Book Finder

Kenny is a whirlwind of everyday activities. Children will recognize what Kenny does in four vignettes — from getting up to getting dressed to getting ready for bed with lots in-between.  Swirling black lines and touches of color on open pages present an active boy in a warm family.

Extensive research about a previously unknown African American aviator whose story of perseverance and desire to fly resulted in a handsome, well told biography. Banning crossed the country gaining support and respect along the way. Extensive back matter is included.

While Milo and his sister travel on a subway, Milo observes other passengers drawing them in his sketchbook. But appearances don’t always reveal the whole story Milo learns. When he and his sister arrive at the prison to visit their mom, so does a boy from the subway. The illustrator’s signature illustrations are the perfect complement to the moving, understated text.

The author first “met” Zora Neale Hurston in college intrigued by a friend’s delight in Hurston’s stories. With equal delight, Hurston’s life and “storycatching” comes to life through an informal telling echoed in animated illustrations worth multiple examinations.

Henry Brown’s unique method to escape from slavery is presented in lyrical language and rich, multi-layered mixed media illustration. A box took Henry from slavery to freedom after his entire family had been “sold south.” Further resources are included.

“Do you want to play?” That’s what Jamie, with her favorite yellow truck, asks new kid Dylan, who only seems to want to line up his cars. This story gently explores learning about others and finding new ways to have fun. One of the most common issues for kids with autism is friendship. Children’s books sometimes depict the neurotypical child as doing their autistic pal a favor by befriending them, often forcing them to change a part of themselves. This story shows us that children with autism are more than capable of making meaningful contributions to relationships, and suggests how neurotypical children can alter their own approach to create a true connection.

This picture book explores sensory differences. For the young girl in the story, the vibration in her feet when she runs, the tap-tap-tap of her fork on the table at mealtime, the trickle of cool water running over her hand — these are the things that calm her jitters down. This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need for a wiggle, stomp, or squeeze!

Charlie feels like he has a whirling, twirling motor running inside him all the time and sometimes he just can’t settle. When his mom wants to talk to him, he figures he’s in trouble … but she has a surprise for him instead! Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers with more information on ADHD, behavior management, and helping children focus on the positives.

Starting small and familiar, children look into a telescope and the amazing comparisons begin. After glimpsing the cosmos, readers are brought back on earth with children viewing their place in the universe. Limited text and stunning illustrations progress to present enormous ideas of cosmic proportion in this memorable look at one’s place in the universe.

William Still was the youngest child of parents who escaped slavery and went on to become the father of the Underground Railroad. His record keeping of those seeking freedom helped to reunite families separated by enslavement. Accessibly written, attractively illustrated, and well-researched, readers will discover a new and different kind of champion.

Have you ever wondered what a zookeeper does each day? Large, textured collages focus on animals as we learn about a zookeeper’s duties which involve everything from cuddling a joey to brushing a hippo’s feet. Factual information about zoos, the animals presented, and additional resources conclude this handsome book.

Girls weren’t allowed the freedoms known today. So how did an Irish girl named Margaret become an accomplished doctor and surgeon named James Barry in the 1800s? While her entire story isn’t clear, what is known is presented in evocative illustration and a crisp text with a factual afterword.

The author, a principal ballerina, introduces children to a ballet school. Boys and girls all begin with warmups, moving on to basic positions for both arms and legs. Readers are encouraged to try for themselves with the children depicted throughout.

All friendships have ups and downs and it is no different for Jack, a cantankerous goat, and a blind horse named Charlie. Inspired by actual animals at a sanctuary, this gorgeously illustrated tale will remind readers about the enduring power of friendship.

Once, there were no protections for workers who often toiled in dangerous conditions for long hours. Until Frances Perkins, that is. After she witnessed a tragedy, Perkins toiled tirelessly to help workers all over the United States. This illustrated biography of the first woman on President Roosevelt’s cabinet is compelling, highlighting the events that shaped Perkins. Additional resources are included.

Staccato language is a call to action by children to do something about climate change. Black/white line illustrations are punctuated with green to provide emphasis and focus in this charming call to action. Actual young climate activists are presented at the end of the book.

Oakheart the Brave, an old tree, introduces trees in fact and folklore. The anthropomorphized narrator’s text is generously illustrated for an inviting and informative look at trees.

The child of immigrants, Jonas Salk helped develop the first flu vaccine in response to the devastating 1918 flu epidemic and went on to do again with the polio vaccine. This timely look at one man’s impact provides a glimpse at his life and the science of vaccines.

How a young Swedish girl’s concern for the environment became a global movement is presented here in straightforward language and illustrations that suggest Nordic art. Factual information and photographs complete this entry in the series.

Words that paint pictures to give one pause are called idioms. And they are used everywhere in the world! In America something unusual will happen when pigs fly but in India it happens when crows fly upside down. Stylized cartoonish illustrations complement the playful language and subtle introduction to various cultures.

Daniela and Evelyn are more than neighbors, they’re lifelong friends. How they cope with Evelyn moving away is touchingly presented in Daniela’s realistic but hopeful narration and fetching illustrations. (Also in Spanish, Evelyn Del Rey se muda(opens in a new window))

The author started learning about animals by observing her dog as a child. Her respect and affinity for animals grew as she did, turning into a career as a writer and chronicler of animals and their behavior. Gently illustrated, the author shares thoughtful tidbits which is sure to lead readers to her other books.

Detailed, almost delicate illustrations of a diverse cast of characters affirm the joy in differences, all because each and every one matters. The illustrator’s signature style is worth multiple examinations.

A child celebrates her creativity and individuality as she creates a panda on a large blackboard. Soon Panda steps off the board and joins in the creation of art. Illustration incorporate the pair’s chalk drawings and combine with a conversational text for a playful look at the creative process.