Book Finder

Two beavers do what beavers do best: build. Finely-lined black-and-white illustrations with touches of color chronicle the beavers’ activities, from creating their nest, having offspring, protecting them, and wintering in their home. 

A realistic illustration and the titular question and a couple of hints ask readers to guess what came from the pictured egg. A page turn reveals the animal along with brief information about them. “Eggcellent” facts are included.

There are all kinds of babies in the world. They can be big, small, short, or tall. Rhythmic language and simple illustrations with clean lines and bright colors on each page ends with a mirror — a surprise baby to conclude this charming book.

On Monday, a small mouse notices a fluffy snowflake and wonders how high it will go. On successive days of the week, snow accumulates, covering animals one-by-one. Lyrical language creates a rhythmic pattern accompanied by softly-hued illustrations — first covering, then uncovering them — as the snow melts.

Lift an acorn to discover a squirrel peeking out of a hole and more. Small hands will delight in the crinkling noise when soft flaps are lifted to see what forest surprise is hidden beneath. Find more surprises in this companion book about ocean inhabitants, Peekaboo Ocean (opens in a new window).

It’s Deepawali, the Festival of Lights in Nepal, and today is the day to honor dogs! Brothers Alu and Bhalu wander the streets of Kathmandu, passing by twirling kites and bamboo swings, looking for a dog to feed. But as night falls, their task begins to feel hopeless, until they spot a small black dog who is in need of a friend. This gentle story told in verse presents an important Hindu holiday (also called Diwali in India) through the eyes of two young boys.

Through rhyming text, learn about the evolutionary link between million-year-old dinosaurs and modern-day birds.

Young readers will explore the evolving terrain and animals of the Galápagos in this nonfiction picture book. Charles Darwin first visited the Galápagos Islands almost 200 years ago, only to discover a land filled with plants and animals that could not be found anywhere else on earth. How did they come to inhabit the island? How long will they remain? Thoroughly researched and filled with intricate and beautiful paintings by award-winning author and artist Jason Chin.

Three animals did indeed go up in a hot-air balloon in the 18th century, but not quite the talented sheep, rooster, and duck who propel this funny and clever tale forward. Fact and fiction, cameo appearances by historical figures, and lots of illustrations are used. An author’s note reveals the history, effectively separating real from imagined.

A cyber-enhanced cat is sent into space to stop rats from eating the moon. Absurd humor propels this outlandish tale through the galaxy with unending gags, sure to make readers laugh aloud. It’s the first in a series which was inspired by Instagram video shorts created during the pandemic.

Everyone knows their five senses — sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing — right? But there are two more: proprioception (letting you touch your nose with your finger without seeing either body part) and the vestibular system (in charge of balance). Informal language and lighthearted illustration add a touch of humor in the presentation of solid information, sure to engage.

Twenty years after being injured, rehabilitated, and living in a South African aquarium, Yoshi traveled home. The true story of the loggerhead sea turtle’s 1003-day journey was tracked by scientists around the world as he traveled 25,000 miles to Australia. Dramatic illustrations and complete backmatter create a book that can be shared on many levels.

Follow a bowhead whale over her very long life in the Arctic. The world’s longest living mammal starts over 200 years ago and continues to today in an ever-changing sea. Accessible text and evocative illustrations conclude with additional information and further resources.The author is a Smithsonian marine specialist. 

Sharks have been around since prehistoric times. Discover the well-researched history of these ocean-dwelling creatures (and some of the scientists who study them), presented in a large, heavily illustrated format just right to dip into or to read cover to cover.

Plum is one of the Athensville Zoo’s feathered ambassadors though a jealous, wily rodent thinks it would be better than Plum, a mere peacock. Lively language and jaunty illustrations combine to make a funny, memorable tale with enough tension to keep readers going to the very end.

People and animals share many things: they play, move around, make homes, use tools and more. The more we know, the greater the respect we have for those with which we share the planet. Stylized, colorful illustrations and tidbits of information are presented in bitesize bits in a handsome format.

Alphonso loves to fish, attracting them with his wormlike tongue. But can the alligator snapping turtle eat the school of fish who have gathered to joyfully share the meal? Information about amazing alligator snapping turtles concludes this humorous tale of an empathetic creature.

When the family takes a short vacation, Granny comes to stay to care for the family cat. Granny loses her glasses and accidentally lets a mischievous racoon inside and the indoor cat out. Animated chaos follows Granny’s mistaken identity for a comedy of errors starring one clever racoon.

Ralph, a dog, led a quiet life until a nearby egg hatched. The duckling saw Ralph and knew he was his dad. Life was no longer quiet but filled with cuddles and chaos just as the duck’s life was with its puppy horde. Comical illustrations depict the pleasures of a huge, blended family.

Have you ever wondered what people don’t see at the seashore? Could it be ballet? Perhaps a performance by talented crabs. Share a performance through the gently rhyming text and detailed, finely lined, gently colored illustrations. A glossary of ballet terms (for kids and crabs) is included.

What can people learn from dogs? How to BE in the moment from waking to bedtime and through the seasons! Charming collage illustrations and straightforward text encourage readers to smell, taste, feel, and see with canine simplicity. 

Sturdy, split pages encourage children to play and laugh as new critters are created. Young readers will want to count everything from smiles to whiskers with each turn of a whole or half page.  

Each bird makes its own sound as the day begins. Bold, colorful images and straightforward language encourage joining the bird song from chirps to warbles.

Join Michael, Emily, and their parents as they explore Yosemite (and other National Parks in the series). The kids quickly learn that there are animals all around — even if they can’t see them — who leave behind scat and tracks. Before long, the kids are able to identify animal tracks and determine what a creature has eaten recently.