Book Finder

Moose and his friend Zebra (from Z is for Moose (opens in a new window)), are back, this time changing shapes, recognizing geometric shapes all around, and generally causing chaos within the pages of the book. Spirited illustrations create a witty tone for this engaging and surprisingly informative book.

Playful situations from familiar situations and activities make math come alive. Questions for “wee ones”, “little” and “big kids” as well as bonuses make this humorously illustrated bedtime book fun at any time of the day. It’s a follow-up to Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late (opens in a new window).

Annika wants her math-hating friends to enjoy math as much as she does. Feeding answers to math problems to friends hurts more but using math to save the class carnival is another story! Recognizable characters identifiable situations make a plausible, engaging school story.

Stanley is a very talented hamster who runs a garage. There he fixes his customers’ cars, taking care of everything from overheating to flat tires. After a busy day, Stanley returns home happily. Attractively simple shapes and bold colors in black outlines on uncluttered pages not only chronicle Stanley’s work but begin with illustrations of tools used. The same format is used in a companion book, Stanley the Builder (opens in a new window).

The horizontal format of this sturdy board book is just right for images of all manner of flying machine — from a seaplane to a space shuttle. Each deft image is accompanied by a similar refrain, “The helicopter goes,…” followed by onomatopoeic sounds dramatically presented in bold typeface.

Maisy, the engaging white mouse, gets around by bicycle, trolley, and even dreams of flying in a rocket ship. Bright, child-like illustrations and a tab to pull on each page encourage active participation in this very basic but very appealing introduction to modes of travel.

Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, are back. Boy and fly visit a fire station to learn more about what firefighters do as well as a bit about fire safety. Comic illustrations of bug-eyed Buzz and Fly Guy combine with actual photographs present information accessibly and with good humor.

Each vehicle on the construction site snuggles down at the end of the day. Sound has been added to this edition of the picture book version (opens in a new window) with the same title. Icons on each page ask young readers to match the button which makes the sound — from the final sounds of digging and dumping to yawns and snores.

Dog lovers everywhere will appreciate the canine shenanigans of best friends, Lucie and Kate. They are neighbors in a no-dogs-allowed apartment but they use their amazing dog-bone necklaces to become dogs! Dog jokes and dog notes by the authors conclude this playful novel.

Bird basics — from characteristics to colors — are briefly introduced in an attractive, accessible package. In addition to a table of contents, glossary and index, this series provides additional material on birding (bird-watching) via an online, downloadable book.

Each dramatic photograph of an animal (such as a pink flamingo) on a white background is accompanied by one word: its color. In Creature Numbers (opens in a new window), Animals from 1 to 10 bounce, swim, and pose on the equally open pages of a companion book for a fine, fun introduction to basic concepts.

Animals and people both have hair. Photographs of animals and droll illustrations of kids with that hair on opposing pages provide a light, humorous, and surprisingly informative look at different animals — and of course, hair.

Die-cuts let readers ‘spy’ a portion of an animal while text provides clues as to what it might be. With the turn of the page the entire bird is portrayed. Basic characteristics and attractive illustrations provide an informative glimpse of a variety of fowl while playing a variant of a familiar game.

Splendid photographs are used along with a crisp, easier to read narrative to introduce dolphins, water-dwelling mammals. A glossary, index and access to additional online material complete this appealing and edifying title.

An eclectic collection of factoids about animals is presented in an eye-catching, brightly colored format that uses graphic art or “infographics.” The result is a fetching book sure to engage sophisticated readers as they dip in and out.

When Tyler forgets his dog’s birthday, he goes to Mr. Baker to learn how to bake a cake. There the boy learns about where the ingredients for a carrot cake originate. Childlike illustrations provide information and humorous asides from Tofu, the dog. Tyler’s DOG carrot cake recipe is included.

Geo along with Dr. Brain and a couple of friends explore the digestive system from within in their nano-ship. The last chapter sets up the team’s next adventure. First published in South Korea and translated into English, the comic book format provides adventure and information.

As seasons change, Alice and her friend, Zack, notice changes in the length of the day. Together with Alice’s little brother, the children examine the changing seasons as they observe birds, animal tracks, and more. Two articulate chickens named Maisy and Daisy add a bit of whimsical humor as well as scientific detail in this winning and enlightening book.

Fog is the only type of cloud that is close enough to feel; all other clouds can only be seen. Folk art and crisp text brings different types of clouds into focus for budding scientists. Cloud facts and directions for making a cloud in a jar conclude this informative and engaging introduction to clouds, weather, and observation.

Pokerfaced Pete the cat sings the traditional song with his guitar as he travels the farm in a red pickup truck and his big green tractor. Deadpan illustrations add verve and humor to the familiar tune and farm animal sounds.

Lulu and her cousin, Mellie find a bag on their doorstep with a large marigold-colored cat in it. How will the children and Lulu’s grandmother resolve the problem of an abandoned and wary cat? Their dilemma and the story’s resolution are recognizable and appealing. Though the latest installment of a series, this reads as a stand-alone.

As a young, sickly child, “Teedie” Roosevelt dreamed of becoming an adventurer like in the books he gobbled up. Lush, expressive illustrations, well-chosen quotes, and a lucid text brings the life of the boy who grew into a remarkable man whose biggest adventure may have been that of the 26th President of the United States.

Tacky and his friends are training for the Winter Games and when the competition finally arrives, the other animals are worried that Tacky’s lack of training will ruin their chance at a medal. Along with the humor, the author brings in many facets of the Olympics: training before the games, the march of the athletes into the stadium for the opening ceremonies that include the lighting of a torch.

Poor Gerald just doesn’t understand Piggie when he pretends to be a frog. But Piggie persists until his friend catches on in this humorous homage to dramatic, imaginative play all presented with Willems’ signature humor.