Book Finder

This anthology by well-loved children’s poet Jack Prelutsky includes twelve sprightly poems about Thanksgiving, including When Daddy Carves the Turkey, I Ate Too Much, and If Turkeys Thought.

In 1822 Clement Clarke Moore wrote The Night before Christmas for his own children. Now, of course, his poem is read aloud to children around the world who are anticipating Santa’s arrival.

A day in the life of parent and child-full of smiles and giggles, messes and meals, boundless energy and well-earned rest. Not to mention lots of love. Here, in simple rhyming verse accompanied by colorful, playful illustrations by world-renowned artist Satomi Ichikawa, is one such day. Share it with others and treasure the memories.

The very short poems compiled here explore the ordinary in extraordinary ways. The terse language and simple illustrations do not abbreviate but heighten wonder and delight.

Awful Ogre’s day is much like anyone else’s, but with an ogre-ish twist. He uses onion juice as a mouthwash with just a dab on his chin, writes love letters to a delightfully disgusting ogress and more. The clever rhyming verse and dark-lined illustrations are filled with humor and visual jokes that will make this collection of poetry awfully popular.

The basics of the events that led up to the Boston Tea Party in 1773 are revealed gradually, building through the familiar cadence of “The House That Jack Built.” Rhyming text and realistic illustrations successfully introduce the event that preceded the Revolutionary War. Small Colonial and English mice appear on each page, adding humor and a touch of information to this otherwise straightforward, clearly illustrated historical book.

Four African American children interact with one another in a preschool environment, exploring their facial features, skin tones, what they wear, what they do, and how they learn from and enjoy each other. A happy book and nice addition to preschool and kindergarten classrooms.

Delightful dinosaurs strut, jaunt, and parade across the sturdy pages of this book to the rhythm of a gently rhyming text. Young children respond to the lively language and illustrations in which dinosaurs introduce new words and ideas.

Told from a dog’s point of view and viewed from unusual artistic perspectives, these funny, rhythmic, and child-like poems bound through a year from January to December.

Using the alphabet as a pattern, paintings and brief poems explore rural life in Mexico presented first in Spanish and followed by English. From A to Z, brilliant illustrations and fluid poems evoke the plants, and more and the emotional impact on the lives of farm workers.

A bear family raises an American flag before they travel to New York City, Washington, DC, and points in between. Ultimately they return to their own “home sweet home” wrapped in a cozy bear hug. First published in 1938, the classic song “God Bless America” is illustrated in this unabashedly patriotic picture book in a humorous but respectful way. Designed to inspire and enlighten, the book is also accompanied by a CD of the song performed by Barbara Streisand.

Evocative poems explore a rainbow of color and emotion in vivid language, satisfying rhythm and handsome illustrations.

In this cumulative tale, Jack plants, tends and harvests his garden. Not only will readers follow Jack’s activities, they’ll learn about gardens and gardening in this informative and animated book through text and highly detailed and well-labeled illustrations. (The author’s background as a science teacher is pleasantly evident.)

A contemporary child delights in observing his shadow is depicted by crisp line and wash paintings in this accessible picture book of a classic poem.

Illustrations by nine Caldecott Medal artists are as varied in style and tone as the poems in this handsome, themed, and well-organized collection of poetry.

Short poems and child-like illustrations framed on brilliantly white pages capture the splendor (“Morning glories/Campfire stories‡”) and sorrow of summer *(“Skinned knees/Ninety degrees‡). Readers will readily relate to all aspects of summer, seen in a short poem for the end of summer: “Three words/Most cruel:/Back to school.”

The great American poet Langston Hughes chose the poems in this classic collection, originally published for young people in 1932.

Guthrie’s folk song begins a journey across the United States. Highly detailed, richly colored illustrations done in folk art style encourage readers to follow Woodie as he travels from coast to coast. A concluding note by Pete Seeger is informative, putting the period and person into an historical context.

Original illustrations define and enhance a selection of over 200 mostly familiar nursery rhymes. Open format and gentle colors in a large format make this a wonderful book to share with young children.

Poetry and vibrant paintings in the primitive style by a recognized Bahamian artist create memorable portrayals in this unique collaboration of words and images.

Life isn’t easy for sisters Amber and Essie. Their mother works long hours; their father’s in prison; there’s generally little to eat. But there is joy in their creative play, neighbor friendships, and mutual love and support, which shines through difficulties. In poems and pictures that are never overtly sentimental, Williams eloquently and intimately reveals the sisters’ distinct personalities and their story.

Jump rope rhymes do more than keep the rhythm; they’re often silly and just plain fun! Familiar and not so familiar rhymes are presented here with humorous line drawings to get and keep readers counting, maintaining a rhythm, and enjoying the game.

These traditional rhymes and songs from Latin America are presented in both English and Spanish. Gentle illustrations accompany the short verses, and show both cities and the countryside. Children and adults from Spanish-speaking backgrounds will recognize many of these fun songs and rhymes.

Cheery watercolor illustrations combine with short, playful poems to evoke the changes that happen in the fall. It’s “Awe-Tumn” after all, when “…autumn leaves/Leave me in awe.”