Book Finder

Try as they might, Cow, Duck, Dog, and Cat just cannot come up with how to stop the baby from crying. With humor and verve, the animals’ efforts ultimately exhaust them — and a smiling baby watches them sleep. Repetition, humor, and lots of opportunity for participation are sure to delight even the youngest child.

Readers are invited to touch, smell, and play games with Paul and Judy with each turn of sturdy, tactile pages. The original “touch and feel” book has an ageless quality due to simplicity in tone, text, and illustration.

Bright, boldly colored illustrations depict how young animals prepare to play outdoor winter games and sports. This basic, primarily visual introduction will serve as a simple introduction to lesser and well-known outdoor activities.

Have you ever wondered why the leopard has spots or why a spider has a big butt? This collection of six stories uses African folklore and storytelling techniques to explain natural phenomena.

Fluffy, the class pet guinea pig wants to lose a tooth to meet the tooth fairy but then learns that guinea pigs don’t lose teeth; rather they gnaw to wear them down. When he goes home with one of the kids, however, Fluffy manages to meet the Tooth Fairy after all! Light and playful, this is sure to engage newly independent readers.

In a happy but chaotic home, the bunnies had had a big day and a hard night — and Mama loved them throughout. As a tired Mama sits down at last, her dad comes in to reassure her that no matter how old children get, a parent’s love continues. Small, detailed, line and wash illustrations complement this warm, comforting story.

Young animals are fussy, messy, pouting, and more — but still each “Mama loves her” little one. Gentle rhymes reassure the young that no matter how they behave or what they look like, Mama always loves them, reinforced as the human mother embraces her young son. Warm-toned watercolors enhance the rhythmic, rhyming text.

The special place in fathers’ hearts for their children is celebrated in this warmly illustrated, wise book. Rich language describes each animal dad’s prediction of their child’s growing up until a human father is pictured embracing an infant. This is as appealing as the author/illustrator’s I Love You as Much.

Rich, alliterative language is used in intriguing similes to create a rhythmic text illustrated with bright colors and bold forms — animals created by one or many heart shapes. From the opening to the final page where a resting child cuddles with a teddy bear made from heart shapes, this book is sure to fascinate readers.

A baby Max thoroughly enjoys his daily routine. He loves everyone and each activity — from waking up in his crib to driving in a car but he especially loves the one who makes his jelly toast! Repetition in a catchy cadence combines with Wells’ signature illustrations in a sturdy, uncluttered format to share with the youngest.

On the day that Henry’s mom includes a special blueberry muffin in his lunch, Henry’s teacher moves his desk next to Chloe. A smitten Henry — a young cat — gives his tasty treat to the attractive bunny. Soft illustrations and an understated text combine to create a winning portrait of infatuation and friendship.

Even the youngest listener will recognize what the animals in the closed pet shop try to get the hamster to sleep. When they finally do get the hamster settled in for the night, it’s suddenly morning and the hamster is rudely awakened! Mellow illustrations and onomatopoeic language create a gently humorous tale of concern and friendship.

Look for a new mystery narrated by King (also known as Buddy), a bright, persistent pup whose first family has gone missing. Once King is adopted by Conner and his mom, he becomes Buddy and solves several mysterious events and helps Connor adjust to his new life. This first of a series will delight new readers.

When it’s nighttime, everyone sleeps; that is, everyone except owl who notices other animals. Some sleep peacefully and quietly. Others sleep in unique ways - standing up or with one or even two eyes open. Succinct, almost lyrical language and highly stylized illustrations create a contemporary bedtime book with an old-fashioned feel.

A dapper brown bear named Henry and his friend decide to visit another town. As Henry hikes, he leisurely soaks in the flora and fauna as he meets a number of his contemporaries (and a sly way to introduce historical figures such as Mrs. Alcott, Mr. Emerson, and Mr. Hawthorne). His friend, however, misses these as he takes the train. Other books about Henry are also inspired by Thoreau and provide a brief introduction to his life and beliefs.

A young owl decides to stay awake during the day and discovers a range of colors, from pink dawn to yellow sun to blue sky. But the small owl decides that the nighttime stars are the most beautiful of all. A color wheel is included and displays the same vibrant colors used throughout the story.

A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother pouch, each time going a little farther, but each time returning after meeting an unexpected animal. Like children, however, Joey, finally recognizes itself in another and leaves his mother’s safety for a bit longer. Repetition and lively illustrations make this an engaging story.

Each sturdy page begins with “peek-a-boo” in words and a die-cut page that folds over to reveal the hidden object. Clues are included before the flap opens and provide lots to point to and talk about with young children in this rhyming, playful, and colorful board book.

The familiar rhyme continues all the way to 20 as a rabbit helps the farm animals get ready for a party. A small chick on each page encourages young readers to look closely as chicks are hidden on each spread. Bright, boldly lined illustrations are appealing and child-like.

The arctic environment contrasts with the warmth of a mother polar bear and her cub who emerge from their den for the first time. The mother’s encouragement allows her child to build confidence as he grows and explores his wintry but safe surroundings. This gentle, handsomely illustrated story makes a comforting bedtime book.

Maisy’s favorite animals are introduced in both English and Spanish accompanied by Cousin’s signature illustrations on sturdy pages. Maisy is a familiar character with a simplicity of illustration and text that captivates young children.

Highly textured, realistic collages on uncluttered backgrounds combine with rhythmic, rhyming, and repetitive text to introduce a range of animals. Ranging from very familiar to lesser known, young listeners will meet creatures and language in this compelling and participatory book.

Short rhymes introduce out-of-the ordinary animals and invite readers to touch a part of the illustration to feel such things as an octopus’ textured tentacles. This could be a colorful companion to the much-loved classic, Pat the Bunny.

The round little dog has a colorful ball but no one to play with; all of the farm animals have excuses. Dog is forlorn until a pair of human hands picks up the ball — and fun can start. Simple language in an easy rhyme combines with colorful, gentle illustrations for a satisfying story.