Book Finder

The story of a solitary raccoon, the Night Chef, who finds a baby crow, locates its family, and finds community along the way. The story comes to life in lively illustrations and snappy dialog in this easier-to-read graphic novel. 

Alma is the curator of the Museum of Shapes. It starts with a point that it is almost hard to see on the page. The point is soon joined by more and more complicated shapes that begin to combine. Geometric words and shapes are cleverly illustrated on open pages, for a fascinating introduction to the subject.

Structured like a graphic novel, sequential panels of painterly illustrations portray a family living in a home by the sea. Ultimately, the sea rises and so the family must move the house. [An author’s note in Pencil by Hye-eun Kim — an evocative tale of a pencil’s journey from tree to tool — describes how to successfully share a “silent book.”]

Mousse, the green-and-white-striped character first introduced in A Day with Mousse, decides to travel south with Barnacle, his walrus friend. Soon they are joined by another friend … is three a crowd? Original characters in lighthearted illustrations combine with an accessible tale of jealousy and friendship in this humorous and recognizable story.

Born enslaved in Maryland, Harriet Tubman became a force of nature with her determination and tenacity. Collage illustrations in a naïve style combine with poems chronologically organized by year to present a unique portrait of an icon of Black history. Resources are appended.

“Once, each speck was something else: dirt, pollen, or a bit of a living thing traveling someplace new.” Dust plumes are fascinatingly presented through lyrical language and textured illustrations. Dust plumes feed sea creatures, can weigh as much as billions of basketballs, and can be seen from space. Additional resources are included in this gorgeous book sure to engage and inspire readers.

Growing up in the segregated South had a lasting impact on young Marian. Her words punctuate high points in her life and activism, and ultimately her impactful work with the Children’s Defense Fund. Resources and additional material are included in this warmly illustrated biography.

The unlikely friendship between a bird and worm with very different personalities share everyday adventures (and messes!) in Book #2 — as well as winter fun in Book #3, Earl & Worm: Snow Problem and Other Stories. First introduced in Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories, these collections with short chapters stand alone and are equally appealing. 

Is it an adverb? Noun? Verb? Meaning? This new word ashimpa — discovered in an old dictionary — takes off and people start using it, but no one can quite figure out its exact meaning as it’s used everywhere for all things! Quirky illustrations will delight readers of all ages … and they just might add ashimpa or even perlimpent to their own vocabulary.

A trio of wandering, word-loving wombats travel through a rather dull forest, enlivening it with wonderful words and inspiring a young duckling. By the end of their travels, the duckling has motivated others and even created a “duck-tionary” which, of course, is included. The animated language and jaunty illustrations are sure to enthuse young wordsmiths.  

Amos McGee, the old zookeeper from A Sick Day for Amos McGee and Amos McGee Misses the Bus, looks forward to the first snowfall of the season with his animal friends from the city zoo. Together they enjoy playing in snow, ending with hot chocolate for all. The gentle story is enriched by expressive, tender illustrations — another winner from this husband-wife team.

Spot, a Dalmatian dog, and a white cat with tan markings named Dot (from Please Look After This Cat), promote best care practices and understanding basic behaviors. Humor, information, and illustration combine in this engaging presentation. From the Pet Care series — child-friendly and accessible books about common pets that introduce young readers to their care and feeding. 
 

As a girl goes to the market to buy ingredients for wonton soup, she meets others in her village who give her treats. After her errand, she and her mother invite the villagers to join them for soup. The childlike, soft illustrations and simple text underscore the power of community and caring.

Tension builds as a small kitten tries to cross the street on a rainy day during a vehicle-dense commute. But it’s a good day to stop to rescue the tiny feline. Evocative illustrations capture the feel of the wet weather and relief as traffic subsides. 

On an island in Norway, “away from wars and weapons, safe from earthquakes, fire, and even an asteroid” a collection of seeds is preserved underground. How the seed vault was constructed is presented in attractive illustration and an accessible text accompanied by sidebars with additional information. Resources and further information are included.

A child accompanies her grandmother — her nohhum — from the city to Nohhum’s reservation. Nohhum tells the child about the moon calendar, how to listen to the moon with her heart, and the interconnectedness of all things in this moving story from the Indigenous people of Turtle Island. Backmatter includes an author’s note and more, to learn about the different names of the full moons throughout the lunar year.

Emmie is a small mouse with big ideas who lives in an attic, using things no one else wanted to make something new. One day, an interloper arrives: a cat. Rather than scheme to get rid of the cat, Emmie makes a new friend. This fresh take on a traditional rivalry is presented in clever Rube Goldberg-esque illustrations and fresh language.  

Croco, a crocodile, falls into a deep hole. Other animals offer ideas for how he can can get out, and they even work together to rescue Croco … but to no avail. The croc’s tears, however, do the trick! Lush illustrations are highlighted by the book’s vertical format, for a good-humored tale of friendship.

Bear likes his bench, book, cookies, and balloon and is soon asked by friends to share. Bear thinks one way but responds in the name of being polite — until he just can’t anymore! Humor in deadpan expression and the text size of the limited narration together create a witty look at social convention.

Patterns are all around! Patterns can be discovered in sounds, objects, and words that repeat and repeat. To find them, you must look carefully. Boldly colored illustrations outlined in strong black line help readers notice what is sure to become obvious. A thought-provoking and visually rich exploration of the math, art, and emotion of patterns.

Potatoes have the power to feed the world according to Peruvian agronomist Alberto Salas.  Portrayed as a chubby cheeked, balding man in warm-toned illustrations, Alberto Salas travels the Andes to play paka paka (hide and seek) with wild potatoes, working with indigenous people, and trying to get ahead of climate change. Informal text is often humorous but always informative. Also available in Spanish: Alberto Salas juega a la paka paka con la papa.

A jaunty rhyme describes the pleasure of bananas starting with the smile-like shape to the and ways to eat them. Bright illustrations with an occasional die-cut enhance the feel of this bright yellow fruit.

Who ate the little bug? Boldly shaped animals are eliminated with each page turn as die-cut circles decrease in size until the final spread with the ladybug perched on a young nose. This colorful book is presented in a sturdy format with its question and answers.

A child and her parents enjoy bundling up and playing in freshly fallen snow. Childlike illustrations in bold form accompany the simple text.