Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats

By Ann Earle
Illustrated by Henry Cole
1995

An engaging, detailed read-aloud about bat behavior and characteristics. I especially like how the book tries to dispel negative stereotypes of bats and teach how much they help the environment.
The illustrations are life-like drawings, and there are some plans for building a bat house at the back of the book!

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf

By Lois Ehlert
(1991)

I like this book because it lends itself to the idea of making a science notebook, or journal. The illustrations are colorful, bold collages of cut paper and real leaves/seeds--lots of texture.
The story is about a child who plants a sugar maple tree, and how the tree grows and changes throughout the seasons.