100 books like Extra Yarn

By Mac Barnett, Jon Klassen (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that Extra Yarn fans have personally recommended if you like Extra Yarn. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Sea Serpent and Me

Jami Gigot Author Of Seb and the Sun

From my list on with a bit of magic and a lot of heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author and illustrator of several picture books including My Daddy Can Fly, Starboy - Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie, Imagination Vacation, Seb and the Sun and Mae and the Moon. I’ve always been a curious person filled with wonder at our amazing world, and I love letting my imagination get taken away by a good book. I find picture books to be the perfect format to blend my love of illustration and story, and some of the stories I love the most are those that are imaginative and magical, but also give a little tug at the heartstrings, fill us with warmth and make us want to read them again and again. 

Jami's book list on with a bit of magic and a lot of heart

Jami Gigot Why did Jami love this book?

When a tiny sea serpent suddenly drops out of the faucet and into a girl’s bath, an immediate and playful friendship begins. As the sea serpent grows bigger, he tells the tale of how he was carried by a tornado over jungles and silvery cities until he landed in a lake and was whooshed up by a pipe. He sings fanciful songs about the deep blue sea and fish-shaped like guitars. Eventually, he grows so big that the little girl knows it’s time he returns to the sea. So, she helps the sea serpent, now big as a whale, overcome his fear of being left on his own, reminding him that he won’t be lonely, and will have new adventures with newfound friends. Catia Chien’s gorgeous illustrations are very expressive and a beautiful compliment to this lovely story of learning to let go and do what’s right. 

By Dashka Slater, Catia Chien (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sea Serpent and Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One day a small sea serpent falls from the faucet into the tub as a child is about to take a bath, and as the days go by and the serpent grows, they both realize that he needs to go back to the sea where he belongs.


Book cover of Grandad's Secret Giant

Jami Gigot Author Of Seb and the Sun

From my list on with a bit of magic and a lot of heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author and illustrator of several picture books including My Daddy Can Fly, Starboy - Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie, Imagination Vacation, Seb and the Sun and Mae and the Moon. I’ve always been a curious person filled with wonder at our amazing world, and I love letting my imagination get taken away by a good book. I find picture books to be the perfect format to blend my love of illustration and story, and some of the stories I love the most are those that are imaginative and magical, but also give a little tug at the heartstrings, fill us with warmth and make us want to read them again and again. 

Jami's book list on with a bit of magic and a lot of heart

Jami Gigot Why did Jami love this book?

Grandad has always said that the giant in town is real and a helpful and kind friend, but Billie doesn’t believe in Grandad’s tall tales. When Billie himself discovers the giant, and runs from fright and panic at this huge creature, he comes to understand why the giant has kept himself hidden. Feeling awful about his overreaction, Billie makes it his mission to make it up to the giant by making him a very special gift. Full of humour and heart, Grandad’s Secret Giant shows us that acceptance and kindness towards all people, big or small, is important, and David Litchfield’s stunning illustrations glow on the pages in this beautiful book. 

By David Litchfield,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Grandad's Secret Giant 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?

'Funny, touching and visually stunning, this really is a book to treasure'-Daily Mail

A GIANT story of belonging and friendship from David Litchfield, author ofThe Bear and the Piano. "He has hands the size of tables," Grandad said, "legs as long as drainpipes and feet as big as rowing boats. Do you know who I mean?" "Yes," sighed Billy. "The Secret Giant. But he's not real!" Billy doesn't believe his Grandad when he tells him there's a giant living in his town, doing good deeds for everyone. He knows that a giant is too big to keep himself hidden. And…


Book cover of Lenny & Lucy

Jami Gigot Author Of Seb and the Sun

From my list on with a bit of magic and a lot of heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author and illustrator of several picture books including My Daddy Can Fly, Starboy - Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie, Imagination Vacation, Seb and the Sun and Mae and the Moon. I’ve always been a curious person filled with wonder at our amazing world, and I love letting my imagination get taken away by a good book. I find picture books to be the perfect format to blend my love of illustration and story, and some of the stories I love the most are those that are imaginative and magical, but also give a little tug at the heartstrings, fill us with warmth and make us want to read them again and again. 

