Book Finder

A rhyming text and soft, idealized illustrations present a young child’s pleasure in summer activities — from shooting “straight down the slide” to a picnic in the shade with her parents. The small size of the book makes it ideal for sharing one-to-one.

Letters and words are all around as even the youngest child will see as they travel in a car (or on a bus). There are signs for every letter of the alphabet, from Airport to Z-z-z-z, shown in arresting, high contrast graphic art and crisp letters.

Dini, a young dinosaur, desperately needs a bath after playing in the mud. Young readers will quickly figure out that before he washes, he must take off his shoes, pants, etc. The repetition is sure to delight the youngest as they identify what Dini has left. Text and simple, flat illustrations show “Dirty Dini Dinosaur” as he splashes in the tub and into his loving mother’s arms.

Moms and dads often do the same things in different ways but one thing they share in common, they both love their children “the exact same way.” Lighthearted illustrations and a predictable narrative depict the lively, affectionate relationship between a young child and her parents.

Bright illustrations accompany lively poems that celebrate children’s imaginations and playing outdoors on warm days. Some games, like ‘jacks’, may need a bit of explanation but walking on the edges (of sidewalks, curbs, etc.) and hopscotch are perennial favorites. Everyone may be inspired to go outside and play!

Decked out in rain boots, hat, and umbrella, a child joins her friends to play in the rain. The sound of the rain, mud, and finally sunshine is evoked by alliterative language and wordplay. The joy of getting dirty outdoors concludes with the girl and her dog in the midst of a messy but exuberant bubble bath.

Sophisticated children (or children with an adult) will appreciate the variety of aircraft designs ranging from easy to difficult, silly to complex, and the science behind them. All is presented in easy-to-follow instructions and crisp diagrams.

Share everyday words or count familiar objects with the genial hippopotamus-like Moomintrolls, drawn from the work of Finnish illustrator, Tove Jansson.

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.

Engaging poems combine with lighthearted illustrations to celebrate the stuff of which a child’s day is made from toothbrush to scissors, from crayons to hot dogs, and more.

Putting yourself into the center of a book can be done literally. Black/white illustrations, minimal text, and a large hole encourage active participation in this unique book.

The rabbit family’s activity-filled day at the beach begins with packing the car and ends with the young bunnies holding on to the fun with a nighttime game of “Go Fish” while their parents sleep. Readers will recognize the goings-on in the gentle illustrations and rhyming text.

Full color photographs capture beautiful babies at the beach engaged in warm, sunny, beach activities. The limited, lighthearted text serves as captions for each picture.

Cut-outs on sturdy pages present a range of objects seen at the beach. Made for the youngest child to recognize, each clearly presented object — ranging from pail and shovel to sun and starfish — is punctuated with glittery paper for a particularly sunny appearance.

Dinny Brown hurries and helps his family finish getting ready so they can walk to the fair. Grandma and Dinny start out but are soon joined by the others for a lovely fair day! Softly hued, detailed illustrations and playful, rhyming text build excitement for this family outing.

Does no electricity mean that there’s nothing to do or are there new adventures just waiting to happen? A family and their neighbors find out one hot summer night in the city. Luminous illustrations and limited text reveal the unexpected, joy-filled pleasures of a blackout.

Tom rides his new red bike to his friend’s house but the bike disappears when he knocks at Sam’s door. Sam has taken it for a spin, much to Tom’s irritation. Expressive illustrations and minimal text depict the friendship, chagrin, and ultimate resolution in a satisfying saga.

Though first written in the 19^th century, Robert Louis Stevenson’s poems still resonate with contemporary readers of all ages. Newly illustrated with a nod to earlier editions, gently hued and highly detailed illustrations add a fresh look to a classic collection.

Young Miles prepares his toy car for the ride to school when he discovers that his horn is broken. It will be fixed after school with his friend and fellow car enthusiast, Otto. Descriptive text is complemented by simple illustrations in this appealing story.

Baby and parents share a full day from the time the baby awakens until bedtime — with recognizable activities along the way. Lively, rhythmic language and bright illustrations appear on sturdy pages.

A little boy loves to push buttons and they’re everywhere: on the telephone, on his umbrella, on toys, and more. But when his finger is sore, he discovers books and blocks don’t involve buttons! Signature illustrations are used in this rhythmic book.

From going to the potty to using utensils, the many things that young children can do everyday are affirmed in bright, open, and cheerful illustrations and simple text.

Though none of the animals know what they’ve found in the woods, they all find a use for it until a little boy picks it up. He wonders what the book is about, then begins to read its stories aloud to the animals. Children will enjoy knowing what the animals find long before they do.

Jack and Guy, his action figure, don’t always play with Jack’s little brother, Gus. When Guy gets stuck in a tree, however, the brothers cooperate to get him down. Inventive play is portrayed by white lines over crisp, realistic photographs.