Book Finder

Peter is now 12 and still tormented by younger brother, Fudge. And then he learns that his parents want to leave New York City for some time in the country — and a new baby in the family. One Fudge is bad enough, but how will Peter cope with yet another? Humor abounds in this recognizable tale.

In a shorter form, Jake and Abigail (better known as the Pain and the Great One) are introduced. As with other stories, each views the other as best loved in the family but share an abiding loyalty for the other. Anyone with a sibling will appreciate this gently humorous tale.

What happens to a city kid who spends the summer in the country? Sheila Tubman (aka as Peter Hatcher’s nemesis) finds out as she confronts her fears ranging from dogs to swimming. Snappy dialog and recognizable characters come to life through Sheila’s narration.

It’s tough being the middle child, between an older brother and younger sister. Second grade Freddy says he sometimes feels squeezed like the peanut butter part of a sandwich but happily, he establishes himself as special nonetheless. Memorable characters and recognizable situations make this book both satisfying and appealing.

Now not only does Peter’s little brother, Fudge, decide he loves Peter’s sworn enemy, Sheila Tubman, his parents rent a vacation home with them! There, a grandparent from each family meets, fall in love, and decide to marry — making Sheila and Peter relatives. Rip-roaring humor abounds in this rollicking continuing family saga.

When the Hatchers visit Washington D.C. so that money-obsessed Fudge can see where it is printed, they run into distant cousins who then invite themselves to stay with their relatives in New York City. Chaos ensues when the families share close quarters, all creating lots of laughs for readers.

Jake (aka The Pain), a first grader and his sister, 3rd grader Abigail (aka The Great One), share vignettes in alternating chapters about life and living in their school and at home. Though they are indeed sibling rivals, each child is fiercely loyal to the other and confronts familiar school problems as a duo with verve and humor.

Even the youngest listener will recognize what the animals in the closed pet shop try to get the hamster to sleep. When they finally do get the hamster settled in for the night, it’s suddenly morning and the hamster is rudely awakened! Mellow illustrations and onomatopoeic language create a gently humorous tale of concern and friendship.

A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother pouch, each time going a little farther, but each time returning after meeting an unexpected animal. Like children, however, Joey, finally recognizes itself in another and leaves his mother’s safety for a bit longer. Repetition and lively illustrations make this an engaging story.

The arctic environment contrasts with the warmth of a mother polar bear and her cub who emerge from their den for the first time. The mother’s encouragement allows her child to build confidence as he grows and explores his wintry but safe surroundings. This gentle, handsomely illustrated story makes a comforting bedtime book.

While parents may be miffed when young dinosaurs test limits, they are always reassured of their parents’ cunfailing love. Told in rhyme, this latest addition to the series by this talented writer/artist team is sure to please young children as they cuddle with their parents.

Miranda’s day at the beach with her mother is filled with the normal activities, from building castles in the sand to placing a crab in it. The child is disappointed when the day comes to an end but is reassured by her mother that more special days will follow. The joy of sharing a day at the beach is a pleasure all year long.

In spite of a grumpy dad who literally turns into a grizzly bear — as seen in the very amusing illustrations — the grizzly dad and his son enjoy an outing together. By the time the mom and other child return home at the end of the day, dad has returned to himself. The literal transformation is not only child-like, but the notion will be broadly appreciated!

A bath made Farley, a hairy (and very pleasing) pooch, hungry and so before his owner could slip his collar back on, Farley is off following delicious smells. Although Farley becomes disoriented, he finds his way home and even helps a lost child along the way. Comic strip fans will recognize the characters, though this tale stands alone.

In a companion to A Chair for My Mother, young Rosa awaits the birth of her baby cousin in the now slightly frayed chair so lovingly purchased long ago. When the baby is born, Rosa introduces him to the much-loved chair and its history in this sincere and warmly told and illustrated family story.

Everyone knows that book characters come alive only when the book is opened. In this clever picture book, characters awaken when readers open it; sleep when the book is closed. Illustrations allow readers to literally look down into the book characters’ lives and enjoy the entire notion of storytelling.

The narrator can do many things well but she just cannot skip. The rhyming, repetitive text allows readers to see what else they are likely good at doing but will help them figure out steps for skipping, too. Spare illustrations add appeal to the pleasing text.

A boy’s grandfather is always grumpy, fussy, and yelling. But when grandfather and grandson go fishing together, they wind up having a laugh and finding a way to communicate. Stylized illustrations are used effectively in this story of learning to appreciate relatives who may have forgotten what it’s like to be young.

When his teacher assigns a science project, 3rd grader Oliver is enthusiastic about doing it independently. His rather overprotective parents, however, have different ideas. How Oliver and his newfound friend and classmate overcome the obstacles makes for engaging reading with lots of laughs.

Jake (aka the Pain) and his older sister Abigail (the Great One) are back, each sharing one of their experiences, alternating perspectives and voices from one chapter to the next. Each vignette is plausible, recognizable, and often humorous. Cartoon-like illustrations enhance the characterization and their wit.

All of a newborn, from head to toe, is appreciated and loved by various members of an adoring family. Lively language and joyful illustrations are used in this ebullient celebratory book.

As a young boy inventories himself from feet to head, he and his cat celebrate his body, its uses, and his world. Bright collages capture the joy of the celebration that complements the recognizable, slightly egocentric young voice. An endnote describes the creation of the illustrations and suggests a project for children.

Based in the author’s experiences of her father’s return from a war, this sophisticated, evocative story still resonates. Lizzie goes out with her dad to call crows, the pests that eat the family’s crops. Call them Lizzie does but her father decides not to shoot them. Atmospheric illustrations further distinguish this timeless story.

The timid 2nd grader is back, this time fearful of an upcoming camping trip with his father. Alvin’s siblings try to help him but actually create a different sort of disaster. Readers will enjoy laughing along with these memorable characters.