Book Finder

Ever wonder what to do when it’s too rainy, too hot, or you just want to do something different? Ideas abound in this inspiring collection of activities for both indoors and outside. Some will require adult supervision; others are just right without. All are clearly presented in an easy to follow, illustrated format.

Heroes are “curious, critical, and even uncertain in the face of adversity.” This was true of Claudette Colvin who planted a seed that started the Montgomery bus boycott. Her story is told from her point of view juxtaposed to the Rosa Parks, a lifelong activist. Cartoon illustrations and accessible language tell the story of how many people came together to effect change.

The development of the atomic bomb during World War II first originally presented in the author’s book, Bomb, has been recast in a graphic format. Dramatically illustrated, the story in history comes vividly to life in a fresh and different way.

Dip in or start at the beginning to follow the trail to amazing, unique, and always intriguing tidbits of information about a world of animals. Silly and often laughable illustrations open the format for an open and appealing book.

What is wind? How does it help people and animals? Is there wind in space? These and other intriguing questions are asked then briefly answered on each briskly illustrated double page spread. Though there is no back matter, both author and illustrator thank authoritative sources.

Though a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, it creates life that is sustained for another 50 years. Illustrations evoke the deep water while introducing the various creatures that come to feed on the carcass over time. Additional information adds depth to the riveting exploration.

Have you ever looked up and wondered what’s up there? Voyager 2 joined Voyager 1 as only the second interstellar spacecraft to explore the solar system up close. Evocative illustrations and a narrative by the spacecraft is likely to intrigue budding astronomers and set them on a course for further information.  

Lush illustration in an accessible format demonstrates the wonder of plants. From how they breathe (and help other organisms breathe) to how they cooperate with other creatures, and more is included. A table of contents and glossary (though no additional resources) conclude the brief, attractive, and informative presentation.   

A special bond grew between Lawrence Anthony and the matriarch of the elephant herd he rescued as he patiently helped the elephants after relocating them to the Thula Thula Reserve. Even after Anthony’s death, the elephants remember him. This touching, true story is handsomely illustrated with soft, realistic acrylic painting. Informative back matter and additional resources are included.

Poetry, photography, and information combine to present a range of fascinating creatures. Though rhymes can feel a bit forced, the combination is a unique introduction to a range of bees, bugs, and other things that crawl and skitter. By the same creative team: Bugs: Exploring the World of Crawly Critters.

Around the world there are ancient “time capsules” waiting to be rediscovered. They come in the form of “ancient rock paintings, drawings, and etching.” Ancient cave art is presented in dramatic illustrations and an informative text peppered with questions. Extensive back matter concludes this riveting glimpse at human’s ancestors.

The true and truly amazing tale of how Yoshi, a rescued loggerhead turtle, found his way back to his home territory many years after being rehabilitated and housed in an aquarium. Illustrations evoke the water world in which Yoshi was found, lived, and traveled. A final word and a photograph of Yoshi conclude this handsome and engaging look at a phenomenon of nature.

What would your world look like if you were as small as a bean? Find out from the perspective of Jumper, a small spider that is both prey and hunter. Lush, realistic watercolor illustrations accompanied by engaging and informative text. Fascinating back matter and additional resources conclude this handsome volume.

Take a brief tour of Chinatown and its sites including a New Year’s dragon, presented in realistic illustrations accompanied by single words in both English and Chinese (both transliterated with pronunciation).

Young children frequently don’t have the words to describe strong feelings. Words and emotions come together in simple, bright, evocative illustrations on colorful pages just right to generate conversation — preferably before these feelings are experienced!

A bright frog face with big googly eyes invites young readers in to witness its transformation from egg to tadpole to full grown frog. Die-cuts are used throughout to enhance the simple drama of the frog’s growth. 

A unique account of the amazing Thai cave rescue told in a heart-racing, you-are-there style that blends suspense, science, and cultural insight. On June 23, 2018, twelve young players of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach enter a cave in northern Thailand seeking an afternoon’s adventure. But when they turn to leave, rising floodwaters block their path out. The boys are trapped! Before long, news of the missing team spreads, launching a seventeen-day rescue operation involving thousands of rescuers from around the globe.

Spare, poetic text and breathtaking pictures invite readers on a journey that gently illuminates the causes of climate change as well as how our individual and collective actions can make the world better. Clear endnotes vetted by a climate expert answer a myriad of questions in simple language. 

This kid-friendly guide to American Sign Language (ASL) provides an enjoyable and accessible introduction to the language’s fundamentals. It begins with succinct instructions, an alphabet chart that includes a note about finger spelling being acceptable when a sign is not known, and proceeds through a range of everyday words and signs (feelings, colors, shapes, and so forth). 

Crinkleroot shares the excitement and rewards of birdwatching, in a beginner’s guide that offers tips on identifying more than fifty birds and includes facts about bird anatomy, behavior, life cycles, and more.

This book explains the federal system as it works today, more than 200 years after the framers of the Constitution brought it into existence. Covered here are the Legislative body, composed of Senate and House Representatives, the Executive branch, headed by the President and consisting of Cabinet members and their agencies, and the Judicial branch, headed by the U.S. Supreme Court, and extending to federal courts throughout the nation. Young readers learn how officials are elected or appointed and how government agencies work for the people’s benefit. A complex process is explained in interesting terms that young readers can comprehend.

A look at the fascinating natural world of plants. Real-life photographs of flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, and more offer a unique “eyewitness” view of the natural history of plant anatomy and growth. See the biggest flower in the world, where a seed develops, what the inside of a plant stem looks like, how a flower attracts insects, what a plant’s reproductive organs look like, how a dandelion spreads its seeds, and much more.

Why did the ancient Greeks put coins in the mouths of dead people? What does one million dollars actually look like? Before the notes and coins of today, feathers, stones, and even shells have all been used as money! Explaining everything from the ingots of the 19th century to the smartcards of today, Eyewitness Money is your guide to the amazing history of currency.