Book Finder

Fancy Nancy is back, this time exploring in her own backyard. Photographs combine with signature illustration to introduce the wonders of real butterflies, birds, leaves, and more — that young explorers anywhere will find and appreciate.

This appealing, sturdy book presents photographs of emperor penguin chicks (and adults) going about their daily business of fishing, cuddling, and generally taking care of one another. It is sure to create warm feelings regardless of the snowy landscape.

Oscar, a young cat, learns from his friend Bat that “our ears help us know what’s around us, even when our eyes can’t.” Thus begins a fascinating sound adventure filled with information in an attractive format.

Simple, colorful graphics are used to illustrate paired opposites seen in a garden: short caterpillar and long snake; mama bird asleep, hatched eggs awake, and more, until a final foldout encourages readers to identify even more.

From great white sharks to tigers, animals use their teeth for various reasons — much of which is quite amazing. An informal text combines with full-color illustrations to introduce the function and form of teeth. A glossary and additional resources are included.

This worthy addition to the “scientists in the field series” is filled with information presented visually and textually about the impact of invasive plant and animal species. Their impact can be devastating and irrevocable though readers are encouraged to take action.

What has a bill like a duck and the body of a beaver? Probably a platypus! These unusual creatures are suffering from a loss of habitat. Meet this marvelous egg-laying mammalsl in brief but readable text and realistic images.

The biomes of North and South America are introduced clearly and briefly, describing how flora and fauna have adapted to the particular climate. Lush illustrations evoke place and extend information.

The rain forest of Costa Rica comes to life in vivid paintings and readable text. Readers are introduced to the rich and diverse ecosystem that exists in the misty tops of the forest of trees of the Monte Verde cloud forest.

Rich, realistic illustrations accompany clear text as readers explore what lives in the ocean, the geology of the ocean floor, and the biodiversity. Additional resources are suggested to learn more about he subject.

Animals look and behave as they do for a reason. It’s for communication, to help get food, or for defense. Detailed illustrations and crisp text provide brief information about the topic of why animals look like they do.

Informal text and photographs of multi-hued animal subjects explain the reasons for their coloring.

Fascinating sleep habits of various animals are presented in short text and full-color, appealing illustrations. The text can be read in a shorter form in a larger typeface or in its entirety.

A range of forest inhabitants are presented imaginatively in a variety of poetic styles. From the “Bucktoothed Cleaver” (a beaver) to the chipmunks that invest in the “Acorn Savings Bank,” poetry and illustrations allow readers to see animals afresh.

Dazzling watercolors turn Hughes’ short poem into an unforgettable glimpse of African American history and an emotional journey through time. A concluding note details the illustrator’s personal connection to the classic poem.

A predictable rhyme leads from one baby animal to another until a child and his mama kiss “in the honey-sunny day, in the bright and breezy air.” The lively language uses lots of onomatopoeia and soft illustrations that are just right for sharing aloud.

This handsome book is presented as though the notebook of a birder. It combines haiku, information about birds, and realistic watercolors with notes. Additional brief comments conclude a book that is sure to spark continued interest.

Luminous illustrations brighten up each month of the year in this brief but evocative jaunt. The seasons come to life through rhythmic language and translucent images that beg to be shared aloud.

Lyrical language and textured collages poetically convey the wonder of patterns and shapes in moths, birds, and other creatures. A brief note concludes this handsome volume.

In honor of the very hungry and eternally popular caterpillar’s 40th anniversary, a stunning new edition brings it to life again. With each page turn, engineered illustrations literally and dramatically pop off the page. Though not for the youngest, this beautifully engineered book is sure to delight and amaze.

A child goes quietly out to the garden where he can almost hear the creatures respond to his curiosity about their actions. The narrator then gathers food for a picnic with “my friends.” Suggestions for making a “quiet garden” conclude this tranquil book.

Thea, a student in Topeka, Kansas, observes the growth of the three unusual beans she plants for her science project. A series of letters to various experts chronicles the unusual vegetation that develops — though readers will see the giant beanstalk for the tale it is.

Plants have secrets: within each seed, large or small, is a new plant. Highly detailed but crisp, well-placed illustrations reveal the life cycle of plants and provides an easy introduction to seeds — just in time for spring gardens!

Katy Duck loved to dance through each season but was especially excited about the spring recital: “A show to celebrate spring!” Though Katy is disappointed with her assignment, she blossoms as a lowly caterpillar in this recognizable and humorous tale.