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.

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.

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.

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.

We all know that Goldilocks met the three bears, but what did she do before? Well, she met a boy named Jack, who before he climbed up the beanstalk had a fight with his little sister, Jill … Familiar folktales and rhymes are cleverly woven together to create an entirely new tale.

Sophisticated readers will appreciate the over-the-top adventures of a cryogenic pickle that emerges with superhero skills through the bedroom floor of Jo Jo Wigman. This full-color comic is distinguished by funny puns and wordplay as well as the combination of familiar school problems and Magic Pickle’s fantastic dilemmas.

A nearsighted greyhound? False teeth for an elephant? Strange-but-true animal stories on bright pages (with sources noted) make fascinating and entertaining reading, definitely proving that truth is stranger than fiction!

Could the chicken’s dream of buried treasure — a treasure of cracked corn under a great pink pig — be true? His friend George thought so. And so Chicken and George set out to follow the dream. Corny jokes abound in this funny, fast fable sure to delight (as well elicit groans!).

When Buzz and his family go on vacation, they don’t want to take Buzz’s pet, Fly Guy, with them — but he joins them nonetheless. Though small, the fly proves his mettle and saves the day with his flying skills. Bug-eyed cartoon characters and broad humor make this an entertaining read for newly independent readers.

This fun, fact-filled glimpse at the states begins with a warning that many of the facts are “wacky and outrageous” but buckle up and join the romp! (Leominster, MA, was the birthplace of the plastic lawn flamingo, for example.) Factoids combine with humorous illustrations to engage travelers on the go!

For one glorious, hot summer week, James went to stay with his friend Eamon’s grandparents so the boys could go to a nature camp. Though the boys seem to prefer playing video games and staying indoors, the truth is in the comic illustration. Adults will recall summer vacation while young readers will enjoy its unbridled joy.

Dumpling, an enthusiastic dog with a poor sense of smell, enjoys her life with the Frisbees. With a useless sniffer, she has no dog pals and befriends a small black animal with a wide white stripe down its back. Eventually, the dog’s family learns to keep tomato juice handy in this satisfying family story.

When new neighbors move near Rabbit; he learns from a wise owl to “do unto otters as you would have otters do to you.” That includes saying please and thank you (in several languages), cooperating, and more. The humorous take on manners makes them fun to see in practice, in stylized, engaging illustrations.

In order to beat the heat that summer, most of the residents of Clermont County practically lived in the pool. That is, everyone except Eric Dooley. He and his rubber giraffe were afraid of the water. How Eric learns to overcome his fear is told with humor and bubbly illustrations.

Everyday is an adventure with a silly baby who gets switched at the zoo, the circus, and other places. When the silly baby is retrieved by mom, that happy child makes joyful noises all the way to bedtime — or playtime! The jaunty illustrations complement the predictable adventure.

Pigeon — like most young children — wants a puppy and he wants it now. He wheedles, begs, and promises to get it. Will pigeon change his mind when a puppy shows up? Readers will appreciate that the indomitable pigeon speaks directly to them on each appealing page.

As he gets ready for bed, a cat can’t find his book anywhere! While young readers will see that the book is in plain sight, they’ll delight in what the cat imagines might have happened to it. Told with few words and lively illustrations, this is sure to delight.

When Farmer Gray went on vacation, Blue Goose and his friends decided to paint their black and white barnyard for a happy surprise. With the help of his friends, Blue Goose mixes paints to introduce both primary and secondary colors in this clever barnyard tale.

Since Oliver’s class has been studying about elections and voting, he decides to nominate his teacher for President, and contacts a local television station, clearly stating her many qualifications! Humor abounds as the teacher’s assets are juxtaposed with U.S. presidential duties — and with a real sense of child-like appreciation for what the teacher does.

Miss Fry welcomes the variety of pets that come to visit for the school year as warmly as she does each child in her increasingly noisy classroom. But each evening she returns to her calm little home in this quietly humorous and gentle story.

Teachers and children alike will see everyday school activities and objects in a different way through each short, easy-to-read poem. From the front door to the most everyday object (a pencil), each poem has its own slightly offbeat take on things, echoed in equally wacky illustrations.

Fans of the young girl who likes fancy everything — from words to clothing — will appreciate her angst when she must miss her friend Bree’s butterfly-themed birthday party. Instead, Nancy must attend her grandparents’ special anniversary celebration. Detailed line and wash illustrations and fancy (but clear) language create a memorable tale.

Unlike the arrogant, large dump truck, Little Blue Truck always has time to greet the animals in and around the farm. So when both get stuck in the mud, the animals respond to Little Blue Truck’s plea for help. Cooperation abounds in this rhyming story — ideal for reading aloud.

A small chick finds his true voice with the help of Bow-Wow, a small, expressive terrier. Strong lines in simple illustrations convey humor and movement — for both child and adult — in this short tale.