We Are Going to be Pals!

By Mark Teague

In another well illustrated and fun book by Mark Teague, author and illustrator of the “How to Dinosaurs” series, he introduces symbiotic relationships to young readers in a humorous way. The overly chatty cattle egret introduces themself to the ever silent rhino. While getting to know each other the egret tells jokes and explains what you need to have a good friendship.

This beautifully illustrated book will have young readers giggling at the egret as he tries to get the rhino to talk to him. This is yet another great book from Mark Teague that will be popular in your library.

How to Make a Memory

By Elaine Vickers, Illustrated by Ana Aranda

This adorably illustrated book encourages one to create memories in a variety of ways. It also gives examples of how to save these memories by writing them down, creating a picture or taking a photograph. One may remember memories just by hearing a few notes from a song or seeing something. The author also explains that there will be times when you cannot necessarily remember the entire memory or may forget all of it but that it’s okay to do so. In the end, the book encourages the reader to go out into the world knowing that these memories are a reminder of who they are, what they have endured and that one has the strength to overcome. This is a great read-a-like with “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss.

Bolivia

By Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book is an introduction to a South American country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try a traditional recipe of Cocadas and make creative spinning tops. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Andean Condor, Capybaras and Giant Otters. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What sites to see and activities to do in the Madidi National Park, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Finland

By Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book is a introduction to a Northern European country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to learn about a famous hockey player and learn to make a “Himmeli”. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Eurasian Lynx, Moor Frogs, and Reindeer. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What a family or person would do in a famous national park, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Slovenia

By Golriz Golkar

This book is a introduction to an Eastern European country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try a traditional recipe of Carnival Fried Dough Balls and an activity called Thieves and Cops. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Olm, Alpine Ibex and the Ural Owl. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Taiwan

By Golriz Golkar

This book is a introduction to an Asian country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try basic Mandarin phrases and learn about a famous film director and screenwriter from the country. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Formosan Black Bear, Sambars and Chinese Cobras. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Tanzania

By Golriz Golkar

This book is a introduction to an African country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try the main language, Kiswahili, and learn about a famous singer as well. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Dik-Dik, Marsai Giraffes and the Hippopotamus. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

United Arab Emirates

Country Profiles

By Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book is an introduction to a Middle Eastern country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try a traditional recipe and do a cultural activity. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Arabian Oryx, Sand Cats and Hawksbill Turtles. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but is also just a fun and fascinating read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Shall We Dance?

written and illustrated by Robin Page

Animals move in many ways for a variety of reasons. Many use these “dances” as a courtship behavior while some animals spin and pirouette to warn of danger or to remove parasites. Whatever the reason, animals exhibit some amazing moves in this beautifully illustrated book.

Each page or two page spread has a large illustration of an animal (or pair) along with a short description of its “dance” and the possible reasons for such movement. There is a lot of information packed into those short paragraphs and they might pique the interest of would-be scientists, who will want to learn more about the featured creatures. Digital illustrations are colorful and dynamic. Text is not overwhelming and sometimes humorous. For example: the male praying mantis hopes that the female is well fed and won’t eat him after their courtship. This nonfiction book will certainly be popular in your library.

A Girl Can Build Anything

written by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller; illustrated by Keisha Morris

“It starts with a vision.” So begins an encouraging story of dreaming, building, failure, success and growth. Girls are sketching, gathering materials and creating. There are a few adults to help. But, the girls are the stars and the book shows that it can lead to bigger things, because “A girl can build anything. A girl can build everything.”

Short sentences with digital paper collage impart an empowering message to girls everywhere. Characters are diverse and the process of creating and building is realistically portrayed as something that takes work and, on occasion, failure to successfully complete. While it is a wonderful story for girls, this book is really for everyone. The process of creating is the same for all builders and the growth-mindset involved is necessary no matter who you are. Recommended.