Book Finder
Use our Book Finder tool to create your own customized list of fiction and nonfiction books. Search through more than 5,000 books on Reading Rockets — by author, illustrator, age, reading level, genre, format, and topic.
Hush! A Thai Lullaby
A loving mother asks animals from a water buffalo to a lizard to "hush" so her baby can sleep. Once the noises stop, the mother herself sleeps — and the baby is now awake! Textured illustrations evoke the Thai setting and convey the understated humor of this unique bedtime book.
Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day
A Korean child declares, “I eat kimchi every day. I like kimchi every way!” in this lively look at the various ways kimchi is eaten each day of the week. Appealing illustrations and rich, descriptive language are rounded out by more information about kimchi.
All the Way to Lhasa: A Tale from Tibet
There's a saying that "slow but steady wins the race." In this richly illustrated book, the saying is recast as a Tibetan tale about a boy and his reliable yak and an impatient rider on a speedy horse, both on their way to the holy city of Lhasa.
Tasty Baby Belly Buttons
Uriko is small but brave, determined, and smart. In fact, she saves the town’s children when they are kidnapped by hungry oni, the ogres of Japanese lore whose favorite food is baby belly buttons. This lively retelling of a traditional Japanese folktale reads aloud well and is complemented by the illustrations, which call to mind the tale's Asian origin.
Bee-Bim Bop!
What's better than just eating a favorite dish? Anticipating it while preparing it, of course! Rhythmic, rhyming language and playful illustrations capture the joy of making this special Korean dish — and the joy of sharing it. Country of origin: Korea
What Will You Be, Sara Mee?
On Sara Mee's first birthday, her family made sure to have a tol, a celebration based in an ancient custom that includes guests, special foods, and gifts for the child that will predict what the child will be when he or she grows up. Realistic illustrations capture the warmth of Sara Mee's family, her birthday festivity, and the warm relationship shared with her older brother. An author's note and glossary round out this attractive book
Toad Is the Uncle of Heaven: A Vietnamese Folktale
The small toad, with the help of other animals, gets the attention of the Emperor of Heaven to end Earth's drought before all is destroyed. There is humor in this colorfully illustrated, respectful retelling of a traditional folktale. Country of origin: Vietnam
Yoko's Show and Tell
Yoko disobeys her mother by taking her special Japanese doll to school and is heartsick when it is broken. Her mother reassures Yoko that she loves her in spite of her mistake and takes Miki to a doll hospital for repair. Textured, evocative illustrations effectively convey feelings and Yoko's Japanese heritage.
Kimonos
Traditional wooden Kokeshi dolls inspired this introduction to Japanese words and culture while presenting a participatory book with flaps to lift, fold-outs and more.
Lady Hahn and Her Seven Friends
Long ago, Lady Hahn sewed with the help of her seven friends — needle, thimble, etc. — until each thought that their special job was most important. Swirling, detailed illustrations evoke the story's origin and early Korean setting and provide personalities to typical sewing tools.
