Book Finder

Even the youngest listener will recognize what the animals in the closed pet shop try to get the hamster to sleep. When they finally do get the hamster settled in for the night, it’s suddenly morning and the hamster is rudely awakened! Mellow illustrations and onomatopoeic language create a gently humorous tale of concern and friendship.

A boy named Jeremy defines himself in the context of his world. The animated narrator begins by looking in the mirror and seeing a boy, and then adds brother, son, artist, writer, and more as he interacts with his family and community. The lively poem concludes with a look at a very young author and illustrator and a short list of how they self-define.

Look for a new mystery narrated by King (also known as Buddy), a bright, persistent pup whose first family has gone missing. Once King is adopted by Conner and his mom, he becomes Buddy and solves several mysterious events and helps Connor adjust to his new life. This first of a series will delight new readers.

Two machines captivated young Philo Farnsworth: a telephone and a phonograph. Both had cranks and both connected people with others (one in real time, the other through music). These and other inspirations motivated young Philo to invent what was to become known as the television. His early story is fascinatingly told and well illustrated.

When it’s nighttime, everyone sleeps; that is, everyone except owl who notices other animals. Some sleep peacefully and quietly. Others sleep in unique ways - standing up or with one or even two eyes open. Succinct, almost lyrical language and highly stylized illustrations create a contemporary bedtime book with an old-fashioned feel.

What does the baby get for his birthday? A big, brown box - just right to stand on to become taller, to hug, and to hold a dog named Oscar. Oscar and the narrator use the box for imaginative adventures and inventive play - and to sit in to eat birthday cake! Bright, boldly outlined illustrations and a simple text communicate the joy of creative play.

Henry David Thoreau moved to Concord, Massachusetts around the same time that the Alcott family did (in 1845). Like the Alcotts, Thoreau had a distinctive philosophy; his involved the conservation of natural places. This handsomely illustrated and informally told glimpse at a particular activity is based on Thoreau’s work to prevent a factory being built in Concord. (Walden Pond (opens in a new window) is now a state park.)

When Nettie and her family travel to the South, they see enslaved people. Nettie is literally sickened by it and realizes how wrong slavery is. This fictional story is both realistic and heart wrenching. Readers sense that Nettie will grow into an Abolitionist much like Louisa May Alcott became.

Massachusetts may be best known as the place where Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. This New England state was also home to the Alcott who made their permanent home in the Orchard House (opens in a new window) family in Concord, Massachusetts.

A dapper brown bear named Henry and his friend decide to visit another town. As Henry hikes, he leisurely soaks in the flora and fauna as he meets a number of his contemporaries (and a sly way to introduce historical figures such as Mrs. Alcott, Mr. Emerson, and Mr. Hawthorne). His friend, however, misses these as he takes the train. Other books about Henry are also inspired by Thoreau and provide a brief introduction to his life and beliefs.

Louisa May Alcott briefly worked as a nurse during the Civil War before becoming ill herself. In this Magic Tree House fantasy, Jack and Annie travel back to the Civil War, meeting Clara Barton and help nurse the soldiers wounded in battle.

This handsomely illustrated picture book biography glimpses some of the events that shaped the 19th girl who grew into a beloved writer still read today. Several poems written by Louisa as a child are included as are facts about her family and other useful or simply intriguing information.

In this festive holiday book, Pat Mora blends traditions by setting her own Spanish lyrics to the popular Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Each verse describes a Latino custom, often related to the celebration of Three Kings Day: “On the second day of Christmas my amiga gave to me / dos pastelitos / and a piñata in a pine tree.” Vibrant acrylic illustrations of guitarritas, luminarias, and piñatas dance with joy on the colorful pages.

A young owl decides to stay awake during the day and discovers a range of colors, from pink dawn to yellow sun to blue sky. But the small owl decides that the nighttime stars are the most beautiful of all. A color wheel is included and displays the same vibrant colors used throughout the story.

Move over Mother Goose! These cheerfully illustrated ditties not only take off from the earlier rhymes, but add a decidedly contemporary feel with likely appeal especially for truck and grit lovers. The rhymes can be shared aloud or even read aloud with more traditional offerings.

A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother pouch, each time going a little farther, but each time returning after meeting an unexpected animal. Like children, however, Joey, finally recognizes itself in another and leaves his mother’s safety for a bit longer. Repetition and lively illustrations make this an engaging story.

Each sturdy page begins with “peek-a-boo” in words and a die-cut page that folds over to reveal the hidden object. Clues are included before the flap opens and provide lots to point to and talk about with young children in this rhyming, playful, and colorful board book.

The familiar rhyme continues all the way to 20 as a rabbit helps the farm animals get ready for a party. A small chick on each page encourages young readers to look closely as chicks are hidden on each spread. Bright, boldly lined illustrations are appealing and child-like.

The arctic environment contrasts with the warmth of a mother polar bear and her cub who emerge from their den for the first time. The mother’s encouragement allows her child to build confidence as he grows and explores his wintry but safe surroundings. This gentle, handsomely illustrated story makes a comforting bedtime book.