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Stones look like birds. And birds look like stones. Imagine a day in the boyhood of Japanese American artist, Isamu Noguchi. Wandering through an outdoor market, through the forest, and then by the ocean, Isamu sees things through the eyes of a young artist … but also in a way that many children will relate. 

How does an artist make a sculpture or a painting? What tools do they use? What happens to the artwork next? This fun, inside look at the life of an artwork shows the journey of two artists’ work from studio to exhibition. Stopping along the way we meet colorful characters — curators, photographers, shippers, museum visitors, and more.

Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecraft as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s first female engineer. Find out how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work. Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross’s journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. The narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all.

Extensive research about a previously unknown African American aviator whose story of perseverance and desire to fly resulted in a handsome, well told biography. Banning crossed the country gaining support and respect along the way. Extensive back matter is included.

Have you ever wondered what a zookeeper does each day? Large, textured collages focus on animals as we learn about a zookeeper’s duties which involve everything from cuddling a joey to brushing a hippo’s feet. Factual information about zoos, the animals presented, and additional resources conclude this handsome book.

Once, there were no protections for workers who often toiled in dangerous conditions for long hours. Until Frances Perkins, that is. After she witnessed a tragedy, Perkins toiled tirelessly to help workers all over the United States. This illustrated biography of the first woman on President Roosevelt’s cabinet is compelling, highlighting the events that shaped Perkins. Additional resources are included.

The author started learning about animals by observing her dog as a child. Her respect and affinity for animals grew as she did, turning into a career as a writer and chronicler of animals and their behavior. Gently illustrated, the author shares thoughtful tidbits which is sure to lead readers to her other books.

Explore different professions and jobs from A to Z, or just look at the illustrations. Brief descriptions of each job’s primary focus accompany the colorful, accessible illustrations on sturdy pages.

Philip Freelon’s dream became reality when his team was commissioned to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture which opened in the nation’s capital in 2016. Beginning with his childhood, this realistically illustrated biography provides an afterword by the architect and additional resources.

In the midst of a whirling snowfall, a girl and her father pile into their big red snow plow. Through slippery streets, up winding hills, they race — clearing the snow and heading for the train station to meet a very special traveler. The rhyming text is just right for one or two readers.

There is great drama to be found on the Serengeti witnessed by scientists. Meet some of those who study the migration of wildebeest in Tanzania. Observe the animals that share the land with the wildebeest. The author’s insightful, illuminating, and highly readable narration in a handsome format with stunning photographs is also a plea for humankind to respect other mammals.

Tailors, scientists, toy makers, miniaturists, doctors, and more have collections that relate to their interests. Twelve collections are presented on double-page spreads illustrated by different artists. Lift the flaps to discover what is contained therein. The Musician’s Cabinet contains Edison’s phonograph and a sea dragon wind instrument, for example. On the final spread, the museums in which these wonders are housed is provided.

Jean-Francois Gravele first performed as a child. Walking on ropes required skill, confidence, and daring, which Jean-Francois had in abundance. As an adult, he traveled from France to America and decided he would walk across Niagara Falls — on a rope! This fascinating character comes to life in lively language and dramatic illustrations. Additional information about The Great Blondin (as Jean-Francois became known) and photographs are included.

Dinosaurs lived during three eras: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. Find out what’s in a paleontologist’s toolkit then join a dig site for each period. Double-page gatefolds open to reveal which dinosaurs once lived at the dig site. Additional information and a quiz complete this realistically illustrated introduction for budding scientists.

Aaron Lansky always remembered his grandmother’s immigration story when she was forced to give up her candlesticks and her Yiddish book. Aaron also loved books. An informal narration and darkly hued illustrations (which the illustrator notes pay homage to Marc Chagall) introduce a fascinating man whose work continues in the Yiddish Book Center. Additional information concludes this attractive and informative biography.

Anna Mertz helps an orphaned black rhinoceros named Samia prepare for life in a sanctuary. How Anna and Samia became best friends forever is told with verve and humor, complemented by engaging, stylized illustrations. An afterword with information about Anna, Samia, and rhinos as well as additional resources is included. 

Many years ago, Eleanor Foraker, better known as Ellie, “helped change the world with a needle and thread.” She and her team worked for a company that made clothing for women and babies. They entered a spacesuit design competition and won. Ellie and team’s A7L spacesuit was worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to walk on the moon. Actual events inspired this unique look at space exploration.

Spare, poetic text and luminous, realistic illustrations chronicle the Apollo missions. Comprehensive back matter with photographs adds depth to the presentation. The author, a trained engineer, also presented Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon (opens in a new window) illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez for readers 9 to 12. The subtitle of this memorable book is the time it took from President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to Neil Armstrong’s first step on the Moon.

Tornadoes are complex weather phenomena that can be highly destructive. Follow scientist and storm-chaser, Robin Tanamachi, as she researches the genesis of tornadoes and tornadic behavior. Dramatic photographs show not only storm clouds but the aftermath. Charts and other graphics help explain more technical aspects of tornadoes.

Readers may have to change their opinion of spotted hyenas after meeting them as they are studied in the wild. Fluid prose and stunning photographs combine insight into the field scientists and information about the animals they study. While they remain formidable carnivores, hyenas are surprisingly brave and social animals and appealing in appearance. Thoroughly resourced and documented, this is narrative nonfiction at its best.

As Bat’s year in third grade nears its end, he begins to worry about releasing his skunk kit into the wild; he worries that his best friend will forget him during his summer away, and more. But Bixby Alexander Tam (Bat for short) still looks forward to working with his veterinarian mom and time with his sister. This is the third book about Bat (who is likely on the autism spectrum and first introduced in A Boy Called Bat (opens in a new window)) but this book stands alone.

After Little Lobo and his dog, Bernabe, finish breakfast, they load their wagon to deliver to the various merchants. While they deliver the goods, they take time to watch the dancing, smell the churros, and even draw stripes on the newly made “zonkey”. Humor abounds in the graphic tour of Mexican culture complete with Spanish words. A glossary concludes this cheery introduction to a country and its language.

A young soldier narrates the story of how he met a podgy pudgy dog soon named Stubby. Stubby and Corporal Conroy soon became inseparable friends and more; Stubby was adopted into Conroy’s regiment to become a heroic soldier in his own right. This true story of World War I is illustrated in light hues with gentle lines, accompanied by a straightforward text. An afterward includes a photo of Stubby and provides a bit of additional information.

A boy insists that they not leave until the whale accidentally caught in their fishing net is extricated. No words are needed as the tale is revealed in dramatic illustrations from various perspectives. The author cautions readers that this is more fable rather than a realistic portrait but effectively conveys the whale’s struggle and one child’s empathetic response to it.