Book Finder

Alternating between narratives of Dancing Moccasins, a 14-year old Wampanoag boy, and Resolved White, a 6-year old English boy, the preparation and cooperation between the Pilgrims and Indians unfold. It culminates in the harvest celebration of what is now an annual celebration called Thanksgiving. Full color photographs of actors in authentic clothing and additional notes about sources complete this informative, carefully researched, and respectful book.

Meet Annabelle, Zelda, and the 24 lively green goblins in between, all dressed in zany costumes gleaned from an attic trunk. The language is alliterative and may stretch readers (and listeners) though well-crafted, brilliantly hued illustrations brimming with verve and humor provide visual cues and clues. This sophisticated, slyly humorous alphabet book merits numerous re-examinations.

A bear family raises an American flag before they travel to New York City, Washington, DC, and points in between. Ultimately they return to their own “home sweet home” wrapped in a cozy bear hug. First published in 1938, the classic song “God Bless America” is illustrated in this unabashedly patriotic picture book in a humorous but respectful way. Designed to inspire and enlighten, the book is also accompanied by a CD of the song performed by Barbara Streisand.

When Gossie loses her beloved red boots, she searches everywhere for them. Ultimately, she finds Gertie, another gosling, wearing her boots! The small yellow birds settle their issue and go off together, each wearing one red boot. The small, square book ideally supports the crisp, appealing illustrations.

Evocative poems explore a rainbow of color and emotion in vivid language, satisfying rhythm and handsome illustrations.

Harry knows that a terrible two-headed monster lives in his basement. So when his mother doesn’t return from a trip downstairs, Harry swallows his trepidations and goes down to rescue her. But when he confronts the monster face-to-face, it literally diminishes in size and eventually leaves Harry’s house forever. Humorous illustrations use black line and limited color to depict Harry overcoming a once fierce (but softly edged) monster.

Parades are part of the fun of any Fourth of July celebration. Young readers are invited to join the fun of this down-home parade, told with a jaunty rhythm and rhyme. Animated illustrations literally parade across the pages to a sparkling conclusion.

When Mimi the Swan sees ballet practice from the window of the Paris Opera House, she becomes obsessed with ballet. Though she tries to attend a performance, she is not allowed into the opera house. She finally follows a tardy dancer into the theater and gets her big break: Mimi becomes the star in none other than “Swan Lake!” The wry humor is conveyed in both text and witty illustrations in this appealing, comical story.

When an American sailor meets a Japanese woman, they both try in secret to learn the other’s way of eating. Their courtship and growing love culminates in marriage. This realistic family story explores cultural similarities and differences and is told with humor and honesty by the couple’s daughter.

Celebrate America’s birthday with a family in a small town. Animated and often funny illustrations and verse present this special day’s activities starting with a read, white, and blue breakfast and culminating with fireworks.

In this cumulative tale, Jack plants, tends and harvests his garden. Not only will readers follow Jack’s activities, they’ll learn about gardens and gardening in this informative and animated book through text and highly detailed and well-labeled illustrations. (The author’s background as a science teacher is pleasantly evident.)