Book Finder

Readers take over for the bus driver, who cautions them not to let the pigeon stay up late. But as in other books about this willful bird, well … Children get to see this situation from the adult’s perspective as the pigeon finds excuses not to go to bed.

When Peter throws a bottle into the ocean with a message for the sea creatures to come visit him, he hardly expected them to take him up on the offer! After various marine animals cause chaos in his hometown, Peter must set the situation straight. Awash with humor and puns, this is a great book for discussing literal and figurative meanings, and provides details on over 30 species of fish that appear in the book.

The third in a suspenseful trilogy, the Bones and their new friends battle dangers — from rat creatures to their own personal tragedies. The author creates a mysterious and complex world as the setting for this dark, gripping drama.

School is out and Babymouse heads to the beach with her surfboard — and brother — in tow. The energetic mouse is awash in nonstop beach adventures, depicted in bold line and pink wash.

This popular series has been trimmed and translated into a new format. With middle school girls as protagonists, the visual storytelling amplifies characters and clarifies difficult concepts to make it appropriate for younger readers. Tough topics like stepfamilies and medical problems are discussed with sensitivity (and sometimes humor) through the context of the girls’ friendship.

The rollicking adventures of Polo, a bright and resourceful pup, are told through lively, detailed pictures that warrant multiple examinations. Quick–paced and engaging, Polo brings all the right supplies for exploring the wider world by boat, plane and spaceship!

Four orphaned children, Jessie, Henry, Violet and Benny, make a home for themselves in an abandoned red boxcar — that is, until they find they need a caring adult. This is the first in the gentle, ever-popular, now classic mystery series. Now more than 60 years since it was published, the story of four orphans who make their home in an old railroad car comes to life again.

This trilogy begins with Elmer rescuing a baby dragon and continues by following their adventures, which range from humorous to heroic. The first in the series, “My Father’s Dragon” is a Newbury Honor book.

Runny Babbit talk is created by spoonerisms, switching the first sound in a pair of words, so a “silly book” becomes a “billy sook.” Kids build their phonemic awareness without even trying! The audio book narrator’s slightly gravelly voice is ideal for sharing these funny poems (completed though not published before the popular poet’s death in 1999).

Daisy narrates, in short, poetic language, how her older sister prepares for her marriage to Jamal. The emotional tale conveys both the joy of the marriage and the sadness of a sister leaving home. But ultimately, as Daisy and her family look at the wedding pictures, they remember the day fondly. Realistic illustrations enhance the story and add detail.

Jenny’s favorite uncle, Uncle Peter, is getting married. Now Jenny won’t be his only “special girl” any longer; she’ll have to share him with Stella! But Peter’s bride is as happy to have a new niece as she is beautiful and wins Jenny over. Child-like illustrations reflect the traditions and warmth of this Chinese American family.

This story prepares a child for what to expect at a traditional American wedding, from the point of view of the ring bearer. The simple rhyming text concludes with the bride and groom driving off, the ring bearer and other children throwing seeds for good luck – for “This is the way/The wedding will go.”

Nadia is thrilled to be the flower girl at her aunt’s wedding, yet continues to worries her classmates will respond on Monday to the temporary henna tattoos (mehndi). The intricate hand decorations that wear off slowly are a tradition of the family’s Pakistani background. Respect for tradition and the need to conform are at odds, but then resolved in this well-illustrated story.

Who else except Lilly would Mr. Slinger, Lilly’s favorite teacher, invite to be flower girl in his wedding? His niece, Ginger, that’s who! Lilly’s indomitable personality and the author’s genuine respect for children shine through in this wholly credible story — a very funny and satisfying saga in which Lilly saves the day.

Lettice, a small rabbit, is asked to be the flower girl in her dance teacher’s wedding. Giselle, a human, has asked a boy named Harry to be the ring bearer. Harry and Lettice share the joy and a bit of tension at this special occasion that is as sparkly as the pages of the book.

Harry’s Aunt Rose is getting ready to marry the tuba player in her five-piece band. Will Harry’s first experience as a ring bearer be as awful as his friend’s stint as ring bearer and flower girl combined? This warm family story is punctuated with gentle humor.

As the page boy in his friend’s wedding, Beni carries the ring and experiences the excitement of his first wedding. Rich in Jewish wedding tradition, there is a sweet treat offered to guests at the end — and the recipe is included!

Amber Brown’s narration brings drama and humor to the story of her life after her parents’ divorce. She alternately feels green (with envy), blue (with melancholy) and red (with anger), during this transitional time in her life, and gives young readers new language to express their own feelings.

James recounts one family visit to see his uncle and grandmother in New York City. Uncle Andy (who dropped the “a” from his surname) is an artist who would rock the art world, but who is appreciated here as the eccentric uncle of a slightly offbeat family. Warhol’s images are conjured in this energetic family memoir.

As a girl’s sight is slipping away, she realizes that color and images continue to live in her imagination. Her travels by subway show highly detailed patterns all around her and her artistic vision is heightened as her senses begin blending together. Children will want to slow down to see the “sound of color.”

In this creative collection, words are used as objects to create images — both on the page and in the reader’s mind. These literal representations make poetry and imagery accessible even to very young children.