Told in a riddle format, with clues re: habitat, appearance, names for young and family grouping, prey, anatomical features suited to hunting like strong legs, good eyesight and hearing, powerful paws, sharp claws, and long teeth, this little reader offers excellent information on lions. Full-color photography. In addition to reading comprehension and language aquisition, this title could be used for primary level research. Includes index and “Challenge” Words.

Told in a riddle format, with clues re: habitat, nest, nocturnal behavior, prey, anatomical features suited to hunting like sharp claws, a strong beak, good eyesight, outstanding hearing, and the ability to fly silently because of wing structure, this little reader offers excellent information on barn owls.  Colorful photos hold one’s attention. In addition to reading comprehension and language aquisition, this could be used for primary level research. Includes index.

Its strong jaws and teeth crush bones; bright red ears add to its fiendish countenance; its screeches and growls are “scary”: welcome to the world of the Tasmanian Devil. With a name like that, this title is sure to attract curious young readers. Bold, close-up photography allows one to visualize this Australian marsupial; the easy-to-read text covers life cycle, behaviors, prey, protection and habitat. Laws actually protect this spooky dog-like animal. Glossary, index, and additional titles included.

Series includes: Bandicoots, Crocodiles, Dingoes, Kangaroos, Koalas, Platypuses, and Wombats.

Welcome to the Galapagos-an amazing place like nowhere else on earth, most definitely, a natural treasure. Vivid, enticing photograhy entices the reader to explore facinating geographic and political history, botanical descriptions, and the Ecuadorians who inhabit the islands. Also featured, are the discoveries/theories of Charles Darwin, and legislation- the Galapagos Special Law-enacted  to protect and conserve this fragile ecosystem. With a format that enables students to quickly access specific information (glossary, Fast Facts, and index) this title is a valued addition to our collection.

Titles in Series: The Great Barrier Reef, The Great Lakes, The Nile, The Sahara

This bilingual picture dictionary with its  colorful photos and bold text is sure to draw the interest of young readers. Includes these categories: members of a family, parts of the body, clothing, toys, rooms in a home, food, farm animals, garden plants, colors, classroom vocabulary,  city words, numbers, and useful phrases. Dictionary begins with a brief explanation of the Russian alphabet/ language, and concludes with additional titles. Even if one isn’t traveling to the Russian Federation, it’s important take a peek at other cultures and languages; we are, afterall, a global society.

Series includes these languages: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish

Abby is puzzled when she discovers many of her favorite books are missing from the library.  She checks the shelf, the cart of books waiting to be shelved, and the online catalog.  The books should be there!  Then she sees a suspicious man with a briefcase, with one of the books inside, racing out of the library.  She jumps to conclusions and enlists the Book Bunch to help her solve the mystery.  This simple story contains several small side issues of school bullies, family dynamics, and library procedures.  Many black and white drawings by Amanda Chronister complement the action.

Rich in language and visually stunning, Long’s retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, is a treasure to behold. Lessons re: kindness, compassion, loyalty, and happiness are embedded, and  ring as true today as they did so many years ago. Readers will delight in following this tiny girl’s adventures, and benefit from exposure to  different perspectives, provided by a cast of characters which includes a toad, fish, butterfly, beetle, field mouse, mole, swallow, and of course, the fairy prince. For those who appreciate “A Seed is Sleepy” and “An Egg is Quiet”, this is sure to please.

Children’s Poet Laureate, J. Patrick Lewis has written an entertaining book of inventive, off-beat poems to delight children of all ages.  Lewis flips between imaginative, fanciful subjects (Dragon Dinner Etiquette) to normal, everyday topics (Dude Food).  There are tongue twisters, riddles, limericks, anagrams, haiku, word play, and puzzles.  Many encourage a second look or a second thought.  Teachers may find this an excellent resource for writing prompts as well as a support of common core standards for literature.  Matthew Cordell’s usually literal pen and ink drawings are reminiscent of Quentin Blake’s.

Beginning with what it means to volunteer, suggestions are given for people wanting to make a positive difference in the life of an animal.  Realistic ideas are child and family centered.  Proposed motivations include: adopting a pet from a rescue center, providing food, water and shelter to pets or wild animals, volunteering for animal care at a shelter or when a family goes on vacation, donating to animal organizations or fundraisers, and helping take care of the environment.  One does not need to be rich or connected to make a difference.  Colorful photographs show examples of children helping in many situations.  Recommended books and appropriate websites are included with the glossary and index.

Making a Circuit is one of four books in the “It’s Electric” series.  It introduces the concept of electricity and clearly explains terms and procedures in making a circuit.  The font is large, sentences are brief, color photographs are relevant and labeled, most with captions, and words to know are in bold font.  The layout is clean, simple, and pleasing.  All learners, including English language learners, can benefit from this book and/or series.  It is a terrific resource for understanding the basic scientific concept of circuitry and components.  Other titles in the series are Conductors and Insulators, Using Batteries, and Using Electricity.  All are written at a similar level and are recommended for elementary libraries.  Books to read, helpful websites, a glossary, and index are included.