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Edward, a curious young dog and aspiring firefighter, visits the firehouse with his friend, Judy. Edward and Judy practice with the fire fighting Dalmatians in this gentle, satisfying, humorous look at firefighters.

The animals in his care overhear what zookeeper Mr. Peek mutters to himself, setting off a series of misunderstandings. Expressive illustrations and lively language add to the humor of this satisfying saga — just right for a laugh and to generate discussion.

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.

This look at one local farm presents a look at work on a farm raising food and animals while protecting the environment. Handsome photographs show the uniqueness of the seasons.

A large format is used for detailed, expressive illustrations to create a portrait of a contemporary farm. When combined with lyrical language, the changing seasons, information about planting and animals, and farm life are successfully presented.

Poverty didn’t stop this girl from working hard, reading lots of books, and graduating top in her class. Meet young Sonia Sotomayor, the child who grew up to become the first Latina Supreme Court justice. Her life is presented through a jaunty, positive narrative and warm-toned illustrations that capture the warmth and joy of Sotomayor’s family and story. A bit of background information concludes the engaging glimpse of a contemporary figure.

The Banks family, their children, and a most amazing Mary Poppins are brought to life through the narrator’s spot-on British accent.

Every day, Amos McGee goes to his job at the City Zoo where he’s attentive to each of his animal friends’ special needs. One day, however, Amos doesn’t feel well and must miss work and so his friends visit to take care of him. Gentle, expressive illustrations expand this touching tale. (2011 Caldecott Medal Winner)

Jacob learns a great deal from his favorite television baker, Chef Monty. And he puts those skills to great use just in time for his parents’ anniversary making dessert — a peach pie — the celebration’s first course. Jacob’s good humor and problem solving skills (with a little help from his sister) make for sweet reading.

A little girl asks about her mother’s activities, from feeding and sheering the sheep to knitting a warm sweater. Patterned, rhythmic language with gentle rhymes and winning illustrations provide a satisfying glimpse of farm life and a warm mother/daughter relationship.

High in the Appalachian hills, a woman comes every two weeks on horseback to deliver books to Cal’s family. Cal has no interest in reading, but he wonders what could possibly make her long treks in the snow and wind worthwhile? Young readers will discover a moving introduction to the story and courage of Kentucky’s Pack Horse Librarians.

The true story of one of only two Chinese-American women to fly for the U.S. Air Force during World War II, is told as though by Maggie Gee herself. Her dream of flying became reality because of a dream and determination. An author’s note provides a short glimpse into where and what the actual Maggie Gee does today as well as period photographs.

Aldrin relates how he, the second man to walk on the Moon, became interested in aeronautics and flying. The result is a fascinating look at his personal history as well as the history of flight accompanied by precise but equally engaging illustrations.

A group of firefighters respond to an apartment building and save its residents — including a small cat. The rhythm and rhyme along with brightly hued illustrations in a larger format make this ever-appealing subject satisfying and accessible.

Otis, a small tractor, becomes despondent when he is replaced by a larger, more modern tractor. Even his friend, a once lonely calf, can’t stir Otis — that is, until the calf becomes stuck in a pond of mud and only small, brave Otis can save her. A limited palette and onomatopoeic language create an old-fashioned feeling and completely satisfying book.

Winnie Finn wants to win a prize at the county fair but she is a worm farmer. Instead of winning one herself, Winnie helps others win with her prize wigglers. Simply told and comically illustrated, this engaging tale is enlightening, informative, and just plain fun.

Formerly enslaved in the 19th century, Bass Reeves escaped Texas and lived with Indians. It was in Indian Territory that he gained the skills he most needed when he became a lawman, known for his talent and integrity. Lively language and stylized illustrations provide a memorable portrait of this real western hero.

Walter Anderson “may be the most famous American artist you’ve never heard of.” But he and his passion for nature on the U.S. Gulf coast are introduced through an evocative text and luminous illustrations. An extensive author’s note provides additional information and several reproductions of Anderson’s work.

This fictionalized story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana, who changes his world with a small loan and one hen, is based on a real person. Kwabena Darko lives in West Africa and started a system of micro-loans in villages that would not otherwise have access. Additional resources and sources for further information allow readers to find out more.

As a child, “Josef Albers saw art in the simplest things…” His interest in color and the way colors changed forever altered the way color theory was taught. The author was Albers’ neighbor as a child and provides an assessible, engaging glimpse of how one man’s vision can change the way things are viewed.

Take a journey through the life of Renaissance man Ludwig Bemelmans, author of the beloved Madeline series and accomplished painter. This book was written by his grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano, who has since continued the legacy of Madeline.

The Grand Canyon is a national park established in the early 20th century. At the bottom of the canyon is the remote village of Supai, accessible only by helicopter, horse, or mule. Join Anthony the Postman as he delivers the mail to his hometown on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, leading a mule train down the steep, striking canyon.

When Mary Poppins arrived at the house on Cherry Tree Lane, life became much different and more exciting. The unique nanny stayed only until the wind changed leaving the family with many happy memories. Some echoes of the film are evident, however, the book remains a read aloud classic that stands apart and is rather different.

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin takes the reader on a journey through centuries of air and space aviation, from Isaac Newton to exploring Mars to futuristic space tours. Fascinating details and a timeline are embedded throughout.