Jami's book list on with a bit of magic and a lot of heart

Jami Gigot Why did Jami love this book?

This is a lovely story about a young boy named Peter who has just moved to a new house and takes it upon himself to make two new friends from blankets and pillows and piles of leaves. He names his new friends Lenny and Lucy, and they are the guardians of the bridge keeping out the dark woods on the other side. As Lenny, Lucy, Peter, and his dog Harold guard the bridge and collect rocks, a neighbor girl joins the group, creating a real and true friendship that blossoms as they discover the woods are no longer dark and spooky, but a place of wonder for interesting things to see and discover. 

By Philip C. Stead, Erin E. Stead (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lenny & Lucy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Peter and his father are moving to a new house beyond the dark unfriendly woods. When they arrive at their new home, Peter wants to turn back. Fortunately, he has Harold for company, but Harold is just a dog and can't help Peter. Scared of the things hidden in the woods, Peter makes a tall pile of pillows. He stitches and sews. He pushes and pulls. And when he is done, he has Lenny, Guardian of the Bridge, to protect him and Harold. Lenny is a good guard but Peter worries that Lenny will get lonely out by the woods…


Book cover of Spellbound

Jami Gigot Author Of Seb and the Sun

From my list on with a bit of magic and a lot of heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author and illustrator of several picture books including My Daddy Can Fly, Starboy - Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie, Imagination Vacation, Seb and the Sun and Mae and the Moon. I’ve always been a curious person filled with wonder at our amazing world, and I love letting my imagination get taken away by a good book. I find picture books to be the perfect format to blend my love of illustration and story, and some of the stories I love the most are those that are imaginative and magical, but also give a little tug at the heartstrings, fill us with warmth and make us want to read them again and again. 

Jami's book list on with a bit of magic and a lot of heart

Jami Gigot Why did Jami love this book?

When looking for picture books with magic and heart, this book is simply perfect. Willow, who has always captivated her family’s attention with her cuteness and spells, is no longer the center of attention when her new baby brother Rowan is born. Willow knows that Rowan is a very dangerous wizard indeed and will not be mesmerized by his hypnotic enchantments, but even she cannot resist Rowan’s power in this story of sibling relationships and the magic of love. 

By Jess Townes, Jennifer Harney (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A funny, fresh twist on new-sibling relationships and the magic of love.
Willow's world is perfectly magical, until Rowan is born. When her new baby brother seems to enchant everyone he meets, Willow becomes convinced he is an actual, real-life wizard. Can Willow put a stop to his hocus pocus, or is Rowan's magic too powerful to resist?

Author Jess Townes brings fresh and expressive writing that's sure to appeal to young children, while illustrator Jenn Harney's unique and colorful art style brings this wonderful, whimsical story to life.


Book cover of Kids Knitting

Tatyana Feeney Author Of Little Owl's Orange Scarf

From my list on for those who love yarn and knitting.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved making things with paper, fabric, or through drawing. I was taught needlepoint and crochet by my grandmother when I was young. Unfortunately, I didn’t practice this much and don’t really know how anymore. As I got older, I wanted to learn how to knit and do a bit more than basic sewing by hand. I am still learning, and I love seeing how people create using fabric and yarn. This has crept into books I write and illustrate and also the books I like reading!

Tatyana's book list on for those who love yarn and knitting

Tatyana Feeney Why did Tatyana love this book?

As someone who came to knitting later in life, I really appreciate this comprehensive guide for younger knitters.

The book includes an illustrated vocabulary list of the basic tools, information on where to go for help if there is no one to ask directly ( I find that very helpful!) and a guide for buying wool online.

There are also several basic projects to get started with and even a washing guide! Perfect.

