Book Finder

Sophisticated young scientists will enjoy dipping in and out of this funny but edifying compendium of science. Topics range from paleontology to astronomy with lots of ways to get involved (some requiring adult help). The comic format and brief information are appealing and sure to amaze and engage.

Clearly organized instructions provide not only the know-how but ideas on how to make prints from easily found materials. As children craft their own artwork, they may just want to reread other books which use comparable techniques (such as Eric Carle). Also in the 1 2 3 series are the equally doable I Can Sculpt! and I Can Paint!

Take a walk outdoors with the popular mouse, Maisy. Help Maisy find a duckling, a bee inside a flower, and more as young hands pull sturdy tabs to reveal the hidden treasure, guided by short text which also encourages children to look for additional related things on each double-page spread.

Full-color illustrations combine with clear instructions organized into four sections drawn from nature to present possible activities with generally easy-to-locate materials. Some activities are sophisticated, but children (with an adult) will find something to create in the great outdoors.

Dozens of how-to topics can be found in this browsable “instruction manual.” Easy-to-follow directions and helpful illustrations show you how to do things as varied as make your own lip gloss, eat with chop sticks, and juggle one-handed. The book opens with a disclaimer and reminds readers to use common sense at all times!

This book opens with a disclaimer and reminds readers to use common sense at all times — especially as boys consider doing things like skateboard “ollies,” fighting off a crocodile, or escaping quicksand. The book is fun and full of suggestions for real and absolutely outrageously undoable activities. Not just for boys!

Make a special card or gift that really stands out — or pops up, literally! Easy to follow instructions and ideas are generously illustrated to allow even the neophyte to make eye-catching pop-ups with easily found materials.

Join Danny and his friend, Ettie, as they visit the zoo on a snowy afternoon — and then on a trip to a sunny place in Africa with the elephants and aardvarks…all with the help of Danny’s yellow drawing book, of course! This imaginative, playful jaunt may inspire other armchair adventures.

Each lively rhyme or riddle about everyday things actually asks a math question; some easy, some more difficult, all playfully involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Humorous spins on recognizable situations are enhanced by comical illustrations.

When orphans Prosper, age 12, and Bo, age 5, run away to Venice, they find themselves in the company of a gang of teens who live in an abandoned movie theater and rob the rich to survive. A little bit of mystery, a little bit of fantasy, and a lot of the Venetian setting.

In 1950’s Appalachia, the Collins family leads a hard existence. The youngest sister, Carolina, is adrift, when her guitar-playing cousin, Tadpole, unexpectedly arrives. Tadpole’s beautiful singing and positive outlook inspire the family, but when they learn he’s on the run from an abusive uncle, they worry the uncle will come and take Tadpole away.

Hermux Tantamoq is a simple watchmaker mouse. Linka Perflinger is a daring mouse aviatrix, with a watch that needs fixing. When Hermux agrees to do the repair, he falls for Linka and gets dragged into an adventure involving mad scientists and a garish cosmetics maven mouse.

In this celebration of dads, heartwarming illustrations of baby animals and their fathers remind us of the many reasons why dads are so special.

Cam Jansen’s photographic memory once again foils the bad guy as she helps catch the thief who snitches her grandparents’ luggage — along with birthday gifts for Cam’s parents — at the airport. There is a lot to celebrate in this well-paced and engagingly narrated mystery.

Stink’s real name is James, just like President James Madison. And like Madison, Stink is short — a notion constantly reinforced by his older sister Judy. Stink, however, learns how to cope with it while along the way learning about U.S. presidents.

Ralph is a mouse who speaks human and lives at the Mountain View Inn run by Ryan’s family. The fun starts when Ralph’s motorcycle breaks and he convinces Ryan to take him to a mysterious place called school. Characters come to life through the lively narration.

Have you ever wondered why there is thunder and lightning? Hear this Nigerian folktale and other tales (as well as original poems) retold and shared by a master storyteller, artist, and writer. Ashley Bryan’s distinctive style and resonant voice echo the techniques of traditional griots.

Two girls, Bean and Ivy, learn that in spite of their very different personalities, they have lots in common. And their funny, sometimes outrageous, highly credible, everyday adventures begin one summer.

Arthur’s everyday world, both real and daydreamed, is presented through a lively narration of four books: Arthur’s Mystery Envelope, Arthur Makes the Team, Arthur Accused!, and Arthur and the Lost Diary. Children and adults alike will recognize the concerns and the humor in these gentle sagas.

Many creatures have wings: birds, bats, insects. How these amazing appendages work and how they are used are presented with brief text and stunning collage illustrations for a memorable look at flight.

Sophisticated readers (and fans of Lemony Snicket) will appreciate the sly humor and word play in this outrageously funny take-off on novels of yesteryear. Here, the Willoughby children must overcome their self-centered parents who ultimately meet their rightful — and very satisfying — end.

Something, someone was just here/Now there’s barely a trace… begins the elegantly illustrated, lyrical poem. From a pond to the sand at water’s edge to the forest and beyond, what has been there “…can only be seen/in/its/traces.”

Science is all around! And summer is a great time to dip into it — especially when it’s presented with such energy. Just do some “navel gazing” and get the “lowdown on lint” or find out which is more common — the “innie” or “outie.” Information and experiments are playfully presented and illustrated.