Book Finder

What does a child do or see others do with their hands? Paint, garden, make different things — and reach out to others. The young narrator’s words ring true in this uniquely designed and well-paced glimpse into hands.

Realistic watercolors present the summer celebration a boy shares with his family on the 4th of July. The day’s activities range from a pet parade and games to a barbeque and concert. The patriotic performance concludes with fireworks, after which the family returns home, tired but happy. The story is inspired by an actual community gala.

Harry was a white dog with black spots — until he slid down the coal chute. Then he became a black dog with white spots. When my mother read me this story, I still remember worrying that the family would never recognize Harry. But lo and behold, Harry digs up the scrubber brush and they finally give him a bath. Great illustrations, fun story, happy memories! (Recommended by David)

Jen helps her Chinese-American family get ready for the traditional celebration of her brother Henry’s one-month birthday. Lively, stylized illustrations move the story at a quick pace to its satisfying conclusion.

Children will repeat the lively, predictable, and engaging rhyme that fills this book. The text heightens awareness of the parts of the body, from head to toe, and what each can do. Crisp, realistic illustrations make this ideal for sharing and acting out with young children.

This book made me want to be a reader! I caught on to the first few pages quickly. But the back section, with multiple words per page, was a challenge. And I couldn’t wait to be able to read them! I could feel Dr. Seuss pulling me along with his dynamic creatures bouncing from page to page: “Don’t you want to know what happens?” “Oh, I do, I do!”

Benjamin Franklin was amazing. He was a musician, aprinter, a cartoonist, a shopkeeper, an inventor andmore. He figured out how to solve many problems – including how to steal lightening from the sky toprevent it from starting fires in Colonial towns. Conversational text and lighthearted illustrationsintroduce this early American hero to a new generation.

When Bear brags and Chipmunk teases, the results are an angry bear and a striped chipmunk. Animated language and colorful illustrations tell a Native American pourquoi story — a tale that explains why — that’s perfect for sharing aloud.

When a boy can’t sleep, he and his father drive out to the country, away from the city lights. There they try to count the stars. Lush paintings show the warmth of the evening and the loving relationship between father and son.

Well-chosen information about these ancient and ever-interesting predators is presented in an easily accessible format. Text is clearly written and accompanied by dramatic illustrations to depict different kinds of sharks and their habits.

When the winter settles on Saranac Lake in New York state, the community comes together to prepare for the winter carnival. A ten-year old girl narrates this fictionalized account of the annual two-week celebration that she and her father help plan and her uncle (as well as other prisoners from a nearby correctional facility) help build. Highly realistic, full-color watercolors depict the excitement and activity, which is further explained in an endnote.

Enter a world inhabited by the “slithy tove” and other unique beings and wonder, what exactly is the Jabberwock any ways? A new generation can decide for themselves in this handsome and not too scary version of Lewis Carroll’s offbeat, dreamy, imaginary world.

When Ossie, Jamaica’s older brother, goes out to play, Jamaica follows. Ossie tells Jamaica that she’s a tag-along. But Jamaica soon meets another friend and together they turn the tables on her brother. Realistic watercolors convey the children’s emotions.

Lilly is sick and tired of hearing about the wonders of Julius, her new baby brother. Because she wants him to go back to where he came from, Lilly spends a lot of time in the “uncooperative chair.” But when a cousin criticizes Julius, Lilly learns just how protective a big sister can feel. Deceptively simple line and wash illustrations show the intense emotions of Lilly and her mouse family.

While their parents are out, Judy and Peter play a board game called Jumanji. The remarkable game creates a threatening, animal-filled jungle in their suburban house until at last the game is complete. Highly realistic illustrations juxtapose the familiar with the unexpected in this book that won the Caldecott Medal.

What’s an old woman to do when a skeleton comes to visit? Keep him waiting, of course, while busy doing things from 1 to 10, culminating in a festive birthday celebration. Lively language and illustrations make this original tale memorable.

Jubilant illustrations show how a father supports his son as he grows into a man and eventually becomes a father himself. The text is from Will Smith’s popular song of the same name, and is distinguished by luminous, full-color paintings that make the words sing.

Katie is afraid of swimming and the creatures that may lurk in the pool. But with the help of an astute swimming teacher, Katie learns to swim across the pool. She and her parents are so proud, and now Katie can’t wait to go to her friends’ birthday party – at the pool! Children will readily see themselves in the lighthearted illustrations.

Knights, their weapons, and their tournaments continue to fascinate children. In this clear presentation, readers will learn about what it took to become a knight, the times in which they lived, what weapons they used, and much more. Additional stories and information encourage further reading.

Knock, Knock! “Who’s There?” “Olive” “Olive Who?” “Olive you so much!” Only ten knock-knock jokes are in this gentle and pun-filled book, subtitled “My First Book of Knock-Knock Jokes.” Sturdy and colorful and designed for preschoolers, the set up for each joke is on one page and the answer is beneath the flap on the other. Youngsters will soon be telling these jokes on their own.