Book Finder

If polar bears just disappeared, the world would be very different indeed. But what can young people do? They can  change some behaviors, study, learn, write. Similar to the approach in If Sharks Disappeared (opens in a new window), this book informs as well as inspires action.

“Think you know cute?” Think again if you haven’t met a quokka, pom-pom crab, or a minute leaf chameleon. Actual photographs of a range of critters are presented with solid information with a light touch added. Additional information and glossary are included.

What connects people? Weather, animals, each other, of course! The familiar song is made fresh in jewel-toned, lively, and detailed illustrations that start with a girl and a huge ball of yarn. That yarn is shared by myriad children in various places and climates until the final double page spread with Earth depicted from afar as a yarn-tethered balloon.

The animals introduced here are not large and famous. Instead they are animals too small, too peculiar, or even too smelly to command much positive attention. But they are fascinating, presented here in lighthearted but accurate image and brief text.

Octopuses are canny characters in real life. In this adventure when Octopus escapes, he creates chaos at the aquarium and chuckles for readers. Short rhyming sentences and cartoon illustrations add to the fun and play.

Whose footprints are those? Even if you don’t know, turn the page to find out or who likes to play in water and more. Animals and insects — and even a young child — have footprints that provide clues and a touch of information. Realistic illustrations add fun and fact.

Colorful, scientifically accurate illustration is paired with understandable, energetic text in this introduction to the diversity and fundamentals of frogs. Back matter includes information on frog disappearances and conservation efforts.

Early morning and a ruffle of feathers, a shadow gliding through the backyard. High above your house Father Hawk circles, sharp eyes searching for prey. A father red-tailed hawk hunts prey for his family in a suburban neighborhood in this thrilling nonfiction picture book.

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.

Told from the perspective of a boy who witnesses the sky growing ominously purple and rushes to evacuate with his family, Hurricane! is set in Puerto Rico and based on a childhood experience of the author’s. The family huddles together in a shelter while the winds howl. They and their neighbors take solace from gently singing “Silent Night” while waiting out the storm.

When a storm is raging, David and George are glad to be inside the house, snug and safe. In this spectacular picture book by Caldecott Honor recipient David Wisener, a fallen tree becomes the threshold to the limitless voyage of the imagination, which David and George share as only true friends — and brothers — can.

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.

Meet nature’s recyclers, a variety of critters that contribute the “brown food web”, presented in a range of poetry and humorous illustrations. In addition to factual material throughout, this small volume concludes with additional information, a glossary, activities and experiments.

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.

Did you know that snails build “roads of slimy mucus”, other snails can follow those trails, often to eat together? That snails live everywhere on earth in all types of environments? Find out much more about these amazing — albeit slimy — creatures in this comically illustrated but fascinating glimpse at snails.

Crisp, clear, full color photographs are carefully placed with text to present an overview of life in an Amazon rainforest. The book provides a map of the South American rainforest, and concludes with doable actions to preserve it.

Pete Seeger was a musician, an activist, an environmentalist and more. An overview of his life and work is presented as though a ballad-like narrative almost ready to be sung. Strong, clean lines in black and white with a “golden thread” running through are created by cut paper illustrations for a powerful introduction to Seeger’s life and times.

A black bird explores the outdoors, seeing many colors. Simple text is accompanied by brilliant, textured illustrations for a glimpse into what one bird may observe in a day.

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.

Warmer, longer days signal a change in season: spring has arrived! Animals and insects become active again, plants and flowers grow. Spring also holds April Fools’ Day and Earth Day among other celebrations. Crisp photographs and short, sprightly text, and easy activities combine to engage readers.

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.

Two small cats gather all that is needed to plant a garden. In addition to vegetables, they plant flowers just right for other visitors like birds and bees. The gentle text and soft illustrations are likely to inspire young gardeners to create their own garden and celebrate its success at the end of the season.

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.