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As a Galápagueña, Valentina spends her days observing the natural world around her. This bilingual story was inspired by the childhood of Valentina Cruz, whose family was one of the first permanent inhabitants of the Galápagos. Valentina is now a biologist and naturalist guide who has dedicated her life to the conservation of the islands.

Striking images, models and illustrations offer a unique view of catastrophic weather conditions allowing readers to see into the eye of a cyclone, witness hailstones the size of tennis balls, and learn how a gentle mountain stream can become a raging surge within a few minutes.

Kimmy, a budding paleontologist, is thrilled that Mr. Tiffin is taking her class on a field trip to the natural history museum. Her confidence is shaken, however, when Jake asserts that girls can’t be scientists. However, wise Mr. Tiffin makes a point to show her the discovery made by a woman scientist. KImmy notes her favorite (and very real) female paleontologists at the conclusion of this engaging book.

Sharks often get a bad reputation from movies and television but they’re crucial to a healthy ocean. Find out more about these amazing creatures in this dramatic, engaging comic book that is well-researched and well-documented. If things technical and mechanical things are of greater interest, then try Science Comics: Robots and Drones: Past, Present, and Future (opens in a new window) by Mairghread Scott, illustrated by Jacob Chabot.

Ever wondered why or what makes you itch? There are lots of itchy answers ranging from mosquitoes to fungi among many other cringe-worth things. Find out in this fascinating, informative, well-sourced, and illustrated exploration.

Dinosaurs, endlessly fascinating, continue to be explored. Current information is presented in an intriguing format that includes a foldout timeline. More standard information is included such as an examination of what a dinosaur is, when they lived, when they ceased to exist, as well as some of the paleontologists who discovered them.

Hippos are denser than water and so sink in water. Plus, they can’t actually swim but push off to “sail through the water like otters.” Interesting factoids about these huge land animals are presented in cartoon illustrations complete with funny asides in conversation bubbles. Further resources are included at the end. The author approaches a furry animal in the same way in The Truth about Bears (opens in a new window).

Travel with Nate Bell and a group of kids whose adventure begins at the Science Museum. They travel back in time to explore dinosaurs and the eras in which they roamed the earth. Several suggestions for further investigation conclude this lighthearted but informative book.

Joan was not like other girls her age. Rather than parties and such, Joan preferred to visit the Natural History Museum to talk to the curator about reptiles and even her own crocodile. In this fascinating look at an early scientist, readers will meet a unique, perhaps eccentric woman (and her komodo dragon) whose work can be appreciated today.

The true story of four African American women whose talent and tenacity led to careers at NASA is recast for younger readers. The unfairness and dscrimination caused by segregation is presented in an accessible, age appropriate, and engaging way.

The natural world is presented in gorgeous photographs combined with lyrical language to present this “love letter to our planet.” Included at the end are tangible ways for young readers to actively engage and learn about the world in which they live.

What you be if you had a tongue like a windshield, or an air conditioner, or even a tongue that could blow bubbles? Find out about the animals (including a human!) as you guess your way about the fascinating tongue! Additional information concludes this lively and informative picture book.

Descriptive language enhanced by handsome, boldly shaped illustrations present a range of rainforest dwellers. Additional information concludes this attractive book which may inspire art in addition to animal studies.

Earth’s oceans hide giants, colorful creatures, critters that play hide-&-seek and other wonders. Headings on sturdy double-page spreads introduce each category; readers lift flaps to discover additional information. This playful introduction is sure to encourage further interest in the ocean and its hidden worlds.

Sophisticated haiku and illustrations done with colored pencil explore the Earth inside and out. The limited colors used in impressionistic illustrations complement the poetry’s brevity. The intriguing collection concludes with factual narrative and further resources.

As a kid, Lonnie fiddled around with toy rockets and more. But all of his tinkering led to a career in engineering, working at NASA and inventing the Super Soaker! His life is engagingly presented in text and illustration.

Leland was an imaginative, tenacious kid who grew up to play professional football, gain post graduate degrees in science, and then become an astronaut on the international space station. He tells his own story in this inspirational, accessible memoir enhanced by numerous photographs.

Have you ever thought what’s underneath you in your house? Beneath the garden? Or under a city street? There is a great deal underground, exposed here in short, often humorous, sometimes sophisticated poems, and deeply colored illustrations. 

From one child to many creatures in different locations, life on earth is very diverse but delicate. This important message is gently delivered in lyrical text and highly detailed line and wash illustrations.

Two children walk across an autumn landscape greeting birds, animals, leaves and more. Gradually, the season changes and the now-bundled up kids greet the signs of winter. Soft illustrations and lyrical text gracefully evoke the evolution of seasons.

Earth is surrounded by stars of which the sun is only one. Earth is blue “because it is covered by 370,000,000.000,000,000,000 gallons of water.” It has trillions of trees and millions of cities …. but “only one of YOU…” This imaginative presentation is enjoyable to read and may well encourage closer observation of what is all around. 

Updated information about tigers, leopards, and other big cats is presented in a readable text and full-color photographs. Where to find additional information is included at the end of this large formatted, handsome book.

“Let’s get one thing straight … this is not a how-to book. It’s a history book.” Using a conversational tone and a variety of graphics, the role of both naturally occurring and manufactured poison in world history is explored. The result is an engaging, fresh look at history albeit a bit of its darker side.

The Earth started long ago with a Big Bang and continues to evolve and change. Its history is presented humorously yet factually in a tour guided by a small, expressive, and charming groundhog. The collaboration between authors (one a university geology professor, the other an award-winning artist) has created an accessible and engaging look at Earth’s history.