Book Finder

John Birks Gillespie was an angry child from an abusive home. He was able to overcome huge obstacles when given a trumpet to channel his anger and begin the journey to jazz. ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie’s story is told in swirling images and rhythmic language, telling the story of how music inspired him and how he used his talents to inspire others.

John Lennon and his music are introduced to a new generation in Lennon’s own words, using free verse and lyrics. With Collier’s rich collage and watercolor illustrations in a large-sized format (like Martin’s Big Words) this memorable presentation becomes a tribute to the music legend and visionary.

Not only did John Parker buy his own freedom to escape slavery, he helped as many as 900 other slaves escape on the Underground Railroad. Poetic language and deeply hued illustrations convey this stirring story. Historical notes are included.

Sturdy, split pages encourage active engagement and support a toddler’s rough handling. Numerals and corresponding blocks appear on one part of each page, and match the number of brightly colored objects on the other. Adults and young children will count, identify and play!

Eat chocolate rocks? Or sizzling hot pebbles? Real — and edible — recipes inspired by green eggs and ham and other zany Seuss characters are presented in an easy-to-follow, clearly organized (from breakfast to dinner) cookbook illustrated with Seuss’ own illustrations as well as an occasional food photo. This is an ideal book for young cooks and the adults in their lives — all while sharing or even creating their own Seussian recipes!

Hans Augusto Rey, best known as the creator of a small monkey named Curious George, was an amateur astronomer as well. He created this easy-to-follow guide to the night sky so that young people could get to know the constellations visible from their own backyards. A conversational, open text with simple but informative illustrations is sure to entice and inspire young star gazers.

Young sports fans can get the latest scoop in an appealing format loaded with full color, action packed photographs. Based on the magazine for adults, SI for Kids will be appreciated most by more sophisticated readers.

It may be the amazing photography that catches your eye, but don’t forget to read the stories, too! This fresh and fast-paced magazine contains stories, games, and activities that introduce kids to animals, science, technology, archaeology, geography, and more. Just right for the curious reader!

Click, a cartoon mouse, explores science and technology topics with kids. Young readers are introduced to everyday science concepts in a way that sparks their interest and curiosity.

Short poems and translucent watercolors capture the sights, the cold, and the fun of winter. A squirrel, however, “scolds and scolds/this mean white stuff/that stole his snack/and chills his toes.”

Shadows come in all sizes and shapes, but where do they come from? An understandable explanation and an engaging guessing game provide the answer, and encourage children to look closely at everyday objects. Vibrant, full-color photographs help illustrate this scientific phenomenon, making it accessible to very young children.

Eggs are things of beauty and great diversity. Some are large, others small. Some eggs are patterned or spotted, others are one color. Elegant illustrations and straightforward text introduce the wonder and variety of eggs, including the most exciting part — what’s inside them!

Animals move in different ways. They swing, dive, and dance across the pages and through the book, propelled by highly textured collages on open pages. Typeface and illustration combine to present a look at animal locomotion on land and in water. Additional information about the animals is included.

Dramatic full color illustrations (which won a Caldecott Honor) and splendid, poetic language depict the bravery of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery on a Maryland plantation only to return again and again to help other slaves escape. Deeply religious, Harriet became known as the Moses of her people and a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Ever wonder why some people’s eyes look red in a photograph or why egg whites can literally be whipped into shape? The Exploratorium has the answers! This hands-on museum is in San Francisco, California, but its discoveries are now available in the form of a book. With some curiosity, a bit of experimentation, and some insight from museum folk, you can explore this museum from your own home. This intriguing book can inspire curious minds of all ages.

How did a poor boy named Ehrich Weiss became the famous escape artist, Harry Houdini? The author, best known for his original tall tales and novels, demonstrates his ability to tell a spellbinding true story and shares his appreciation for the mystery of magic.

Koko was an extraordinary real-life great ape who learned hand signs to communicate with her teacher (and the author of this book). For her birthday, Koko wanted a cat. Full-color photographs emphasize not only the size difference between Koko and her kitten, but the affection and trust they shared. This sensitive and revealing glimpse at animal communication is sure to win over animal lovers of all ages.

The early life of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera is presented in simple, yet revealing language in both Spanish and English. Accompanied by richly colored illustrations, this book is reminiscent of the folk art and themes in Rivera’s work.

Split pages are used for matching games between the covers of four books, each dealing with a different concept (colors, shapes, numbers and words) that matches with a familiar object on the bottom. Carle’s books, with his signature style of illustration, have been newly formatted and presented in a boxed set.

Lift the flap and black turns to white at the start of this unusual and sophisticated book of opposites. Bold colors and carefully crafted die-cuts reveal a series of unexpected opposites. Readers are sure to delight in the surprise of each page turn.

Children are invited to travel the globe using current maps, informative pictures, and text inserts. National Geographic’s engaging format and suggested activities encourage adults and children to explore the world together, and bring faraway places a little closer to home.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was not only a famous composer and a musical genius; his father turned him into a child sensation! Limited language but rich, detailed, and varied illustrations introduce the essence of the boy and his music.

People the world over have one thing in common: from England to China, from Greece to Brazil and all places in-between, everyone eats! Starting with kitchen basics, the well-known chef guides a world culinary tour. Adults and kids are bound to enjoy making and eating these tempting recipes.

Once, long ago, a young man named John Chapman traveled the United States. Not only did he like being with his own thoughts, he liked apples and so helped plant apple trees wherever he traveled gaining a nickname and planting seeds for an orchard of stories. Johnny Appleseed comes alive in simple but expressive illustrations showing how one person can change the look of a country.