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Book Lists, Picture Book Lists · March 2, 2023

Picture Books About Following Rules

Following rules can be challenging for kids, but it’s important to learn if they want to be valuable members of society. These picture books about following rules come in handy both at school and at home for those teaching their kids the fine art of rule-following. Of course, when they’re older, they can more fully understand the nuances of personal convictions and deciding which rules aren’t following.

Picture Books About Following Rules

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Picture Books About Following Rules

Here are some great children’s books about following rules:

Tea Party Rules

Tea Party Rules

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Published: October 3, 2013

When he follows his nose through the woods, Cub discovers a backyard tea party…with cookies!  He is just about to dig in when the hostess of the tea party shows up. And she has several strong opinions on how Tea Party must be played. Cub tries to follow her rules . . . but just how much can one bear take, even for cookies?


Rules of the House

Rules of the House

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Published: May 3, 2016

Ian always follows the rules. His sister, Jenny, breaks them all the time-especially “Don’t pinch.” So Ian is thrilled when the house where his family is vacationing posts a tidy list of rules. But when Jenny breaks them all, the house itself decides it’s time for payback. The rug, the stove, and the bathtub are hungry for rulebreaker soup, and they’ve found the perfect ingredient: Jenny!

Now Ian is faced with a thorny question: What if saving your sister means breaking the rules?


Maybe

Maybe...

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Published: September 2, 2021

Three little monkeys and their big monkey are sitting high on a branch in the forest canopy. “OK, monkeys! I’m off,”says the big monkey. “Remember . . . Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there.” Mmm . . . mangoes! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangoes. Hmm . . . Maybe . . . maybe they could just look at the mangoes. That would be OK, right? With vivid colors, bold shapes, and his trademark visual humor, Chris Haughton is back with a deliciously suspenseful cautionary tale about pushing boundaries—and indulging your more impish side (when nobody is looking).


17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do

17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore

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Published: December 26, 2006

This “Parenting Magazine” Best Book of the Year and Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year features a kid full of fun ideas. For example, in the morning, gluing her brother’s bunny slippers to the floor sounds like a good plan. But now she’s not allowed to use glue anymore. And what about when she shows Joey Whipple her underpants–they’re only underpants, right? Turns out she’s not allowed to do that again, either. And isn’t broccoli the perfect gift for any brother? It’s just too bad her parents don’t think so. But she has the last laugh in this humerous picture book about not-so-great behavior. And don’t miss the companion book to “17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore: “”11 Experiments that Failed,” a zany exploration of the scientific method by everyone’s favorite troublemaking protagonist.


Library Lion

Library Lion

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Published: July 25, 2006

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. Michelle Knudsen’s disarming story, illustrated by the matchless Kevin Hawkes in an expressive timeless style, will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.


The Book of Rules

The Book of Rules: A Picture Book

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Published: November 16, 2021

Beware! This book has rules. You must follow all the rules. If you break the rules . . . Dennis the monster will eat you. And you don’t want to be Dennis-food―do you?


Interrupting Chicken

Interrupting Chicken

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Published: August 10, 2010

It’s time for the little red chicken’s bedtime story—and a reminder from Papa to try not to interrupt. But the chicken can’t help herself! Whether the tale is Hansel and Grettel or Little Red Riding Hood or even Chicken Little, she jumps into the story to save its hapless characters from doing some dangerous or silly thing.

Now it’s the little red chicken’s turn to tell a story, but will her yawning papa make it to the end without his own kind of interrupting? Energetically illustrated with glowing colors—and offering humorous story-within-a-story views—this all-too-familiar tale is sure to amuse (and hold the attention of) spirited little chicks.


You Must Bring a Hat

You Must Bring a Hat!

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Published: August 8, 2017

The only rule for attending this party is . . . you MUST bring a hat. But what if you don’t own a hat? Will bringing a monkey wearing a hat be enough? Find out in this tale that builds to a gloriously surreal and hilarious ending.


