Book Finder

The author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit (among other children’s classics) comes into focus as an eager young artist who borrows a guinea pig as a subject. Left unattended, however, the curious animal meets an untimely end. Based on Potter’s journals, young readers will enjoy a fascinating introduction to an author/artist in lively illustration and lucid narrative. An endnote includes photos of Beatrix as well as additional information.

What do these 17 animals — from tarantulas to blobfish to seahorse and with lots in between — share in common? Each one is pink! An amazing array of pink animals is presented in image and text to inform, intrigue, and inspire. Additional information is included.

Thomas Jefferson’s many activities and interests took root in a new country and remain evident in contemporary America. They are celebrated in a breezy but informative text and charming, stylized illustrations in a muted palette that help bring the time, the person and his undertakings into focus. 

Her mother was a laundress but Anna was inspired by dance and music she saw in the Russian theater. A lyrical text is complemented by evocative illustrations to evoke the spirit of the life, work and travels of prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Even her death is subtly presented in both word and image for a stirring introduction to an amazing artist

Julia “Butterfly” Hill was born much later than Luna, a thousand year old redwood tree. But her bravery and tenacity saved Luna and the forest from destruction by living in the tree for about two years. This unusual story of activism is told from the perspective of both Butterfly and Luna accompanied by gentle, eye-catching, and informative illustrations. 

Jelly Roll Morton became – to his grandmother’s horror – a musician in New Orleans, developing his own unique style of jazz. Rhythmic, rhyming language and swirling, color-saturated illustrations glimpse the life and work of this little known musician, perhaps inspiring readers to take a longer look at the artist and his work.

Her travels as the child in a wealthy family helped Jane realize that there were those much less well off. She moved into a home in a gritty part of Chicago where she opened Hull House to address the needs of those in poverty, likely the country’s first community center. Jane’s work in Chicago is described in fluid text and gentle, evocative illustrations presenting a portrait of the 19^th century.

Have you ever had an idea spark another notion? A waterwheel may have been one boy’s inspiration for what is ubiquitous at today’s carnivals and amusement parks: the Ferris wheel! George studied engineering and created the world’s first 6-story tall observation wheel which showcased at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to the amazement of all. Realistic illustrations and lively text bring the man and his times to life.

Richly hued illustrations and an engaging text (that reads aloud well) present a brief look at the life of a girl who was well ahead of the 19^th century in which she lived. Ada’s mother left her husband, the philandering poet Lord Byron, moving to London. There she encouraged Ada’s passion for all things math, including developing algorithms for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, an early computer.

Brainspace is a traditional magazine and a digital magazine combined into one publication. On the traditional side, each issue is packed with stories and lots of short items, contests, fun facts and compelling visuals. Subjects range a diversity of subjects offering a broad range of informative and inquisitive stories that go well beyond textbook thinking.  On the digital side, Brainspace makes a big deal of its digital-image recognition technology. Using  the free LAYAR app, scan any image in the magazine showing the AR icon and watch as that image scans and becomes a video and/or audio augmentation.

Connections, shared humanity…through surprisingly far-reaching, themed content, Faces exposes readers to a wider world, celebrating diversity through a framework of common ground. Issues regularly explore varied facets of the culture and history of a country, a region or a city.

Kids who can’t help wondering whether video games really kill their brain cells, or what a gentleman ladybug is called, will find the answers here, in articles written by award-winning authors and accompanied by high-quality illustration and photography. MUSE makes a perfect gift for readers who are outgrowing ASK magazine or are interested in science, history, and the arts.

Full of learning and fun for today’s preschoolers and their parents! Bursting with lively photographs, engaging stories, and interactive picture games, each issue supplies you with fresh and imaginative teaching tools created by noted educators at National Geographic.

Each issue is packed with amazing facts, stunning photos and outdoor adventures that help kids sharpen reading skills and develop a deeper appreciation for nature.

Filled with fun activities, simple stories and wild animals that the little ones love. Ranger Rick Jr. draws preschoolers closer to nature and gets them ready to read. Youngsters will enjoy the seasonal crafts, simple cooking recipes, fun games, and more. Published monthly.

Kids ages 9 to 14 will enjoy reading about important American events and places, from colonial Williamsburg to famous battles of the Civil War to the Gold Rush to the Korean War. Just because it’s in the past doesn’t mean it has to be boring. COBBLESTONE magazine takes kids on a journey through history that is designed to excite their imaginations and bring the past to life!

Designed to spark your child’s interest in arts and science, Ask explores intriguing topics such as why animals sleep, why people love music, and how the solar system was formed. Kids love their subscriptions not just because the magazine is informative, but because it’s fun. Perfect for readers who are ready for more challenging reading, as well as any curious 6 to 9 year-old.

Tombs, mummies, dinosaurs — budding archaeologists and history buffs ages 9 to 14 are off to new adventures at dig sites around the world. DIG explores the history of the ancient world and its modern branches. Readers look over the shoulders of professional archaeologists working in the field to unearth important finds, and into working laboratories and museums to learn about cutting-edge conservation techniques. Interviews, profiles, articles, and biographies, along with detailed maps and charts, convey the exciting intersection of history and archaeology.

Josephine Baker’s life and struggles of this performer and activist comes to life.

The author retells the saga of Hiawatha who with the Peacemaker was instrumental in creating the federation of tribes, known as the Great Iroquois Nation. Dramatic illustrations evoke mystery and drama to complement the straightforward narration. An author’s note concludes this sophisticated, unique and handsome book.

Many animals, like people, live in groups. Many of these groups have special words to describe them — from a colony of koalas, to a scurry of squirrels, and even a flamboyance of flamingos. Stunning collage and line illustration of each group march across each double page spread. A bit of information about the animals’ behavior is included in this memorable book.

History is made up of moments. Twenty-eight moments revealed in poetry, well-known quotes, and more and rich, swirling illustration are presented – one for each of the days in Black History Month. This creative presentation, however, amply demonstrates that African American history is worth sharing all year.

What and how many creatures make their home in one almendro tree? Count the animals and insects that reside in one single Latin American rainforest tree in lush illustrations and straightforward text.

Sharks have not five but six senses —; all used to help them survive and even thrive. “Electroreception” is the sixth sense that allows sharks to detect electric fields emitted by other animals. This introduction to sharks is effectively illustrated with collage and will likely inform as well as dispel shark myths.