Book Finder

A Newbery Honor book that accounts the life and musical career of the great African American vocalist, Marion Anderson, in the context of the history of civil rights in the United States.

Written in verse, this is a Pura Belpré Award-winning portrait of Juan Francisco Manzano, the poet who was born a slave in Cuba in 1797. Margarita Engle explores Manzano’s poetic interpretations of his world and what freedom really means in a slave society.

Rhymes, games, and more are presented with richly colored illustrations evoke the traditions of Puerto Rico and the universality of a child’s activities and interests. Spanish verses are woven throughout the text.

This lush collection of twelve traditional Latin American tales brings the history and culture of thirteen countries into a vivid new perspective. Readers will have a unique glimpse of the early indigenous cultures, and of the literature that later blossomed with the blending of the Spanish and Native cultures.

The narrator is terrified of a pair of green pants he chances upon. What could they be? Well, those pants might just have their own concerns! Told and illustrated (with a glowing new touch) in characteristic Seussian fashion, this tale of misunderstanding first appeared in the The Sneetches and Other Stories (1961).

On a dark night a pumpkin may become a scary face, a boy may dress up as a skeleton and a girl as a cat, and they just knock at a door and get some treats. The changes on a Halloween evening are shown as readers guess what’s hidden beneath the flaps in this sturdy book.

This rhyming take-off on a well-known folksong is sure to delight listeners and readers of all ages. Lively rhymes use wonderful words and combine with eye-popping illustrations to present a catchy tale. Don’t know the tune? Don’t worry — the song is available to download from the publisher’s website.

When the good Italian witch, Strega Nona carefully adds a touch of magic to her well-tended garden it grows beautifully. Her bumbling assistant, Big Anthony, is not as careful with near-disastrous results. A creative solution to the overabundance winds up helping many — but will Big Anthony ever learn?

Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of the dark; for in it lives a host of creepy creatures that may invade his dreams. His list of things to do fail, of course, as does thriving without sleep — but our hero’s tale is amusingly told in words and boldly lined, comic illustrations.

Before Malcolm Daniel can help three moaning ghosts, he needs to know why they make such spooky noises. Told with rich language and evocative nighttime colors, this upbeat, not-too-scary, and satisfying tale is sure to become a favorite year round.

Where can Duck and Goose find a pumpkin? Young children will delight in the search and rejoice when the silly friends find their pumpkin. Autumnal colors and a simple, predictable text make an engaging book for the very young.

A plump little boy is caught by a hungry, garbage eating ghost but tricks him to get away. Humor abounds in this original tale steeped in Chinese lore and set in Beijing. Told and illustrated in a lively way, this tale will tickle the funny bone as well as taste buds.

What’s your favorite type of dog? Is it large? Small? Soft? With stripes? Even the youngest will be surprised that the narrator winds up being a feline that introduces the host of canines with distinctive personalities. Rhyming text is minimal but extended through humorous, expressive illustrations. 

Farmer Red decides to buy a lamb to cure his loneliness. He couldn’t afford to buy the fancy educated sheep, so he ends up with an uneducated lamb. He names her Delilah and they quickly become the best of friends. Delilah becomes such a help on the farm, that Red is soon able to afford educated sheep… but the new sheep bring new conflicts.

Take a journey through the life of Renaissance man Ludwig Bemelmans, author of the beloved Madeline series and accomplished painter. This book was written by his grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano, who has since continued the legacy of Madeline.

Luca is lonely and tired of spending his summer working in his parents’ café; that is, until he has an amazing adventure in the canals of Venice on the back of a dolphin. Playful line and wash illustrations add joy to the imaginative adventure.

Madeline introduces manners for many situations in rhyme, illustrated with light lines and watercolor illustrations.

From an elephant to a butterfly, Madeline meets and interacts with a series of creatures. Simple rhymes and signature illustrations appear on sturdy pages.