Book Finder

Art combines with poetry and short prose pieces all by creators from Mexico for a culturally specific but emotionally universal literary experience. Stories are everywhere; you simply need to find them. Perhaps as one poet suggests in “The Lemon Tree”: “the tree/is older than you are/and you might find stories/in its branches.”

When a bird flies into an exhibit of dinosaurs, the museum walls and the bones begin to change to prehistoric times. The amazing fantasy comes full circle to a satisfying conclusion.

A young African American boy tells the story of his great-great-uncle, who realized his dream of flying by becoming a Tuskegee Airman during World War II. Richly hued paintings evoke the period, and spare language allows the story to speak for itself.

Who is that beautiful face in the mirror? Why it is baby, held by a loving daddy. This simple yet appealing book is presented in a format appropriate for the youngest reader to hold.

Three well known spirituals, “This Little Light of Mine,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” have been interpreted in vivid, jewel-toned illustrations and presented in a large format for a new generation. A bit of information about the songs’ history as well as musical notation for each are included.

The year the narrator’s grandma was born, Negro League great Josh Gibson hit a baseball so hard it went all the way from Pittsburgh and landed in Philadelphia! No surprise then that Grandmama learns to play baseball just like Josh Gibson. Warm and expressive illustrations depict this nostalgic saga of two heroes — Gibson and Grandmama.

Julian narrates the story of how he, his little brother Huey and best friend Gloria become “crimebusters”, save a dog named Crumbles, meet the Food Wizard and more. Enjoy the mysterious and silly adventures of three unlikely heroes as they solve everyday problems.

John Birks Gillespie was an angry child from an abusive home. He was able to overcome huge obstacles when given a trumpet to channel his anger and begin the journey to jazz. ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie’s story is told in swirling images and rhythmic language, telling the story of how music inspired him and how he used his talents to inspire others.

This collection of poems, first published in 1956, reveals the heroes we see in our everyday lives. Vibrant paintings add a fresh, new dimension and bring the poet’s Chicago neighborhood to life.

A family expresses the universal joy in the arrival of a new baby. Luminous language and illustrations introduce baby to the many small pleasures all around us, from sand between toes to sticky peanut butter. Parents and grandparents can share this story with children to recall their arrival into the family.

A young poet anticipates a visit to Langston Hughes’ Harlem home with her father. Told in rhythmic language, this appreciation of the poet in words and image may well encourage young readers to seek out Hughes’ poems, or perhaps write some of their own.

John Lennon and his music are introduced to a new generation in Lennon’s own words, using free verse and lyrics. With Collier’s rich collage and watercolor illustrations in a large-sized format (like Martin’s Big Words) this memorable presentation becomes a tribute to the music legend and visionary.

Not only did John Parker buy his own freedom to escape slavery, he helped as many as 900 other slaves escape on the Underground Railroad. Poetic language and deeply hued illustrations convey this stirring story. Historical notes are included.

Fact and fiction, old and new styles of illustration, wit and seriousness combine in this pithy, lighthearted look at four luminaries in American history. Only mature readers will appreciate the title’s name play but are sure to chuckle at the take on John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Ben Franklin. Fact is clearly differentiated from fun at book’s end.

Sturdy, split pages encourage active engagement and support a toddler’s rough handling. Numerals and corresponding blocks appear on one part of each page, and match the number of brightly colored objects on the other. Adults and young children will count, identify and play!

The Happy Lion was quite unhappy because, unlike the other animals in the zoo, he was alone. That is, until he met the Beautiful Lioness from a small circus who comes to share the Maison du Lion with him. The once again Happy Lion roars loudly to make the humans understand that he does not want to lose his new companion. Sketchy, childlike line drawings are appealing and expressive.

Eat chocolate rocks? Or sizzling hot pebbles? Real — and edible — recipes inspired by green eggs and ham and other zany Seuss characters are presented in an easy-to-follow, clearly organized (from breakfast to dinner) cookbook illustrated with Seuss’ own illustrations as well as an occasional food photo. This is an ideal book for young cooks and the adults in their lives — all while sharing or even creating their own Seussian recipes!

Hans Augusto Rey, best known as the creator of a small monkey named Curious George, was an amateur astronomer as well. He created this easy-to-follow guide to the night sky so that young people could get to know the constellations visible from their own backyards. A conversational, open text with simple but informative illustrations is sure to entice and inspire young star gazers.

The well-loved stuffed bear is back for another nighttime adventure, this time in search of the perfect present for Lisa’s birthday. The small bear finds himself lost but in good hands at Mr. Gonzales’ newsstand until Lisa finds him the next morning. In this new story by the original author’s art director, both the text and illustrations convey the gentle warmth and verve of Don Freeman’s original Corduroy stories.

Anatole’s position as First Vice-President in Charge of Cheese-Tasting is endangered when Monsieur Duval’s cat, Charlemagne, begins coming into the cheese factory, interfering with Anatole’s cheese taste and confidence. However, Anatole’s bravery and ingenuity save the day and his job - and he even invents a new cheese recipe along the way! Anatole the mouse is as marvelous in this sequel as in the first book.