Book Finder

While on their outing, baby always responds “moo” when asked by mom and dad what animals say. Slightly older children will see the humor in the predictable pattern and lighthearted illustrations — until baby gets it right when he sees a black and white cow!

Poems introduce sea creatures and their habitats using different poetic forms (e.g., concrete, for two voices). Factual information is provided with each poem. This small, attractive collection concludes with where to find out more and a brief explanation of the poetic forms.

Silly poems introduce real animals from around the world. The lively language and accompanying comic illustrations help place animals — from the agoutis to the yak — on a map and concludes with a “menagerie of facts” — sure to delight readers of all ages!

Read the back story of why — and how — the cow who jumped over the moon (made famous in the nursery rhyme) was able to accomplish this feat. Though no longer in print, this funny parody may be available used or at libraries.

For Antonia MacPherson, lying is a way of life. If it weren’t for her best friend, Harrison, and a tiny ball of fluff named Pistachio, she would be miserable. Her older sister, Your Highness Elizabeth, says Ant is in training to be a juvenile delinquent, Harrison smells like a salami sandwich, and Pistachio should be put out of his misery. When a teacher takes Ant under her wing, Ant’s way of life may have to change.

Oscar, a curious kitten, learns more about why sticks and twigs are used by birds and other materials are used differently. As with other books in the Start with Science series, Oscar’s science explorations are just right for younger children and may launch further exploration.

Unlikely animals work together to the benefit of both as do more usual pairings such as dogs and people. How and why these relationships work is detailed in brief text and handsome collage illustration.

Stanley, a slightly lumpy but appealing dog, does not adjust well when his people bring home a cat. Eventually, however, Stanley and his “little sister” work it out much as children do with new additions to their families. Textured illustrations add verve to the lively language in this appealing book.

From the time Leo was small, he was a trucker. To broaden his interests, Leo’s mother gets him Lola the cat but Leo and Lola find they have more in common than first thought. Humorous illustrations and a well told tale make an enjoyable and droll story.

Lester explains the basics about the moon and space travel to Little Nye before they take off on their lively imaginary journey. Sturdy pages support uncluttered illustrations and simple text in this appealing, surprisingly informative book.

The narrator tells of a winter run with a team of dogs. Lush illustrations depict the animals’ anticipation and pleasure on the snow-filled night.

What can be more fun than playing in the snow with mom and dad? Coming home to a warm up with grandma! In his signature style, Hill’s spotted puppy in the snow is sure to surprise and satisfy the youngest child.

The conditions are just right for sledding after the snow-filled night as the two young pups find out. The lighthearted illustrations and simple text convey the joy of playing out in the snow on a cold, crisp winter day.

A lyrical refrain repeats as each of the young asks its mother if it will snow tonight. No, is the answer, until one winter evening a mother answers in the affirmative. Poetic language and soft illustrations depict the changing season.

Tiny Little Fly sees many things and lands on something quite large: a series of bigger animals. No matter, Tiny Little Fly won’t be caught and zooms away. A large format and textured illustrations combine with a rhyming text for a simple, satisfying saga.

The animals in a pet shop decide to put on a show to attract visitors when no one is coming in to meet them. Children will enjoy the imaginative illustrations and simple text.

The blue hippo dad does everything wrong — much to the delight of his young son who knows how to do many things, from getting dressed to giving hugs. Parents and children will enjoy the fun though adults may appreciate father hippo’s technique the most.

The little owl searches for his mother when separated from her, but his descriptions aren’t very clear. At last, a concerned squirrel helps reunite baby and mother. Muted colors and broad shapes are used in this appealing story.

A young child gets to know the new puppy. Simple questions followed by straightforward responses are accompanied by realistic illustrations for a winning effect.

Humorous illustration and color-coded, rhyming text present retellings of familiar fables that include the morals (though with a light touch). Newly independent readers will have fun reading the short, snappy text with a second reader as they enjoy the cheery visuals.

Five ducks ride on bicycles for an apple-picking adventure. The rhyming text and gentle illustrations create a playful, satisfying, everyday adventure.

A simple, rhyming text and crisp, bright illustrations introduce bears from around the world. Brief information at the end of the book provides a bit more information making this a book that can be used as a story or to introduce a variety of bears.

Though none of the animals know what they’ve found in the woods, they all find a use for it until a little boy picks it up. He wonders what the book is about, then begins to read its stories aloud to the animals. Children will enjoy knowing what the animals find long before they do.

All the animals get ready when Cat the Cat announces that it’s time to sleep; that is, everyone but wide-eyed Owl. Comical, cartoon illustrations on spare backgrounds and sparse text make this just right for new or emerging readers.