Book Finder

Have you ever wondered where the sand found in sleepy eyes comes from? It’s explained in this appealing, old-fashioned feeling story of a tiny man named Tor who realizes that the sand from a found dragon’s scale makes everyone sleepy.

Night can be a great time for lots of things; seeing fireworks, or city lights. It’s even good for sleeping. This book is as fresh as when it was first published with lilting language and colorful illustration.

A slightly frumpy, highly energetic girl and her expressive toy monkey dramatize seeing different animals from penguins to well, monkeys. The repeated phrase “Monkey and me…” combines with animated illustrations that use few colors for great impact.

His mother loves her chick unconditionally; she can lose her temper when requests for quiet go unheeded. Little Chick realizes that even though they get mad, parents and kids always love each other. Large, comic illustrations enhance the wit of the presentation.

Lemon was a lucky duck. His brood mates were all healthy and eventually went to live independently, but Ms. Lake and her class would always provide Lemon the special attention he needed. This surprising story is based on the author’s experience with the real Lemon the duck.

Children often see what adults miss, and so it is when Will finds a pigeon with a broken wing on the sidewalk of a busy city. Will and his parents, help the bird recover over time then release it. Limited text and well paced and placed illustrations tell the affecting story.

Ten hounds escape from their unfortunate owner for an adventurous — and very funny — day out and about. The comic illustrations build with the lively rhyming language for a zany escapade.

Even the best of friends sometimes have problems they must work out. And it’s true for Dog and Bear, the best friends who can get angry but get over it. Simply crafted illustrations are the perfect complement to the uncomplicated text.

Danny, a young rattlesnake all alone, tries to befriend other desert animals but without success; that is, until he meets a prairie dog with a vision problem. Exaggerated illustrations use varied perspectives to add humor to the text told with a twang.

Adorable babies are lovingly pictured in appealing illustrations and rhyming text. There is a reassuring tone from a “Baby Face” to the “Baby Bed.” Even children who are no longer babies will enjoy the soothing language and images.

Things aren’t always as they seem as young Alfie learns when he helps one of the “big boys” Alfie knows from the school next door. Young readers will see themselves in Hughes’ gentle illustrations which depict everyday people doing daily things.

Being small isn’t always easy, especially when growing up is associated with getting bigger. The pitfalls and pleasures of being a small fry is explored in a series of short poems accompanied by spirited illustrations.

Ali, a contemporary boy living in Bagdad enjoys soccer, “loud, parent-rattling music,” and Arabic calligraphy. Ali finds solace in it during the noise of war much like 13th century calligrapher Yakut. Dynamic, evocative illustrations make this book memorable, sure to remind readers that children are similar world-over.

Lily feels like she can’t contribute to the family fund to help her sister Eubie’s college fund. When Lily finds a way to help, her joy is conveyed through handsome, realistic illustrations and Lily’s exuberant narration.

Ruby and her friend sell lemonade in order to buy matching rings. When Max’s help is rebuffed, he sells leftover Halloween candy to Grandma in time to buy the last ring. Good-natured competition and lots of humor make this another Max and Ruby winner.

Stunning close-ups of colorful frogs in their natural habitats taken by an acclaimed photographer and biologist combine with clearly presented information on large, bright pages, sure to intrigue as well as inform readers of all ages.

Tiddler was a chronically late little fish with a big imagination. Tiddler’s tales are believed by only one fish who shares them — which is what brings Tiddler safely home when he’s really lost. Bright, cartoon-like illustrations add detail to this cumulative tale.

Fanny has always wanted a fashion doll but when her wanting goes unanswered, Fanny makes a ragdoll instead — and begins her own fashion trend with Annabelle. Fanny is believable as is her self-reliance. Readers can make their own paper Annabelle doll.

Damaris is a very clever duck who with Rory (her sheepdog friend) figure out how to give just desserts to the arrogant pigs (with names like Mrs. O’Bese and Mrs. Portly). The results are nearly disastrous for all, but all ends well in this appealing fantasy.

Inspired by a visit to the Iguazu National Park in South America, Francisco X. Alarcón celebrates its animals, skies, waterfalls, and more in these short and vibrant bilingual poems. Each page holds pulsating paintings that swirl and move, further vivifying each poem.

Anansi is a trickster so when he invites Turtle to a party it is, of course, a scam. But turnabout is fair play, and so Anansi gets his comeuppance. Humor abounds in the energetic, droll illustrations and contemporary retelling of this traditional tale.

Traction Man is back! In this adventure Traction Man takes on a compost heap, loses his trusty Scrubbing Brush, and meets Turbo Dog — all with tongue-in-cheek humor in both comic-strip-like illustrations and understated language.

Wangari Maathai’s native Kenya was a changed land, literally blowing away because its trees and growth had been destroyed. Rather than complain, she started a reforestation effort for which she was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Handsome illustrations combine with crisp text to tell the story of one person’s impact.

Bold color and geometric shapes create portraits of creatures from caterpillars to monkeys to accompany short ditties. The result is a lively look at a range of animals. Some short verse is reminiscent of Ogden Nash (“RAT/Leave/a rat/where/it’s at.”)