Books by Sean Taylor
When a Monster Is Born
by Sean Taylor
When a monster is born, there are two possibilities―
Either it's a faraway-in-the-forests monster, or . . .
it's an under-your-bed monster.
If it's a faraway-in-the-forests monster, that's that.
But if it's an under-your-bed monster, all sorts of comical things can happen.
Read it at bedtime and laugh your pajamas off . . .
or read it during the day and laugh your socks off!
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When a Monster Is Born
by Sean Taylor
When a monster is born, there are two possibilities... each episode in this comical story presents a choice between absurd alternatives ("Either it sits quietly and does its homework . . . or it eats the Principal"), followed by an equally absurd--and frequently unexpected-- outcome ("If it sites quietly, that's that. But if it eats the Principal, there are two possibilities..."). A subversive and satisfying take on "What if . . . ?" illustrated in bright pick-me-up colors, When a Monster is Born will have readers imagining unlikely stories of their own--and laughing out loud.
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No copies available.
When a Monster Is Born
by Sean Taylor
When a monster is born, there are two possibilities... each episode in this comical story presents a choice between absurd alternatives ("Either it sits quietly and does its homework . . . or it eats the Principal"), followed by an equally absurd--and frequently unexpected-- outcome ("If it sites quietly, that's that. But if it eats the Principal, there are two possibilities..."). A subversive and satisfying take on "What if . . . ?" illustrated in bright pick-me-up colors, When a Monster is Born will have readers imagining unlikely stories of their own--and laughing out loud.
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Small Bad Wolf (I Am Reading)
by Sean Taylor, Jan Lewis
Small Bad Wolf wants to be as bad as his dad. He learns his wolf lessons, which involve chasing chickens, juicy little piggies, and itty-bitty kiddies. But the Big Bad Wolf's lessons don't go according to plan . . .
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Boing!
by Sean Taylor
Dynamic duo Sean Taylor and Bruce Ingman present a boinging, bouncing comedy — and a masterful display of emergency trampolining skills.
Holy moly! A terrible thing has happened to the Great Elastic Marvel, five times World Trampolining Champion. There he is, practicing his deadly difficult, quadruple headfirst flip, when suddenly he flips right out a window and plunges toward — gasp! — a zooful of lions, and — gasp! — a speeding railroad train — and, well, even more unthinkable dangers. Can his superduper springing skills save him from earning a title as the Man with Rubber Legs and His Bottom in Plaster?
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The World Champion of Staying Awake
by Sean Taylor
When Stella’s toy animals refuse to go to sleep, she comes up with a clever plan using her keen imagination.
It’s time for Stella to go to bed. But how can she sleep when Cherry Pig, Thunderbolt the puppet mouse, and Beanbag Frog are wide awake? "I’m the world champion of staying awake!" shouts Cherry Pig, bouncing on the bed. Luckily Stella is good at thinking up ways to get her toys to sleep — by taking them on a sailing Pillow Ship, a shoebox Midnight Train, and a toy-basket Starship Balloon. With luminous illustrations and an utterly charming text ("I’ve shut my eyes, but my feet are completely woken-up . . . "), this ode to a child’s imagination and boundless spirit is certain to be a winning choice at bedtime.
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Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise
by Sean Taylor
Watch out! Hoot Owl is hungry in an offbeat story with deadpan humor and bold, striking illustrations.
Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl. He is a master of disguise! In the blackness of night, he’s preparing to swoop on his prey before it can realize his dastardly tricks. Look there—a tasty rabbit for him to eat! Hoot Owl readies his costume, disguising himself as . . . a carrot! Then he waits. The rabbit runs off. Never mind! Surely his next juicy target will cower against such a clever and dangerous creature as he! Kids will hoot at Sean Taylor’s deliciously tongue-in-beak narration, belied by the brilliantly comical illustrations of Jean Jullien.
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A Brave Bear
by Sean Taylor
What is the bravest thing in the world? A brave bear, of course! And who is the best at helping a little bear feel brave? His dad.
