Books like 'Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat'
Readers who enjoyed Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat by Philip C. Stead also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy action / adventure animals children friendship coming-of-age nautical outlaws
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Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe story of a young unicorn who was born under the sea to a family of narwhals.Growing up in the ocean, Kelp has always assumed that he was a narwhal like the rest of his family. Sure, he’s always been a little bit different—his tusk isn’t as long, he’s not as good of a swimmer, and he really doesn’t enjoy the cuisine... -
The Circus Ship Big Book by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWith stunning artwork and a rhyming text, the illustrator of the Mercy Watson books tells a tale of human-animal connection full of humor and heart...Categorized as:
animals children friendship nautical action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook book -
Curious George Visits the Zoo Book & Cassette by Margret Rey, H.A. Rey
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsCurious George and the man with the yellow hat visit the zoo. A hungry Curious George snatches a pail of bananas from the zoo keeper. Though he shouldn't have taken the bananas, George soon changes the zookeeper's shouts to praise with his clever, helpful ways... -
Watch Me Throw the Ball! 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 Watch Me Throw the Ball!, Gerald is determined to teach Piggie that ball-throwing is serious business... but Piggie is just as determined to have serious fun... -
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Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsFrom the illustrator of the #1 smash hit The Day The Crayons Quit comes a humorously warm tale of friendship. Now also an animated TV special!What is a boy to do when a lost penguin shows up at his door? Find out where it comes from, of course, and return it. But the journey to the South Pole is long and difficult in the boy’s rowboat. There are storms to brave and deep, dark nights... -
The Hour of Magic by Geronimo Stilton, Elisabetta Dami
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFairies, dragons, wizards, and more await Geronimo on every magical Kingdom of Fantasy adventure!I, Geronimo Stilton, was amazed to find myself called back to the Kingdom of Fantasy for another adventure. Blossom, Queen of the Fairies, needed my help -- time itself was under threat! Something evil was making the hands of the magical Tick Tock Timepiece spin faster and faster... -
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 friendship animals fantasy children-books religion female-author action-adventure -
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 34 ratings"If you give a pig a pancake, she'll want some syrup to go with it..." If you give a pig a pancake, she'll want some syrup to go with it. You'll give her some of your favorite maple syrup, and she'll probably get all sticky, so she'll want to take a bath. She'll ask you for some bubbles. When you give her the bubbles.. -
The Trip to Panama by Janosch
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLittle bear and little tiger live in a little house by the river. One day, a wonderful-smelling crate floats past them, with the word PANAMA written on it. Little bear and little tiger decide that Panama must be the land of their dreams, and set off on a quest to find it.A touching story about learning to appreciate what you have... -
The Evertree by Marie Lu
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEverything comes to a head in this seventh book in the New York Times bestselling series. The world of Erdas will be changed forever.Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan were once ordinary kids. Then they discovered that they had spirit animals-wise and powerful partners who granted them with amazing gifts . . . and a legendary responsibility... -
Thea Stilton and the Mystery on the Orient Express by Thea Stilton, Tea Stilton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGeronimo's adventurous sister Thea narrates this fabulous adventure that's packed with action, mystery, and friendship!The Thea Sisters are boarding the famouse Orient Express for a journey from Paris to Istanbul! The train is on a special trip to return a precious wedding dress stolen years ago from an Istanbul museum... -
Thea Stilton and the Chocolate Sabotage by Thea Stilton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters are visiting a friend in Ecuador who has a sweet job -- he runs a chocolate factory! His factory is in the running for a major award for its environmental methods. But suddenly, chocolate production starts to malfunction...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books fiction -
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 -
Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrom the illustrator of the #1 smash The Day the Crayons Quit comes another bestseller--a giggle-inducing tale of everything tossed, thrown, and hurled in order to free a kite!When Floyd's kite gets stuck in a tree, he's determined to get it out. But how? Well, by knocking it down with his shoe, of course. But strangely enough, it too gets stuck. And the only logical course of action . . -
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The Battle for Perodia by Katrina Charman
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe time has come to fight for the enchanted land of Perodia!Pick 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... -
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... -
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... -
Thea Stilton and the Great Tulip Heist by Thea Stilton
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship!While Violet is taking an art class in the Netherlands, her friend's father mysteriously disappears! The missing mouse is a renowned botanist -- and his disappearance is linked to the rare black tulip. The Thea Sisters are eager to help find him... -
