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Really peculiar critters (in which the author includes himself) make for an engaging and informative book. Each double page spread introduces unique but real animals and insects from around the globe. Included with the informal text are scientific names, distribution and detailed drawings of each creature.

Meet the Mikes, both of whom grew up to study oceans, energy, and more. The science comes into focus as readers explore with the actual scientists working in the field and share their discoveries. For those interested in land-based issues, Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It (opens in a new window) (Houghton) explores a voracious creature and its impact on the environment with an equally engaging personal perspective.

Some fly, others only walk but regardless of where they live or what they eat, the parrots presented are fascinating. They are pictured in handsome, realistic illustrations and a brief text. Further information about each parrot appears at the end, along with a glossary and additional resources, making this a book that can be enjoyed by many.

A spunky look at zoos from all over the world beginning 4400 years ago in the Sumerian city of Ur and ending at the present day San Diego Zoo. The many places worldwide and zoos’ purposes are presented in informative text and lighthearted cartoon illustrations.

Effervescent language and lively illustrations ask readers what kind of dog, cat, fist, bird, bug, frog, or dinosaur they’d be — but since they are not, they can “arrooo! like a dog, hiss! like a cat,” or even “chomp, stomp, roar! like a dinosaur” in this playful, imaginative book.

Bird basics — from characteristics to colors — are briefly introduced in an attractive, accessible package. In addition to a table of contents, glossary and index, this series provides additional material on birding (bird-watching) via an online, downloadable book.

Caldecott medalist Mordicai Gerstein captures the majestic redwoods of Yosemite in this little-known but important story from our nation’s history. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt joined naturalist John Muir on a trip to Yosemite. Camping by themselves in the uncharted woods, the two men saw sights and held discussions that would ultimately lead to the establishment of our National Parks. [Good Reads]

“Our world is made of land and water.” The land is called continents; the water oceans. Select animals that live on each continent are presented on sturdy, textured pages that will hold up to multiple readings and handling by young children while providing a visually appealing introduction to maps and animals.

Die-cuts let readers ‘spy’ a portion of an animal while text provides clues as to what it might be. With the turn of the page the entire bird is portrayed. Basic characteristics and attractive illustrations provide an informative glimpse of a variety of fowl while playing a variant of a familiar game.

Most elephant seals live in the ocean but one prefers the Avon River in Christchurch, New Zealand. Though the townspeople try to relocate Elizabeth, the huge seal finds her way back three times to the delight of many, especially a boy named Michael. Based on a true story, this well-told fictionalized account is expressively illustrated.

Splendid photographs are used along with a crisp, easier to read narrative to introduce dolphins, water-dwelling mammals. A glossary, index and access to additional online material complete this appealing and edifying title.

Richly hued, lush, realistic illustrations answer the question of what a child might see during the day: a sun-dappled bird, butterfly, or beaver perhaps. At night, there could be a bat or a firefly in moonlight, and a teddy bear as she snuggles into bed.

An eclectic collection of factoids about animals is presented in an eye-catching, brightly colored format that uses graphic art or “infographics.” The result is a fetching book sure to engage sophisticated readers as they dip in and out.

Handsome, realistic illustrations accompanied by straightforward information about North American birds encourage children to observe birds closely. Additional information about characteristics and bird identification concludes this attractive and informative book.

Guess whose silhouette? Find out with a lift of a flap. Examine a close-up, lift the tab and up pops a small ocean-dwelling creature. Put pages together to see an entire fish. The large format and sturdy pages with meticulous illustrations engage, surprise, and hold lots of information for readers.

Before Milo and his teddy go to bed, they have an imaginative bath time adventure in a boat, sailing past a busy city, through a storm and more. Soft illustrations communicate the gentle nature of their jaunt. Easy instructions for Milo’s folded paper boat are sure to inspire bathtub explorations and experiments.

Sophie lives in a big city but eagerly anticipates summer at her grandparents. There, she learns about growing vegetables and gardens as she prepares, plants, observes and harvests. Realistic illustrations show an entire scene as well as close-ups on each double page spread.

Clear photographs in a colorful format combine with brief information to provide an introduction to ants. A photo-glossary, index and an age-appropriate website for more information extends the use and appeal of this book (and the series).

As seasons change, Alice and her friend, Zack, notice changes in the length of the day. Together with Alice’s little brother, the children examine the changing seasons as they observe birds, animal tracks, and more. Two articulate chickens named Maisy and Daisy add a bit of whimsical humor as well as scientific detail in this winning and enlightening book.

Growing up is not easy, even for a small seed. But with encouragement from a bespectacled worm, a frightened seed pushes on and up and develops into a handsome flower. Rhyming text and cartoon line drawings suggest the challenges of sprouting — both literally and figuratively — while presenting a saga in which many children will see themselves.

“I am a plant eater,” announces a boy with a wide grin eating munching on a slice of watermelon and surrounded by a harvest of fruits and vegetables. He then introduces where, how, and the different parts of what he (and we) eat. Cheery, informative illustrations are clearly labeled and correspond to the straightforward, engaging text.

Birds craft surprisingly unique nests. Brief verses introduce different birds and how their nest is made complemented by equally engaging but concise factual information in a different typeface. Memorable illustrations are realistic, made of cut paper collages placed on uncluttered pages.

Water is essential for all life on earth. In the author’s signature style, the water cycle, clouds, and more are introduced. Straightforward language and characteristic illustrations include maps, cautions, and additional tidbits of information about rain and related topics.

Fog is the only type of cloud that is close enough to feel; all other clouds can only be seen. Folk art and crisp text brings different types of clouds into focus for budding scientists. Cloud facts and directions for making a cloud in a jar conclude this informative and engaging introduction to clouds, weather, and observation.