Book Finder

With the cadence, format, and appeal of the creators’ Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, animals found in North America are introduced. From a rattlesnake to a mountain goat, children will delight in the rhythm and predictability of the text and the cadence of the illustrations.

Caroline doesn’t see much of the name of their new street, Meadowview, as she and her family move to their new suburban neighborhood. When she saves a single flower from the lawn mower, she starts to change not only her backyard but ultimately the entire neighborhood. Soft illustrations and understated text convey story and an important concept.

A giant squid of bright blue likes to think of himself as the “biggest thing in the ocean” – until he is forced to realize that he’s not! Cartoon-like illustrations and understated text allow the humor of the underwater tale to shine.

When Hedgehog finds Mouse covered in leaves he learns that Mouse is now afraid of their friend Snake. When Snake saves Mouse, the rumor is unwound and Mouse realizes that Snake has always been his friend. Textured illustrations and relaxed text engagingly reveal a gentle message.

Fancy Nancy (still decked out in her amazingly fancy outfits) and her family decide to get a dog. Of course, Nancy wants a posh papillon, a small and delicate canine. However, they find the perfect pup at the pound — to everyone’s delight. Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in her newest and quite fancy adventure.

Look! What is the large black spot on the red background? As the perspective moves farther away, it becomes clear that it is the spot on a ladybug. Several progressions start up close and move away to reveal the “hidden” subjects. A simple text accompanies each page. An endnote provides additional information about each.

Residents of the New York City apartment were divided when a red-tail hawk took up residence atop their building and started a family. Based on real events, the illustrated story of the hawk nicknamed Pale Male will inform and perhaps inspire urban dwellers to look up – and share space.

When a bird builds its nest on Elephant’s head, his buddy Piggie suggests that Elephant simply ask the bird to move to another location. The bird honors Elephant’s polite request and takes up residence on Piggie’s head! Humor abounds in the understated text and simple illustrations of this easy-to-read book.

Little Rat wants to be musical and play an instrument just as do the other members of her family. But playing the violin well takes a great deal of practice, as Little Rat learns. Illustrations are richly hued and subtly add humor in addition to a gentle reminder.

Three short stories about two friends, a small dachshund, and a teddy bear, are funny, touching, and recognizable. The illustrations have a naïve quality to capture the simplicity and warmth of the friendship and complement the story as told in both narration and the characters’ dialog.

Though Big Mama repeatedly asks her not to chase the birds, the young African American girl is determined to become the “chicken chasing queen.” She often focuses on Miss Hen, a particularly adept escapee – although a surprise find helps the girl reform. Humor and personality shine through in story and image.

Annie and her pet rabbit live next door to a boy named Henry and his oversized dog Mudge. Though Annie loves her neighbors and her home, she still wishes her house was prettier. Uncluttered illustrations and straightforward text reveal childhood concerns.

Read about dogs with cat icons, and then turn the book over to learn about cats – with dog icons. Informative, informal text combines with textured collage illustrations for an intriguing and edifying look at these familiar animals.

When first born, this small offspring of a circus bear was small enough to fit in one hand. Brought to the Berlin Zoo, Knut the baby polar bear went on to capture the hearts and imaginations of many people around the world. His story is told through full color photographs and gentle text.

Try as he might, Mr. McGreely cannot outwit three clever and hungry rabbits as they feast on his vegetable garden — muncha, muncha, muncha! But there’s always something to be grateful for as both the gardener and the rabbits learn in this funny, alliterative tale.

Moss is unhappy that his father has invited peculiarly dressed strangers to a feast and so runs away for a time. He encounters a girl named Trouble as well as a porcupine which propels his growth. This Thanksgiving story told from the Native perspective may require a slightly more sophisticated reader.

When Beaver arrives at Turtle’s pond home, Turtle graciously offers to share the space. Instead, Beaver challenges her to a race and Turtle decides to take charge of the matter. Beaver — and listeners — will gain insight and want to participate in the lively telling as they gain clues from the animated, colorful illustrations.

Watching a raccoon’s unwieldy movements, you’d think that it always walked that way. Not so, according to an Abenaki tale, vividly retold and illustrated by this father & son duo. Learn how Azban, a self-absorbed, conceited raccoon is responsible for the way all raccoons move as they do in this humorous and engaging tale.

An old Inuit woman takes in a polar bear cub and raises him until others in the village become jealous of the bear’s hunting prowess, threatening to kill him. The old woman sends her beloved bear away, but continues to meet him far out on the ice where her polar bear “son” gives her food to eat. The gentle telling and illustrations evoke the Arctic.

A child narrates how a much loved cat, Woogie, brings good luck to her family. When Woogie is lost, its luck may have run out — but the resolution is luckily both satisfying and happy. Richly hued illustrations add authentic details to a universally appealing story set within a Native American family and told by a Muskogee-Creek writer.

Susan agrees to pet-sit while her good friend, neighbor, and classmate is away. What Susan doesn’t count on, however, is all the gross stuff that critter sitters sometimes have to deal with. With gentle humor, Susan learns a great deal about herself and how to handle not-so-nice jobs.

Julius’ mom is making cupcakes with candy corn atop for a Halloween party; Julius is told not to touch them. He doesn’t, but does count the candy corn — as he eats them! Crisply lined illustrations stand out on each sturdy page as Julius (some may recognize him from Julius, Baby of the World) tastes the best part of the cupcakes — before guests arrive.

It’s hard enough for Oscar to be a “wiener-dog” (you know the kinds that are twice as long as they are high). Add a really dumb, gross Halloween costume, and the other mutt’s behavior toward Oscar deteriorates even more. That is, until Oscar saves the day in this funny, off-beat, canine Halloween tale.

Poor Duck.The soups that Squirrel and Cat are making are just so gross! Beet soup? Mushroom soup? All ughs! But a happy solution is created which is the same color of Duck’s favorite — pumpkin soup. A recipe for delicious sounding “pink soup” is included for eaters more adventurous than Duck.