Book Finder

When she is forced to leave Vietnam, a young girl brings a lotus seed with her to America in remembrance of her homeland.

The Vietnam war is over, and Grandfather and young Nam dream that the new dikes will restore the wetlands, bringing home the beautiful cranes that once filled the winter sky. But other villagers think that growing rice is a more practical use for the land.

Peanut Butter and Jellyfish are best of friends and swim up, down, around, and through their ocean home. Crabby is their neighbor. He is not their best friend. But when Crabby gets in trouble, will Peanut Butter and Jellyfish come to the rescue? You bet they will!

An 8-year-old girl decides to make a list of all the things she likes and dislikes about dealing with her autistic brother, and in doing so realizes that she has created A Manual for Marco.

What’s in a book? For one bespectacled mouse, this book is dull, dull, dull. That is, until the mouse meets a “Word-Eating, Flying Whale” that brings a “Glow-in-the-Dark Kung Fu Worm” into the picture. Dry wit and outrageous scenes remind readers of the pleasure in a tall tale told (or read!).

The narrator and his friend Tyler will soon start 2nd grade. Will his new teacher and the more advanced grade be as bad as the boys’ older sister warn? Happily, the younger siblings catch on to the teasing when they acknowledge that they are no longer as gullible as first graders! The funny narration is accompanied by jaunty, expressive ink and wash illustrations.

In school, Little Plane practices his writing but he finds the loopity loops really tough. He doesn’t give up though and continues to try — until at last, he completes his words! Children will see themselves in the tenacious, child-like airplane with expressive eyes. Brightly colored, digitally created illustrations add to the simple text.

Getting your teacher ready for school means starting out with a big smile, then being able to show her how to find iguana books during library time and reminding her where the bathroom is if she doesn’t know. The gentle humor in this turnaround tale is sure to remind children of typical school routines and that everyone may have worries.

Zara’s dog, Moose, loves hellos but not goodbyes. In spite of all efforts, he continues to follow Zara to school until the day Moose graduates from Therapy School. Now every day is a “hello” as Moose accompanies Zara, to her delight and that of her classmates. Soft lines and gentle colors depict the faithful pet and his loyal girl.

Bloo and Redd (blue and red critters) argue over a green book. When a bookworm takes it, the pair collaborates to make a book with the same named parts (including letters that gather together to form words). Conversation bubbles humorously placed on white space above the characters complement the comic illustrations — all the way to a satisfying conclusion.

Time to get up, get dressed, brush teeth, and more, all in preparation to open the door and go! Young children will recognize the broad forms of everyday clothing and objects as they feel their varied textures. The sturdy format holds up to rough little hands as they touch and look and begin the day.

As seasons change, fall becomes time for school. In a rhyming text a girl reminds her reluctant brother of all the fun and learning that it will bring. From history to mystery, arithmetic to astronomy, the pair heads to school.Swirling, bolding colored illustrations fill the pages with autumn images and what the children will see and study.

The world of Islam is intrduced by describing its colors and traditions in simple rhymes. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, everyday colors are given special meaning as young readers learn about clothing, food, and other important elements of Islamic culture, with a young Muslim girl as a guide. Terms introduced are explained in greater detail in the book’s end.

A young mouse’s bed is used to launch an imaginative trip to exotic places with a bit of this and a dash of that shared by the grownup rodent. Simple, colorful illustrations depict the silly adventures that culminate with a kiss goodnight.

A little old lady complains to a wise old man that her house is “a squash and a squeeze.” She follows his advice is to bring her hen, pig, goat, and cow into her cozy abode with chaotic results. When the animals leave, however, the house becomes incredibly spacious! Humor abounds in rhyme and comic illustrations in this fresh take on an old tale.

When a concerned Mama calls the doctor about her sleepy little monkey, the doctor prescribed rhythmic movement from head to toe!  Rhyming, rhythmic language describe lively activities demonstrated by a colorful little monkey who claps, stomps, shakes, and more in this engaging, playful jaunt. 

Pete is a small, gray elephant with a big imagination who likes knock-knock jokes. Leaving his pants on a nearby tree, he becomes a boulder, then attempts to be a squirrel … until his pants-bearing mother takes him home until the next day. Textured, lightly colored illustrations and tiny written asides make this a relatable but comical adventure.

An owl with three babies sleeps atop a branch when and three young bats with their grownup latch on the bottom. Simple lines convey the concern of both families, until a wind storm brings them together. Expressive illustrations are used to develop the drama and wit in this appealing wordless tale.

When does eavesdropping become espionage? When it’s being done by Olivia the pig, of course! Olivia misinterprets what she overhears her parents discussing providing readers with another engaging, humorous romp. Signature illustrations capture Olivia’s antics and expressions.

Duck is inspired to take a trip as he and Goose relax in their beautiful meadow. The duo walks to a beach where they meet the locals, explore tide pools, and build a sandcastle before returning home. The feathered friends’ simple adventure exudes gentle humor and warmth in text and illustration. 

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe. Also included are fun facts, a timeline of events, and a note from Temple.

Pedro, a young boy who loves whales more than anything, is heartbroken when he’s told to put away his favorite toy whale on the first day of school. But then Pedro’s teacher discovers the secret to helping him do his best work: not only giving him his whale, but also incorporating his special interest into the whole curriculum. Soon, Pedro’s whale is helping all the children learn, as the teacher works whales into math lessons, storytime, simple science experiments, and more! Pedro’s whale helps him make friends, too, as the other children start to share his special interest. 

Louis, a self-taught space expert is delighted to learn that his teacher has sent him to the principal’s office to attend personal space camp. Eager to learn more about lunar landings, space suits, and other cosmic concepts, Louis soon discovers that he has much to learn about personal space right here on earth. Written with style, wit, and rhythm, personal space camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person’s physical boundaries. Told from Louis’s perspective, this story is a good resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids.

All of Louis thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, he erupts, or interrupts others. His mouth is a volcano! This story takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time. Told from Louis’s perspective, the story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.