Book Finder

What other than a frilly Valentine shows a friend that they’re cared for? Maybe it’s as simple as a good-luck hopscotch rock or a dandelion that has been used to make a wish. Join this diverse group of friends as they show they care in simple, non-fussy ways that are definitely NOT Valentines!   

Love is an emotion that shows in many ways. From the unparalleled love that parents convey to their children to the “smell of crashing waves, and a train whistling …”  It is also the “crease in your grandfather’s face.” Through sophisticated, sometimes unsettling images and text, readers are reminded that though it all, “You’ll have love, love, love.” Also see the Spanish version: Amor (opens in a new window).

Callie Cat loves to ice skate. When the Honeybrook Ice Rink announces a contest, everyone thinks it could be Callie’s big chance! She wants to win the big prize … doesn’t she?

Each kindness makes the world a little better. This quiet picture book is about small actions that can hurt, and an honest look at bullying and forgiveness.

Lines drawn by two boys connect and so do the boys in joyful play. An accidental tug-of-war, however, causes a rift until a smile and additional creativity bring them together again. Though wordless, watercolor illustrations speak volumes and are certain to ignite storytelling.

The questions asked by two children celebrate our commonalities as well as what makes each person distinct. Lyrical text and handsome watercolors portray the tapestry of a city and the people who live in the world. 

“Life is for me/and is shining!” begins the poem and continues as the child expresses her wish for a peaceful world in which there is laughter and family. Watercolors are both fantastical and realistic as the poem continues to a gleeful, “Life is for us,/and is shining./We have a right to sing.”

Two girls meet as their train leaves the station for a long journey. Their friendship develops along the same track as the traveling train including a “signal failure” when the girls don’t get along. But all’s well by the arrival with the friendship sure to continue on. Softly rendered, expressive illustrations on double page spreads suggest the train trip.

A girl’s search for friendship becomes an adventure as she travels with her song, “la la la”, as her only company. Richly hued, radiant illustrations reveal the girl’s journey. A note from both the author and illustrator provides insight into this multilayered, memorable, nearly wordless story.

When a whale becomes caught in fishing net, the father is concerned about how he will provide for his family. His son, however, is determined to set the huge mammal free. Against his father’s wishes, he returns to the entrapped whale and successfully frees it. Shimmering illustrations present a compelling story of compassion and courage.

Even the worst bad seed can become better. Just ask the sunflower seed who became a seriously BAAAAD seed when the petals fell and he was almost eaten by a giant! Now he again says thank you and at least tries to be better. Readers will appreciate the broad humor in overstated text and illustration and just might see part of themselves in the bad seed.

After his initial fall and being put back together, Humpty Dumpty becomes more fragile. He’s now afraid of heights but longs to fly. How he climbs back to the top of the wall and is able to go beyond is surprising and exhilarating. Illustrations from varied perspectives add depth and dimension to an inventive story.

All the other kids have pirate costumes for their adventures while the narrator has one like Robinson Crusoe. When teased about it, he heads to his bedroom where he dreams he is marooned on an island, savoring the solitary adventure until his friends return. Signature illustrations are evocative, detailed, and delicate, accompanied by brief but effective narration.

Could the white deer that Eric spots in the woods really be a unicorn? Can Eric help Dr. Brancusi, a vet, and his daughter really keep the unicorn – and her offspring – safe?  Love and loss, hope and happiness are threads throughout this delicately illustrated and absorbing novel.

Clayton Byrd adores his grandfather, loves the jazz Cool Papa plays with the other bluesmen in the park; Clayton wants to be musician, too. But when Cool Papa Byrd dies suddenly, Clayton is overcome with grief. His mother who has never resolved her own childhood remains at arm’s length though his father attempts to reach the boy. Clayton tries to join the park bluesmen but instead finds a different kind of music with a gang of street kids in the New York subway. Likeable characters populate this fast-paced novel.

Feathered friends Goose, Duck, and Thistle become a super hero, a ghost, and a swamp monster for trick or treating. Though each enjoys Halloween, they must muster up the courage to confront their fears in this gentle, relatable, and ultimately satisfying story.

Jasper Rabbit (first introduced in Creepy Carrots) chooses the neon green underwear rather than the plain white ones. At night, the creepy pair of underwear glows eerily and is downright difficult to discard. But once they’re gone, Jasper decides that he was too hasty. This humorous tale puts a funny spin on what frightens people. 

Gargoyles can be cold and frightening looking to many. In this richly illustrated picture book, angels befriend a group of gargoyles and bring them to life — revealing the warm and loving nature of these creatures.

When North Vietnamese soldiers destroy the village of 12-year-old Kia, they almost destroy her family too, because her father disappears and the rest of them flee to a refugee camp. Eventually, Kia, her brother, and her grandfather immigrate to America, where she is overwhelmed by her new life, isolated by culture and language. [ALA Booklist review]

The narrator and his friend Tyler will soon start 2nd grade. Will his new teacher and the more advanced grade be as bad as the boys’ older sister warn? Happily, the younger siblings catch on to the teasing when they acknowledge that they are no longer as gullible as first graders! The funny narration is accompanied by jaunty, expressive ink and wash illustrations.

Six children, one in each grade from kindergarten to 5th, share their thoughts and anxieties as the new school year starts. Short, sensitive poems combine with lightly colored illustrations to introduce each individual. The voices and concerns of the children from diverse backgrounds are both relatable and plausible.

Getting your teacher ready for school means starting out with a big smile, then being able to show her how to find iguana books during library time and reminding her where the bathroom is if she doesn’t know. The gentle humor in this turnaround tale is sure to remind children of typical school routines and that everyone may have worries.

Pedro, a young boy who loves whales more than anything, is heartbroken when he’s told to put away his favorite toy whale on the first day of school. But then Pedro’s teacher discovers the secret to helping him do his best work: not only giving him his whale, but also incorporating his special interest into the whole curriculum. Soon, Pedro’s whale is helping all the children learn, as the teacher works whales into math lessons, storytime, simple science experiments, and more! Pedro’s whale helps him make friends, too, as the other children start to share his special interest. 

Louis, a self-taught space expert is delighted to learn that his teacher has sent him to the principal’s office to attend personal space camp. Eager to learn more about lunar landings, space suits, and other cosmic concepts, Louis soon discovers that he has much to learn about personal space right here on earth. Written with style, wit, and rhythm, personal space camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person’s physical boundaries. Told from Louis’s perspective, this story is a good resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids.