Book Finder

Norbert Rising finds himself in dangerous situations in the Arctic as he studies polar bears. This book connects children with the consequences of global warming, and gives practical advice on how to help save our white-furred friends.

The child of hardworking immigrants, the narrator tells her tale of growing up and how the family vacations at New York City’s shores inspired her affinity for art. Handsomely hued illustrations evoke family life during an earlier period in this fond family story.

Who is Henry David Thoreau? What would it be like to spend a day with him? A contemporary boy depicted in blue jeans and a t-shirt knocks at his door and meets the 19th century Thoreau, as the imaginative text fills in what it might have been like. Expressive illustrations, quotes, and gentle interpretations bring Thoreau and his world to light for younger readers.

Just outside a baby’s window there is a world of activity and goings-on. Stylized illustrations in bold black and white line with text in green are just right to share with very young children, perhaps to encourage conversation and observation.

Fluid verse and detailed, bordered illustrations present the water homes of a range of fish. Those interested in finding out more about the individual creatures presented may want to locate Stockdale’s informational picture book (opens in a new window) with the same title.

Lyrical language combines with luminous illustrations to detail the life cycle of a male seahorse from small fry (the term for babies) to father. Surprisingly, seahorses change color with the surroundings and males carry the eggs. An author’s note provides additional information.

Readers are invited into the ocean to see some of its colorful inhabitants from A to Z. Arresting, textured collage illustrations enhance the rhyming couplets that move through the alphabet. Additional brief information about each creature concludes this attractive and informative book.

The oversized book opens with white on black outlines of a part of a bird. Lift them up to find a full-color illustration of the bird with brief information about it followed by flaps of feathers, eggs that pop up into a bird, and other interactive devices to keep readers engaged.

John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, changed his world “seed by seed, deed by deed” as this handsome book encourages readers to do. Children are encouraged to celebrate Johnny Appleseed’s anniversary every autumn by planting seeds literally and figuratively.

An observant girl shares her observations and appreciation of ducks as she and her mother walk and watch. Information appears on open pages that sport informal illustrations and lively language for a memorable look at these feathered delights.

Jangles is the fish of legendary proportion. He’s evaded everything from special lures to dynamite from fishermen on Big Lake. The narrator shares his father’s story about Jangles, realistically illustrated in deeply hued colors for a fish tale of gigantic proportion.

Lydia tires of her electronic devices while her parents and brother are enmeshed in theirs. A small leaf beckons the girl outdoors, propelling her into an imaginative outdoor adventure. Sure to start conversations among plugged-in family members, this genial fantasy is playful and light.

Animal tails have different uses. A scorpion’s tail is used to sting its prey while a beaver uses its tail to navigate in water. A close-up of a tail and the titular question is followed by a picture of the animal and its tail in action for a playful but edifying book.

The rescue and return to the wild of an orphaned moon bear (aka Asiatic black bear) is documented in clear language and action-paced photographs. A map of Yasha’s homeland as well as a note from the scientist who worked with her and additional resources are included.

Textured collage and paint illustration and various poetic forms are used to introduce creatures that live in difficult, dangerous places. Ice worms in “Frozen Solid,” for example, “…If lurking in the deepest seas,/Why not between the glacial ice,/helped by their own antifreeze?”

Snakes are presented through up-close and personal image and text for and engaging, informative look at a host of colorful and handsome reptiles. The photographer, also a biologist, concludes with insight into his experiences photographing the sometimes uncooperative subjects.

Stunning full-color photographs and crisp text introduce plants that gain nutrients by capturing unsuspecting insects and small animals. Locations where they grow are placed on maps, brief experiments, and additional resources conclude this engaging look at hungry plants.

The benefits of human actions to help bat survival are introduced in this readable, realistically illustrated and well-sourced introduction. A variety of bats are included with their range identified on clear maps.

Two people in bright, stylized garb sail to the islands known as the Galapagos. On successive days of the week, they see a variety of the animals that live there with the repeating refrain, “We’re sailing to Galapagos….I wonder who we’ll see.” End notes describe in greater detail the location and inhabitants of the Galapagos as well as a brief piece about Charles Darwin who sailed there.

Julianita is excited to receive her very own caterpillar to raise at school! Yet when her caterpillar, Tiger, finally emerges from his chrysalis, Julianita doesn’t want to let him go. She worries that he will get lost on his way to Mexico. “Tiger knows the way to Mexico because it’s in his heart,” her Abuelito reassures her. She feels sad to see Tiger fly away, but Julianita knows that someday, she will follow him to back to her grandfather’s beloved homeland.

Autumn is a season during which there are many changes: leaves turn colors, air becomes cooler, and crops are harvested. These and more seasonal signals are presented in conversational language and vivid photographs. Easy-to-do autumn activities conclude this attractive and appealing book.

A spiffy fox and friends and the alphabet are used to introduce apples — from blossoms, to how they grow, apple varieties, and more. Rich words (such as “deciduous”) are used, briefly but effectively introducing sophisticated concepts. Back matter extends the fun, activities, and information.

Single words in apple red combine with bold black-lined illustrations to tell tales of apples, autumn, seasons, and more. A brief note about apple trees and composting conclude this unique and attractive look focused around one of fall’s favorite fruits.

A girl and her family enjoy the pleasures of a summer day, capturing its colors, sounds, and tastes. The girl and her parents have a picnic in the park before night falls with its own special sights and sounds. Soft illustrations and rhyming text combine for the satisfying story until [I] “Turn off the light…/And dream of summer day…and nights.”