Book Finder

From “10 horns beeping” to “2 bikes growling” a baby sleeps on. But when “… 1 bird begins to twitter,” a smiling baby awakens! City sounds and sights abound in stylized illustrations and satisfying, rhythmic language of this cumulative rhyme.

A familiar cadence builds the story of the apple pie that Papa baked for his daughter and sharing it with her, accompanied by their farm animals. The illustrations for this satisfying saga have an informal, old-fashioned appearance which builds with the rhyme.

Residents of the New York City apartment were divided when a red-tail hawk took up residence atop their building and started a family. Based on real events, the illustrated story of the hawk nicknamed Pale Male will inform and perhaps inspire urban dwellers to look up – and share space.

Little Night is not ready for sleep, even after Mother Sky follows each of their bedtime rituals. Spirited, richly hued illustrations combine with a sumptuous, evocative text to create a heavenly bedtime tale.

All it takes is…one hand/One smile/A single voice… to achieve it; and children everywhere can “spread a little peace”. Full color photographs taken around the world (and sourced at the end) along with a concluding note from the president of the U.S. Institute of Peace concludes this exceptional concept book.

What’s worse than finding out that Sonja has a Knuffle Bunny just like Trixie? Learning that there has been a Knuffle Bunny mix-up in the wee hours of the morning when most preschoolers are sleeping! All’s well in the satisfying sequel to the Caldecott honor-winning Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (2004).

A familiar game focuses the reader’s eye on fine art, ranging from Picasso to Velaszquez — with much in between. A note entitled “I spied with my little eye,” provides the name of the piece and the collection from which it comes. This is a fine way to encourage looking closely at images everywhere.

Stunningly intricate, handsomely colored paper sculptures jump out with each turn of the page. Readers of all ages will spend time on each double page spread to answer the questions posed and to admire the amazing engineering used to create this handsome book.

Buzz and his pet fly (also a friend) named Fly Guy, visit Buzz’s grandmother. The slapstick humor and outrageous parody begin when grandma accidentally swallows Fly Guy. Bug-eyed characters and the slightly gross humor of the expressive cartoon-like illustrations in the Fly Guy books are sure to create a giggle and an “ewww.”

When a bird builds its nest on Elephant’s head, his buddy Piggie suggests that Elephant simply ask the bird to move to another location. The bird honors Elephant’s polite request and takes up residence on Piggie’s head! Humor abounds in the understated text and simple illustrations of this easy-to-read book.

Become the storyteller when examining the inventive illustrations that start with a boy who looks out the window on a rainy day. He finds a mysterious key, which leads to an imaginative adventure with other children on a sunny beach. Could it be real? Readers add the story that accompanies this lively book without words.

The drive is long and the farm of the dad’s childhood looks old and tired. What will the siblings document with disposable cameras and journals? The real memories are kept in their heads and hearts when the extended family gathers and the true fun begins.

Little Rat wants to be musical and play an instrument just as do the other members of her family. But playing the violin well takes a great deal of practice, as Little Rat learns. Illustrations are richly hued and subtly add humor in addition to a gentle reminder.

Three short stories about two friends, a small dachshund, and a teddy bear, are funny, touching, and recognizable. The illustrations have a naïve quality to capture the simplicity and warmth of the friendship and complement the story as told in both narration and the characters’ dialog.

Though Big Mama repeatedly asks her not to chase the birds, the young African American girl is determined to become the “chicken chasing queen.” She often focuses on Miss Hen, a particularly adept escapee – although a surprise find helps the girl reform. Humor and personality shine through in story and image.

Julie loves to hear her grandfather’s larger-than-life, highly imagined tales of long ago when he emigrated from Russia to New York City. Grandma, however, recalls the same events in a very different way. With fresh illustrations, these 25-year-old tales remain humorous and vivacious.

Ollie longs to be the best of anything in his class and ultimately discovers that he is the class’ best chef when he brings in his family’s favorite dishes. This delights a special visitor – the teacher’s sister who is a television chef! This satisfying story will be appreciated by creative cooks everywhere.

Annie and her pet rabbit live next door to a boy named Henry and his oversized dog Mudge. Though Annie loves her neighbors and her home, she still wishes her house was prettier. Uncluttered illustrations and straightforward text reveal childhood concerns.

Though born years and miles apart, the paths of two extraordinary women would one day cross briefly. The women, who are known now as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, would come to play a significant role in securing rights for African Americans. Stylized illustrations and brief text present the people, the period, and their encounter.

The latest edition of the Young Explorers atlas uses satellite images to help focus on various parts of the world and to build an understanding of continents, countries, and natural resources. This edition also suggests links to a dedicated website to extend the learning.

Stunning illustrations, recent photographs, and current information combine to present a compelling look at the various planets (including the dwarf planet Pluto), stars, and galactic mysteries. This authoritative presentation is by a well-known specialist in the field.

Conversations with families provide insight and information into how books are created and the intergenerational impact of illustrating and writing them. From the Rockwells, the Crews/Jonas family, the Pinkneys, the Myers’, and the Hurds — talent seems to run in the family!

Stunning, semi-abstract illustrations create a contemporary, recognizable setting for Lewis Carroll’s now classic nonsense poem. An illustrator’s note provides background for the choice of the Jabberwock as a many-fingered ball handler on an urban basketball court.

Read about dogs with cat icons, and then turn the book over to learn about cats – with dog icons. Informative, informal text combines with textured collage illustrations for an intriguing and edifying look at these familiar animals.