Book Finder

Umm! growls the bodacious backhoe loader as he gets dirtier with each pile of trash he gathers as he cleans up a vacant lot. The countdown from 10 to 1 is gross, alliterative, and sure to engage children who enjoy things that move (not to mention yucky!).

Julius’ mom is making cupcakes with candy corn atop for a Halloween party; Julius is told not to touch them. He doesn’t, but does count the candy corn — as he eats them! Crisply lined illustrations stand out on each sturdy page as Julius (some may recognize him from Julius, Baby of the World) tastes the best part of the cupcakes — before guests arrive.

It’s hard enough for Oscar to be a “wiener-dog” (you know the kinds that are twice as long as they are high). Add a really dumb, gross Halloween costume, and the other mutt’s behavior toward Oscar deteriorates even more. That is, until Oscar saves the day in this funny, off-beat, canine Halloween tale.

In this simple escapade, two young mice — Mouse and Minka — play in colorful fall leaves. Because the adventurers are small, focus remains on the earth-toned leaves for a simple, but satisfying time.

A bald little boy loves playing with his dog and his ball (and the bears he meets), showing a range of emotions through changing faces. Young readers are encouraged to make the same faces — and to look at their face on the last mirrored page. They’re sure to enjoy this introduction to the art of acting!

Bright illustrations and simple words depict what young children are likely to encounter on a trip to the beach. From playthings to sea creatures, this sturdy book is ideal to share with the very young with or without a trip to the sea.

Baby animals are shown here in transport! Rich language and expressive illustrations give an engaging and informative look at how animals move. Some animals stand up right away while others need time to grow — just like young humans.

Count the animals on their way to the zoo! From one elephant to ten birds, colorful creatures are presented in Carle’s signature style as they board the train.

How you get to your destination is half the fun. This sturdy book glimpses ways we travel, using real and imaginary modes of transportation — like an airplane or a magic carpet. Simple language and flatly colored, child-like illustrations make this appropriate to share with the youngest reader.

Un conejito cumple un año y celebra con un pastel/torta, una vela y su familia. El libro contiene ilustraciones brillantes que se enfocan en lo básico sobre un cumpleaños para un niño de un año, dejando espacio para una foto y otras notas para recordar la fecha. (La editorial también tiene libros comparables para niños de 2, 3 y 4 años.) Saltitos the rabbit celebrates his first birthday with a cake, a birthday wish, and singing.

A lovable Rottweiler named Carl has everthing under control while Mom steps out on an errand. Or does he?

Who is that beautiful face in the mirror? Why it is baby, held by a loving daddy. This simple yet appealing book is presented in a format appropriate for the youngest reader to hold.

Sturdy, split pages encourage active engagement and support a toddler’s rough handling. Numerals and corresponding blocks appear on one part of each page, and match the number of brightly colored objects on the other. Adults and young children will count, identify and play!

Short poems and translucent watercolors capture the sights, the cold, and the fun of winter. A squirrel, however, “scolds and scolds/this mean white stuff/that stole his snack/and chills his toes.”

Mr. Baker gets up early to make cookies each morning. After mixing, cutting, baking, and decorating them he is ready for his customers — a group of hungry children. Straightforward text and clean-lined illustrations relate the simple, satisfying story. Several of Mr. Cookie Baker’s tasty-looking recipes are included.

Animals move in different ways. They swing, dive, and dance across the pages and through the book, propelled by highly textured collages on open pages. Typeface and illustration combine to present a look at animal locomotion on land and in water. Additional information about the animals is included.

Split pages are used for matching games between the covers of four books, each dealing with a different concept (colors, shapes, numbers and words) that matches with a familiar object on the bottom. Carle’s books, with his signature style of illustration, have been newly formatted and presented in a boxed set.

Warm illustrations of babies in action are paired with rhyming text in this small, sturdy book. Babies may see themselves in the pages, and the simple language may encourage them to act out the rhymes too!

When is a gorilla like Curious George? When he (and a parade of animals) follow the zookeeper home at bedtime — and snuggles in with the zookeeper’s wife with very fast and funny results.

Wee Willie Winkie runs through this book, which is illustrated in deeply colored fabric collage — detailed but uncluttered. Sturdy pages have a rich texture and make for great bedtime reading with wee ones!

Inspired by jazz great Charlie Parker, rhythm and repetition are woven together to create a musical effect. Animated watercolors and lively text combine in a story that begs to be read aloud.

A small inch worm “green as an emerald” avoids being eating by a hungry robin using his wit — and his ability to measure things. He measures other birds as well — until he escapes them all by measuring a nightingale’s song. Textured collage illustrations complement the straightforward text in this modern classic.

Pigeon is back, this time introducing young children to modes of transportation, from bus to bike. His slightly adult quips are sure to engage adults and children alike as are the bold lined, cartoon illustrations.

From huffing and puffing to “chinny-chin-chin” hair, this retelling of the familiar folktale keeps all the standard lines while textual asides and cartoon illustrations create a fresh and comic angle.