No Frogs in School

No Frogs in School

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Published: August 7, 2018

Bartholomew shares his love of scaly, hairy, and hoppy pets by bringing one to school each morning, starting a wild week that charms his classmates but challenges his teacher.


Don’t Push the Button!

Don't Push the Button!: A Funny Interactive Book For Kids

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Published: November 1, 2013

There’s only one rule in Larry’s book: don’t push the button.

(Seriously, don’t even think about it!)

Even if it does look kind of nice, you must never push the button. Who knows what would happen?

Okay, quick. No one is looking… push the button.

Uh, oh.


The Society of Distinguished Lemmings

The Society of Distinguished Lemmings

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Published: March 3, 2020

It takes an awful lot of rules to be so fancy, but this group of lemmings is determined to be grand and elegant in everything they do. That means no rolling around, no climbing, and certainly no splashing in the mud!

But Bertie has grown tired of the other lemmings and decides to venture outside his burrow, where he meets—a bear! The bear knows nothing about rules, but a lot about having fun. Bertie and the bear have a great time together…until the other lemmings discover Bertie’s new friend. They decide, at once, that everything about the bear is going to have to change if he’s ever going to fit in with the group.

Can Bertie’s friend learn how to be fancy like the lemmings, or is the bear simply too big and clumsy?


Follow Me, Flo!

Follow Me, Flo!

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Published: March 10, 2020

When Flo and her daddy go to visit a relative’s new nest, Daddy Duck says Flo must follow him or she’ll get lost. Together, they sing a song with all the directions for the journey — up, down, in, and out. But Flo starts to make up her own words, and soon she gets so carried away that she wanders off. Oh, no — now a fox is following Flo! Where is Daddy Duck? What are the words to his song again? Jarvis’s cheerful illustrations and charming text will have young readers following and singing along with Flo.


Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen

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Published: August 1, 2008

Listen up (especially boys because we need it more). Listening means way more than do as we are told or trouble. It also means try your best to understand what a person is saying and know what is happening around you.


Click, Clack, Quack to School!

Click, Clack, Quack to School! (A Click Clack Book)

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Published: July 3, 2018

Farmer Brown has been invited to be a guest at the elementary school’s Farm Day! The animals excitedly practice their best classroom behavior: standing quietly in line, using their inside voices, and learning how to share. But then they find out that farm animals aren’t actually allowed in school (who knew they were considered a health code violation?!). Rules are rules, so Farmer Brown goes to school solo—or so he thinks…for while our favorite barnyard bunch don’t get high marks in rules, they do excel in disguise.


The Worst Day of My Life Ever!

The Worst Day of My Life Ever! with Audio CD (Best Me I Can Be!)

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Published: March 15, 2011

RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn’t listen or pay attention to directions from his mom, his school principal, his teachers, or even his friends.


There they are: Some of the best picture books about following rules! Which of these books have you read and loved? Which ones did I miss?

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Afoma
🏡 The Parent Trap meets The Holiday 🏡 🏴 🏡 The Parent Trap meets The Holiday 🏡 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 In The House Swap, tweens Allie and Sage are forced together when their families plan to swap houses goes awry. Allie is a British girl living in the countryside and preparing to be a spy when she grows up. She’s also the (overlooked, she feels) middle child, stuck between a teen brother and a talkative little sister. 

🇺🇸 Sage is an only child in sunny California, growing up with parents who seem to be growing apart. She gets more worried when she discovers that only her mom will be coming with her to the English countryside. Both girls realize that they have more in common than they think and decide to help each other — Ally with Sage’s parents and Sage with being Allie’s friend.

🏄‍♀️ The House Swap is a cozy, charming middle grade book about family (history & secrets), new friendships, and navigating parental divorce. Reminiscent of the beloved movie, The Holiday, this middle grade book is perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good reading experience with a touch of history, family drama, and characters you can root for.
I’m a contemporary fiction girl through and thro I’m a contemporary fiction girl through and through but the only historical fiction I’ll make room for (besides TJR) is middle grade historical fiction! I’ve read and loved so many in the last few years and here are some I recommend — including forthcoming & backlist titles!

