Book Finder

How young Cassius Clay came to be a world class boxer known as Muhammed Ali is revealed in accessible language and handsome, semi-abstract illustrations. This volume also includes resources and notes.

Michael Shiner was born into slavery in Maryland but bought his freedom. He learned to read and write and thus detailed in his journal the history of Washington, DC.  Insightful and accessible, this is a well-documented and handsomely presented look at history.

Young Rosie wants nothing more than to invent, to be an engineer. Her confidence is shaken until her great-aunt Rosie (strongly echoing Rosie the Riveter of WWII fame) helps restore it. Told in rhyme with verve and humorous illustrations, this story is sure to inspire and engage.

Iggy Peck loves to build anything using almost any material.  His teacher, however, disagrees about architecture. Iggy rises to the challenge and changes her mind in this rhyming, thoroughly satisfying tale of an aspiring (and inspired) young architect. 

Ada Twist constantly asks questions: what, why, where? Her parents tire of it until they realize that Ada Twist is really a budding scientist! Told in rollicking rhyme and playful, style-conscious illustrations, this engaging tale is satisfying as well as inspiring.

Madame Chapeau makes the perfect hat for each of her customers but she herself remains quite lonely. That is, until a young girl makes the ideal chapeau for Madame Chapeau. Illustrations are fun and worth looking at again and again as they are an homage to haute couture. 

Robbie Darko loves magic but simply is not good at it. That is, until his grandmother teaches him a few tricks she learned as a professional magician. Filled with pathos and good nature, this novel is sure to resonate with readers.

Space bunnies are back for a second installment. Can twins Joules and Kevin save their school from the ferocious fur balls? Fiercely funny, this is sure to please young readers.

With humorous allusions to a candy universe and over-the-top puns, this laugh out loud funny novel follows twins as they defeat killer space bunnies. Heavily illustrated and with a light tone, this should appeal to even the most reluctant reader.

The farmer’s sheep don’t stay on the farm when there are so many other interesting things to explore! Can the farmer gather them up in time? Counting sheep and enjoying their antics is humorously presented in rhyme and jaunty illustrations.

As in other stories about the young bear, Ted’s first attempt at rescuing the day as a firefighter ends in minor disaster. But he rebounds and ends up being a huge help after all.

When he bumps his knee, Ted decides to become a doctor to care for everyone. Though Ted’s diagnoses irritate adults, young Dr. Ted winds up saving the day.

Ted spruces up his home and school and helps another young person by employing his artistic talent and creativity. Simple illustrations accompany an engaging text.

Autumn is a special time of year; it’s plentifall, eventfall, and a time to be thankfall. The play on words is the title of each short, engaging poem complemented by boldly shaped, fall-colored scenes. It’s a feast for the eye as well as the ear when read aloud.

No matter how you look at it, this pumpkin is not a pumpkin: it smiles, it frowns. Of course, it’s a jack-o-lantern! Young children will view the orange gourd in parts and as a whole on open pages in this playful board book that of course concludes with a very expressive jack-o-lantern. 

How could the teeny-tiny bone found by the teeny-tiny woman make such an un-teeny-tiny noise from her teeny-tiny cupboard?  Can the teeny tiny woman be a teeny-tiny braver?  Find out while reading this short, repetitive, and totally engaging traditional tale just right for sharing aloud.

Nine tales from German folklore are presented in a large, vibrantly illustrated format are made to share. Well-known tales such as Hansel and Gretel, Puss in Boots, and Sleeping Beauty are included, as are lesser-known stories.  

It’s no longer summer but not yet winter; it’s autumn and a time of change.  Handsome illustrations enliven fall colors that accompany a simple rhyming text for an appealing and satisfying look at the season.

A child converses with the changing world around her as she observes and explores the transition from late summer to autumn.  Simple illustrations accompany a rhythmic text on this jaunt through woods and a town

Hardscrabble Street transformed when Dr. Fell moved into the old abandoned house. Only Jerry, Nancy and Gail seem to be immune to a web that captivated kids and grownups as they played on Dr. Fell’s amazing new playground.  Part mystery, part magic, this creepy story is not recommended for the fainthearted!

A witch, a skeleton, and other icons of Halloween each ask readers to guess what is being described in haiku. A spot illustration provides a clue which is answered with a turn of the page presented in a strong graphic design. A brief explanation of the poetic form concludes this playful book. 

An oak tree grows because an acorn falls to the ground; a bird nests in that tree, and so begins an environmental cycle. Small die-cuts in richly hued illustrations glimpse the next in the progression that accompanies a simple, straightforward text.

Times are tough for Beans and his family in Key West during the Great Depression. Can Beans and his friends trust the New Dealers who say that they have come to Florida to make their small, poor town a tourist destination? Bean’s saga is both humorous and poignant in his satisfying story.

Starring on the soccer field comes more easily to 7-year old Lola than being Squirrel #2 in the class play. But in characteristic Lola fashion, she rises to the occasion to avert a drama disaster in this laugh out loud saga!