Book Finder

What can Kooky Dooky do help to inspire El Toro to train as a luchador for his next wrestling match? The first in a lively new series features animated characters and Spanish words for a fun romp. After the match, El Toro and his friend Oink Oink clean up in El Toro’s next adventure in Tag Team (opens in a new window).

You know about animals that hibernate, but do you know about animals that sleep all summer? They estivate! Estivation occurs during particularly hot or dry periods such as the West African lungfish in Mali. Straightforward text and realistic illustrations are punctuated by black/white line drawings with notes that create the impression of a field guide. Notes from the author and illustrator as well as additional resources conclude this fascinating volume.

Popcorn is a healthy snack, right? Not if you’re Ellis. She’s banned from having her daily portions of popcorn, so she secretly tries to pop some. One kernel, however, comes alive to upset her life in this very funny (and a bit peculiar), illustrated novel that was first published in the Netherlands. This is likely to be the first in a series, so stay tuned for more about cowboy-hat-wearing (Popcorn) Bob!

Marisol has a vivid imagination. She names most things, including a backyard tree which she is afraid to climb. Illustrated by the author, Kelly makes Marisol and her family and friends come to life in a quiet but engaging story in which readers will see themselves as well as common concerns, and overcoming fear.

Mars continues to intrigue but photographs sent from a powerful camera known as HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) has provided clues if not answers to many questions. Information and a lyrical text combine with astonishing, textured photographs for a look at the mysterious red planet for a book that can be read, viewed, and enjoyed in several ways.

JoJo is concerned that her best school friend isn’t any more plus she’s concerned about her best home friend, her cat Mimi. This first in a new series stars 7-year-old JoJo, an Ojibwe girl who lives on a fictional reservation with her family.  It’s fresh, relatable, and not to be missed.

Born in Baltimore (MD), Thurgood Marshall would grow up to be one of the most powerful forces in rights for Black citizens. Clearly illustrated with an accessible text, Marshall’s life and legacy are presented, complete with a timeline, major cases, and more.

“A tree may seem like an ordinary thing. But hundreds of years ago, a tree was about to embark on an extraordinary journey.” Sir Isaac Newton sat under that tree and came up with the theory of gravity, a tree and an idea that have continued to inspire other scientists and people all over the world. Straightforward text and engaging illustrations present the Gravity Tree. Backmatter included.

As Billy blew out the candles on his birthday cake, an ambulance rushes down the street. Could his wish for some excitement have caused a dear neighbor friend to become ill? Billy and his family, first introduced in The Year of Billy Miller (opens in a new window) return in this quiet, touching, and relatable standalone volume. 

Can a solitary alligator and an extroverted and nosey bird become friends? Ally doesn’t think so since Beak will not take no for an answer! The friendship will likely endure as this is the first in a humorous new early graphic novel series.

What does summer smell like? How does it taste? When Lola arrives from the Philippines, so does summer and with it, the joy of a family reunited with their grandmother. Loose lines and rich color combine with a text to evoke the sights and sounds of a warm summer with a warm family.

A grandmother and child celebrate all the things the youngster can grow into, all the while recognizing individuality.Light-filled illustrations complement the evocative narration. Also in Spanish: ¿Qué Serás?.

Ollie has a vivid imagination and just may need eyeglasses. His poor vision (or is it his imagination?) allows him to see water buffalo instead of cows, interesting creatures rather than letters and numbers. When Ollie, a pink pig in a blue beret, dons his new spectacles, the world becomes more realistic, but glasses are not needed all the time! Comic illustration and understated text tell a humorous tale.

A child is embarrassed when parents stop the car to harvest wild watercress. Illustrations in sepia, however, show why this is such an emotional moment for the Chinese American family as it recalls an earlier time. Inspired text and stunningly detailed watercolors provide insight into one family’s history and a glimpse of their life before coming to the United States.

Jeff and Anders, a bear and a hare, are the best of friends. Anders figures out how to save Jeff embarrassment and even start a new forest fashion trend. Laugh-out-loud illustrations and text make for a truly unique yet instructive way to be a supportive friend.

“Deep in the primeval forest lurks a dangerous predator. Her name is Regina.” This small but fierce T-Rex is eager prove she’s ready to join the hunt but is thwarted by…an angry bee! Expressive illustrations and recognizable attitudes are sure to resonate with young readers as they chuckle at Regina and her attempts to show how grown she is.

Little Arvaaq (a bowhead calf) asks Grandfather Bowhead to tell him stories about his long life. The elder whale reveals how he has seen northern lights, broken through ice to give his family air and more. Evocative illustrations in shades of blue to present the whales’ habitat. A brief bit of information about bowhead whales and an Inuktitut pronunciation guide conclude this handsome book.

The narrator describes her eyes and those of her family as “eyes that kiss in the corner and glow like warm tea.” Poetic language and handsome illustrations evoke Asian art and culture create an affirming portrait of a family and their heritage, to be enjoyed by all cultures.

The joy of a summer swim in a pool is jubilantly depicted in animated illustrations augmented by well-placed, lyrical language that bubbles up along with the young swimmer. The girl is ultimately joined by a more reluctant younger swimmer with floaties on his arms, sure to reassure more timid swimmers that pleasure awaits.

A boy and his playful pup have a great day outdoors — best day ever! That is until the pup gets in a bit of trouble. All’s well that ends well though, and boy and dog return outside to play. The illustrations depict the boy unhindered by his wheelchair in this inclusive and appealing book.

It’s hard for a princesa to leave a beautiful island filled with “glassy, blue waves; spicy hot heat — and sandy, snug hugs” and to go into the belly of a dragon. But with her parents and brothers, Anita becomes a fearless dragon herself, flying to a new life in another country. Soft illustrations combine with a touching narration in this gentle but powerful story of immigrations

A cat and dog live together and are awakened at the same time. Their distinct personalities shine through in line drawings and limited text on open pages that follow them through the day. Sometimes the pair cooperate, other times they are distinctly different, but always likeable.

Where is baby elephant? None of the animals and their young on the first or even the second foldout have seen her. Of course, baby elephant is with her mommy revealed on the final pages of this handsomely illustrated book with large gatefolds presented on well-made pages.

A tiny cat traverses a very big city, meeting some things that are scary (barking dogs), but other things that are quite nice (like the shopkeeper who gives the kitty food and the boy who takes it home). Simply lined illustrations from various perspectives and brief text make combine to make this a winning and satisfying story.