Book Finder

Chuck throws caution to the wind, along with safety rules, when he rides on his spiffy new red motorcycle. That is, until he’s brought back to reality by a highway patrol officer! Lively, alliterative language and realistic illustrations combine for this funny cautionary tale.

Janet and Jimmy are twins but like all siblings, Janet doesn’t want Jimmy to touch her stuff. She takes her mother’s suggestion and puts her “thingamajigs” in a special place. Janet’s thingamajigs are dispatched when her special place, her crib, is replaced by a regular twin bed and the twins realize they’re growing up. Full color illustrations complement the tone of this recognizable milestone in children’s lives.

The song made famous by jazz great Ella Fitzgerald in the 1930s has been re-created, re-energized and newly presented in a picture book version. Sprightly cut paper collage illustrations show two children losing and ultimately finding both a lost basket and a friendship.

This collection of children’s rhymes is drawn from Spanish-speaking countries and is presented in both Spanish and English. The music that accompanies each song appears on delicately illustrated pages that children will want to hear again and again.

A familiar traditional Shaker hymn has been interpreted in bold, semi-abstract, jewel-toned illustrations reminiscent of artist Paul Klee. A cat, squirrel, bird and turtle characters create the feel of the music.

When Rosa’s grandmother becomes sick, Rosa comes up with an idea that not only makes Grandma feel better, it helps add coins to the family’s near empty money jar. Translucent watercolors illustrate this timeless, affectionate tale of family, community and the power of music.

Monkey’s friends prepare a surprise party and then share the birthday fun! A familiar song is extended by singer/songwriter Raffi and presented here with engaging, child-like illustrations sure to get readers singing and clapping along with monkey and friends.

A cool cat named Oobie-Do moves to San Francisco, plays his saxophone and works as a short order cook, until his jazzy talents are recognized by nightclub owner Minnie, who books him for a gig. The bold, stylized illustrations are a cool complement to the rhythmic language of this off beat(nik!) tale.

From her early days in Harlem to becoming the First Lady of Jazz, the story of Ella Fitzgerald is presented by a cool feline named Scat Cat Monroe. As Scat Cat steals through the pages of this book, Ella Fitzgerald’s life and work are revealed in jazz-inspired language accompanied by dramatic scratchboard illustrations. The result is a lively and loving picture book biography.

This attractively animated collection of lively songs and rhyming games is a great opportunity to have fun with language! Written in both English and Spanish, this playful book expands your word game repertoire.

Inspired by jazz great Charlie Parker, rhythm and repetition are woven together to create a musical effect. Animated watercolors and lively text combine in a story that begs to be read aloud.

One hundred ants try to organize themselves in groups as they hungrily head to a picnic: two lines of 50; four of 25? Their efforts take so long they miss the meal, but readers will enjoy the humor! Boldly lined illustrations complement lighthearted text.

Can 50 lizards get to the stage in time for the show to start? A frantic snake looks for the performers and gradually, the lizards leap into sight in groups of five (5) then ten (10) until all 50 are on stage. The colorful, rhyming romp is sure to encourage counting as the story builds.

A small inch worm “green as an emerald” avoids being eating by a hungry robin using his wit — and his ability to measure things. He measures other birds as well — until he escapes them all by measuring a nightingale’s song. Textured collage illustrations complement the straightforward text in this modern classic.

There are millions of people living in the United States, but the numbers are much too large to really understand, aren’t they? With the help of a mathematical magician, understandable comparisons, and animated, humorous, and engaging illustrations, huge numbers become more child-friendly and downright understandable.

How do two children share one banana? Cut it in half, of course! Healthy foods are shared by dividing them into in thirds and quarters in this cogent introduction to fractions. Crisp photographs and clear graphics create an appealing book to make sense of fractions.

When their mother bakes a dozen cookies, Sam and Victoria plan to have six each. Then the doorbell rings — again and again! Just when it seems that there aren’t enough cookies, grandma saves the day!

As a barren landscape begins to fill with people, trees, buildings, and more, readers can count the changes beginning with zero. The increasingly detailed, handsome watercolors encourage readers to counting and sort during the evolution of the countryside, much like the United States census.

A message from Headmaster Upchuck to the students at Rotten School sets the tone for the first in this humorous series that is decidedly boy-friendly though sometimes appalling to adults! The adventures of popular fourth grader Bernie Bridges and his nemesis, Sherman Oaks, continue in the Great Smelling Bee (2005).

At first Jerry is excited about taking piano lessons; he thinks the old piano is really neat. Then he meets his peculiar and slightly threatening music teacher, Dr. Shreek. Will Jerry come out of his lessons alive?

Max doesn’t want his family to move. He doesn’t want to leave Nicky and Tara, the young ghosts who inhabit Max’s house. Cliffhanger endings keep this series going at breakneck speed.

In a conversational way, the author of thriller for young readers reveals his early years and his path to becoming a writer. Black/white photographs are sprinkled throughout to present a look at this author’s life.