Summer Reading Guide 2009

There are 206 little wonders that are the reason that people stand up straight. Explore bones in photographs and playful graphics with limited text in an open format in this recent addition to this playful introductory science series.

Fancy Nancy is back, this time exploring in her own backyard. Photographs combine with signature illustration to introduce the wonders of real butterflies, birds, leaves, and more — that young explorers anywhere will find and appreciate.

As Foo, a frog, grows larger, so does his conviction that he is the biggest animal in the world. Of course, when Foo deflates, his friends assure him he’s still a fine size for a frog. Onomatopoeia and jaunty illustrations distinguish this retelling.

One day when Sally and her friends are playing, they notice that her dog and cat are missing. The children use map skills to explore their neighborhood and beyond to locate Sally’s pets. Information and fun combine in this easy informational book.

Ben is trying to train Aggie, a small brown and white dog, but she doesn’t listen very well at all. But “bad dog” turns to “good dog” when Aggie finally understands what her human friend expects of her in this warmly illustrated and told tale.

Get to know Texas from A to Z in this attractive and informative book (continuing the author’s A to Z looks at cities). Short poems introduce one aspect of the state with lots of factual nuggets sprinkled on each vibrantly illustrated page.

A little girl misses her grandfather’s old house where he would tell her about the flowers. Sadly, his new apartment has only a balcony but together they create an imaginative, artistic garden one brush stroke at a time. Warmth abounds in this gentle tale.

A backyard is the ideal place to count animals and their young. Rich language and attractive illustrations encourage readers to count from one doe with her fawn to ten grasshopper nymphs.

Little Chick is impatient and oh-so-child-like in each of her three short adventures. Wise Old-Auntie provides gentle guidance to Little Chick. Large pages support expressive, open, and winning watercolors to complement the satisfying story in three chapters.

A variety of animals in their natural habitat are presented here in handsome full-color photographs accompanied by a range of short poems that they inspired. Both words and pictures present reflections, literal and figurative, and will likely generate discussion.

Wilbur is a different kind of mole rat. Instead of always being naked, he dons sporty clothing much to the chagrin of others. That is until his Grand-pah also asks “Why not?” Willems’ understated humor in both text and illustration will delight readers of all ages.

A brief explanation of what collage is and a list of readily available materials begins a can-do approach to collage projects. Suggested activities and a note for adults are included in this handsome and useful how-to book.

Every day children around the world awake to begin their days having breakfast, going to school, coming home to families. A poetic text combines with photographs from myriad countries to visually highlight the richness of the world and its people.

Down, down, down…now off we go! begins a journey on city subways from Washington DC to Moscow and more. This short, fantastic, colorfully illustrated trip ends with a brief description of the real transit systems described.

Farmer Brown needs help as he prepares for the annual Corn Maze Festival. Of course, all of the animals rise to the occasion — though Duck prepares a small surprise revealed on a final — and very funny — fold out.

Though not for the youngest hands, stunning colors, and amazing pop-ups are used to introduce sea life — kelp, fish, coral, and other creatures — from unique perspectives. This attractive book is sure to engage readers of all ages.

A batch of garden spiders hatch each spring and those who survive hungry predators release threads and wind to blow into new places to begin their cycle of eating, reproducing, and dying again. Crisp illustrations enhance the information.

A boy and his father share the wonder of a visit to the sites of New York City, from the Empire State Building ending with a taxi ride to Grand Central (and a postcard to the reader) with lots in between. Energetic illustrations complement the informative text.

Gerald the elephant can throw a ball a long distance but to his surprise, Piggie delights in just throwing the ball no distance at all. Willem’s signature humor and cartoon style using dialogue balloons reminds readers that Piggie and Gerald have a great deal to share.

Based on a well-known almanac, these portable, colorful cards will engage children as they play with the riddles, games, and more presented on sturdy cards. An answer card is included for challenged adults.

A comic book story is used to introduce the basics of comic book making and cartooning. Here, a princess tries to make a comic but needs help. And help comes in the form of a Magic Cartooning Elf — for a appealing and instructive result.

What experts know about various dinosaurs is presented with a brief overview of 11 less well known dinosaurs and an image of what it may have looked like. An overview of dinosaur “stomping grounds” and a glossary concludes this unique look at the popular (and happily extinct) monsters.

Arresting photographs and understandable text introduce a wide range of moths and butterflies. Not only will readers gain an understanding of what differentiates them, but come to appreciate them as they learn about a variety of Lepidoptera.

