Emily’s dog, Carlos, accompanied her almost everywhere, “decorating her clothes with dog hair” even when she wrote. Rich narrative sprinkled with quotes from Emily Dickinson’s poetry and letters combines with expressive watercolors for a unique portrait of the poet. Additional information and sources complete this handsome book.
Emily and Carlo
Roosevelt’s own words define her growth from a shy child to reluctant but forceful political voice to respected citizen of the world. Evocative illustrations express Roosevelt’s strength and unique beauty.
Eleanor, Quiet No More
A young Frederick Douglass narrates this handsome, moving, and authentic story of his early life as a slave, his desire to learn, and plans to escape slavery. The child who grew up to be an abolitionist, memorable writer, and orator knew that words — reading — would set him free.
Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
Two children aroused by their parents join a march for equal rights. Short sentences and semi-abstract illustrations convey the children’s evolving feelings as they join scores of others in what adults recognize as an historic march for civil rights.
We March
Brief, staccato text and dark-hued, mixed-media illustrations convey the drama of enslaved people escaping on the Underground Railroad. There is limited light and grave danger until the family reaches freedom in this seemingly simple yet rich and sophisticated book.
Underground
Martin Luther King’s niece recalls how the power of her uncle’s words and his strength of conviction changed the United States. Realistic illustrations, straightforward language, and factual back matter create an accessible glimpse of the man and his place in history.
My Uncle Martin’s Words for America
His unusual escape from slavery — in a box mailed to Philadelphia — is told in a conversational, folksy style illustrated with evocative illustrations. The cadence of the text calls to mind the music and song that were always important to Henry Brown.
Freedom Song! The Story of Henry “Box” Brown
Through original artwork by the renowned artist Tomie dePaola — a longtime aficionado of Frida Kahlo’s work — as well as beautiful reproductions of Kahlo’s paintings, this latest Smart About book explores the creative, imaginative world of Mexico’s most celebrated female artist.
Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Painted Herself
Why is the time different in New York and in Tokyo at the same moment? How time zones were developed and standardized are clearly presented in this lighthearted but informative look at the science and history of time and travel.
Time Zones
In just a second, a bat can make 200 calls, a black mamba snake can slither 24 feet, four babies are born somewhere in the world, and much more. Time takes on new meaning in this stylishly illustrated, provocative look at time and how it’s measured.
Just a Second
The author/illustrator’s enthusiasm for the birds he observes is contagious in this artful and informative look at various birds of prey. Several pages fold out to showcase the splendor of these amazing flyers.
Thunder Birds: Nature’s Flying Predators
Sophisticated children (or children with an adult) will appreciate the variety of aircraft designs ranging from easy to difficult, silly to complex, and the science behind them. All is presented in easy-to-follow instructions and crisp diagrams.
Kids’ Paper Airplane Book
By 1909, Louis Bleriot’s persistence had paid off: this Frenchman became the first aviator to fly across the English Channel in an “air machine.” This Caldecott Medal winner is a quiet account of one man’s perseverance and passion.
The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot July 25, 1909
In Native cultures, the night is a crucial part of the Great Circle and balance in the universe. In the tradition of the best-selling Keepers of the Earth and Keepers of the Animals, this collection offers unique ideas about understanding the natural world by looking at it through a nocturnal lens. Resources and activities include legends and myths, puppet shows, stargazing guides, campfire topics, and traditional dances.
Keepers of the Night: Native American Stories and Nocturnal Activities for Children
Brief information about a variety of dinosaurs is provided in a predictable form, accompanied by simple, attractive illustrations that call on readers to join in.
Let’s Look at Dinosaurs
The narrator surveys the garden, counting from one to twelve what grows and lives there. Interesting words combine with stylized illustrations to present an abundant garden.
Counting in the Garden
A clearly illustrated pair of feet is shown with the title question. On the next page, the entire animal is seen with a basic characteristic of the foot, sure to intrigue and inform.
Who Has These Feet?
Textured collages realistically present a variety of animals and their bathing habits. Text in different typefaces allows this informative book to engage on different levels.
Time for a Bath
A dark-haired little girl explores the seasons using her senses in this handsomely illustrated book.
Seasons
As the narrator and her father ski through the woods, they compare what goes on over and under the snow cover. Wood block illustrations add rich texture to the words.
Over and Under the Snow
Easy experiments make basic physical science ideas come to life. Crisp illustrations, direct directions, and everyday materials make these easy to do almost anywhere.
Motion, Magnets and More
Traditional wooden Kokeshi dolls inspired this introduction to Japanese words and culture while presenting a participatory book with flaps to lift, fold-outs and more.
Kimonos
Ever wonder how the food we eat came to be in a lunchbox? Brief text and lively illustrations describe food starts as well as healthy eating habits.
How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? The Story of Food
Animal sculptures on carefully composed pages with the color words provide a fine introduction to colors, color words in Spanish and English, and Mexican folk art.