Book Finder

Young Rosie wants nothing more than to invent, to be an engineer. Her confidence is shaken until her great-aunt Rosie (strongly echoing Rosie the Riveter of WWII fame) helps restore it. Told in rhyme with verve and humorous illustrations, this story is sure to inspire and engage.

Iggy Peck loves to build anything using almost any material.  His teacher, however, disagrees about architecture. Iggy rises to the challenge and changes her mind in this rhyming, thoroughly satisfying tale of an aspiring (and inspired) young architect. 

A satisfied cat presents both the inside and outside of its house as well as a human companion. The author/illustrator uses his signature flat, bright illustrations and straightforward language.   

Itty Bitty is a very, very tiny dog. But when he finds an enormous bone, he goes straight to work, gnawing out doors and windows and hollowing out the entire inside. When his work is done, however, his cavernous house still feels incomplete. Where can he find some itty-bitty things that will make this bone a home?

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.

Where is home? What makes a home? People throughout history, around the world, and in all cultures have made their homes in different structures to suit different needs which are explored here in highly detailed, often playful illustrations and limited text.

Travel through time, imagination, literature, and more for a unique look at “home” in any number of richly imagined ways. Stylized illustration and text present homes that are tall, short, messy, clean, real, or fantastic. The detailed illustrations are sure to get readers thinking about homes of all types and what they can represent.

This ode to building a house from the ground up features six kinds of craftsmen and the 24 tools they use, accurately labeled. The answer to each inquiring refrain is revealed under a gatefold, seven in all, engaging the reader in an informative guessing game.

Birds craft surprisingly unique nests. Brief verses introduce different birds and how their nest is made complemented by equally engaging but concise factual information in a different typeface. Memorable illustrations are realistic, made of cut paper collages placed on uncluttered pages.

Young Frank lives with his dog and his grandpa, Old Frank. Only a trip to the museum convinces Old Frank that Young Frank is really a very creative architect who can make chairs, “twisted and wiggly” buildings and more. Each creation, of course, is from an architect’s design, presented with understated humor in text and illustration.

Melonhead, now in 5th grade, and his best friend want to earn money. So when Melonhead has a BOB — short for Brainflash of Brilliance — the We-Fix-It Company is born, starting the adventure and fun. The latest Melonhead book stands alone and is sure to engage young readers.

The oldest child narrates the family’s move from the city to build their own house on farm land. How the family works together planning and building while living in a tiny trailer pays homage to the author’s parents who are introduced in photographs and a note at the end.

Cats don their hard hats and go to the site where they use big trucks to build a playground. Simple illustrations and language are sure to appeal to construction and truck aficionados!

Recognizable constructions from childhood such as blocks and sandcastles and playful verse are juxtaposed to actual photos of architectural landmarks from around the globe. A note about the structure and the architects conclude this imaginative look at art and architecture.

People all around have homes in which to live, but not all of them look alike. Dwellings old and new, in the U.S. and around the world, small and large, are presented in highly detailed, colorful collages and brief but informative text. A final map places the locations on a simple world map.

From Alcatraz to the Mission District, join an enthusiastic little girl and her dad as they tour highlights of San Francisco (CA). Bright illustrations and brief, rhyming text give a whirlwind tour of the city. A companion book presents another family on equally jaunty and animated tour in New York, Baby! (opens in a new window).

A family watches as an old building is torn down to build their new house. Children will likely join the repeated refrain in this colorful, lively, and straightforward story.

As a girl leaves her sandcastle on the beach, a wordless nautical fantasy begins in this handsomely illustrated, surprisingly complex tale.

Three books, each a sophisticated examination at how structures were built — a cathedral, castle, and mosque — have been revised, refreshed with current information, and put in one volume. The author/illustrator’s work is complex but will intrigue young readers especially if shared with an adult.

Each room of every house holds items, objects, and other surprises that were invented at one time or another. A kitchen calendar, for example, comes from a 16th century. Detailed, interactive pages are filled with fascinating tidbits sure to intrigue and inspire.

A boy and his father share the wonder of a visit to the sites of New York City, from the Empire State Building ending with a taxi ride to Grand Central (and a postcard to the reader) with lots in between. Energetic illustrations complement the informative text.

Birds live all over the world, but their nests come in many sizes, shapes, and some even borrow (or snitch) homes in which to lay and hatch their young. This lively introduction to various birds and their habits will likely absorb, inform, and inspire.

The young narrator helps Daddy by finding the tools and materials for a special project. Sturdy pages with flaps encourage participation and make a game of sharing the book.

Information about the symbols, emblems, and gods from Ancient Egypt is included with step-by-step instructions on how to draw them. A guide to pronunciation and where to go for more information on Egyptian antiquities is also included.