Book Finder

Young readers are called to action, because it is possible that “You can be a King” in small everyday ways. Brief, recognizable scenes and sophisticated ideas are realistically interspersed with simpler, child-like classroom goings-on to bring the concept closer to familiar experiences. The result is a lyrical book just right to launch discussions.

The story of the original Jamaican Bobsled Team is about having the courage to pursue your dreams, perseverance, and defining success in your own terms. The 4-man team competed at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Canada — and although they didn’t win a medal, they won the heart of the entire world. The author, who wrote the story in poetry form, was a member of the team.

An a-to-z introduction to ice hockey and some highlights from its history. For example, “U is for Team USA-/Who, to everyone’s surprise,/at Lake Placid won Olympic Gold/before a nation filled with pride.” The use of Canadian spelling is a tribute to the origins of the game. Bold acrylic paintings depict professional players, as well as youngsters at play.

Published in anticipation of the 2014 games in Sochi, Russia, this book includes Winter Olympics’ history, events, symbols, and controversies, as well as a chapter on the Winter Paralympics. Full-color action photos are accompanied by facts on the Olympics and Olympic athletes of the past. Back matter includes a table of top medal-winning countries, a world map, and a selective list of relevant websites.

An introduction to all 15 sport disciplines for the Winter Olympics as well as some of the top Team USA athletes. The book includes a history of the Winter Olympics with fun facts and trivia, as well as a Medal Tracker to keep track of the gold, silver, and bronze medals that Team USA brings home.

Discover what it’s like to grow up in South Korea. “Annyeonghaseyo! My name is Min-jun, and I’m a kid just like you living in South Korea. South Korea is a country filled with amazing cities and cutting-edge technology. Have you ever wondered what South Korea is like? Come along with me to find out!” Learn about the history, geography and culture of South Korea in this book, part of the “Living in …” series and filled with illustrations.

In this photographic alphabet, the author introduces young readers to some of the customs, religion and culture, both ancient and modern, that make up this high-profile country. Focusing on both city and country life – from Arirang to Lacquerware to Taekwondo – this is a celebration of Korea in all its colourful diversity.

As a kid, Lonnie fiddled around with toy rockets and more. But all of his tinkering led to a career in engineering, working at NASA and inventing the Super Soaker! His life is engagingly presented in text and illustration.

Eric Carle’s favorite color is yellow, William Low’s is brown, while Uri Shulevitz likes all colors. A veritable who’s who of illustrators answer the question posed in the book’s title accompanied by an original illustration, sure to spark discussion and a quest to find more books by the illustrators’ books.

As an artist lays out tools needed to paint, she seeks inspiration from the masters. Along the way, well-known paintings from the National Gallery of Art are presented grouped by genre. Readers can examine each then read more about them on concluding pages, as the artist does “what [she] really love[s].”

Leland was an imaginative, tenacious kid who grew up to play professional football, gain post graduate degrees in science, and then become an astronaut on the international space station. He tells his own story in this inspirational, accessible memoir enhanced by numerous photographs.

Curious children are sure to learn about various instruments and how they are used, as the contents of a typical toolbox are unpacked. Each is presented in crisp illustrations and very brief text.

Animal characteristics provide clues as different animals ask the reader to guess who they are. Each clue is clearly pictured on a white page; then turn the page to view the entire animal on a double-page spread. Crisp collage illustrates each
creature. The accessible volume ends with additional information (including size comparisons).

From one child to many creatures in different locations, life on earth is very diverse but delicate. This important message is gently delivered in lyrical text and highly detailed line and wash illustrations.

Elizabeth “Libba” Cotton heard music all around her growing up in North Carolina. She became a self-taught guitarist using her brother’s instrument until he moved. Her musical talent remained hidden until it was uncovered after she started working for Pete Seeger. Libba’s story is told effectively with swirling text and soft illustrations in a limited palette. 

Join the young koala’s search for a safe place to live and eat when he outgrows his mother’s pouch. A dramatic text on realistically illustrated pages is accompanied by additional factual information in a different font to both engage and inform.

Jinnee lives by the seaside and is quite magical. Using her magic, for her sons she created little house in a big city, a very special train, a steam shovel that saves the day, and more. The fictionalized biography of author/illustrator Jinnee, better known as Virginia Lee Burton, is presented to bring her work into focus. This is sure to introduce a new generation to books such as The Little House, Choo Choo, and Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel.

Vincent Van Gogh often had trouble sleeping. As a child, his parents fussed but Vincent continued to travel in his imagination, which precluded sleep. Glowing illustrations suggest the artist’s style and a rhythmic text provides an engaging introduction to Van Gogh and his powerful paintings. An author’s note includes additional information as well as images of several of Van Gogh’s paintings.

Large pages are used to present animals from around the world. Lyrical language and lush mixed media illustrations generate wonder and appreciation for a host of animals from habitats in the sea, land, and air.

A small, underfed horse was found by a group of Marines during the Korean War. She was named Sergeant Reckless for her courage and willingness to carry ammunition into battle. The story of this faithful, brave animal is presented in a gripping narration and realistic (though not explicit) illustrations. 

It was good to be a kid in 1954. There were nickel doughnuts and one-cent lollipops. At the same time though, learning to read was just plain boring. That is until Dr. Seuss came up with an idea! Straight narration and Seussian rhyme combine with both realistic and imaginative illustrations to present the story of how entertaining leveled books began.

Earth is surrounded by stars of which the sun is only one. Earth is blue “because it is covered by 370,000,000.000,000,000,000 gallons of water.” It has trillions of trees and millions of cities …. but “only one of YOU…” This imaginative presentation is enjoyable to read and may well encourage closer observation of what is all around. 

Meet the Statue of Liberty. She came from across an ocean like many of the people she continues to welcome; that’s why her right foot is mid-stride, of course. Strong graphics and factual but timely, tongue-in-cheek text presents Lady Liberty as never seen before.

Jane Addams hated war. But what could one person do? Jane found a way, dedicating her life to peace and won a Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to it. Soft watercolors create a period in time, the people and places where Jane worked to complement the straightforward, engaging narration. Additional biographical information is included.