Book Finder

Geo along with Dr. Brain and a couple of friends explore the digestive system from within in their nano-ship. The last chapter sets up the team’s next adventure. First published in South Korea and translated into English, the comic book format provides adventure and information.

Clear photographs in a colorful format combine with brief information to provide an introduction to ants. A photo-glossary, index and an age-appropriate website for more information extends the use and appeal of this book (and the series).

A young Ashanti boy invites readers to visit his West African village, famous for fine kente cloth, and to share his “magic” — a masterful imagination. Kofi is an engaging scamp whose vivid “daydreams” that transport him to other places will speak to children everywhere and present them with a clear vision of his beloved West African world. [School Library Journal]

“Hello, Stranger-Friend” begins Maya Angelou’s story about Thandi, a South African Ndebele girl, her mischievous brother, her beloved chicken, and the astonishing mural art produced by the women of her tribe. With never-before-seen photographs of the very private Ndebele women and their paintings, this unique book shows the passing of traditions from parent to child and introduces young readers to a new culture.

As seasons change, Alice and her friend, Zack, notice changes in the length of the day. Together with Alice’s little brother, the children examine the changing seasons as they observe birds, animal tracks, and more. Two articulate chickens named Maisy and Daisy add a bit of whimsical humor as well as scientific detail in this winning and enlightening book.

“I am a plant eater,” announces a boy with a wide grin eating munching on a slice of watermelon and surrounded by a harvest of fruits and vegetables. He then introduces where, how, and the different parts of what he (and we) eat. Cheery, informative illustrations are clearly labeled and correspond to the straightforward, engaging text.

Birds craft surprisingly unique nests. Brief verses introduce different birds and how their nest is made complemented by equally engaging but concise factual information in a different typeface. Memorable illustrations are realistic, made of cut paper collages placed on uncluttered pages.

Water is essential for all life on earth. In the author’s signature style, the water cycle, clouds, and more are introduced. Straightforward language and characteristic illustrations include maps, cautions, and additional tidbits of information about rain and related topics.

The mayor of Food Town introduces each of the five groups: grains, vegetables, fruit, protein, and dairy. Each personified group parades through town with its relatives. Humorous illustrations of foods with personality, all labeled, are used with an understated text to present palatable nutrition information. A bit more easily digestible information ends the book.

Fog is the only type of cloud that is close enough to feel; all other clouds can only be seen. Folk art and crisp text brings different types of clouds into focus for budding scientists. Cloud facts and directions for making a cloud in a jar conclude this informative and engaging introduction to clouds, weather, and observation.

While children cavort through a sprinkler on a suburban lawn, animals thrive or survive in other habitats (desert, field, wetland, and seaside). The same sun has a different effect in different places on all living creatures presented in a clear text and handsome, realistic, detailed illustrations.

They met in the middle, the workers who built the railway across the United States. The narration speaks directly to readers which follows two unnamed children journey to California. Combined with richly detailed illustration, this dramatic, informative journey is the winner of the 2014 Caldecott Medal. (2014 Caldecott Medal Winner)

As swamp residents move, water ripples and the creatures munch, gulp, swallow, and more. Short, rhythmic sentences and simple but realistic illustrations present a wetlands food chain. A brief endnote describes the environment and “balance of nature.” The language in this informational picture book reads well aloud, likely to engage  listeners.

A dot of “dirt (and everything in it)” is a meal for the earthworm seen in a stylized, double page illustration. Four pages open with gatefolds to show the giant squid which is the sperm whale’s feast. Actual sizes of what animals eat are dramatically presented with additional information on the last spread.

Sharp eyes are needed to see most of the well-camouflaged creatures in the Costa Rican rainforest presented in stunning, realistic illustrations. A simple, repeated sentence lets emerging readers know what (e.g., bird, snake) to look for in each double page spread. The animals are specifically identified on the final page.

As a young, sickly child, “Teedie” Roosevelt dreamed of becoming an adventurer like in the books he gobbled up. Lush, expressive illustrations, well-chosen quotes, and a lucid text brings the life of the boy who grew into a remarkable man whose biggest adventure may have been that of the 26th President of the United States.

Sophisticated readers will appreciate the snippets of presidential history presented in a variety of poetic forms. Illustrations, reminiscent of political cartoons, range in tone from serious to silly. Additional information about the office and the individual presidents concludes this appealing and surprisingly informative collection (which includes the sitting POTUS).

The friendship between Lafayette and Washington is dramatically told for sophisticated readers in a handsome picture book format. It began while the fledgling United States fought for its independence from Britain though it continued after the war. Additional information about the two men and the time in which they lived is included.

Privyet! Welcome to Russia! Come along on this ABC exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of Russia. Read about diamond studded eggs, the deepest lake in the world, and other fascinating facts.

An overview of what’s involved in putting on and participating in the Olympics. Learn about the opening ceremonies, the many Olympic events in the Summer and Winter games, the medal presentations, and the Olympic village.

Stravinsky, a composer, and a dancer named Nijnsky each worked alone until they met. Their collaboration initially surprised Parisians but has become a classic. Meet the composer and choreographer who created “The Rite of Spring” in evocative, swirling text and image.

What does any letter of the alphabet represent? Can you find the “embrace” in the letter E? Graphic artist Thurbly shows the action or the object created from each upper case letter from A to Z. The result is sure to inspire young artists to create while building vocabulary.

Dots abound in lots of colors all around, everywhere and every day. Some are heavy, others are light; some are even edible. This color-filled, playful, cheery look at everyday things in which dots are seen is sure to inspire creative examinations of the world around.

A group of young men from Liverpool changed the world of music and they enjoyed a good laugh — often on themselves. The Fab Four and their humor are presented in appealing stylized illustrations and a lighthearted narrative well suited to the material presented.