Book Finder

It all started with one musician becoming inspired by another’s music. After all, music changes the listener, provides inspiration, and more…just because. This fresh saga of how music has stretched over centuries to inspire a new composer begins with Beethoven and ends with the now-grown child who was inspired. A number of people are included in the “score”, effectively portrayed in the illustrations that “perform” it.

Focus on one family and one letter: B is not only for baby, but brother, banana and more. A charming baby and mother travel through the pages of this colorful book with lots to explore in each image while listening to alliterative language. Set in Africa, perhaps the author’s native Nigeria, this is sure to delight young readers from around the world.

More for the adults in a baby’s life, this engaging book reminds readers what babies can do now and what they can look forward to enjoying, particularly sharing lots of love. All goings -on are demonstrated by children of various hues in gently crafted illustration on open pages.

Join a vivacious gathering of young children as they show off their wiggle-waggle, flip-flop, knockabout, hokey-pokey selves while engaging in familiar activities. From swimming to dancing and more, this gently humorous illustrated tale reads aloud well while encouraging participation.

“Peekity book!” Baby does many things from eating dinner to starting the nighttime ritual of getting ready for bath and bed. Cartoon-like illustrations and a jaunty rhyme follow a mom, dad, and young child until, “Peepity peep./Shhh…Baby’s asleep.”

Lift the sturdy flap to meet the offspring introduced by the adult animals in two durable volumes (Peek-a-Baby Ocean (opens in a new window)). Farm animals and the names of their young are likely to be more familiar than those that live in the ocean. Both, however, are engaging and informative.

Bees buzz through the sturdy pages to introduce the activities of honeybees. With or without two bees that can be punched out of the front cover, young readers are encouraged to join the journey in this hive-shaped book.

Join the countdown of stomping dinosaurs from five to zero. Each numeral remains on double page spreads visible through die-cuts until the final pages where children are stomping in front of a skeleton in a museum. Dinosaurs depicted are identified at the very end.

The adventures of a big black dog and a small white canine demonstrate a range of opposites — feelings and activities. The nearly wordless tale of adventure and friendship is expressively, even dramatically, illustrated and certain to encourage original storytelling.

Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend — or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.

Each month of each season is distinct because of the way the natural world responds. Colorful illustrations encircle each poem to reflect the beauty and activities of animals and the environments in which they live.

What does a piece of art make you feel? This is what the poet/editor, Lee Bennett Hopkins, asked a diverse group of poets. Each examined work from the Metropolitan Museum and answered in a poem to create a unique and handsome collection. 

Familiar rhymes, many of which are often sung, are presented in a sturdy format just right to share with young children. Simple, gently hued illustrations accompany each ditty and song.

This poem is a love letter to black life in the U.S. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, and Gwendolyn Brooks. Robust back matter provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.

Open this book to discover that “science + poetry = surprise!” — one describes why while the other presents wonder. Encounter spring’s wonder and why in this handsomely illustrated introduction to “equation poems.”

So you think rap is modern? Well, it is, but its genesis began long ago! Discover where rap started in this rhythmic, clearly sourced, and stunningly illustrated poetic introduction to it.

A puddle laments the rain and some of those who run over and in her. That is until the last school bell rings and she reflects the beautiful colors of the sky’s rainbow. Semiabstract watercolors combine with a rhythmic text just right to share aloud.

Rhymes from around the world — Norway to New Zealand, Jamaica to Tonga — are presented in both English and their original language. Colorful, childlike illustrations create a diverse, inviting collection.

Nature comes alive in each classic haiku accompanied by an expressive, imaginative painting. The poems appear in both English and Japanese, which is also transliterated to facilitate pronunciation. 

Sports are for everyone! Short, rhythmic poems about a range of familiar (as well as less well known sports like lacrosse) are presented in a highly illustrated, format sure to read aloud well. 

A picture book biography of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved writers of all time. Young Jane was a bit quiet and shy, but she observed people and loved to read. She devoured everything in her father’s massive library and before long, she began creating her own stories — and went on to invent an entirely new kind of novel.

Mikey’s dad has left home to fight overseas during World War I, and Mikey wants to do something big to help. His teacher suggests that the class participate in a knitting bee in Central Park to knit clothing for the troop, and when the girls turn it into a competition, the boys just have to meet the challenge.