Book Finder

Vivid images combine with lively language to present a sunny season with its foods, fun and family in short poems in both English and Spanish.

This book is about a ten-year-old Dominican boy, Miguel, who recently moved to a small town in Vermont after his mother and father separated. Throughout the story Miguel demonstrates mixed feeling about his parents’ separation, about starting a new life in a small town away from New York City where his father lives, and about welcoming a flamboyant aunt, “Tía Lola,” who only speaks Spanish.

Vivi Cochinita is a very shy pig. She is so shy that on her birthday, she doesn’t dare invite anyone. But when she goes to bed that night, she dreams about all the fun others are having and wakes up to a wonderful surprise.

Overcoming a difficult childhood, Victoria took control of her own destiny in sometimes unorthodox ways and became the first woman to run for U.S. President in 1872 before women even had the right to vote (Frederick Douglass was nominated to run as Vice President). Photorealistic illustrations add to this remarkable tale of a woman who was truly ahead of her time.

A wide selection of Irish poems, music, stories and folktales are presented along with delicate, evocative line and wash illustrations. Sure to please a range of listeners, this collection is ideal for sharing aloud.

The alphabet is used as a device to introduce the vocabulary for a range of musical styles as well as the names of famous musicians. Jaunty illustrations combine with energetic language for an intriguing glimpse into music and musicians.

Short, fresh and fun essays present a broad array of musicians and their music - from Bach to Guthrie to Joplin with lots in between. Unexpected information can be found in each informal entry along with caricatured portraits.

Short, clever, sometimes irreverent snapshots introduce a range of artists and their peculiarities. From Michelangelo to Georgia O’Keefe, the artists are presented in brief essays accompanied by lighthearted illustrations.

The words for over 60 well known traditional American folksongs (e.g., “Home on the Range,” “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”) and easy-to-follow music are presented in an illustrated, oversized format. Notes about each song’s origin and a music CD are included.

Realistic illustrations and appealing text introduce the life and magical feats of one of the world’s greatest showmen and best known magician, Harry Houdini.

Perhaps his difficult childhood helped create the brilliant scientist (but rude man) he became. A complete portrait of Newton and his contributions to science are presented in a conversational text punctuated with droll illustrations.

Count the animals on their way to the zoo! From one elephant to ten birds, colorful creatures are presented in Carle’s signature style as they board the train.

The capable canine kindergarten teacher leads her class (also animals) on a field trip around the community to meet its helpers. The rhyming text and crisp illustrations make this a delightful book for young children. Readers can also search for hidden shapes found during this well chaperoned tour.

If only every child could have a teacher like Ms. Frizzle, every field trip would be unforgettable! Here, the kids get the inside scoop on hurricanes by going into its eye in their school bus (turned weather plane) to learn how hurricanes form and to experience their power. There’s an extra bit of drama when Arnold becomes separated from the class, but is happily reunited.

When Ms. Cherry’s class goes on a field trip, the children are reminded to stay together and with their partner. But the aquarium intrigues Walter until he becomes separated from the group. His friend Iris and the rest of the class find Walter, who remains oblivious to all except the aquarium. Brief text and cheery illustrations keep the tone light while introducing a very engaging field trip destination.

Dinosaurs are endlessly fascinating. Perhaps because it is hard to imagine giant lizards roaming the earth. In simple illustrations and straightforward text, the size of dinosaurs is related to more familiar things, so that children can picture this prehistoric time. Before embarking on a museum field trip, start kids thinking about how big dinosaurs were!

How you get to your destination is half the fun. This sturdy book glimpses ways we travel, using real and imaginary modes of transportation — like an airplane or a magic carpet. Simple language and flatly colored, child-like illustrations make this appropriate to share with the youngest reader.

Celebrate city life, school, and family while sharing loss, earthquakes and even Ángeles del mar (sea angels) in vivid illustrations and short poems presented in both Spanish and English. Though some poems are distinctly southern Californian, all resonate with universally recognizable emotions.

Ben’s geography lesson comes to life when he falls asleep and dreams of traveling to famous monuments worldwide. Realistic black and white line drawings combine fantasy and authenticity in this extraordinary adventure.

This wordless book tells the story of a boy and his dog trying to catch a frog. As they head home empty-handed, they are surprised to find that the frog followed them home!

The life and times of César Chávez are vividly re-created in this collection of evocative poems. Where most biographies stick to the facts of what a person did, this one also touches on the man’s character and values. Children will learn about Chávez, but, more importantly, they will learn about the important lessons he taught others even amid great challenges.

Charlie is a poor but admirable boy who finds one of five tickets that provide entry into Willie Wonka’s fabulous factory. Ultimately, it is Charlie’s ethical behavior that wins, saves his family and begins yet another adventure. Comic illustrations add movement and punctuate the humor in this modern fantasy classic.