child like to go shopping? Not Llama Llama! But Mama can't leave Llama at home, so off they go to Shop-O-Rama. Lots of aisles. Long lines... -
![Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang]()
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA hilarious picture book about dealing with unexplained feelings…and the danger in suppressing them!Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it—how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown... -
![Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev]()
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen the local Pet Club won’t admit a boy’s tiny pet elephant, he finds a solution—one that involves all kinds of unusual animals in this sweet and adorable picture book.Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends... -
![A Sick Day for Amos McGee: by Philip C. Stead]()
A Sick Day for Amos McGee: by Philip C. Stead
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAmos McGee, a friendly zookeeper, always made time to visit his good friends: the elephant, the tortoise, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl.But one day—"Ah-choo!"—he woke up with the sniffles and the sneezes. Though he didn't make it into the zoo that day, he did receive some unexpected guests.Philip C... -
![Raids and Rescues by Bryan Chick]()
Raids and Rescues by Bryan Chick
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe fifth book in the fast-paced and imaginative series about four adventurous friends and the secret world hidden in their local zoo. Ella, Noah, Richie, and Megan are in trouble—and so is the Secret Zoo! A captivating series for tween readers praised as "action packed and breathless" by Publishers Weekly, and "a fast-paced mix of mystery and fantasy" by School Library Journal... -
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![Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss]()
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThis is the diary... of a spider. But don't be worried – he's more scared of you and your gigantic shoe! Actually, he's a lot like you. He goes to gym class and has Grandparents' Day at school. But he also spins sticky webs, scales walls, and takes wind–catching lessons... -
![Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson]()
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratings"The day before Christmas,snuggled on his floor,Bear sleeps soundlywith a great big snore...."Bear's friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs... -
![Snuggle Puppy! (Oversized Lap Edition) by Sandra Boynton]()
Snuggle Puppy! (Oversized Lap Edition) by Sandra Boynton
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsOoo, Snuggle Puppy of mine! Everything about you is especially fine!A special, oversized edition (perfect for reading while snuggled up on a lap, or for sharing with a classroom) of the bestselling board book Snuggle Puppy! It's a valentine from parent to child, perfect for reading (or singing!) OOO, Snuggle Puppy of mine! Everything about you is especially fine. I love what you are... -
![A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton]()
A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA little girl rescues a strange beast in the woods and carries him safely home. But the beast is not happy and escapes! A funny and charming tale about seeing both sides of the story... -
![Lizzy and the Cloud by Terry Fan]()
Lizzy and the Cloud by Terry Fan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom the critically acclaimed, award-winning creators of Ocean Meets Sky and The Night Gardener comes a whimsical and sweet tale of a young girl who cares for her pet cloud as it grows.It’s a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn’t mind. She’s not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that’s right for her. And she finds it in Milo... -
![The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi]()
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis Yet finds a way, even when you don't,And, Yet knows you will, when you think you won't.Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion--the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out.Told in tight rhyme reminiscent of the great Dr... -
![Julius and Macy: A Very Brave Night by Annelouise Mahoney]()
Julius and Macy: A Very Brave Night by Annelouise Mahoney
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA woodland tale about bravery and friendship.Julius and Macy like to play heroes. Julius pretends he’s the defender of the forest, while Macy has a quieter strength. When their snack disappears one night, they decide to track down the only one who could have taken it—the Night Goblin... -
![Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin]()
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThis is the diary . . . of a worm. Surprisingly, a worm not that different from you or me: He lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey -- no matter how hard he tries. Oh, and his head looks a lot like his rear end... -
![The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty]()
The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhere have all the bedtime stories gone?One dark, dark night in Burrow Down, a rabbit named Eliza Brown found a book and settled down...when a Snatchabook flew into town.It's bedtime in the woods of Burrow Down, and all the animals are ready for their bedtime story. But books are mysteriously disappearing. Eliza Brown decides to stay awake and catch the book thief... -
![Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson]()
Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBad weather frightens Bear, but his woodland friends are there to help him in this sweet, reassuring Bear story from bestselling duo Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman!In the deep, dark woodsby the Strawberry Vale,a big bear lumbersdown a small, crooked trail…The sun is setting and it’s getting chilly... -
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![A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker]()
A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsCheery persistence wears down a curmudgeonly bear in a wry comedy of manners that ends in a most unlikely friendship.Bear is quite sure he doesn't like visitors. He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear goes to the cupboard to get a bowl, there is the mouse -- small and gray and bright-eyed...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship anthropomorphism book children-books contemporary -
![Elmer by David McKee]()
Elmer by David McKee
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsElmer the elephant is bright-colored patchwork all over. No wonder the other elephants laugh at him!If he were ordinary elephant color, the others might stop laughing. That would make Elmer feel better, wouldn't it? David McKee's comical fable about everyone’s favorite patchwork elephant teaches readers to be themselves and celebrates the power of laughter... -
![The Lonely Lion Cub by Amelia Cobb]()
The Lonely Lion Cub by Amelia Cobb
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHer special talent comes in handy at her great uncle's animal rescue zoo. At the rescue zoo, injured or endangered animals have a safe place to live... -
![When the Sun Rose by Barbara Helen Berger]()
When the Sun Rose by Barbara Helen Berger
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn imaginative little girl spends a happy day with her playmate, who arrives with a pet lion... -
![The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser]()
The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPerfect for fans of Simon Philip and Pip Jones, The Littlest Yak is joyous, rhyming caper that reminds us to celebrate our own unique talents!On the tip of the top of a mountain all snowy, where the ice-swirling, toe-curling blizzards were blowy, in a herd full of huddling yaks, big and small, lived Gertie . . .the littlest yak of them all... -
![Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball by Vicki Churchill]()
Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball by Vicki Churchill
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSometimes I like to curl up in a ballSo no one can see mebecause I'm so small.Little wombat spends a day doing favorite things--what could they be? Are they your favorites, too? Let's look and see! He especially enjoys walking around and around, and doing a pigeon step till he falls down... -
![Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor]()
Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA determined snail.A plump cabbage.A truly epic journey . . .In a book as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of a slow but steady snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship... -
![Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney]()
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsStrange new teacher. Strange new toys. Lots of kids and lots of noise! What would Llama like to do? Llama Llama feels so new . . . It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore... -
![Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds, Matt Davies]()
Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds, Matt Davies
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd.One thing is clear: being a nerdy birdy is a lonely lifestyle.When he's at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. He has friends and discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky... -
![Found by Salina Yoon]()
Found by Salina Yoon
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAn NPR Best Book * Winner of the SCIBA Book Award for Best Picture Book Geisel Honor-winning author/illustrator Salina Yoon introduces adorable duo Bear and his bunny Floppy in Found --a charming board book that celebrates love and friendship in its many forms. When Bear finds a lost stuffed toy bunny in the forest, he begins to worry... -
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![It Fell from the Sky by Terry Fan, Eric Fan]()
It Fell from the Sky by Terry Fan, Eric Fan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom the creators of the critically acclaimed The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky comes a whimsical and elegantly illustrated picture book about community, art, the importance of giving back—and the wonder that fell from the sky.It fell from the sky on a Thursday. None of the insects know where it came from, or what it is. Some say it’s an egg. Others, a gumdrop... -
![Llama Llama Nighty-Night by Anna Dewdney]()
Llama Llama Nighty-Night by Anna Dewdney
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhat's the best part of bedtime? Stories with Mama! Before cuddling, Llama Llama must splish and splash in the tub, then put his red pajamas on. Dewdney's catchy rhymes, effortless rhythm, and adorable artwork can now be enjoyed by even younger audiences. Toddlers will love this pair of perfect read-alouds... -
![Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos, Joy Ang]()
Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos, Joy Ang
