John Jory
The Bad Seed Goes to the Library
Picture bookages 4–8grades K–32022
A hilarious, low-stakes read-aloud that turns library rules into a comedy of errors without ever being preachy.
Read this next
All picks after this →Narwhal I'm Around
by Aaron Reynolds
Picture book · ages 5–8 · 550L · 2021
A perfect bridge for kids who are ready to read more than board books but still need the visual support of a picture book; the friendship lessons land without feeling preachy.
Grumpy Monkey Oh, No! Christmas
by Suzanne Lang
Picture book · ages 4–8 · 400L · 2021
A charming holiday spin-off that uses the 'grumpy' trope to validate kids who feel out of place during forced cheerfulness.

What Do You Say, Dear?
by Maurice Sendak
Picture book · ages 4–8 · 400L · 1958
Sendak's most underrated book — the absurdist humor teaches politeness without preaching, and kids genuinely find it funnier on rereads.