100 books like The Teddy Bear

By David McPhail,

Here are 100 books that The Teddy Bear fans have personally recommended if you like The Teddy Bear. Shepherd is a community of 10,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch

Kathleen Doherty Author Of The Thingity-Jig

From my list on picture books with hope, happiness, and empathy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a former reading specialist/educational specialist who still enjoys reading aloud to students, helping kids learn to read, and introducing them to quality literature. I love reading picture books...and I write them to entertain and empower kids.

Kathleen's book list on picture books with hope, happiness, and empathy

Kathleen Doherty Why did Kathleen love this book?

The story inspires sadness, hope, and happiness. At first, you’ll feel sorry for Mr. Hatch. You’ll care about him and wonder why he is the way he is. You’ll watch him receive a gift that has a lasting effect on him. Then, with a turn of events, you’ll feel sorry for him again. But by the end, you’ll be rooting for him.

By Eileen Spinelli, Paul Yalowitz (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch.

"Somebody loves you," the note says.
"Somebody loves me!" Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room.
"Somebody loves me!" Mr. Hatch whistles as he does his errands in town.
"But who," Mr. Hatch wonders, "could that somebody be?"

When Mr. Hatch discovers just who his secret admirer is, the answer is even better than he could have guessed!


Book cover of The Night I Followed the Dog

Kathleen Doherty Author Of The Thingity-Jig

From my list on picture books with hope, happiness, and empathy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a former reading specialist/educational specialist who still enjoys reading aloud to students, helping kids learn to read, and introducing them to quality literature. I love reading picture books...and I write them to entertain and empower kids.

Kathleen's book list on picture books with hope, happiness, and empathy

Kathleen Doherty Why did Kathleen love this book?

This book inspires happiness and laughter. I used to throw my voice when I read it aloud to students. I’d stop reading halfway through the story and ask students to make a few predictions. Where could the dog be going? Why is he dressed up? Why is he sneaking out of the house at night? What could be going on inside the building?

By Nina Laden,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Night I Followed the Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A story which looks at what dogs do at night when their owners are asleep, featuring a dog who runs a nightclub for stressed dogs. Illustrated in colour by the author.


Book cover of Doctor White

Kathleen Doherty Author Of The Thingity-Jig

From my list on picture books with hope, happiness, and empathy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a former reading specialist/educational specialist who still enjoys reading aloud to students, helping kids learn to read, and introducing them to quality literature. I love reading picture books...and I write them to entertain and empower kids.

Kathleen's book list on picture books with hope, happiness, and empathy

Kathleen Doherty Why did Kathleen love this book?

This book inspires hope and is based on a true story. Think about the pros and cons of a dog being allowed in a hospital. What could go wrong with a dog walking the halls and visiting patients? Is it possible for patients to actually benefit from being visited by a dog?

By Jane Goodall, Julie Litty (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Doctor White as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An illustrated depiction of a real-life story that celebrates the eternal, life-affirming bond between animals and humans Everyone loves Dr. White, a furry practitioner with four paws, a wagging tail, and an unorthodox bedside manner who day by day works his magic on very ill children at the hospital. Although his treatment is unconventional, it has a great success rate. But one day the health inspector arrives and bans Dr. White from the hospital. Who could have predicted the terrible coincidence that ends up bringing Dr. White back to the patients who love him? Based on a true story from…


Book cover of Butterfly House

Kathleen Doherty Author Of The Thingity-Jig

From my list on picture books with hope, happiness, and empathy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a former reading specialist/educational specialist who still enjoys reading aloud to students, helping kids learn to read, and introducing them to quality literature. I love reading picture books...and I write them to entertain and empower kids.

Kathleen's book list on picture books with hope, happiness, and empathy

Kathleen Doherty Why did Kathleen love this book?

This is a gentle, lyrical story. This book inspires love. If you read it, you’ll feel the loving relationship the girl has with her grandfather...and with butterflies. You’ll wonder why the butterflies visit the girl once she’s grown up. What do the butterflies who visit her seem to know or sense? Why aren’t the butterflies visiting her neighbors?

By Eve Bunting, Greg Shed (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Butterfly House as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

With the help of her grandfather, a little girl makes a house for a larva and watches it develop before setting it free, and every summer after that butterflies come to visit her. By the author of Smoky Night.


