Book Finder

As a gift from his magician uncle, Joe receives The Book setting into motion a series of humorous time travel adventures. Joe and his friends, Fred and Sam, travel to King Arthur’s England where they meet dragons, knights, and more in this first Time Warp Trio trip. Smith’s black/white illustrations punctuate the action in this fast-paced tale.

Fact and fiction, old and new styles of illustration, wit and seriousness combine in this pithy, lighthearted look at four luminaries in American history. Only mature readers will appreciate the title’s name play but are sure to chuckle at the take on John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Ben Franklin. Fact is clearly differentiated from fun at book’s end.

This classic children’s favorite contains stories and activities that can be enjoyed independently or shared with an adult. From poetry to puzzles, from short fiction to informational stories, each carefully crafted part of the magazine is a teaching tool that reads like a comic book. Pattern recognition and reading comprehension activities are placed alongside lessons on morals and courtesy in a format that is kid-friendly and fun!

Varied topics and a lively style are sure to engage new readers. From games to activities to stories, kids are encouraged to participate and will enjoy alone or with an adult.

On a cold morning, a little old lady decides to make pancakes for breakfast, but has a hard time finding all of the ingredients. This wordless picture book tells a story of determination and humor, ideal for young readers who can narrate the story as they go.

Nancy loves being fancy and shares her enthusiasm with her family who all dress up and go out for pizza — fancy, of course! Nancy’s bubbly narration is matched by expressive illustrations that convey the affectionate and unique family, and their support for each other.

When a small monkey spies a banana, he leaves the juggler and starts a chain of events that create chaos and laughs for the reader. Careful readers will note that the signs, which rhyme when read in sequence, add to the humor of this nearly wordless adventure and bring the story full circle.

Why did the chicken cross the road? He could be running from approaching zombie chickens or just joining a bunch of buddies for a picnic. Different illustrators use various techniques to provide a (mostly) visual answer to the time-worn question with lots of laughs along the way!

When it starts to rain, Rover is pleased that other animals join him in his doghouse. That is, until a skunk finds his way there — and everyone exits! When the storm is over, Rover enjoys a bone and the solitude of his doghouse. Expressive illustrations and animated, rhythmic language make for a satisfying story.

When is a gorilla like Curious George? When he (and a parade of animals) follow the zookeeper home at bedtime — and snuggles in with the zookeeper’s wife with very fast and funny results.

What makes YOU grumpy? Is it opening a birthday present and finding UNDERWEAR? (Oh, poop!) Is it getting a sloppy smooch from your aunt? (Oh, yuck!) Is it when your peas get into the GRAVY? (Oh, gross!) Playful illustrations and a humorous text capture the essence of the gross grumpies for kids of all ages.

Hally is the much loved pet of the Tosis family. They love everything about her except for her bad breath which may bring their happy days as a family to an end — that is until Hally saves the day by bungling burglars! This pun-filled text teams with laughs that come in a variety of smells.

Ever tried to cram something in too small a space before you know if you can get it out — like a lima bean up your nose? Well, that’s just one of many really bad ideas presented in this very engaging book. Textured, high energy illustrations make the bad ideas and their unfortunate consequences virtually leap across the pages.

Young children will enjoy the sound of the familiar rhymes but older readers — including parents who share it with young children — will take pleasure in the deadpan humor of the illustrations. Now presented in board book format, this will hold up to multiple readings.

What would happen if the dish and the spoon (of “hey diddle diddle” fame) ran away and didn’t want to come back? Well, that’s the premise of this funny, pun-filled saga. Other nursery rhyme characters follow a map to find the runaways in this lively, visually sophisticated, and humorous book.

Three pairs of siblings, sent to a summer camp that helps brothers and sisters get along, must unite to overcome an adversary at Camp Happy Harmony. The mystery unfolds through letters, memos, Post-It notes, and delightful illustrations in this offbeat story with puzzle-like appeal.

Readers take over for the bus driver, who cautions them not to let the pigeon stay up late. But as in other books about this willful bird, well … Children get to see this situation from the adult’s perspective as the pigeon finds excuses not to go to bed.

School is out and Babymouse heads to the beach with her surfboard — and brother — in tow. The energetic mouse is awash in nonstop beach adventures, depicted in bold line and pink wash.

Runny Babbit talk is created by spoonerisms, switching the first sound in a pair of words, so a “silly book” becomes a “billy sook.” Kids build their phonemic awareness without even trying! The audio book narrator’s slightly gravelly voice is ideal for sharing these funny poems (completed though not published before the popular poet’s death in 1999).

In this creative collection, words are used as objects to create images — both on the page and in the reader’s mind. These literal representations make poetry and imagery accessible even to very young children.

Socks has a difficult start in life, but things get much better when he is taken in by the Brickers. The young couple adore their feline friend. But when the baby arrives, Socks loses his place at the center of the Brickers’ universe. Socks’ antics are both humorous and recognizable in this engaging novel. Older siblings will relate!

Petey loves bedtime, because that’s when he gets to hear the story of when he was born. Complete with fire trucks and wheelchairs racing through hospital halls, Petey takes over and embellishes his own story. Children and their parents will recognize themselves in this very funny book.

Can 50 lizards get to the stage in time for the show to start? A frantic snake looks for the performers and gradually, the lizards leap into sight in groups of five (5) then ten (10) until all 50 are on stage. The colorful, rhyming romp is sure to encourage counting as the story builds.

Pigeon is back, this time introducing young children to modes of transportation, from bus to bike. His slightly adult quips are sure to engage adults and children alike as are the bold lined, cartoon illustrations.