Book Finder

Recognizable constructions from childhood such as blocks and sandcastles and playful verse are juxtaposed to actual photos of architectural landmarks from around the globe. A note about the structure and the architects conclude this imaginative look at art and architecture.

Solid colored pages with die-cuts to peek through to busy spreads and cheery rhymes encourage readers to look closely to try to find what is hidden. Settings differ and objects abound in this playful game book.

Words are everywhere and so, too, are poems; that is, if you know how to look. Those included in this small, illustrated anthology have been compiled from words in likely and unlikely locations to present a range of topics, sure to inspire young readers to find poems of their own.

Madcap illustrations bring hilarious new life to the 1962 song, “Monster Mash.” It all begins with a bulbous scientist “working in the lab late one night” when his monster arose from his slab and begins to dance the monster mash. Other monsters — and finally two human children — join the green Frankenstein-like critter for colorful, frenzied fun.

A trick-or-treater leaves the city for a forest of bones and a deliciously creepy Halloween adventure. No number of skeletons can scare this child who shakes his own bones and is rewarded after he chants, “Trick or treat! Smell my feet! Give me something good to eat!” Lively illustration adds detail to the rhythmic text, ideal for reading aloud.

This silly-spooky parody of Ludwig Bemelman’s Madeline (opens in a new window) emulates the original’s cadence, storyline and illustration but with a decidedly Halloween-y twist. It begins, “In a creepy old castle/all covered in spines/lived twelve ugly monsters in two crooked lines… The ugliest one was Frankenstein.” It is sure to amuse even those not familiar with the original.

From one end of the United States to the other, the 4th of July is celebrated: on beaches, with parades, picnics, and of course fireworks. Cut paper collage combine with appealing, rhyming, short poetry to re-create the heat and rhythm of summer and the pleasure in its goings-on.

This handsomely illustrated book is accompanied by a CD of songs and lullabies from various parts of Africa.

Poems combine with information and evocative illustrations to create a sense of wonder about space and space-related topics. Beginning with a countdown (“T-minus:/10/9/8…./Spaceship soaring!”) and concluding with a child wondering about “My Place” in the universe, this intriguing collection is sure to delight readers.

Sophisticated readers will appreciate the themes of the poems presented in this large, attractively illustrated collection of poems. In varied forms, each poem celebrates books and reading and the pleasure it brings even to “The End/…an invitation back/to the beginning.”

From Alcatraz to the Mission District, join an enthusiastic little girl and her dad as they tour highlights of San Francisco (CA). Bright illustrations and brief, rhyming text give a whirlwind tour of the city. A companion book presents another family on equally jaunty and animated tour in New York, Baby! (opens in a new window).

The rain starts when a grandfather bumps his head, winds up in bed, and the children must play indoors. Lively illustrated vignettes of their games and concern for their granddad accompany the lyrics to what some may recognize as a song of the 1960s. A CD of the now classic children’s tune (plus 2 others) is included in the package but isn’t necessary to enjoy the book.

Short, imaginative poems combine with brief facts and handsome, full color photographs to introduce a variety of insects. Fact or fiction can be shared independent of the other to find out about everything from the common house fly to the colorful lovebug and many more insects.

A young boy digs a garden, plants seeds, waters and waits but forgets — until sprouts and ultimately plants emerge! Simple staccato, rhythmic language combines with realistic illustrations in a small format just right for introducing gardens to young children.

In this rhyming celebration of doubles, twin animals live on farms, in jungles; they race and play and make noise — sometimes to the comical chagrin of others around them seen in expressive, droll illustrations. Readers may recognize the rhythmic pattern of “Over in the Meadow” with a fresh twist.

Translucent watercolors and short, varied poems take readers on a trip to the sea. There they meet sea birds, fish, coral, and more in each short verse. Evocative language creates memorable images of the sea and its often hidden treasures.

Bright illustrations accompany lively poems that celebrate children’s imaginations and playing outdoors on warm days. Some games, like ‘jacks’, may need a bit of explanation but walking on the edges (of sidewalks, curbs, etc.) and hopscotch are perennial favorites. Everyone may be inspired to go outside and play!

Humorous, sometimes slightly gross, always kid-friendly poems are accompanied by lighthearted black and white sketches. A range of readers, from sophisticated to those less initiated, are sure to find chuckles in this thick but accessible collection of short, rhythmic poems.

Sophisticated poems, often in dialect, are accompanied by haunting paintings to chronicle a group of enslaved people escaping north to freedom. Older readers will most appreciate this sometimes (necessarily) harsh portrait of escape, slave trackers, and the trek north.

To many Native Americans, the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. Each moon has its own special name that, while varying among the tribal nations, is consistent with the legend that the 13 scales on Old Turtle’s back hold the key to these moons. The authors present 13 poems that take readers through the year, from the “Moon of Popping Trees” — when the “cottonwoods crack with frost” — to the “Big Moon” of the Abenakis. — Publishers Weekly

A chipmunk looks skyward and wonders about the twinkling stars before his imaginative adventure and travel to the moon. Stunning watercolors extend the familiar rhyme.

A collection of poems translated from the Danish are humorous, animated, and recognizable (with a touch of potty humor, quite literally) and liberally illustrated.

Strong lines and evocative language call on readers to observe the natural world around them in this handsome look at the spiral shape in nature.

How can Jessica be a good big sister when Emma is so often not a well-behaved younger one? Sisters of all ages and sizes will see themselves in both poems and illustrations.