Book Finder

Upper and lowercase letters worry that Mr. Wright’s students no longer know when to use capitalization! A student letter to the principal about Teacher Appreciation Day is all wrong, prompting the small letters to send an SOS (Save Our Sentences). The kids (and readers) learn when to capitalize and a bit of letter history in this bright, humorous classroom tale.

Best friends, Jilli and Jim fret, when Jilli’s dog, Fiercely, digs under the fence and into another yard. The children muster their courage and some gummy bears to confront the witch but discover that she’s a trusted teacher who’s preparing for school. This gentle, easy-to-read story, provides readers with an important reminder.

Autumn is a season during which there are many changes: leaves turn colors, air becomes cooler, and crops are harvested. These and more seasonal signals are presented in conversational language and vivid photographs. Easy-to-do autumn activities conclude this attractive and appealing book.

A spiffy fox and friends and the alphabet are used to introduce apples — from blossoms, to how they grow, apple varieties, and more. Rich words (such as “deciduous”) are used, briefly but effectively introducing sophisticated concepts. Back matter extends the fun, activities, and information.

Single words in apple red combine with bold black-lined illustrations to tell tales of apples, autumn, seasons, and more. A brief note about apple trees and composting conclude this unique and attractive look focused around one of fall’s favorite fruits.

Ruth Harkness continued her husband’s work after his death. She traveled alone to China alone, unusual for a woman in the 1930s. She found an abandoned panda cub, brought it back to the United States to begin “panda-monium.” Handsome illustrations evoke the period and places of Mrs. Harkness’ travel. An author’s note provides more information.

Meet Magritte who “One bright day in the dark of the night,” saw a “marvelous hat” that became his inspiration and friend. Johnson’s illustrations are inspired by the 20th century surrealist painter Rene Magritte (though here the artist is a canine). This visually sophisticated book introduces young artists to a unique master.

Early miners’ pants couldn’t hold up as they dug for gold when the California gold rush started — until a man named Levi Strauss headed west with a “DANG!” good idea! This tall tale version of how Levis (jeans) came into existence is told with verve and humor in both textured illustration and lighthearted text, ideal for reading aloud. It fills in what little is known about the real man.

Join Miles, a young Seal Sitter at the Salish Sea (aka Puget Sound) in Seattle, Washington, as he works to help Leopard until his mother returns from finding food. How the baby seal named Leopard grows with a bit of help (but no interference) from humans is revealed in full-color photographs and crisp text. An author’s note provides additional information.

En route to New York City from South America in 1882, the Pliny runs aground in rough water. In a riveting imagined first person account, Anthony’s voice brings to life the rescue of passengers from a British ship, with evocative descriptions. Dramatic illustrations enhance the detail. An afterword provides additional historical detail.

..[B]ack in the 1920s and ’30s, twelve of sixteen Acerra children played baseball (the girls back then didn’t play sports). This upbeat look at one close-knit, longtime baseball-playing family is jauntily illustrated. An author’s note reveals her inspiration and an update on the Acerras (including their induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame).

She wore a size 12 shoe, was a spy during World War II, and her name became synonymous with classic French cooking. An informal, engaging, and surprisingly comprehensive biography of Julia Child is presented though a format that is reminiscent of both a scrapbook and a comic book. The result is sure to engross sophisticated young foodies again and again.

Even as a child, Barnum Brown started collecting fossils. This boy from Carbondale, Kansas, grew up to be one of the 20th century’s premier dinosaur hunters. He provided the American Museum of Natural History in NYC with its first tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Illustrations add wit to the informal telling; an author’s note rounds out the presentation.

In this rhyming adventure, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee learn to ski. They didn’t expect to run into a very curious moose, however, which turns their outing a real cliffhanger!

In Seussian rhyme and lively illustrations, Jack imagines and describes the car he will build — much better than the clunky family car!