Book Finder

On the first day of school, Josephine must tell her new classmates in the Bronx about her native Italy. Even though she understands English, she keeps thinking of the words in Italian! Based on the childhood experiences of the author, this book offers a tribute to the many immigrant children who have built a new life in this country — in English, of course.

Este es un cuento sobre Josephine quien había emigrado de Napoli, Italia a Nueva York. Cuando Josephine empezó su año escolar en los Estados Unidos su primer ejercicio fue de describir de dónde era. Josephine todavía estaba aprendiendo el inglés y trataba de enfocarse en lo que los otros estudiantes decían sobre sus países. Cuando le tocó a Josephine hablar de su país, ella se dio cuento que no sabía las palabras para poder expresar lo que quería decir. Finalmente, Josephine comenzó a hacer pantomimas de lo que le sucedió en Italia, mientras que el maestro le proveía con las palabras necesarias para completar su historieta.

Este libro demuestra la importancia de que los niños se diviertan y que hablen sin sentir vergüenza, aunque lo que digan no tenga mucho sentido. Dejando la vergüenza de lado, Josephine aprendió muchas palabras nuevas en su primer día de clases y también aprendió a tener mejor autoestima. Este es un buen libro para que usted le lea a sus hijos, pues les enseña a jugar con el lenguaje que aún están adquiriendo.

This book is about a girl named Erin who dreams that she has a vegetable garden. She finds a friendly neighbor, Mr. Martinez, who decides to plant a garden with her. As their vegetables grow, so does their friendship. This story is a great example of a wonderful summer adventure in which two people get to share their individual cultures and gain a great deal more than a flourishing garden.

Don Pedro and his family make skeletons for el Día de los Muertos celebration in Mexico City. When the papier-mache Calaveras go to market on fiesta day, each skeleton acts out a letter of the alphabet. Richly toned illustrations in an appealing folk art style introduce the alphabet — from ángel to zapatero. This handsome book concludes with an alphabet glossary and a brief explanation of the Spanish alphabet.

Since he forgets to distribute the lists for the neighborhood picnic, Oscar must launch into action. He shops, sets the table and whips up the food — in a most unusual way — for the best picnic ever! Colorful illustrations add imaginative detail and visual interest as well as a subtle nudge for exercise.

Mexico’s culture, history, and spirit are revealed through The Foods, The Fiestas, The Folk Arts, The Past, and The People. Each volume — whether focusing on food or art, ancient beginnings, or current conflicts — captures the many flavors and traditions of the land and its people.

Kenya is looking for a favorite song to share with her class. She and her father attend a Caribbean music festival in search of it — but Kenya doesn’t find it there. Instead, she creates an original song that celebrates everyone’s music! Realistic illustrations suggest Kenya’s glimpse into other cultures and her own creativity.

Ivy lives on a Nevada ranch with her parents. During the summer of 1949, with her best friend gone, Ivy’s gentle ways and affinity for animals leads to unexpected adventures and a job with a veterinarian, causing Ivy to dream of one day becoming one.

In the early 20th century, Clara Lemlick and her family immigrated to the United in search of a better life. The tough garment work in New York City didn’t deter Clara who persevered and helped better life for both women and men workers. A simple text combines with mixed media illustrations for a glimpse into early activism and unions.

Anne Sullivan arrived at the Keller home in 1887, writing letters to a friend about how she worked with a deaf and blind girl named Helen. Anne’s words combine with a straightforward narration and gentle illustrations to provide deeper insight into how Helen Keller grew into a brilliant woman.

Volcanoes erupt on land and in the sea and are found all around the world. Eruptions are both “creative and destructive” but all start with “gooey rock called magma.” Volcano facts are combined with specific locations and striking, textured collages for an absorbing introduction to a fascinating natural phenomenon.

Tai Shan and his father fly kites from “the tippy-top of our triangle roof” where they are free like the kites. Tai Shan’s is small, nimble, and red while Baba’s is a strong, large blue kite. The widow and his son are separated during China’s Cultural Revolution though are ultimately reunited. A difficult period is touchingly presented while remaining child-friendly.

In the rainforest of Sumatra, a baby orangutan is born. Photographs chronicle her life with mother and the baby’s growth. At about five years old, the baby is old enough to live independently though she still occasionally sees her mother. Brief general information about orangutans concludes this accessible photo essay.

Most kids like something chocolate-y, right? But there wouldn’t be chocolate without cocoa beans that come from cocoa pods that rely on insects and other creatures in rainforests — even monkeys! A brief but engaging look at this interconnected habitat is realistically illustrated with informative but humorous asides by bookworms to encourage each page turn.

An old woman left her small village to visit her daughter and granddaughter, telling three hungry predators to wait to eat her until she is plumped up on her way back. How the women outwit the bear, fox and tiger is satisfyingly told and handsomely illustrated in saturated color illustrations in this Indian folktale that the author recalls from her childhood.

Inspired by an actual artist, Wu Daozi’s brush created images that seemed to come alive. Travel to ancient China to meet Daozi as he grows from a boy into a muralist for the Emperor. When the mural is finished, legend says that Daozi walks into the paradise he painted. Brief text combines with brush and watercolor illustrations for a memorable look at a legendary Chinese painter.