Book Finder

Lift the sturdy flap to meet the offspring introduced by the adult animals in two durable volumes (Peek-a-Baby Ocean (opens in a new window)). Farm animals and the names of their young are likely to be more familiar than those that live in the ocean. Both, however, are engaging and informative.

Bees buzz through the sturdy pages to introduce the activities of honeybees. With or without two bees that can be punched out of the front cover, young readers are encouraged to join the journey in this hive-shaped book.

Join the countdown of stomping dinosaurs from five to zero. Each numeral remains on double page spreads visible through die-cuts until the final pages where children are stomping in front of a skeleton in a museum. Dinosaurs depicted are identified at the very end.

The adventures of a big black dog and a small white canine demonstrate a range of opposites — feelings and activities. The nearly wordless tale of adventure and friendship is expressively, even dramatically, illustrated and certain to encourage original storytelling.

Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend — or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.

Each month of each season is distinct because of the way the natural world responds. Colorful illustrations encircle each poem to reflect the beauty and activities of animals and the environments in which they live.

What does a piece of art make you feel? This is what the poet/editor, Lee Bennett Hopkins, asked a diverse group of poets. Each examined work from the Metropolitan Museum and answered in a poem to create a unique and handsome collection. 

Familiar rhymes, many of which are often sung, are presented in a sturdy format just right to share with young children. Simple, gently hued illustrations accompany each ditty and song.

This poem is a love letter to black life in the U.S. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, and Gwendolyn Brooks. Robust back matter provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.

Open this book to discover that “science + poetry = surprise!” — one describes why while the other presents wonder. Encounter spring’s wonder and why in this handsomely illustrated introduction to “equation poems.”

So you think rap is modern? Well, it is, but its genesis began long ago! Discover where rap started in this rhythmic, clearly sourced, and stunningly illustrated poetic introduction to it.

A puddle laments the rain and some of those who run over and in her. That is until the last school bell rings and she reflects the beautiful colors of the sky’s rainbow. Semiabstract watercolors combine with a rhythmic text just right to share aloud.

Rhymes from around the world — Norway to New Zealand, Jamaica to Tonga — are presented in both English and their original language. Colorful, childlike illustrations create a diverse, inviting collection.

Nature comes alive in each classic haiku accompanied by an expressive, imaginative painting. The poems appear in both English and Japanese, which is also transliterated to facilitate pronunciation. 

Sports are for everyone! Short, rhythmic poems about a range of familiar (as well as less well known sports like lacrosse) are presented in a highly illustrated, format sure to read aloud well. 

A picture book biography of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved writers of all time. Young Jane was a bit quiet and shy, but she observed people and loved to read. She devoured everything in her father’s massive library and before long, she began creating her own stories — and went on to invent an entirely new kind of novel.

Mikey’s dad has left home to fight overseas during World War I, and Mikey wants to do something big to help. His teacher suggests that the class participate in a knitting bee in Central Park to knit clothing for the troop, and when the girls turn it into a competition, the boys just have to meet the challenge.

Born in England in the early 19^th century, Anna was encouraged by her father to observe, study, and document the natural world. Together, they also experimented with light as a way to photograph and record her botanic specimens. Unfortunately, none of the photographs exist today as the “prints faded over time, like memories.” Later she created books using cyanotype (known today as sun prints). Lush but muted illustrations in blues and white evoke the period and this scientist’s work. Additional resources are included.

Though Eleanor Roosevelt was born into privilege, she developed a keen sense of justice and fairness. In a highly readable narration, Eleanor’s life is presented, enhanced by photographs and primary sources. Also included are a timeline and bibliography.

From a very young age, Barbara Jordan had a voice that stood out. The repeated refrain, “what can you do with a voice like that?” is answered as Jordan grows personally and politically. Even after retiring from the U.S. Congress, Jordan continued to use her voice to educate and inspire. Handsomely illustrated, this brief but informative look at the impact of one woman is highly readable. Additional resources are included.  

Michelle Obama is revealed here through the lens of her official White House photographer and a brief but informative text. Obama’s verve and interests are evident throughout this lively book. For preschoolers, Alison Oliver’s board book, Michele Obama (opens in a new window), can inspire parents to talk with young children about how to “be inspirational” while remaining true to one’s self.

What happens when you plant a seed? With a bit of care, something grows. The first children’s librarian from Puerto Rico, Pura Belpré (for whom an American Library Association literary award is named) planted seeds of stories throughout New York City where she worked, introducing children to tales from her homeland in Spanish and English. Illustrations bring the time and period to life.

Eliza Schuyler Hamilton’s life and accomplishments come into focus through letters written to an imagined-yet-unborn great granddaughter. Eliza’s insights go beyond that of her famous husband, Alexander (about whom additional material is included at the end). Handsome illustrations evoke a 19^th century style and period.

The women in Senator Gillibrand’s family inspired this examination of those active in the women’s suffrage movement from the late 19^th to early 20^th century. Some like Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman are well known. Others such as Inez Mulholland and Lucy Burns are lesser known. Together, these portraits present an accessible look at early activists. Stylized illustrations enhance the presentation.