Book Finder

As a child gets ready for bed, she implores, “Tell me a story, Mama,” then proceeds to tell it herself. Mama adds only to punctuate the girl’s story with maternal wisdom. This warm story, told in two voices, reflects how children make family stories their own.

Ten not-so-terrible dinosaurs count down to bedtime until one particularly rowdy reptile revives them all again. A rhyming text and engaging, colorful dinosaurs playfully introduce counting as well as provide a lighthearted tale.

Mild-mannered paperboy Henry collides with a sparrow and turns into Sparrowboy just like his hero, Falconman – a superhero who not only delivers the paper but also helps out the neighborhood. When Henry returns from his comic-strip fantasy, things seem just a bit better than before.

Though Tommy’s family values and respects his artwork, the budding artist’s school doesn’t always seem to appreciate it. That is until a special teacher encourages Tommy to follow his own interests. The tone of dePaola’s signature art is reserved here but ideally suited to this autobiographical picture book. Those who follow their own passions and persevere (or want to) will find this book affirming.

Mr. Hawkins was a 19th century British artist with a passion for dinosaurs. This illustrated biography introduces the man, his time, and how he worked both to satisfy his own curiosity and stimulate that same curiosity in others. Additional notes from both the author and illustrator provide insight into the person and how his knowledge evolved.

The great American poet Langston Hughes chose the poems in this classic collection, originally published for young people in 1932.

Starting with one Pilgrim boy resting in a tree and two Wampanoag children gathering nuts, the rhyming count continues until the Indians and Pilgrims gather to share the feast. Children will enjoy finding the turkey lurking on each page as it savors the banquet from a safe distance. The joy of the harvest and celebration of friendship reverberates in playful verse and merry illustrations.

Set in the 1950s, this book by Mildred Taylor is frank in its portrayal of racism. Lois and Wilma are proud when their father buys a brand new gold Cadillac. Only their mother won’t ride in it. On a trip from their home in Ohio to Mississippi, there are no admiring glances only suspicion directed toward the black man driving such a fancy car. For the first time, Lois knows what it’s like to feel scared because of her skin color.