Book Finder

A large, slightly frumpy family travels to visit their equally large and frumpy relatives to share food, conversation, and a good time, proving that there’s always room for one more! The relatives’ visit is humorously chronicled in the lively illustrations and understated text of this Caldecott Honor book.

A family trip begins with everyone piling into the car. They then travel through the city with its traffic, over a bridge, through a tunnel, and more, stopping only when the family reaches the sparkling sea. Torn paper collage illustrations and simple text chronicle the gratifying outing.

Dorothy may have thought there’s no place like home when she clicked her ruby slippers, but the wanderlust of her native state is what starts all the trouble here. Kansas is bored and gets best friend Nebraska to help stir things up. Soon they’re throwing a potluck party for all the states and everyone delights in the idea of seeing another part of the country. Readers will unwittingly learn more than they would ever have thought while poring over the witty remarks exchanged over state lines.

What does the Stupid family do when the kids come home with poor grades on their report cards? Why they celebrate with a costume party and invite their relatives, of course! Anyone who has ever had a bad day will appreciate the silly humor and dumb jokes in this comic picture book.

Once upon a time three pigs built three houses, out of straw, sticks, and bricks. Along came a wolf, who huffed and puffed… So, you think you know the rest? Think again. With David Wiesner at the helm, it’s never safe to assume too much. When the wolf approaches the first house, for example, and blows it in, he somehow manages to blow the pig right out of the story frame, and the perplexed expression on the wolf’s face as he looks in vain for his ham dinner is priceless. One by one, the pigs exit the fairy tale’s border and set off on an adventure of their own. (2002 Caldecott Medal Winner)

Children may feel more confident as readers if they read stories aloud to their pets – though with or without a pair of floppy ears listening, these short tales celebrate what makes dogs unique: barking, loving a good bone, and digging holes. Comic illustrations enhance the humor and link the three readable tales.

Share the sights, sounds, smells, and humor of a family camping trip through this collection of engaging poems illustrated with vivid paintings. From setting up the tent to the ultimate return home, campers and non-campers alike will enjoy this vacation and all its outdoor pleasures.

Four picture books about twins, Jimmy and Janet, have been newly formatted and illustrated to create an appealing and attractive chapter book. Readers will see themselves in the characters as they try to carve out their own space within their family. This is an ideal read aloud for younger children or a solid read alone for independent readers.

The enduring wisdom of Aesop’s fables have been retold and newly illustrated. The large, attractive format invites readers to consider how the actions of the animals are similar to their own.

This spritely collection of both familiar and less well known rhymes is presented in an oversized format just right for sharing. Young children will likely examine lighthearted, detailed illustrations as they extend the rhymes’ action with verve and humor.

Marian Anderson was an extraordinary contralto whose talent was celebrated in Europe long before she was recognized in her native United States. Anderson’s focus, musical talent, and the difficult times in which she lived are captured in a dramatic picture book biography.

From groaners to puzzlers, this well organized collection of jokes, riddles, puns, and more will intrigue, cause chuckles or a guffaw, and make the reader think as it entertains and engages during multiple perusals.

Going to visit a big city on vacation? Think there’s nothing but concrete above and below? Well, think again! Readers are greeted by bagel-eating Skippy, an Eastern Gray Squirrel, and begin a complex, unexpected, revealing, and animated jaunt through and around New York City. The Big Apple comes alive in sophisticated, surprising ways through cartoons and photographs creatively placed on double page spreads.

Wilfrid helps an elderly friend, Miss Nancy, regain lost memories by bringing her some of her favorite things to remind her of them. This is a tender story of a friendship between two very different people, both of whom have four names, and the nature of memories.

Stunning, bold collage illustrations carry the action in this reworking of the traditional Greek myth. Here, Icarus becomes Ikarus, a boy of color, who learns to fly in spite of the society in which he lives.

Rhyming tales written for two voices makes an ideal — and humorous — introduction to readers’ theater. Well known fairy tales have been adapted, reorganized and reinvigorated with lively language and sprightly illustrations, worthy of many dramatizations.

A happy rhyming book that looks at the friendship between a child and his teacher.

Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school - he wants to stay home with his mother. She tells him he’ll make new friends and read new stories. Plus, she’s going to share a special, family secret with him - the Kissing Hand. This secret, she tells him, will make school seem as cozy as home.

The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she? Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her.

Jim is worried. He’s not sure he’ll have any friends at school! The other children in kindergarten are scary strangers to him. He’s sure that he’ll never find a friend…until naptime, when he discovers someone who feels the way he does.

The cumulative tale of a child’s lost mitten — but found to become home to a host of animals — is told in straightforward language and intricate, bordered illustrations. Now 20 years old, Brett’s interpretation of a Ukrainian folktale will be enjoyed anew.

Phoebe Flower’s is having some friendship troubles. Plus, her impulsivity and distractibility have landed her in trouble at school again. Her parents and the school principal decide that Phoebe needs a little help to get back on track. At first, Phoebe is worried when she hears her parents talking about something called ADD. But then her mother confides to Phoebe that she had similar problems as a girl. With Mom’s encouragement, Phoebe struggles with a writing assignment. Completing it at last, Phoebe is proud of her accomplishment, and excited that, through her writing; she’s discovered the true meaning of best friend.