Book Finder

Fourth-grader Kenny goes with his older brother Byron and his parents on a road trip from Flint, Michigan to the South, where Byron will be spending the summer with his grandparents, away from the temptations of city life. Curtis mixes humor with the volatility of the South in the summer of 1963.

Four young sisters spend their summer in the Berkshires in this humorous tale. Each of the sisters is well drawn and unique, as are the supporting characters. If you enjoy the first, the “autumn” sequel, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street is also available.

Based on the author’s experience, a child visits the village in Korea where her mother lived before immigrating to America. The simplicity of the text provides rich details of everyday life in the small Korean village, enhanced by realistic illustrations.

“No one wants to eat Chinese food on the Fourth of July,” says a young girl to her parents who insist on keeping their Chinese restaurant open on Independence Day. An honest portrayal of the tug between traditions old and new, as well as what it really means to be American.

Pablo can’t wait to visit his abeulito for his birthday. His grandfather decorates Pablo’s special tree, planted when he was adopted. Pablo’s special tree and its surprises are presented in rich illustrations and gentle text.

This slight novel tells of near 13-year-old Georgia, still grieving the loss of her mother six years before. An anonymous benefactor gives her a museum membership, hoping that her love of art will be the cure for her sadness. Georgia’s own journal entries are composed in free verse.

Sam is almost 11 when he discovers a locked box in the attic above his grandfather Mack’s room, and a piece of paper that says he was kidnapped. There are lots of other words, but Sam has always had trouble reading. He’s desperate to find out who he is, and if his beloved Mack is really his grandfather. At night he’s haunted by dreams of a big castle and a terrifying escape on a boat. Who can he trust to help him read the documents that could unravel the mystery? Then he and the new girl, Caroline, are paired up to work on a school project, building a castle in Mack’s woodworking shop. Caroline loves to read, and she can help. But she’s moving soon, and the two must hurry to discover the truth about Sam.

The poet celebrates growing up in the Caribbean, in Jamaica. Lively illustrations decorate the lively language used, including some dialect, in this evocative collection.

It was spring in the barnyard and the wee little chick … was not only brand new but the smallest of all his brothers and sisters. That didn’t stop him from doing his best — and being just right for his Mama Hen. Soft illustrations complement the gentle text.

Fans of the young girl who likes fancy everything — from words to clothing — will appreciate her angst when she must miss her friend Bree’s butterfly-themed birthday party. Instead, Nancy must attend her grandparents’ special anniversary celebration. Detailed line and wash illustrations and fancy (but clear) language create a memorable tale.

Each member of the Bunny family has a job to do as they prepare for their trip. The challenges of packing and walking are forgotten when they arrive at the family reunion and the fun starts! Children and adults will see themselves in this colorfully illustrated rhyming tale.

Graciella’s father leaves his family to pick fruit far away, but calls every Sunday. The surprise he sends for Graciella’s seventh birthday is lost as is the child’s hope of seeing Papi — at least temporarily. This realistic, universally appealing story told from the child’s point of view is gently illustrated.

Eleven year old Marty must decide whether or not to return an abused beagle to its rightful owner, an unkind man. His dilemma includes hiding the dog, Shiloh, telling his parents the truth, and more in this riveting, award-winning novel which is ideal to read aloud with slightly sophisticated listeners. It was adapted into a live action film in 2000.

Visit the town of Cranbury, nestled between Boston and New York, where the very talented Pye family lives. The Pyes have recently acquired an intellectual dog named Ginger Pye — that is until someone steals this captivating hound!

When brother’s hands tap, sister’s hands clap and “Itty-bitty Baby’s hands CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!” The entire family gets involved in the music and movement — until that tired baby “sleeps deep, deep, deep.” Words and pictures swirl and swoop all over the pages of this energetic, musical family jaunt.

Hondo and Fabian, dog and cat friends, are back. Here, their days take very different looks as Fabian the cat goes outside to play with “friends” while Hondo stays in with the baby. Softly lined and hued illustrations create humor to show what really goes on with an escaped cat and a dog-chasing toddler!

Emily can do magic — but how? With words like please, thank you, hello, and more! Emily uses her magic words with friends and family alike. Uncomplicated illustrations create the magic, while the straightforward language makes the useful and pleasant point.

Poetic text and handsome illustrations create gentle reminders for children of what parents find special about them. From a nose to a hand, “ordinary” is celebrated in gentle language and soft illustration.

Join a Latino celebration of Christmas from A to Z, enjoying the sights and symbols of the holiday. Spanish words and additional explanations conclude this energetic book with animated illustrations.

Fancy Nancy (still decked out in her amazingly fancy outfits) and her family decide to get a dog. Of course, Nancy wants a posh papillon, a small and delicate canine. However, they find the perfect pup at the pound — to everyone’s delight. Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in her newest and quite fancy adventure.

Little Night is not ready for sleep, even after Mother Sky follows each of their bedtime rituals. Spirited, richly hued illustrations combine with a sumptuous, evocative text to create a heavenly bedtime tale.

The drive is long and the farm of the dad’s childhood looks old and tired. What will the siblings document with disposable cameras and journals? The real memories are kept in their heads and hearts when the extended family gathers and the true fun begins.

Julie loves to hear her grandfather’s larger-than-life, highly imagined tales of long ago when he emigrated from Russia to New York City. Grandma, however, recalls the same events in a very different way. With fresh illustrations, these 25-year-old tales remain humorous and vivacious.

Conversations with families provide insight and information into how books are created and the intergenerational impact of illustrating and writing them. From the Rockwells, the Crews/Jonas family, the Pinkneys, the Myers’, and the Hurds — talent seems to run in the family!