Book Finder

The story of Li’l Rabbit captures the true meaning of Kwanzaa and provides a fun introduction to the holiday. Li’l Rabbit is not having a very good Kwanzaa. Granna Rabbit is sick, and so his family won’t celebrate his favorite part of Kwanzaa this year: a big feast called Karamu. Li’l Rabbit knows what to do! He’ll find Granna Rabbit a special treat for Karamu so she can celebrate anyway. He looks under a pile of logs, in the field, and in the pond and along the way meets Groundhog, Momma Field Mouse, and the frogs — but he doesn’t find anything for Granna Rabbit.

Joyous Kwanzaa! On December 26th of each year, the celebration of Kwanzaa begins. Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that honors history, family, values, community, and culture. During this time, families gather, songs are sung, and dances and stories and poetry are performed! This festive board book helps teach even the youngest of readers about the celebration and importance of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.

Little Alliah (of The Juneteenth Story) is all grown up and, along with her husband LeVaur, teaches their children Daphne and Alistair why they celebrate Kwanzaa as a family and as a community. This beautifully illustrated book shares the origins of the holiday — rooted in Africa, born in Los Angeles — giving historical and cultural context on how a joyful celebration was birthed after the Watts Rebellion and during the Civil Rights Movement. 

A joyous picture book about an intergenerational Black family cooking a delicious feast and appreciating their quality time together. When it comes to a family feast, it’s all hands on deck! Big Ma and Pops have been up early in anticipation of everyone’s arrival. Aunts, uncles, and cousins gather from all over to help prepare their big meal. Clanging pots, chopping vegetables, sharing recipes, and swiping little treats are part of the fun! After the cooking is done, all of the relatives come together to pray, eat, and enjoy their special moment as a family.

Lyrical language and artful illustrations present the life of a lotus and the resilience it represents. A lotus seed falls into the soil and drifts into a deep sleep. It awakens, unfurling tender buds and wide green leaves. Then, the flower blooms, its brilliant petals opening to the sun. And soon enough, another lotus seed falls, starting the cycle all over again… This is a book to share with children of different ages.

Travel the world through traditional stories, just right to read aloud and share with children of different ages. Featuring stories of mermaids, ocean gods, magical fish and majestic dragons, there is something for everyone in this collection of tales inspired by watery worlds.

Take a fascinating tour of some of the most amazing museums around the world. From Bilbao to Beijing, from New York to the Netherlands, explore the wonders of 13 extraordinary museums through this richly illustrated book, perfect for sharing with children of varied ages. You’ll visit the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the Quai Branly in Paris, and more! 

Discover the mysteries of history in this factoid-filled guessing game. Lift the flap to learn the purpose of each specific contraption. A perfect book for sharing together with curious children of different ages.

Dramatic descriptions of the eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Tambora in the early 19th century open this compelling story of Earth’s warning signs, often left unheeded by humankind. This is the true story of how a massive catastrophic eruption plunged the world into darkness, altering the global climate and inspiring the likes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Black and white sketches enhance the compelling presentation which is fully sourced and documented.

A dream inspires Okan the raccoon to save a white wolf in the mountains of Minnesota, along with a small crew unlikely companions (a skunk and a moose). So begins this action-packed survival story infused with Indigenous creation stories, history, and some Indigenous language.

A foreword by the founder of the Humanimal Trust sets the stage for a fascinating look at what humans and animals have in common and a call for recognition of our interdependency. The large format is organized in bite-sized chunks of information and clearly illustrated, with additional resources included.

Visit the Andes Amazon with a group of scientists from Chicago’s Field Museum who work with local people to collect information about the plants and animals at specific sites. A conversational narrative and full-color photographs document the work which is realistic but optimist about environmental threats. Additional information is included.

Max accompanies his mother on a research trip to the Texas Gulf Coast. There he finds a beached octopus and works with others to rescue her. Named Ursula, the octopus helps Max come into his own in this moving, realistic story. 

Have you ever wondered about the world of sound? Why and how do we hear sounds, how does sound travel, and how do birds, dolphins, and humans use sounds to communicate? Discover the answers and much more in this handsome, brief, but surprisingly thorough examination of sound enhanced by expressive illustrations.
 

Why does each wish put through a mysterious mail slot come true? What happens when all wishes come true? Oscar and mom have settled in a new home, but will it all be gone soon? Difficult themes are countered with magic and humor in this imaginative and highly readable story.
 

It starts with a question: what do Indigenous people from around the world share? The answer: the planet we all live on and a deep respect for it. Stunning portraits of individuals are overlayed with images reflecting their land and customs. This beautiful, oversized look at our world is not to be missed.

Pocket Bear was created to fit in the pocket of a soldier on the front during World War I. He is now the mascot of a used toy store where stuffed animals are refurbished to be loved again. How Pocket and his friend — a cat who is a burglar — save the store and its owners while building community makes a heartwarming, surprisingly sophisticated, tense tale.

Filled with facts, this fresh approach is sure to delight as well as inform. After all, these are animals presenting oral reports about other animals because “humans only look at things through their own human eyes. Every single time.”  Cleaner fish report on sharks; barn owl reports on Tasmanian devil, and mole knows everything there is to know about daddy long-legs. Charming line illustrations punctuate the lively language in this singular book.

Theater aficionados and non-theater buffs alike will enjoy this original take on a musical production presented in graphic format. The poetic forms used and theater terms presented are included in a glossary that concludes this animated presentation.

Oscar is not like most 12-year-olds. He lives in a retirement community, plays bridge, and likes Frank Sinatra. To save his grandfather’s home, Oscar leaves his comfort zone and links up with a questionable new 102-year-old resident for an unforgettable adventure. Funny, quirky, and fast-paced, this novel will stay with readers long after its final page.

The life of a sea turtle born at the Ría Lagartos nature reserve in Mexico is dramatically presented in realistic yet expressive illustrations and carefully crafted narration. A note from the author describes her interest in wildlife and suggests tangible ways to help sea life. Additional information is also presented.
 

Stunning illustrations chronicle the growth and life of a Coho salmon from its birth on Day 1 on the Duwamish River in Washington to Days 1380–1450 when she lays eggs of her own. Additional information, including a QR code that provides more information on Coho salmon, concludes this gorgeous book.

The friends Moose and Bear (dogs) and Tiger (a cat), adopted by their human Cathy, are back for another everyday adventure. Short chapters by father and son authors are engaging, accessible, and filled with illustrations.