Book Finder

When a tsunami orphans a young hippopotamus, a group of concerned Malidi (on the east coast of Kenya) villagers figure out how to capture the 600 pound baby thus beginning his new life in an animal sanctuary with a new and unlikely companion — a 130 year old tortoise named Mzee. Full color photographs and straightforward text are used in this inspiring, appealing and true story told first by a young girl and her father.

When paired for a class trip, Chipmunk gets on the bad side of the school bully, Joe Sweety. When Sweety decides it’s time for payback, Chipmunk’s friend Bernie Bridges comes up with a plan to stop him and save his Rotten School buddy from harm. Kids will enjoy this slightly spooky and deliciously funny edition in the Rotton School Series.

What could be grosser than a cockroach on a pizza? A cockroach on a pizza in the Oval Office in the White House! That’s just where young Wilky, struck with wanderlust, finds himself — setting off a Presidential chase with international implications. Cartoon art and sophisticated humor create an urbane look at pests in the White House.

What makes YOU grumpy? Is it opening a birthday present and finding UNDERWEAR? (Oh, poop!) Is it getting a sloppy smooch from your aunt? (Oh, yuck!) Is it when your peas get into the GRAVY? (Oh, gross!) Playful illustrations and a humorous text capture the essence of the gross grumpies for kids of all ages.

William Archibald Spooner was really a professor at Oxford University (England) who was known for his wit and brains and was notorious for flip-flopping the initial sounds of words. This makes an intelligent man a “fart smeller” and complimenting a little girl with “dirty pimples.” A complete list of unscrambled answers to the questions posed is provided at the end.

Trash isn’t gross with Mr. Gilly at the wheel of the collection truck. In fact, he is proud of his job picking up the trash around town — from the school to the pizza parlor. Boldly colored illustrations and a catchy rhyme tell the story of this Trashy Town — and how we all helped make it so!

A witch with long, stringy hair and a big nose — even a cat named Fred — can’t do very scary or even remotely witchy things. So after making Fred sick from her gross and disgusting potion, she takes off her witch gloves, her witch hat, and her witch mask — to reveal a little girl beneath. This satisfying story is once again available for a new generation.

Quirky but appealing, crass but informative, Dr. Dog is the Gumboyle family’s pet beagle who provides health advice when they most need it, such as “don’t scratch your bum and suck your thumb.” Dr. Dog also gives competent counsel regarding certain culinary treats and their potential impact. Gross but funny, Dr. Dog provides digestible information.

Hally is the much loved pet of the Tosis family. They love everything about her except for her bad breath which may bring their happy days as a family to an end — that is until Hally saves the day by bungling burglars! This pun-filled text teams with laughs that come in a variety of smells.

What icky creature looks the same from both ends? The worm, of course! For the first time ever, get the insider’s view of life from this creepy crawler’s perspective. He lives underground with his family, eats his homework and does his best to annoy his sister — documenting it all in a diary. Simple illustrations are the ideal complement to the understated humor (though nonetheless laugh-out-loud tone) of the text.

Ever tried to cram something in too small a space before you know if you can get it out — like a lima bean up your nose? Well, that’s just one of many really bad ideas presented in this very engaging book. Textured, high energy illustrations make the bad ideas and their unfortunate consequences virtually leap across the pages.

This collection offers children an introduction to poetry through rich imagery and vivid illustrations. The stream-of-consciousness style sticks to familiar childhood themes to keep children engaged.

Each poem, told from the point of view of a young child, speaks to childhood dreams, fears and perceptions, and to the realities of growing up Black in America. This old favorite is becoming a top choice for a new generation of readers.

Poetic language and gentle illustrations depict girls being girls! Stories have a playful tone and are easy to read.

A mother encircles her daughter like a bottle around a genie, and teaches her the craft of weaving and the world of possibilities before letting her out on her own. The lyrical poetry envelops the reader like the mother’s arms, and offers gentle protection and loving support.

This collection of poems celebrates individuals and communities who face ordinary struggles with extraordinary wit, energy, and strength. The rhythmic language demands to be read aloud. Sepia-toned illustrations add boldness and warmth.

Wee Willie Winkie runs through this book, which is illustrated in deeply colored fabric collage — detailed but uncluttered. Sturdy pages have a rich texture and make for great bedtime reading with wee ones!

Even the uninitiated adult will be able to follow the clear directions and language in this handsome oversized book, ideal for sharing one to one, adult and child. A lively music CD of select rhymes from the text accompanies the book but is not essential for the sharing.

Rhymes from Spanish speaking countries are presented in Spanish and recreated in English to form a bilingual collection, with attention to the sounds and patterns of both languages. Vivid illustrations complete this appealing book.

Young children will enjoy the sound of the familiar rhymes but older readers — including parents who share it with young children — will take pleasure in the deadpan humor of the illustrations. Now presented in board book format, this will hold up to multiple readings.

Gentle illustrations show this familiar ditty in a modern light. A boy brings a book for his father to read to him and after they both fall asleep, Mom carries the boy to bed while the family dog follows with his shoe. This book makes a wonderful bedtime choice.

Rhymes, lullabies, and songs from the Chinese oral tradition have been translated and illustrated with softly toned watercolors evocative of Asian art. Children and adults alike with recognize the universal themes of childhood in these pieces.

The large format and lush illustrations appeal to young children, and adults will appreciate the organization by topics of interest. Categories such as Animals, Playtime, and Bedtime make this an ideal collection for sharing — whether you have just a few minutes or a long, leisurely afternoon.