Books like 'Zen Ties'
Readers who enjoyed Zen Ties by Jon J. Muth also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy religion animals children friendship spirituality season-summer family poc-mc
-
Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us by Kobi Yamada
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYou are the only you there ever has been or ever will be. You are unique in all the universe. Just the odds of you being here at this exact place and this exact time are so great and so rare that it will never happen again... -
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... -
Because I Love You by Max Lucado
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA long time ago a wise man named Shaddai built a wonderful village for children to live in. He talked to them and sang for them and told them stories. He gave them everything they needed. And with his own hands Shaddai built a protective wall around their village, rock by rock.He did all of this for just one reason--because he loved them... -
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
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... -
The Battle for Crystal Castle (Geronimo Stilton and the Kingdom of Fantasy #13) by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFairies, dragons, wizards, and more await Geronimo on every magical Kingdom of Fantasy adventure! I, Geronimo Stilton, was surprised to be pulled back into the Kingdom of fantasy!The Harmony Stone had been stolen from the Crystal Castle. Without it the entire empire was at it's weakest. The Invisible Army was sure to launch an attack...Categorized as:
children religion friendship animals spirituality fantasy children-books female-author -
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
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...Categorized as:
animals children season-summer friendship family children-books fiction middle-grade -
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 friendship children children-books fiction outdoors fantasy action-adventure -
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
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
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
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
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... -
-
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
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... -
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
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... -
Alfie: by Thyra Heder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNia loves Alfie, her pet turtle. But he’s not very soft, he doesn’t do tricks, and he’s pretty quiet. Sometimes she forgets he’s even there! That is until the night before Nia’s seventh birthday, when Alfie disappears! Then, in an innovative switch in point of view, we hear Alfie’s side of the story. He didn’t leave Nia—he’s actually searching for the perfect birthday present for his dear friend... -
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... -
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... -
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
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... -
Your Special Gift by Max Lucado
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne morning the people of Wemmicksville wake up to discover that they've all received gifts. Punchinello opens his gift to find a hammer; Lucia receives a paintbrush and set of paints; and Hans, the baker, gets a spoon. Nobody knows who sent the gifts, but each Wemmick receives the perfect gift: Punchinello likes to build, Lucia loves to paint, and Hans enjoys cooking... -
-
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
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 Lightlings by R.C. Sproul
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn The Lightlings, Dr. R.C. Sproul weaves an allegorical tale that captures the essence of the biblical story of redemption in a manner that will fascinate and delight children. A race of tiny beings known as lightlings are a picture of humanity as they pass through all the stages of the biblical drama – creation, fall, and redemption... -
The Winter War by Priscilla Shirer, Gina Detwiler
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo years ago, the Prince Warriors lost one of their own, but now they must stand firm . . . because death is coming once again. In this sequel to Priscilla Shirer’s bestselling trilogy, the Prince Warriors return to Ahoratos to find it bare and dangerous. The Winter War is upon them...Categorized as:
children family religion spirituality action-adventure book children-books christian -
Uki and the Outcasts by Kieran Larwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings'EXCELLENT,' says the bard. 'It's probably a good idea for you to know about him.' 'Wait . . . him? Who's him?' said Rue. 'Uki,' says the bard. 'Uki Patchwork. The Magpie Demon. Uki of the Two Furs.' From the Ice Wastes beyond the Cinder Wall emerges an unlikely hero...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
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... -
Anh's Anger by Gail Silver
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis wonderful and engaging 1st book in a trilogy that includes Steps and Stones and Peace, and Bugs and Understanding, gives children and caregivers a concrete practice for dealing with anger and other difficult emotions.In Anh’s Anger , five-year-old Anh becomes enraged when his grandfather asks him to stop playing and come to the dinner table...Categorized as:
children family spirituality children-books psychological mental-illness fiction fantasy -
Jamberry by Bruce Degen
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThis bestselling classic features a berry-loving boy and an endearing rhyme-spouting bear. The fun wordplay and bright paintings with lots of details for young readers to explore make Jamberry a perennial favorite.A small boy and a big friendly bear embark on a berry-picking extravaganza, looking for blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship season-summer action-adventure book children-books -
Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsFarmer Brown is going on vacation. He asks his brother, Bob, to take care of the animals. "But keep an eye on Duck. He's trouble." Bob follows the instructions in Farmer Brown's notes exactly. He orders pizza with anchovies for the hens, bathes the pigs with bubble bath, and lets the cows choose a movie. Is that giggling he hears? Giggle, giggle, quack, giggle, moo, giggle, oink..Categorized as:
animals children friendship season-summer anthropomorphism book children-books contemporary -
Best of All by Max Lucado
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBess Stovall is famous for being famous. When it comes to Wemmicks, she's the best, they say. Who wouldn't want to join her Wonderful Wemmicks Club? The catch is this: only Wemmicks made of maple can join-the best wood from the best forest.But Punchinello can't join since he is made of willow. Willow is weak wood, says Bess. No one wants to be a willow... -
-
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... -
Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson, Jane Chapman
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt's Christmastime, and Mortimer Mouse, unhappy in his cramped, cold hole, goes in search of a new home... -
Piggybook by Anthony Browne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIllus. in full color. "Mr. Piggott and his sons are a male chauvinist lot who, outside of yelling for their dinner, don't exercise themselves much around the house. When Mrs. Piggott finally tires of the endless chores that sandwich her workday, she leaves the menfolk on their own, with a note saying, 'You are pigs... -
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
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... -
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... -
If Only I Had a Green Nose by Max Lucado
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA green nose. How silly, thought Punchinello. It wouldn't make him faster, stronger, or even smarter. It would only make him greener--and make him look just like all the other Wemmicks! Why would he want that when he knows Eli made each of them different for a reason?But when Punchinello stops visiting Eli regularly, a painted nose somehow doesn't seem as foolish anymore... -
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA celebration of the power of imagination from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winning creator of Not a BoxExperience the thrill of the moment when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real!Following the critically acclaimed Not a Box, this book proves that a stick is not always just a stick... -
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
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... -
-
School's First Day of School by Adam Rex
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially . . . the school... -
Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? by Martin Waddell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIt's bedtime, and Little Bear can't get to sleep. He's frightened of the dark, the dark all around, which not even Big Bear's largest lantern can light up. Big Bear finds a way to show Little Bear that there is no need to be afraid... -
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... -
Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLittle Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, but one day they can’t find each other. When they finally do, they give each other such a big hug that they turn green! How they find their true colors again concludes a wonderfully satisfying story told with colorful pieces of torn paper and very few words... -
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 family friendship anthologies children-books classics coming-of-age -
The Puzzled Penguin by Amelia Cobb
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsZoe Parker has an amazing secret -- she can talk to animals and they can talk back!Newest zoo resident Pip is the cutest penguin chick Zoe has ever seen. But there's something strange about Pip . .
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.