Book Finder

What would happen if the dish and the spoon (of “hey diddle diddle” fame) ran away and didn’t want to come back? Well, that’s the premise of this funny, pun-filled saga. Other nursery rhyme characters follow a map to find the runaways in this lively, visually sophisticated, and humorous book.

What causes the weather and its patterns? How do we measure weather? All your meteorological questions are explored with crisp text and dramatic photographs.

Water makes earth different than any other planet and most of it is in our oceans. Remarkable photographs and engaging text introduce this amazing subject.

Hurricanes, their origin and their destructive power (as well as their relatives, the tropical storm and depression) are presented here in striking photographs and cogent text.

Stunning, full color photographs of horses and clear, simple text provide a glimpse into the evolution and history of the horse and its interaction with mankind.

Snakes seem larger than life in this informative, engaging book with clear and colorful pictures. This one is sure to inspire newly independent readers.

Bones are more than just the framework for the human body; they play an important part in creating blood and more. Photographs including MRI and other scanners combine with understandable text for this scientific exploration of the human body.

Once this book is opened, readers will readily agree with its title. This array of creatures all share in “grossness” – sure to engage young readers with the fascinatingly yucky photographs and well-presented text.

Readers take over for the bus driver, who cautions them not to let the pigeon stay up late. But as in other books about this willful bird, well … Children get to see this situation from the adult’s perspective as the pigeon finds excuses not to go to bed.

This trilogy begins with Elmer rescuing a baby dragon and continues by following their adventures, which range from humorous to heroic. The first in the series, “My Father’s Dragon” is a Newbury Honor book.

Runny Babbit talk is created by spoonerisms, switching the first sound in a pair of words, so a “silly book” becomes a “billy sook.” Kids build their phonemic awareness without even trying! The audio book narrator’s slightly gravelly voice is ideal for sharing these funny poems (completed though not published before the popular poet’s death in 1999).

Daisy narrates, in short, poetic language, how her older sister prepares for her marriage to Jamal. The emotional tale conveys both the joy of the marriage and the sadness of a sister leaving home. But ultimately, as Daisy and her family look at the wedding pictures, they remember the day fondly. Realistic illustrations enhance the story and add detail.

Jenny’s favorite uncle, Uncle Peter, is getting married. Now Jenny won’t be his only “special girl” any longer; she’ll have to share him with Stella! But Peter’s bride is as happy to have a new niece as she is beautiful and wins Jenny over. Child-like illustrations reflect the traditions and warmth of this Chinese American family.

This story prepares a child for what to expect at a traditional American wedding, from the point of view of the ring bearer. The simple rhyming text concludes with the bride and groom driving off, the ring bearer and other children throwing seeds for good luck – for “This is the way/The wedding will go.”

Nadia is thrilled to be the flower girl at her aunt’s wedding, yet continues to worries her classmates will respond on Monday to the temporary henna tattoos (mehndi). The intricate hand decorations that wear off slowly are a tradition of the family’s Pakistani background. Respect for tradition and the need to conform are at odds, but then resolved in this well-illustrated story.

Who else except Lilly would Mr. Slinger, Lilly’s favorite teacher, invite to be flower girl in his wedding? His niece, Ginger, that’s who! Lilly’s indomitable personality and the author’s genuine respect for children shine through in this wholly credible story — a very funny and satisfying saga in which Lilly saves the day.

Lettice, a small rabbit, is asked to be the flower girl in her dance teacher’s wedding. Giselle, a human, has asked a boy named Harry to be the ring bearer. Harry and Lettice share the joy and a bit of tension at this special occasion that is as sparkly as the pages of the book.

As the page boy in his friend’s wedding, Beni carries the ring and experiences the excitement of his first wedding. Rich in Jewish wedding tradition, there is a sweet treat offered to guests at the end — and the recipe is included!

James recounts one family visit to see his uncle and grandmother in New York City. Uncle Andy (who dropped the “a” from his surname) is an artist who would rock the art world, but who is appreciated here as the eccentric uncle of a slightly offbeat family. Warhol’s images are conjured in this energetic family memoir.

As a girl’s sight is slipping away, she realizes that color and images continue to live in her imagination. Her travels by subway show highly detailed patterns all around her and her artistic vision is heightened as her senses begin blending together. Children will want to slow down to see the “sound of color.”