Book Finder

Clean lines of both upper and lower case letters combine with colorful fruits and vegetables for a unique way to think about - and even eat through the alphabet.

John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, changed his world “seed by seed, deed by deed” as this handsome book encourages readers to do. Children are encouraged to celebrate Johnny Appleseed’s anniversary every autumn by planting seeds literally and figuratively.

Join Strega Nona and Big Anthony for holidays in Calabria (Italy) where feasts, food, and fun abound from early December to Epiphany. Of course, Big Anthony gets into trouble, but all ends well in this cheerful holiday offering with these enduring characters.

As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer’s day — there’s so much to do with a paleta!

Young children will treasure this collection of Latin American nursery rhymes. Preserved through oral tradition, these rhymes have been passed on from generation to generation. They have been lovingly gathered and translated for this book and many are accompanied by instructions for finger play.

A spiffy fox and friends and the alphabet are used to introduce apples — from blossoms, to how they grow, apple varieties, and more. Rich words (such as “deciduous”) are used, briefly but effectively introducing sophisticated concepts. Back matter extends the fun, activities, and information.

Single words in apple red combine with bold black-lined illustrations to tell tales of apples, autumn, seasons, and more. A brief note about apple trees and composting conclude this unique and attractive look focused around one of fall’s favorite fruits.

Pinch is too lazy to make his own soup so visits his friend, Dash who is making some. With ingredients from both kitchens, however, the friends make a tasty soup which turns into an inedible disaster. Short chapters and engaging illustrations create an accessible, engaging book for newly independent readers.

When the doorbell rings three times, Willie knows that Uncle Bill has arrived to watch Willie while mom is away. In three short vignettes, Willie and his uncle make memories over a haircut, cooking and music. Jaunty illustrations portray lively and engaging characters and the warmth shared among them.

A child and her family plan and plant a garden and observe it as it grows. Her narration includes information about the process while conversations between two hens add humor and information. The appealing, light-lined, cartoon-like illustrations vary format while adding information and wit.

Two children start to plan their community garden while snow is still on the ground. Come spring they “plant a little seed or two…or more” and wait. They work and wait until the harvest and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) with neighbors. Illustrations in vivid color and strong line paint the garden, its visitors, and the dedicated gardeners.

The ever popular dinos are back, this time making and eating cookies always using their best manners. Rhyming text and outrageous illustrations are humorous. Two recipes and “scratch & sniff” are extras presented in this brief board book.

While on a visit to her aunt and uncle in Illinois, the narrator and her family unexpectedly find a field of growing soybeans which begins a 40-year tradition. Based on the author’s experiences, text and child-like illustrations reveal a caring, surprisingly modern family story from times past.

Cora wants to learn how to cook, but she’s too young to do the jobs her older siblings do. One day, however, after the older kids have all gone out together, Cora asks her mother what they can cook together. To her surprise, Cora’s mother asks her what she would like to make, and Cora chooses her favorite Filipino noodle dish, pancit. This family story about the importance of sharing tradition is brought to life by Kristi Valiant’s charming illustrations and includes a bilingual glossary of Tagalog words.

Marisa gets to help make dumplings this year to celebrate the New Year, but she worries that no one will eat her funny-looking dumplings. Set in the Hawaiian islands, this story celebrates the joyful mix of food, customs, and languages from many cultures.

Where on earth did Yum Yung get the urge to have a bagel? He has no idea, but desperate for one, he sends a message from his Korean village via pigeon to New York City for someone to send him one. While he waits, he asks the farmer, the fisherman, and the honeybee keeper for help, but none of them have ever heard of a bagel. Charming gouache illustrations evoke the intricate and colorful patterns found in Korean fabrics.

Mike’s Korean grandmother is still adjusting to her move to the U.S. While Mike helps her learn English, she helps the family, which owns a food cart, beat stiff competition. The family once did a good business serving pizza, bagels, and hot dogs on a busy corner, but now two other carts serving similar fare have moved in. Mike’s idea — to serve delicious Korean specialties that only Grandma knows how to make — saves the business and also helps Grandma feel at home. — Booklist

In this short book for beginning readers, a young Korean boy and girl share all of the different ways they like to eat rice, which are presented in colorful illustrations done by Grace Lin. A teacher’s guide with early reading activities is available from the Lee and Low website (opens in a new window). Also available in Spanish.

Children play and make pretend food in the garden where they play until they wash up for a real meal and a nap — all but one playful toddler. Sprightly, soft illustrations illuminate the text.

Ever-popular tellings of familiar folktales have become modern classics and are again available, just right to share with younger children.

Ever wonder how the food we eat came to be in a lunchbox? Brief text and lively illustrations describe food starts as well as healthy eating habits.

Tasty meals begin with healthy, balanced recipes. Clear instructions for broadly appealing meals are presented in easy-to-follow and appealing photographs.

All the kids have it — the cheese covered with red wax — except Ivy & Bean. How they earn the money to buy it causes funny mayhem and minor disasters.

Aneel’s active grandparents bring stories, special foods, and fun with them from India.