Ethan spots three stray kittens on his way to school one morning. He is immediately captivated by them and starts visiting them every day on his way home. Though his brother insists their dad would never let them get a cat, he helps Ethan learn more about stray cats and how they survive. The book also teaches about a local vet’s trap, neuter, return process to prevent more kittens from ending up on the streets.
Kids will immediately connect with Ethan’s obsession with the adorable strays and will be inspired by his quest to make sure they are okay. Hatem Aly’s illustrations will further enthrall kids as they see the kittens run, eat, and play. This is a great book for any animal lover.
The story begins with a tree falling in the forest. The reader follows along with what happens next as the end of one life creates a habitat for fungi, plants, and animals. Young readers will be able to follow along with the simple descriptions of complex concepts and will learn about a wide variety of forest dwellers. Hevron’s charming illustrations add to the tranquil feeling the book gives as we watch one thousand years of life pass by over the course of 40 pages. Young nature lovers will be fascinated by all they see and inspired to go out searching for nurse logs to investigate.
written by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by EG Keller
In a twisty-turny house live four humans a rabbit, seven fish, a rat, two cats and three dogs. The cats are upstairs, the dogs are downstairs and the other pets are in the middle, which seems right. You know, cats and dogs don’t get along. But, one day, one of the cats comes downstairs. The pets in the middle are worried about the impending interaction – will the cat hiss and scratch? Will the dogs howl and chase it? Surprisingly, they get along. The dogs show the cat all the awesome things about living downstairs – the best snacks, great places to dig and great views of squirrels. The cat, along with his pal, show them the great things about upstairs – cold water, great clawing spots and a great place to watch squirrels. But, they wonder if they could look for even better things together in the middle? And, that’s what they do. The middle is the best, together.
This book is a gem! The simple text and colorful illustrations work so well together to convey the curiosity, trepidation, excitement and joy of the animal characters. The twisty-turny house is lovely and detailed and the animals are energetic. Readers will enjoy the interplay between the animals and eventual community they build. Buy this book for your library!
Cat and Dog are hanging out and a mouse shows up. The ensuing chase ends with the mouse coming out of his mouse hole with…a violin? Each two page spread has a question about the scene on the recto and the next verso has the correct yes or no answer. This fun call-and-response story is sure to be a hit, with readers breathlessly turning the pages to see what will actually happen. This would be a great read-aloud as well. What a winning combination: Mem Fox with her witty word play and Mark Teague with his wonderfully expressive illustrations. Buy this for your library!
written by Nina Laden and illustrated by Melissa Castrillon
A young girl and her small white dog set out on a trek and along the way are gently encouraged by Mother Nature to appreciate and nurture their world. This lovely book has a beautifully lyrical text accompanied by stunningly detailed artwork. The message is simple and the illustrations fit it so well. Us the book for Earth Day (or any day) and share it with children as a reminder to really look around and observe the breathtaking beauty of their natural world. Highly recommended
“The World of Dinosaurs” is a set of 22 books that presents the latest information on not only the well-known creatures, but also some of the lesser known (or more recently known) representatives of this group. This high/low series is packed full of information in the form of graphics, including size charts, timelines and labeled maps and illustrations. Text passages are accessible and bolded words are defined in the glossary. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, glossary, index, labeled illustrations and more. The best part of these books is the “Get to Know the (insert dinosaur)” near the end of book. This two page spread puts all the relevant information into an easy-to-read, attractive layout. This series is going to be very popular among your dinosaur-loving patrons. It’s actually a perfect book not only for the high/low target audience of grades 3-7; younger students will love delving into the world of dinosaurs in these books as well.
In Dilophosaurus, readers learn about a crested dinosaur that ate meat and had a special finger that acted much like a human thumb, which scientists believe was used to hold prey. This apex predator was once the largest dinosaur in North America. Illustrations and graphics do a great job of enhancing the text about this Jurassic period dinosaur. Be prepared to be awestruck by this book!
The “World of Dinosaurs” is a set of 22 books that presents the latest information on not only the well-known creatures, but also some of the lesser known (or more recently known) representatives of this group. This high/low series is packed full of information in the form of graphics, including size charts, timelines and labeled maps and illustrations. Text passages are accessible and bolded words are defined in the glossary. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, glossary, index, labeled illustrations and more. The best part of these books is the “Get to Know the (insert dinosaur)” near the end of book. This two page spread puts all the relevant information into an easy-to-read, attractive layout. This series is going to be very popular among your dinosaur-loving patrons. It’s actually a perfect book not only for the high/low target audience of grades 3-7; younger students will love delving into the world of dinosaurs in these books as well.
