Book Finder

Meet young Rolihlahla, the boy who will grow up to become Nelson Mandela. From his childhood in the South African countryside, to his election as the first black president in South Africa’s history, Mandela’s extra-ordinary life is a story of courage, persistence, hope, and belief.

Ethan Zohn is a professional soccer player, philanthropist, and lecturer. Through his series of international Soccer World books, Zohn shares ways that soccer can be used as a “common language” across cultures. In this edition, Zohn makes his way through South Africa, and takes readers from wildlife preserves to giant soccer stadiums.

The author has long observed birds and recorded her findings in journals. This handsome book provides a glimpse into those observations combined with a variety of poems about her feathered subjects. Notes about her writing and additional resources are sure to inspire similar activities by young scientists.

Bright, angular illustrations almost frantically zoom across pages and combine with the cumulative rhyme (think of “This is the House That Jack Built”) to explain how the earth was formed. It concludes that”…You are as old as the universe itself.” Additional information appears on each horizontal spread. A timeline of the universe and a glossary concludes this effective presentation of a complicated theory.

Planning a visit to the mountains of the American West this summer? If you’re sharp-eyed, you may see a well-camouflaged pika. These 6-8 inch animals are related to hares and rabbits (although in the crisp, expressive pictures they resemble large hamsters!). Color photographs and snappy text provide a fascinating look into pikas’ habitat, behaviors, and predators. Additional information is included at the end of the book.

Meet a family of howler monkeys (who get their name from the loud calls they make “Woo-hoo-hoo! AH-UH-OH!”). An engaging, rhyming text that introduces their habits and where they live combines with soft-lined, richly colored illustrations. Additional factual material is presented on each double-page in a different typeface. A map and greater detail conclude this informative, appealing book.

Bees have been around for over 65 million years but have been in decline since early in the 21st century. This scientific mystery is better appreciated with a clearer understanding of the importance of these flying insects to humans. Mystery and background information are presented in handsome photographs and lucid text. Suggested activities are doable as is finding out more from recommended resources.

In the Spring, apple blossoms draw buzzing bees. The blossoms slowly grow into apples that are ready to pick in the fall. Younger children can explore apples from seed to table in brief text and stunning photographs. Similarly, children can thank bees in the Spring for their fall jack-o-lanterns, shown from start to finish in Seed, Spout, Pumpkin Pie(opens in a new window).

Did you know that slugs have “3,000 teeth and 4 noses” or that in “elephants sometimes make purr-like sounds when content”? These and other factoids are presented in a highly designed format just right to amaze and to pique curiosity. An index allows easy access to the brief information.

Lively language and energetic illustrations create a memorable portrait of a woman who was to become known as Sojourner Truth. She was “Big. Black. Beautiful. True.” Just like her name. Further information and photographs of Sojourner Truth completes this dynamic, fictionalized biography.

This lighthearted look at the many sources of energy provides an introduction to physical and environmental science, informing while entertaining. Illustrations combine factual graphics and cartoon-like characters. Additional information about energy concludes this playful look at a serious topic.

A child with great potential was born in Florida in 1923 to the “Tiger Family in the powerful Snake Clan,” part of the Seminole Tribe. She listened to the history of her people and made it herself as the first female tribal leader. Evocative illustrations and additional information complete this unusual biography.

Two different environments, two different authors, one goal achieved: to bring alive the process of studying and documenting a fascinating mammal and insect. Both books use the same basic format and text features, stunning photographs, and an informal voice to great effect. This is a series not to be missed. See also: Face to Face with Butterflies (opens in a new window)

Arthur John Johnson became known as Black Jack, the world’s first black heavyweight champion and one of the best known boxers of the 20th century. Readers meet him through a rhythmic text and bold illustrations that present a clever, hardworking, and confident man. The book is published just in time to commemorate the anniversary of historic fight, July 4, 1910.

Look very closely. What do you see? It may be something familiar or quite out of the ordinary. Readers won’t be certain until they turn the page! A close-up photograph of flora and fauna found near a pond becomes larger and is contextualized with a page turn. Additional information is also presented in this multifaceted look at ponds.

Basic shapes are introduced on one side of each sturdy double page spread; on the opposing side, die-cuts hint at what is hidden. Lift the flap to see the shape in an easily recognizable object. A similar approach is used to introduce basic colors in both of these interactive books sure to hold up to small, rough hands.
See also: What Color Is Your Apple? (opens in a new window)

Count and feel the five smooth rubber ducks as one by one they go into the bathtub and touch the soft baby animals as they meow, woof, and peep in these simply illustrated, sturdy books. Crisp illustrations and minimal language make these ideal to share with the youngest child.
See also: Counting Duckies(opens in a new window)

Rounded corners and carefully crafted half (or cut) pages introduce and hide various animals that stomp, prowl, stroll and scuttle across the pages of this book. Each animal is endangered though there’s plenty more to engage young readers. Animal facts are included, as are child-accessible activities to help.

Though related, crocodiles and alligators are not the same. Learn the similarities and differences between these ancient reptiles as well as their habitats and history. With characteristic thoroughness, Gibbons presents these fascinating creatures through clear illustrations and informative text.

Have you ever gotten your library book by way of a camel, elephant, solar-powered truck, or boat? This book offers a fascinating introduction to the many kinds of libraries around the world and includes numerous photos. Readers will come away with an appreciation of just how special libraries are to people no matter their background, as well as of their own neighborhood library branch!

The United States is a big place which holds many children and their families. Maps and what they show are introduced by a girl who begins with a drawing of her room in her home. The house is then placed on a street, in a town, etc. until we see the U.S. as part of the world. This accessible book may help children understand their place on the map — and in the census.

“My name is Gabriela Mistral. It is a name I chose myself because I like the sound of it.” With these words, Monica Brown introduces us to the Chilean poet and author who, in 1945, became the first Latin American writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The lyrical text and exquisite illustrations bring Gabriela’s childhood and talent to life for young readers.

The author/illustrator of much-loved picture books is introduced here from her Minnesota childhood to the publication of her Newbery Honor book, Millions of Cats (1928). Each double page spread includes a quote from Gag’s diary followed by a straightforward text coupled with an evocative illustration. An author’s note includes more information, a photograph of Gag, and sources used.

Brief, lighthearted looks at the wives of the U.S. Presidents from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama are presented as if put together as a class activity. In a note to their teacher, Team USA concludes, “A lot has changed since 1789, but some things are still the same — the president is still a man, and you still don’t get paid to be first lady!”