Book Finder

Because of a mix-up, best doll friends Annabelle and Tiffany are sent to the wrong house where they must deal with Mimi, a doll who thinks she’s the queen of all and whose behavior is perfectly ghastly. Readers who were first introduced to these characters in Doll People will enjoy seeing them again.

Though only 10 years old, Alonzo King wants to be the “boy of a thousand faces” just like his favorite actor Lon Chaney is the “man of a thousand faces” in the horror movies that Alonzo watches on late-night television. As Halloween approaches, Alonzo becomes an expert in using make-up and knowledge of The Beast.

Though this book is more for budding detectives than budding spies, it has many of the same appealing factors—listening, clue-gathering, and crime-solving. A classic that appeals to elementary-school students, this is also fun for read-alouds.

This collection of folktales and scary stories has been a favorite of fright-loving kids for more than 20 years. These stories with creepy illustrations will be familiar to most adults who attended slumber parties, camping trips, and Halloween hayrides in their youth.

Of the more than 2,000 kinds of worms in the world, Wiggle and Waggle are likely the most engaging. As the worm friends tunnel in the vegetable garden all summer, they sing a little song to make time go by quicker, have a picnic, and then get ready to hibernate when the growing season is finished. An easy to read text makes these rather gross characters quite appealing in text and illustration.

Susan agrees to pet-sit while her good friend, neighbor, and classmate is away. What Susan doesn’t count on, however, is all the gross stuff that critter sitters sometimes have to deal with. With gentle humor, Susan learns a great deal about herself and how to handle not-so-nice jobs.

Bovine buddies Minnie and Moo are getting ready for their farmer’s birthday. They give him their last cream puff — leaving it in his slipper…and the sweater they’ve made seems to be haunted! And where is Elvis the rooster? Nothing could be grosser than stepping into a cream puff or wearing a sweater that talks, but it sure makes a funny tale!

Sam uses a great deal of initiative to make just the right birthday present for his mother. But when he combines all of her favorite smells to make the perfect perfume, disastrous (and odiferous) results permeate this worthy sequel to All About Sam.

When Anastasia’s parents announce the family’s move from the city to the dreaded suburbs, Anastasia fears that life as she loves it will come to an abrupt end. Once there, of course, the resilient 12-year-old falls for her new home and becomes just as involved with new friends and neighbors.

This book is the first of three prequels that takes readers back to Alice’s elementary school days. Here, Alice is in a new school where she makes friends (and unfortunately, enemies). Alice ages through the series, and other books depict Alice in middle school and high school, making this series one that girls can grow up with.

When their regular teacher is out, a seemingly forgetful substitute takes over for the day. But has Mr. Baker really lost the homework and his coat or is there a mystery afoot? Once again, Cam’s amazing memory and detecting skills are used successfully to solve the matter – and engage young readers.

Jeffrey Bones narrates this easy-to-read mystery that begins with his preparation for his grandfather’s birthday celebration, introduces a lost present, and ultimately moves to a satisfying resolution. New readers will appreciate the textual and visual clues which allow them to solve the mystery along with young Bones.

Cam Jansen, girl detective with a photographic memory, uses a beach umbrella to find her mother again. But something is different when she and her friend, Eric, return. Readers will join Cam as she closely looks for clues and uses reasoning for the inevitable and satisfying reunion.

Ellie was promised a puppy of her own before she turned 9 years old. But that was before her great aunt had to give up her dog, who Ellie’s parents take in. Though Ellie is reluctant to accept Preston as her dog — he’s not the puppy she’d wanted — he turns out to be a good friend and her dog after all in this warm novel about friendship and acceptance.

When Ms. Cherry’s class goes on a field trip, the children are reminded to stay together and with their partner. But the aquarium intrigues Walter until he becomes separated from the group. His friend Iris and the rest of the class find Walter, who remains oblivious to all except the aquarium. Brief text and cheery illustrations keep the tone light while introducing a very engaging field trip destination.

Charlie is a poor but admirable boy who finds one of five tickets that provide entry into Willie Wonka’s fabulous factory. Ultimately, it is Charlie’s ethical behavior that wins, saves his family and begins yet another adventure. Comic illustrations add movement and punctuate the humor in this modern fantasy classic.

As a gift from his magician uncle, Joe receives The Book setting into motion a series of humorous time travel adventures. Joe and his friends, Fred and Sam, travel to King Arthur’s England where they meet dragons, knights, and more in this first Time Warp Trio trip. Smith’s black/white illustrations punctuate the action in this fast-paced tale.

When old Mr. Putter decides to join his neighbor’s knitting club, he and his faithful feline companion Tabby contribute chaos and laughs for readers. Lighthearted illustrations add to the fast-paced fun.

It’s time for Carnival! Three short stories in this Easy Reader present the adventures shared by Rafi and Rosi, charming and mischievous young tree frogs who are brother and sister, and live in Puerto Rico. The stories include young Rosi dressing up in “Queen for a Day,” as well as Rafi’s “magical” periscope, used to watch the Carnival parade. Children and adults alike will enjoy the amusing experiences of these two siblings, as well as the cheerful and colorful illustrations. Spanish version also available.

Henry and Mudge visit Henry’s Great Grandpa Bill in his home with all the other old grandpas, bringing slobbery kisses, great joy, and lots of energy. Together, the Great Grandpas along with Henry and his dad go swimming and lean on Mudge — literally — when they get tired proving that even a big, wet dog can make a difference!

This popular series has been trimmed and translated into a new format. With middle school girls as protagonists, the visual storytelling amplifies characters and clarifies difficult concepts to make it appropriate for younger readers. Tough topics like stepfamilies and medical problems are discussed with sensitivity (and sometimes humor) through the context of the girls’ friendship.

Four orphaned children, Jessie, Henry, Violet and Benny, make a home for themselves in an abandoned red boxcar — that is, until they find they need a caring adult. This is the first in the gentle, ever-popular, now classic mystery series. Now more than 60 years since it was published, the story of four orphans who make their home in an old railroad car comes to life again.

Harry’s Aunt Rose is getting ready to marry the tuba player in her five-piece band. Will Harry’s first experience as a ring bearer be as awful as his friend’s stint as ring bearer and flower girl combined? This warm family story is punctuated with gentle humor.

Amber Brown’s narration brings drama and humor to the story of her life after her parents’ divorce. She alternately feels green (with envy), blue (with melancholy) and red (with anger), during this transitional time in her life, and gives young readers new language to express their own feelings.