Book Finder

Though Baby Owl insists that he’s not sleepy, his increasingly grumpy denials suggest otherwise. Only when Papa Owl cuddles his child and suggests a bedtime story does Baby Owl give in to sleep. Cartoon illustrations convey both the humor and warmth in this recognizable story.

Mommy tries all the typical tricks to resist her daughter’s attempts to get her into bed. Though the pleas are familiar (“five more minutes?”), the lighthearted illustrations show the mother engaging in the behaviors and the child’s patient response. Once Mommy is in bed, the girl starts the same routine with Daddy in this appealing book.

Bear is a creature of habit. Even when his friend, Mouse, comes for a sleepover, Bear follows his bedtime ritual. Everything goes along swimmingly until Bear is awakened by an unexpected noise but Mouse patiently reassures his friend. Soft watercolors depict the warmth of this unlikely ongoing friendship.

A family shares a nighttime picnic with traditional mooncakes and other foods to honor the moon. Each silently shares a wish that is sent to the moon. The quiet celebration is presented through Lin’s signature illustrations and simple text. An endnote provides a bit more information about the festival.

In a neighborhood of flower gardens, a Chinese-American girl and her mother plant what the child considers to be ugly vegetables. The ugly vegetables, however, become attractive and help build community when made into a delicious soup! A recipe is included.

The young narrator describes how she and her family each contribute to a handsome kite which they then enjoy flying. Signature illustrations show traditional Chinese kite designs combined with an author’s note about kite history. The result is the celebration of an ebullient family tradition that readers may want to take up themselves!

Chinese New Year traditions are brought to life through the eyes of a young girl and her family as they prepare for their family New Year celebration. Vivid color and bold line illustrate their planning which concludes with a dragon and noisemaking for a joyful celebration of this special Chinese festival.

Mama and Papa are excited to take a break from working in the fields and go home, but Carlos and his sisters are not sure how they feel about traveling to Mexico. Soon after arriving, however, they meet their loving extended family, and the children begin to understand what it meant for their parents to leave home in order to offer the family a better future. David Diaz’s stunning illustrations layered on top of photos of Mexican folk art bring Eve Bunting’s beautiful story to life.

Gita is ready for the Hindu celebration of Divali, but she is afraid that it just won’t be the same in her new home in Canada. When icy rain prevents the celebration they had planned, Gita becomes even more miserable, until she finds a way to light the darkness and remember Divali’s true meaning.