Book Finder

A child and her family plan and plant a garden and observe it as it grows. Her narration includes information about the process while conversations between two hens add humor and information. The appealing, light-lined, cartoon-like illustrations vary format while adding information and wit.

Scooter, a pudgy golden hound, explores the outside — all by himself — after Lucy (his friend and owner) leaves for school. His adventure is exciting and exhausting until Scooter and Lucy are reunited at her school. Cartoon illustrations and humorous dog-speak present a rollicking tale.

From Alcatraz to the Mission District, join an enthusiastic little girl and her dad as they tour highlights of San Francisco (CA). Bright illustrations and brief, rhyming text give a whirlwind tour of the city. A companion book presents another family on equally jaunty and animated tour in New York, Baby! (opens in a new window).

Two children start to plan their community garden while snow is still on the ground. Come spring they “plant a little seed or two…or more” and wait. They work and wait until the harvest and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) with neighbors. Illustrations in vivid color and strong line paint the garden, its visitors, and the dedicated gardeners.

The prairie is home to lush and unique plants and animals. Here they are introduced in the cadence of a familiar rhyme (“Over in the Meadow”) which is followed by brief factual information. All is accompanied by eye-catching, textured mixed media illustrations that inform and engage.

Brief explanations of both the inside and outside of the human body are presented in direct text and full-color photographs with overlaid drawings. Also included are: a table of contents, index, glossary, and code to a download an interactive web-based book from the publisher.

Bella tells readers all about her grumpy day which starts early. Families with grumpy children (as well others who witness one) will see the humor seen in Bella’s bad behavior, her bedtime apology, and the cheerful next day in the simple, expressive illustrations and honest narration.

Jeremy preferred no disturbances when he was drawing but the unexpected return of his blue monster causes Jeremy to think of a creative and highly satisfying solution. Similar in style to Jeremy Draws a Monster (opens in a new window), this stand-alone is equally enjoyable.

Long ago, Lady Hahn sewed with the help of her seven friends — needle, thimble, etc. — until each thought that their special job was most important. Swirling, detailed illustrations evoke the story’s origin and early Korean setting and provide personalities to typical sewing tools.

The rain starts when a grandfather bumps his head, winds up in bed, and the children must play indoors. Lively illustrated vignettes of their games and concern for their granddad accompany the lyrics to what some may recognize as a song of the 1960s. A CD of the now classic children’s tune (plus 2 others) is included in the package but isn’t necessary to enjoy the book.

Babysitting can be fun, especially if you get to babysit your grandpa! A child’s advice makes for an active and very funny time together as they share snacks, a walk, and more before the parents’ return. Straightforward text is enhanced by spirited, comical illustrations.

Vernon, a toad, is a steadfast friend. He stands by stoic Bird until they find Bird’s perfect home. Expressive, softly colored, informal illustrations are worth close examination and complement the tender tale of friendship and faithfulness.

Humans are sure to see themselves in the beach vacation taken by a crab family. From playing in the sand to waterpark slides, energetic, humorous cartoon illustrations continue until “Another crustacean vacation is done,/Filled with marvelous memories of fun in the sun.”

Clothes on lines and a rhyming description ask readers to figure out what job the wearer might do. The first is a mail carrier who delivers to community workers until all come together for a rocket launch in a presentation with crisp illustrations on white pages and simple clues.

Short, imaginative poems combine with brief facts and handsome, full color photographs to introduce a variety of insects. Fact or fiction can be shared independent of the other to find out about everything from the common house fly to the colorful lovebug and many more insects.

When a boy meets a robot they became fast and caring friends who worry about each other and share everyday activities and play. Simple language and bright, precise illustrations combine to present a fantastic and very gratifying friendship.

For four glorious years, Davy had Mom & Dad all to himself. But things changed when not one but 12 brothers arrived. Line drawings add expression and comedy to the understated text for a laugh-out-loud sheep tale sure to be enjoyed by those with — or without — new siblings.

Each type of train makes a slightly different sound from the “clang, ting” and “bing” of a freight train to the “zooosh” of the diesel. The long format is reminiscent of a track to support the colorful trains rushing by as well as their onomatopoeic sounds in varied typeface.

A rhyming text and soft, idealized illustrations present a young child’s pleasure in summer activities — from shooting “straight down the slide” to a picnic in the shade with her parents. The small size of the book makes it ideal for sharing one-to-one.

A small chick, born “on the move!” named Pipsqueak wants to fly regardless of what the other animals say and continues trying until (with a little help) he succeeds. Pipsqueak is then on to the next challenge! Comic illustrations bounce across the pages in this lively barnyard tale.

Poetic language introduces a moonlit evening when “Moonlight slides like butter”, touching sleeping rabbit, “butters Rabbit’s dreams/…/shakes him out of bed…” to dance in the field. Darkly hued illustrations touched by butter yellow evoke the gentle night and its wonder.

The city is filled with trucks, trains, and more things that go and “vroom”, “beep”, “honk” and more. Young machine aficionados are sure to appreciate them as presented in deeply colored illustrations and alliterative text. Questions asked are answered with a flap lift.

Lola is excited that she’s going to become a big sister. She and her parents are prepared for Leo’s arrival — especially Lola who reads to him on every occasion! Warm paintings illustrate this gently, recognizable look at one family’s everyday goings-on.

Little Llama zips and zooms, swishes and slides on the playground with his friends seen in uncluttered illustrations and limited text. In Llama Llama Hoppity-Hop, Llama hops, jumps, thumps right into Llama Mama’s embrace.