The ghost of George Washington introduces Sara to other presidential ghosts.
Ghosts of the White House
Espionage played an important role in defeating the British, as is demonstrated in this cleverly-formatted, intriguing book.
George Washington, Spymaster
The life and times of Eleanor Roosevelt are presented chronologically as though one is examining a scrapbook. Much like the approach the author uses for other historical figures, this look at Eleanor is almost intimate, certainly thorough, and compelling.
Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Life
Regardless of where they live or what they look like, all families have much in common. They all cook, eat, play, and celebrate together as seen in engaging photographs and described through crisp text.
Families
As she did in My Name Is Celia/Me llamo Celia, Monica Brown tells the story of young Gabriel García Márquez’s life in this bilingual picture book. Brown also provides children with a simple introduction to magical realism by showing how young Gabriel’s surroundings and imagination merged in fantastic ways, fostering his creativity and building the foundation for the legendary characters and stories he would later create. Beautiful illustrations complement the lyrical text.
My Name Is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel García Márquez / Me llamo Gabito
What must it be like to live in the White House, especially if you’re not at all like other children of your time? Read about Alice — Theodore Roosevelt’s oldest child — and her unconventional approach to life in the White House.
What to Do About Alice?
How are dogs, alligators, sheep, cats, and a host of other animals similar? They’ve all been residents of the president’s house as presidential pets! Comical illustrations combine with the often laugh out loud funny tales of pets in the White House.
Wackiest White House Pets
The large format of this collection of stories both factual and fictionalized has been created by about 100 notable authors and illustrators with an introduction by historian David McCullough. Ideal for sharing aloud at home or in the classroom, activities and additional resources are up-to-date at a companion website (opens in a new window).
Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out
Children describe the basic duties of the U.S. President, from campaign speeches to lighting the national Christmas tree. Cheery illustrations, simple text, and the position’s more pleasurable duties create a fine introduction to the office for younger children.
If I Were President
The sounds of a caterpillar munching through vegetation combine with Fleming’s distinctive illustrations for a small adventure in the tall, tall grass. The satisfying conclusion is a sleepy one, making this an ideal bedtime tale.
In the Tall, Tall Grass
This book of miscellany is a browsers’ paradise. Using photography, illustration, and a busy layout, the authors offer information on range of subjects-love, bugs, fights, dancing, you name it.
Pick Me Up: Stuff You Need to Know
Most of us have heard of Helen Keller, but few have heard of Laura Bridgman. Left blind and deaf in her childhood in the 1830’s, Bridgman attended school and taught Helen’s teacher, Annie Sullivan, to fingerspell.
She Touched the World: Laura Bridgman, Deaf-Blind Pioneer
Sophisticated young scientists will enjoy dipping in and out of this funny but edifying compendium of science. Topics range from paleontology to astronomy with lots of ways to get involved (some requiring adult help). The comic format and brief information are appealing and sure to amaze and engage.
The Stunning Science of Everything: Science with the Squishy Bits Left In
Clearly organized instructions provide not only the know-how but ideas on how to make prints from easily found materials. As children craft their own artwork, they may just want to reread other books which use comparable techniques (such as Eric Carle). Also in the 1 2 3 series are the equally doable I Can Sculpt! and I Can Paint!
1 2 3: I Can Make Prints!
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.
The Jumbo Book of Outdoor Art
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!
How to Be the Best at Everything: The Girls’ Book
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!
How to Be the Best at Everything: The Boys’ Book
Make a special card or gift that really stands out — or pops up, literally! Easy to follow instructions and ideas are generously illustrated to allow even the neophyte to make eye-catching pop-ups with easily found materials.
Easy-to-Make Pop-Ups
Each lively rhyme or riddle about everyday things actually asks a math question; some easy, some more difficult, all playfully involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Humorous spins on recognizable situations are enhanced by comical illustrations.
Arithme-Tickle: An Even Number of Odd Riddle-Rhymes
Many creatures have wings: birds, bats, insects. How these amazing appendages work and how they are used are presented with brief text and stunning collage illustrations for a memorable look at flight.
Wings
Science is all around! And summer is a great time to dip into it — especially when it’s presented with such energy. Just do some “navel gazing” and get the “lowdown on lint” or find out which is more common — the “innie” or “outie.” Information and experiments are playfully presented and illustrated.
Science on the Loose: Amazing Activities and Science Facts You’ll Never Believe
The Whydah Galley was a real, fast-moving ship that was involved in 18th century slave trade, transporting people from Africa to the Caribbean until captured by pirates. How the Whydah and her treasures were discovered by underwater archaeologists is revealed in informal text and dramatic illustrations. Additional resources are included.
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship
Information about the symbols, emblems, and gods from Ancient Egypt is included with step-by-step instructions on how to draw them. A guide to pronunciation and where to go for more information on Egyptian antiquities is also included.
Ralph Masiello’s Ancient Egypt Drawing Book
Stunning watercolors evoke the height and breadth of New York City while a dramatic text relates the true story of a now-famous feathered resident, a hawk named Pale Male. The tension between the lifestyle of Pale Male and human residents as well as the fate of Pale Male’s mates and offspring create riveting reading.