Book Finder

Structured like a graphic novel, sequential panels of painterly illustrations portray a family living in a home by the sea. Ultimately, the sea rises and so the family must move the house. [An author’s note in Pencil by Hye-eun Kim — an evocative tale of a pencil’s journey from tree to tool — describes how to successfully share a “silent book.”]

A child accompanies her grandmother — her nohhum — from the city to Nohhum’s reservation. Nohhum tells the child about the moon calendar, how to listen to the moon with her heart, and the interconnectedness of all things in this moving story from the Indigenous people of Turtle Island. Backmatter includes an author’s note and more, to learn about the different names of the full moons throughout the lunar year.

Bear likes his bench, book, cookies, and balloon and is soon asked by friends to share. Bear thinks one way but responds in the name of being polite — until he just can’t anymore! Humor in deadpan expression and the text size of the limited narration together create a witty look at social convention.

Patterns are all around! Patterns can be discovered in sounds, objects, and words that repeat and repeat. To find them, you must look carefully. Boldly colored illustrations outlined in strong black line help readers notice what is sure to become obvious. A thought-provoking and visually rich exploration of the math, art, and emotion of patterns.

A classic picture book about a chimpanzee in a very bad mood — perfect for young children learning how to deal with confusing feelings. Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it — how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy? The story brings hilarity and levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings.

A sweet lesson as one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend. It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily, Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy! In this funny and endearing children’s book, filled with charming illustrations, kids learn about dealing with conflict as well as the difficulties, and ultimate rewards, of making new friends.

This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn’t so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared. This relatable story will resonate with children who become frustrated or daunted when facing a problem, encouraging them to step back and view it with a new perspective. It’s a story to inspire you to look closely at that problem and to find out why it’s here. Because you might discover something amazing about your problem… and yourself.

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for “want,” just “need,” when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.

When something sad happens, Taylor doesn’t know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn’t feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that’s not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen … which is just what Taylor needs. With its spare, poignant text and sweet illustration, The Rabbit Listened is about how to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.

A playful, rhyming book on how to send loving, kind thoughts to yourself and others to make the world a better place. Worried or sad, grateful or glad, you can send good wishes to yourself, others, and the whole world with your thoughts! Just repeat these simple phrases: “May you be protected and safe. May you feel happy and pleased. May your body be healthy, and may you live with ease.” Starting with the individual child and extending outward to the whole universe, the rhyming couplets and beautiful art carry the reader through the thoughtful process of extending love and kindness to yourself and all those around you. 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a collection of funny and festive poems from the author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come! From making Valentine’s Day cards for everyone to eating oodles of heart-shaped candy, these sweet poems — plus a page of stickers — are the perfect way to spread the love!

My heart is a window. My heart is a slide. My heart can be closed…or opened up wide. Some days your heart is a puddle or a fence to keep the world out. But some days it is wide open to the love that surrounds you. With lyrical text and art, this picture book encourages young readers to care for their own heart and live with kindness and empathy.

A story told in two voices: siblings 12-year-old Josie and her older, disabled brother Abe each have dreams and aspirations. Based on the author’s experience growing up with a comparably challenged brother.

The author recalls 7th grade and the difficulty he had because of his size in this believable, ultimately empowering graphic memoir.

When a boy accidentally breaks a vase that holds unique words, his father doesn’t scold but helps him make something new and beautiful. Stunning illustrations evoke the Japanese setting and the beautiful philosophy of the value in words and kindness.

The unlikely friendship between a long-haired guinea pig and naked mole rat continues in three new stories sure to resonate with young readers. The humor first introduced in Otis & Peanut and Otis & Peanut Forever and Ever remains fresh and fun.

Spooky sounds from a maybe-haunted house inspires Tim’s sister to complete her creepy songs in this slightly scary story of mutual sibling support.

Wheetle, an expressive wagon presented in charming watercolors, is always ready to help others. His kindness is returned when he pops a wheel, still making it in time to see the sun rise.

Milly dreaded Show and Tell, that is until she made Arnold the talking robot. Arnold helped Milly find her passion and overcome her shyness. Expressive illustrations combine move this quiet story.

Knitting comes undone as a mouse family flees encountering huge obstacles before they stitch together another home. Photos combine with line drawings in this figurative tale of immigration, sure to spark conversation.

It’s the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day. As it turns out, Leo’s classmates have lots of ideas about kindness: like raising your hand, never leaving anyone out, and apologizing if you hurt someone’s feelings. 

It’s time to get ready for Valentine’s Day! Kai’s whole class is busily preparing by making friendship cards, decorating homemade mailboxes, and sharing delicious sweets and treats! But Kai and their friends can’t help but worry … what if they don’t receive any cards at alll? Luckily, their teacher will help the whole class learn the true meaning of friendship. Includes a pull-out holiday sign for photo opportunities.

Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas are three siblings in seventh grade together in Park, Delaware. In 1986, as the country waits expectantly for the launch of the space shuttle Challenger, they each struggle with their own personal anxieties. They exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project — they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways. This heartfelt story of family and the bond of siblings is old in three alternating points of view.

The story of a boy who stays true to his biggest dream while finding the magic in every moment. Some people dream of perfect waves, fancy castles, or piloting a plane. Others dream of someone to laugh and play with all day long. Some just dream of having a meal for the next day. And little Miguel? As he and Abuelito work in the hot Oaxacan sun, selling cold coconuts and macrame dream catchers to earn a few coins, Miguel has only one simple wish — to have his parents by his side. But how can he keep the faith when the truth is that dreams don’t always come to pass? A Spanish edition, El atrapasueños, is also available.