Book Finder

Making a mark is easy, just do it! literally. Beginning with tools of the trade (paper, pens, etc.), children are encouraged to explore the language and techniques of drawing. From basic to sophisticated, the brief text and black/white illustration are sure to engage while they inform.

The benefits of human actions to help bat survival are introduced in this readable, realistically illustrated and well-sourced introduction. A variety of bats are included with their range identified on clear maps.

The narrator knows his mom is special by the way she does regular Mom things (like changing a diaper) but more. She also drives an old truck and teaches her son to dance the polka. The author/illustrator’s homage to his mom will be appreciated by mothers everywhere.

Readers are introduced to activities and journaling in the style of Greg Heffley’s journal. Even those not familiar with the exploits of the comical journalist will enjoy filling in the pages of this book.

This companion volume to Annie and Jack’s colonial adventure (Thanksgiving on Thursday in the Magic Tree House (opens in a new window)), provides information about those who arrived on the Mayflower, what they confronted, and more. Illustrations enhance the accessible information, as do occasional asides from Jack and Annie.

“Telling of her childhood in Cuba, Ada begins with an introduction to her homeland followed by 11 episodes about her family and her community. One story tells of her grandfather Modesto’s courage and loyalty in the face of the death of his beloved wife and the simultaneous collapse of the Cuban economy. Another tells of her great-grandmother Mina, who continued to make rag dolls for the village children even after she had lost her sight. And a third tale tells of a Japanese street vendor who sold ice cream for a living, but gave generous samples to children who could not afford to pay.” — School Library Journal

A biography of Evelina Antonetty, a Puerto Rican immigrant who helped people in Spanish Harlem during the Depression. During the dark days of the Great Depression, eleven-year-old Evelina Lopez leaves Puerto Rico to live with an aunt in New York City. Evelina learns that one person can make a difference as she adjusts to life in her new home. 

How 33 Chilean miners were rescued from a copper mine dominated the media in 2010. It is recounted here using primary sources, scientific explanations, and a riveting narrative.

In 2008, Lee Berger and his 9-year old son discovered two well preserved fossils, ancestors of modern man. The process as much as the ripples the discovery created remind readers that information is dynamic.

The world was changed forever in 1492. The impact of explorers and exploration is examined and placed in a broader context with complete documentation and resources noted.

No matter how much is known, there’s always more to learn. In a fascinating re-examination of Stonehenge and recent discoveries, readers are introduced to new interpretations and thinking.

The search for the man who beat a steam engine unfolds in words and pictures. The mystery in history is sure to intrigue readers.

Cynthia Weill’s book of Mexican folk art teaches kids about opposites in Spanish and English! These whimsical little animals from Oaxaca, carved and painted by hand, make learning about opposites fun. Up and down, tall and short, left and right — all inside a beautiful book.

Two people in bright, stylized garb sail to the islands known as the Galapagos. On successive days of the week, they see a variety of the animals that live there with the repeating refrain, “We’re sailing to Galapagos….I wonder who we’ll see.” End notes describe in greater detail the location and inhabitants of the Galapagos as well as a brief piece about Charles Darwin who sailed there.

Count along in English and Spanish with a Mexican folk artist as she sculpts her world from clay. Inspired by Josefina Aguilar, an artist who continues to create painted clay figures in the village of Ocotlán, Mexico, this colorful tale is profound in its beauty and simplicity.

A celebration of Latino children in all of their various shades, cultures, and customs. Poetic, affirmative text accompanies the bright and striking photographs of children and uses the five senses to lead the reader on an exploration of Latino foods, music, language, and more.

Nothing suggests Halloween like a picture of a fierce or funny Jack-o-lantern, a sky full of bats or ghosts. What would a Halloween night be without a witch, a haunted house or a graveyard? Readers can create these and other signs of the celebration line by line, perhaps individualize them, and read other “spook-tacular books”.

Autumn is a season during which there are many changes: leaves turn colors, air becomes cooler, and crops are harvested. These and more seasonal signals are presented in conversational language and vivid photographs. Easy-to-do autumn activities conclude this attractive and appealing book.

A spiffy fox and friends and the alphabet are used to introduce apples — from blossoms, to how they grow, apple varieties, and more. Rich words (such as “deciduous”) are used, briefly but effectively introducing sophisticated concepts. Back matter extends the fun, activities, and information.

Single words in apple red combine with bold black-lined illustrations to tell tales of apples, autumn, seasons, and more. A brief note about apple trees and composting conclude this unique and attractive look focused around one of fall’s favorite fruits.

Meet Magritte who “One bright day in the dark of the night,” saw a “marvelous hat” that became his inspiration and friend. Johnson’s illustrations are inspired by the 20th century surrealist painter Rene Magritte (though here the artist is a canine). This visually sophisticated book introduces young artists to a unique master.

Colorful sea creatures — from a sea snail and a sea horse, to coral and seaweed — are presented in this small, sturdy book. Single words accompany dark-lined, boldly colored illustrations with glittery paper cleverly incorporated with die-cuts.

Sophisticated readers curious about weather science will be riveted by this highly illustrated, well documented, and clearly written look at tornadoes and their power. Photographs from satellites and the ground, newspaper headlines and more are presented album-like to dramatically present the storms power.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different in everything from appearance to what they liked to do. But they agreed on one thing: King George of England was a tyrant! This lighter look at American history is factual and informative and may be just the introduction to Independence Day as well as two of its key figures.