Book Finder

Celebrate each day of school from 1 to 100 with a different activity. The suggestions are diverse and illustrated by photographs placed in a large format. They range from science to physical movement to personal hygiene with lots more in between.

Known for his close-up, full-color photographs of animals in the wild, Bishop turns his lens to a variety of lizards from around the globe. The informative, striking book demonstrates that “lizards lead lives that are full of surprises.”

Straightforward language and boldly colored illustrations of geometric shapes combine to present an overview of color mixing and the color wheel for young artists. Not only is the book attractive, it is also informative and engaging and just may inspire artistic exploration.

Highly realistic illustrations and brief, lucid text introduce birds of prey that live in many different habitats. A glossary, additional information about the habitats depicted, and bibliography complete this informative, engaging introduction to raptors.

The combined talent of three geniuses — Martha Graham’s choreography, Isamu Noguchi’s art, and Aaron Copland’s music — brought the ballet “Appalachian Spring” to life in October 1944. Graceful illustrations combine with poetic, highly detailed narrative for a riveting account of this achievement. Notes and sources are included.

1961. Nearly two decades before Sally Ride — there was Jerrie Cobb. Cobb was one of the top female pilots in the country and completed all the astronaut testing the Mercury 7 men did. She excelled at all the tests. Proved she had the Right Stuff. Twelve other female pilots followed her, passing the tests they took with flying colors. When they were told there was no room for women in the space program, they took they’re cause to Congress.

Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president of the United States, led the nation through its darkest hour — the Civil War. Find out about Lincoln’s childhood on a frontier farm, how a struggling small town lawyer became president, and why he is one of America’s most revered and beloved leaders.

Amelia Earhart was a fiesty 11-year-old when she saw her first air show. Little did she know that a passing fancy for airplanes would develop into a full-throttled passion. As a committed social worker, feminist and record-breaking female pilot, Amelia’s disappearance while flying over the South Pacific remains one of our greatest mysteries.

This compelling photo essay from George Ancona follows the preparations of young Pablo and his family for the Day of the Dead as they remember Pablo’s grandmother. Ancona’s photos cover a wide range of the family’s activities, from a trip to the market to the family altar overflowing with marigolds. Ancona offers readers an authentic glimpse of daily life in Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as a sense of the love and care with which the family prepares for the celebration. Spanish version available.

This look at one local farm presents a look at work on a farm raising food and animals while protecting the environment. Handsome photographs show the uniqueness of the seasons.

Earth’s recipe for the food we eat — seed, soil, and sun — are presented in crisp photographs and brief, lucid text all in a large format. Young scientists (and their adults) may be inspired to start their own seeds but observe their world more closely.

The author recalls moving from the city to a farm on Middlebury Road. There the family had dogs, cats, fowl, and a cow. The young narrator, whose birthday is coming up, longs for a horse. Richly detailed watercolors warmly evoke a family, farm life, and a dream.

Animals shown in color photographs engage in a range of recognizable activities — from romping to snuggling. Lively language and a sturdy format are used in this appealing book just right to share with young children.

Say narrates the saga of his grandfather who as a young man travels to the United States in the early 20th century, marries, and returns to Japan. Watercolor portraits of people and places glimpse the contrast of cultures and parallel the lives of grandfather and grandson. It could lead to a discovery of family histories. Country of origin: Japan

Children going to kindergarten in the U.S. are welcomed by the teacher, practice reading, eat, and more — just like their counterparts in Beijing. A day of school life in Schenectady, New York, and Beijing, China, shown in expressive photographs, highlight commonalities. Chinese is included, though it is also transliterated.

Poverty didn’t stop this girl from working hard, reading lots of books, and graduating top in her class. Meet young Sonia Sotomayor, the child who grew up to become the first Latina Supreme Court justice. Her life is presented through a jaunty, positive narrative and warm-toned illustrations that capture the warmth and joy of Sotomayor’s family and story. A bit of background information concludes the engaging glimpse of a contemporary figure.

When a runt pig named Pink was pushed out by his litter mates, he was placed with a mother dog who was caring for puppies of her own. The story of Tink, the patient dachshund mom, and her pup’s acceptance of Pink is documented in easy text and full color photographs. It is based on one family’s experience on their West Virginia farm.

Lush, realistic illustrations combine with a simple text to suggest what it must have been like when the pioneering Jackie Robinson played ball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Additional factual information is included in what is made to look like baseball cards on each page. The result is a handsome book that can be appreciated by different ages.

Katie Casey follows her passion for baseball and winds up playing for one of the professional girls’ teams — and wins. The little known opening of a well-known tune, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” inspired this fictionalized look at the professional all-girls baseball league that thrived during World War II.

Ted Williams never flinched at hard work or a challenge. In his last season with the Boston Red Sox, Williams had to decide if he wanted to take the chance and lose his rare .400 average or go to bat. Williams’ decision creates a riveting read in this handsome and thoughtful look at one man’s ethics and the times in which he lived.

The basic rules and equipment of baseball are introduced in simple words and straightforward illustrations. Those interested in the nitty-gritty of the game will appreciate this practical presentation.

Comic illustrations effectively combine with a straightforward text to bring baseball terms to life. From A (“Ace. The best pitcher on the team…”) to Z (“Strike Zone. To be in the strike zone, a pitch must be…”) the alphabet is a device used to introduce all things baseball, likely to be appreciated by even young aficionados.

The baseball card of “…the bandy-legged son of German immigrants” sold for almost three million dollars in 2007. Honus Wagner was an all-around player who could hit, run, and play shortstop equally well. Highlights of his life and some of the myths that swirled up around him are presented in evocative, energetic text and handsome paintings.

Did you know that as a boy, Pelé played soccer in bare feet with a grapefruit instead of a soccer ball? Monica Brown shares the inspirational story of the beloved soccer star’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming El rey del fútbol. Rudy Gutiérrez’s brilliant and fluid illustrations of Pelé and “the beautiful game” of soccer leap off the page. Bilingual text. Curriculum guide(opens in a new window) available.