It is a hot, hot day. Dad Bear says, “I think a pair of hot bears is probably the hottest thing in the world.” So Little Bear suggests they go to the river to cool down. It's a long way. Little Bear tries to impress his Dad by doing a big jump from one rock to another, but he falls over. When he picks himself up and keeps going, his dad says, “I think a brave bear is probably the bravest thing in the world.” For very young children just beginning to dare to do new things and their supportive and loving parents, this gentle read-aloud just might be the best thing in the world.
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Don't Call Me Choochie Pooh!
by Sean Taylor
When you’re a preciously small canine with a big and bold personality, how do you show your doting owners that you want to be treated like an ordinary dog?
The dog in this book doesn't want to be carried in a handbag (how embarrassing!) or eat heart-shaped mini puppy treats (I mean, come on!). And under no circumstances does he ever want to be called “choochie pooh”! If only his owner understood. All this dog wants to do is play with the big dogs in the park—chasing sticks, jumping in muddy puddles, and being a regular part of the pack. From Sean Taylor, the author of Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise, and Kate Hindley, illustrator of Worst in Show, comes a picture-book comedy filled with vibrant art and starring a fed-up pup who learns that when it comes to making new friends, appearances aren’t everything.
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The Ring Went Zing!: A Story That Ends With a Kiss
by Sean Taylor
Once upon a time, once and never again, a frog fell in love with a chicken, and so he bought her a golden ring. But when he drops that ring? Well, that's when the real fun starts. From the swan in sports gear to a skateboarding rabbit, from a tricycling goat to a dachshund on a motorcycle, the antics get faster and funnier with each new page turn. The frog finally does get the ring back, teamwork prevails, and the story ends with a kiss (just not the one you might expect!).
Sean Taylor?s boppy rhythms and a ringing refrain will have kids anticipating lines and shouting along. Of course, a great read-aloud is made even better by great illustrations, and award-winner Jill Barton delivers with comically attired animals and a variety of kid-appealing vehicles. A perfect ?every kid? book in the classic mold.
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Huck Runs Amuck!
by Sean Taylor
The residents of North Skettykolk are no match for a visiting mountain goat with an enormous appetite for flowers.
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Purple Class and the Flying Spider
by Sean Taylor
Purple Class are back in four new hilarious tales of classroom mishaps. All havoc breaks loose when Ivette and Zina see a deadly flying spider at large in the classroom. Mr. Wellington says there is no such thing but is surprised by the Daddy Long-Legs that flies at his face as the class are clearing up before parents' evening. With a staggering teacher and an over-excited class of children, soon everything is either spilled, knocked over or squashed. But with the mums and dads on the way, how will they hide the chaos and end the flying spider's reign of terror? Featuring a calamitous cast of classmates, the adventures of Purple Class will make you laugh out loud in delight.
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Crocodiles Are the Best Animals of All! (Time to Read)
by Sean Taylor
What a braggart is Crocodile! The animals watch in amazement as he demonstrates how he is "the best animal of all." He can climb better than Mountain Goat; he can hop higher than Kangaroo; he can even swing through the trees better than Orangutan. But Donkey thinks he knows of something that Crocodile can't do and sets out to prove it. Is it true? Crocodile says no: "I could eat you for breakfast with buttered toast!" he roars. This funny and colorful story by writer-performance artist Sean Taylor features vivid artwork by rising children's book artist Hannah Shaw.
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The Grizzly Bear with the Frizzly Hair (Time to Read)
by Sean Taylor
Product Description
The Grizzly Bear with the Frizzly Hair could frighten the feathers off a peacock . . .
"Yipes!" blinked the itzy-bitzy rabbit. "What are you going to do?"
"Have my lunch," growled the bear. "And my lunch is ... YOU!"
Will the itzy-bitzy rabbit end up as lunch? Or can he outwith the Grizzly Bear with the Frizzly Hair? Find out the answer in this delightful retelling of a traditional story that is known in Ireland, South Africa, Iran, China and the U.S.A. Created in consultation with literacy specialist, Prue Goodwin, this edition contains the complete story, redesigned to help support children who are gaining confidence in reading.
