Book Finder

A child finds a book that thinks it’s invisible. The book does not realize it is a tale told in Braille. Textured colors begin to emerge on white pages as the story comes to life under the fingers of its reader. A note about Braille concludes this special title.

Dan and Aki live different lives — one here on land, the other lives there at sea. While they may seem unalike, when they come together, they discover more than similarities. They find friendship and community, shown on a double gatefold complemented by warm-toned, slightly abstract illustrations.

Rosetta left her family and farm to join the Union Army. She cut her hair, practiced a lower voice, and become Lyons Wakeman. This fascinating examination of life in the 19th century is well-told, incorporating quotes from Rosetta’s letters. Colored scratchboard illustrations evoke the period, enhancing the accessible narrative. Additional information about Rosetta, the war, and a note from the author are included.

Boxes of books are loaded from a handcart to a truck and onto a shipping container where a four-week journey starts. The format highlights the length of the container ships that travel from there to here finally getting books into a bookshop. A range of ideas are simply presented coupled with a more detailed description of the travel creating a book that can be read on two levels cleverly augmented by simple but effective illustrations.

Although two-thirds of the world is covered by oceans, a mere five percent of them have been explored. Readers are invited into the history of diving through engaging, realistic illustrations and informative narration, from ancient times to the present.  An author’s note and additional backmatter conclude this attractive book.

Meet Coretta Scott King, a woman who continued her husband’s critical work after his death, through her own words gracefully edited for young readers. Stunning mixed-media illustrations complement the thoughtful and touching memoir.

Like children often do, this dog and cat take a most circuitous route home, encountering lots to see, smell, and hear along the way. Brief rhythmic, sometimes rhyming text accompanies this familiar adventure. Readers familiar with the author’s Inside Cat and They All Saw a Cat may recognize the styles and critters in this volume.

They’re beautiful in so many ways, tall or small, leafy or spiky, and can be found around the world. Short, varied poems introduce a range of trees from across the globe, encouraging readers to care for them. Colorful illustrations will help young readers to identify specific trees.

The teeny-weeny unicorn is so small that he’s used as a chess piece by his brothers. He laments his small stature until he happens upon a gnome that’s even teenier and learns that he was big enough to smash her roadster. Pastel illustrations effectively convey the movement and humor in this relatable and very funny tale.

Abuela and the young narrator speak in recipes that they make together weekly. Lorito, his grandmother’s parrot, speaks Spanish but the boy does not. Slowly, however, he learns to roll his Rs and pick up Spanish words. Lorito flies away, but returns when the boy pronounces ingredients for arroz con leche. (The recipe is included.)

A young artist is asked to paint in her favorite color and starts with red, yellow, and blue only. She discovers that her favorite color is hidden within them! Warm illustrations call to mind batik to effectively demonstrate variations within hues and color mixing, leading to Jo’s self-portrait.

Jaunty language and buoyant watercolors illustrate a range of children sharing their fondness for favorite books. Whether read alone or together, with a dog, or even in the bathroom, “This is my book, / My favorite book. / I wake and I take it. / I sleep and I keep it.”  This joyful celebration is not to be missed!

Mavis, a hen that knits, saves her friend the sheep (not to mention wool for her knitting) proving that even the most chicken of us can find a spark of bravery when needed. Madcap humor in this delightful romp is sure to hold up to many readings.

Húóng lived in Vietnam until the bombs forced her family to flee to a new country. Not only were the sights, sounds, and smells different, but she also took on a new name.  As she adjusted to her new home, the child became comfortable with her two names: Húóng and Jennifer. An author’s note details the actual family story and includes a photograph and glossary.

What is better than a warm day at the beach? A gentle rhyme accompanied by lightly hued illustrations detail the joyful day a group of children and their adult share on such a day.

Art’s dad wakes up still feeling sluggish from his cold, so father and son go on a hunt to make a cold-fighting juice. With a bit of help from the community, a tasty, healthy juice starts dad’s recovery. Realistic illustrations complement the contemporary story which includes a juice recipe. Also available in Spanish: Jugo Fresco (opens in a new window), translated by Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz. 

Short, poetic lines are accompanied by lush watercolor illustrations depict the many animals that live in it to eat, explore, and more. “It’s shelter from a storm. / The forest is… / home.”  

A plump pooch is given a treat — a strawberry — and the epic race is on! Though chaos ensues throughout the house, readers will appreciate the fast-paced humor in the comical illustrations and understated text as dog and strawberry race to the finish line.

Aurora is nervous before a class presentation where she will use sign language to tell her story. When she makes the butterfly sign, it goes round the world and back, providing the needed confidence. Created by a Deaf author and illustrator, this magical tale will resonate with all.

Bunny’s predictable vacation by the sea is upended with the arrival of Bob, a purple monster. At first Bunny is pleased when a storm ruins Bob’s belongings, but a change of heart allows her to find a friend and new ways to share the seaside. Humorous, detailed illustrations contrast Bunny’s and Bob’s size and their approaches to life.

Their friendship started when one boy accidentally bumped into another’s block building — and then they discovered that building together was more fun. So, too, was imaginatively watching dragons and other fantastic creatures wreck them! Swirling, meticulous illustrations in Santat’s characteristic style detail the children’s friendship with its ups and downs, but one that is built to last.
 

A range of poets, from Lois Lowry to Lee Bennett Hopkins, express thanks for critters small and large. Expressive, idealized watercolors depict adorable animals and children in poems of gratitude.

A big brown bear announces it is the only bear in the book, until a polar bear — and then other bears — join them. Together, they discover (along with the reader) how different types of bears are similar and different. Fact and humor combine in this humorous informational picture book with additional resources included.

The rug is the ocean in this imaginative seafaring tale as a child and parent begin their adventure while the other parent is on the phone. Sophisticated but childlike illustrations go between fantasy and real time as the family shares escapades on the high seas. The rug will doubtless go un-vacuumed.