Book Finder

African-American poetry and art take wing and soar in this collection compiled by Belinda Rochelle. Poets and artists such as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Rita Dove, Countee Cullen, Jacob Lawrence, and Paul Lawrence Dunbar powerfully explore themes of slavery, racism, and black pride, among many others. Named as one of the New York Public Library’s “100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.”

When 13 well-known illustrators are asked about their favorite animal, the results are as varied in word and illustration as each artist’s style. Eric Carle introduces a cat called Fifi, while Mo Willems’ is “an Amazonia Neotropical Lower River Tink-Tink.” A clever collection of the exotic and expected is rich and varied; plus it benefits the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

What does any letter of the alphabet represent? Can you find the “embrace” in the letter E? Graphic artist Thurbly shows the action or the object created from each upper case letter from A to Z. The result is sure to inspire young artists to create while building vocabulary.

Young Frank lives with his dog and his grandpa, Old Frank. Only a trip to the museum convinces Old Frank that Young Frank is really a very creative architect who can make chairs, “twisted and wiggly” buildings and more. Each creation, of course, is from an architect’s design, presented with understated humor in text and illustration.

Whale advertises a forthcoming art show curated by, Mr. Jackson Pollack, a fish. But Whale doesn’t feel he is as talented as others until he notices a natural phenomenon that helps his creativity blossom but changes his diet forever. The horizontal shape supports the seascapes, its creatures and the appealing, gifted Whale.

Al’s little brother Teddy wants to join his big brother on his imaginative jaunts. Though Al tells Teddy he’s too young, Teddy discovers he can accompany Al on a memorable, dream trip through Al’s art. Handsome art moves the tale to its swirling, satisfying conclusion.

An illustration of a contemporary boy with pencil in hand stands in front of a blank piece of paper, invites readers to “Imagine…you were born before the invention of drawing…” And so starts Gerstein’s exploration of the boy who created the first drawing, created with a charred stick on a cave wall.

Inspired by an actual artist, Wu Daozi’s brush created images that seemed to come alive. Travel to ancient China to meet Daozi as he grows from a boy into a muralist for the Emperor. When the mural is finished, legend says that Daozi walks into the paradise he painted. Brief text combines with brush and watercolor illustrations for a memorable look at a legendary Chinese painter.

In a worthy companion volume to Heart to Heart (opens in a new window), poetry and the varied pieces of art from around the globe that inspired it are presented.

Poets respond in writing to a piece of art to create a unique fusion of image and literature. Rich imagery is presented visually and textually, prime to share aloud.

Andy Warhol became well-known as an artist whose impact on pop culture continues to be felt. Many facets of his life and work are introduced in this comprehensive, well researched, and accessible biography.

George Ohr was a talented potter whose patience paid off — quite literally — for his heirs. Now better known than when he lived, George Ohr’s work is now highly valued and prized for its unique glazes and shapes.

Orange fabric created The Gates which unfurled in New York’s Central Park to temporarily brighten a dreary winter. It — and other huge, stunning outdoor art projects are the work of a husband-wife team, chronicled here in striking photographs and engaging language.

Horace Pippin was born in Pennsylvania in the late 19th century to become a talented — and ultimately recognized — 20th century artist. Mixed media illustrations and simple text present an overview of Pippin’s life and times, including overcoming a disability.

Benign-looking, cheerful creatures love playing with color as they lend red, blue, and yellow to make new colors for gray monsters. Energetic lines and lively language swirl and dance across the pages of this spirited homage to color and creativity.

Works by many artists uniquely depict people from many parts of the world. No words are needed to view varied portraits, in many styles from many places all of which are identified.

A cumulative poem (in the cadence of “The House that Jack Built”) chronicles the work and life of Mexican potter, Juan Quezada. Words could center around the culture, the potting process, or art & artists.

The child of hardworking immigrants, the narrator tells her tale of growing up and how the family vacations at New York City’s shores inspired her affinity for art. Handsomely hued illustrations evoke family life during an earlier period in this fond family story.

A former slave and sharecropper Bill Traylor moved to the city after his wife’s death. Though he stored up memories of farm life and family, Traylor only began creating art in his 80s when he was homeless. Another artist, Charles Shannon, championed Traylor’s work. Traylor is now considered among the most significant of self-taught folk artists.

With the help of a little bit of magic, Mr. Renny’s paintings come to life, literally. But when his friend Rose wants a painting, how will the floppy-eared canine artist reverse the charm? A touch of traditional tales is sure to delight adult sensibilities but the book is sure to charm children.

Making a mark is easy, just do it! literally. Beginning with tools of the trade (paper, pens, etc.), children are encouraged to explore the language and techniques of drawing. From basic to sophisticated, the brief text and black/white illustration are sure to engage while they inform.

A red-shirted boy is pursued by boys angered when their soccer ball winds up in a fountain. He takes refuge in an art museum which begins a fantastical adventure involving paintings-come-to-life, a wicked butcher, a dog, and lasting friendship — all through expressive, comic illustrations.

Count along in English and Spanish with a Mexican folk artist as she sculpts her world from clay. Inspired by Josefina Aguilar, an artist who continues to create painted clay figures in the village of Ocotlán, Mexico, this colorful tale is profound in its beauty and simplicity.

Nothing suggests Halloween like a picture of a fierce or funny Jack-o-lantern, a sky full of bats or ghosts. What would a Halloween night be without a witch, a haunted house or a graveyard? Readers can create these and other signs of the celebration line by line, perhaps individualize them, and read other “spook-tacular books”.