Book Finder

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.
 

Filled with facts, this fresh approach is sure to delight as well as inform. After all, these are animals presenting oral reports about other animals because “humans only look at things through their own human eyes. Every single time.”  Cleaner fish report on sharks; barn owl reports on Tasmanian devil, and mole knows everything there is to know about daddy long-legs. Charming line illustrations punctuate the lively language in this singular book.

Theater aficionados and non-theater buffs alike will enjoy this original take on a musical production presented in graphic format. The poetic forms used and theater terms presented are included in a glossary that concludes this animated presentation.

Oscar is not like most 12-year-olds. He lives in a retirement community, plays bridge, and likes Frank Sinatra. To save his grandfather’s home, Oscar leaves his comfort zone and links up with a questionable new 102-year-old resident for an unforgettable adventure. Funny, quirky, and fast-paced, this novel will stay with readers long after its final page.

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. 

Is it an adverb? Noun? Verb? Meaning? This new word ashimpa — discovered in an old dictionary — takes off and people start using it, but no one can quite figure out its exact meaning as it’s used everywhere for all things! Quirky illustrations will delight readers of all ages … and they just might add ashimpa or even perlimpent to their own vocabulary.

A trio of wandering, word-loving wombats travel through a rather dull forest, enlivening it with wonderful words and inspiring a young duckling. By the end of their travels, the duckling has motivated others and even created a “duck-tionary” which, of course, is included. The animated language and jaunty illustrations are sure to enthuse young wordsmiths.  

Bear likes his bench, book, cookies, and balloon and is soon asked by friends to share. Bear thinks one way but responds in the name of being polite — until he just can’t anymore! Humor in deadpan expression and the text size of the limited narration together create a witty look at social convention.

Who ate the little bug? Boldly shaped animals are eliminated with each page turn as die-cut circles decrease in size until the final spread with the ladybug perched on a young nose. This colorful book is presented in a sturdy format with its question and answers.

Cupig absolutely loves Valentine’s Day. Every year she enjoys spreading love and cheer to every creature, far and near. But when a storm blows through and sends her arrows off course, Cupig accidentally puts arrows in hearts that don’t need to be mended. Peanut Butter has stopped loving Jelly! Salt and Pepper have broken up! Needle and Thread are falling apart at the seams! Will Cupig ever fix her mistakes and get these classic pairs back together again?

Children will delight in this fantastic tale of a young girl’s vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Wandering from her tent late one summer’s night, Sara finds an invitation she just can’t resist! She watches the grand ball from safely behind a tree until suddenly she is discovered.

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.

Abby is trapped at home with her four  younger siblings as they all suffer from the chickenpox. Based on the author’s experience, she shares the experience that she endured with her siblings with verve and humor. 

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.

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.

Frank, a unique penguin, brought color and friendship into his frozen, colorless world with his bright ideas. Droll humor in both text and illustration.

Everyone hates the end of good playdate. A host of peculiar young aliens echo human kids’ behavior when their adults in flying saucers come to call them home. Imaginative and funny.

Kadooboo! Golden brown, puffy, sweet, and crunchy, it’s fresh from the pan ― a delicious treat! As soon as it’s ready, Kabir runs home with some to share. He’s got to be quick, before the rain! But wait … can he remember the treat’s name? (His Amma is sure to ask!) As Kabir makes his way, the sights and sounds of the street and interactions with friends start to jumble his memory. This modern retelling of a South Indian folktale blends playful wordplay with delightfully quick pacing in a story about friends, family, and food ― the perfect recipe for a satisfying story time.

Pablo is a beret-wearing canine whose favorite subject is cats. Other dogs don’t understand him, and (understandably) cats run away from him. Pablo decides to give up his art until befriended by a brave feline. Bold forms, color, and rich language tell a seemingly simply but surprisingly sophisticated tale meant to be shared. Older children may enjoy this board book as well.

Mouse, a rodent living in Dogtown, narrates this fast-paced, humorous, and engaging tale of life for misfit shelter dogs, both real and robotic. Revisit Buster, the bounce-back hound, and robot dog Smokey with a peculiar chip in Dogtown (opens in a new window), the standalone, highly illustrated first tale in the series.

Rufus and the staff of the Woofmore Hotel work diligently to please all guests, but especially movie star Greta Garbark. Wordplay, a bit of scatological humor, and full-color illustrations will engage readers young and old in the first volume of the series. 

Magnolia thought that her summer would be boring until she meets Iris Lam, new to the city. Together, Iris and Magnolia venture to reunite lost socks with their owners. Along the way, they meet fascinating, quirky people in this charming, humorous novel illustrated with black-and-white line drawings.

Hank is not only a silly goose, but he’s also rude and downright obnoxious, making his friends miserable. Until they don’t want to deal with him anymore. Lonely Hank becomes a more considerate goose who changes his ways (or does he?) in this slyly funny tale.