Love Gurple and Preen? Readers share 100 books like Gurple and Preen...

By Linda Sue Park, Debbie Ridpath Ohi (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that Gurple and Preen fans have personally recommended if you like Gurple and Preen. 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 Swatch: The Girl Who Loved Color

Josh Funk Author Of Dear Unicorn

From my list on pictures to inspire the creative artistic spirit.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author, one of my goals is to encourage kids to fall in love with readingā€“but Iā€™m not an illustrator. I wish I practiced art more as a kid. If I had, maybe Iā€™d be illustrating my own books. If only these five books existed forty years ago, perhaps I wouldnā€™t have given up on art. So, in addition to falling in love with reading, Iā€™d love to inspire those same kids to keep exploring their artistic sides. Iā€™ve seen how these books invigorate the artistic spirit of creatives and I hope they do the same for you.

Josh's book list on pictures to inspire the creative artistic spirit

Josh Funk Why did Josh love this book?

While Iā€™m a fan of all of Denosā€™ work (her art belongs in galleriesā€“and has been), Swatch has always stuck with me (and my family) as thereā€™s something so simple and raw about trying to ā€˜tame colors,ā€™ which is what Swatch, the artist, tries to do.

Like so much in life, some colors are easy to tame, and others arenā€™t, which is why I think this resonates so well with everyone whoā€™s read it. And with those, like me, whoā€™ve read it again. And again. And again.

By Julia Denos,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Swatch 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 vibrant picture book featuring an irrepressible new character-perfect for fans of The Dot and Beautiful Oops!-from acclaimed illustrator Julia Denos. In a place where color ran wild, there lived a girl who was wilder still. Her name was Swatch, and color was her passion. From brave green to in-between gray to rumble-tumble pink ...Swatch wanted to collect them all. But colors don't always like to be tamed...This is an exuberant celebration of all the beauty and color that make up our lives.


Book cover of What If...

Josh Funk Author Of Dear Unicorn

From my list on pictures to inspire the creative artistic spirit.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author, one of my goals is to encourage kids to fall in love with readingā€“but Iā€™m not an illustrator. I wish I practiced art more as a kid. If I had, maybe Iā€™d be illustrating my own books. If only these five books existed forty years ago, perhaps I wouldnā€™t have given up on art. So, in addition to falling in love with reading, Iā€™d love to inspire those same kids to keep exploring their artistic sides. Iā€™ve seen how these books invigorate the artistic spirit of creatives and I hope they do the same for you.

Josh's book list on pictures to inspire the creative artistic spirit

Josh Funk Why did Josh love this book?

For some creatives, nothing can get in their way. No pencil? Fold the paper! No paper? Chisel this, sculpt that, and shape even more.

Thereā€™s always something somewhere with which to make art if you keep your imagination open to it. Bergerā€™s lyrical text paired with Curatoā€™s illustrations across many different mediums is *mwah* (chefā€™s kiss).

By Samantha Berger, Mike Curato (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What If... 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?

Creativity, the power of imagination, and the importance of self-expression are celebrated in this inspiring picture book written and illustrated by real-life best friends.

This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream...

Stunning mixed media illustrations, lyrical text, and a breathtaking gatefold conjure powerful magic in this heartfelt affirmation of art, imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit.


Book cover of Women In Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World

Josh Funk Author Of Dear Unicorn

From my list on pictures to inspire the creative artistic spirit.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author, one of my goals is to encourage kids to fall in love with readingā€“but Iā€™m not an illustrator. I wish I practiced art more as a kid. If I had, maybe Iā€™d be illustrating my own books. If only these five books existed forty years ago, perhaps I wouldnā€™t have given up on art. So, in addition to falling in love with reading, Iā€™d love to inspire those same kids to keep exploring their artistic sides. Iā€™ve seen how these books invigorate the artistic spirit of creatives and I hope they do the same for you.

Josh's book list on pictures to inspire the creative artistic spirit

Josh Funk Why did Josh love this book?

Sometimes art is pretty to look at and sometimes art is powerful.

Ignotofsky shares short bios and gorgeous pictures of fifty female artists throughout history and across the globe, most of whom I wasnā€™t familiar with prior to reading the book. Not only will this book inspire young artists to create, but Women in Art will inspire them to research these artists further, as each one deserves her own picture book biography (some of which already exist!).

