Book Finder

Eggs are things of beauty and great diversity. Some are large, others small. Some eggs are patterned or spotted, others are one color. Elegant illustrations and straightforward text introduce the wonder and variety of eggs, including the most exciting part — what’s inside them!

Animals move in different ways. They swing, dive, and dance across the pages and through the book, propelled by highly textured collages on open pages. Typeface and illustration combine to present a look at animal locomotion on land and in water. Additional information about the animals is included.

Dramatic full color illustrations (which won a Caldecott Honor) and splendid, poetic language depict the bravery of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery on a Maryland plantation only to return again and again to help other slaves escape. Deeply religious, Harriet became known as the Moses of her people and a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Ever wonder why some people’s eyes look red in a photograph or why egg whites can literally be whipped into shape? The Exploratorium has the answers! This hands-on museum is in San Francisco, California, but its discoveries are now available in the form of a book. With some curiosity, a bit of experimentation, and some insight from museum folk, you can explore this museum from your own home. This intriguing book can inspire curious minds of all ages.

How did a poor boy named Ehrich Weiss became the famous escape artist, Harry Houdini? The author, best known for his original tall tales and novels, demonstrates his ability to tell a spellbinding true story and shares his appreciation for the mystery of magic.

Koko was an extraordinary real-life great ape who learned hand signs to communicate with her teacher (and the author of this book). For her birthday, Koko wanted a cat. Full-color photographs emphasize not only the size difference between Koko and her kitten, but the affection and trust they shared. This sensitive and revealing glimpse at animal communication is sure to win over animal lovers of all ages.

The early life of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera is presented in simple, yet revealing language in both Spanish and English. Accompanied by richly colored illustrations, this book is reminiscent of the folk art and themes in Rivera’s work.

Split pages are used for matching games between the covers of four books, each dealing with a different concept (colors, shapes, numbers and words) that matches with a familiar object on the bottom. Carle’s books, with his signature style of illustration, have been newly formatted and presented in a boxed set.

Lift the flap and black turns to white at the start of this unusual and sophisticated book of opposites. Bold colors and carefully crafted die-cuts reveal a series of unexpected opposites. Readers are sure to delight in the surprise of each page turn.

Children are invited to travel the globe using current maps, informative pictures, and text inserts. National Geographic’s engaging format and suggested activities encourage adults and children to explore the world together, and bring faraway places a little closer to home.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was not only a famous composer and a musical genius; his father turned him into a child sensation! Limited language but rich, detailed, and varied illustrations introduce the essence of the boy and his music.

People the world over have one thing in common: from England to China, from Greece to Brazil and all places in-between, everyone eats! Starting with kitchen basics, the well-known chef guides a world culinary tour. Adults and kids are bound to enjoy making and eating these tempting recipes.

Once, long ago, a young man named John Chapman traveled the United States. Not only did he like being with his own thoughts, he liked apples and so helped plant apple trees wherever he traveled gaining a nickname and planting seeds for an orchard of stories. Johnny Appleseed comes alive in simple but expressive illustrations showing how one person can change the look of a country.

When a tsunami orphans a young hippopotamus, a group of concerned Malidi (on the east coast of Kenya) villagers figure out how to capture the 600 pound baby thus beginning his new life in an animal sanctuary with a new and unlikely companion — a 130 year old tortoise named Mzee. Full color photographs and straightforward text are used in this inspiring, appealing and true story told first by a young girl and her father.

Scieszka has collected short stories with special appeal to guys; after all, they were written by guys! In this collection, readers will learn about guys who write for guys who read &mdash and love to laugh (and occasionally get grossed out), including a Scieszka family story.

One of nature’s most volatile weather events is the tornado. In this updated edition, the author presents the formation, tracking, and devastation created by twisters. Dramatic photographs and a brief list of additional resources conclude this fascinating book.

Hurricanes, their origin and their destructive power (as well as their relatives, the tropical storm and depression) are presented here in striking photographs and cogent text.

James recounts one family visit to see his uncle and grandmother in New York City. Uncle Andy (who dropped the “a” from his surname) is an artist who would rock the art world, but who is appreciated here as the eccentric uncle of a slightly offbeat family. Warhol’s images are conjured in this energetic family memoir.

Artists use line and color to convey meaning and invite interpretation. Seventeen pieces of art are used to explore various depictions of faces, hands, and forms. Additional information about the work and the artists are presented in the final section.

Artist Marc Chagall’s early life is represented through engaging narrative and illustrations that call to mind Chagall’s own work. A reproduction of one of his paintings is included.

A young artist named Art lives up to his name and takes the reader on a vibrant journey where color and line race from page to page. Art’s exuberance is portrayed with nimble illustrations, translucent colors, and rhyming language.

Young children will delight in seeing familiar animals in their natural habitats, portrayed in the distinct styles of various artists. Lively descriptions accompany the illustrations, and endnotes include artist, time period, and owning museums.

The artist Jackson Pollack’s style and energy in his piece Number 1 1950 earned him the nickname Action Jackson. Fascinating details emerge as the art, environment, and inspiration of Jackson Pollack are presented in a carefully crafted, well-told, and vivaciously illustrated picture book biography.  

From her early days in Harlem to becoming the First Lady of Jazz, the story of Ella Fitzgerald is presented by a cool feline named Scat Cat Monroe. As Scat Cat steals through the pages of this book, Ella Fitzgerald’s life and work are revealed in jazz-inspired language accompanied by dramatic scratchboard illustrations. The result is a lively and loving picture book biography.