The combination of full-color photos, related timeline, and informative text provide a fascinating reading experience. The timeline, which spans the top of nearly every page, not only shows the events explored in the photos and text, but includes other events of interest. One example: Charles Lindbergh was born in 1902; the Wright Brothers made their breakthrough in 1903.

Text and illustrations introduce the world of birds from eggs to flight, from songs to nests.

Introduces various species of fish, describing their food needs, body structures, protective mechanisms, habitats, and reproduction.

Provides a simple introduction to reptiles through sparse text and detailed illustrations.

A thorough but accessible biography that includes interesting graphic representations of some concepts.

Retells the classic Bible story with text targeted at beginning readers.

In order to ensure her popularity, Camilla Cream always does what is expected, until the day arrives when she no longer recognizes herself.

Demonstrates the many ways that torn, crinkled, and smudged bits of paper can be transformed into various shapes and images.

Watercolors rich with color and undertones speak to the deep character of Harriet Tubman, once General Tubman, Union Spy, Moses, Araminta, and more. Concise word selection shapes historical contrasts within short lines of verse on each spread, conveying poignant truth with hope and a relentless spirit bound only by freedom.

Examines the physical characteristics, habits, and habitats of the blue whale.

“Unlike my parents, I had no concept of what war was actually like.” With these words, 10-year-old Leon Leyson foreshadows his shattered innocence. Deft writing presents horrific injustices of war, grievous loss, and unfathomable disdain for humanity with an authentic voice that acknowledges such evil but chooses to more significantly highlight every scrap of hope and celebrate every single ac ...

Rich descriptors establish this memoir’s compelling setting so that readers feel the African heat , the desperation of starving families seeking sustenance from dry, barren farmland, and the wind’s power to help a helpless community. Against this backdrop a small, young boy with an insatiable appetite for knowledge lets curiosity drive his desire to help his family and his village. This is pra ...

Courage can require more than a brave act; it can call on on to overcome the past and its associated fears to act for the benefit of others. This story, set in Northeastern Pennsylvania's col country, explores themes of courage, family, friendship, and acceptance. A gentle yet powerful reading experience.

Delightful characters suggest that becoming friends may be the best solution.

As he does in Chasing Lincoln's Killer, Swanson captures the drama, tension, and suspense of the devastating assassination and the determined pursuit of the murderer. This is history that reads like a thriller. Highly recommended, especially for young adult readers.

Lighthearted humor defines the antics in this chicken caper. Tail the Squirrel, paralyzed with fear, can't clearly convey the sight he's seen, so the chickens, by fastidious notetaking and deductive reasoning (based on limited experience), try to discover the frightful source of Tail's worry. A hilarious kerfuffle results. A fun read with rich conversation, narration, and storytelling that illustr ...

Karen Harrington calls upon her experience with an agoraphobic mother to movingly convey her main character's angst in learning to live well through tragedy and extreme circumstances. Already facing difficult teenage years, Mysti suddenly becomes provider and voice of reason when her mother's agoraphobia strips away her ability to cope. While the text seems to go on without resolution for a good p ...

The author invites readers to travel the journey of a dandelion seed through the use of personification. This provides an entertaining look at one tiny aspect of nature. The illustrations add to the story, often emphasizing unique perspectives. A simple but enjoyable read!