Book Finder

Two children — one from New York City, the other from Mexico City — express concern about moving to a new place. Spritely, detailed illustrations visually convey the many similarities between the children’s interests and the places to which they are moving. Notable places in both cities (e.g., Lincoln Center, the Palacio de Belles Artes) conclude this encouraging look at similarities among people. The Spanish edition, Un nuevo hogar (opens in a new window), is also available.

Rich, active verbs challenge readers to swoop, scoop, “dip your dewlap”, and more just like the lizards of varying sizes and colors that are depicted. Text swirls throughout each attractive, informative page. Additional information about the lizards presented concludes the book, sure to inspire movement, language, and further investigation of reptiles.

Leila discovers a bit more about herself and her family during their weekly dinner with Leila’s grandmother. She discovers that the color saffron really does look good on her and that she is part of a loving family. Bold, bright illustrations capture the colors of the Middle Eastern family, glimpsing their diverse community.

Home is many things including a “little bit of green, a corner, and a chair.” And home is all that you miss when you move. But the most important thing about home is “the people gathered near.” Warm illustrations use bold shape on open pages in this lyrical presentation of one family’s moving story.

Water can be found almost everywhere and in many different forms. Clear, colorful, and well placed illustrations combine with crisp language to describe water from a tear to fog, from rain to an iceberg. This handsome introduction may inspire even the youngest reader to further explore a liquid that is often taken for granted.

Summer brings hot weather and cooling activities. From lemonade and watermelon, to outdoor play and thunderstorms, summer is presented in full color photographs and lyrical language. Witness children of different ages experience the warmth and pleasure of summer in all of its glory.

Dragons from the East are significantly different from those of the West. But Gondra is the offspring of a dad from the East and a mother from the West and has characteristics from both. Lush, often humorous illustrations complement the story and show characterizations of both eastern and western dragons.

Paul plants and waters his crops but despairs when the rain doesn’t come. “But Paul is not alone.” A cow, donkey, and mole who have also watched Paul’s hard work bring buckets and barrels just before the rain begins resulting in lush crops and a jubilant Paul. Dramatic illustrations are naïve and extremely effective in conveying a range of emotions.

Cyril is the only squirrel in Lake Park; that is until he meets Pat. Pat has a different kind of tail and looks a bit scruffy but the duo enjoy each other’s company until one of the  park’s other inhabitants informs Cyril that Pat is a rat and no squirrel can befriend one. The rhyming saga is illustrated in Gravett’s signature style to complement and extend the droll telling.

Kioni is missing on soup day at school, the time when everyone comes together to make soup. He’s busy chasing his errant goats — until he figure out that the goats can share something special. Rich collages illustrate the story set In a Kenyan village. A delicious-sounding recipe for pumpkin vegetable soup is included.

The day Winston, Sophie and their mom saw the sign looking for a home for chickens, the family determined to raise the fowl in their backyard. They learned, however, that chickens do not lay eggs on demand that and different breeds lay different kinds of eggs. The humorous story of chickens is based in the author’s Brooklyn research and sure to inform as well as entertain.

An African American ballerina, Janet Collins, lived in mid-20^th century America. She is introduced in a rhyming, repetitive cadence and fluid, swirling illustrations. Janet never gave up her dream of dancing even in a segregated society. An afterward not only provides additional resources about this early ballerina but also additional information about her life and legacy.

Watching birds requires practice, patience and an eagle eye. Young birders may want to practice on the pages of this book as the gentle, rhyming text provides clues and encouragement. Find the chickadee, wren and bluebird in the lush natural environments shown in realistic watercolors. Additional notes about birds and birding concludes this handsome introduction.

It all started with one musician becoming inspired by another’s music. After all, music changes the listener, provides inspiration, and more…just because. This fresh saga of how music has stretched over centuries to inspire a new composer begins with Beethoven and ends with the now-grown child who was inspired. A number of people are included in the “score”, effectively portrayed in the illustrations that “perform” it.

Focus on one family and one letter: B is not only for baby, but brother, banana and more. A charming baby and mother travel through the pages of this colorful book with lots to explore in each image while listening to alliterative language. Set in Africa, perhaps the author’s native Nigeria, this is sure to delight young readers from around the world.

More for the adults in a baby’s life, this engaging book reminds readers what babies can do now and what they can look forward to enjoying, particularly sharing lots of love. All goings -on are demonstrated by children of various hues in gently crafted illustration on open pages.

Join a vivacious gathering of young children as they show off their wiggle-waggle, flip-flop, knockabout, hokey-pokey selves while engaging in familiar activities. From swimming to dancing and more, this gently humorous illustrated tale reads aloud well while encouraging participation.

“Peekity book!” Baby does many things from eating dinner to starting the nighttime ritual of getting ready for bath and bed. Cartoon-like illustrations and a jaunty rhyme follow a mom, dad, and young child until, “Peepity peep./Shhh…Baby’s asleep.”

The adventures of a big black dog and a small white canine demonstrate a range of opposites — feelings and activities. The nearly wordless tale of adventure and friendship is expressively, even dramatically, illustrated and certain to encourage original storytelling.

Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend — or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.

Each month of each season is distinct because of the way the natural world responds. Colorful illustrations encircle each poem to reflect the beauty and activities of animals and the environments in which they live.

What does a piece of art make you feel? This is what the poet/editor, Lee Bennett Hopkins, asked a diverse group of poets. Each examined work from the Metropolitan Museum and answered in a poem to create a unique and handsome collection. 

Familiar rhymes, many of which are often sung, are presented in a sturdy format just right to share with young children. Simple, gently hued illustrations accompany each ditty and song.