Book Finder

Cam Jansen’s photographic memory once again foils the bad guy as she helps catch the thief who snitches her grandparents’ luggage — along with birthday gifts for Cam’s parents — at the airport. There is a lot to celebrate in this well-paced and engagingly narrated mystery.

Celebrate the birthday of the United States with food and fun while learning the history and meaning behind the various festivities. Elegant, crisp color photographs are sourced as is the information provided in this examination of an all-American day.

“No one wants to eat Chinese food on the Fourth of July,” says a young girl to her parents who insist on keeping their Chinese restaurant open on Independence Day. An honest portrayal of the tug between traditions old and new, as well as what it really means to be American.

Pablo can’t wait to visit his abeulito for his birthday. His grandfather decorates Pablo’s special tree, planted when he was adopted. Pablo’s special tree and its surprises are presented in rich illustrations and gentle text.

Three leprechauns can’t help but create a bit of mischief on their way to place their pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow; that’s what leprechauns do! This spritely original tale, accompanied by energetic illustrations evokes the magic and mayhem often attributed to the Little Folk of Irish lore.

In this retelling of a beloved Mexican folktale, Tomie dePaola presents Lucinda, a young girl who is helping her mother weave a new blanket for Baby Jesus to be used in the Christmas procession to the church. When her mother falls ill, however, Lucinda tries to continue weaving and is distraught when the blanket’s threads get tangled. She is sure that she has ruined the celebration — until a Christmas miracle brings forth the flaming red-star flowers that we still enjoy each December. Beautiful artwork will enthrall readers.

Un paseo mágico en tren durante la Nochebuena lleva a un niño al Polo Norte para recibir un regalo especial de Papá Noel. Ganador de la medalla Caldecott.

What should a pink pig don for Halloween? A pink princess costume, of course. Mercy is reluctant until the mention of treats is made. This is as lively and funny as the other books about this porcine prima donna.

When Frances sees an organ grinder and his monkey sleeping outside of their apartment, she can think of little else — even during the Christmas pageant. It is then she finds just the right words. Soft, evocative illustrations enhance this touching story about concern and caring.

Join a Latino celebration of Christmas from A to Z, enjoying the sights and symbols of the holiday. Spanish words and additional explanations conclude this energetic book with animated illustrations.

Ever wonder why Thanksgiving is celebrated or how certain foods came to be traditional? This and more is explained in lively language — carefully researched — and presented in an attractive package with hands-on activities for children.

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.

What might the first Thanksgiving been like? Visit a recreation in photographs taken at the living museum, Plymouth Plantation (Massachusetts), accompanied by an informative narration in this attractive dramatization.

When a snowstorm prevents most of Gaby and Beto’s relatives from getting to the Thanksgiving feast, their grandmother comes with a group of people who make the celebration truly something special.

Animals and people prepare for fall in different ways and at different times around the world. The season is often celebrated by harvests, introduced and illuminated in lyrical prose and restrained illustrations.

The signs that autumn is here are all around, from shorter days to warmer clothing. A child chronicles these changes in short rhyming text accompanied by softly lined, serene illustrations.

It takes great skill to be a kite fighter as Kee-sup and Young-sup know well. The brothers have different talents; the older boy makes kites easily while Young-sup flies them with a sure hand. Loyalty, tradition and rivalry between the boys are themes in this riveting novel set in 15th century Korea.

A little girl gets ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year in this gentle and stunningly illustrated book first published in South Korea. Excitement mounts as she details how she dresses for this engaging celebration with universal appeal.

Jeffrey Bones narrates this easy-to-read mystery that begins with his preparation for his grandfather’s birthday celebration, introduces a lost present, and ultimately moves to a satisfying resolution. New readers will appreciate the textual and visual clues which allow them to solve the mystery along with young Bones.

Un conejito cumple un año y celebra con un pastel/torta, una vela y su familia. El libro contiene ilustraciones brillantes que se enfocan en lo básico sobre un cumpleaños para un niño de un año, dejando espacio para una foto y otras notas para recordar la fecha. (La editorial también tiene libros comparables para niños de 2, 3 y 4 años.) Saltitos the rabbit celebrates his first birthday with a cake, a birthday wish, and singing.

Mr. Baker gets up early to make cookies each morning. After mixing, cutting, baking, and decorating them he is ready for his customers — a group of hungry children. Straightforward text and clean-lined illustrations relate the simple, satisfying story. Several of Mr. Cookie Baker’s tasty-looking recipes are included.

Molly wants to return to Russia, but her mother reminds her that the Cossacks have burned the synagogues. There is no going back. The endless teasing of her classmates makes home feel even farther away. But when Molly’s mother makes a pilgrim for Thanksgiving, Molly recognizes the similarities to her own journey and gains acceptance and admiration from her classmates. This story is based on an experience from the author’s family.

It’s time for Carnival! Three short stories in this Easy Reader present the adventures shared by Rafi and Rosi, charming and mischievous young tree frogs who are brother and sister, and live in Puerto Rico. The stories include young Rosi dressing up in “Queen for a Day,” as well as Rafi’s “magical” periscope, used to watch the Carnival parade. Children and adults alike will enjoy the amusing experiences of these two siblings, as well as the cheerful and colorful illustrations. Spanish version also available.

Daisy narrates, in short, poetic language, how her older sister prepares for her marriage to Jamal. The emotional tale conveys both the joy of the marriage and the sadness of a sister leaving home. But ultimately, as Daisy and her family look at the wedding pictures, they remember the day fondly. Realistic illustrations enhance the story and add detail.