Books mentioned:

A SKY FULL OF SONG by @susanlynnmeyer 
FAR OUT by @annebustard 
THE SECRET DIARY OF MONA HASAN by @salmahwrites 
IT AIN’T SO AWFUL, FALAFEL by Firoozeh Dumas
A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON by @kealbus 
STEALING MT. RUSHMORE by @daphnekalmar 
HOOPS by @tavaresbooks 

You’ll see there’s a few extra in the cover picture too! 😉 What’s your favorite middle grade historical fiction? And do you particularly like them?
🏊‍♀️ Aniana is a child of Dominican paren 🏊‍♀️ Aniana is a child of Dominican parents growing up on Galveston, an island in the state of Texas. Her mom has undiagnosed PTSD from the death of her (Aniana’s mother’s) brother years ago in a storm back in their home country, so she doesn’t want her daughter near the water. Aniana’s father wants his daughter to pursue her passion and takes her to swim meets without her mother’s knowledge. 

🦴 But when Aniana wakes up one day with painfully swollen joints and other weird symptoms after swimming, their secret is exposed, and Aniana is faced with a new diagnosis that may threaten the one sport she loves.

🏝️ Aniana Del Mar Jumps In is a tender, moving middle grade verse novel about disability, sports, family trauma, and standing up for your dreams. 

❤️This verse novel is excellently written and painfully honest about the challenges of bridging the culture and communication gap when a parent has unresolved emotional trauma. Ani does a fantastic job of standing up for her goals, and the ending is very satisfying.
Which middle grade authors are your auto-buys? I h Which middle grade authors are your auto-buys? I have so many that I’m making this a series! So excited to spotlight more of my favorites 🥰❤️
If you’re big on graphic novels like I am, here If you’re big on graphic novels like I am, here are 3 exceptional MG options to put on your TBR this year 😍

Books mentioned:

HOOPS by @tavaresbooks 
FOUR EYES by @thirdrex 
DOODLES FROM THE BOOGIE DOWN by @stephguez 

Books shown in montage in order of appearance:
SUNNY MAKES A SPLASH
ALLERGIC
HOOPS
I often get messages from readers looking for more I often get messages from readers looking for more children’s books set in Africa (because I’m from & live in Africa). Unfortunately, there aren’t that many realistic, contemporary middle grade books or chapter books set here, but at least we have Atinuke! 🥲

Atinuke is a British- Nigerian author of chapter books and picture books who spent her formative years in Nigeria. Her stories are whimsical but realistic and focus more on the character and their family than they do on locale. I love her storytelling and I love that more kids are getting to see Nigeria through the eyes of her characters.
Middle grade books written in a unique format can Middle grade books written in a unique format can be hit or miss for some. Here are 3 (+1) of my favorite unique format stories done right!

Books mentioned:

WHAT HAPPENED TO RACHEL RILEY by @claireswinarski 
ANNIE’S LIFE IN LISTS by @kristinmahoneybooks 
LASAGNA MEANS I LOVE YOU by @kloshaughnessy 
THE NIGHT DIARY (which is written in letters in her diary to her deceased mom — voiceovers are hard!) by @veerawrites 

Do you love any stories written in multiple/unique formats? I’d love to hear!
🫁 the first own voices cystic fibrosis novel ✨

🐬 centers young Penny, a middle schooler with cystic fibrosis. Penny has to take digestive enzymes and do her breathing treatments to help her lungs get rid of mucus that affects her breathing. While her CF case is relatively mild-moderate, she still struggles with being chronically ill. 

🚤 One day a dolphin shows up in the lake near their house and Penny feels a strong connection with the animal. It turns out the dolphin (who Penny names Rose) is also sick and needs to return to her pod to get better. Penny may be the only one who can help the scientists take Rose back. But can she do that, when she feels so drawn to the animal?

🫁 No Matter the Distance is a beautiful middle grade verse novel about living with cystic fibrosis and finding belonging in community. Also starring an adorable dolphin and warm family dynamics, this book will appeal to kids who love animals, books about sisters, and stories about chronic illness and disability.
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