Book Finder

Who among the animals can take on Lion and his nasty behavior? Though other, much larger animals try, it is a clever but small rabbit that deflates Lion’s large ego. Rabbit has a secret revealed only at his departure. Echoes of familiar tales are evident but updated in simple, witty and amusing illustration and language.

Kito wants to be just like his papa, the king and protector of the African plain in this richly colored and dramatically illustrated story. Young Kito imitates his father’s every action in the pride of lions, including an unsuccessful hunt. The warmth and mutual affection between father and son is easily recognized.

The small, slightly frumpy but charming dog named Daisy is separated from her mistress when she chases her blue ball (acquired in A Ball for Daisy (opens in a new window)). Few words are needed to communicate their concern as they search for one another clearly seen in the expressive wash illustrations.

Cinderelephant lives wither cousins, the Warty Sisters, who are real pigs (actually, warthogs). The familiar storyline takes on new dimensions with a huge heroine whose prince matches her size. Comic illustrations add enormously to the outrageous, funny parody.

He is known by different names by each of the people who feed him, but Regis winds up bringing isolated individuals together to make a real neighborhood. Soft wash illustrations and recognizable characters — including Regis, the well-fed cat — comes together in a gratifying conclusion.

A small bull is told to go away by a bigger bull. In turn, the little bull feels bigger when he calls smaller farm animals names (“chicken!” he shouts to chicken). The young bull deflates (literally) when called a bully. The gentle ending satisfies with forgiveness and friendship. Readers will appreciate the the humor created by double meanings of the words.

The meaning of the frog’s relaxed “AAHH!” changes when almost captured by a boy and his dog. As the frog escapes the boy and various predators the same letters are used with different meaning until the frog returns to his relaxed “AAHH!”  Four letters in different order change meaning to create a rollicking and ultimately satisfying story: “AAHH!”

With verve and a twang, the critters and humans of Sugarland Swamp come alive through lively narration. Raccoon brothers help a human boy save the swamp and solve a mystery with help from a host of eccentric characters, including the enigmatic Swamp Man.

Whale advertises a forthcoming art show curated by, Mr. Jackson Pollack, a fish. But Whale doesn’t feel he is as talented as others until he notices a natural phenomenon that helps his creativity blossom but changes his diet forever. The horizontal shape supports the seascapes, its creatures and the appealing, gifted Whale.

How colorful parrots that have lived on the island of Puerto Rico for “millions of years” almost disappeared but can again be seen today makes an exciting saga. Enjoy the richly colored collage cutouts illustrate alone or read the informative text which details the history of parrots and their island home.

All animal babies are appealing. It’s hard to avoid an “awe” or two when dipping into this collection of factoids and photographs that present lots of babies of all types. The taste of information is sure to inspire readers to find out more about the furred, feathered and even cold-blooded babies.

Little Bear’s thoughts of honey start his quest alone while Papa Bear hibernates. The chase begins when Papa Bear awakens with a start, and continues through myriad, highly detailed scenes on oversized pages. Lively language and lots to examine lead to the happy, honey-filled reunion of father and son.

A partial image of an animal is accompanied by the question, “What am I?” With a turn of the page, a larger look at the animal is shown, accompanied by “Where am I?” Another turn reveals the habitat. Handsome, highly realistic watercolors in a predictable format introduce animals, ending with a portrait of a boy “on the beautiful Earth.”

For whom is the walk NOT a good idea, an increasingly agitated plump yellow chick warns? The babushka-wearing goose or the hat-wearing fox? The chick intrudes on the old-fashioned movie format to share his admonition in this comic tale with a surprise ending.

Theodora and Chad are both odd ducks though neither of them considers themselves offbeat. Can they get along living as neighbors? Sly wisdom is couched in the humor of this easier-to-read comic book with its highly expressive cartoon illustration.

From swamps to coral reefs, animals use camouflage. Lush, realistic, double page illustrations ask readers to find a particular number of animals in each habitat. With the turn of the page, the habitat is described and all animals are identified.

Little T is afraid to go to the zoo. To convince her that it’ll be just fine, both parents and older sister try to identify the cause of the fear. Miming an animal that starts with an “A” begins their creative afternoon. A very funny and satisfying ending is revealed only in the delightful illustration.

An illustration of a contemporary boy with pencil in hand stands in front of a blank piece of paper, invites readers to “Imagine…you were born before the invention of drawing…” And so starts Gerstein’s exploration of the boy who created the first drawing, created with a charred stick on a cave wall.

The small squirrel rescued from a super vacuum cleaner by 10-year old Flora emerges hairless but with new superpowers. Newly named Ulysses, the squirrel cracks Flora’s protective cynicism as she copes with her parents’ separation. Humor and pathos combine in text and illustration in this humorous, memorable and poignant novel. (2014 Newbery Medal Winner)

The natural world is filled with frightening creatures that titillate, amaze and awe. Characteristics (size, “weapons” and skills) of 100 of them are presented in dramatic, full- color photographs and factoids. This installment of the series may inspire readers to find out more about the enthralling range of critters.

Lulu and her family, along with their dog Sam, rent a house by the sea for their family vacation. There they meet a stray mutt, the “dog from the sea” who becomes a hero to kite-flying Lulu and her cousin, Mellie. Eventually, the stray finds friendship and a home.

In the latest installments, beaver brothers Ace and Bub confront moles who are attempting to bury the island in mud. In their next adventure, the dynamic duo returns peace to the island when issues arise between the bunnies and birds. The comic book format enhances the over-the-top but good-natured silliness and fun.

Zebra wants to create a traditional counting book but his buddy, Musk Ox, is not cooperating at all! Instead, Musk Ox adds and subtracts animals, much to Zebra’s chagrin but sure to delight readers while challenging their counting and visual acuity! This is a worthy and equally funny companion to A is for Musk Ox (Roaring Brook, 2012).

Bright colors and simple patterns on sturdy pages present simple images of familiar farm animals, enhanced by textured paper. On the opposite side of each page is a pattern that incorporates the animal.