Therizinosaurus describes a beaked dinosaur, whose defining feature is its three foot long claws – the longest of any animal that ever lived! This herbivore was large and fossils hav been found in Asia and North America. Its other claim to fame? It was in the 2022 Jurassic World Dominion movie! This dinosaur book will not be on your shelves long. Its engaging content and accessible text make it a popular choice for budding paleontologists.
The “World of Dinosaurs” is a set of 22 books that presents the latest information on not only the well-known creatures, but also some of the lesser known (or more recently known) representatives of this group. This high/low series is packed full of information in the form of graphics, including size charts, timelines and labeled maps and illustrations. Text passages are accessible and bolded words are defined in the glossary. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, glossary, index, labeled illustrations and more. The best part of these books is the “Get to Know the (insert dinosaur)” near the end of book. This two page spread puts all the relevant information into an easy-to-read, attractive layout. This series is going to be very popular among your dinosaur-loving patrons. It’s actually a perfect book not only for the high/low target audience of grades 3-7; younger students will love delving into the world of dinosaurs in these books as well.
Pachycephalosaurus describes the dome-headed dinosaur that roamed North America during the Cretaceous Period. Scientists used to think that this dinosaur used its thick skull for head-butting. But, scientists have now determined that the domes on their skulls weren’t strong enough for this. We learn more about these interesting dinosaurs as new fossils are found. Budding paleontologists will love learning about this herbivore.
The “World of Dinosaurs” is a set of 22 books that presents the latest information on not only the well-known creatures, but also some of the lesser known (or more recently known) representatives of this group. This high/low series is packed full of information in the form of graphics, including size charts, timelines and labeled maps and illustrations. Text passages are accessible and bolded words are defined in the glossary. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, glossary, index, labeled illustrations and more. The best part of these books is the “Get to Know the (insert dinosaur)” near the end of book. This two page spread puts all the relevant information into an easy-to-read, attractive layout. This series is going to be very popular among your dinosaur-loving patrons. It’s actually a perfect book not only for the high/low target audience of grades 3-7; younger students will love delving into the world of dinosaurs in these books as well.
Amargasaurus describes a relative newcomer to the dinosaur world as the first fossils were discovered in 1984. This smaller plant eater had spines all along its back and scientists believe that the longer neck spines were covered in skin, creating double “sails” there. Its long tail might have been used in defense against much larger predators. Young readers will love to read this book and learn about a ‘new’ dinosaur.
written by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
I LOVE THIS BOOK! I don’t usually start a book review this way. But, extraordinary books deserve to be acknowledged at the very beginning.The story opens with an old snag of a tree, ready to die as the end is near. But, is it? That is the premise for the this absolutely stunning picture book about the life cycle of trees; in this case, a Douglas fir in the Pacific Northwest. After we are introduced to the old tree, we go back to the beginning when it was a mere seed. settling into the perfect spot to grow and thrive. It is lucky, because we see that many other seeds end up in the wrong place or are eaten and don’t get a chance to grow. This particular seed sprouts and grows despite all the obstacles it faces – wind, ice, drought, and fire to name a few. It survives despite being clawed, clipped and nibbled while others were cut by humans. This tree becomes home to many other flora and fauna that thrive. The tree eventually dies and falls to the ground to be home to others as a log. Finally, it decays (with a little help from insects, bacteria and fungi) and adds to the nutrients of the forest floor, creating the perfect environment for the next tiny seed to grow. And, the cycle continues…
I can’t say enough about this beautiful book. The text is lyrical and conveys the essence of the long life of a Douglas fir. The font and spacing are perfect for a read aloud, allowing the reader to easily share with a group. The accompanying illustrations are perfect. They bring even more life to the story with the animals, flora and changes of the forest.
Back matter includes a thorough explanation of the life cycle of a tree, the connection between trees and people, a glossary and a list of the sources used. The author acknowledges many others in the writing of the book, including scientists, educators, scholars and Tribal representatives.
Run out and buy this book right now! You will be glad that you did.
