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Full-color illustrations combine with clear instructions organized into four sections drawn from nature to present possible activities with generally easy-to-locate materials. Some activities are sophisticated, but children (with an adult) will find something to create in the great outdoors.

Dozens of how-to topics can be found in this browsable “instruction manual.” Easy-to-follow directions and helpful illustrations show you how to do things as varied as make your own lip gloss, eat with chop sticks, and juggle one-handed. The book opens with a disclaimer and reminds readers to use common sense at all times!

This book opens with a disclaimer and reminds readers to use common sense at all times — especially as boys consider doing things like skateboard “ollies,” fighting off a crocodile, or escaping quicksand. The book is fun and full of suggestions for real and absolutely outrageously undoable activities. Not just for boys!

Cam Jansen’s photographic memory once again foils the bad guy as she helps catch the thief who snitches her grandparents’ luggage — along with birthday gifts for Cam’s parents — at the airport. There is a lot to celebrate in this well-paced and engagingly narrated mystery.

Stink’s real name is James, just like President James Madison. And like Madison, Stink is short — a notion constantly reinforced by his older sister Judy. Stink, however, learns how to cope with it while along the way learning about U.S. presidents.

Ralph is a mouse who speaks human and lives at the Mountain View Inn run by Ryan’s family. The fun starts when Ralph’s motorcycle breaks and he convinces Ryan to take him to a mysterious place called school. Characters come to life through the lively narration.

Two girls, Bean and Ivy, learn that in spite of their very different personalities, they have lots in common. And their funny, sometimes outrageous, highly credible, everyday adventures begin one summer.

Arthur’s everyday world, both real and daydreamed, is presented through a lively narration of four books: Arthur’s Mystery Envelope, Arthur Makes the Team, Arthur Accused!, and Arthur and the Lost Diary. Children and adults alike will recognize the concerns and the humor in these gentle sagas.

Sophisticated readers will appreciate the over-the-top adventures of a cryogenic pickle that emerges with superhero skills through the bedroom floor of Jo Jo Wigman. This full-color comic is distinguished by funny puns and wordplay as well as the combination of familiar school problems and Magic Pickle’s fantastic dilemmas.

Ten-year-old Catherine Corey Keegan Dana, better known as Keeker, goes on a family road trip — along with Keeker’s horse named Plum and Plum’s goat friend — to vacation in New York. There they visit relatives and solve a not-too-scary mystery in the Sleepy Hollow made famous by tales of a headless horseman.

Slide back to 1897 with Mattie, Alex, and Sophie where they meet a young writer named Jack London who might be involved in the mystery of a stolen dog. Before the children return to their own time, they learn about life during the Yukon Gold Rush in this highly readable fantasy, part of the Time Spies series.

When Buzz and his family go on vacation, they don’t want to take Buzz’s pet, Fly Guy, with them — but he joins them nonetheless. Though small, the fly proves his mettle and saves the day with his flying skills. Bug-eyed cartoon characters and broad humor make this an entertaining read for newly independent readers.

Celebrate the birthday of the United States with food and fun while learning the history and meaning behind the various festivities. Elegant, crisp color photographs are sourced as is the information provided in this examination of an all-American day.

Annie and her big (big) brother Simon have a special relationship. Simon is very patient and quite the opposite of his sister, but together they share summertime adventures, including Annie getting a bee sting and going out in a boat to hear a loon. Cartoon-like illustrations complement each short chapter in this warm book.

Manatees can grow to up to 13 feet long and weigh up to 3,000 pounds. They harm no other wildlife but are often victimized by human water traffic. These gentle mammals are distant relatives of the elephant but live in warm water. Arnosky’s illustrations and straightforward text provide an introduction to these gentle giants.

Lilly is an effervescent child who enjoys each season and the special things that can be done during them. Comic book-like format and conversation balloons clearly depict her delight and make this book easy to follow and to read.

Scaredy Squirrel comes by his name honestly; he’s a bit frightened of just about everything! Can his preparation for a day at the beach protect him adequately? Readers will laugh at Scaredy Squirrel’s ultimate realization that there is a lot to enjoy at the beach!

Maisy the mouse is used to introduce opposites. Maisy stops and goes; she’s messy and clean; says hello and goodbye. Signature illustrations use bold color and broad line with limited text create a fresh look at the two sides of many things.

A full-color, close-up framed by black and a repeated text focuses the reader’s eye. Look closely. What do you see? Turn the page to discover an ochre sea star, sea anemone, a coastal rock, and more. Brief text and crisp photographs introduce children to a different way of seeing and looking.

Instead of taking a nap, Carl, the loveable large dog, and his human charge, Madeline, use the time to go boating, explore the playground, and even play a bit of baseball. Tired out, dog and toddler sleep through dinner and fireworks. Their adventures are related through realistic watercolor illustration.

Benny is busy being a pirate and doesn’t want to play with his little sister. But when Penny seems to be lost, Benny realizes that sometimes playing alone isn’t all that much fun. Words and illustration in a comic book-like format create an appealing, short novel for emerging readers.

Bonnie takes ballet classes while her little sister, Sylvie, waits outside for her. That is, until Sylvie follows Bonnie in one day and wins a place in the class. The warm relationship between the girls is revealed through Bonnie’s voice. Expressive illustrations are sure to be appreciated by dancers and non-dancers alike.

Pigeon — like most young children — wants a puppy and he wants it now. He wheedles, begs, and promises to get it. Will pigeon change his mind when a puppy shows up? Readers will appreciate that the indomitable pigeon speaks directly to them on each appealing page.

Four young sisters spend their summer in the Berkshires in this humorous tale. Each of the sisters is well drawn and unique, as are the supporting characters. If you enjoy the first, the “autumn” sequel, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street is also available.