Book Finder

One of the most terrifying creatures to be found in traditional Inuit stories is the nanurluk, a massive bear the size of an iceberg that lives under the sea ice. Its monstrous size and ice-covered fur make it an almost impenetrable foe. Jose Angutingunrik, a gifted storyteller and respected elder from Kugaaruk, Nunavut, brings to life a story of the great nanurluk that has been told in the Kugaaruk region for generations.

A retelling of a Tlingit tale the author first heard from her father. Its the story of how the Raven transformed himself to bring light to what had been an earth shrouded in darkness — and explains why “why ravens are now black as smoke instead of white as snow.” Part of the Abbeville “Tales of the People” series of books for young readers, published in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. 

La Paz is a happy, but noisy village. A little peace and quiet would make it just right. So the villagers elect the bossy Don Pepe as their mayor. Before long, singing of any kind is outlawed. But there is one noisy rooster who doesn’t give two mangos about this mayor’s silly rules. Instead, he does what roosters were born to do. This allegory celebrates the spirit of freedom, and the courage of those who are born to sing at any cost.

Katie longs to go to summer camp with her friend and takes odd jobs to earn the money. When she starts catsitting for a neighbor, she doesn’t realize that she’ll be taking care of 217 felines, each exceptional. Katie wonders if the cats’ owner is really a supervillain who goes out each night to do dastardly deeds. Fun and fantasy abound in the first of a new graphic series with a likeable heroine.

Have you ever had one thought lead to another one that is seemingly unrelated? Open this unique book and readers will be able to follow trails from one thought to another, all playfully illustrated. Just right for browsing, the factoids contain nuggets to amaze and delight.

You know about animals that hibernate, but do you know about animals that sleep all summer? They estivate! Estivation occurs during particularly hot or dry periods such as the West African lungfish in Mali. Straightforward text and realistic illustrations are punctuated by black/white line drawings with notes that create the impression of a field guide. Notes from the author and illustrator as well as additional resources conclude this fascinating volume.

Can a solitary alligator and an extroverted and nosey bird become friends? Ally doesn’t think so since Beak will not take no for an answer! The friendship will likely endure as this is the first in a humorous new early graphic novel series.

Jeff and Anders, a bear and a hare, are the best of friends. Anders figures out how to save Jeff embarrassment and even start a new forest fashion trend. Laugh-out-loud illustrations and text make for a truly unique yet instructive way to be a supportive friend.

Little Arvaaq (a bowhead calf) asks Grandfather Bowhead to tell him stories about his long life. The elder whale reveals how he has seen northern lights, broken through ice to give his family air and more. Evocative illustrations in shades of blue to present the whales’ habitat. A brief bit of information about bowhead whales and an Inuktitut pronunciation guide conclude this handsome book.

A cat and dog live together and are awakened at the same time. Their distinct personalities shine through in line drawings and limited text on open pages that follow them through the day. Sometimes the pair cooperate, other times they are distinctly different, but always likeable.

Where is baby elephant? None of the animals and their young on the first or even the second foldout have seen her. Of course, baby elephant is with her mommy revealed on the final pages of this handsomely illustrated book with large gatefolds presented on well-made pages.

A tiny cat traverses a very big city, meeting some things that are scary (barking dogs), but other things that are quite nice (like the shopkeeper who gives the kitty food and the boy who takes it home). Simply lined illustrations from various perspectives and brief text make combine to make this a winning and satisfying story.

Take a jaunt through a jungle to meet animals with a short rhyme and then lift the flap to “hear” and see them hiss, roar, and more. Durable pages and boldly shaped animals create an attractive, interactive book sure to engage young listeners

Momo, a black and white border collie, explores the great outdoors with a young canine friend named Boo. Crisp photographs on sturdy, well-designed pages make this seek-and-find book and adventure as well as an opportunity to talk about what young readers are viewing.

With just enough adult humor that foreshadow the next animal, readers of all ages will appreciate the silly (and completely wrong) sounds that come out of each creature as the pages turns. Large-eyed animals appear a bit clueless as they mouth sounds that young readers will recognize as erroneous in this playful, very funny book.

Scientists are working to save the endangered California Condor. In rich narrative, the author provides information on the condor as well as the history and efforts of scientists to bring them back from the brink. Accompanying photographs add drama and personality for both feathered and human subjects.

Start at the beginning or jump into a topic that interests you! Whichever way you approach this handsome, fresh, and large volume, you will find fascinating information on a range of topics. As its reputation suggests, the venerable Britannica provides trustworthy information from cited authorities all in an engaging package.

Have you ever wondered what a zookeeper does each day? Large, textured collages focus on animals as we learn about a zookeeper’s duties which involve everything from cuddling a joey to brushing a hippo’s feet. Factual information about zoos, the animals presented, and additional resources conclude this handsome book.

All friendships have ups and downs and it is no different for Jack, a cantankerous goat, and a blind horse named Charlie. Inspired by actual animals at a sanctuary, this gorgeously illustrated tale will remind readers about the enduring power of friendship.

The author started learning about animals by observing her dog as a child. Her respect and affinity for animals grew as she did, turning into a career as a writer and chronicler of animals and their behavior. Gently illustrated, the author shares thoughtful tidbits which is sure to lead readers to her other books.

A child celebrates her creativity and individuality as she creates a panda on a large blackboard. Soon Panda steps off the board and joins in the creation of art. Illustration incorporate the pair’s chalk drawings and combine with a conversational text for a playful look at the creative process.

All creatures whether furry, slithery, or feathered, show affection. Lush illustration and rhythmic, gently rhyming verse combine to demonstrate just how it’s done. A bit of factual information about animals is included.

A dog remembers earlier days when things were slower, before a baby arrived. But as the child grows, the dog discovers that an old dog and a toddler share a great deal in common, including rolling down a hill and playing in leaves. The warm relationship between an old canine and a young child is warmly presented in illustration and straightforward text.

A kitten’s play is temporarily halted with a bump and thump down some stairs. The comforting mother, however, makes sure all is well and soon the animated play begins again. Jaunty illustrations and alliterative language create a memorable play day.