Most Popular Books by David McPhail

A teddy bear, lost by the little boy who loves him, still feels loved after being rescued by a homeless man.

Peter and Penguin wake up to snow on the ground and immediately get bundled up to play outside. After making snowballs and a snowman and enjoying the perfect winter day together, they return inside to warm up and share some cocoa. In this companion to Ben Loves Bear and Bella Loves Bunny, the youngest readers will relate to the loving bond between a little boy and his favorite stuffed animal, and how this sweet friendship makes each day special.

How a small boy with a stammer ended up on the stage, becoming one of New Zealand''s best loved comedians. In The Years Before My Death, renowned and much loved actor-director and comedy show writer David McPhail recounts his early life and what led him to pioneer the satirical TV programmes (including A Week of It and McPhail and Gadsby) for which he is famous, what drove him to perform comedy, and what was behind his desire to make New Zealanders laugh. He tells of his creative friendships with the likes of A.K. Grant, Bruce Ansley and Jon Gadsby; his encounters with former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, the comic genius Dudley Moore, and the television networks of the day. As one would expect, every anecdote is told with insight, perfect timing and a glint in the eye.

When Fox sets out to visit his uncle in the city, he invites his friend Rabbit to come along. Fox hasn''t seen his uncle since he was a pup, but he can recall the wonderful stories his uncle used to tell. And he knows that Uncle lives in a house with a blue door, so he should be easy to find. And sure enough, when the two come to the city, they find a house with a blue door. And inside lives an old gentleman badger who seems surprised but very pleased to entertain a long-lost nephew and his friend. But when they sit down for tea, Fox eagerly recalls his favorite stories that Uncle used to tell. Uncle begins to look confused; he doesn''t remember any of those things happening to him. And come to think of it, Uncle actually doesn''t remember having any nephew, let alone one of the long-lost varieties. The Blue Door features warm and bright illustrations, an easy-to-read text, and the kind of story that three- to-five-year-olds delight in, a little silly, but with a comfortable ending nevertheless."

Sometimes brothers are different. Sometimes they''re alike. Some days brothers get along. Other days they don''t! But on this they agree: brothers stick together. Always. A veces los hermanos son distintos. A veces se parecen. Hay días que se llevan bien. ¡Y otros días no! Pero sí están de acuerdo en algo: Los hermanos permanecen juntos. Siempre. A sweet and humorous English/Spanish bilingual edition of David McPhail''s Brothers, a celebration of the lasting bond between siblings.

A companion board book to Ben Loves Bear, Bella Loves Bunny shares the sweet story of friendship between a little girl and her beloved stuffed bunny rabbit, from morning till night. Bella and Bunny do everything together. In the morning, they play piano and dance (and hop!). In the afternoon, Bella has lunch and Bunny has carrot cake. At night, they pick out Bella’s favorite pajamas and snuggle close until they fall asleep. McPhail’s simple text and heartwarming illustrations come together to make an irresistible book that young readers will fall in love with.

Learn famous lullabies to sing to your children.

Chronicles the life of children''s illustrator and author Beatrix Potter, examining how art influenced her young life.

David McPhail''s The Lost Little Bird is a funny and affirming picture book about a little bird who goes on an adventure to discover who he is. When a little bird bumps his head one day, he loses his memory. He can''t even remember what kind of bird he is! Determined to find out, he sets off on a great journey. Along the way, he meets many new birds—including some scary crows, an inquisitive owl, and two helpful chickens—but none who are quite like him. Where is his bird of a feather? Sweet and heartfelt, The Lost Little Bird is a story about accepting yourself as you are.

A companion to Ben Loves Bear, Bella Loves Bunny, and Peter Loves Penguin, Olivia Loves Owl features a little girl and her beloved stuffed owl. Olivia and Owl pick apples and frolic through piles of colorful leaves. After enjoying a perfect fall day, they go inside to wish upon a star and hoot at the moon. The youngest readers will relate to the loving bond between a child and her favorite stuffed animal and how this sweet friendship makes each day special.

Sisters can be different in so many ways, but there is one heartfelt way in which they are most alike—they love each other so very much. David McPhail''s celebration of the joys—and trials—of sisterhood has been a favorite with sisters of all ages for almost twenty years. Now available in a bilingual edition featuring Spanish and English text set in two colors for easy readability, a new generation of sisters will love to read this treasure . . . together.

Although they like different things, Big Pig and Little Pig enjoy spending time together.

Morning, noon, and night, Budgie and Boo work in their gardens, have adventures, and solve problems for each other—from fixing a leaky roof to fixing breakfast—because that’s what best friends are for. Together they learn that even if they lose their way, friendship is all they need to get through the day.

By the author/illustrator of the bestseller Edward and the Pirates What better thing to do on a rainy day than sail a toy boat in puddles? The boy in this story gets permission from his mother to do just that, with the condition that only the boat gets to go in the puddles. After he finds a perfect spot for sailing, the boy is joined by a frog who wants a ride on his boat. Then a turtle floats by, followed by a helpful crocodile, a pig in a swimsuit, and a very thirsty elephant. Brought to life in rich watercolor illustrations, this cheerful assortment of visitors could make a rainy day a happy adventure for any child.

Pig Pig refuses to grow up. He is a big pig, but he insists on sleeping in a crib, eating strained foods, wearing baby clothes, and riding in a stroller. Then one day, Pig Pig surprises everyone-especially himself.

Jack, the rabbit, tries to make his friend Rick, a sick bear, feel better.