Book Finder

Often as children grow up, they “stop hearing their toys,” as did the girl who made the paper princess. So the wind whisks Princess off on a magical journey, ultimately carrying her to a new home where she can once again be loved by a little girl. Highly detailed illustrations are used in this sequel to The Paper Princess, though each book stands on its own.

This modern classic introduces children to the life cycle of a butterfly through luminous illustrations, pages with die-cuts that grow with the caterpillar, and predictable language. The butterfly that emerges from the cocoon, though no longer small or ravenous, continues to thrill readers of many ages.

In writing about her childhood growing up in Camaguey, Cuba, Alma Flor Ada evokes all the senses. Readers will smell jasmine, coffee, and grandmother’s perfume. They will see the bats flying overhead and hear adults share stories. Companion volume to Where the Flame Trees Bloom.

In this picture book full of majestic paintings, a young boy reveals his favorite places around the family farm. When his baby sister is born, he shares with her the wonders of their surroundings.

There’s a saying that “slow but steady wins the race.” In this richly illustrated book, the saying is recast as a Tibetan tale about a boy and his reliable yak and an impatient rider on a speedy horse, both on their way to the holy city of Lhasa.

Would Pal ever eat Arthur’s homework? After Arthur tells his teacher that his dog ate his homework, he’s told to report to the principal’s office the next morning. But first Arthur must make it through a night of peculiar dreams! Children’s concerns and fears are captured in the pickle Arthur finds himself in.

Before Arthur was a television series, he was the star of his own series of books. Children of all ages enjoy Arthur’s everyday adventures at school, home, and camp. Younger children will enjoy picture books about the young aardvark, while a series of early chapter books are just right for the newly independent reader.

When Zoe and her family move to the Nebraska prairie, it is the isolation and sameness of the landscape that depresses her mother most. A simple clump of dandelions planted on the roof of their sod house, however, provides color and hope.

When his grandfather arrives from Mexico, Francisco helps him find work as a gardener even though he is really a carpenter. When they mistakenly pull all the plants but leave the weeds, Abuelo, upset at Francisco’s lie, refuses to accept payment until the job is done correctly.

Lively green dinosaurs with human attributes provide useful information in this guide to wellness. The illustrations that accompany the engaging text create an understanding of overall physical and mental health.

Fox thinks of himself as extremely clever – will anyone be able to outfox him? Ink, pencil, and watercolor illustrations accompany the text of these sprightly, humorous, and appealing tales.

Arthur’s little sister, Dora Winifred (better known as D.W.) can hardly wait until she can write her entire name to get her very own library card. Once she does, however, D.W. worries so much about possibly damaging the book she borrowed that she cannot enjoy it. Arthur helps her understand that she can use and enjoy library books safely. Also available in Spanish.

Sally narrates the story of her brother’s crisis of confidence when his world turns fuzzy. She figures out he needs glasses and so together they visit the eye doctor and all things soon become clear! The lively illustrations are as varied as the typeface in this fun and fresh tale.

Good manners and proper behavior is stylish at all times in all places. Nattily dressed pigs demonstrate etiquette and appropriate conduct in a variety of places – from around the house to public places and everything in between – in this lighthearted look at manners.

Ramona, now starting 4th grade, gets a teacher who is a stickler for proper spelling. Ramona is propelled into writing a letter when she finds an error in an advertisement — all with the verve and humor readers expect of Ramona.

A girl and her grandfather make a butterfly house that provides shelter for Painted Ladies even after the girl grows up. The cyclical nature of life is gently portrayed in handsome paintings and lyrical language.

Gilly is not a very likable girl, but then again, she doesn’t really like herself very much. She’s being placed in yet another foster home, with a fat and ugly foster mother. Gilly knows that her “real” mother is beautiful and that everything would be all right if she’d just come for her. Quirky characters, humor, and a poignant exploration of family are the hallmarks of this book that received many awards, including a Newbery Honor.

Arthur’s little sister, D.W., hates to eat many things, but most of all she hates spinach. When she joins the family for a special birthday dinner, D.W. is surprised that her delicious pot pie actually is made with – dread – spinach! Humor and wisdom abound in this engaging tale.

Oh, how Peter wished he could whistle to call his dog, Willie. Try as he might, he just couldn’t seem to make the sound come out — until one day he could! The simple description of a child’s yearning is told in natural language and charming collage illustrations.

Wilma Rudolph not only overcame polio, she went on to become the first woman to win three Olympic gold medals in Rome in 1960. Semiabstract paintings convey her power and personality in this accessible picture book biography.

Ten-year-old James is intrigued by the K-Bones, a local gang, and considers joining. But when his six-year-old brother witnesses him vandalize a sign, he begins to have second thoughts. A tough topic is handled in a brief but effective way, sure to launch discussion.

Alfie takes his trusty blanket with him when he attends his first party alone, but bravely puts it down to comfort a friend who is frightened by a mask.

Naomi and her younger brother Owen have lived with their grandmother in a small trailer for many years, ever since they were abandoned by their mother. When Mom Terri Lynn suddenly returns, does she really have the kids’ best interests at heart?

When Ruby sends out invitations to a party, Max sends out his own which are delivered to Grandma. Children are encouraged to participate by lifting the flaps in this sturdy, colorful book. They’ll try to figure out the meaning of Max’s messages and may even be inspired to write their own letters in this latest Max and Ruby jaunt.