Book Finder

Daisy loves to collect words and decides that the perfect word is just the right gift to give to her teacher as a wedding present. Daisy’s daily activities, her friendships, and even dealing with a bully are sure to resonate with newly independent readers.

The author introduces himself as the author, the book’s illustrator, and the main character, Chloe, as the book opens. The conflict between author and illustrator has a significant impact on Chloe’s book adventure in this funny, sophisticated presentation. As the author and illustrator pop in and out, style of illustration and text is varied for maximum effect.

How Captain American becomes one of the Avengers — superheroes that included Thor and the Hulk — is told in this new picture book format sure to please young Marvel Comic book fans and superhero aficionados. Bright illustrations move the text along to its exciting conclusion — and likely the next book.

When Vinson’s grandfather visits from China, the boy has conflicting feelings about his grandfather’s old ways. A visit to Chinatown to experience the lion dancers celebrate the Chinese New Year bring Ming Da (Vinson) and his grandfather closer. Watercolor and ink illustrations add power to the warm, plausible story.

Sophisticated readers will appreciate the themes of the poems presented in this large, attractively illustrated collection of poems. In varied forms, each poem celebrates books and reading and the pleasure it brings even to “The End/…an invitation back/to the beginning.”

Best friends don’t have to be alike, just look at tall Gollie and short Bink! They share a day at the state fair playing Whack-a-Duck, a talent show, and a visit to Madame Prunely. The line drawings capture the humor, the fun of a fair and the solid friendship of this appealing duo first introduced in Bink & Golly (opens in a new window).

Like the well-known Little Red Hen, all of the animals Monkey asks for help to get pie-making ingredients home are too busy. The cleverly told tale uses pairs of homonyms & homophones. These are differentiated by bold print and clarified in textured illustrations for a satisfying story that can be enjoyed on several levels.

When the doorbell rings three times, Willie knows that Uncle Bill has arrived to watch Willie while mom is away. In three short vignettes, Willie and his uncle make memories over a haircut, cooking and music. Jaunty illustrations portray lively and engaging characters and the warmth shared among them.

How Suryia, a highly photogenic orangutan, learns to swim with other animals in the South Carolina wildlife preserve is presented as a photograph album. Though most orangutans dislike water, Suryia enjoys swimming with the tigers and his best friend Roscoe (introduced in Suryia & Roscoe (opens in a new window)). Color photographs and simple text are sure to engage a range of readers.

Lily has always wanted a dog and so was thrilled to find something wonderful, big and brown with a wet nose, in her garden. The unusual dog’s owner collects it soon enough but not before Lily and her pet share routine but fun, doggy adventures. The understated humor is presented in comic illustrations and restrained text which lead to a very satisfying conclusion.

A child and her family plan and plant a garden and observe it as it grows. Her narration includes information about the process while conversations between two hens add humor and information. The appealing, light-lined, cartoon-like illustrations vary format while adding information and wit.

Scooter, a pudgy golden hound, explores the outside — all by himself — after Lucy (his friend and owner) leaves for school. His adventure is exciting and exhausting until Scooter and Lucy are reunited at her school. Cartoon illustrations and humorous dog-speak present a rollicking tale.

From Alcatraz to the Mission District, join an enthusiastic little girl and her dad as they tour highlights of San Francisco (CA). Bright illustrations and brief, rhyming text give a whirlwind tour of the city. A companion book presents another family on equally jaunty and animated tour in New York, Baby! (opens in a new window).

Join Buzz, his pet fly Fly Guy, and Buzz’s dad on a car ride that turns into an exciting adventure when Fly Guy is swept out of an open window and into the mouth of a passing truck driver. Can Fly Guy survive? Will he be reunited with Buzz? This installment of the funny saga is presented in short, easier to read chapters, and signature illustrations of bug-eyed characters.

Two children start to plan their community garden while snow is still on the ground. Come spring they “plant a little seed or two…or more” and wait. They work and wait until the harvest and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) with neighbors. Illustrations in vivid color and strong line paint the garden, its visitors, and the dedicated gardeners.

The prairie is home to lush and unique plants and animals. Here they are introduced in the cadence of a familiar rhyme (“Over in the Meadow”) which is followed by brief factual information. All is accompanied by eye-catching, textured mixed media illustrations that inform and engage.

Brief explanations of both the inside and outside of the human body are presented in direct text and full-color photographs with overlaid drawings. Also included are: a table of contents, index, glossary, and code to a download an interactive web-based book from the publisher.

Bella tells readers all about her grumpy day which starts early. Families with grumpy children (as well others who witness one) will see the humor seen in Bella’s bad behavior, her bedtime apology, and the cheerful next day in the simple, expressive illustrations and honest narration.

Jeremy preferred no disturbances when he was drawing but the unexpected return of his blue monster causes Jeremy to think of a creative and highly satisfying solution. Similar in style to Jeremy Draws a Monster (opens in a new window), this stand-alone is equally enjoyable.

Long ago, Lady Hahn sewed with the help of her seven friends — needle, thimble, etc. — until each thought that their special job was most important. Swirling, detailed illustrations evoke the story’s origin and early Korean setting and provide personalities to typical sewing tools.

The rain starts when a grandfather bumps his head, winds up in bed, and the children must play indoors. Lively illustrated vignettes of their games and concern for their granddad accompany the lyrics to what some may recognize as a song of the 1960s. A CD of the now classic children’s tune (plus 2 others) is included in the package but isn’t necessary to enjoy the book.

Babysitting can be fun, especially if you get to babysit your grandpa! A child’s advice makes for an active and very funny time together as they share snacks, a walk, and more before the parents’ return. Straightforward text is enhanced by spirited, comical illustrations.

Vernon, a toad, is a steadfast friend. He stands by stoic Bird until they find Bird’s perfect home. Expressive, softly colored, informal illustrations are worth close examination and complement the tender tale of friendship and faithfulness.

Humans are sure to see themselves in the beach vacation taken by a crab family. From playing in the sand to waterpark slides, energetic, humorous cartoon illustrations continue until “Another crustacean vacation is done,/Filled with marvelous memories of fun in the sun.”