The Super Chef Contest by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEach Geronimo Stilton book is fast-paced, with lively full-color art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love.My cousin Trap was entering the Super Chef Contest, which determines the best cook on Mouse Island -- and he was bringing me along as an assistant! Slimy Swiss cheese, I don't know the first thing about cooking fancy dishes . . . and I didn't think Trap did, either... -
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... -
George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends Collector's Edition by James Marshall
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsLike all best friends, George and Martha do everything together—go to the movies, play at the beach, and just hang around not doing much of anything... -
The Silver Swamp: A Branches Book by Katrina Charman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTag and Skyla must rescue Blaze, in this action-packed fantasy adventure series!Pick 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... -
The Ice Diamond by Paula Harrison
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThese are no ordinary princesses--they're Rescue Princesses! Princess Maya is delighted to welcome the Rescue Princesses to the Kingdom of Lepari. It's a beautiful land, where the King has sworn to protect the rare snow leopards that live in the mountains. Maya and her new friends are devastated to learn of a plot to harm the animals... -
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 -
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Thea Stilton and the Frozen Fiasco by Thea Stilton, Emily Clement
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne of the Thea Sisters' favorite authors, a famouse mystery writer, has disappeared! To find him, the five mice travel to his native Iceland. Together they traverse the stunning landscape and reconstruct the plot of the author's latest novel...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure book children-books exploration fiction -
Geronimo Stilton #60: The Treasure of Easter Island by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHoley cheese—my sister, Thea, was in danger! She had traveled to Easter Island in search of a secret treasure, and now she needed my help. There was no time to lose! My friends and I hopped on a plane to begin our search, aided by a map and a mysterious riddle. What an exciting adventure!Each Geronimo Stilton book is fast-paced, with lively full-color art and a unique format kids 7–10 will love... -
Tales of the Fallen Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition) by Brandon Mull
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAll across the world, legends are appearing. Great Beasts -- once the most powerful beings in Erdas -- are being summoned as spirit animals. Bonded to special kids, they unite the human and animal worlds. But a mysterious stranger is hunting these legends, just as they are reborn, and he's crushing anyone who stands in his way... -
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... -
School Days According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney, William Dufris
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsUnabridged, 4 CDs, 4 hours Read by William Dufris It's a new school year for everyone's favorite classroom... -
Iron Tide Rising by Carrie Ryan, John Parke Davis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMagical worlds and incredible creatures fill the pages of this epic, action-packed finale of the Map to Everywhere series, from John Parke Davis and New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ryan!Intrepid travelers Fin and Marrill have shared countless thrilling and treacherous adventures on the magical waters of the Pirate Stream... -
The Snow Jewel by Paula Harrison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThese are no ordinary princesses-they're Rescue Princesses!Northernland is the snowiest kingdom the Rescue Princesses have ever visited. They are delighted to go sledding, drink hot cocoa, and make friends with the girl who lives there, Princess Freya.When Princess Freya's mischievous kitten goes missing, the princesses leap into action...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
The Stolen Crystals by Paula Harrison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Rescue Princesses are having such fun staying with Jaminta! The Kingdom of Onica is amazing, with its Cloud Mountain and the tiny baby panda who lives there…The mountain is also home to the lost Onica Crystals. But someone is out to steal them – someone who won’t let a baby panda stand in their way...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
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... -
The Shimmering Stone by Paula Harrison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThese are no ordinary princesses--they're Rescue Princesses!Princess Amina is excited that her fellow Rescue Princesses are visiting for her cousin’s wedding.When a wounded tiger is found in the hills, the girls know her cubs can't survive without their mother...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
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The Wishing Pearl by Paula Harrison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese are no ordinary princesses . . . they're Rescue Princesses!Princess Clarabel loves being a Rescue Princess. She and her friends are committed to saving animals in trouble-wherever they may be!When Clarabel finds an injured dolphin during Ampali Island's Royal Regatta, she knows just who to call for help-her fellow Rescue Princesses! Her friends are brave, talented, and super smart... -
Can I Give You a Squish? by Emily Neilson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn important lesson about consent for over-exuberant little huggers, nestled inside this lighthearted, summery story about expressions of love and friendship.Kai is a little mer-boy who's big on hugs--or "squishes," as he and his mama call them... -