By Rachel Ignotofsky,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Women In Art as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK WITH A GOLD FOIL COVER IS THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR YOUNG BUDDING ARTISTS.

Women in Art is an EMPOWERING and INSPIRATIONAL celebration of some of the most iconic and fearless women who paved the way for the next generation of artists.

From well-known figures such as Frida Kahlo and Dame Vivienne Westwood to lesser-known artists including Harriet Powers (the nineteenth-century African American quilter) and Yoyoi Kusama (a Japenese sculptor), this charmingly illustrated and inspiring book highlights the achievements of 50 notable women in the arts.

Covering a wide array of artistic mediums, this fascinating collection alsoā€¦


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Book cover of One Giant Leap

One Giant Leap by Ben Gartner,

Editor's Pick, BookLife by Publishers Weekly.

Gold Medal, 2023 Mom's Choice Awards.

Gold Medal, 2023 Readers' Favorite Awards.

First Place, 2023 Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Awards.

Iā€™m pretty sure Iā€™m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.

Blast off with the four winners ofā€¦

Book cover of I Am an Artist

Josh Funk Author Of Dear Unicorn

From my list on pictures to inspire the creative artistic spirit.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author, one of my goals is to encourage kids to fall in love with readingā€“but Iā€™m not an illustrator. I wish I practiced art more as a kid. If I had, maybe Iā€™d be illustrating my own books. If only these five books existed forty years ago, perhaps I wouldnā€™t have given up on art. So, in addition to falling in love with reading, Iā€™d love to inspire those same kids to keep exploring their artistic sides. Iā€™ve seen how these books invigorate the artistic spirit of creatives and I hope they do the same for you.

Josh's book list on pictures to inspire the creative artistic spirit

Josh Funk Why did Josh love this book?

I Am an Artist takes the idea of making art everywhere and out of everything to the extremeā€“with hilarious results.

AltĆ©sā€™ protagonist goes above and beyond (literally) in his efforts to create, but sometimes the creative chaos goes a little too far for his motherā€™s liking (although the cat doesnā€™t seem to mind). Of course, he knows exactly what to do to make his mom happy: more art! If youā€™re anything like me, your creative juices will definitely be overflowing after reading this one.

By Marta Altes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Am an Artist as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

Meet the boy who can't stop creating art!

He loves colours, shapes, textures and EVERYTHING inspires him: his socks, the contents of the fridge, even his cat gets a new coat (of paint!). But there's just one problem: his mum isn't quite so enthusiastic. In fact, she seems a little cross! But this boy has a plan to make his mum smile. He's about to create his finest piece yet and on a very grand scale . . .

Funny, irreverent and perfect for creative children and adults, I Am An Artist by Marta Altes is a sharp, silly, fabulousā€¦


Book cover of The Caves of Steel

Larry Haley Author Of Escape To Cadrius: Life and Philosophy in a Distant Future

From my list on explore strange worlds and new societies.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I look at the challenges our world faces, I find myself imagining how things could be better. For years, I've been captivated by the solutions that could bring about a better future. Through science fiction, especially in the books on this list, I seek out visions of better societies and ideas that could help shape a more hopeful world.

Larry's book list on explore strange worlds and new societies

Larry Haley Why did Larry love this book?

I found this book to be a masterful blend of murder mystery and science fiction, taking us on a journey through a future world where robots are beginning to take over jobs. The ethical and social questions raised by the integration of robots into everyday life are more relevant today than they were when the book was first published in 1953.

I liked Asimov's insights into the effects of robotics, offering a reflection into our own world as the AI revolution unfolds. Asimov's writing style is engaging, balancing technical detail with compelling storytelling.

I enjoyed this book immensely, not just for its intriguing plot but also for its thought-provoking exploration of a future that in many ways feels increasingly plausible.

By Isaac Asimov,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Caves of Steel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Isaac Asimov's Robot series - from the iconic collection I, Robot to four classic novels - contains some of the most influential works in the history of science fiction. Establishing and testing the Three Laws of Robotics, they continue to shape the understanding and design of artificial intelligence to this day.

In the vast, domed cities of Earth, artificial intelligence is strictly controlled; in the distant Outer Worlds, colonists and robots live side by side.

