Book Finder

How did the world come to have stories? It’s all because Ananse the Spider Man was able to perform three amazing feats — and send stories from Nyame throughout the world of people. Strong woodcuts illustrate this traditional African tale which explains how stories came to earth.

The girl who tended horses loved them so much that she joined them, literally! The carefully crafted, handsomely rendered illustrations echo the Native tradition studied by the reteller/illustrator.

Travel with Bossy Rooster to his uncle’s wedding. Of course the road is not entirely smooth in this cumulative, handsomely illustrated tale from Cuba — and that’s when the fun begins!

In this retelling of a beloved Mexican folktale, Tomie dePaola presents Lucinda, a young girl who is helping her mother weave a new blanket for Baby Jesus to be used in the Christmas procession to the church. When her mother falls ill, however, Lucinda tries to continue weaving and is distraught when the blanket’s threads get tangled. She is sure that she has ruined the celebration — until a Christmas miracle brings forth the flaming red-star flowers that we still enjoy each December. Beautiful artwork will enthrall readers.

Un paseo mágico en tren durante la Nochebuena lleva a un niño al Polo Norte para recibir un regalo especial de Papá Noel. Ganador de la medalla Caldecott.

When Frances sees an organ grinder and his monkey sleeping outside of their apartment, she can think of little else — even during the Christmas pageant. It is then she finds just the right words. Soft, evocative illustrations enhance this touching story about concern and caring.

Lilting language and bold shapes in flat colors encourage response as the narration asks who do these knees belong to? And in another book by Asim, your child will discover Whose Toes Are Those? The author’s background as a poet is evident in the simple and evocative writing.

The long, cold nights of winter are the time when bear, frog, and a host of animals hunker down for sleep. Soft watercolors illustrate the drowsy text as the animals await spring and hibernate. Humorous touches augment the tone of the lullaby as everyone — including the listener — settles down.

Shake the shapes and what do you find? A host of triangles, squares, and more! What can you do with them? Make different things. Where can you see them? All around you! Geometric shapes in bold colors depict a cast of children finding, identifying, and playing with shapes — all to a rhythmic text.

Rabbit’s generosity sets off a chain of events that brings his kindness full circle. The lush and accessible acrylic paintings suggest the Chinese folktale upon which the retelling is based. A note at the end supports the notion of universal truth in folktales.

Who is under the umbrella or behind the laundry on the line? Is it the baby behind the ball? Just lift the flap and find the chubby-cheeked babies. Sturdy pages and everyday objects conceal the appealing youngsters in this interactive book, ideal for sharing.

Many trucks that are small have big jobs like ambulances or mail trucks. Others have different jobs like pick-ups, zambonis, and ice cream trucks. Readers who are intrigued by things that go will enjoy the full color photographs and brief explanation of the truck’s job, cleverly placed on sign-shaped backgrounds of different colors.

When brother’s hands tap, sister’s hands clap and “Itty-bitty Baby’s hands CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!” The entire family gets involved in the music and movement — until that tired baby “sleeps deep, deep, deep.” Words and pictures swirl and swoop all over the pages of this energetic, musical family jaunt.

Even a day that starts out on a sour note can become a good day after all, as four forest animals learn. A little girl who lives nearby finds the bird’s lost feather and declares for all to hear that it really is a good day! Uncluttered illustrations use strong line and gentle colors to convey the wondrous turnaround.

Hondo and Fabian, dog and cat friends, are back. Here, their days take very different looks as Fabian the cat goes outside to play with “friends” while Hondo stays in with the baby. Softly lined and hued illustrations create humor to show what really goes on with an escaped cat and a dog-chasing toddler!

Emily can do magic — but how? With words like please, thank you, hello, and more! Emily uses her magic words with friends and family alike. Uncomplicated illustrations create the magic, while the straightforward language makes the useful and pleasant point.

Bunny and mouse are friends who discover fun and mischief when the weather won’t allow them to play outdoors. But when the rain stops, “slippery drippy everything” makes mud — oh, so much fun in which to play! Simple language and expressive illustrations convey the child-like joy of play.

Beetles come in many shapes and sizes — revealed in rhyming text and luminous illustrations. Readers will enjoy the dynamic interplay of words and pictures in this lively book.

Ah, that baby in those “White shoes./High-jumping,/fast-funning,/fine-looking/shoes!” sure moves quickly when she and her mama take a walk to the park and beyond. Lively language and jaunty watercolors share the joy of the outing — for mother and child!

With the cadence, format, and appeal of the creators’ Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, animals found in North America are introduced. From a rattlesnake to a mountain goat, children will delight in the rhythm and predictability of the text and the cadence of the illustrations.

Poetic text and handsome illustrations create gentle reminders for children of what parents find special about them. From a nose to a hand, “ordinary” is celebrated in gentle language and soft illustration.

Every month of the year is cause for celebration – from sledding to holidays. Each poem and accompanying illustration (reminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats) for each month of the year reflects a child’s joy and interests.

Caroline doesn’t see much of the name of their new street, Meadowview, as she and her family move to their new suburban neighborhood. When she saves a single flower from the lawn mower, she starts to change not only her backyard but ultimately the entire neighborhood. Soft illustrations and understated text convey story and an important concept.