Book Finder

A child visits his grandfather but has trouble communicating; they literally don’t speak the other’s language. That is until they find another way to share thoughts and feelings through art. As each of them expresses himself creating unique superheroes, two generations are drawn together. Universal emotions are placed in a specific but nonetheless moving context.

If you don’t blink, you don’t have to turn the page; you therefore don’t have to go to bed. Each time a blink occurs, however, the closer the end gets in this humorous, participatory book with a big-eyed owl as a guide (who, by the way, is asleep by book’s end).

Lucy always wanted a dog but Bear becomes a bit of a problem. In addition to sleeping for months, he is messy and eats endless bowls of porridge. When Bear runs away, both he and Lucy find out that friendship overcomes most things. Readers will immediately recognize the mistaken identity seen only in the simple illustrations and enhanced in humorous dialog.

Family life is busy for the young narrator until after dinner when he and his dad share the Magic Hour. As day wanes but before being tucked in, father and child take a magical neighborhood walk enjoying small pleasures along the way. Gentle text and handsome illustrations combine to reveal one family’s loving and lovely tradition.

Handsomely illustrated, shapes both simple (square, rectangle) and complex (cone, hexagon) are introduced as found in a range of art and architecture, faith, and practices in Muslim countries. A concluding note by the author broadly explains Islam and the range of countries from which her inspiration was drawn.

A small, gray elephant has a bad back itch. Can anyone help him? The alligator is a bit scary, the sloth is too slow, and meerkats are too tickly. Relief comes for elephant but maybe not so much for the hedgehog. Simple comic strip-like illustrations and dialog in various sizes are rib-tickling.

When a boy misses his bus, he hollers, “Bus! Stop!”  What follows is an imaginative series of other buses that appear as a Conestoga wagon, a boat and even one that floats. The horizontal format and blocky illustrations focus on the boy’s travel travails – and the start of another’s bus problems as he finally boards a bus.

Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela thought her name was too long. That is until her dad shares the history behind it. Alma discovers pride in the strong relatives after whom she is named. The limited colors used in the drawings provide a look back and a look forward as Alma grows to recognize the strength in her name.

Where’s the dog? Lift the flap to find out! Small hands are able to play the game lifting the flaps with less worry as the flaps made from soft but durable felt in this brightly colored title, one of a series.

Young children will recognize the bedtime ritual shared by two siblings from cleaning up to taking a bath, from reading to snuggling with a lovey, Soft illustrations complement the brief text on sturdy pages.

Signs of summer pop up with each page turn and are briefly described, sure to delight adult and child alike. Bright color and engaging text encourage involvement with all things summer. While not terribly fragile, young hands may need a reminder to handle with care.

It’s a happy day for Ducky Duckling as it plays in the rain, hugs bugs, and more. Simple sentences and lots of quacking combine with colorful, naïve illustrations that will encourage engagement as well as delight young listeners.

The artist’s signature illustrations enhance a broad collection of traditional tales, poems and everyday experiences. Whether dipping in or reading several sections at once, this is just right for sharing with young children and is likely to grow with them.

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.

Pete the Cat is marching with his look-alikes from one to ten, each adding an instrument to the cheerful conclusion. The riff on a familiar rhyme (“Ants go marching”) may inspire others as listeners or readers enjoy the humor.

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.

Who has feet like these? Turn the page to find out! Crisp photographs of animals with different feet are briefly described (e.g., webbed, scaly, even happy) ask then answer the question, introducing animals and one way to identify them.

A mother duck and 5 ducklings waddle onto a bridge. And one by one, the ducklings fall (or perhaps dive) into the water below. What’s a mother duck to do? She joins them, of course. Simple illustrations extend the fun of the repeating narrative.

A black bird explores the outdoors, seeing many colors. Simple text is accompanied by brilliant, textured illustrations for a glimpse into what one bird may observe in a day.

One small animal making music with a pot and wooden spoon inspires other to join in the musical fun. Cartoon illustrations repeat the process until pages are filled with the youngsters and their sounds. Activities change when a grownup comes in with a colorful treat.

Young children are truly amazing as they dance through the pages of this rollicking book. Line and wash illustrations show a wide range of children dancing and playing. This title and Amazing Me! Music! create a harmonious pair.

The natural world is presented in gorgeous photographs combined with lyrical language to present this “love letter to our planet.” Included at the end are tangible ways for young readers to actively engage and learn about the world in which they live.

What you be if you had a tongue like a windshield, or an air conditioner, or even a tongue that could blow bubbles? Find out about the animals (including a human!) as you guess your way about the fascinating tongue! Additional information concludes this lively and informative picture book.

Warmer, longer days signal a change in season: spring has arrived! Animals and insects become active again, plants and flowers grow. Spring also holds April Fools’ Day and Earth Day among other celebrations. Crisp photographs and short, sprightly text, and easy activities combine to engage readers.