By Melanie Falick,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Through 15 easy projects, from bouncy bean bags to a rolled edge sweater, Melanie Falick teaches kids of all ages how to knit. Using straigtforward language, easy to follow photos and step-by-step instructions, beginners learn the basics, including finger knitting, casting on and off, the knit, purl and stocking stitch, knitting in the round, and shaping. Kids can have fun creating things they can actually wear or use, and it's an activity they can share with parents and friends. Projects include: bookmarks, backpacks, bracelets, hats, socks and scarves.


Book cover of The Story Blanket

Tatyana Feeney Author Of Little Owl's Orange Scarf

From my list on for those who love yarn and knitting.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved making things with paper, fabric, or through drawing. I was taught needlepoint and crochet by my grandmother when I was young. Unfortunately, I didn’t practice this much and don’t really know how anymore. As I got older, I wanted to learn how to knit and do a bit more than basic sewing by hand. I am still learning, and I love seeing how people create using fabric and yarn. This has crept into books I write and illustrate and also the books I like reading!

Tatyana's book list on for those who love yarn and knitting

Tatyana Feeney Why did Tatyana love this book?

The Story Blanket is about what you might do if there wasn’t enough yarn. 

Babba Zarrah loves to tell stories to the village children who all sit on her story blanket to listen. As the winter goes on and a need for warm clothes becomes greater, Babba Zarrah’s blanket begins to get smaller.

The solution to the disappearing story blanket completes the cycle of generosity within the village.

The story, a modern folk tale, is simple and beautiful. The illustrations, by Elena Odriozola, are gorgeous and original and bring an added imaginative dimension to the book.

By Ferida Wolff, Harriet May Savitz, Elena Odriozola

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Story Blanket 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?

Babba Zarrah has a beautiful woollen sitting blanket, which the children sit on to listen to her stories. Babba Zarrah always says that 'every question has an answer', and when she realises the villagers need new clothes, Babba Zarrah begins to unravel her blanket in secret to make them. She makes so many surprises that soon there is no more blanket to sit on. But when the villagers discover Babba Zarrah's secret, they decide to give Babba Zarrah a surprise in return...


Book cover of Lester's Dreadful Sweaters

Tatyana Feeney Author Of Little Owl's Orange Scarf

From my list on for those who love yarn and knitting.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved making things with paper, fabric, or through drawing. I was taught needlepoint and crochet by my grandmother when I was young. Unfortunately, I didn’t practice this much and don’t really know how anymore. As I got older, I wanted to learn how to knit and do a bit more than basic sewing by hand. I am still learning, and I love seeing how people create using fabric and yarn. This has crept into books I write and illustrate and also the books I like reading!

Tatyana's book list on for those who love yarn and knitting

Tatyana Feeney Why did Tatyana love this book?

What happens when an unknown and unexpected relative comes to visit? 

Lester is a unique character who is visited by his equally unique Cousin Clara. Cousin Clara seems perfectly fine until Lester discovers how good she is at knitting dreadful sweaters.

After a series of unfortunate events befall the itchy creations, Lester and Clara discover there is a place for everyone (and every dreadful sweater).

I enjoyed the story, which I am sure many can relate to, and the illustrations (also by KG Campbell) are hilarious. A great story about dealing with unwanted gifts!

By K.G. Campbell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lester's Dreadful Sweaters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A fastidious fellow, Lester likes everything just so. So when Cousin Clara moves in and knits him truly dreadful sweaters as fast as he can surreptitiously dispose of them, Lester must think of a way to get rid of them for good — or be doomed to look like a clown forever.


Book cover of Cat's Cradle: A Book of String Figures

Tatyana Feeney Author Of Little Owl's Orange Scarf

From my list on for those who love yarn and knitting.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved making things with paper, fabric, or through drawing. I was taught needlepoint and crochet by my grandmother when I was young. Unfortunately, I didn’t practice this much and don’t really know how anymore. As I got older, I wanted to learn how to knit and do a bit more than basic sewing by hand. I am still learning, and I love seeing how people create using fabric and yarn. This has crept into books I write and illustrate and also the books I like reading!

