Book Finder

John Henry’s talent was evident at an early age when he helped his daddy, but was cemented in American folklore when he took on the steam drill. His place among American tall tale heroes is chronicled in richly detailed watercolors and language.

Every word in this book is true; that is, of course, “unless it’s false.” Outrageous stories about this larger-than-life guy were inspired by the Crockett almanacs and are retold here with verve and laugh-out-loud humor in words and pictures.

From the Northeast to the West, the United States is filled with stories of wise, strong, and just plain amazing women. American tall tales about resilient women from many backgrounds are presented in the text of this book and depicted by the robust lines of scratchboard illustration.

Learn why the tiger has stripes, what happens to those who behave badly, and much more in this rich collection. The lore of Southeast Asia comes to life in strong retellings complemented by jewel-toned illustrations.

Poor but worthy, Kenji loves to draw — perhaps too much. But his art comes alive in surprising ways when he defeats an evil goblin rat. Graceful illustrations and atmospheric language combine to evoke the tale’s Japanese origins.

Meet heroes (and heroines) in these well-told tales of fictitious and actual characters from American folklore. These tales are ideal for reading aloud, and are illustrated with strong-lined wood engravings.

Baby birds and baby lizards don’t eat what our baby eats! Those babies eat worms, fish, beetles and other yucky things. But those babies would say “Yuck!” to the warm milk that our baby enjoys. Light lines on large, warm-toned pages convey humor and just a bit of information to be shared again and again.

Trucks come in many sizes and colors and serve many functions, including driving a little boy to his new home. Crisp lines, broad forms, and bold colors combine with the straightforward narration for a satisfying look at an ever popular topic: things that go.

Two children prepare for a backyard adventure, taking with them a rainbow of necessities: a blue backpack, a yellow book, even a multi-colored blanket to serve as their tent when they take a nap. The simple adventure is told in uncomplicated sentences presented in Spanish and English, and is illustrated in richly hued, swirling images.

All the grown-ups from the zookeeper to the President are sleeping and “you know who should be sleeping, just like the sun?” Mama’s “sweet little one,” of course. Night-toned illustrations with lots of detail and short rhyming text create a bedtime story that holds up to multiple readings.

Semi-abstract illustrations use bold lines and strong color to accompany and enhance the inviting text that encourages participation both in Spanish and English. Readers are invited to count, find words, and perhaps even sing (music is included) in this winning combination of words and images.

Rhyming text and illustrations with bright color and bold form depict a child’s play with toy trucks, cars, and other things that move. Lines on the road are created by pencils, overpasses by books, and a teddy bear is seen in a traffic circle. The book shows the child’s appealing, imaginary world, all within his control.

A rhyming refrain is repeated – “here and there and everywhere! Puppies! Puppies! Puppies!” – as the adorable dogs grow from tiny to naughty to grown-up (with lots in between). The over-sized format supports the delectable depictions of delightful dogs.

Even the bedtime rituals don’t subdue the dramatic baby llama and the nighttime fears that descend when Mama Llama leaves his room. Young readers (and their parents) will see their own behavior in the rhyming text and expressive and winning illustrations.

A blanket is the familiar security object featured in this board book. The child, drawn in bold line on brightly colored backgrounds, remains the focus as he learns about blankies!

A pacifier is the familiar security object featured in this board book. The child, drawn in bold line on brightly colored backgrounds, remains the focus as he learns about binkies!

Animals can seem unusual to the uninitiated. Why do lions have manes? (No, it’s not to show off or because they eat barbers.) Why do walruses have moustaches? These “whys” and more are addressed by silly answers as well as brief facts in this attractive book of large, comic illustrations and varied typefaces.

Oscar and his inter-racial family celebrate his half birthday with a joyful picnic in the park. Families are likely to recognize Oscar’s slightly cluttered home, the pleasure sister Milly takes in wearing her fairy wings (made from coat hangers), and the happiness in sharing a day together in the lighthearted illustrations and subtle text.

Travel with a community helper from an earlier time as Mr. Plimpton delivers milk and other dairy products along with a good deal of good will and care to the homes along his route. Richly-colored, highly-detailed illustrations highlight the changes as daylight grows and Mr. Plimpton completes his work.

Rich, full-color illustrations in a large format breathe new life into this now classic story. The Little Blue Engine overcomes tough odds to succeed, all because she believes in herself: “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” And she does.

A fuzzy green ball is accidentally dropped by a large lumpy dog into a hole inhabited by prairie dogs. All of this causes great excitement. The prairie dogs not only make fashion statements, but discover that fancy fuzz can cause trouble. Spirited illustrations in a large format are as vivacious and funny as the text.

Zippy text in the cadence of a familiar song combine with madcap illustrations of a paint-crazed boy who, when stopped from painting his entire house, starts painting himself from head to toe! Readers will recognize the utter silliness as they enjoy the color-splashed pages.

Before there was Dr. Seuss, there was nonsense poetry by Edward Lear. This Lear poem has been adapted and newly illustrated with handsome, colorful illustrations on uncluttered pages. The rhyming sounds for the letters from A and Z and all of the energetic, appealing letters in between are a delight when read aloud.