Book Finder

A dream inspires Okan the raccoon to save a white wolf in the mountains of Minnesota, along with a small crew unlikely companions (a skunk and a moose). So begins this action-packed survival story infused with Indigenous creation stories, history, and some Indigenous language.

Max accompanies his mother on a research trip to the Texas Gulf Coast. There he finds a beached octopus and works with others to rescue her. Named Ursula, the octopus helps Max come into his own in this moving, realistic story. 

Why does each wish put through a mysterious mail slot come true? What happens when all wishes come true? Oscar and mom have settled in a new home, but will it all be gone soon? Difficult themes are countered with magic and humor in this imaginative and highly readable story.
 

Pocket Bear was created to fit in the pocket of a soldier on the front during World War I. He is now the mascot of a used toy store where stuffed animals are refurbished to be loved again. How Pocket and his friend — a cat who is a burglar — save the store and its owners while building community makes a heartwarming, surprisingly sophisticated, tense tale.

Oscar is not like most 12-year-olds. He lives in a retirement community, plays bridge, and likes Frank Sinatra. To save his grandfather’s home, Oscar leaves his comfort zone and links up with a questionable new 102-year-old resident for an unforgettable adventure. Funny, quirky, and fast-paced, this novel will stay with readers long after its final page.

The friends Moose and Bear (dogs) and Tiger (a cat), adopted by their human Cathy, are back for another everyday adventure. Short chapters by father and son authors are engaging, accessible, and filled with illustrations.

The story of a solitary raccoon, the Night Chef, who finds a baby crow, locates its family, and finds community along the way. The story comes to life in lively illustrations and snappy dialog in this easier-to-read graphic novel. 

Structured like a graphic novel, sequential panels of painterly illustrations portray a family living in a home by the sea. Ultimately, the sea rises and so the family must move the house. [An author’s note in Pencil by Hye-eun Kim — an evocative tale of a pencil’s journey from tree to tool — describes how to successfully share a “silent book.”]

Mousse, the green-and-white-striped character first introduced in A Day with Mousse, decides to travel south with Barnacle, his walrus friend. Soon they are joined by another friend … is three a crowd? Original characters in lighthearted illustrations combine with an accessible tale of jealousy and friendship in this humorous and recognizable story.

The unlikely friendship between a bird and worm with very different personalities share everyday adventures (and messes!) in Book #2 — as well as winter fun in Book #3, Earl & Worm: Snow Problem and Other Stories. First introduced in Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories, these collections with short chapters stand alone and are equally appealing. 

Is it an adverb? Noun? Verb? Meaning? This new word ashimpa — discovered in an old dictionary — takes off and people start using it, but no one can quite figure out its exact meaning as it’s used everywhere for all things! Quirky illustrations will delight readers of all ages … and they just might add ashimpa or even perlimpent to their own vocabulary.

A trio of wandering, word-loving wombats travel through a rather dull forest, enlivening it with wonderful words and inspiring a young duckling. By the end of their travels, the duckling has motivated others and even created a “duck-tionary” which, of course, is included. The animated language and jaunty illustrations are sure to enthuse young wordsmiths.  

Amos McGee, the old zookeeper from A Sick Day for Amos McGee and Amos McGee Misses the Bus, looks forward to the first snowfall of the season with his animal friends from the city zoo. Together they enjoy playing in snow, ending with hot chocolate for all. The gentle story is enriched by expressive, tender illustrations — another winner from this husband-wife team.

As a girl goes to the market to buy ingredients for wonton soup, she meets others in her village who give her treats. After her errand, she and her mother invite the villagers to join them for soup. The childlike, soft illustrations and simple text underscore the power of community and caring.

Tension builds as a small kitten tries to cross the street on a rainy day during a vehicle-dense commute. But it’s a good day to stop to rescue the tiny feline. Evocative illustrations capture the feel of the wet weather and relief as traffic subsides. 

Emmie is a small mouse with big ideas who lives in an attic, using things no one else wanted to make something new. One day, an interloper arrives: a cat. Rather than scheme to get rid of the cat, Emmie makes a new friend. This fresh take on a traditional rivalry is presented in clever Rube Goldberg-esque illustrations and fresh language.  

Croco, a crocodile, falls into a deep hole. Other animals offer ideas for how he can can get out, and they even work together to rescue Croco … but to no avail. The croc’s tears, however, do the trick! Lush illustrations are highlighted by the book’s vertical format, for a good-humored tale of friendship.

Bear likes his bench, book, cookies, and balloon and is soon asked by friends to share. Bear thinks one way but responds in the name of being polite — until he just can’t anymore! Humor in deadpan expression and the text size of the limited narration together create a witty look at social convention.

Who ate the little bug? Boldly shaped animals are eliminated with each page turn as die-cut circles decrease in size until the final spread with the ladybug perched on a young nose. This colorful book is presented in a sturdy format with its question and answers.

A child and her parents enjoy bundling up and playing in freshly fallen snow. Childlike illustrations in bold form accompany the simple text.

Peggy — an energetic toddler — and her patient grandfather go for a walk in the woods together. Peggy watches a small snail, jumps in a mud puddle, and slides down a hill, with Granddad patiently watching. When it’s time to return home, Granddad’s strong legs carry the tired child. 

A lost duckling is helped by a dog who in turn needs help. Each familiar animal is assisted by another until the duckling helps the horse find fresh water and begins the story again! Cozy illustrations and repeated text make this just right for young listeners.

A classic picture book about a chimpanzee in a very bad mood — perfect for young children learning how to deal with confusing feelings. Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it — how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy? The story brings hilarity and levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings.

A sweet lesson as one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend. It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily, Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy! In this funny and endearing children’s book, filled with charming illustrations, kids learn about dealing with conflict as well as the difficulties, and ultimate rewards, of making new friends.