Book Finder

Ruby builds with her red blocks while Benji uses his blue blocks. An argument erupts when Benji tries to take one of the red blocks. Tugging and pulling makes a mixed up mess of blue and red blocks that creates cooperative construction! What will happen when Guy joins them with green blocks?  Uncluttered illustrations and straightforward text present the recognizable tale.

Observing birds and eating berries just may lead to a summertime exploration of colors and counting. Meet the yellow goldfinch, a pink flamingo, and other well and less familiar birds in brief text and realistic illustrations. In The Very Berry Counting Book (opens in a new window) by Jerry Pallotta (Charlesbridge; 1580897843), you can count realistic, luscious looking berries from 1 to 10.

There is plenty to engage young children in these simple books (part of the Baby Loves series) that introduce basic science ideas and science vocabulary. The book titles are probably more for the adults than the young children for whom these board books are intended!

There is plenty to engage young children in these simple books (part of the Baby Loves series) that introduce basic science ideas and science vocabulary. The book titles are probably more for the adults than the young children for whom these board books are intended!

White Cat lives in a black home while Black Cat lives in a white one. They disappear when they visit the other, but find a colorful answer to their dilemma. High contrast illustrations on sturdy pages hold enough interest for both children and the adults reading with them.

Each page turn reveals a particular part of the city. From shoes in which people walk around to a good story at the bookstore, readers can look closely at a vibrant city. Sturdy pages and vivid colors are sure to engage young readers.

Feel the raised letters; see where they fit in on the opposing page. Enjoy the bold images as you go through the alphabet accompanied by boldly colored objects that start with each letter. Sophisticated children will be the most receptive and likely to enjoy this thick, sturdy volume.

Some people don’t wear any shoes at all. Other people wear special shoes for their work. Take a close look to see if you can identify who wears those shoes! A sturdy board book format, clear photographs, and simple text introduce the notion of special footwear.

No matter how you look at it, this pumpkin is not a pumpkin: it smiles, it frowns. Of course, it’s a jack-o-lantern! Young children will view the orange gourd in parts and as a whole on open pages in this playful board book that of course concludes with a very expressive jack-o-lantern. 

When the zoo closes at dark, a monkey opens his cage to explore. It sees a hairy lion and a bald hippo; noisy monkeys and a quiet turtle and more. When the sun comes up, the monkey’s door closes and the zoo opens for visitors. Playful, evocative illustrations complement the charming zoo and its varied inhabitants.

Look at some of the amazing animals found near or in the ocean in colorful, sometimes sparkly illustration. Lift the flap; touch the texture to find out a bit more about them in this sturdy, appealing, and informative, surprisingly sophisticated book.

Join the train as it begins its rhythmic, rhyming counting expedition. It starts with one engine and a happy bear and ending with the caboose with 10 windows and a “goodnight!” wish. Colors are presented in the same format in Steam Train, Dream Train Colors.

Crisp color photographs of living creatures not only encourages counting from 1 to 10 but introduces a range of animals. Find a similar use of photographs in Colors (opens in a new window), another title in the series.

A satisfied cat presents both the inside and outside of its house as well as a human companion. The author/illustrator uses his signature flat, bright illustrations and straightforward language.   

Superheroes in brightly colored uniforms are used to introduce young children to colors.  The green Hulk wears “purple pants” while Captain America sports “white stars.” 

Familiar things easily found are presented in a small size using high contrast pictures to engage the youngest child.  Illustrations are stylized but recognizable (e.g., sun, moon) in black, white, and a touch of red.

What do you get when a crocodile is crossed with a hippopotamus?  A crocopotamus, of course!  Split images on sturdy pages encourage the creation of new and imaginative creatures.

Watch the bright hot rod “brrrroommm” and the taxi “skreeeek!” across the elongated pages of this sturdy board book.  The lively sounds present an animated cacophony of vehicles that go! 

Small hands can trace shapes of young animals while discovering other tidbits about them. Simple, bright forms on sturdy pages with related words make this an engaging, multisensory experience.  Also in the series, similarly presented and equally appealing, is Homes (opens in a new window).

Young readers share short, humorous escapades with Piggy Pie Po, a large-eared porcine hero. Lively illustrations and vivacious, rhyming illustration make this an adventure to share more than once.

Little pigs play on pudgy fingers in this inventive and playful illustrated rhyme. Young children and adults are sure to enjoy reading and re-reading the book and slow down to examine the colorful paintings.

Cars from one to ten line up to race in this rhythmic countdown. The rhyming text is a lively accompaniment to stylized illustrations and the final “GO!” as colorful vehicles zoom through the pages.

Simple shapes and few words are used in this sturdy and sophisticated board book that focuses on rhyming words. The author’s Hippopposites (2012) is equally appealing (and sophisticated).

For babies and toddlers, each moment is full of wonder and discovery. This delightful collection of original poems celebrates the everyday things that enthrall little ones, such as playing peekaboo, banging pots and pans, splashing at bath time, and cuddling at bedtime. Full of contagious rhythm and rhyme, this inviting picture book introduces young children to the sound of poetry.