Book Finder

What is better than a warm day at the beach? A gentle rhyme accompanied by lightly hued illustrations detail the joyful day a group of children and their adult share on such a day.

Art’s dad wakes up still feeling sluggish from his cold, so father and son go on a hunt to make a cold-fighting juice. With a bit of help from the community, a tasty, healthy juice starts dad’s recovery. Realistic illustrations complement the contemporary story which includes a juice recipe. Also available in Spanish: Jugo Fresco (opens in a new window), translated by Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz. 

Short, poetic lines are accompanied by lush watercolor illustrations depict the many animals that live in it to eat, explore, and more. “It’s shelter from a storm. / The forest is… / home.”  

A plump pooch is given a treat — a strawberry — and the epic race is on! Though chaos ensues throughout the house, readers will appreciate the fast-paced humor in the comical illustrations and understated text as dog and strawberry race to the finish line.

Aurora is nervous before a class presentation where she will use sign language to tell her story. When she makes the butterfly sign, it goes round the world and back, providing the needed confidence. Created by a Deaf author and illustrator, this magical tale will resonate with all.

Bunny’s predictable vacation by the sea is upended with the arrival of Bob, a purple monster. At first Bunny is pleased when a storm ruins Bob’s belongings, but a change of heart allows her to find a friend and new ways to share the seaside. Humorous, detailed illustrations contrast Bunny’s and Bob’s size and their approaches to life.

Their friendship started when one boy accidentally bumped into another’s block building — and then they discovered that building together was more fun. So, too, was imaginatively watching dragons and other fantastic creatures wreck them! Swirling, meticulous illustrations in Santat’s characteristic style detail the children’s friendship with its ups and downs, but one that is built to last.
 

A range of poets, from Lois Lowry to Lee Bennett Hopkins, express thanks for critters small and large. Expressive, idealized watercolors depict adorable animals and children in poems of gratitude.

A big brown bear announces it is the only bear in the book, until a polar bear — and then other bears — join them. Together, they discover (along with the reader) how different types of bears are similar and different. Fact and humor combine in this humorous informational picture book with additional resources included.

The rug is the ocean in this imaginative seafaring tale as a child and parent begin their adventure while the other parent is on the phone. Sophisticated but childlike illustrations go between fantasy and real time as the family shares escapades on the high seas. The rug will doubtless go un-vacuumed. 

A prickly hotel? Plants and animals thrive because of the cactus and its spring flowers, seeds, et al! The simple text describing this environment and the lives it supports provides an intriguing introduction to the desert ecosystem.

Singing, playing, and talking to the seed didn’t help it bloom, but when the children listened to nature — placing the seed in a bed of soil — it flowered all summer. In autumn, the plant left them the gift of more seeds to plant next year. Child-like illustrations complement the straightforward text. 

“Somewhere in the big, big city…” live two babies sharing similar activities with their parents. After something to eat and a nap, this baby and that baby meet in the park to play. Lively language and bouncy illustrations depict familiar families.

Young children are invited to a powwow in this 1-to-10 counting board book — beginning with one car traveling to the powwow to 10 tribal citizens enjoying the celebration. The indigenous author and illustrator team that wrote Powwow Day (for slightly older readers) now introduce younger readers to the powwow tradition.  

Words in English and Spanish label bold shapes depicting people, common animals, and familiar objects on sturdy pages. Interesting juxtapositions add to the appeal on bright spreads.

Lola and her mother visit Zora, a beekeeper, where Lola learns about bees and the work of a beekeeper. Lola then decides to plant seeds at home to help bees, in this informative addition to the series.

Everything dad does, Lionel does, too. From hair combing to having “a think,” it’s clear that father and child enjoy each other’s company. Small format and simple illustrations on durable pages show common activities and the bond between parent and child.

Is that sound the bus? No, it’s the garbage truck! Other sounds bring more vehicles to the neighborhood. The school bus finally arrives bringing the child’s sister home!

From polar bears to owls, animals introduce shapes in one book (Hello Hello Shapes (opens in a new window)) while an axolotl to a zebra present color in another book (Hello Hello Colors (opens in a new window)). All animals — many endangered — are identified at the end of each sturdy book. 

Unique and quite handsome fish in this small, sturdy edition present a range of emotions accompanied by sophisticated descriptive word — sure to encourage conversation with young children.

Rhythmic language and irresistible photographs depict young children and animals each consuming colorful, healthy foods. Additional fruits and veggies are identified on end pages.

Have you ever considered how long a tree lives? Or where chocolate comes from?  Comical illustrations add jauntiness to this playful but informative book sure to intrigue young readers. 

Lift the sturdy flap to answer the question posed in the title. Bright illustrations and straightforward language create a fine book for sharing. Canine aficionados may appreciate What Is Puppy Going to Do? (opens in a new window). Each animal is presented in a recognizable situation.

With Spring comes “new life and new beginnings … Nature is hard at work …”  Children and their adults can celebrate the season with a wide range of easy-to-follow activities from pressing flowers to finding edible flowers, from growing strawberries to making strawberry fruit leathers. (Part of the Little Homesteader series)