Book Finder

Abuela and the young narrator speak in recipes that they make together weekly. Lorito, his grandmother’s parrot, speaks Spanish but the boy does not. Slowly, however, he learns to roll his Rs and pick up Spanish words. Lorito flies away, but returns when the boy pronounces ingredients for arroz con leche. (The recipe is included.)

A plump pooch is given a treat — a strawberry — and the epic race is on! Though chaos ensues throughout the house, readers will appreciate the fast-paced humor in the comical illustrations and understated text as dog and strawberry race to the finish line.

How a small black-and-white kitten brings a community together is told through gentle illustration and a gently rhyming, cumulative text. Richly-hued illustrations depict a diverse neighborhood whose residents come together to help a small kitten. The satisfying book is sure to make a heartwarming read aloud.  

On a Saturday walk with her parents, Lizzy gets a cloud she named Milo. But sometimes even the most agreeable pet cloud can grow too large. How Lizzy amends the information on cloud care is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Soft lines and careful use of color are effective in this imaginative tale.

A funny hilariously illustrated example of persuasive writing. Young Alex takes to writing letters in an attempt to persuade his mom that he’s ready to have an iguana as his pet. And Mom isn’t falling for it… Fortunately, in addition to being persuasive, Alex is persistent. 

Just when a big-eyed indoor cat thinks it knows all that it sees through various windows, it steps outside to discover a very different world. Illustrations in various media and staccato text are used to create a rich real and imagined world, perfect for multiple readings and close examination. 

No words are needed in this quiet but handsomely illustrated story of the impact of one simple kindness as a girl searches for her lost dog. Quiet but captivating sequential art is reminiscent of a graphic novel and sure to resonate with careful readers.

The child narrator asks practical questions about what kind of pet would be just right. Comfortable with a very quiet pet, the child chooses a turtle. Though not for the very youngest, childlike illustrations and gentle queries are sure to engage and start discussion.

Young readers can feed animals in these clever books. As sturdy pages turn, a pop-up mouth (or beak) opens just the right size for the “food” attached (by ribbons) stored at the back. Children will enjoy feeding the critters and may learn a thing or so along the way. Also in the series: Hungry Animals (opens in a new window).

A boy and his playful pup have a great day outdoors — best day ever! That is until the pup gets in a bit of trouble. All’s well that ends well though, and boy and dog return outside to play. The illustrations depict the boy unhindered by his wheelchair in this inclusive and appealing book.

A cat and dog live together and are awakened at the same time. Their distinct personalities shine through in line drawings and limited text on open pages that follow them through the day. Sometimes the pair cooperate, other times they are distinctly different, but always likeable.

A tiny cat traverses a very big city, meeting some things that are scary (barking dogs), but other things that are quite nice (like the shopkeeper who gives the kitty food and the boy who takes it home). Simply lined illustrations from various perspectives and brief text make combine to make this a winning and satisfying story.

A dog remembers earlier days when things were slower, before a baby arrived. But as the child grows, the dog discovers that an old dog and a toddler share a great deal in common, including rolling down a hill and playing in leaves. The warm relationship between an old canine and a young child is warmly presented in illustration and straightforward text.

A kitten’s play is temporarily halted with a bump and thump down some stairs. The comforting mother, however, makes sure all is well and soon the animated play begins again. Jaunty illustrations and alliterative language create a memorable play day.

Homer is a dog who longs to be a wolf so his people send his to Wolf Camp to learn how to become more wolf-like. At first, Homer and his fellow campers (Pixie and Rex) struggle with the counselors, Fang and Grrr, but soon enough get into wolf rhythm. Offbeat humor is evident in understated telling and comical illustration.

Once a shelter dog, Strudel is now a proud, healthy, and happy dachshund who lives with Jake and his mom. Together, Strudel and his family make mostly good decisions as they learn about everyday goings-on and each other. Humor from the dog’s point of view as they deal with recognizable issues will engage young readers.

A dog not only retrieves his lost ball when it goes into a mouse hole, he finds a friend. After a romp through the house that is told — literally — from A to Z, this comic jaunt concludes with the friends napping together. The alphabet is used to tell the clever tale in single words, though extended through cartoon-like illustrations

Trog is a cave boy with all the best toys: a stick, rock, and mud. Still he longs for a puppy. Readers will readily see the big green and red striped “puppy!” just misses its own huge mom. When it returns to her, Trog is sad, until he finds a very large new pet: “Kitty!” Cartoon illustrations and limited text create an outrageous, laugh out loud tale.

Sitting with his dog lamenting all the things that a rainy day stops him from doing, a boy’s clever mother draws a scene in which they all have fun in a puddle. The drawing becomes reality when they all go out to enjoy the weather. Childlike illustrations on open pages convey joy in the everyday activity.

A girl’s parents say she can get a do. She, of course, wants to find the perfect one which will be big, bigger … well, hairy, hairier … well … Ultimately, the perfect pup finds her for a happy ending. Exaggerated illustrations exude a lively humor in a satisfying story of finding the perfect companion.

These thorough explorations of what dogs see, how and why they behave, and more is sure to engage both canine aficionados as well as young scientists. The narrative is lucid, clear and appealing. Index, additional resources, and table of content complete the package.

The story of a small dog, the girl who loves her, and the girl’s struggling father come together in four acts. Brief text and detailed, black/white illustrations that appear as though in a spotlight effectively convey the daily intersections of these lives. Touching, dramatic, and gently humorous, Lucy — as the dog comes to be known — steals the show!

The day Frank went to the shelter, he got Lucky. From that day forward, boy and dog are inseparable. Together they learn science and entomology (Lucky finds burdock and ticks), reading (Lucky listens best), foreign language (Spanish and “quack”) and more. Academic subjects applied to the duo’s explorations are sure to add verve to classroom experiences revealed in detailed illustration and unassuming text. 

Each member of the Ellis family excels at something; that is, everyone except their dog, Ed. Ed’s confidence soars, however, when he’s recognized for being an excellent greeter, dropped-food-cleaner-upper, and more. Everyday activities are shown in a loving family with their insecure but loving mutt.