Book Finder

Are animals and their familiar animal sounds really trying to say another word in English? (For example, “When a hoses says NEIGH,/does she really mean HAY?”) Word walls could be made of rhyming words (or word families) or of animal sounds in English as well as what animals say in other languages.

One animal’s claim is followed by others who are successively bigger, smaller, etc., each using rich (and richer) descriptors.

Easier to read poems focus on weather and seasons.

The stylish child whose love of words has become the basis of a series of books shares her love of words in this alphabetically arranged picture book glossary. Humorous illustrations are sure to generate additional words to describe Nancy’s fancy, chic, attractive world.

Silly rhymes about silly activities make the words jump off the page, complemented by humorous illustrations.

Jaunty rhymes (that just may be ‘sing-able’) are likely to lead to wordplay (literally) as one follows the animal cast play with berries of all kinds.

Gerald, the giraffe, is told by the other jungle animals that he can’t dance. Of course, they’re proven wrong as Gerald does his thing in this rhyming tale. This book may also inspire alliterative use of language.

An improbable cumulative tale with lots of interesting rhymes that uses illustrations as clues for meaning.

Tongue twisters abound in this lively and easy to read book by the famous doctor.

Rhyming couplets describe city sounds with illustrations embedding the onomatopoeic sounds.

Chimps from one to ten counting sneak out to dance their rhyming way around and through this very funny counting book.

When a boy learns about palindromes, he begins to see them everywhere. The humorous tale introduces words and phrases that are the same when spelled — and pronounced — forward or backward. Palindrome riddles are presented in Too Hot to Hoot: Funny Palindrome Riddles by Marvin Terban (Sandpiper). Both books have strong visual clues.

Familiar subjects are presented in short poems by a range of writers. These easier-to read works are just right to encourage careful listening.

The familiar Cat in the Hat is used to introduce newly independent readers to maps of all kinds.

When the humans are away, a toy soldier named A-One becomes demanding, calling the other toys names. When they begin playing with the sounds and letters of the words, insults become silly to make everyone smile and reform. In addition to playing with the sound of words, this humorously illustrated book just may start a discussion of bullying and behavior.

This rhyming words game is illustrated with crisp photographs and is sure to tickle the imagination as another rhyming description is sought. For more experienced readers (grade 2-3), try Eight Ate: A Feast of Homonym Riddles (opens in a new window) by Marvin Terban — just what the title indicates.

Mr. and Mrs. Rogers leave their new maid, Amelia Bedelia, a list of things to do on her first day of work. For anyone else, changing the towels or dusting the furniture would have been quite straightforward — but not for Amelia Bedelia! Her lemon meringue pie, however, more than compensates for her failings caused only by her literal interpretations! Amelia Bedelia was launched 50 years ago, commemorated in this anniversary edition with a fascinating, brief but informative history, “The Story Behind the Story” included.

Clean lines of both upper and lower case letters combine with colorful fruits and vegetables for a unique way to think about - and even eat through the alphabet.

Naughty lowercase letters climb the coconut tree but when little Z gets to the top, they all go BOOM to the bottom. After a rescue by grown-up letters (all uppercase), it all seems to start again. Humor, crisp illustration and rhythm make this alphabetic adventure a classic.

Additional verses are added to the familiar ditty and illustrated in the artist’s signature naïve style. The little star sparkles, flickers, shimmers, and glistens around the whole world watched by animal parents and their young in different settings ending with a human baby and mother.

Lillian, Tilly, and William J. start their energetic adventure when “They choose a spot. They spot some ewes.” The homophones and silliness continue until the exhausted cats relax with a good book. Boldly shaped, colorful illustrations illuminate the animated, rhythmic language.

Ribbit-oops! Frog falls into a deep hole, followed by other animals who try to help. Oh, no! Stalked by a hungry tiger, saved by a gentle elephant the drama of the story is enhanced by richly hued illustrations and lots of playful patterns of sounds and language sure to be repeated.

There’s a lot going on around the farm from sun-up to sundown. It’s described here with onomatopoeic sounds, jaunty rhymes, and illustrations reminiscent of times past.  Children are sure to join in and laugh with the sprightly telling.

Birds communicate by the sounds they make and the way they act. Playful illustrations and text combine to present a range of birds and their behavior not only is a visual treat but is sure to enliven everyday observation of our feathered neighbors.