Book Finder

Written by a vocab virtuoso, this book is sure to add oomph to even the most blasé reader. A host of less often used words are presented with their meaning, a pronunciation guide, and roots all formatted to engage and entertain. 

She’s been around since 1941 but remains perhaps the best known and most popular female superhero. Wonder Woman’s evolution is also a look at women’s history presented here in lively illustration and accessible informative text with excellent backmatter.

A small shell-less slug wants a shell like a snail. The slug and a kindhearted snail share an adventure and find friendship in this early graphic novel just right for newly independent readers. Humorous art of comical critters populates the pages for a lighthearted look at camaraderie.

Hedgehog Taylor wants to fly despite his skunk friend, Sydney’s trepidation about it. This funny, warm tale of friendship is generously illustrated with complementary illustrations that augment the tone. Young readers may have met the duo in their other adventure, Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World (opens in a new window).

Starla Jean and her parents are preparing for Willa’s first birthday celebration. But will her pet chicken, Opal Egg, lay the needed egg in time? Though Starla Jean and Opal Egg were first introduced in Starla Jean (opens in a new window), this lighthearted adventure stands alone and is equally engaging. 

Look closely. Notice the recurring shapes that create patterns that abound in nature. Senses are sure to be heightened when examining the highly realistic illustrations accompanied by minimal text in this attractive oversized volume just right to inspire.

Music is the intersection of cultures as this hopeful story of cellist Yo-Yo Ma reminds readers. He played Bach’s cello suites for people in two countries near the Rio Grande River, “a boundary dividing two countries that used to be one.” Sweeping illustration and lyrical text are completed by an afterward and additional information about the actual event. 

Ernie always had an interest in art but that was not a good thing when he was a kid. He grew up to become a professional football player, but a career-ending injury opened the door to art. Ernie’s story is sure to inspire young readers that more than one career is possible. Complete backmatter includes additional information including a bibliography and where to see Ernie’s artwork.

Readers are invited to “Come. Sit. Taste…” a female chef’s determination to succeed. Chef Niki became known for the fusion of Japanese and American foods bringing a unique flavor to America. A brief discussion of kuyashii (defeated feeling) and kaiseki (a traditional Japanese feast) plus a Wonton Pizza recipe concludes this fascinating book.

When Javier is having breakfast at 7 a.m. in Mexico, it’s 8 a.m. in New York City and Kayla is getting her backpack ready for school. Meet kids from around the world and find out what they’re doing one hour at a time. This brief look at different places, times, and cultures is expressively illustrated punctuated with visual and textual detail. 

Haylee wishes on a falling star for a friend and finds one when she catches Comet. Together Comet, a yellow coma shaped celestial being, and Haylee make a Friend Ship to celebrate. Simple shapes in comic book format depict the warmth of their unique but recognizable friendship in short chapters.  

Even as a kid, Leo was a tinkerer, always interested in fixing and inventing things. And although he wasn’t a musician, he built the first electric guitar! Illustrations capture the joy as well as the difficulties Leo confronted as he grew from a farm boy into a lauded inventor. Backmatter completes this absorbing book.

With her favorite hat atop her head, Dominiguita visits the library to borrow The Three Musketeers. Thus begins the latest adventure of the Cuban American girl and her imaginative friends in this standalone book in the Dominguita series. Other titles include Knight of the Cape (opens in a new window) and Captain Dom’s Treasure (opens in a new window).

Luz Jimenez would not forget her Nahua culture even after the Mexican Revolution. When she and her family resettled in Mexico City, Luz became a resource for artists and scholars as an Indigenous voice. Illustrated in Tonatiuh’s signature traditional style, the straightforward narrative is enhanced by complete backmatter.

Readers are invited to dip in, browse, or read from cover to cover! This authoritative, fully sourced, informative, and positively fun book is filled with facts, all generously illustrated. 

Things are changing at the start of second grade for Audrey Locke. Her best friend Diego seems to have found other friends and to make matters worse, another Audrey is joining the class. Kids will recognize the minor crises in this recognizable, appealing, and generously illustrated story.

Lyrical text describes wishes as a family leaves its homeland in search of a better life. The boat wishes it was bigger, the home wishes it was closer, and the young narrator wishes they didn’t have to wish any more. Detailed illustrations in a muted palette evoke both the difficulty and hope of the journey. 

Five friends — owl, mandrill, anteater, turtle, and badger — try to decide what is terrific. When snake decides it is eating together, well, the other four must save themselves. Highly detailed, textured illustrations, and text reminiscent of a folktale create a tense but satisfying story of cooperation and friendship. 

Join a young child as she shares her magic wand — a pencil. Short poems celebrate the pleasures of a year of family, celebrations, and everyday experiences. Mixed-media illustrations complement the bright tone. A note by the author reminds readers that not all poems rhyme and will likely encourage writing.

Naya’s mom says jumbies aren’t real but on a night with a full moon, the little girl goes out to find one. Instead, she meets other creatures straight from Caribbean folklore. Rich colors and not-too-scary characters combine with an engaging narration ideal for sharing aloud.

Gertie is the smallest yak who attempts to achieve bigness and learns size is not just on the outside. Only Gertie with her small stature can save a yak in danger in this droll, rhyming tale. While the story isn’t new, humorous hat-wearing yaks with large expressive eyes add freshness and fun. 

Just when a big-eyed indoor cat thinks it knows all that it sees through various windows, it steps outside to discover a very different world. Illustrations in various media and staccato text are used to create a rich real and imagined world, perfect for multiple readings and close examination. 

Cartoon illustrations that use strong line and vivid color combine with a rhythmic text to present ways that encourage good choices. The diverse cast of characters engage in familiar activities which confirms the power of an individual. The book concludes with two kids holding hands saying, “I will join with you to make this a better world for everyone.”

Many languages and cultures are used in a poetic journey around the world, each affirming that people welcome others. Warm watercolors show diverse people in a variety of settings. An afterword and pronunciation guide conclude this gentle, encouraging book.