Monday, November 19, 2012

Sun Up, Sun Down

The Story of Day and Night
By Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly
2004
31 pages

This book has a comic-book style that appeals to many children. It is full of information about the sun from dawn to dusk, including how light rays travel, how shadows are formed, and how the moon lights up the night sky. There are some fun projects suggested at the end.

A Seed is Sleepy

by Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by Sylvia Long
2007

This book is gorgeously illustrated and beautifully written; it is full of all kinds of seed and plant facts, but in a poetic style.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Wish You Were Here

 by Kathleen Krull, 1997


(Title Peek Summary Annotation) 

During the wildest summer of her life so far, Emily and her grandmother visit each and every one of the 50 states. They fly to see the highest place in North America--4 miles up Mount McKinley in Alaska--and drive through the desert to the lowest (and hottest), in Death Valley. Emily describes the breathtaking sights, scrumptious food, funny stories, and fascinating history that make each state unique. She describes many customs brought here from other countries and the contributions of American Indians. In Emily's entries and in tables at the back of the book, there are plenty of incredible facts, important dates in history, and stories of famous people. Packed with information and amusement, this is a delightful introduction to the U.S.A.

Families


By Ann Morris, 2000


Some children live with their mothers and fathers. Others have stepparents or live with just one parent. Still others live with grandparents or foster parents who chose them specially. But all children all around the world, are part of families--big and small, loving, sharing, and caring for one another. This look at all kinds of families from all over the world helps young children begin to think about families they belong to, as it gives them a glimpse into the rich variety of world cultures.
(Title Peek summary annotation)

Pumpkin Circle


By George Levenson, 1999

This book follows the life cycle of a pumpkin from seed to sprout to plant to flower to fruit and back to seed. A few simple lines of rhyming or near-rhyming verse comment on each stage of development; striking color photographs illustrate the text. The many close-ups show every detail of the plants, while wider shots take in the whole garden or even a mountain of pumpkins. Crisp and beautifully composed, the photos are awash in gleaming shades of green as well as glowing gold and orange tones. The last page provides instructions for growing pumpkins. A visually striking book that teachers may want to read aloud. --Carolyn Phelan

Rah, Rah, Radishes! A Vegetable Chant


By April Pulley Sayre, 2011
Know any kids who don't like veggies? Here is a book that's sure to change their hungry minds! With a raucous, rhyming text, Rah, Rah, Radishes! celebrates fresh vegetables, nature's bright colors, and the joy of healthy eating. The book's interactive spirit encourages kids to join in on the read-aloud fun, and little ones won't be able to resist the book's vibrant photographs--they're a feast for the eyes!

Redwoods


By Jason Chin, 2009

Summary Annotation –
An ordinary train ride becomes and extraordinary trip to the great ancient forests A subway trip is transformed when a young boy happens upon a book about redwood forests. As he reads the information unfolds, and with each new bit of knowledge, he travels - all the way to California to climb into the Redwood canopy. Crammed with interesting and accurate information about these great natural wonders, Jason Chin's first book is innovative nonfiction set within a strong and beautiful picture storybook.