Book Finder

Three short stories about two friends, a small dachshund, and a teddy bear, are funny, touching, and recognizable. The illustrations have a naïve quality to capture the simplicity and warmth of the friendship and complement the story as told in both narration and the characters’ dialog.

Though Big Mama repeatedly asks her not to chase the birds, the young African American girl is determined to become the “chicken chasing queen.” She often focuses on Miss Hen, a particularly adept escapee – although a surprise find helps the girl reform. Humor and personality shine through in story and image.

Julie loves to hear her grandfather’s larger-than-life, highly imagined tales of long ago when he emigrated from Russia to New York City. Grandma, however, recalls the same events in a very different way. With fresh illustrations, these 25-year-old tales remain humorous and vivacious.

Ollie longs to be the best of anything in his class and ultimately discovers that he is the class’ best chef when he brings in his family’s favorite dishes. This delights a special visitor – the teacher’s sister who is a television chef! This satisfying story will be appreciated by creative cooks everywhere.

Annie and her pet rabbit live next door to a boy named Henry and his oversized dog Mudge. Though Annie loves her neighbors and her home, she still wishes her house was prettier. Uncluttered illustrations and straightforward text reveal childhood concerns.

Though born years and miles apart, the paths of two extraordinary women would one day cross briefly. The women, who are known now as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, would come to play a significant role in securing rights for African Americans. Stylized illustrations and brief text present the people, the period, and their encounter.

The latest edition of the Young Explorers atlas uses satellite images to help focus on various parts of the world and to build an understanding of continents, countries, and natural resources. This edition also suggests links to a dedicated website to extend the learning.

Stunning illustrations, recent photographs, and current information combine to present a compelling look at the various planets (including the dwarf planet Pluto), stars, and galactic mysteries. This authoritative presentation is by a well-known specialist in the field.

Conversations with families provide insight and information into how books are created and the intergenerational impact of illustrating and writing them. From the Rockwells, the Crews/Jonas family, the Pinkneys, the Myers’, and the Hurds — talent seems to run in the family!

Stunning, semi-abstract illustrations create a contemporary, recognizable setting for Lewis Carroll’s now classic nonsense poem. An illustrator’s note provides background for the choice of the Jabberwock as a many-fingered ball handler on an urban basketball court.

Read about dogs with cat icons, and then turn the book over to learn about cats – with dog icons. Informative, informal text combines with textured collage illustrations for an intriguing and edifying look at these familiar animals.

Clementine is back, this time wondering what special thing she might do in the school’s talent show. Line drawings add verve to the oh-so-plausible, often funny story of how Clementine finds her special skill.

Stink gets a huge batch of jawbreakers when he writes a letter of complaint and so is inspired to write other companies. While he receives other things for his letter writing, Judy Moody’s little brother comes to realize that there are really more important things in his life.

From a sharecropper family, Althea Gibson went on to become a highly skilled tennis player and to break down the game’s racial barriers. Strong, varied illustrations accompany the lucid text to present a compelling portrait of a complex woman and accomplished athlete.

Sometimes putting something off is worse than what is being put off – and that’s just what Moxy Maxwell learns when she puts off her summer reading. Short chapters build tension as readers both understand Moxy’s dawdling but also root for her to finish herassignment.

When first born, this small offspring of a circus bear was small enough to fit in one hand. Brought to the Berlin Zoo, Knut the baby polar bear went on to capture the hearts and imaginations of many people around the world. His story is told through full color photographs and gentle text.

As a pirate, Jack Plank was not a very good plunderer, although he makes up for it as a fine storyteller. He wows Mrs. Del Fresno’s daughter and her other boarders with his stories as he seeks another profession. This episodic yarn spins a wonderful read aloud.

This riveting account is based on the true story of Henry Brown, a slave who literally mailed himself to freedom. Dramatic illustrations show what young Henry endured during his grueling trip to Pennsylvania.

Dragons are beautiful, powerful creatures that have immense appeal to the budding artist. This book not only gives drawing advice but also background information on a wide variety of dragons.

Short rhymes provide accurate glimpses at heavenly bodies, even noting Pluto’s new status. Each poem is accompanied by colorful, evocative illustrations. Additional information about the topic of each poem concludes this handsome volume.

Seemingly simple shapes and primary colors are presented to illustrate, intrigue, and introduce how design elements come together to create images. This is as engaging and illuminating as Gonyea’s earlier Book About Design.

Ancient Egypt is established before the boy king, who has fascinated so many, begins his reign. Carefully crafted illustrations evoke the time and the place in which King Tutankhamen lived and ruled in traditional two-dimensional illustrations.