A Spacer ambassador is found dead and detective Elijah Baley is assigned to find the killer. But with relations between the two cultures in theā€¦


Book cover of Annie Bot

Trish Taylor Author Of The Correct Order

From my list on dystopians with powerful women at their core.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since first reading dystopian novels as a teenager, Iā€™ve been fascinated by the new worlds that authors create and the fight that the protagonist endures to survive a hostile world. The difference from then to now is that it was previously a mostly male-dominated world. We like to see ourselves reflected in the protagonist, so Iā€™ve been delighted to find so many strong and powerful women at the core of many contemporary dystopian novels. I find that they often include more thoughtful and complex characters with subtle storytelling.

Trish's book list on dystopians with powerful women at their core

Trish Taylor Why did Trish love this book?

A badass woman whose not quite a woman. I was absorbed in this speculative sci-fi tale. Itā€™s an easy and quick read yet the characters are well enough developed that I became furious on the protagonistā€™s behalf. I liked that it had me asking many questions on the grey moral landscape that is robotics and artificial intelligence. 

I found the protagonist relatable in spite of the fact she wasnā€™t human. She was programmed to please a man, yet discovered a form of self-actualization through reading. Her growth as a character was refreshing and I was rooting for her the whole way. Under a desert sky as sweat trickled down my back, I couldnā€™t move, I had to keep reading.

By Sierra Greer,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Annie Bot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Provocative...a Frankenstein for the digital age...a rich text about power, autonomy, and what happens when our creations outgrow us." ā€” Esquire

"Unexpected and subtle...delicious and thought-provoking." ā€” New Scientist

For fans of Never Let Me Go and My Dark Vanessa, a powerful, provocative novel about the relationship between a female robot and her human owner, exploring questions of intimacy, power, autonomy, and control.

Annie Bot was created to be the perfect girlfriend for her human owner Doug. Designed to satisfy his emotional and physical needs, she has dinner ready for him every night, wears the pert outfits he orders forā€¦


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Book cover of One Giant Leap

One Giant Leap by Ben Gartner,

Iā€™m pretty sure Iā€™m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.

Blast off with the four winners of the StellarKid Project on a trip to the International Space Station and then to the Gateway outpost orbiting the Moon! Itā€™s a dream come true untilā€¦

Book cover of I, Robot

Jan Byron Strogh Author Of Act of God: In the Beginning

From my list on prescient scifi about artificial intelligence.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a graduate in computer science and electronics, I have had a successful career in the tech sector. I am interested in writing about the pattern of evolution that manifests in both humanity and machines. My books are based on science and contemplate the long history of human spirituality and how the two must someday converge.

Jan's book list on prescient scifi about artificial intelligence

Jan Byron Strogh Why did Jan love this book?

I dearly loved Isaac Asimov's vision of the robot. Although the idea of a mechanical man has entertained audiences for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, Asimov dealt with the reality of how humans will coexist with our intelligent creations. 

Prior to Asimov's three laws we had always thought of robots delivering evil as surrogates of their evil masters. And always with human intent. Evil emperors trying to rule the world is typical. But Asimov showed us the danger of machines that are their own masters. 

Machine learning and reasoning are now a reality different from anything humans can conceive. We are limited in our comprehension of machines by our biology and evolutionary context. But they are not limited in their comprehension of us or themselves. Just ask AlphaGo move 37. I am certain Asimov's three laws will never be enough to ensure our survival in a world where weā€¦

By Isaac Asimov,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked I, Robot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Voyager Classics - timeless masterworks of science fiction and fantasy.

A beautiful clothbound edition of I, Robot, the classic collection of robot stories from the master of the genre.

In these stories Isaac Asimov creates the Three Laws of Robotics and ushers in the Robot Age.

Earth is ruled by master-machines but the Three Laws of Robotics have been designed to ensure humans maintain the upper hand:

1) A robot may not injure a human being or allow a human being to come to harm
2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where suchā€¦


Book cover of Too Many Jacks

Jamie Michalak Author Of Frank and Bean

From my list on early readers that are funny.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve never forgotten how thrilling it felt to read a book on my own for the first time. Mouse Soup, Frog and Toad, and Amelia Bedelia are still among my most-loved books to this day. I particularly adore early readers created by authors and illustrators who arenā€™t afraid to get silly (James Marshall forever!). Stories for beginning readers are my favorite kinds of stories to write, and I always aim to write books that make kids laugh. What better way for them to discover that reading can be fun?

