Book Finder

The song made famous by jazz great Ella Fitzgerald in the 1930s has been re-created, re-energized and newly presented in a picture book version. Sprightly cut paper collage illustrations show two children losing and ultimately finding both a lost basket and a friendship.

A familiar traditional Shaker hymn has been interpreted in bold, semi-abstract, jewel-toned illustrations reminiscent of artist Paul Klee. A cat, squirrel, bird and turtle characters create the feel of the music.

When Rosa’s grandmother becomes sick, Rosa comes up with an idea that not only makes Grandma feel better, it helps add coins to the family’s near empty money jar. Translucent watercolors illustrate this timeless, affectionate tale of family, community and the power of music.

Monkey’s friends prepare a surprise party and then share the birthday fun! A familiar song is extended by singer/songwriter Raffi and presented here with engaging, child-like illustrations sure to get readers singing and clapping along with monkey and friends.

A cool cat named Oobie-Do moves to San Francisco, plays his saxophone and works as a short order cook, until his jazzy talents are recognized by nightclub owner Minnie, who books him for a gig. The bold, stylized illustrations are a cool complement to the rhythmic language of this off beat(nik!) tale.

From her early days in Harlem to becoming the First Lady of Jazz, the story of Ella Fitzgerald is presented by a cool feline named Scat Cat Monroe. As Scat Cat steals through the pages of this book, Ella Fitzgerald’s life and work are revealed in jazz-inspired language accompanied by dramatic scratchboard illustrations. The result is a lively and loving picture book biography.

Inspired by jazz great Charlie Parker, rhythm and repetition are woven together to create a musical effect. Animated watercolors and lively text combine in a story that begs to be read aloud.

Can 50 lizards get to the stage in time for the show to start? A frantic snake looks for the performers and gradually, the lizards leap into sight in groups of five (5) then ten (10) until all 50 are on stage. The colorful, rhyming romp is sure to encourage counting as the story builds.

Semi-abstract illustrations use bold lines and strong color to accompany and enhance the inviting text that encourages participation both in Spanish and English. Readers are invited to count, find words, and perhaps even sing (music is included) in this winning combination of words and images.

Born in 1908, in a small Mexican village, Jose Limon seemed destined to become an artist. The lyrical language incorporates onomatopoeic and Spanish words. The distinctive illustrations with swirling colors reveal the life of a great modern dancer and choreographer.

Because of his unrequited love for the moon, a giant becomes a sleeping mountain over which the town called Pupickton is formed. Pupickton remains very quiet until a girl who loves noise cannot be stilled. Carolinda brings a joyful loudness back to the too-quiet town while helping to heal the giant’s broken heart.

Celia Cruz began singing on the streets of Havana as a child. She grew up to become a legendary singer and lasting influence on salsa. Bright, bold illustrations echo the vibrancy of the music in this handsome picture book biography.

A remarkably rounded picture of Shakespeare’s life and the period in which he lived includes a thoughtful attempt to relate circumstances in his personal life to the content of his plays.

Readers learn how something can be made from almost nothing as Joseph transforms his amazing, but tattered, coat, into a jacket, a vest and a scarf. When there is only a button left remaining, he uses his imagination to find one more use. (2000 Caldecott Medal Winner)

Olivia remembers her trip to the circus very well. The performers were out sick, so she had to do everything. Step into the ring with Olivia, where the lights are dim, the color soft, and a little girl’s imagination is the main attraction.

Max’s imaginative adventure begins the night he wears his wolf suit and makes some mischief. When he is sent to his room to cool off, he travels to the land of the Wild Things, where he is crowned king. This beloved Caldecott-winning classic is also available in Spanish. Go on a reading adventure with our Where the Wild Things Are reading adventure pack, available in English and Spanish!

Grace loves to act, but one day some kids tell her she can’t play the part of Peter Pan because of the way she looks. Grace’s grandmother helps this young girl realize that with effort anything can be achieved. An inspiring and heartwarming story.

Livingstone Mouse discovers that the woodland creatures just don’t have the rhythm needed for an effective musical performance. Even though he’s told to mind his own business, he puts a band together and makes it all work. The adventures of this mouse-explorer, first introduced in Livingstone Mouse (HarperCollins, 1996), are told and illustrated with humor and verve.

A bear family raises an American flag before they travel to New York City, Washington, DC, and points in between. Ultimately they return to their own “home sweet home” wrapped in a cozy bear hug. First published in 1938, the classic song “God Bless America” is illustrated in this unabashedly patriotic picture book in a humorous but respectful way. Designed to inspire and enlighten, the book is also accompanied by a CD of the song performed by Barbara Streisand.

When Mimi the Swan sees ballet practice from the window of the Paris Opera House, she becomes obsessed with ballet. Though she tries to attend a performance, she is not allowed into the opera house. She finally follows a tardy dancer into the theater and gets her big break: Mimi becomes the star in none other than “Swan Lake!” The wry humor is conveyed in both text and witty illustrations in this appealing, comical story.

Grandpa regales his visiting grandchildren when he revisits his days as a song and dance man — complete with banjo and jokes. Illustrations sparkle, showing Grandpa once again young and the delight his revisited youth creates.

Guthrie’s folk song begins a journey across the United States. Highly detailed, richly colored illustrations done in folk art style encourage readers to follow Woodie as he travels from coast to coast. A concluding note by Pete Seeger is informative, putting the period and person into an historical context.

These traditional rhymes and songs from Latin America are presented in both English and Spanish. Gentle illustrations accompany the short verses, and show both cities and the countryside. Children and adults from Spanish-speaking backgrounds will recognize many of these fun songs and rhymes.

The title song “Camp Granada” (also known as “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah”) is just one of the melodies in this songbook, which includes old favorites as well as lesser known sing-along camp songs. The book is filled with colorful, childlike illustrations that chronicle a group of kids getting on a yellow bus to go from the city to a camp in the country. Small illustrations that look like photographs assure young readers that the memories made at camp are happy ones.