Wrap-around stories are used to present fascinating information in an inviting, accessible, and authoritative way. This title from the Science Comics series provides information about commonplace creatures now at risk. Another book, World War II: Fight on the Home Front (opens in a new window) (from the History Comics series), provides a look at the impact of the last century’s war on those not engaged on the frontline.
Frogs: Awesome Amphibians
A fragmented family and a shared love of space brings brothers, Houston, and Robbie closer than ever. When Houston is accepted into a prestigious junior astronaut program, he must find a way to bring his younger brother along in the face of Robbie’s disabilities for a powerful story of inclusion and fraternal love.
Farther than the Moon
An indigenous boy must travel up a mountain to collect obsidian for flint knapping, a trek from which his brothers did not return. There he meets a golden eagle, actually a god named Savik. This is a beautifully told and handsomely illustrated story of the origin of the Iñupiaq messenger feast celebrated by native Alaskans.
Eagle Drums
Are the creatures in this lighthearted look at dangerous animals out to get humans or are they just doing what they need to survive and thrive? Common names as well as Latin names are presented alongside a humorous illustration and an invented name for the critter’s survival mechanism.
The World’s Most Atrocious Animals
You’re invited to a party for the late and ever-great poet of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes, held at the Schomburg Library in New York and attended by Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka. Inspired by a photograph, the author’s lively rhythmic language combines with illustrations made of handmade stamps for a party to enjoy again and again.
There Was a Party for Langston
Short stories, ideal for reading aloud or independently, are followed by information about the animal and region in the narrative, subtly presenting issues related to climate change. Handsome illustrations throughout both illuminate and engage.
Secrets of the Forest
Bear and Moose, two dogs who don’t look like their names, are adopted from a shelter by a woman named Cathy. The dogs soon find a lost and lonely kitten named Tiger. This sweetly told and gently illustrated story with a very happy ending is the beginning of a new series just right for young animal lovers.
The Rescues Finding Home
An expert presents information about how plants can combat some of the world’s biggest problems. Colorful illustrations and solid text features (including a glossary) create a hopeful look at combating climate change.
Plants to the Rescue!
Despite a difficult childhood, Prince was a self-taught musician who found a healing power in music. Rhythmic language and purple-hued illustrations introduce Prince and the energy of his music. A family playlist of his music concludes this brief, attractive biography.
Ordinary Days: The Seeds, Sound, and City That Grew Prince Rogers Nelson
The squirrels Norma, and Belly are back and are just as hungry, tenacious, and funny as they were in the other books about them (which started with Donut Feed the Squirrels (opens in a new window)). They try to invade a fortune cookie factory, all dressed as ninjas. A simple comic format and limited text combine to make this a hit with beginning readers.
One Smart Cookie
It takes a good teacher to really see an insecure child. Ms. Kern sees Lila Greer so well that Lila grows into the amazing teacher of kids like Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Sophia Valdez. Like other books in the series, is fun to read aloud and is illustrated in Roberts’ characteristically detailed (and fashion-conscious) style.
Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year
In their seventh adventure, the detective team is informed by the Coast Gourd that a captain was found but without his ship. Will the InvestiGators be able to solve their latest mystery on the high sea or will they will be all tied up (or is it tide up …)? Read in order or as a standalone, this silly, pun-filled installment is sure to delight.
InvestiGators: All Tide Up
An expert invites the reader to join him as he explains how animals communicate. From insect stridulation (chirping, really) to underwater clicks and cracks, each sound is presented and then explained (translated, really). Well-organized and illustrated in full-color comics engage as well as inform.
How to Chat Chicken, Gossip Gorilla, Babble Bee, Gab Gecko, and Talk in 66 Other Animal Languages
Two Harlems, one a place where a cultural Renaissance began and the other a girl named for that storied community. Two styles of illustration are included — one shows readers the young girl who explores contemporary Harlem with her father, the other depicts the history of a place. The result is a unique, informative look at history and its continued relevance today.
Harlem at Four
Physics can be fun, and just as important, its principles are seen in everyday activities. Straightforward language complemented by basic illustrations present information and encourage experimentation.
Hands-On Science: Motion
The silly fun that started in The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza returns in this latest book. Soup has poisoned the Moon Queen. Can she — and the universe — be saved before it’s too late? Soup of Doom can be read alone or as a sequel (and be prepared for another madcap adventure!)
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Science continually evolves as new information is uncovered — literally, in the case of fossilized dinosaurs. Accessible, digestible, and engaging information is presented in an oversized, generously illustrated format.
Everything You Know About Dinosaurs Is Wrong!
A group of boys in Thailand wanted to play soccer but where could they practice? Their village was surrounded by water, so they had no field. Inspired by the real boys of Koh Panyee, a floating playing field was built. Realistic illustrations evoke the village and its tenacious young residents.
Building a Dream: How the Boys of Koh Panyee Became Champions
The moving story of the Anishinaabe woman who became louder when water — the source of life — was being ignored, is revealed in lyrical language and bold illustrations. A forward by Autumn Peltier, begins this powerful plea for continued action.
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior
A day in the life of residents of a sizeable apartment begins when a large clock on its front reads 6. It’s morning. Though some people are already at work, most start at 7. Readers will enjoy following activities throughout the day as only the time, sky, and activities change. Detailed papercut illustrations are unique and engaging.
All in a Day
Ever wonder how a teenager named Peter Parker became a superhero? It started in the imagination of a comic aficionado named Steve Ditko who changed the perception of how a superhero should look. A brief but lively look at the man and his creation of the Marvel hero is presented in staccato language and comic book style art.
Along Came a Radioactive Spider
A girl and her mother find and adopt a lone polar bear cub. Together they thrive until the bear is no longer a cub, who leaves the humans to find his own community. One day, the bear returns with his mother. This adaptation of an Inuit tale is simply and touchingly illustrated.
The Woman and Her Bear Cub
A mother introduces her child to his rich bicultural heritage through dragons. Distinctive illustrations and lyrical language contrast the fierce dragons hidden in deep, dark forests of the West, and the water-dwelling, free-flying dragons of the East. The mother reminds the boy that, “Both journeys are yours to take. Both worlds are yours to discover.”
The Truth About Dragons
On its long migration to Antarctica, an Arctic tern sees whales, geese, and more on its journey. Luminous illustrations show what the tern sees from above sometimes in panels, sometimes on full-page spreads. Backmatter provides a bit of information about the animals seen on the tern’s journey.