Book Finder

The blue hippo dad does everything wrong — much to the delight of his young son who knows how to do many things, from getting dressed to giving hugs. Parents and children will enjoy the fun though adults may appreciate father hippo’s technique the most.

The little owl searches for his mother when separated from her, but his descriptions aren’t very clear. At last, a concerned squirrel helps reunite baby and mother. Muted colors and broad shapes are used in this appealing story.

Jack and Guy, his action figure, don’t always play with Jack’s little brother, Gus. When Guy gets stuck in a tree, however, the brothers cooperate to get him down. Inventive play is portrayed by white lines over crisp, realistic photographs.

When his mother gives away his too-small shoes, Alfie decides to runs away from home. His mother helps Alfie pack for a sojourn to his own back yard, and welcomes him home with open arms. Gentle illustrations convey Alfie’s recognizable range of emotions.

Knuffle Bunny is accidentally left on the plane when Trixie and her parents visit the grandparents in Holland. Though Trixie is miserable without her snuggle buddy, she finds him on the plane bound for home where Trixie shows remarkable growth and selflessness. A note from Daddy completes the book’s emotional circle.

The bright, lively, and one-of-a-kind girl is back, this time to find out the difference between wanting something and actually needing it. Dyamonde is caught by her own cleverness, sure to gain readers’ empathy.

The characters first introduced in this novel (originally published in 1952) remain fresh and engaging. Orphaned sisters, Nancy and Pamela (aka Plum), are determined never to spend another Christmas with mean Mrs. Monday. It is available again with new illustrations and an introduction by National Book Award winner, Jeanne Birdsall.

Two stories of two boys on different continents are told almost wordlessly; their tales are both dissimilar and similar, and unknowingly intersect. One boy and his family live in Australia, the other in Morocco (North Africa). Each story is told in textured collage illustrations presented literally side by side.

Mommy tries all the typical tricks to resist her daughter’s attempts to get her into bed. Though the pleas are familiar (“five more minutes?”), the lighthearted illustrations show the mother engaging in the behaviors and the child’s patient response. Once Mommy is in bed, the girl starts the same routine with Daddy in this appealing book.

A family shares a nighttime picnic with traditional mooncakes and other foods to honor the moon. Each silently shares a wish that is sent to the moon. The quiet celebration is presented through Lin’s signature illustrations and simple text. An endnote provides a bit more information about the festival.

In a neighborhood of flower gardens, a Chinese-American girl and her mother plant what the child considers to be ugly vegetables. The ugly vegetables, however, become attractive and help build community when made into a delicious soup! A recipe is included.

Even though Ling and Ting are identical twins, they are not the same. How they differ becomes clear in short chapters in this winning book just right for new readers. The charismatic Asian-American sisters are depicted in word and illustration with humor and affection.

The young narrator describes how she and her family each contribute to a handsome kite which they then enjoy flying. Signature illustrations show traditional Chinese kite designs combined with an author’s note about kite history. The result is the celebration of an ebullient family tradition that readers may want to take up themselves!

Chinese New Year traditions are brought to life through the eyes of a young girl and her family as they prepare for their family New Year celebration. Vivid color and bold line illustrate their planning which concludes with a dragon and noisemaking for a joyful celebration of this special Chinese festival.

Mama and Papa are excited to take a break from working in the fields and go home, but Carlos and his sisters are not sure how they feel about traveling to Mexico. Soon after arriving, however, they meet their loving extended family, and the children begin to understand what it meant for their parents to leave home in order to offer the family a better future. David Diaz’s stunning illustrations layered on top of photos of Mexican folk art bring Eve Bunting’s beautiful story to life.

Eve Bunting tells the inspiring true story of the first Ellis Island immigrant, fifteen-year-old Annie Moore of Cork, Ireland. An afterword provides information about Annie and her family. Photos are paired with the vibrant illustrations.

Grandmother has a surprise for Mayumie — is it a visit to the zoo, a museum, or the big city? When they finally reach their destination, Mayumie understands what makes visiting a cherry blossom grove so special: the beautiful pink flowers only bloom once a year! Readers will be enchanted by the magic of the story and the illustrations that capture the stunning colors of the cherry blossom trees. An author’s note provides historical details, as well as information on the cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC.

A large format is used for detailed, expressive illustrations to create a portrait of a contemporary farm. When combined with lyrical language, the changing seasons, information about planting and animals, and farm life are successfully presented.

The author recalls moving from the city to a farm on Middlebury Road. There the family had dogs, cats, fowl, and a cow. The young narrator, whose birthday is coming up, longs for a horse. Richly detailed watercolors warmly evoke a family, farm life, and a dream.

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.

This offbeat and slightly irreverent original story invents a tale about the creation of the universe; it was made in the kitchen of Mr. & Mrs. God. Older readers will enjoy the humor of the verbal sparring between the duo and in the homespun look of the light-handed illustrations.