![Hello, Baby Beluga](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/157091740X.jpg?itok=JSflqSgt)
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.
Hello, Baby Beluga
![Toad Is the Uncle of Heaven: A Vietnamese Folktale](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805011471.jpg?itok=neWr_13f)
The small toad, with the help of other animals, gets the attention of the Emperor of Heaven to end Earth’s drought before all is destroyed. There is humor in this colorfully illustrated, respectful retelling of a traditional folktale.
Country of origin: Vietnam
Toad Is the Uncle of Heaven: A Vietnamese Folktale
![Wangari's Trees of Peace](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0152065458.jpg?itok=gQHFjFYp)
“Wangari lives under an umbrella of green trees in the shadow of Mount Kenya in Africa.” So begins this tribute to Wangari Maathai, a young woman who saw deforestation turn the lush lands of Kenya into a barren desert. Wangari began to plant seedlings and encouraged the women around her to do the same. By 2004, 30 million trees had been planted and Wangari won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Wangari’s Trees of Peace
![At the Sea Floor Cafe: Odd Ocean Critter Poems](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1561455652.jpg?itok=BZFkc6OJ)
Poems introduce sea creatures and their habitats using different poetic forms (e.g., concrete, for two voices). Factual information is provided with each poem. This small, attractive collection concludes with where to find out more and a brief explanation of the poetic forms.
At the Sea Floor Cafe: Odd Ocean Critter Poems
![Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805089373.jpg?itok=Dzqr8rHa)
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.
Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian
![Transformed: How Everyday Things Are Made](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1554532442.jpg?itok=Qi_EiLSa)
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.
Transformed: How Everyday Things Are Made
![Oscar and the Snail: A Book About Things That We Use](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763640395.jpg?itok=eaVYajsJ)
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.
Oscar and the Snail: A Book About Things That We Use
![How to Clean a Hippopotamus: A Look at Unusual Animal Partnerships](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0547245157.jpg?itok=7PrjbLka)
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 to Clean a Hippopotamus: A Look at Unusual Animal Partnerships
![How a Seed Grows](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0064451070.jpg?itok=MYbVDhH8)
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.
How a Seed Grows
![City Green](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/068812786X.jpg?itok=KhL4qTuu)
There is a garbage-filled, vacant lot on the street where Marcy lives. Instead of growing flowers in coffee cans like they usually do each spring, she and her friend Miss Rosa decide to plant a garden there. Their enthusiasm and energy spread and everyone in the neighborhood joins together to create an urban oasis. (From School Library Journal)
City Green
![Miss Rumphius](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0140505393.jpg?itok=maavXz_I)
Miss Rumphius leaves the world more beautiful with an unusual legacy. This gentle story can relate to not only the language arts, but to dreams, legacies, and the environment.
Miss Rumphius
![Spot's Snowy Day](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399254196.jpg?itok=ewyMz5pa)
What can be more fun than playing in the snow with mom and dad? Coming home to a warm up with grandma! In his signature style, Hill’s spotted puppy in the snow is sure to surprise and satisfy the youngest child.
Spot’s Snowy Day
![Snow Day!](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1561455539.jpg?itok=nSX8RnNF)
The entire family awaits the huge overnight snowfall predicted, dreaming of what they’ll do in it. They find a surprise when wake up, however: no snow! Realistic illustrations heighten the anticipation and make the resolution even more plausible — and understandable!
Snow Day!
![Snowballs](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0152020950.jpg?itok=pLc04QcK)
An entire snow family — including pets — has been created by textured collage illustrations in this playful celebration of winter. Seasonal facts finish up this engaging glimpse of snow — and may inspire young artists to collect and fashion their own snow images.
Snowballs
![Snow! Snow! Snow!](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1416984542.jpg?itok=cF-nGbLs)
The conditions are just right for sledding after the snow-filled night as the two young pups find out. The lighthearted illustrations and simple text convey the joy of playing out in the snow on a cold, crisp winter day.
Snow! Snow! Snow!
![Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0547014945.jpg?itok=6iEKmFw1)
Each season of the year has its own special color and feeling. Summer, fall, winter, and spring are presented in rich, lyrical language accompanied by stylized illustrations that evoke something special about each.
Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors
![Mama, Will It Snow Tonight?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1590785622.jpg?itok=1bL7fDWK)
A lyrical refrain repeats as each of the young asks its mother if it will snow tonight. No, is the answer, until one winter evening a mother answers in the affirmative. Poetic language and soft illustrations depict the changing season.
Mama, Will It Snow Tonight?
![Ducking for Apples](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805089357.jpg?itok=Vuf3F12o)
Five ducks ride on bicycles for an apple-picking adventure. The rhyming text and gentle illustrations create a playful, satisfying, everyday adventure.
Ducking for Apples
![Bravo](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0061731803.jpg?itok=ExH2EMsW)
Two children go outdoors to collect musical instruments for a joyful parade and are joined by friends. The children march, play, and sing to the delight of their families. Simple words in English and Spanish combine with soft illustrations for a satisfying story.
Bravo
![Moon Bear](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805089772.jpg?itok=mLCFQmfY)
Lyrical questions and answers and textured collage illustrations introduce the Moon Bear and its seasonal habits. Additional information about this endangered animal is appended to add another dimension.
Moon Bear
![Looking Closely in the Rain Forest](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1553375432.jpg?itok=O8Z5_OjA)
Each double page begins with a question, “Look very closely. What do you see?” and a partial photograph. A page turn provides the answer and the contextualized image as well as a bit more information about the rainforest plant or animal.
Looking Closely in the Rain Forest
![Immi's Gift](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1561455458.jpg?itok=8wB6E-Dd)
As Immi fishes through an ice hole, she finds a host of colorful objects beginning with a red bird. Each item ultimately decorates her igloo, introduces her to animal friends, and speaks to the power of imagination. At the end of the season, Immi sends her white bear into the hole; it is then found by a child on a tropical beach.
Immi’s Gift
![The Snow Leopard: The True Story of an Amazing Rescue](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0545229278.jpg?itok=qjvi0Z0y)
The rescue of a baby snow leopard named Leo found on a mountain in northern Pakistan is chronicled in handsome, well-captioned photographs and detailed text. The collaboration between Pakistan and the United States results in a new home for Leo and the possibility of new ways to help endangered animals.
The Snow Leopard: The True Story of an Amazing Rescue
![Elsie's Bird](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399252924.jpg?itok=M5JRVBOq)
Elsie and her father leave Boston to begin afresh after Elsie’s mother dies. Elsie takes with her a pet canary. It is Timmy Tune and a host of other animals that help Elsie turn “her house into a true prairie home.” Lyrical language and evocative watercolors tell a touching story.