Book Finder

Have you ever thought about what happens to toys when you leave the room? Let your imagination soar with Woody and Buzz — and the toys you meet in books.

Corduroy(opens in a new window)
by Don Freeman
Corduroy, a teddy bear, comes to life to search for his lost button after the store closes. Though he doesn’t find the button, he does find friendship in this enduring tale.

Corduroy is the selected book for the 2008 Read for the Record campaign. On October 2nd, join readers everywhere to break the world record for the largest shared reading experience!

My Toys/Mis Juguetes(opens in a new window)
by Rebecca Emberley
Though these toys don’t come to life, the simple illustrations and words in two languages, show objects that young children will likely be familiar with while building vocabulary in English and Spanish.

Everyone feels different sometimes, even someone who is not really all that different. But like Shrek and other characters from folktales, making one’s own way can be the key to happiness! Be sure to read William Steig’s picture book, Shrek!(opens in a new window) in which ugly takes on new meaning and wordplay abounds (for readers 3-6).

Babushka Baba Yaga(opens in a new window)
by Patricia Polacco
Baba Yaga, the feared but misunderstood witch who rules the forest, disguises herself so that she can experience the joys of a grandmother just like the village babushkas. Others learn that appearances and rumor are not the way to judge a person — even a witch.

Frog Prince Continued(opens in a new window)
by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Steve Johnson
Everyone knows that once the poor frog was turned into a handsome prince by a kiss, the royal duo lived happily ever after, right? Well, maybe not! Being a prince comes with its own special set of problems, revealed in this traditional tale…continued.

Dr. Seuss’ classic picture book about the stalwart elephant has been embellished and expanded for a rollicking film ride. Be sure to read Horton Hears a Who(opens in a new window), the book that inspired this tale, then try these other books about unique friendships.

I Will Surprise My Friend(opens in a new window)
by Mo Willems
Like Frog and Toad, Piggie, a pig, and Gerald, the elephant, are the best of friends. In their latest adventure, the friends play together and surprise each other — in surprising and a gently humorous way.

Where Is My Friend?(opens in a new window)
by Simms Taback
Who are the animals’ friends? Where are they? Lift the flap on these sturdy pages and find out in this colorful, study book in which friends are hidden!

The story of the boy wizard who works to destroy evil grows more sophisticated as he goes through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. Harry’s adventures begin with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone(opens in a new window). Fantastic creatures can also be met in books more appealing to younger readers, many steeped in tradition.

The Little Green Witch(opens in a new window)
by Barbara McGrath, illustrated by Martha Alexander
The little green witch gets no help from her companions (a ghost, bat, and gremlin); that is until she brings a tasty pumpkin pie out of the oven! The small witch comes up with a satisfying and funny comeuppance for her uncooperative chums!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz:
A Commemorative Pop-Up(opens in a new window)
based on the novel by Frank Baum
Meet a very special wizard and other magical creatures on a journey to the Land of Oz with Dorothy and her companions. Their adventures literally come off the pages in this entirely fresh and refreshing version of Baum’s classic novel (also made into a now-classic film).

Monkeys are known for their silly antics and few are as mischievous as George — whose curiosity is legendary! (Be sure you read the first Curious George(opens in a new window) by H.A. Rey.)

Caps for Sale(opens in a new window)
by Esphyr Slobodkina
A traveling peddler takes a nap under a tree and wakes up to find his hats on the heads of monkeys on the branches overhead. How he retrieves his hats is real monkey business in this colorful, repetitious classic.

Good Night, Gorilla(opens in a new window)
by Peggy Rathman
When is a gorilla like Curious George? When he (and a parade of animals) follow the zookeeper home at bedtime — and snuggles in with the zookeeper’s wife with very fast and funny results.

CS Lewis’ classic Narnia series, starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe(opens in a new window), explores themes of loyalty, good and evil, family ties and more though for more sophisticated readers (and viewers). Similar ideas can be found in magical books made to share with younger readers.

My Father’s Dragon(opens in a new window)
by Ruth Gannett
Join Elmer Elevator as he travels to an island to save a baby dragon using quite ordinary things in unexpected ways. Awarded a Newbery Honor, this quirky, satisfying fantasy makes a fine read aloud (as do others by Ruth Gannett).

Where the Wild Things Are(opens in a new window)
by Maurice Sendak
Max’s temper gets him sent to his room where he takes a journey to the land of the Wild Things. There he regains control but wants to return to where he is loved best of all and so travels back into the night to his very own room.

Sophisticated young scientists will enjoy dipping in and out of this funny but edifying compendium of science. Topics range from paleontology to astronomy with lots of ways to get involved (some requiring adult help). The comic format and brief information are appealing and sure to amaze and engage.

Clearly organized instructions provide not only the know-how but ideas on how to make prints from easily found materials. As children craft their own artwork, they may just want to reread other books which use comparable techniques (such as Eric Carle). Also in the 1 2 3 series are the equally doable I Can Sculpt! and I Can Paint!

Take a walk outdoors with the popular mouse, Maisy. Help Maisy find a duckling, a bee inside a flower, and more as young hands pull sturdy tabs to reveal the hidden treasure, guided by short text which also encourages children to look for additional related things on each double-page spread.

Full-color illustrations combine with clear instructions organized into four sections drawn from nature to present possible activities with generally easy-to-locate materials. Some activities are sophisticated, but children (with an adult) will find something to create in the great outdoors.

Dozens of how-to topics can be found in this browsable “instruction manual.” Easy-to-follow directions and helpful illustrations show you how to do things as varied as make your own lip gloss, eat with chop sticks, and juggle one-handed. The book opens with a disclaimer and reminds readers to use common sense at all times!

This book opens with a disclaimer and reminds readers to use common sense at all times — especially as boys consider doing things like skateboard “ollies,” fighting off a crocodile, or escaping quicksand. The book is fun and full of suggestions for real and absolutely outrageously undoable activities. Not just for boys!

Make a special card or gift that really stands out — or pops up, literally! Easy to follow instructions and ideas are generously illustrated to allow even the neophyte to make eye-catching pop-ups with easily found materials.

Join Danny and his friend, Ettie, as they visit the zoo on a snowy afternoon — and then on a trip to a sunny place in Africa with the elephants and aardvarks…all with the help of Danny’s yellow drawing book, of course! This imaginative, playful jaunt may inspire other armchair adventures.

Each lively rhyme or riddle about everyday things actually asks a math question; some easy, some more difficult, all playfully involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Humorous spins on recognizable situations are enhanced by comical illustrations.

In this celebration of dads, heartwarming illustrations of baby animals and their fathers remind us of the many reasons why dads are so special.

Have you ever wondered why there is thunder and lightning? Hear this Nigerian folktale and other tales (as well as original poems) retold and shared by a master storyteller, artist, and writer. Ashley Bryan’s distinctive style and resonant voice echo the techniques of traditional griots.

Arthur’s everyday world, both real and daydreamed, is presented through a lively narration of four books: Arthur’s Mystery Envelope, Arthur Makes the Team, Arthur Accused!, and Arthur and the Lost Diary. Children and adults alike will recognize the concerns and the humor in these gentle sagas.

Many creatures have wings: birds, bats, insects. How these amazing appendages work and how they are used are presented with brief text and stunning collage illustrations for a memorable look at flight.