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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.