Book cover of The Keeper of Lost Things

Nan Fischer Author Of The Book Of Silver Linings

From my list on magic and ghosts that inspire readers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I spent my 20s and early 30s searching for my voice, passion, and romantic love. I moved every year to a different city, had many jobs (from carrot cake baker to sport autobiography co-author, to writing a Star Wars trilogy of Middle Grade novels for LucasFilm) and dated the flotsam and jetsam of the boyfriend world. It was only when I discovered my raison d’être, writing young adult and adult fiction, that I gained the confidence to pursue my dream of being a fiction author, ask for what I needed in relationships, and define my own version of happily ever after. I believe anything is possible!

Nan's book list on magic and ghosts that inspire readers

Nan Fischer Why did Nan love this book?

I love books of discovery, people who are lost and figure out a way to find their voices, and characters who become the silver linings for others and in doing so find love and a meaningful life.

This is a quirky story about one woman’s quest to return lost treasures to their rightful owners, with the help of an irritable ghost. Each character in this charming novel is fully developed, and every plot thread expertly woven. It’s perfect for readers searching for a heart-warming read and a dusting of magic!

By Ruth Hogan,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Keeper of Lost Things as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Full of character, wit, and wisdom, The Keeper of Lost Things is heartwarming tale that will enchant fans of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, Garden Spells, Mrs Queen Takes the Train, and The Silver Linings Playbook.

Lime green plastic flower-shaped hair bobbles—Found, on the playing field, Derrywood Park, 2nd September.

Bone china cup and saucer—Found, on a bench in Riveria Public Gardens, 31st October.

Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things. Forty years ago, he carelessly lost a keepsake from his beloved fiancée, Therese. That very same day, she died unexpectedly. Brokenhearted, Anthony sought consolation in rescuing lost…


Book cover of Minnie and Moo: The Case of the Missing Jelly Donut

Marty Kelley Author Of Almost Everybody Farts

From my list on to laugh so hard milk shoots out your nose.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a full-time author and illustrator, and a recovering second grade teacher. I visit with tens of thousands of kids at schools every year and love sharing funny books with them. I’ve written and illustrated over 30 published books and know that kids appreciate subtle humor as well as in-your-face hilarity. I love writing stories that will make readers laugh and think. But mostly laugh.

Marty's book list on to laugh so hard milk shoots out your nose

Marty Kelley Why did Marty love this book?

Minnie and Moo are two cows who go on more adventures than any cows in history. Again, the humor works on multiple levels. Adults will laugh out loud over the cows’ realization that they are made of beef while kids will delight in their ridiculous adventures around the farmyard. Or on the moon. Or in Paris. Or even the hot tub. There are several books in the series and each one is absolutely delightful.

By Denys Cazet,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Minnie and Moo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6.

What is this book about?

Minnie's jelly donut is gone! Moo is sure it's been stolen. Can the cunning cows stop the crime wave before the donut-napper strikes again?

The funniest and sweetest buddies since Frog and Toad, Minnie and Moo will earn giggles from young readers. The Minnie and Moo stories are fun independent reads and also perfect for reading aloud, as they're filled with funny dialogue from these goofy and adorable cows.

Denys Cazet was an elementary school teacher for 25 years, and has also been a school librarian and elementary school media specialist. He was inspired to tell stories about the silly…


Book cover of Polar Bear's Underwear

Abi Cushman Author Of Animals Go Vroom!

From my list on interactive stories for toddlers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author-illustrator of funny picture books for kids, including the interactive book, Animals Go Vroom!. As an illustrator, I revel in creating jokes and storylines in the pictures that kids can follow along with by themselves. And as a mother of two small children myself, I know first-hand the magical experience of reading books with toddlers that keep them guessing and giggling along the way.

Abi's book list on interactive stories for toddlers

Abi Cushman Why did Abi love this book?

This funny picture book with underwear-shaped holes follows Polar Bear and his friend Mouse as they look for Polar Bear’s underwear. Readers see a peek of the underwear on the next page and have to guess whose underwear they could be. The guessing game aspect of the book plus the topic of underwear make this a really fun read for toddlers. I also love the surprise ending which will have you examining the illustrations throughout the book again. You can also use this book to encourage potty training because it celebrates all kinds of fun underwear.   

By Tupera Tupera,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Polar Bear's Underwear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Polar Bear has lost his underwear! Where could it be? There's only one thing to do: Remove the book's underwear-shaped bellyband to find the missing pair!
Is that Polar Bear's underwear? No, it's Zebra's-see the colourful stripes?
What about that itty-bitty pair? No, those belong to Butterfly!
And so the search continues, with every page revealing an animal in eye-popping undies. This laugh-out-loud, one-of-a-kind novelty book from Japanese design talents tupera tupera will surprise and amuse children and their parents, all while affirming the importance of putting on your underwear.


