Book Finder

Two friendless creatures with “brains no bigger than a pebble” vow not to hurt the other. But when the crocodile takes the scorpion to the other side of the river, there is little doubt that they both wind up at the bottom of the “big, brilliant blue river.” A brief telling of a little-known fable combines with abstract, angular and brilliantly colored illustrations for a memorable tale.

Charles Darwin came across a distinctive frog in Chile during his ventures on the Beagle. The exceptional characteristics and the mysteries it created are presented in engaging text, photographs and notable, realistic collage illustrations. Additional resources are included.

The strength of Spiderman’s web wasn’t far from reality. Biologist Randy Lewis’ work proves it. A highly readable text and captivating photographs make a complicated topic, related issues, and current research understandable for sophisticated readers of all ages.

Poems intended for two voices celebrate nature and how its creatures are interrelated. Seeds helicopter, hitchhike and travel by bird; worms snack; snails leave trails and more in playful verses made more accessible by the large, colorful, almost whimsical illustrations.

Like most snakes, pythons are often vilified. Realistic watercolors, however, of a Diamond Python (native to Australia) and informative text present a slice of her life from warming in the sun to hatching eggs — and, of course hunting and eating.

Stink is still afraid to put his head underwater so fears he’ll remain a “polliwog”. When frogs start to appear everywhere, however, Stink learns about them, what’s really going on, and learns to swim! The latest installment about Judy Moody’s little brother is sure to please.

The four easy readers, modern classics, are effectively read by their author and sprinkled with music and sound effects.

998 of the 999 frogs (who were once 999 Tadpoles (opens in a new window)) awaken their big brother for an action-packed spring. Simple, childlike illustrations on open backgrounds leave plenty of room for imagination as the frog family and other animals celebrate the season.

Stunning, realistic illustrations of frogs and onomatopoeic language combine to present frogs and their songs from around the world. A brief warning about threats to frogs’ environments and additional information conclude this engaging book just right to read aloud.

Short poems (haiku) were written in response to but also evoke creatures shown in crisp close-up photographs of small animals and insects in their natural surroundings. This collection and others by Yolen/Stemple introduce information about nature, and could be used as part of the science curriculum.

An improbable cumulative tale with lots of interesting rhymes that uses illustrations as clues for meaning.

Separated from the colony, readers join two adventurous ants and see the world from a very different perspective.

These poems introduce various insects and their lives; ideal for sharing aloud and for relating to informational books on insects.

In this latest installment about a boy named Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, takes readers on a slapstick journey that gives new meaning to the old joke about the fly in the soup. Bug-eyed characters and absurd situations with easy language propel readers to the silly, satisfying end.

Snakes are presented through up-close and personal image and text for and engaging, informative look at a host of colorful and handsome reptiles. The photographer, also a biologist, concludes with insight into his experiences photographing the sometimes uncooperative subjects.

Julianita is excited to receive her very own caterpillar to raise at school! Yet when her caterpillar, Tiger, finally emerges from his chrysalis, Julianita doesn’t want to let him go. She worries that he will get lost on his way to Mexico. “Tiger knows the way to Mexico because it’s in his heart,” her Abuelito reassures her. She feels sad to see Tiger fly away, but Julianita knows that someday, she will follow him to back to her grandfather’s beloved homeland.

Many different types of frogs, frog lifecycles, etc. are presented through brief but illuminating information and highly realistic watercolors. A concluding note about the impact of humans on frogs, insight into the author’s interest and additional resources conclude this handsome and engrossing look at this animal.

Join Buzz, his pet fly Fly Guy, and Buzz’s dad on a car ride that turns into an exciting adventure when Fly Guy is swept out of an open window and into the mouth of a passing truck driver. Can Fly Guy survive? Will he be reunited with Buzz? This installment of the funny saga is presented in short, easier to read chapters, and signature illustrations of bug-eyed characters.

Short, imaginative poems combine with brief facts and handsome, full color photographs to introduce a variety of insects. Fact or fiction can be shared independent of the other to find out about everything from the common house fly to the colorful lovebug and many more insects.

To many Native Americans, the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. Each moon has its own special name that, while varying among the tribal nations, is consistent with the legend that the 13 scales on Old Turtle’s back hold the key to these moons. The authors present 13 poems that take readers through the year, from the “Moon of Popping Trees” — when the “cottonwoods crack with frost” — to the “Big Moon” of the Abenakis. — Publishers Weekly

Strong lines and evocative language call on readers to observe the natural world around them in this handsome look at the spiral shape in nature.

Buzz, a boy, and his pet fly, Fly Guy, visit a flyswatter factory with Buzz’s class in the latest installment of this comic series.

Readers are asked a true or false question about ubiquitous amphibians. With the turn of a page, the answer and an explanation (along with a revealing color photo) appear!

Stunning full-color photographs and tantalizing text introduce these fascinating creatures and how and where they live.