Book Finder

Meet a variety of animals face-to-face and then learn about some of their most unique features. For example, why do the harpy eagle’s feathers stick out? Questions are posed and then answered by the animals themselves, shown full-face in striking, realistic collages. Additional information about animals, their size and distribution is included.

There are no pictures in this book. None. But it screams to be shared aloud. The deal is that everything must be read. Even words like “BLORK.’ Yup. Even that. Written by actor and director Novak, this clever, hysterical book is sure to be interpreted again and again by readers young and experienced.

Unique puppets created from stones, shells and other found objects on a Maine beach launch stories and poems. In the hands of an award-winning master storyteller, poet, author and illustrator, each poem or tale becomes a memorable experience. Bryan and his puppets are shown in vibrant, full-color photographs.

On a sunny summer day long ago, a boy planted an acorn. From that grew an oak tree that survived for more than two centuries until it was felled by lightning. Simple but lush illustrations depict the evolution of the world surrounding the oak and how it remained useful in the “furniture, firewood and mulch.” And soon, another oak begins to grow.

Tembo, a young elephant, explores the savannah but always responds when Bibi, her grandmother, calls. The large format and dramatic illustrations complement the comfortably repetitious narrative while presenting an elephant herd.

Lola wants a garden like the girl in her library book (“Mary, Mary, quite contrary,/how does your garden grow?”). Together with her mom, they get ready and plant and patiently await the flowers. Childlike illustrations capture Lola’s joy in the experience.

Crabby Crab is not happy with its claws or legs — but “we love you just the way you are, even when you’re crabby!” Readers will also appreciate the title character’s silly ideas in Cowy Cow. Childlike humor in simple text and line and wash illustrations on colored pages are used in the appealing “Thingy Thing” series.

Join a diverse group of young children through winter, spring, summer and autumn in simple rhyming text and play-filled, mixed media illustrations. Rhyming words evoke the sound of each season that will read well aloud.

In an attractive, sturdy package, readers are invited to learn about the history of sculpture and several prominent sculptors (such as Rodin and Duchamp). Then readers are invited to create their own cardboard structures, called “a maquette — a French word for a small study of the sculpture…” Ready-to-punch-out pieces and instructions are included.

Meet the Mikes, both of whom grew up to study oceans, energy, and more. The science comes into focus as readers explore with the actual scientists working in the field and share their discoveries. For those interested in land-based issues, Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It (opens in a new window) (Houghton) explores a voracious creature and its impact on the environment with an equally engaging personal perspective.

An unnamed narrator dreams he has visited the studio of artist Henri Matisse where he meets the artist himself. Matisse’s words and mixed media illustration are used to explore Matisse’s paper cutouts briefly but effectively. Color, line and language introduce not only an artist but are sure to inspire further exploration.

Misty Copeland, the African American Ballet Theater soloist, has an encouraging conversation with a young black aspiring ballerina: “darling child, don’t you know/you’re just where I started/let the sun shine on your face….” Stunning mixed media illustrations capture the movement of dance and emotions of hope.

A jolly group of young children visit baby animals at a farm, chasing, following, feeding them — and more. Each activity includes a sound or a word sure to encourage repetition. Soft lines and gentle colors capture the diverse group of toddlers on each sturdy page!

What better way for three cubs to spend an afternoon than baking with Grandma. Together they bake and wrap chocolate cake before walking home through the snowy woods, all told in warm illustrations and cozy rhyming text. A recipe for Grandma Rosie’s chocolate cake is included.

Some fly, others only walk but regardless of where they live or what they eat, the parrots presented are fascinating. They are pictured in handsome, realistic illustrations and a brief text. Further information about each parrot appears at the end, along with a glossary and additional resources, making this a book that can be enjoyed by many.

Everything one needs to know about triangles and angles is presented in a brief but informative and upbeat manner, all colorfully illustrated. A few triangle experiments are clearly delineated and illustrated and sure to engage and may lead to other activities.

Raised shapes correspond with die-cuts on sturdy board to present objects and numbers from 1 to 10. Bright colors and broad shapes use limited language to proffer foundational math concepts while providing different ways to perceive them. The same approach is used in Shapes (opens in a new window), another offering in this attractive series.

When ten mice start their day, they engage in routine activities — always equaling 10. Lively verbiage and numerical equations combine with animated illustrations to present the rodents’ antics (e.g., “10 mice wake.9 mice tidy. 1 mouse somersaults. 9+1=10”).

Join a mother and child as they count from one to ten and back again on New York’s subway. Their iconic journey, told through bold, bright colored forms and simple text, starts with “1 MetroCard, Momma and me” and continues until they arrive at “1 station, central and grand.”

Transformations begin with one (1) acorn that becomes one oak tree with a turn of the sturdy page. They continue on to 100 puzzle pieces that, when put together, become one big puzzle. Boldly colors and die cuts create an effective and intriguing introduction to counting from 1 to 100.

Moose and his friend Zebra (from Z is for Moose (opens in a new window)), are back, this time changing shapes, recognizing geometric shapes all around, and generally causing chaos within the pages of the book. Spirited illustrations create a witty tone for this engaging and surprisingly informative book.

Playful situations from familiar situations and activities make math come alive. Questions for “wee ones”, “little” and “big kids” as well as bonuses make this humorously illustrated bedtime book fun at any time of the day. It’s a follow-up to Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late (opens in a new window).

Stanley is a very talented hamster who runs a garage. There he fixes his customers’ cars, taking care of everything from overheating to flat tires. After a busy day, Stanley returns home happily. Attractively simple shapes and bold colors in black outlines on uncluttered pages not only chronicle Stanley’s work but begin with illustrations of tools used. The same format is used in a companion book, Stanley the Builder (opens in a new window).