Book Finder

A dream inspires Okan the raccoon to save a white wolf in the mountains of Minnesota, along with a small crew unlikely companions (a skunk and a moose). So begins this action-packed survival story infused with Indigenous creation stories, history, and some Indigenous language.

Why does each wish put through a mysterious mail slot come true? What happens when all wishes come true? Oscar and mom have settled in a new home, but will it all be gone soon? Difficult themes are countered with magic and humor in this imaginative and highly readable story.
 

Pocket Bear was created to fit in the pocket of a soldier on the front during World War I. He is now the mascot of a used toy store where stuffed animals are refurbished to be loved again. How Pocket and his friend — a cat who is a burglar — save the store and its owners while building community makes a heartwarming, surprisingly sophisticated, tense tale.

The friends Moose and Bear (dogs) and Tiger (a cat), adopted by their human Cathy, are back for another everyday adventure. Short chapters by father and son authors are engaging, accessible, and filled with illustrations.

The story of a solitary raccoon, the Night Chef, who finds a baby crow, locates its family, and finds community along the way. The story comes to life in lively illustrations and snappy dialog in this easier-to-read graphic novel. 

Mousse, the green-and-white-striped character first introduced in A Day with Mousse, decides to travel south with Barnacle, his walrus friend. Soon they are joined by another friend … is three a crowd? Original characters in lighthearted illustrations combine with an accessible tale of jealousy and friendship in this humorous and recognizable story.

The unlikely friendship between a bird and worm with very different personalities share everyday adventures (and messes!) in Book #2 — as well as winter fun in Book #3, Earl & Worm: Snow Problem and Other Stories. First introduced in Earl & Worm: The Bad Idea and Other Stories, these collections with short chapters stand alone and are equally appealing. 

Amos McGee, the old zookeeper from A Sick Day for Amos McGee and Amos McGee Misses the Bus, looks forward to the first snowfall of the season with his animal friends from the city zoo. Together they enjoy playing in snow, ending with hot chocolate for all. The gentle story is enriched by expressive, tender illustrations — another winner from this husband-wife team.

As a girl goes to the market to buy ingredients for wonton soup, she meets others in her village who give her treats. After her errand, she and her mother invite the villagers to join them for soup. The childlike, soft illustrations and simple text underscore the power of community and caring.

Tension builds as a small kitten tries to cross the street on a rainy day during a vehicle-dense commute. But it’s a good day to stop to rescue the tiny feline. Evocative illustrations capture the feel of the wet weather and relief as traffic subsides. 

Emmie is a small mouse with big ideas who lives in an attic, using things no one else wanted to make something new. One day, an interloper arrives: a cat. Rather than scheme to get rid of the cat, Emmie makes a new friend. This fresh take on a traditional rivalry is presented in clever Rube Goldberg-esque illustrations and fresh language.  

Croco, a crocodile, falls into a deep hole. Other animals offer ideas for how he can can get out, and they even work together to rescue Croco … but to no avail. The croc’s tears, however, do the trick! Lush illustrations are highlighted by the book’s vertical format, for a good-humored tale of friendship.

A classic picture book about a chimpanzee in a very bad mood — perfect for young children learning how to deal with confusing feelings. Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it — how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy? The story brings hilarity and levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings.

A sweet lesson as one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend. It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily, Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy! In this funny and endearing children’s book, filled with charming illustrations, kids learn about dealing with conflict as well as the difficulties, and ultimate rewards, of making new friends.

Kena is a fierce, determined and caring kindergartner. She is hard of hearing and wears hearing aids. When kids at school make fun of her hearing aids, she gets a super idea. Super Kena will gather her differently-abled classmates to create a team of “super heroes”. Together, they will use their super powers to make a difference in the world. They will spread understanding and acceptance, one classroom at a time.

Pippa’s teacher tells her students to make a love list — a list of all the things that take up room in their hearts. Pippa makes her list, but when she finds someone else’s and sees that her own name has been written down, along with all of her favorite things, she discovers she has a secret admirer! Maybe the best friend she’s always hoped for is right in her classroom, if only she can crack the case. Good thing there’s nothing Pippa loves more than a good detective story. Will she solve the mystery of the love list and find a new friend?

The Entrada apartment building was home to newcomers and longtime residents alike. How the residents old and young adjust, develop friendships, and grow, are seamlessly told as one tale though written by various authors.

The misfit detectives are again called into action to solve the mysterious but limited earthquake problem. This newest adventure first introduced the kids in A Royal Conundrum.

The unlikely friendship between a long-haired guinea pig and naked mole rat continues in three new stories sure to resonate with young readers. The humor first introduced in Otis & Peanut and Otis & Peanut Forever and Ever remains fresh and fun.

A story about how neighbors with very different styles and personalities become longtime friends is presented with comic illustration and easier-to-read text. This is Book #1 in the Earl & Worm series.

Wheetle, an expressive wagon presented in charming watercolors, is always ready to help others. His kindness is returned when he pops a wheel, still making it in time to see the sun rise.

Milly dreaded Show and Tell, that is until she made Arnold the talking robot. Arnold helped Milly find her passion and overcome her shyness. Expressive illustrations combine move this quiet story.

Vegetables make rabbits lively, but will a rabbit enjoy a lively carrot? Fun and friendship develop when Mr. Rabbit pulls up a walking, talking, rabbit-sized carrot with which to share adventures.

A small girl befriends a not-so-scary ghost who resides in the attic that no one had ever visited. Perhaps the ghost had been lonely all along but is now warmed by a child’s friendship.