Book Finder

Plum is one of the Athensville Zoo’s feathered ambassadors though a jealous, wily rodent thinks it would be better than Plum, a mere peacock. Lively language and jaunty illustrations combine to make a funny, memorable tale with enough tension to keep readers going to the very end.

Cassie has moved from the big city back to her family’s Texas hometown. Joining her parents in a community celebration of Juneteenth, Cassie learns about the day when slaves in Texas were freed some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and wonders why the news took so long to reach them. She is introduced to Juneteenth traditions and while making red velvet cake and witnessing the joy of the locals downtown, learning Juneteenth’s history helps her to realize that she is, indeed, home.

On June 19, 1865, a Union soldier traveled to Texas to tell the enslaved people who lived there that they were free — that slavery was now illegal in every state. The people danced and sang in celebration of their freedom. Today, we pay tribute to this historical day with a special holiday on June 19 called Juneteenth. This colorfully illustrated story takes kids on an exciting journey through all the events that led up to the first Juneteenth, the day itself, and the impact it had on the future of the U.S.

Evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas.

Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth’s story started long before it was celebrated. The history of this now widely recognized celebration is presented in measured, accessible, and informative text and colorful illustrations. An afterword by the author reveals her connection to Junteenth.

The Children’s Terra Carta is introduced in stunning illustrations by 33 artists. A foreword by The Prince of Wales is followed by four sections (nature, people, planet, and the Terra Carta, UK’s document to address climate change). Double page spreads of text and art invite and encourage readers’ engagement.

We may know more about her younger brother, but Maria Anna was also a child prodigy who composed and played music. While her father encouraged Wolfgang, he neither encouraged nor allowed Nannerl (as she was known). Her story is revealed here through Nannerl’s lively narration and charming illustrations. Backmatter provides additional information. 

People and animals share many things: they play, move around, make homes, use tools and more. The more we know, the greater the respect we have for those with which we share the planet. Stylized, colorful illustrations and tidbits of information are presented in bitesize bits in a handsome format.

It was said that Fatima al-Fihri’s first word was “read.” Not surprisingly, it was this 9th century girl who grew up to start a university for all in Morocco. Beautifully illustrated and simply told, Fatima’s story continues into current times.     

Have you ever wondered about video games, like what came before the Xbox? What inspired the hardworking German immigrant boy who invented them? Readable narration and childlike illustrations tell Ralph Baier’s story. Photographs concludes this playful, inspiring biography.

Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, beautiful Africa, with her large and happy family. The sparkling language echoes the Nigerian author’s storytelling background and reads well independently but also makes a good read aloud. This is the first in a series of realistic stories about Anna and her marvelous family.

“A rooftop garden is what we need — Friends and family all agree.” So, the diverse residents of the apartment gather tools, seeds and begin! Lively, rhyming language combines with bright illustrations to present the activity. Information needed to grow a rooftop garden and music to sing the narrative conclude the book. Be sure to link to the QR code to hear a toe-tapping rendition of the song.

One. Only one. The story of our planet, our universe, our responsibility for earth’s treasures, begins, and ends with one. Follow a child as they go from small to universal then back again in this handsomely illustrated, empowering look at caring for our planet.

Alphonso loves to fish, attracting them with his wormlike tongue. But can the alligator snapping turtle eat the school of fish who have gathered to joyfully share the meal? Information about amazing alligator snapping turtles concludes this humorous tale of an empathetic creature.

Though most donkeys would find it difficult, Hakim manages to knit a sweater for his friend Daisy who lives atop the mountain. Fog makes everything and everyone that Hakim meets on his journey appear monstrous, but are things always as they appear? Cartoonlike illustrations reveal the humorous truth of mountain trail travel.

Look up! Can you see the gold and black butterflies migrating to warmer climes? The rhyming narration and colorful illustrations with die cuts effectively focus readers on monarchs. A brief note discusses the monarchs’ travel.

On a Saturday walk with her parents, Lizzy gets a cloud she named Milo. But sometimes even the most agreeable pet cloud can grow too large. How Lizzy amends the information on cloud care is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Soft lines and careful use of color are effective in this imaginative tale.

A child wonders as she wanders on the beach while visiting grandparents. Lush, textured illustrations echo and expand the child’s musings on a glorious day. Husband and wife creators capture this joy-filled experience.  

When the family takes a short vacation, Granny comes to stay to care for the family cat. Granny loses her glasses and accidentally lets a mischievous racoon inside and the indoor cat out. Animated chaos follows Granny’s mistaken identity for a comedy of errors starring one clever racoon.

An’s grandmother’s memory is fading. Her grandfather thinks that a special fruit will help her remember. When the special gấc rice is made, An’s grandmother recalls their wedding wish — the title of the book. Lush illustrations tenderly depict the Vietnamese family and their love for each other. A recipe is included.

Gigi can’t wait for her mother’s father, her grandfather, to arrive from Japan to live with them. But Ojiisan isn’t at all what the biracial girl expected. How grandfather and granddaughter learn about the other is affirming and heartwarming in this easier to read tale.

A young boy enjoys the open field throughout the seasons. Lyrical language and textured watercolors bring into focus the unfettered joy of nature in a “…field [that] would not, could not/be bought! or belong/to anyone./Even Emile.”

Arnold was always a seafaring elephant. Luckily, he found a small island when his boat sank. With his built-in trumpet, he called for help. Help arrives and together, animals combine efforts to make a distinctive island and create unusual friendships in this unique nautical tall tale.