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Phyllis Root

    Phyllis Root views picture books as performances that invite a child's participation, a concept that liberated her approach to wordplay and rhythm. This perspective shines through in her rollicking stories, many of which were inspired by the colloquialisms of her upbringing and the active process of writing. Her works are celebrated for their read-aloud quality, characterized by a masterful use of rhythm and sound that brings characters and narratives vividly to life. Root excels at crafting diverse tones, from serene lullabies to boisterous tales, often emerging from extensive rewriting and a playful engagement with language.

    Lilly and the Pirates
    Sam Who Went to Sea
    Flip, Flap, Fly!: A Book for Babies Everywhere
    The Lost Forest
    Big Momma Makes the World
    Rattletrap Car
    • 2023

      Big Belching Bog

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      A quirky romp through the peat bogs of northern Minnesota, for young readers.

      Big Belching Bog
    • 2019

      The Lost Forest

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading
      4.3(149)Add rating

      "A forest, of course, doesn't need a map to know where to grow. But people need a map to find it. And in 1882 when surveyors set out to map a part of Minnesota, they got confused, or tired and cold (it was November), and somehow mapped a great swath of ancient trees as a lake. For more than seventy-five years, the mistake stayed on the map, and the forest remained safe from logging--no lumber baron expects to find timber in a lake, after all. The Lost Forest tells the story of this lucky error and of the 144 acres of old-growth red and white pine it preserved. With gentle humor, Phyllis Root introduces readers to the men at their daunting task, trekking across Minnesota, measuring and marking the vast land into townships and sections and quarters. She takes us deep into a stand of virgin pine, one of the last and largest in the state, where U.S. history and natural history meet. With the help of Betsy Bowen's finely observed and beautiful illustrations, she shows us all the life that can be found in the Lost Forest. Accompanying the story is a wealth of information about the Cadastral Survey and about the plants and animals that inhabit forests--making the book a valuable guide for readers who might want to look even deeper into the history of Minnesota, the flora and fauna of old-growth forests, and the apportioning of land in America" -- Publisher's website

      The Lost Forest
    • 2017

      Anywhere can be a farm - all it takes is one small seed, and someone to plant it.

      Anywhere Farm
    • 2015

      Creak! Said the Bed

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Set in a cozy and humorous atmosphere, this delightful story is designed to entertain and amuse children, encouraging them to share giggles with their parents. Its engaging narrative invites young readers to join in on the fun, making it a perfect bedtime read that fosters warmth and laughter.

      Creak! Said the Bed
    • 2015

      Snowy Sunday

      • 20 pages
      • 1 hour of reading

      Phyllis Root, master of rhythmic read-aloud storytelling, and Helen Craig, of Angelina Ballerina fame, present the final farmyard adventure in their delightful Bonnie Bumble series.

      Snowy Sunday
    • 2013

      Lilly and the Pirates

      • 180 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Lilly, a ten-year-old with a penchant for worry, uses a worry book to manage her fears, particularly her dread of water. When her adventurous scientist-parents embark on a journey to the Shipwreck Islands, Lilly is left behind with her quirky great-uncle. However, when news of their shipwreck reaches her, she must confront her fears and embark on a daring quest to rescue them, navigating hidden islands and clever pirates along the way. The story is complemented by Rob Shepperson's charming illustrations, adding humor to the adventure.

      Lilly and the Pirates
    • 2013

      Sam Who Went to Sea

      • 25 pages
      • 1 hour of reading

      A tale about a rat who follows his dreams and goes to sea, with pictures by the illustrator of The Gruffalo.

      Sam Who Went to Sea
    • 2011

      Exploring the theme of growth and independence, this book captures the excitement of spring as babies experience their first steps. Through charming illustrations and engaging narratives, it invites readers to witness the joy and challenges of early milestones, celebrating the journey of stepping into a new phase of life.

      Flip, Flap, Fly!: A Book for Babies Everywhere
    • 2009

      Toot Toot Zoom!

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading
      3.7(177)Add rating

      This engaging story features humor and lively action as it explores the theme of friendship in unexpected places. Its vibrant narrative makes it an ideal choice for reading aloud, ensuring that both children and adults can enjoy the fun and excitement together.

      Toot Toot Zoom!
    • 2008

      Looking for a Moose

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading
      3.9(55)Add rating

      An ear-tickling, eye-teasing romp for little listeners, led by an award-winning author and illustrator. Do you really, really want to see a moose — a long-leggy moose — a branchy-antler, dinner-diving, bulgy-nose moose? Spurred by Phyllis Root's sing-songy text and Randy Cecil's buoyant illustrations, this hunt for an elusive moose through woods, swamps, bushes, and hills is just as fun as the final surprise discovery of moose en masse. Children will laugh at the running visual joke — what is that little dog looking at? — and ask for repeated reads of this satisfying tale.

      Looking for a Moose