Book Finder

Bats come in different sizes with different characteristics but each serves a particular purpose. Crisp photographs and lucid writing provide a riveting introduction to these often maligned creatures.

With simple words and clear pictures, this bilingual picture-book biography introduces young readers to the Mexican American leader who led the labor struggle of poor migrant farm workers. Beginning with Chavez’s early childhood on his parents’ farm in Arizona, the biography tells of the family’s time as migrant workers during the Depression, and then of Chavez’s long years working to organize the United Farm Workers and fight violence and discrimination. Inspired by Gandhi, Chavez always insisted on nonviolence, and the stirring pages show him on a hunger strike and leading labor strikes and boycotts.

Mexico’s culture, history, and spirit are revealed through The Foods, The Fiestas, The Folk Arts, The Past, and The People. Each volume — whether focusing on food or art, ancient beginnings, or current conflicts — captures the many flavors and traditions of the land and its people.

Anne Sullivan arrived at the Keller home in 1887, writing letters to a friend about how she worked with a deaf and blind girl named Helen. Anne’s words combine with a straightforward narration and gentle illustrations to provide deeper insight into how Helen Keller grew into a brilliant woman.

Volcanoes erupt on land and in the sea and are found all around the world. Eruptions are both “creative and destructive” but all start with “gooey rock called magma.” Volcano facts are combined with specific locations and striking, textured collages for an absorbing introduction to a fascinating natural phenomenon.

In the rainforest of Sumatra, a baby orangutan is born. Photographs chronicle her life with mother and the baby’s growth. At about five years old, the baby is old enough to live independently though she still occasionally sees her mother. Brief general information about orangutans concludes this accessible photo essay.

Most kids like something chocolate-y, right? But there wouldn’t be chocolate without cocoa beans that come from cocoa pods that rely on insects and other creatures in rainforests — even monkeys! A brief but engaging look at this interconnected habitat is realistically illustrated with informative but humorous asides by bookworms to encourage each page turn.

Andy Warhol became well-known as an artist whose impact on pop culture continues to be felt. Many facets of his life and work are introduced in this comprehensive, well researched, and accessible biography.

George Ohr was a talented potter whose patience paid off — quite literally — for his heirs. Now better known than when he lived, George Ohr’s work is now highly valued and prized for its unique glazes and shapes.

Orange fabric created The Gates which unfurled in New York’s Central Park to temporarily brighten a dreary winter. It — and other huge, stunning outdoor art projects are the work of a husband-wife team, chronicled here in striking photographs and engaging language.

There’s always something to do outside regardless of the weather. A range of activities are presented through short descriptions and photographs with notation to indicate if the activity can be done independently or if adult help is needed. Some are messy, all are doable.

Find out the difference between “warm blooded” and “cold blooded” creatures, learn why sweat is important, how to stay warm or cool, and how animals cope with temperature changes. Attractive illustrations and crisp text will inform and engage.

In the spring in Pakistan’s Hindu Kush Mountains, two hungry snow leopard cubs wait for their mother. As they grown, they must learn to survive on their own in a harsh environment. Stunning illustrations and dramatic narration provide a glimpse of the animals’ lives.

Horace Pippin was born in Pennsylvania in the late 19th century to become a talented — and ultimately recognized — 20th century artist. Mixed media illustrations and simple text present an overview of Pippin’s life and times, including overcoming a disability.

As a child, he was a late talker but as he grew up, Albert Einstein never stopped asking questions. The man whose ideas and questions changed the world is presented in engaging, child-like illustrations and easy but surprisingly informative text.

This handsome book invites readers to look at birds while learning about their habits and habitats; clearly organized by region and illustrated with illuminating photographs for identification. Easy activities, positive actions, and additional resources are also included.

Iditarod racers often run in families of humans and the dogs that run. The grueling, exciting race is introduced in clearly labeled photographs and crisp text just right for dipping in and out of for a glimpse at the brave animals and people who run it.

What’s a “wordle”? The title uses wordles. “Reindeer” and “rain dear” are wordles. Get it? Readers will be inspired to make up their own as they go through the clever language and comically illustrated wordles presented.

In 1775 George Washington “ached for cannons” as he watched the British in Boston. A Boston bookseller, Henry Knox, figured out how to get cannons from a New York fort to Boston by boat, across land, in only 50 days. Watercolor illustrations and brief text chronicle Henry’s feat.

A host of deadly predators and their lethal methods are presented. Informative though playful descriptions with cartoon illustrations (that both enhance and mitigate the “gross” factor), the thin volume is sure to intrigue — and inspire further reading.

Elizabeth was a strong-minded girl. As a young woman, it was her determination and strength that allowed her to graduate as the first female physician in 1849. Lighthearted illustrations and limited information make this an appealing introduction to an era and a pioneer.

No visit to a beach is complete without finding shells. Those who visit the Northeast coast of the U.S. are sure to gain information and insight from a small but instructive, clearly illustrated book on seashells.

Whether or not the primates introduced from 1 to 10 are familiar, readers are sure to appreciate meeting them in arresting portraits. A self-portrait of the illustrator other humans are accompanied by concluding text: “All primates. All one family. All my family … and yours!”

Look! Watch various animals in their own environment with a young dreamer. Here, expressive but realistic watercolor illustrations are truly worth a thousand words. They are accompanied by brief, repeating language just right for new readers.