Book Finder

Fourth grader Calvin Coconut is back for another adventure. Calvin’s new dog, Streak — who has extreme halitosis — and his science “discovery” project intersect before Calvin’s mom makes him return Streak to the shelter. Calvin is a recognizable character in plausible situations.

A beaver’s adventure begins on a log that floats away from his home and into the city. Before finding his way back, the beaver has many plausible adventures. The action is depicted in well-placed, realistic illustrations in a nearly wordless book.

New poems, many rhyming, describe the animals introduced in Saint-Saens’ orchestral music that was first performed in the 19th century. Semi-abstract illustrations accompany the verse. The book includes a music CD to bring the carnival of animals to life for a new generation.

Highly realistic illustrations and brief, lucid text introduce birds of prey that live in many different habitats. A glossary, additional information about the habitats depicted, and bibliography complete this informative, engaging introduction to raptors.

Who needs to be tucked in? asks the narrator; with each page turn, a wide-eyed baby animal answers, “I do!” Colorful die-cuts serve as “blankets” to cover each animal baby and wish it goodnight until the final page when the listener is bid goodnight. A cheery, bright, and playful bedtime story perfect for very young kids.

Tiny, sleepy animal babies each snuggle down with their loving parents until the final child, a human baby, happily drifts off to sleep. Lush illustrations combine with the lyrical text in this soothing, tender, and handsome book.

After Madison’s mom tucks her in, Madison wants just one more thing, then another, and another. Finally, Madison’s mom falls asleep in this gentle story of a demanding young mouse and her loving mother.

Young squirrels play all day then say a “fond goodnight” as they curl up in their cozy nest in a tree, bringing to life a brief rhyming poem by Scottish poet James Guthrie (1874-1952). Illustrations are richly colored and lively, creating a cozy tale.

Though she promises she won’t interrupt, a little red chicken inserts herself into the fairy tales her father reads to save the fairy tale characters from familiar bad endings. When her father tires of the interruptions, she shares an original story in which the dad is put to bed. Cartoon illustrations depict the likeable characters and humorous actions.

Though Baby Owl insists that he’s not sleepy, his increasingly grumpy denials suggest otherwise. Only when Papa Owl cuddles his child and suggests a bedtime story does Baby Owl give in to sleep. Cartoon illustrations convey both the humor and warmth in this recognizable story.

Bear is a creature of habit. Even when his friend, Mouse, comes for a sleepover, Bear follows his bedtime ritual. Everything goes along swimmingly until Bear is awakened by an unexpected noise but Mouse patiently reassures his friend. Soft watercolors depict the warmth of this unlikely ongoing friendship.

This look at one local farm presents a look at work on a farm raising food and animals while protecting the environment. Handsome photographs show the uniqueness of the seasons.

Fred and Belle take in a small turkey, naming him Buford. Thanks to Buford’s insect eating (and his droppings), Belle’s garden is the best around; that is, until wild turkeys join him on the small farm. Fred’s creativity humorously resolves the problem — maybe.

Two small piggies leave their sleeping mom in the pumpkin patch for a barnyard romp — over and under, behind, and into — until they wind up back to where they started for a snooze. Comic illustrations and text combine to present a playful porcine gambol.

All week when Farmer Greenstalk and his family have minor problems, it’s “pigs to the rescue” — with hilarious results. The disasters created by the supportive porkers are seen only in comic illustrations which also remind readers that it isn’t over yet!

A large format is used for detailed, expressive illustrations to create a portrait of a contemporary farm. When combined with lyrical language, the changing seasons, information about planting and animals, and farm life are successfully presented.

The author recalls moving from the city to a farm on Middlebury Road. There the family had dogs, cats, fowl, and a cow. The young narrator, whose birthday is coming up, longs for a horse. Richly detailed watercolors warmly evoke a family, farm life, and a dream.

For every action, there really is a consequence as this lively, rhyming tale demonstrates. The young narrator well understands it when she warns others not to slam the door! Chaos reigns temporarily on the family farm but is likely to begin again.

Animals shown in color photographs engage in a range of recognizable activities — from romping to snuggling. Lively language and a sturdy format are used in this appealing book just right to share with young children.

Mr. and Mrs. Noodleman, new to Chicken Noodle Farm and their 552 chickens, begin their egg business. They soon discover, however, that their henhouse is haunted. The not-so-scary ghost helps the couple solve a mystery in this funny, slightly wacky tale.

A girl with ponytails takes her buffalo to school, and as one might guess, the buffalo doesn’t respond quite the same as everyone else. But the buffalo learns about individuality and respect just like the children starting kindergarten will. Cartoon illustrations enhance the silliness of the sincere message.

Snook, a small rat terrier, happily lives and works with his monk friend on their isolated island sanctuary until separated by a storm. Poetic language combines with evocative illustrations to convey the range of authentic emotions, happily concluding with dog and man reunited.

When Darryl finds an injured racing pigeon, he nurses it back to health and hopes to return it to its rightful owner. When he learns that the owner might kill the untraceable bird, Daryl decides to keep the pigeon.

Zack, Andy, and Penelope slept all night but not Petra. No matter what her siblings suggested, Petra was afraid of monsters. When they meet a three-eyed monster with four arms, Petra discovers that the monster is as fearful as she is. Together they enjoy a monstrous good time until the pups’ parents carry them off to bed. Naive illustrations extend the familiar theme and its cozy resolution.