Book Finder

Ruth Harkness continued her husband’s work after his death. She traveled alone to China alone, unusual for a woman in the 1930s. She found an abandoned panda cub, brought it back to the United States to begin “panda-monium.” Handsome illustrations evoke the period and places of Mrs. Harkness’ travel. An author’s note provides more information.

Meet Magritte who “One bright day in the dark of the night,” saw a “marvelous hat” that became his inspiration and friend. Johnson’s illustrations are inspired by the 20th century surrealist painter Rene Magritte (though here the artist is a canine). This visually sophisticated book introduces young artists to a unique master.

Early miners’ pants couldn’t hold up as they dug for gold when the California gold rush started — until a man named Levi Strauss headed west with a “DANG!” good idea! This tall tale version of how Levis (jeans) came into existence is told with verve and humor in both textured illustration and lighthearted text, ideal for reading aloud. It fills in what little is known about the real man.

Join Miles, a young Seal Sitter at the Salish Sea (aka Puget Sound) in Seattle, Washington, as he works to help Leopard until his mother returns from finding food. How the baby seal named Leopard grows with a bit of help (but no interference) from humans is revealed in full-color photographs and crisp text. An author’s note provides additional information.

En route to New York City from South America in 1882, the Pliny runs aground in rough water. In a riveting imagined first person account, Anthony’s voice brings to life the rescue of passengers from a British ship, with evocative descriptions. Dramatic illustrations enhance the detail. An afterword provides additional historical detail.

..[B]ack in the 1920s and ’30s, twelve of sixteen Acerra children played baseball (the girls back then didn’t play sports). This upbeat look at one close-knit, longtime baseball-playing family is jauntily illustrated. An author’s note reveals her inspiration and an update on the Acerras (including their induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame).

She wore a size 12 shoe, was a spy during World War II, and her name became synonymous with classic French cooking. An informal, engaging, and surprisingly comprehensive biography of Julia Child is presented though a format that is reminiscent of both a scrapbook and a comic book. The result is sure to engross sophisticated young foodies again and again.

Even as a child, Barnum Brown started collecting fossils. This boy from Carbondale, Kansas, grew up to be one of the 20th century’s premier dinosaur hunters. He provided the American Museum of Natural History in NYC with its first tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Illustrations add wit to the informal telling; an author’s note rounds out the presentation.

In this rhyming adventure, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee learn to ski. They didn’t expect to run into a very curious moose, however, which turns their outing a real cliffhanger!

In Seussian rhyme and lively illustrations, Jack imagines and describes the car he will build — much better than the clunky family car!

Many things change with each season, Little Nutbrown Hare learns as he and Big Nutbrown Hare explore the outdoors. Tadpoles grow into frogs in the Spring, leaves change color in the Fall and more — but the affection between father and son is a constant. Simple language and soft illustrations once again present the enduring warmth of the Nutbrown Hares.

A girl and her family enjoy the pleasures of a summer day, capturing its colors, sounds, and tastes. The girl and her parents have a picnic in the park before night falls with its own special sights and sounds. Soft illustrations and rhyming text combine for the satisfying story until [I] “Turn off the light…/And dream of summer day…and nights.”

Children tease “crazy old Birdman” who feeds the pigeons in the park. That is, until he helps Rose discover beauty in the city and the color of flowers from simple seeds on her windowsill. Suddenly Rose finds a “singing garden” to brighten the gray city. Luminous illustrations swirl across the page to enliven the staccato free verse.

From one end of the United States to the other, the 4th of July is celebrated: on beaches, with parades, picnics, and of course fireworks. Cut paper collage combine with appealing, rhyming, short poetry to re-create the heat and rhythm of summer and the pleasure in its goings-on.