Book Finder

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.

I, Amber Brown, have a lot to worry about. This third-grader faces ex-best friends, homework, and school pictures with ingenuity and determination. Featuring Paula Danziger’s trademark wit and insight, the Amber Brown books explore common and often difficult issues for kids with amazing sensitivity and humor.

Look how different we are and see how much we are the same! Readers will surely see themselves in the pages of this book, which is full of color photographs of children’s faces. The rhyming text and images celebrate the tapestry of cultures, religions, and physical appearances of children throughout the United States.

Elections are anything but dull, and participation is very important in a democracy. Just consider what it must be like in places where citizens can’t vote! This playful introduction to presidential elections provides a brief history of voting in the U.S. (including the “chad story”) and encourages young people to get involved.

Where and how the Olympics began is explored in this factual companion to Hour of the Olympics (in the Magic Tree House fantasy series in which siblings Annie and Jack time travel). The informational book stands alone or can augment the novel (for 6-9 year olds) as they explore the origins of the Olympics.

What has six legs, is very strong, always busy, and probably lives in your neighborhood? The ant, of course! Find out more about this small insect, then try your hand at some ant-related projects. Clear photographs and readable text in this attractive book will start your ant-venture. (For an ant’s eye view of the insect world in photographs, take a look at In Front of the Ant: Walking with Beetles and Other Insects by Ryuichi Kuwahara).

In Arthur’s Nose, first grader Arthur decides that he doesn’t like his nose. He goes to the rhinologist to change it, but ultimately decides, to the relief of his friends and family, “I’m just not me without my nose!”

Would Pal ever eat Arthur’s homework? After Arthur tells his teacher that his dog ate his homework, he’s told to report to the principal’s office the next morning. But first Arthur must make it through a night of peculiar dreams! Children’s concerns and fears are captured in the pickle Arthur finds himself in.

Before Arthur was a television series, he was the star of his own series of books. Children of all ages enjoy Arthur’s everyday adventures at school, home, and camp. Younger children will enjoy picture books about the young aardvark, while a series of early chapter books are just right for the newly independent reader.

José lives in a diverse neighborhood where he’s just as likely to hear Spanish, English, or Chinese. The appealing photographs in this book document José’s life at home, at school, and on the streets of his colorful barrio in San Francisco, a city that is a dynamic mosaic of different cultures. Available in a Spanish.

Left alone to graze, Borreguita outsmarts the fierce coyote who thinks the small lamb would be a tasty lunch. This tale from Ayutla, Mexico, is retold with sly humor and illustrated with dramatic, full color illustrations.

When Mama announces that the relatives are coming and starts the flurry of preparations, Baby Bubba and his dog, Beau take refuge down in the mud hole. Big Bubba finds them, washes them and dresses Baby Bubba in a brand new stiff sailor suit. When Cousin Arlene, wearing a frilly dress, and her yippy little dog, Bitsy, arrive, the foursome find paradise in the mud hole. Comic illustrations add to the understated text for a satisfying, funny, and recognizable family story with a decidedly Texas twinkle.

Bold color and broad shapes show the details of Sam’s car and how he takes care of it before he drives to his job and goes off, driving a bus!

Share the five days of Carnaval revelry — beginning with the lengthy preparations in Olinda, a northeastern Brazilian city. The book features stunning photographs and crisp text, handsomely formatted.

Visit Guadalajara, Mexico and live for a day in the life of a Mexican horseman during the celebration known as el día del charro. In this photo-essay, Ancona discusses the training necessary to become a charro or a charra.

Chet Gecko is a sassy, wisecracking fourth-grade detective. Along with Natalie Attired, his mockingbird sidekick, he solves the many mysteries that plague Emerson Hicky Elementary. Each pun-filled novel introduces new silliness to this Sam Spade-esque series.

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. “I’m named after my grandmother,” said Victoria. “But you’re named after a flower.” Chrysanthemum wilted. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed…

When Clorinda sees a ballet, she decides to follow her dream of becoming a ballerina and so leaves her comfortable farm life for the big city. At last, the charming cow-ballerina gets her big chance and though she performs only once, her talent is welcomed back on the farm. The rhyming story is illustrated in a lighthearted, comical style.

Commander Toad and the crew of the Star Warts are back, this time to confront villainous space pirates. As in other Commander Toad books, puns and silliness are complemented by humorous illustrations.

Sort-of-serious illustrations are perfect for this comical parody of familiar science fiction films. The brave commander of the Star Warts spacecraft is a Toad who saves his ship from the dangers of a watery planet and its resident monster, Deep Wader.

Art is meant to be enjoyed, and sometimes even eaten! Create, then consume, the attractive, tasty, and nutritious treats featured in this fun recipe book.

Life on a cattle farm is both a grind and a thrill. Share both with the Eby family on their working ranch in New Mexico as they share the commotion of spring cattle roundup where everyone — including the kids — works diligently.