Review
‘A brilliant read-aloud book for young readers who enjoy picture books but want more text on the page. . . A lively story with wonderfully comic and colourful illustrations on every page. Perfect for children just gaining confidence in reading.’
This is a great example of how text and illustration work together to maximum effect. Sean Taylorâ??s text is emotive and rhythmical and Hannah Shawâ??s illustrations are whimsical, expressive and superbly detailed.
This traditional story is brought to life by both Hannah Shaw's wonderfully humourous illustrations and Sean Taylor's rhyming and fun to read aloud text. Young readers will relish with delight the great efforts made by the itzy-bitzy rabbit to avoid ending up as a snack for the bad-tempered and hungry Grizzly Bear with the Frizzly Hair!
This picture book has fantastic comic appeal as well as being full of drama and tension, with lovely rhyming text, making it perfect for early years reading and language development.
A humourously illustrated picture book.
Every page is filled with clever chatter and lots to look at in this pacy story with a grizzly endâ?¿
Destined to become a read aloud favourite, as a wily rabbit attempts to avoid being eaten by a bloodthirsty bear. Children will love the banter and laugh-out loud moments.
â??A brilliant read-aloud book for young readers who enjoy picture books but want more text on the page. . . A lively story with wonderfully comic and colourful illustrations on every page. Perfect for children just gaining confidence in reading.â??
This is a great example of how text and illustration work together to maximum effect. Sean Taylor’s text is emotive and rhythmical and Hannah Shaw’s illustrations are whimsical, expressive and superbly detailed.
Destined to become a read aloud favourite, as a wily rabbit attempts to avoid being eaten by a bloodthirsty bear. Children will love the banter and laugh-out loud moments.
About the Author
Sean Taylor is a children's author, storyteller, and teacher with experience teaching creative writing in three continents. His books include
The Great Snake, Purple Class and the Skelington, Purple Class and the Flying Spider, Crocodiles Are the Best Animals of All and the multi-award-winning
When a Monster is Born. He divides his time between England and Brazil.
Hannah Shaw graduated from Brighton University with a BA in Illustration. Since then she has worked as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, but has also worked in a chocolate shop and a bead factory. Since childhood she has had a passion for writing stories and creating characters to illustrate them. She currently lives in a tiny village in Gloucestershire, U.K.
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The Grizzly Bear with the Frizzly Hair (Time to Read)
by Sean Taylor
The Grizzly Bear with the Frizzly Hair could frighten the feathers off a peacock...
"Yipes!" blinked the itzy-bitzy rabbit. "What are you going to do?"
"Have my lunch," growled the bear. "And my lunch is ... YOU!"
So begins a cat-and-mouse story in which rabbit attempts to talk his way out of a tight spot. As the bear dangles him further and further into his mouth, tension mounts - surely he won't escape. But then rabbit points out a much bigger lunch for the bear - the bear's own reflection in the river. The bear is soon enraged by his reflection's belligerance, and the rabbit makes the most of the opportunity.
A traditional story that is known in Ireland, South Africa, Iran, China and the USA and is delightfully told in a highly rhythmic and rhyming text that is a joy to read aloud. Children will love the drama and tension of the rabbit's dilemma, making it a great book for early years reading and language development.
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That's What Makes a Hippopotamus Smile
by Sean Taylor
What do you do when a hippopotamus comes to visit? Play splashy-sploshy games to make him happy, of course. Share silly toys in a big warm bath to make him laugh. Give him a great big crunchy salad-treat, as that’s what a hippo likes to eat. And when he’s ready to go home, do a little dance and say goodbye in style because that’s what makes a hippopotamus smile! And now that you’re his new best friend, he’ll surely want to come round again maybe not on his own next time!
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Who Ate Auntie Iris? (Time to Read)
by Sean Taylor
One little chinchilla loves going to visit Auntie Iris — but there's danger in the air at the block of flats where Auntie Iris lives. . .There are bears on the first floor, crocodiles on the second floor, wolves on the third floor. Then one day, when Auntie Iris goes down to put out the rubbish she doesn't come back! Who ate Auntie Iris? Little Chinchilla bravely goes to find out. But who are the new neighbours on the fourth floor, and could they have something to do with Auntie Iris's disappearance?
