Book Finder

A batch of garden spiders hatch each spring and those who survive hungry predators release threads and wind to blow into new places to begin their cycle of eating, reproducing, and dying again. Crisp illustrations enhance the information.

Though not for the youngest hands, stunning colors, and amazing pop-ups are used to introduce sea life — kelp, fish, coral, and other creatures — from unique perspectives. This attractive book is sure to engage readers of all ages.

Farmer Brown needs help as he prepares for the annual Corn Maze Festival. Of course, all of the animals rise to the occasion — though Duck prepares a small surprise revealed on a final — and very funny — fold out.

Down, down, down…now off we go! begins a journey on city subways from Washington DC to Moscow and more. This short, fantastic, colorfully illustrated trip ends with a brief description of the real transit systems described.

Every day children around the world awake to begin their days having breakfast, going to school, coming home to families. A poetic text combines with photographs from myriad countries to visually highlight the richness of the world and its people.

A brief explanation of what collage is and a list of readily available materials begins a can-do approach to collage projects. Suggested activities and a note for adults are included in this handsome and useful how-to book.

Wilbur is a different kind of mole rat. Instead of always being naked, he dons sporty clothing much to the chagrin of others. That is until his Grand-pah also asks “Why not?” Willems’ understated humor in both text and illustration will delight readers of all ages.

A variety of animals in their natural habitat are presented here in handsome full-color photographs accompanied by a range of short poems that they inspired. Both words and pictures present reflections, literal and figurative, and will likely generate discussion.

Little Chick is impatient and oh-so-child-like in each of her three short adventures. Wise Old-Auntie provides gentle guidance to Little Chick. Large pages support expressive, open, and winning watercolors to complement the satisfying story in three chapters.

A backyard is the ideal place to count animals and their young. Rich language and attractive illustrations encourage readers to count from one doe with her fawn to ten grasshopper nymphs.

A little girl misses her grandfather’s old house where he would tell her about the flowers. Sadly, his new apartment has only a balcony but together they create an imaginative, artistic garden one brush stroke at a time. Warmth abounds in this gentle tale.

Get to know Texas from A to Z in this attractive and informative book (continuing the author’s A to Z looks at cities). Short poems introduce one aspect of the state with lots of factual nuggets sprinkled on each vibrantly illustrated page.

One day when Sally and her friends are playing, they notice that her dog and cat are missing. The children use map skills to explore their neighborhood and beyond to locate Sally’s pets. Information and fun combine in this easy informational book.

As Foo, a frog, grows larger, so does his conviction that he is the biggest animal in the world. Of course, when Foo deflates, his friends assure him he’s still a fine size for a frog. Onomatopoeia and jaunty illustrations distinguish this retelling.

Fancy Nancy is back, this time exploring in her own backyard. Photographs combine with signature illustration to introduce the wonders of real butterflies, birds, leaves, and more — that young explorers anywhere will find and appreciate.

Chubby, rounded children in bright colors whish and swish, shake and bang in this sturdy board book with its built-in rattle. The rattle adds to the playfulness, though the language alone will get the young children moving.

When their mother tells them their day of play is about to end, two ducklings run away — “pit-a-pat” — until it starts to rain. Gentle illustrations depict the appealing toy duck family.

A young raccoon seeks attention from her ever-patient mother. She wants to be held then put down throughout their day together, until the youngster whispers “good night.” Soft illustrations in warm hues show their cozy world and affectionate relationship.

This appealing, sturdy book presents photographs of emperor penguin chicks (and adults) going about their daily business of fishing, cuddling, and generally taking care of one another. It is sure to create warm feelings regardless of the snowy landscape.

Oscar, a young cat, learns from his friend Bat that “our ears help us know what’s around us, even when our eyes can’t.” Thus begins a fascinating sound adventure filled with information in an attractive format.

Maisy takes to the kitchen in an apron and with washed hands to bake a cake in this interactive and informative book. She gathers ingredients, measures, mixes, bakes, and decorates. Then best of all, she shares it with her friend!

A heart shaped cut-out on the front cover invites readers into the book in which child-like illustrations in primary colors depict adults’ unconditional love for children. Round-faced, smiling adults love them when they are shy or sharing, stinky or squeaky clean.

All children know a lot of things like when “I look in a mirror/what I see is me” and that they will continue to grow and learn. Poetic, child-like realizations combine with strong, uncluttered graphics to affirm and maybe even instruct.

Simple, colorful graphics are used to illustrate paired opposites seen in a garden: short caterpillar and long snake; mama bird asleep, hatched eggs awake, and more, until a final foldout encourages readers to identify even more.