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Baby Billy is born with a mustache, his parents have to figure out if it's a good-guy mustache or a bad-guy mustache in this hilarious oversized board book perfect for reading aloud at storytime. When Baby Billy is born with a mustache, his family takes it in stride... -
![Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss]()
Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThis is the diary . . . of a fly.Even though she's little—just like her best friends, Worm and Spider—Fly wants to be a superhero... -
![Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell]()
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWinner of the 2018 Caldecott MedalA girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying story of friendship and trust. Wolf in the Snow is a book set on a wintry night that will spark imaginations and warm hearts, from Matthew Cordell, author of Trouble Gum and Another Brother... -
![The Random House Book of Poetry for Children by Jack Prelutsky]()
The Random House Book of Poetry for Children by Jack Prelutsky
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe Random House Book of Poetry for Children offers both funny and illuminating poems for kids personally selected by the nation's first Children's Poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky. Featuring a wealth of beloved classic poems from the past and modern glittering gems, every child who opens this treasury will find a world of surprises and delights which will instill a lifelong love of poetry...Categorized as:
animals children coming-of-age family friendship anthologies children-books classics -
![Time For Bed by Mem Fox]()
Time For Bed by Mem Fox
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsDay is done. Darkness is falling everywhere, and little ones are getting sleepy. This gentle board book, with its rhythmic verse and peaceful, loving illustrations will lull toddlers whether it's bedtime, nap time, or simply time for a snuggle... -
![Alice's Farm: A Rabbit's Tale by Maryrose Wood]()
Alice's Farm: A Rabbit's Tale by Maryrose Wood
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn Maryrose Wood's stunning middle-grade novel, Alice's Farm, a brave young rabbit must work with her natural predators to save her farmland home and secretly help the farm’s earnest but incompetent new owners.When a new family moves into Prune Street Farm, Alice and the other cottontails are cautious... -
![Eva and Baby Mo: A Branches Book by Rebecca Elliott]()
Eva and Baby Mo: A Branches Book by Rebecca Elliott
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
![Go to School, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman]()
Go to School, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome, Little Monster, to your first day of school. Little Monster is going to school for the very first time. That means he’ll be meeting all the other little monsters, including one who has really big teeth and draws scary pictures... -
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![I Know a Rhino by Charles Fuge]()
I Know a Rhino by Charles Fuge
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNOW IN BOARD "These are my friends""I know them, you see.""I know them quite well...""because they live with me!" Charles Fuge's delightful rhyming text and absolutely adorable images bring to life a little girl and her charming animals as they play all day. She spins round with her hippo, blows bubbles in the bath with giraffe, and picnics on brown bread and honey with her bear when it's sunny... -
![A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker]()
A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBear must have absolute quiet when he goes to bed. But the effervescent Mouse, small and grey and bright-eyed, finds it terribly hard to be quiet. 'A Bedtime for Bear' sees the curmudgeonly Bear and his irrepressible friend Mouse return in a third wry adventure that will be familiar to many... -
![Gossie & Gertie by Olivier Dunrea]()
Gossie & Gertie by Olivier Dunrea
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGossie and Gertie are best friends. They splash in the rain, play hide-and-seek, and they dive in the pond together. Everywhere Gossie goes, Gertie does too. Or does she? With charming illustrations and gentle text, Olivier Dunrea has created two lovable, sweet characters that will appeal to the youngest listeners... -
![Arthur's Tooth by Marc Brown]()
Arthur's Tooth by Marc Brown
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFor use in schools and libraries only. Arthur, tired of being the only one in his class who still has all his baby teeth, waits impatiently for his loose tooth to fall out... -
![When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach]()
When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom beloved duo Elise Broach and David Small comes an adorable picture book about a little boy who gets a free dino with purchase!Free gift with purchase: Dinosaurs! Wait—free what?! Just when a little boy thinks he’s going to die of boredom from running errands with his mom, the most remarkable, the most stupendous thing happens... -
![Otis by Loren Long]()
Otis by Loren Long
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author/artist Loren Long creates an unforgettable children's classic. Otis is a special tractor. He loves his farmer and he loves to work. And he loves the little calf in the next stall, whom he purrs to sleep with his soft motor. In fact, the two become great friends: they play in the fields, leap hay bales, and play ring-around-the-rosy by Mud Pond...
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