Book Finder

Fox and Chick are friends although they are quite different in many ways. Three short stories highlight the warmth of their friendship in spite of their differences. Told in graphic format, this will appeal to newly independent readers as well as comic book fans.

Bear and Mole go camping so that Mole can “see the stars turn on.” When Mole becomes afraid in the dark, Bear tells his a story of how the First Bear family created the moon and stars. The gentle tone and charming illustration create a soothing story.

What happens when a boy finds a key? Does it fit the nearby door? If opened, what adventures will be found on the other side? Delicate drawings on large, open pages bloom into color and activity as the fantasy grows until the boy returns by the same door and color recedes.

Archie says he’s a bear in spite of people telling him he is a boy. A huge, brown, furry creature corrects Archie: he is a boy. Whether real or fantasy, this imaginative story of unlikely roles conveys a unique friendship in striking illustrations and understated text.

A group of friends tell each other how they are alike and how they differ. The one thing that is always the same, however, is that, “I just like you! Yes I do!”  Gentle, detailed watercolors illustrate the gathering and activities of a motley group of animals.

Some people talk more than they listen, like young Owen. But only until he gets laryngitis! Owen not only learns that others have good ideas but also gains the ability to listen more (though he’s still talkative). Children and teachers alike will recognize Owen and his classmates in both lighthearted (nonstop) conversation bubbles and gentle illustrations.

Making new friends can be scary, even for a small brown and white dog named Rosie. But Rosie and her human, George, find adventure and friendship at the dog park. Understated text is complemented by expressive, unassuming illustrations presented in comic format. Readers of all ages will empathize with Rosie, her shyness, and in her newfound friendships.

“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one will be quite like you.” But slowly you’ll find a bit of you in others along with your own wonderful uniqueness. Poetic language is complemented by expressive translucent illustrations presenting recognizable situations as the diverse students gradually develop friendships.

A lively neighborhood school (inspired by the one attended by illustrator’s daughter) welcomes its diverse students at the start of a school year, proclaiming that all are welcome! Joy-filled, colorful, engaging paintings combine with brief, rhyming text to celebrate children and families coming together to learn and share.

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home? Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying, wordless story of friendship and trust.

A baby clown is separated from his family when he accidentally bounces off their circus train and lands in a lonely farmer’s vast, empty field. The farmer reluctantly rescues the little clown, and over the course of one day together, the two of them make some surprising discoveries about themselves — and about life!

Making wishes is easy; making them come true in a world of diminishing magic isn’t so easy. That doesn’t stop a new Granter, a young fairy named Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets, from trying along with a canine friend and a couple of humans in this warm, gently humorous, and fresh novel.

A gentle fantasy in which a cat is transformed into a human who assists a reporter uncover interesting stories.

Rescue couldn’t make it as a guide dog, but he was ideal as a service dog. When Jessica lost both legs, the dog named Rescue rescued Jessica in many ways. Though the tone and illustrations of the book are appropriate for younger readers, the seriousness of the event that caused Jessica to lose both legs is quite sophisticated. It is explained in an afterward.

Francis strives to make the best shoes possible, even from material that is hard to acquire. When his friend doesn’t return with one such item, Francis goes on a jungle trek to find him. Along the way, he comes across actual animal residents. Photographs are incorporated into comics as is a bit of factual information for a rollicking good adventure.

Jordie is thrilled when Professor Reese moves in next door with her dog, Baxter. Is it possible that Baxter can understand what Jordie says? Has the professor’s work put her in danger? This fast-paced adventure combines mystery and science fiction sure to intrigue.

Bixby Alexander Tam, aka Bat, is back. He was first introduced in A Boy Called Bat (opens in a new window) where Bat first met Thor, a baby skunk rescued by Bat’s veterinarian mom. Now Thor is big enough to be released, but Bat wants to keep him…even taking Thor to his sister’s play. The result is predictable but as gently humorous and engaging as this tale of Bat.

Celeste, the small mouse that accompanied John James Audubon’s apprentice, on an earlier adventure (A Nest for Celeste (opens in a new window)) is now separated from Joseph. Happily, she finds a new companion, an earnest young man named Abe Lincoln. This quiet fantasy is generously illustrated with expressive pencil drawings.

Peter and Ernesto are friends but are very different: Peter is a homebody while Ernesto wants to explore. So travel he does making the friends’ reunion all the better when it comes. The comic book format with simple illustrations is just right to depict the sloths’ friendship with both humor and sincerity.

Sapphire was not like other dragons. She had no desire to “crush castles or capture princesses.” But the local residents of a forest shun Sapphire until other fierce and fiery dragons destroy the woods. Almost translucent illustrations in rich, layered colors move the satisfying story to its dramatic conclusion.

A small yellow chick in need of a playmate spies small puppy. The eager pup is more than happy to frolic but what do a pip and a pup share in common? Though wordless, their story of friendship emerges through gentle, expressive illustrations just right for slightly older toddlers.

Two tall giraffes greet an ostrich trying asking the bird how it feels. Ultimately, they all decide that they’re quite pleased to have found new friendships and are thrilled to share a fiesta. Expressive illustrations and the bilingual text depict the joy of the experience.

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!   

A cast of characters associated with Halloween look on as Fran (as in Frankenstein) cuts out a paper heart. Much to their horror, it is explained that Fran may be in love! Dully hued cartoons highlight Fran’s pink heart (seen as anything but a Valentine) and the object of his affection (perhaps the Bride of Frankenstein) in this funny riff on a traditional Valentine’s celebration.