The rescue of a baby snow leopard named Leo found on a mountain in northern Pakistan is chronicled in handsome, well-captioned photographs and detailed text. The collaboration between Pakistan and the United States results in a new home for Leo and the possibility of new ways to help endangered animals.
The Snow Leopard: The True Story of an Amazing Rescue
One Thursday morning, Imogene wakes up with a large pair of antlers atop her head. Her mother faints but others in her privileged household find many uses for them. This funny fantasy is as fresh as when first published 25 years ago and is sure to delight a new generation of readers.
Imogene’s Antlers
The bald eagle that came to be known as Old Abe, a heroic Civil War mascot, began as a small eaglet found by Chief Sky. Old Abe’s remarkable tale is based on a true story presented in uncomplicated text and evocative watercolor and line illustration.
Old Abe, Eagle Hero: The Civil War’s Most Famous Mascot
Elsie and her father leave Boston to begin afresh after Elsie’s mother dies. Elsie takes with her a pet canary. It is Timmy Tune and a host of other animals that help Elsie turn “her house into a true prairie home.” Lyrical language and evocative watercolors tell a touching story.
Elsie’s Bird
Angelica Longrider, the “wildest wildcat in Tennessee” and larger than life (first introduced in Swamp Angel) moves to the open spaces of Montana where she finds a fine, feisty steed to be her sidekick. This original tall tale is folksy in its telling and exaggerated paintings, and sure to please.
Dust Devil
On his first day in the country, City Dog not only runs off-leash but befriends a frog. Dog and frog play through summer and remember their fun in autumn, but frog leaves in winter. Life’s cyclical nature is shown in dramatic watercolors and frank text for a moving tale.
City Dog, Country Frog
Knuffle Bunny is accidentally left on the plane when Trixie and her parents visit the grandparents in Holland. Though Trixie is miserable without her snuggle buddy, she finds him on the plane bound for home where Trixie shows remarkable growth and selflessness. A note from Daddy completes the book’s emotional circle.
Knuffle Bunny Free
Snake asks to play catch with elephant and Piggie but gets beaned by the ball as he has no arms with which to catch it. The friends come up with a creative solution for them all to play catch. Cartoon illustrations are as clear as the speech bubbles in this funny addition to the series.
Can I Play Too?
The unexpected occurs when two lizards — one an accomplished artist, the other a beginner — begin painting. Fast-paced and often funny, the two voices of the characters are as distinct as their individual creative process. This ingenious book works on several levels.
Art and Max
Elinor Smith was a girl whose dream of flying was realized in the 1920s, a time when girls and women weren’t encouraged to do so. Based on a real person, Elinor’s story is well told and dramatically illustrated. Equally interesting is the author’s endnote in which she reveals how she researched this fascinating woman.
Soar, Elinor!
While looking for gold, four French boys accidentally discovered what was to be considered the best preserved and most famous prehistoric art. How the Lascaux cave was found is presented here in rich watercolors and stimulating text. The author’s note provides additional information as well as a photograph of the discoverers.
The Secret Cave: Discovering Lascaux
The rich history of the dance known as flamenco is explored in crisp text and dynamic photographs. Readers then learn more about specific aspects of flamenco when introduced to a young dancer named Janira Cordova. Ancona’s affection for his subject — people as well as the art form — is evident throughout this informative book.
Ole! Flamenco
Two stories of two boys on different continents are told almost wordlessly; their tales are both dissimilar and similar, and unknowingly intersect. One boy and his family live in Australia, the other in Morocco (North Africa). Each story is told in textured collage illustrations presented literally side by side.
Mirror
A variety of animals are presented, beginning with “The Lion/[that]stands alone/on the grassy plain…” A large format supports the bold, open woodcut and watercolor illustrations and evocative poetry that will read aloud well.
In the Wild
The history of Arlington National Cemetery is presented in a detailed text and watercolor illustrations, concluding with a timeline and several period photographs. The picture book format introduces a place, its history, and traditions in an understandable, accessible way.
Arlington: The Story of Our Nation’s Cemetery
Realistic illustrations and a straightforward retelling of one episode of the legendary Robin Hood’s triumph in an archery contest provides a satisfying, accessible introduction to the heroic outlaw and his band of Merry Men.
Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow
Though it’s unlikely that anyone has ever heard of Walter Diemer, chances are they’ve used — or at least heard of — his invention: bubblegum. Diemer’s story from accountant to successful inventor is presented in a lively text with cartoon illustrations.
Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum
Celebrate each day of school from 1 to 100 with a different activity. The suggestions are diverse and illustrated by photographs placed in a large format. They range from science to physical movement to personal hygiene with lots more in between.
100 Ways to Celebrate 100 Days
Known for his close-up, full-color photographs of animals in the wild, Bishop turns his lens to a variety of lizards from around the globe. The informative, striking book demonstrates that “lizards lead lives that are full of surprises.”
Lizards
In the second installment of the classic series, Laura and her family travel in a covered wagon to settle in Kansas. Additional background materials are included in this 75th anniversary edition including letters from Laura, information about the book’s first printing and a bit about the play. Garth Williams’ black and white illustrations have been gently colored for a fresh new look.
Little House on the Prairie: 75th Anniversary Edition
The townspeople are flummoxed when a new store mysteriously appears. But Benny Penny examines its mysterious stock — from the flying toaster to a walking teapot. Surreal illustrations correspond with the story revealed rebus-style, with words and pictures. The truly fantastic tale is told in complete words at the end.
The Fantastic 5 and 10 Cent Store: A Rebus Adventure
Straightforward language and boldly colored illustrations of geometric shapes combine to present an overview of color mixing and the color wheel for young artists. Not only is the book attractive, it is also informative and engaging and just may inspire artistic exploration.
A Book About Color
A beaver’s adventure begins on a log that floats away from his home and into the city. Before finding his way back, the beaver has many plausible adventures. The action is depicted in well-placed, realistic illustrations in a nearly wordless book.
Beaver Is Lost
New poems, many rhyming, describe the animals introduced in Saint-Saens’ orchestral music that was first performed in the 19th century. Semi-abstract illustrations accompany the verse. The book includes a music CD to bring the carnival of animals to life for a new generation.