Tatyana's book list on for those who love yarn and knitting

Tatyana Feeney Why did Tatyana love this book?

I used to play lots of string games as a kid. I realized as my kids were growing up, that kids don’t know these games anymore and I wanted to find something that would teach them at least a few that I remembered from my childhood.

I loved this book because it shows, with simple diagrams, some of the basic string games like Cat’s Cradle and it also includes string to get started with.

Not only that, there is a little history of string games for those who might want to know how they all started.

By Anne Akers Johnson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

How to do Cat's Cradle, Jacob's Ladder, Cup and Saucer, Eiffel Tower and Witch's Broom.


Book cover of The Mindfulness in Knitting: Meditations on Craft & Calm

Katy Bevan Author Of Intelligent Hands: Why making is a skill for life

From my list on craft and why making is important.

Why am I passionate about this?

My whole life has been about the power of making. I’m a writer and educator specialising in craft. Previously, I worked at the Crafts Council in London, and now I write for craft magazines with a particular interest in the connective nature of craft in communities and the relationship between craft and wellbeing. I’m also a parent to a learning-disabled adult, so understand learning differences (and care). I recently started Quickthorn Books to showcase more makers. I run workshops in darning, crochet, knitting, and, most recently, making rag rugs. I’m proud to be a trustee of Heritage Crafts, and I can usually be found knitting in the corner.

Katy's book list on craft and why making is important

Katy Bevan Why did Katy love this book?

Those of us who knit know that it’s good for us, helping to keep us calm, moderate our heart rate, and more. Rachael explores the therapeutic nature of making in her own idiosyncratic way.

I love Rachael’s voice when she writes, enabling her to be profound while deeply down to earth. This is the only book by her that I haven’t edited myself, so was compelled to read it anyway. 

By Rachael Matthews,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mindfulness in Knitting as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Anyone can pick up a pair of needles and a ball of yarn. And everyone can be mindful. Mindfulness in Knitting casts fresh light on this renowned calming craft, and reveals how the act of "knit and purl" can be the epitome of conscious living. Ethical textile artist Rachael Matthews unpicks the threads of this popular pastime to explore how knitting connects us to each other and to the world around us. Through personal anecdote and expert insight, she unravels the true value of what it means to craft, its therapeutic benefits, and the joys of mindful making.

This book…


Book cover of Children Tell Stories: Teaching and Using Storytelling in the Classroom (Multimedia DVD included with the book)

Margaret Read MacDonald Author Of Teaching with Story: Classroom Connections to Storytelling

From my list on storytelling for teachers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about the importance of telling stories in the classroom. My career has been as a children’s librarian in public libraries, but with much time spent telling stories in schools. My daughter and her husband followed in my footsteps as storytellers and found that using storytelling in the classroom has so many benefits. We all offer workshops for teachers, write articles encouraging storytelling, and try in any way possible to grow the corps of teachers who discover this joyful addition to the classroom.

Margaret's book list on storytelling for teachers

Margaret Read MacDonald Why did Margaret love this book?

It is exciting to encourage students to start telling stories too. This book had lots of good ideas that I use in my storytelling classes for children. Kids enjoyed activities like rolling a yarn ball back and forth across a circle as they add to a story. The book includes 25 easy-to-tell tales for student beginners. And I learned from watching the DVD Children Telling Stories: A Storytelling Unit in Action that was included.

By Martha Hamilton, Mitch Weiss,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Children Tell Stories as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The revised edition of this award-winning guidebook on storytelling in the classroom includes over 80% new material. The authors provide compelling rationales for the value of storytelling, links to state standards, detailed storytelling unit tips, uses throughout the curriculum, and bibliographies. Includes a multi-media DVD with demonstrations of storytelling by the authors, teachers and students, plus related materials and resources.


Book cover of The Sea Serpent and Me
Book cover of Grandad's Secret Giant
Book cover of Lenny & Lucy

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