Book Finder

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.

When an industrious red hen finds seeds, the other animals refuse to help her plant them. But when the little red hen finally bakes the bread from the wheat she has grown, the others are all eager to eat it! Luminous, realistic, highly-detailed watercolors breathe freshness into this traditional tale.

Introduce children to the five senses in this delightfully offbeat book, with a flop-eared bunny as your guide. Snappy, rhythmic language and expressive, jaunty illustrations create a book ideal for sharing.

What makes YOU grumpy? Is it opening a birthday present and finding UNDERWEAR? (Oh, poop!) Is it getting a sloppy smooch from your aunt? (Oh, yuck!) Is it when your peas get into the GRAVY? (Oh, gross!) Playful illustrations and a humorous text capture the essence of the gross grumpies for kids of all ages.

Daisy narrates, in short, poetic language, how her older sister prepares for her marriage to Jamal. The emotional tale conveys both the joy of the marriage and the sadness of a sister leaving home. But ultimately, as Daisy and her family look at the wedding pictures, they remember the day fondly. Realistic illustrations enhance the story and add detail.

Jenny’s favorite uncle, Uncle Peter, is getting married. Now Jenny won’t be his only “special girl” any longer; she’ll have to share him with Stella! But Peter’s bride is as happy to have a new niece as she is beautiful and wins Jenny over. Child-like illustrations reflect the traditions and warmth of this Chinese American family.

Who else except Lilly would Mr. Slinger, Lilly’s favorite teacher, invite to be flower girl in his wedding? His niece, Ginger, that’s who! Lilly’s indomitable personality and the author’s genuine respect for children shine through in this wholly credible story — a very funny and satisfying saga in which Lilly saves the day.

Amber Brown’s narration brings drama and humor to the story of her life after her parents’ divorce. She alternately feels green (with envy), blue (with melancholy) and red (with anger), during this transitional time in her life, and gives young readers new language to express their own feelings.

Otis Spofford likes to stir up a bit of excitement at home and in his third grade class; nothing awful, of course, just enough to keep things interesting. But he meets his match when he teases Ellen Tebbits and gets his comeuppance!

Maggie stubbornly refuses to learn cursive in third grade; those curves and connections between letters are silly (hence the Muggie!). With a little help from a perceptive teacher, however, Maggie is able to change her opinion without losing her dignity.

A young boy, Leigh, begins writing letters to a famous author, Mr. Henshaw, revealing what’s going on in his life — like his parents’ divorce — as he gradually matures and finds his place in the world. Leigh’s voice is plausible and poignant.

Pigeon is back, this time introducing young children to modes of transportation, from bus to bike. His slightly adult quips are sure to engage adults and children alike as are the bold lined, cartoon illustrations.

Ferdinand is not an ordinary bull. Instead of kicking and fighting and butting heads like the other young bulls, he prefers to sit and smell the flowers. When Ferdinand unwittingly sits on a bee while men are searching for the fiercest bull for the bullfights in Madrid, his dramatic reaction gets him chosen! Black and white illustrations and understated text create humor and a message of nonviolence.

A blanket is the familiar security object featured in this board book. The child, drawn in bold line on brightly colored backgrounds, remains the focus as he learns about blankies!

A pacifier is the familiar security object featured in this board book. The child, drawn in bold line on brightly colored backgrounds, remains the focus as he learns about binkies!

Rich, full-color illustrations in a large format breathe new life into this now classic story. The Little Blue Engine overcomes tough odds to succeed, all because she believes in herself: “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” And she does.

Zippy text in the cadence of a familiar song combine with madcap illustrations of a paint-crazed boy who, when stopped from painting his entire house, starts painting himself from head to toe! Readers will recognize the utter silliness as they enjoy the color-splashed pages.

When Eugene is shipwrecked on a tiny island, he finds a friend in Lenny, an exceptionally intelligent parrot who talks. Readers will understand the changing meaning of Eugene’s repeated “terrific” as the story and the understated humor grow in this engaging yarn.

The alphabet is cleverly used to tell an alliterative story and to depict a range of emotions in this charming book. Not only was Walter worried, Priscilla was puzzled, Elliott was ecstatic, and so on. Each is created by the letter itself, making playful visuals for the reader’s eye.

The window at Nanna and Poppy’s house looks like a regular window, but it’s really a doorway to the child’s world and a celebration of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Celebrate family with this 2006 Caldecott Medal-winning book.

Fruits and vegetables have distinct personalities — at least in the hands of the team that created How Are You Peeling. Here, expressive foods suggest shapes, colors, numbers, and more (as well as a range of emotions) in crisp, full-color photographs of fascinating food sculptures.

Everyone has had a moment or a day in which nothing seems to be going right. These short, gently illustrated poems not only recall some of these uncomfortable moments, but are sure to help readers recognize the humor in them.

With support from a wise teacher, Gilbert discovers that everyone can do different things well, including making new friends, on the day he begins first grade and his little sister starts preschool.

From simple love to love mysterious, love oh so hot to love rather coolish, Sandra Boynton and her ubiquitous hippos, turkeys, and cats consider the moods (and “many ways”) of love. In impressive rhyming verse, Boynton holds forth on myriad kinds of love, accompanying each rhyme with illustrations of various romancing critters.