Book Finder

A truck-loving child imagines that his toy construction vehicles are real and he’s driving them and will soon teach his little brother how. Large, richly colored illustrations convey the boy’s enthusiasm for diggers as well as what these machines do in real life.

Izzy and her sister were mountain girls, so one summer the family decided to go see something new — the ocean. The girls are wowed by the sea, the beach, and its treasures — both real and imaginary — as they explore above and beneath the water. Readers will revisit highly detailed, labeled illustration including the well-placed, well devised fold-outs.

The narrator and her aunt work to save money to buy a shiny green car to take them to the sea. Though it takes time, Tia Isa and her niece reach their goal and buy the car that brings them to the beach. Cheerful illustrations and an upbeat narration with a sprinkling of Spanish words create recognizable characters in a realistic setting.

The rabbit family’s activity-filled day at the beach begins with packing the car and ends with the young bunnies holding on to the fun with a nighttime game of “Go Fish” while their parents sleep. Readers will recognize the goings-on in the gentle illustrations and rhyming text.

Richly colored, highly textured illustrations and evocative language follow an ochre sea star (aka starfish) as she lives and hunts for food in the Pacific Ocean. The sea star’s daily routine both informs and inspires. The book also includes references to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Full-color illustrations and clear language present a range of fish in different ecosystems in and near the U.S., as well as the impact of people’s activities on the fish. Endpapers include maps where the fish you’ve met in the book can be found.

Author/illustrator and self-taught naturalist Jim Arnosky introduces mysteries that surround unknown animals: “cryptozoology.” Dramatic illustrations combine with an informative, engaging text to present a range of land and water creatures, starting with ocean giants, sharks, and squids.

When his parents trade Jonathan’s much-loved teddy bear for a toaster, he sets out on a Big Blue Boat to find Frederick the bear. Jonathan is joined by animals he befriends along the way and finally a little girl who holds a bear instead of a toaster. The imaginative, child-like, and handsomely illustrated tale comes full circle in a most satisfying way.

Full color photographs capture beautiful babies at the beach engaged in warm, sunny, beach activities. The limited, lighthearted text serves as captions for each picture.

Cut-outs on sturdy pages present a range of objects seen at the beach. Made for the youngest child to recognize, each clearly presented object — ranging from pail and shovel to sun and starfish — is punctuated with glittery paper for a particularly sunny appearance.

A bicyclist rides begins his outing near the sea and rides through cities, towns, and the country with the water always in view. Restrained but effective language complements the highly stylized illustrations in limited colors accentuated by the glossy yellow road the bicyclist rides on.

Unlikely friends, Cork (a short muskrat who enjoys the water) and Fuzz (a tall possum who doesn’t) find that practice can turn fear into an unexpected adventure. Expressive illustrations and understated humor present a memorable, exciting everyday escapade.

Dramatic photographs, attention-grabbing facts, and clear maps introduce a world of animals and their habitats. A glossary, where to go for more information, and an index make this an ideal book for both browsing and research.

Summer camp adventures — from arts and crafts to games to hiking — are presented in rhymes that can be sung to familiar tunes. Slightly irreverent humor in text and illustrations are sure to make this a memorable experience for campers and non-campers alike.

Dinny Brown hurries and helps his family finish getting ready so they can walk to the fair. Grandma and Dinny start out but are soon joined by the others for a lovely fair day! Softly hued, detailed illustrations and playful, rhyming text build excitement for this family outing.

Two friends make decisions about their summertime activities and adventures. Do they want to do cannonballs or float in the pool? Is this a firefly or fireworks night? Soft illustrations and limited text accessibly present compatible girls engaged in recognizable activities.

Feared by the townsfolk, only young Sam understands outlaw Dirk Yeller’s “itchin’ and twitchin.’” And Sam has the cure: a visit to the local library where Dirk finds adventure — and love. Animated, twangy language and caricature-like illustrations make a memorable tall tale.

Does no electricity mean that there’s nothing to do or are there new adventures just waiting to happen? A family and their neighbors find out one hot summer night in the city. Luminous illustrations and limited text reveal the unexpected, joy-filled pleasures of a blackout.

Gentle rhymes and realistic watercolor illustrations invite readers to imagine what a range of animals are doing as readers go through their day. Naturally, activities wind down as animals “…who at this very moment/will fall asleep with you.”