Book Finder

When Javier is having breakfast at 7 a.m. in Mexico, it’s 8 a.m. in New York City and Kayla is getting her backpack ready for school. Meet kids from around the world and find out what they’re doing one hour at a time. This brief look at different places, times, and cultures is expressively illustrated punctuated with visual and textual detail. 

Even as a kid, Leo was a tinkerer, always interested in fixing and inventing things. And although he wasn’t a musician, he built the first electric guitar! Illustrations capture the joy as well as the difficulties Leo confronted as he grew from a farm boy into a lauded inventor. Backmatter completes this absorbing book.

Luz Jimenez would not forget her Nahua culture even after the Mexican Revolution. When she and her family resettled in Mexico City, Luz became a resource for artists and scholars as an Indigenous voice. Illustrated in Tonatiuh’s signature traditional style, the straightforward narrative is enhanced by complete backmatter.

Lyrical text describes wishes as a family leaves its homeland in search of a better life. The boat wishes it was bigger, the home wishes it was closer, and the young narrator wishes they didn’t have to wish any more. Detailed illustrations in a muted palette evoke both the difficulty and hope of the journey. 

Five friends — owl, mandrill, anteater, turtle, and badger — try to decide what is terrific. When snake decides it is eating together, well, the other four must save themselves. Highly detailed, textured illustrations, and text reminiscent of a folktale create a tense but satisfying story of cooperation and friendship. 

Join a young child as she shares her magic wand — a pencil. Short poems celebrate the pleasures of a year of family, celebrations, and everyday experiences. Mixed-media illustrations complement the bright tone. A note by the author reminds readers that not all poems rhyme and will likely encourage writing.

Naya’s mom says jumbies aren’t real but on a night with a full moon, the little girl goes out to find one. Instead, she meets other creatures straight from Caribbean folklore. Rich colors and not-too-scary characters combine with an engaging narration ideal for sharing aloud.

Gertie is the smallest yak who attempts to achieve bigness and learns size is not just on the outside. Only Gertie with her small stature can save a yak in danger in this droll, rhyming tale. While the story isn’t new, humorous hat-wearing yaks with large expressive eyes add freshness and fun. 

Just when a big-eyed indoor cat thinks it knows all that it sees through various windows, it steps outside to discover a very different world. Illustrations in various media and staccato text are used to create a rich real and imagined world, perfect for multiple readings and close examination. 

Cartoon illustrations that use strong line and vivid color combine with a rhythmic text to present ways that encourage good choices. The diverse cast of characters engage in familiar activities which confirms the power of an individual. The book concludes with two kids holding hands saying, “I will join with you to make this a better world for everyone.”

Many languages and cultures are used in a poetic journey around the world, each affirming that people welcome others. Warm watercolors show diverse people in a variety of settings. An afterword and pronunciation guide conclude this gentle, encouraging book.

A child narrates the move from city to country that he and his mother make. Though initially resistant, the boy soon learns to love his new environment even bonding with a fox. When a fire destroys all that was familiar, the forest, the family, and the fox rebuild. Dramatically illustrated, this is a story of resilience and hope; includes an afterward from the author.

No words are needed in this quiet but handsomely illustrated story of the impact of one simple kindness as a girl searches for her lost dog. Quiet but captivating sequential art is reminiscent of a graphic novel and sure to resonate with careful readers.

Bear is all things to the child as she grows until Bear is put in a chest. However, Bear is not forgotten but is loved again by another child. Expressive illustrations and short text combine for a touching tale of one much treasured teddy over time even into the next generation.

When a child realizes the small spider she finds in her room may be just as frightened of her as she is of it, rather than stomp it, she carefully moves it. Even the youngest spider-saver (or phobic) will appreciate the textured collage illustrations while building empathy.

At this very moment, “a small mouse wakes up in the early morning sun”, a ripe plum that a worm will eat for tea, and more in this soothing look at one moment in time. Gentle text is complemented by evocative illustrations from various perspectives for a memorable, calming book.

Although he loves stories, Aaron has trouble reading but has been an artist his whole life. With the help of Miss Greer, his astute 2nd grade teacher, Aaron’s gifts are realized and he gets help with reading. The rhyming text and illustrations call to mind the creators’ other collaborations and are equally captivating.

A skyscraper is built from the ground up, surprising readers when the finished building pop-ups (literally!). The last image shows the boy who is satisfied after completing his tabletop structure. Real and imagined combine in the sturdy format sure to inform and delight.

The smallest lemur in the troop is reassured by parents, siblings, grandparents, and all the lemurs that he is loved in this gently rhyming tale. Expressive illustrations combine with a surprisingly informative text to reassure family bonds as well as lemur habits.

The simple question is addressed as flaps twice unfold to reveal different animals with their parents. Sturdy pages support lush illustrations which conclude when baby elephant is found — with mommy, of course!

Groups of animals are introduced ranging from a party of jays to a camp of bats. With a turn of the page, a sprightly, detailed illustration interprets the word literally on double page spreads. The result is a humorous but informative look at words, their various meanings, all while building vocabulary.

The child narrator asks practical questions about what kind of pet would be just right. Comfortable with a very quiet pet, the child chooses a turtle. Though not for the very youngest, childlike illustrations and gentle queries are sure to engage and start discussion.

Young readers can feed animals in these clever books. As sturdy pages turn, a pop-up mouth (or beak) opens just the right size for the “food” attached (by ribbons) stored at the back. Children will enjoy feeding the critters and may learn a thing or so along the way. Also in the series: Hungry Animals (opens in a new window).

A house has windows, doors, etc. through day and night and seasons. However, it only becomes a home when a family arrives. A series of simple, straightforward questions combine with sunny, simple, elegant illustrations sure to engage even the youngest.