Noted naturalist, Arnosky, trekked through Florida’s Everglades to count crocodiles, the once endangered reptiles. Through informal narration and arresting, large paintings, these toothy creatures come alive. A DVD with highlights of the author’s trek is included.

Ever hear of psychedelic colors? Meet Joe and Bob Switzer who invented interesting new colors — which not only defined a generation but helped save lives. Cartoon-like illustrations complement the tone of this picture book biography.

Mixed-media illustrations and playful poetry portray a range of mostly well known dinosaurs from their start to extinction. Wordplay and poetry combine to present prehistoric creatures in a large format just right to support the subject.

Underwater photographers, Hayes and Doubilet, provide basic information about their work as photographers as well as about sharks, their habitats, and the challenges faced by sharks in lucid text and stunning photographs, the latest in this captivating series.

If all of the 300 million people were simply one village of 100 people, its diversity is easier to understand. That’s just what the author has done to make the complex make-up of the U.S. residents (in terms of languages spoken, ages, and more). Colorful illustrations accompany the understandable text. Additional resources complete the book. If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People (opens in a new window), also by Smith, looks at the inhabitants of the world as a village to allow its diversity to become more understandable for adults and children.

Self-confident, cheerful, and bright but friendless, Dyamond is the newest kid in Mrs. Cordell’s 3rd grade. That is, until a grumpy boy named Free moves to town — and a friendship begins. Lively, believable, and likeable characters introduce this new heroine.

Relive the journey of the Apollo 11 where the first people stepped on the Moon’s surface and saw Earth from a very different perspective. Eloquent language and illustrations combine to present this historical event in a unique, unforgettable way.

The story of a Russian family’s emigration to the United States parallels the travel from Paris of Bartholdi’s statue of Lady Liberty. Both tell moving sagas and intersect in a unique way. poignant illustrations make this a memorable presentation.

Follow the life of a puffin pair as they nest, hatch, care for, and teach their “puffling” until it can live independently. A note about the Puffin Project concludes this handsome and dramatic book.

Each room of every house holds items, objects, and other surprises that were invented at one time or another. A kitchen calendar, for example, comes from a 16th century. Detailed, interactive pages are filled with fascinating tidbits sure to intrigue and inspire.

Stink, Judy Moody’s bright but short little brother presents his version of an encyclopedia. It begins with the Anatomy of Stink and continues through to Z (Zero, ZZZs, until Zee End!). Fun, fact-filled and fully sourced, just right for Stink fans.

Wolf makes peace with Red Riding Hood and soon the repentant wolf becomes vegetarian and becomes popular. A jealous Red re-introduces the wolf to carnivore delights and regains her status as the forest’s nicest resident. Pop-ups and pull outs and sophisticated humor make distinguish this very funny book.

Sam’s clear, boyish voice becomes clear from the first poem and as he and his family take to the car traveling toward an ocean vacation. Sam is all boy — reflected in his candid observations, his often humorous actions, and black/white illustrations.

Have you ever wondered about the creator of Mickey Mouse; the man whose name is synonymous with theme parks and family films? Meet Walt Disney in this readable (though unauthorized) biography.

Based on a well-known almanac, these portable, colorful cards will engage children as they learn more about dinosaurs through activities, games, and more. Each is presented on sturdy cards as is the accordion answer card included for challenged adults.

Four orphaned children, Jessie, Henry, Violet and Benny, make a home for themselves in an abandoned red boxcar — that is, until they find they need a caring adult. This is the first in the gentle, ever-popular, now classic mystery series. Now more than 60 years since it was published, the story of four orphans who make their home in an old railroad car comes to life again.

Sophisticated readers (and fans of Lemony Snicket) will appreciate the sly humor and word play in this outrageously funny take-off on novels of yesteryear. Here, the Willoughby children must overcome their self-centered parents who ultimately meet their rightful — and very satisfying — end.

Lewis Carroll’s classic story of Alice and her fantastic journey has been freshly illustrated. Gentle, full-color illustrations retain the original tone and make the story appealing and accessible for modern children.

Alice down the rabbit hole comes to life in this masterful, unabridged reading of the classic fantasy, bringing it to life all over again.

Sound effects and dramatic reading make the humorous saga of an eight-legged hero come to life. Based on the picture book of the same name.

A not-too-bright scarecrow accompanies Jack on the adventure of a lifetime, far away from the field and birds.

A child and his grandfather visit a museum to meet the T. Rex and explore what happened to the creature. Additional information is included on the CD.

An eel from the Sargasso Sea is a fascinating subject as presented in this brief look at an eel’s lifecycle. Further information is included on the CD.