Book Finder

Told in the voices of young people, a novel in verse about the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Author Jacqueline Jules, who was a school librarian in Arlington, Virginia on 9/11, tells the story of that day through a tapestry of poems.

A picture book that shares what life can look like for families who use nonverbal communication, utilizing tools to embrace their unique method of speaking. The story is written from the boy’s first-person perspective and highlights the bond between mother and child and follows them on a day where they use a tablet to communicate with others. Written by an autistic mother of two autistic sons.

A portrait of some of the world’s most incredible trees, seen through the eyes of a landscaper who loves them — and his granddaughter who is beginning to understand why. Brimming with exuberance and color, this ode to trees of the world — and the vast knowledge of landscapers and gardeners — offers a feast for the eyes. Back matter includes an author’s note, glossary, and further information on the featured trees. This book is also available in Spanish: Verde Fresco (opens in a new window).

New Orleans is known as a place where hurricanes happen … but that’s just one side of the story. Children of New Orleans tell about their experiences of Hurricane Katrina through poignant and straightforward free verse in this fictional account of the storm. Books like this can help children contextualize and discuss difficult events.

Harjo thinks of “a poem as a pocket or an envelope that can hold dreams, thoughts or anything else …”  Her sophisticated poem calls on us to “Remember the sky that you were born under,/know each of the star’s stories.” It is presented in lushly illustrated picture book format to reflect the indigenous stories from which they derive, calling on all to remember.

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.

A girl’s time with her grandfather, Papa, is always special. One day while playing music together in the park, they meet one of Papa’s old friends. Mr. Blue lives outside which concerns the girl. Ultimately, they invite Mr. Blue home for a meal and a memorable musical jam session. Textured illustrations are detailed, creating a gentle tone that accompanies the moving story.

Evergreen is a timid young squirrel who is frightened to take soup to ailing Granny Oak. But as Evergreen confronts and overcomes each obstacle, her confidence grows. Line and wash illustrations by a Caldecott medalist and short chapters are humorous but with more serious themes of kindness and bravery.

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.

Nature has inspired countless designs from the umbrella to space saving and naturally cooled buildings. Short poetry (Japanese tanka) accompanies a handsome illustration of the object that inspired the human invention shown in a photograph on the opposing page. Additional information is carefully presented at the end as are additional resources.

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.

Enjoy the feel of what swimming in a pool, a lake, and the ocean through beautifully rendered watercolors and lyrical text. Endpapers show a girl starting at one end of a swimming pool until she reaches the other side show on the final endpapers. In between, share the water with a range of swimmers of many ages, sizes, and hues.

Young Rubin lives in Bolivia where he is intrigued by his town’s small orchestra. When he tries to play the violin, however, the sounds create laughter. Undaunted, however, Rubin practices (with a growing audience of yowling cats) until he masters the music. Lighthearted illustrations complement this joy filled tale of music, perseverance, and felines.

Walter is shy. He’s concerned that he’ll say something wrong, that others will laugh. But when the heron twins mess with Walter’s friend, the turtle, he finds his voice in no uncertain way! Stylized watercolor illustrations depict Walter’s watery world and combine with varied typefaces to highlight Walter’s transformation for a relatable and enjoyable tale.

Rain and more rain on a gray and dreary day as a child walks their dog. A found yellow umbrella scatters in the wind — but the next day, when the child and pet are again walking, they find a field of yellow umbrellas that they share to create sunshine. Black and white line cartoon illustrations punctuated by yellow accompany the staccato text, ideal for reading aloud.

A large rotund creature (an owl?) awaits a visitor. The arrival of a thin salamander-like visitor toting a shopping cart offers the big guy a cake, a bouquet of flowers, and a wrapped box, each of which are consumed in one gulp. When the gift giver is picked up — gasp! — surprisingly, he is given a big smooch and a cup of peppermint tea. Few words are needed in this quirky, unique, and very funny tale of friendship.

A child reading in the branches of a large tree opens this handsome family story. But before that can, Nell, now a grandmother, planted a seed. Textured illustrations and lyrical text go back in time to present the growing tree, starting with a seed, and the close-knit family that continues to grow.

Meet Frank, a small alien from Xob. Frank is small, square, and green just like all of those from Xob. Frank is astonished when he visits Earth and finds such differences in the small creatures. Readers will enjoy what Frank learns and takes back to Xob in staccato text and simple but expressive illustrations that appear to be watercolor on textured paper.

Sophisticated readers will enjoy this poetic exploration of light. Luminous illustrations show light’s variations in both the familiar and abstract as a child awakens to first light, and later views stars — after all, “light speaks.” Back matter includes brief information about light and related light topics.  

Becca loved spending time with her grandmother, watching her do everything from dancing in the garden to painting a canvas to attending a powwow. Becca wanted to be just like her grandma — and basketball-playing grandma wanted to be just like Becca! The warm relationship between grandmother and granddaughter is set in an indigenous context but is universally appealing.

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.

A variety of big-eyed animals peek out from their abode and declare where they live. From nest to tree dwellers, from burrows to farms, each animal announces their home — concluding with young children cozily ensconced in their beds. This jaunty book is sure to engage and (sort of) inform about animal homes.