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Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin
by Sean Taylor, Khayaal Theatre Company
Timeless wisdom is found in absurdity in these tales of an iconic Muslim character known as the sagest man in the village — and also its biggest fool.
Would you like to know how a thief can turn into a donkey? Whether a cow can climb a pole? Or why you should spoon yogurt into a lake? Mulla Nasruddin knows all the answers, and he might also tell you why he rides his donkey backwards. Whether in the guise of an imam in a mosque or a beggar in the street, this trickster is never at a loss for a rejoinder, though it may leave you scratching your head, rolling your eyes, or laughing out loud. Enjoy twenty-one classic tales about a much-loved character from Muslim cultures in a book packed with jokes, riddles, and wisdom and paired with vibrant, theatrical illustrations.
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Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story (Seasons in the wild)
In this cozy bedtime story, follow a child and his grandma through a winter landscape to explore how the Earth goes to sleep for winter.
Spot the sleeping animals as the tale unfolds, then learn about their hibernation habits from the information pages at the end.
Co-authors Sean Taylor (picture book author) and Alex Morss (ecologist, journalist, and educator) offer a gentle introduction to the concept of hibernation. In the frosty, quiet forest, the snow blankets the ground and the trees have shed their leaves. Where have all the animals gone? Are they asleep too?
In each cutaway scene, see what the child cannot—that underground below his feet are dens with sleeping creatures, and within the hollow trunks of trees, animals are nesting. After the story, annotated illustrations explain the hibernation facts for each animal and what they will do when they wake up for spring.
Cozy up as you expand your and your child’s knowledge of the natural world.
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Humperdink Our Elephant Friend
by Sean Taylor
When Humperdink the baby elephant joins the children’s playgroup, he seems friendly enough, but it soon becomes clear that he’s not very good at the usual games the children play, like dressing up or hide-and-seek. When he breaks the children’s favorite slide, everyone feels sad. But with a little patience and understanding the children soon discover that Humperdink is good at some things–especially if they use their imaginations–leading to a riotously fun conclusion. A delightful picture book with endearing artwork and a humorous story to engage young readers and help them gain an understanding about those different from themselves. This title helps children learn the key skill of playing with and accepting new friends, whatever their size, shape... or species! Exploring themes of empathy and imaginative play, this title is a must-have for young readers seeking to understand the world around them.
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Natterjack Toad Makes a Mighty Crunch
by Sean Taylor
Will Natterjack Toad ever get to eat his delicious cookies? Or will he become a snack himself?
It's a perfect day. The sky is blue, the water is sparkling, and Natterjack Toad has a packet of his most-favorite snack: delicious chocolate-chunk crunchy-munch cookies. He can't wait to dig in. But not so fast! A lanky heron is intruding on his hidey-hole! Natterjack Toad is off, quickety-whip. But every time he tries to eat his cookies, there's someone in the way--someone on the lookout for a (toady) snack themselves. Kathryn Durst's comedic illustrations and Sean Taylor's text, begging to be read aloud, combine for a hilarious, utterly delectable picture book perfect for snack time or anytime.
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You're a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems
by Sean Taylor
"Five engaging segments that star an overalls-wearing piglet provide the framework for approachable poetry-writing lessons in this joyfully creative work." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
In five warm and cozy tales, children can delight in the world of Piglet, his family, and his friends--while learning five fun and easy ways to write a poem.
When Piglet picks up a stone and drops it into a puddle, words seem to splash out: wet, fresh, earthy, sploshing, sunshiny, puddle. Is Piglet a poet? Each of five charming stories captures a warm snapshot into some happy moment in childhood while demonstrating how to create a different kind of poem: a puddle poem, a comparing poem, a making-a-person-out-of-something poem, an if-I-was poem, and an I-would-give-you poem. With plenty of tips and tricks after each story and fresh illustrations by Sam Usher, author Sean Taylor makes poetry writing accessible, inspiring even the youngest of children to find their voice and call themselves poets.
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