Book Finder

This inviting book is truly the cat’s pajamas! Familiar adages are organized by animal and explained through text and lively illustrations that jump around and over each large page.

What kind of house do you live in? In this classic beginner book from Dr. Seuss, the simple, bouncy rhymes show all kinds of strange creatures living in the different rooms of a house. Some are rather nice and some not at all. The amusing, silly tale will keep a youngster’s attention to the very end.

When her husband followed George Washington into battle during the war for independence, Mary “Molly” Hays followed her husband, gaining the name Molly Pitcher by carrying water to the thirsty men on the battlefield. When she took up her wounded husband’s position firing the cannon, a legend was born. The illustrations depict sturdy figures and fierce battles in this dramatic account.

Many children are frightened by the noise of a storm. Here, a grandmother’s caring and her stories help a girl overcome her fear of thunderstorms. Expressive, informal illustrations are reminiscent of folk art, and complement the warm story.

This lighthearted approach to a young child’s changing feelings is told with a rhyming cadence and equally appealing, cartoon-like illustrations. The gentle levity of the style allows children andadults to put words to the feelings that they recognizein themselves.

In 1925, dogsled teams braved a blizzard to carry much-needed diphtheria serum from Anchorage to a besieged Nome, Alaska. One remarkable husky, Togo, covered 350 of the 400 mile journey: this page-turning account dramatizes the exploits of this courageous canine.

Tomás, child of migrant workers, visits the town library to find stories like the ones told by his grandfather. There he meets a librarian who provides him with a cool place, stories and books, and friendship before Tomás and his family move on to the next place. Handsomely illustrated in earth tones, this touching story was inspired by the real life of writer and educator, Tomás Rivera. Also available in Spanish.

While growing up, Rebecca Estelle ate so much pumpkin in so many ways she grew to hate them. When she buried the pumpkin that accidentally fell into her yard to be rid of it, the humorous results benefited the entire community in many ways. Lighthearted illustrations add comic detail.

A child follows animal tracks in the snow, wondering aloud “Who made the tracks?/Where do they go?” Gentle illustrations depict the child’s walk across a snowy landscape while animals watch from afar. Only upon returning home is it revealed that the tracks were made yesterday when the child was “Out playing in the snow!”

Every spring, butterflies emerge and dazzle the world with their vibrant beauty. But where do butterflies come from? How are they born? What do they eat — and how? With a simple, rhyming text and glorious color-drenched collage, Lois Ehlert provides clear answers to these and other questions as she follows the life cycle of four common butterflies. Complete with flower facts and identification tips, as well as a guide to planting a butterfly garden, this butterfly book is like no other.

Something stunning happened in an isolated desert town in 1947 that made Roswell, New Mexico, famous. Fact and fiction about the space ship and alien sightings in Roswell are presented and put into a broader historical context. Sketches and open format help create a not-too-serious tone for this appealing book.

Recommended by Bill – This one was a favorite, not only of mine, but also of my four kids’. As we would read the poems together, we all loved the rhythm of the verse, as well as the sly humor.

Based on an ancient Chinese story (which pre-dates European versions), a girl overcomes her wicked stepmother to marry the prince. When Ye-Shen is forbidden to attend the annual Spring Festival, a powerful spirit grants her a gown of azure blue and delicate golden slippers. That night, everyone marvels at the beautiful, mysterious young woman at the ball. Jewel-like illustrations by Caldecott medalist Ed Young bring this variation of the classic tale to life.
Country of origin: China

On a snowy winter morning, Sam and his mom bake cakes to surprise their friends in the neighborhood. Sam delivers them all by himself — with a little encouragement from Mrs. Bear as she waits in their pick-up truck. Their morning adventure ends back home with a cake and a cup of hot cocoa for both Mrs. Bear and Sam. This reassuring story is told in gentle, engaging language supported by appealing illustrations that evoke the frosty weather.

On the last page of the Caldecott-winning book Jumanji, young Danny Budwing is seen running after his brother, Walter, with a game tucked under his arm. Twenty years later, Chris Van Allsburg is ready to reveal what happens when Danny and Walter roll the dice. This time, the children face the challenges of space, time, and dimension as they read the new game cards. They journey to the planet Zathura and as ringed planets and spaceships swirl past the windows, the boys find their way to teamwork and even affection.