The natural world is presented in gorgeous photographs combined with lyrical language to present this “love letter to our planet.” Included at the end are tangible ways for young readers to actively engage and learn about the world in which they live.
Thank You, Earth
What you be if you had a tongue like a windshield, or an air conditioner, or even a tongue that could blow bubbles? Find out about the animals (including a human!) as you guess your way about the fascinating tongue! Additional information concludes this lively and informative picture book.
Terrific Tongues
Warmer, longer days signal a change in season: spring has arrived! Animals and insects become active again, plants and flowers grow. Spring also holds April Fools’ Day and Earth Day among other celebrations. Crisp photographs and short, sprightly text, and easy activities combine to engage readers.
Spectacular Spring
Descriptive language enhanced by handsome, boldly shaped illustrations present a range of rainforest dwellers. Additional information concludes this attractive book which may inspire art in addition to animal studies.
Rainforest
Two small cats gather all that is needed to plant a garden. In addition to vegetables, they plant flowers just right for other visitors like birds and bees. The gentle text and soft illustrations are likely to inspire young gardeners to create their own garden and celebrate its success at the end of the season.
A Peaceful Garden
The final months of King’s life are presented in rich, moving poetry accompanied by swirling, evocative paintings. The requiem wonders about King’s assassin in “Baby James” asking, “”Did his tiny soul,/once clean,/know it would someday/be soiled by hate?” Additional information and photographs conclude this sophisticated volume.
Martin Rising: Requiem for a King
The parent rabbit in a lush, flowered field with a small child-rabbit describes the warm, quiet moments together that are what love is. As the duo cozily curl together to sleep, the big rabbit concludes that “there are more reasons than there are stars up in the sky [to love the child-rabbit].”
Love
The hippy-hoppy toad’s rhyming adventure begins and ends calmly with the toad “in the middle of a road/on a teeter-totter twig”. Lots of things happen to the small critter in between in this animated and humorously illustrated tale of a positively engaging amphibian.
A Hippy-Hoppy Toad
Earth’s oceans hide giants, colorful creatures, critters that play hide-&-seek and other wonders. Headings on sturdy double-page spreads introduce each category; readers lift flaps to discover additional information. This playful introduction is sure to encourage further interest in the ocean and its hidden worlds.
Hidden World: Ocean
Sophisticated haiku and illustrations done with colored pencil explore the Earth inside and out. The limited colors used in impressionistic illustrations complement the poetry’s brevity. The intriguing collection concludes with factual narrative and further resources.
Earth Verse: Haiku from the Ground Up
What other than a frilly Valentine shows a friend that they’re cared for? Maybe it’s as simple as a good-luck hopscotch rock or a dandelion that has been used to make a wish. Join this diverse group of friends as they show they care in simple, non-fussy ways that are definitely NOT Valentines!
This Is Not a Valentine
A cast of characters associated with Halloween look on as Fran (as in Frankenstein) cuts out a paper heart. Much to their horror, it is explained that Fran may be in love! Dully hued cartoons highlight Fran’s pink heart (seen as anything but a Valentine) and the object of his affection (perhaps the Bride of Frankenstein) in this funny riff on a traditional Valentine’s celebration.
Valensteins
Before he became a baseball hero, Jack R. Robinson became a four-letter athlete during his time at UCLA. Soon after he left college, he joined the army where he continued to stand up for what was right. His pre-baseball career is presented in a clearly documented, accessible text and expressive, evocative illustrations.
The United States v. Jackie Robinson
Moose and the other animals really want Groundhog to join them for their Valentine’s party. But when Groundhog sees his shadow he returns quickly to his cozy home. Could Groundhog be afraid of his shadow? Might shadow games help? Readers will enjoy the humor in lush illustrations and the warm relationship between animal friends in this celebratory book.
Groundhug Day
The life and career of world renowned boxer, born Cassius Clay but better known as Muhammed Ali, is presented in a straightforward narrative accompanied by dramatic, realistic paintings. Though first published in 2002, the information is factual and includes a timeline includes Ali’s 2016 death.
Champion: The Story of Muhammad Ali
Young readers are called to action, because it is possible that “You can be a King” in small everyday ways. Brief, recognizable scenes and sophisticated ideas are realistically interspersed with simpler, child-like classroom goings-on to bring the concept closer to familiar experiences. The result is a lyrical book just right to launch discussions.
Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You
Callie Cat loves to ice skate. When the Honeybrook Ice Rink announces a contest, everyone thinks it could be Callie’s big chance! She wants to win the big prize … doesn’t she?
Callie Cat, Ice Skater
An a-to-z introduction to ice hockey and some highlights from its history. For example, “U is for Team USA-/Who, to everyone’s surprise,/at Lake Placid won Olympic Gold/before a nation filled with pride.” The use of Canadian spelling is a tribute to the origins of the game. Bold acrylic paintings depict professional players, as well as youngsters at play.
Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet
In an ice-hockey match unrivalled in prehistory, this is the tale of the Meat-Eaters taking on the Veggiesaurs. By sorting teams into carnivores and herbivores the author sneaks in a science lesson in this amusing pairing of sport and prehistoric beasts.
Dino-Hockey
Max and Marla are best friends. And aspiring Olympians! With their eyes on the prize, they know exactly what it’ll take to reach sledding success: preparation, practice and perseverance.
Max and Marla
What would you be willing to do for a Winter Olympics gold medal? This story celebrates winter, following your dreams, and staying true to who you are. Meet Snowman Paul, who is energetic and playful — a snowman with big dreams who’s not afraid to be different.
Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics
A collection of fast-paced poetry follows a cast of spirited pachyderms as they compete for gold in a variety of Olympic sports, such as diving, triathlon, hammer throw, and figure skating.
Elympics
Each kindness makes the world a little better. This quiet picture book is about small actions that can hurt, and an honest look at bullying and forgiveness.
Each Kindness
The story of one family’s journey north during the Great Migration starts with a little girl in South Carolina who finds a rope under a tree one summer. She has no idea the rope will become part of her family’s history.