Book cover of King & Kayla and the Case of Found Fred

Elise Broach Author Of The Miniature World of Marvin & James

From my list on early readers with funny animal friendships.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the author of nearly thirty books for children, ranging from board books to young adult novels. This list combines two of my great loves: animals and early readers. I love animals because they are funny, amazing, and mysterious, and they have brought me so much joy throughout my life. I love early readers because they are small books about big feelings—big problems, big dramas, big adventures. The words may be simple, but there is nothing simple about the emotions in these stories. For beginning readers, these first, short chapter books are the gateway to a lifetime of literary pleasures. Below are a few of my favorites, old and new. 

Elise's book list on early readers with funny animal friendships

Elise Broach Why did Elise love this book?

A boisterous dog named King is the narrator of this charming mystery series. He and his owner Kayla solve various puzzles: a missing ring, stolen treats, or in this case, a lost dog separated from his family. The books have an appealingly dog-like perspective, focused on smells, sounds, and food, with little sense of human concepts like time (e.g., King remarks that “nine or three days go by”). The straightforward mysteries have just the right complexity and drama for beginning readers.  

By Dori Hillestad Butler, Nancy Meyers (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked King & Kayla and the Case of Found Fred as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

King & Kayla are back on the case in this laugh-out-loud mystery from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winning series.

When King and Kayla meet Fred, a lost dog, they collect clues to him find his human family. Analytical Kayla notices that Fred knows basic commands but has no collar. This dog isn't a stray.

Sensitive King notices that Fred smells like smoke and hamburgers. There's a campground nearby and there were fireworks just a few days ago. Can King and Kayla put the pieces together and find Fred's family?

With simple, straightforward language and great verbal and visual humor,…


Book cover of I Want My Hat Back

Amanda Noll Author Of I Need My Monster

From my list on humorous picture books from someone who loves funny kid books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I never actually stopped reading children’s literature. Even as a grown-up, I figured out a way to read picture books every day. After earning a master’s degree in education, I found myself back in the library reading to students. I love reading funny books; they are more engaging and more likely to get kids reading and keep them reading. I love humor and think it is perfect in the shorter format of picture books. 

Amanda's book list on humorous picture books from someone who loves funny kid books

Amanda Noll Why did Amanda love this book?

I love the subtle humor in this book. I also love the pattern and rhythm of the dialogue.

When the story circles back to the natural conclusion, I use the characters’ reactions and expressions to have children infer what really happened, who stole the hat, and how the problem was solved. 

By Jon Klassen,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked I Want My Hat Back as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A bear searches for his missing hat in the bestselling, multiple award-winning picture book debut of Jon Klassen.

In his bestselling debut picture book, the multiple award-winning Jon Klassen, illustrator of This Is Not My Hat and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, tells the story of a bear who's hat has gone. And he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no (some more elaborately than others). But just as it he begins to lose hope, lying flat on his back in…


Book cover of The Lost Girls of Paris

Iris Yang Author Of Wings of a Flying Tiger

From my list on ordinary people who became heroes in WWII.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author of a trilogy about the Flying Tigers (a group of American pilots who fought the Japanese valiantly in WWII in China), I love reading wartime stories, especially WWII. I was very shy and fearful when I was young. It was because of my shyness and fearfulness that I fell in love with wartime stories. I looked up to heroes. I admired their courage and spirits. I read books about those extraordinary people so that I could be inspired by them and hopefully learn from them. Where else can you find more heroic stories than in wartime? As a writer, I write what I love to read: heroic tales with touching love stories.

Iris' book list on ordinary people who became heroes in WWII

Iris Yang Why did Iris love this book?

The Lost Girls of Paris is a historical fiction about a group of young British women who make the ultimate sacrifice to help their country in WWII. Fraught with danger and filled with mystery, it’s a fascinating tale, and I finished it in two days. I wasn’t aware of the war efforts of these brave women, who went unheralded for many years after the war, and I’m thankful to read this intriguing book of bravery and perseverance. 

By Pam Jenoff,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Lost Girls of Paris as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'A gripping tale' MY WEEKLY
'Thrilling' WOMAN
'A truly gripping read of mystery, love and heroism' FROST MAGAZINE

The Lost Girls of Paris is an emotional story of friendship and betrayal during the second world war, inspired by true events - from the international bestseller Pam Jenoff.

1940s With the world at war, Eleanor Trigg leads a mysterious ring of female secret agents in London. Twelve of these women are sent to aid the resistance.

They never return home.

1946 Passing through Grand Central Station, New York, Grace Healey finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. The case is…


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