Swirl by Swirl

Spirals in Nature
By Joyce Sidman
Illustrated by Beth Krommes
2011

This beautifully illustrated book simply explores spirals in nature; in animals and plants, spiderwebs and waves, tornadoes and galaxies-- spirals appear all around us because they work well in nature.

Compost Stew

An A to Z Recipe for the Earth
By Mary McKenna Siddals
Illustrated by Ashley Wolff
2010

This is a clever ABC book with a wonderful theme: a "recipe" for Compost Stew. Told in verse, with beautiful collage illustrations, it is a great guide for making a compost pile, and building an ecological foundation.

Actual Size

By Steve Jenkins
2004

If you've never seen one of Steve Jenkins books, definitely check them out. They are all wonderful.
I particularly love this one, and I have read it to students from preschool up to 8th grade--seriously, it engages everyone!
Each page introduces an animal or two, or perhaps just part of an animal (giant squid eyeball, for example) in actual size. There is very little text, just a sentence or so plus the height, weight, length, etc.of the featured animal.
At the back of the book , you can see full-body pictures of each animal and read a little more about each one.
This is a perfect read-aloud for any age group!

Danger! Volcanoes

By Seymour Simon
2002

This little book is a nice introduction to volcanoes for younger readers.
With great photos, the book is engaging and is a good read-aloud. It has some nice non-fiction text features like bolded words, but no table of contents or index (like many of S. Simon's books).

The Drop in My Drink

By Meredith Hooper
Illustrated by Chris Coady
1998

This is an older book as far as science resources go, but it is a gem! It tells the story of the water cycle as a riveting narrative--comets, dinosaurs, giant pythons, caves--the whole nine yards. The story begins and ends with a boy holding a glass of water and considering where each drop has been. Really lovely for an upper-grade read-aloud.

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.

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.