Book Finder

Niño is back and is hard to defeat – except when the horrible little girls don’t play by the rules! Almost surreal illustrations add humor and surprise as they roll across the pages to a cozy conclusion. Spanish and English are used throughout for a vivacious romp.

When Yoshio opens his door, the sounds of Tokyo surround him. Where would he find silence? Not at home or in school or in the forest. No, Yoshio finds silence “between and underneath every sound.” Detailed illustrations show the contemporary Japanese city with the use of color punctuating the child’s discovery.

The unicorn that Lucy got for 25 cents isn’t the special Sparkle she had envisioned. This unicorn resembles s a speckled goat plus he’s got fleas and is quite naughty. Lucy considers returning Sparkle but discovers that she loves him in spite of his peculiarities. Line illustrations are detailed adding humor and movement to the satisfying story.

Charles’ brother and sister told him there was no such thing, but the little boy and his sled set out to find the wish tree. In this sensitive story, a boy’s conviction and kindness are rewarded in kind. Illustrations in muted color accompany the text.

Duck likes to assume different roles (he meows or quacks on different days), frustrating his friend Cat. This simple picture book uses conversation bubbles, comical illustrations, and broad humor sure to delight young readers.

White Cat lives in a black home while Black Cat lives in a white one. They disappear when they visit the other, but find a colorful answer to their dilemma. High contrast illustrations on sturdy pages hold enough interest for both children and the adults reading with them.

Before going on a school trip, Sophie and Goose start with a book, have lunch, then travel to the farm. There they meet fluffy chicks, muddy pigs, and more before returning home. Colorful illustrations use simple line on plain backgrounds and simple language. 

Sam is the man who takes good care of his car, driving it to work as a bus driver. In this blinigual version of the book, Sam’s simple saga is presented in Spanish and English, equally charming in both languages.

Different animals have different rituals before bed. From “ten terribly tired tigers” to “one weary wombat” — alliterative language counts down to sleep. The cozy countdown is illustrated with soft lines and comforting colors for a sweet bedtime book.

Children of all ages will enjoy the story of Pinmei and her quest to find her grandmother, the storyteller. Inspired by Chinese folklore, this stand-alone tale is a companion to the author’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky.

Younger children will enjoy the latest adventure of the mask wearing, monster fighting princess who attempts to take a restful vacation.

Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down.

Meet Clementine, a 3^rd grader with enough energy to land her into trouble with great frequency. Her everyday adventures continue in other books.

The Chicken Squad is back, here for another funny mystery just right for younger listeners.

Split pages reveal animals and children, first awake and then asleep, until all are cozily tucked in with a turn of a page. Simple, appealing illustrations and straightforward text complete this bedtime package.

The Greek muse, Polyhmnia, invites readers into a story of the gods of Olympus focusing on the flawed hero, Apollo. Dramatic sequential art and rich language are used in this retelling of Apollo’s successes and failures. Back matter completes this attractive and compelling addition to the series.

Young Rosie wants nothing more than to invent, to be an engineer. Her confidence is shaken until her great-aunt Rosie (strongly echoing Rosie the Riveter of WWII fame) helps restore it. Told in rhyme with verve and humorous illustrations, this story is sure to inspire and engage.

Iggy Peck loves to build anything using almost any material.  His teacher, however, disagrees about architecture. Iggy rises to the challenge and changes her mind in this rhyming, thoroughly satisfying tale of an aspiring (and inspired) young architect. 

Ada Twist constantly asks questions: what, why, where? Her parents tire of it until they realize that Ada Twist is really a budding scientist! Told in rollicking rhyme and playful, style-conscious illustrations, this engaging tale is satisfying as well as inspiring.

Madame Chapeau makes the perfect hat for each of her customers but she herself remains quite lonely. That is, until a young girl makes the ideal chapeau for Madame Chapeau. Illustrations are fun and worth looking at again and again as they are an homage to haute couture. 

Robbie Darko loves magic but simply is not good at it. That is, until his grandmother teaches him a few tricks she learned as a professional magician. Filled with pathos and good nature, this novel is sure to resonate with readers.

Space bunnies are back for a second installment. Can twins Joules and Kevin save their school from the ferocious fur balls? Fiercely funny, this is sure to please young readers.

With humorous allusions to a candy universe and over-the-top puns, this laugh out loud funny novel follows twins as they defeat killer space bunnies. Heavily illustrated and with a light tone, this should appeal to even the most reluctant reader.

The farmer’s sheep don’t stay on the farm when there are so many other interesting things to explore! Can the farmer gather them up in time? Counting sheep and enjoying their antics is humorously presented in rhyme and jaunty illustrations.