Book Finder

Animals shown in color photographs engage in a range of recognizable activities — from romping to snuggling. Lively language and a sturdy format are used in this appealing book just right to share with young children.

Mr. and Mrs. Noodleman, new to Chicken Noodle Farm and their 552 chickens, begin their egg business. They soon discover, however, that their henhouse is haunted. The not-so-scary ghost helps the couple solve a mystery in this funny, slightly wacky tale.

Say narrates the saga of his grandfather who as a young man travels to the United States in the early 20th century, marries, and returns to Japan. Watercolor portraits of people and places glimpse the contrast of cultures and parallel the lives of grandfather and grandson. It could lead to a discovery of family histories. Country of origin: Japan

Every morning, Lucy tiptoes into her grandmother’s room to wake her with a gentle tickle. Little Mamá always remembers to tickle Lucy right back! But Lucy knows there are things her abuelita sometimes forgets — like the way to the park or how to tie her shoes. Still, there’s much that Little Mamá remembers and shares: how to skip and dance, stories from Mexico, and plenty of hugs and kisses.

Tony is not looking forward to his family’s annual picnic at Liberty Island in October. Nevertheless, his grandmother insists that they maintain the tradition of celebrating her birthday with Lady Liberty. At first it doesn’t seem like much fun — until Tony finally begins to understand why the Statue of Liberty means so much to his grandmother. Lovely colorful acrylic paintings bring this special tribute to life.

Gathered by their teacher on the first day of school, each child shares what he or she wants to have happen this year. The range of answers shows the many interests and personalities in a classroom until the teacher shares her wish: to get to know each child. Lively ink and wash illustrations are sure to start anyone’s school year off right.

From racing out of the house to riding the bus with “thirty pairs of sleepy eyes” to the much noisier ride home, these short, humorous poems bring the school day to life. Loose watercolors add verve to the light and varied verse.

An imaginative boy goes to the first day of school with his “salty crew of swabbies” by his side “sailing for adventure…” The make-believe pirates are with him throughout the day. The entire tale told in pirate lingo is ideal for reading aloud. The pirates are always with the boy but depicted in monochromatic sketches on each full-color page.

The day before the first day of school Annalina declares in her diary: “I don’t want to go to kindergarten!” Her worries are familiar, expressed in boldly colored and outlined illustrations. As the month goes along, however, Annalina’s concerns are dispelled and she grows to love school, her friends and teacher, and kindergarten.

Children going to kindergarten in the U.S. are welcomed by the teacher, practice reading, eat, and more — just like their counterparts in Beijing. A day of school life in Schenectady, New York, and Beijing, China, shown in expressive photographs, highlight commonalities. Chinese is included, though it is also transliterated.