|
|
|
|
|
|
Easy to read and understand, this is a great first book on a fascinating and rare-in-nature creature. Brightly colored illustrations carry the story and help to convey information about this animal's habitat, appearance, and eating habits. The author includes additional details at the back of the book. If you are interested in finding out more about other endangered species, check out more titles in the "Meet the Wild Things" series. Science; Animals; Endangered Species |
|
|
|
It's springtime on the Great Plains, and a giant heard of bison consumes copious amounts of grass, resulting in — you guessed it — piles of poo. But it won't stay there long! Dung beetles dive right in, flies lay their eggs, and other creatures feast on an insect repast. And that's only the beginning! Simple and engaging text and charming artwork make this a great read aloud about animal life. Kids will giggle, but they will also learn about a complex food web based on bison poo. The animals in the food web are well labeled, inviting further exploration of the species and extra information is provided at the end of the book. Science; Prairie Ecosystem; Food Webs; Read Alouds |
|
|
|
This introductory book about animals that hatch from eggs, egg cases, and galls (bumps found on the underside of leaves that serve as protective nurseries for developing insects) blends simple text with clear, full-color photographs. The text presents basic information about the early life cycles of common birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Readers are encouraged to get outdoors, look around, and dig around topsoil and tree roots to see what they can observe. They also learn about "observational science" — finding and observing eggs in nature over time to see what happens (emphasizing that this will require patience and perseverance and that it's best to leave eggs and galls outdoors). Science; Eggs; Animal Life Cycles; Nature Observation |
|
|
|
Travel to diverse ecosystems in this intriguing book, including a desert in Namib, the rainforests of Borneo, the Andes mountains, and waters off the Australian coast. For each section, page turns focus on the different areas of the habitat, revealing the fascinating plants and animals that live there. The illustrations are stunning, and the information provided is brief enough to keep the pages turning as readers explore the wonderful world we live in. Ages 4 - 8 Animals; Plants; Ecosystems; Diverse Habitats; Nature |
|
|
|
Experience the incredible 36,000 plus mile journey made by a rather small bird every year. Lyrical text and eye-catching artwork provide details about the natural backdrop and highlight this truly amazing endeavor in an understandable way. Readers will find additional information about these animals at the end of the book. Borrow another title or two about Arctic terns and add a "compare and contrast" activity to your homeschool day (you can discuss how each book conveys information, the style and impact of photos and/or illustrations, and what you like most about each book). Science; Ornithology; Migration |
|
|
|
This informative book talks about the surprising discovery in the 1950s of the damage resulting from use of the pesticide DDT and the impact this chemical had upon birds. This was a challenging event for scientists: what was causing the dramatic decline of brown pelicans? It took many scientists working in many different fields to figure out what was happening. Handsomely illustrated, this easy-to-read book clearly explains a complex problem and emphasizes how science can bring about positive change. Excellent endnotes provide more information. A glossary, bibliography, and index are included. Science; Ornithology; Chemicals and their Impact on the Environment; Saving Bird Species |
|
|
|
In this lushly illustrated book, readers meet several owls who have made New York City their home, including Flaco (a Eurasian eagle owl that got loose from the Central Park Zoo), Geraldine (a great horned owl who hunts successfully despite a foot injury) and Rocky (a tiny northern saw-whet owl that arrived in a pine tree destined for a Christmas display at Rockefeller Center and was relocated back to the woods). The chatty text and cityscapes will capture imaginations and encourage further exploration into the lives of these and other urban animals. The book ends with a bit more about each species and tips for spotting owls. Ages 4 - 9 Ornithology; Owls; Urban Animals; Birding |
|
|
|
Blending science with a sense of wonder, this engaging look at things with wings will captivate imaginations and encourage curiosity. A series of rhyming riddles about a mystery wing owner's traits invites children to guess what it might be. The illustrations gradually zoom in to spotlight the wings until the answer is revealed. The subject matter is not limited to living creatures (spanning from honeybees to maple seeds, hummingbirds to jet airplanes), expanding the idea of flight and how it is accomplished beyond the natural world. Bouncy rhymes and warm-hued artwork add to the appeal. There is additional information at the end about each flight element presented in the book. Share this aloud with younger listeners, who will want repeat readings so that they can shout out the end of the sentence: “these wings are on ….” Ages 4 - 8 Science; Wings and Flight; Read Alouds |
|
|
|
The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons by Linda Booth Sweeney; illustrated by Miki Sato Beginning in spring, this book follows two siblings as they trek into the woods and visit a "noisy puddle" filled with frogs, ducks, whirligigs, turtles, and other animals. Though the pool evaporates when summer arrives, there are still wonders to be discovered as butterflies zip through verdant buttonbush, a salamander cradles newly laid eggs beneath red and gold leaves, or earthworms nestle under snow-covered earth. The rhyming text guides readers through the year-long cycle depicted in the lovely collage artwork. Close-up images of the animals are presented and identified at the end of the book (encouraging kids to go back through the pages to find them) along with additional information about vernal pools and their web of life. Share this to inspire young naturalists and launch nature studies. Ages 4 - 8 Wetland Ecosystems; Vernal Pools; Seasons; Animals
|
|
|
|
Readers spend the day with a playful and intelligent bird as he hunts for and hides glittering treasure (a shiny button), chases songbirds from the birdbath, snatches kibble from Cat's bowl, picks the lock on the barn door (where he becomes trapped and then escapes), faces down a hawk, and generally stirs up trouble. Lively storytelling, the repeated but slightly altered title phrase ("Crick, crack, bye! Time to fly"), and delightful artwork tell an entertaining tale, while additional facts at the end of the book reveal that these are all realistic crow behaviors. Kids will want to know more about these incredible birds, which are among the most intelligent of animals. Ages 4 - 8 Ornithology; Crows; Animal Stories |
|
|
|
A young narrator presents a book of hand-drawn maps of his neighborhood, zooming in on many of the local highlights, including the child's school, library, favorite shop (an art supply store, of course), and home. At the end of the story, readers discover that the child (who is moving away) has thoughtfully compiled this homemade atlas as a gift to his house's next inhabitant. With bird's-eye views, clever details, and even a pirate map and park maze, this brightly illustrated story is fun to explore. It also introduces basic elements of maps and mapmaking and can be used to launch further studies and activities (map your own home and neighborhood!). Ages 4 - 9 Maps and Mapmaking; Neighborhoods |
|
|
|
While mom is a dreamer and big brother loves to build things, the young narrator of this unique picture book focuses more on questions. For example, "if the galaxy is packed with stars, why is it so dark?;" "if water is transparent, why is snow white?;" and, "is it possible to be faster than an echo?" When sharing these queries (and others) at school, a teacher reveals that these are all questions that can be answered — by physics! The volume ends with several notebook-style pages exploring each question through research notes, simple experiments, and sketches. This book invites readers into the world of science by encouraging curiosity, illustrating that questions can be answered through exploration, introducing the scientific process, and showing that one's passion (the spark inside) can be science! Ages 5 - 12 Science; Curiosity; Physics |
|
|
Pikes Peak Library District
P.O. Box 1579, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
(719) 531-6333https://ppld.org/ |
|
|
|