My girls have always loved this book by a less well known author, Beatrice Schenk de Regniers:
The absurdity of these enormous animals being welcomed by a polite King and Queen never fails to delight. May I Bring a Friend? can also inspire some fun conversations about good manners. (In this spirit see also Sesyle Joslin's What Do You Do Dear?"
Other books by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers:
Sing a Song of Popcorn. de Regniers collaborated on this beloved poetry book. This collection of poems belongs in every family library. (I find this one fairly regularly at thrift stores and used book store.)
These titles by de Regniers may be out of print but are possible to find:
A Little House of Your Own. This will resonate with any introvert, I think.
Red Riding Hood. Illustrated by the inimitable Edward Gorey.
What Can You Do With a Shoe? Features another beloved author / illustrator Maurice Sendak.
David and Goliath. I am cautious about Bible picture books, but this one is worth a look to see if it's worthy of your family's shelves.
Other sites about De Regniers:
- Beatrice Schenk de Regniers Danced with Words and Pictures by Virginia Johnson
- May I Bring a Friend Unit Study from Homeschool Share
Would you believe I've never heard of her?! I'll be on the lookout though.
I thought she'd be one of the more obscure authors on this list. I think Lucy would love, "May I Bring a Friend?"