Tumble Bumble by Felicia Bond
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWritten and illustrated by Felicia Bond, the illustrator of the bestselling If You Give... series, Tumble Bumble is a fun-filled tale of a tiny bug who goes for a walk and meets all kinds of creatures!When a tiny bug decides to go for a walk, anything can happen! He might meet a cat, a crocodile, a pig, or even a bee to dance and play with, and that means more friends for everyone... -
Help, I'm in Hot Lava! by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGeronimo Stilton's ancient ancestor Geronimo Stiltonoot is back in another prehistoric adventure!Geronimo Stiltonoot and his family are off to find a cure for Grandma Ratrock's aches and pains. She's heard that a remedy hides in Cheesy-La, a legendary valley that Geronimo isn't even sure exists...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure book children-books fiction historical-fiction -
Attaco Alla Statua D'oro! by Geronimo Stilton
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEach Geronimo Stilton book is fast-paced, with lively full-color art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love.Rancid rat hairs, the cat pirates are coming to town! They're planning on stealing New Mouse City's Statue of Liberty and taking it back to Cat Island. They think it's completely made of gold! My friends and I are determined to protect our city's precious symbol... -
George and Martha One Fine Day by James Marshall
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFive new episodes in the friendship of two hippos: "The Tight Rope," "The Diary," "The Icky Story," "The Big Scare," "The Amusement Park... -
Claymates by Dev Petty, Lauren Eldridge
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMeet the claymates: two balls of clay that can become anything—even best friends!What can you do with two blobs of clay? Create something amazing! But don't leave them alone for too long. Things might get a little crazy.In this photographic friendship adventure, the claymates squish, smash, and sculpt themselves into the funniest shapes imaginable... -
We Forgot Brock! by Carter Goodrich
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe importance of imaginary friends is very real in this picture book adventure from the author of Say Hello to Zorro! and lead character designer for Despicable Me, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc.Phillip and Brock are best friends. Everyone can see Phillip, but only Phillip can see Brock... -
Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFromCaldecott honor–winning and New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Brian Lies, a charming and lyrical beachy read perfect for summertime—or anytime. The first of many nighttime adventures with the award-winning Bat Book series...Categorized as:
animals children friendship nautical action-adventure anthropomorphism audiobook book -
Clifford and the Big Storm by Norman Bridwell
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLovable, reliable Clifford comes to the rescue when a hurricane strikes. Once again, the heroism and humor of America's favorite Big Red Dog saves the day--and Emily Elizabeth's grandparents' home--when the big storm comes... -
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Little Elliot, Big City by Mike Curato
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhether it's meeting that special friend, or finally getting that long-awaited cupcake, it's the little things that count in this sweet story of a little polka-dotted elephant, Mike Curato's Little Elliot, Big City .Amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, the big crowds and bigger buildings, Little Elliot leads a quiet life... -
Charlie Cook's Favorite Book by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsCharlie Cook has a favorite book. It's about a pirate, who also has a favorite book . . . about Goldilocks, who also has a favorite book . . . about a knight, who also has a favorite book . . . . This hilarious pattern continues throughout the story, right to the satisfying and surprising end...Categorized as:
animals children outlaws 21st-century action-adventure book children-books female-author -
Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe boy and the penguin still enjoy spending all their time together. That is, until the penguin starts to dream of flying, ignoring the boy's advice that it is impossible. Running away, the penguin visits place after place, searching for a chance to get his feet off the ground... -
The Fish Who Cried Wolf by Julia Donaldson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNow back in print from the award-winning team behind Room on the Broom -- a very fishy story about very fishy stories!The little fish Tiddler comes late to school every day, but always with an elaborate excuse that charms his classmates -- and annoys his teacher! One day, as he's thinking up his next story, a net sweeps him up and hauls him far away...Categorized as:
animals children friendship nautical action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books -
How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsPirates have green teeth—when they have any teeth at all. I know about pirates, because one day, when I was at the beach building a sand castle and minding my own business, a pirate ship sailed into view...Categorized as:
children friendship nautical outlaws action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
Hooray For Diffendoofer Day! by Dr. Seuss, Jack Prelutsky
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsBased on characters and a storyline developed by Dr.Seuss before his death in 1991, this tale focuses on the strange goings-on in Diffendoofer School, where kids are taught, among other things, yelling, listening and smelling. It highlights the importance of thinking for yourself...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure anthologies children-books classics fiction
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