Book Finder

Author/illustrator and self-taught naturalist Jim Arnosky introduces mysteries that surround unknown animals: “cryptozoology.” Dramatic illustrations combine with an informative, engaging text to present a range of land and water creatures, starting with ocean giants, sharks, and squids.

Does no electricity mean that there’s nothing to do or are there new adventures just waiting to happen? A family and their neighbors find out one hot summer night in the city. Luminous illustrations and limited text reveal the unexpected, joy-filled pleasures of a blackout.

Who would have thought that a child’s stuffed toy, interest in the outdoors and animals, and childhood dreams would predict her future work and life? This picture book biography of Jane Goodall’s early life does just that, effectively placing actual photographs of young Jane and her toy chimpanzee at the opening and conclusion of this simple but effective sketch.

Meet a baby beluga whale, its mother, and the sometimes threatening environment in which they live through a series of questions and answers between the beluga and the reader. Softly lined, idealized illustrations are used in this book for older toddlers.

Butterflies were once thought to be “beasts of the devil.” Maria Merian, a perceptive young German naturalist, knew better. She recorded her notes and drawings on the butterflies’ transformation in secret so that she would not be accused of witchcraft and later became a famous scientist and artist who helped the rest of the world understand natural life cycles. Margarita Engle brings her extraordinary story to life, accompanied by Julie Paschkis’ gorgeous illustrations.

Look at how everything from baseballs to ice cream to peanut better are made and manufactured — perfect for sharing between an adult and a curious, sophisticated child. A bit of history (and a touch of gross) is included in this fascinating look at everyday items.

Ever wonder who invented the first dishwasher? How about Ben Franklin’s inventions? Need and inspiration seem to be the basis of all inventions, a principle used to organize this fascinating glimpse of myriad inventions and the people who invented them.

Have you ever wondered why bubbles are round? And why they pop? These and other questions are asked and answered in accessible language and crisp, full color photographs. Many easy-to-do science activities are suggested (to be done with adult help).

Oscar, a curious kitten, learns more about why sticks and twigs are used by birds and other materials are used differently. As with other books in the Start with Science series, Oscar’s science explorations are just right for younger children and may launch further exploration.

A lively, brief, rhyming look at various inventions and the people who created them weaves together with the author’s speculation about what might have been behind the brainchild. Fact and fancy combine to motivate a new generation of inventors!

Activities suggested are easy and engaging for young children and an adult. This title from the Science Play series — intended for the youngest budding scientist — uses conversational language and uncluttered illustrations to encourage further observation and experimentation.

Unlikely animals work together to the benefit of both as do more usual pairings such as dogs and people. How and why these relationships work is detailed in brief text and handsome collage illustration.

How a tiny seed can grow into an enormous plant (think acorn) is introduced through crisp text and effective illustrations. Suggested activities are easily doable (though adult help is required) and support concepts introduced.

Three books, each a sophisticated examination at how structures were built — a cathedral, castle, and mosque — have been revised, refreshed with current information, and put in one volume. The author/illustrator’s work is complex but will intrigue young readers especially if shared with an adult.

Sophisticated readers will learn a great deal about trains and how they work in straightforward text and color photographs. Suggested experiments bring concepts into focus but are best done by older children or with an adult

A little boy loves to push buttons and they’re everywhere: on the telephone, on his umbrella, on toys, and more. But when his finger is sore, he discovers books and blocks don’t involve buttons! Signature illustrations are used in this rhythmic book.

While looking for gold, four French boys accidentally discovered what was to be considered the best preserved and most famous prehistoric art. How the Lascaux cave was found is presented here in rich watercolors and stimulating text. The author’s note provides additional information as well as a photograph of the discoverers.

A variety of animals are presented, beginning with “The Lion/[that]stands alone/on the grassy plain…” A large format supports the bold, open woodcut and watercolor illustrations and evocative poetry that will read aloud well.

Owen Jester finally captures the biggest frog in the world and names him Tooley Graham, but Owen has an even bigger secret — after hearing a crash in the night, he discovers that a two-passenger submarine that has fallen off a passing train.. What Owen and his buddies along with a know-it-all girl do with that secret creates a memorable adventure, deftly told.

Though it’s unlikely that anyone has ever heard of Walter Diemer, chances are they’ve used — or at least heard of — his invention: bubblegum. Diemer’s story from accountant to successful inventor is presented in a lively text with cartoon illustrations.

Highly realistic illustrations and brief, lucid text introduce birds of prey that live in many different habitats. A glossary, additional information about the habitats depicted, and bibliography complete this informative, engaging introduction to raptors.

1961. Nearly two decades before Sally Ride — there was Jerrie Cobb. Cobb was one of the top female pilots in the country and completed all the astronaut testing the Mercury 7 men did. She excelled at all the tests. Proved she had the Right Stuff. Twelve other female pilots followed her, passing the tests they took with flying colors. When they were told there was no room for women in the space program, they took they’re cause to Congress.

Amelia Earhart was a fiesty 11-year-old when she saw her first air show. Little did she know that a passing fancy for airplanes would develop into a full-throttled passion. As a committed social worker, feminist and record-breaking female pilot, Amelia’s disappearance while flying over the South Pacific remains one of our greatest mysteries.

Earth’s recipe for the food we eat — seed, soil, and sun — are presented in crisp photographs and brief, lucid text all in a large format. Young scientists (and their adults) may be inspired to start their own seeds but observe their world more closely.