Jamie's book list on early readers that are funny

Jamie Michalak Why did Jamie love this book?

Is there such a thing as too silly in childrenā€™s books? No way, I say! This book is book 6 in the side-splitting A Jack Book series. Itā€™s super silly and a little weirdā€”just the way I like my books.

The mischievous Jack has a habit of swiping snacks and ladies' lipsticks (great for writing on walls). So when Jack figures out how to clone himself, watch out! This book is a storytime hit with dry humor and escalating chaosā€¦ until the super silly and a little weird ending.

By Mac Barnett, Greg Pizzoli (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Too Many Jacks 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?

From New York Times bestselling author Mac Barnett and Geisel Award-winning illustrator Greg Pizzoli, an uproarious early reader series about a mischievous rabbit, a cranky old lady, and a lovable dog.

The Lady gives Jack a gift. It's a lab kit! Jack goes into the shed to experiment and doesn't come out until he's made another Jack and another Jack and another. But one Jack was already too many. Can Jack stop his naughty robot clones before they destroy the town?

Welcome to the laugh-out-loud and irreverent world of Jack, a new early reader series by the New York Timesā€¦


Book cover of Beep! Beep! Go to Sleep!

Shanda McCloskey Author Of Doll-E 1.0

From my list on robots for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

My kid side loves robots and the possibilities they bring! My author side enjoys exploring what makes a reader ā€œcareā€ for a character thatā€™s human, animal, and machine alike. And my parent side is ever interested in childhood with technology ā€“ the bad AND the good. Childhood today is very different from the childhood I experienced, but that doesnā€™t mean my experience was better, more correct, or even healthier. Itā€™s just different! Kids today will remember their childhoods just as fondly as I remember mine. I aim to celebrate kids today and not to demonize the reality of their tech-infused world. I believe this list does just that!

Shanda's book list on robots for kids

Shanda McCloskey Why did Shanda love this book?

I love this rhyming bedtime picture book for all its kid-friendly robotic vocabulary and the beautiful art that is full of clever bits to discover over multiple reads. This book is one of my favorite picture books to gift at baby showers and young kidsā€™ birthday parties. This book has it all ā€“ all the way to the sweet twist ending!

By Todd Tarpley, John Rocco (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Beep! Beep! Go to Sleep! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A playful robot bedtime story, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco!

Quiet at last. Not a peep. Three little robots are... BEEP! BEEP!

When his three rambunctious robots give every possible excuse not to go to sleep, what's a little boy to do? With a fun refrain that will have readers of all ages chanting along, here's a book that kids will be begging to read every night before bed.


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Book cover of Boy Underground

Boy Underground by Isabelle Marinov,

Boy Underground is a powerful adventure story about Hugo, an autistic boy who decides to go all the way into the Paris underground to find a place where he belongs.

For Hugo, the world can be too loud and bright. He likes the quiet. He likes the dark. And heā€¦

Book cover of Etiquette & Espionage

Katelyn Yates Author Of Mad Marienne

From my list on YA steampunk novels with a dash of fantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

Steampunk has always been a fascinating genre to me, especially seeing how different creators play with historical elements. But the question that Iā€™m always looking to answer is, ā€œWhy is this history different from our own?ā€ What has allowed this alternate Victorian era to create fantastical technology? As I asked this question about my own steampunk books, I found great delight in how other authors have combined magic with their technology to create delightfully refreshing outcomes. I continue to search out these books as I am always surprised at their creativity and novelty.

Katelyn's book list on YA steampunk novels with a dash of fantasy

Katelyn Yates Why did Katelyn love this book?

I love the pun on ā€œfinishingā€ school and how both meanings are taught to the characters. There is something so satisfying about being perfectly polite with all the proper decorum and being expertly capable of deadly violence.

I appreciate that Sophronia retains her rebellious ingenuity, using unique methods to solve her problems. And, of course, the whole thing is on an airship!

By Gail Carriger,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Etiquette & Espionage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to finishing school.

Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners-and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother mightā€¦


Book cover of Swatch: The Girl Who Loved Color
Book cover of What If...
Book cover of Women In Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World

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