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This book introduces a groundbreaking explorer and planetary geologist, from her childhood spent skijoring through snowstorms in Vermont to her expeditions to frozen Antarctica to search for meteorites, the first woman to ever do so. Clearly written text and ice-hued artwork introduce Ursula's many scientific accomplishments and challenges faced while also revealing her love for adventure. The book ends with additional details about her life, photos, quotes, Antarctica facts, a timeline of milestones, and more. Ages 7 - 12 Biography; Scientists; Women's History; Geology; Planetary Science Antarctica; Adventure; Facing Challenges |
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Yo-Yo Ma was born in China and lived in Paris until his family moved to New York City when he was seven years old. As a small child, he wanted to play a BIG instrument — a cello, and he demonstrated both a gift and a talent for music. But he also wondered about who he was when he wasn’t performing for people, and his struggles to understand himself led him to impact the world with his music. Both text and illustrations are eloquent and engaging. Resources at the end of the book suggest both audio and video that can be accessed, which helps children understand that Yo-Yo Ma is a real person. Biography; Musicians; Musical Giftedness; Curiosity about the World; Self Awareness; Humanitarians |
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by Chris Butterworth; illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill In this informational picture book, brief text and detailed artwork introduce fascinating birds that live everywhere — "on icy mountains and in leafy jungles, and in hot deserts and crowded cities." Though crows don't have rainbow feathers, fancy flying skills, or appealing singing voices like other avian species, they are clever (using tools to solve problems), crafty (hiding objects for later), and playful (tumbling down a snowy roof in winter). This simple introduction comes complete with labeled images of corvid eggs and species on the endpapers, encouragement to observe and record crows in your area, and a simple index (great for learning to navigate nonfiction books)! Ages 4 - 7 Animals; Birds; Birdwatching |
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In February, thousands of gray whales make the more-than-two-month journey from Baja, California, to the Arctic, eating almost nothing along the way. Lyrical text tells how 12 whales peel off from the group to swim east into the Salish Sea, entering "waters so shallow their fins stick out." There, they turn on their sides, "plowing the bottom with their mouths" to scrape up ghost shrimp, all the while risking being stranded. This stunningly illustrated book dramatically depicts amazing real-life behavior, an author's note, and a list of resources to encourage readers to dive deeper. Ages 5 - 8 Animals; Ocean Life; Whales; Migration; Journeys |
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This book depicts the life of a Pacific salmon, beginning with a tiny egg ("smaller than a pea!") in the Duwamish River and then transforming into a fragile alevin hiding in the gravel, a one-to-two-inch fry, a silver-colored smolt journeying toward salt water, a juvenile adult feeding and growing in the Pacific Ocean, and, finally, an adult that changes color to deep red and travels back to the place she was born to spawn. Clear text and detailed illustrations make this fish's physical changes and dangerous migration easy to comprehend, while also conveying a sense of wonder. An author's note provides additional resources and invites children to explore the natural world. Ages 5 - 9 Animal Life Cycles; Ocean Life; Fish; Migrations; Journeys; Transformations |
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Jacq, the daughter of two famous giant hunters, is destined to follow in her parents' footsteps and protect her city from what everyone knows are savage, thoughtless creatures... aren't they? Meanwhile, when Corman, a young giant, and his father leave the safety of their underground home to find a lifesaving medicinal plant on the surface, Goga is capture by giant hunters. Events bring Jacq and Corman together, and neither is what the other expected. They must learn to trust each other as they face danger together, learn the truth about giant hunting, and try to find their way home. Blending fairy tale subject matter with a sci-fi vibe, this book features appealing characters, fast-paced action, and themes of friendship and seeing past assumptions. Ages 9 - 13 Fantasy; Friendship; Courage; Giants; Misperceptions; Kindness; Moral Dilemmas; Family Read Alouds |
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The first in a series, this graphic novel is set in a Makoko, a real-life fishing community in Nigeria. Korobá, 10, and her friends Saidat and Jobo are looking forward to the upcoming harvest festival. She's been carefully saving money she earns by helping her mother sell shrimp in her Kolo, a wooden piggy bank that the children decorate and add to all year long. The boxes will be broken open to buy new clothes and treats for the festival. When Saidat's Kolo goes missing, it's up to Korobá and her friends to gather evidence and solve the crime. Brightly illustrated and filled with action and suspense, this graphic novel creates a vivid setting and seamlessly incorporates cultural details into the lively storytelling. Ages 7 -11 Graphic Novels; Mystery; Adventure; Friendship; Teamwork; Nigeria; Cultures and Traditions |
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Usually Baba works alone, but today is a special day! Two brothers wake up early, eat breakfast, and accompany their parents on a steep hike up to Baba's mountaintop tea garden. There, they pick tea leaves to bring back to town and sell to a tea factory, where they will be processed to make perfect tea. Throughout the long and tiring day, meals are carried and later eaten, naps are taken, and amazing sights are seen, including a bamboo partridge, buzzing honeybees, a black snake, and dramatic rain clouds. A 2026 Mildred L. Batchelder Award Honor Book (for books translated from another language), this slice-of-life book is illustrated in warm tones and told from a child's point of view. Family Stories; Responsibility; Helping; China; Discussing Cultures and Traditions |
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by Shugri Salh; illustrated by Àlàbá Ònájìn Set in Somalia, this story is based on the author's experiences growing up in a desert nomad society, where children are given real tasks at early ages. Suuban already helps to feed the goats, camels, and sheep, but can't wait to be old enough to herd the goats on her own. However, her grandmother won't let her venture into the wilderness alone until her two front teeth fall out. When that event finally occurs (helped along by Suuban), the girl is ready to take on this important job — and the challenges that come with it. Colorful artwork sets the scene and conveys the action. Children eager to take on their own responsibilities will relate to this well-told story. Family Stories; Responsibility; Helping; Somalia; Discussing Cultures and Traditions |
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In this celebration of family traditions, a young narrator describes how he and his family pick out a Kente cloth for his baby brother, Jojo. Along the way, the older brother discovers the story of Kente, admires the different clothes hanging on the shop walls, learns about some of the patterns, and even gets to try his hand at weaving. Finally, the perfect choice is lovingly and joyfully made. An author's note describes the importance of Kente in Ghanaian life, provides some history, and introduces the meaning of the different colors and some of the many patterns. Share this sweet story and discuss the traditions your family holds dear. Ages 4 - 8 Family Stories; Ghana; Discussing Cultures and Traditions; Welcoming a New Family Member; Traditional Weaving |
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A vivacious youngster and her pet chicken, Pablo, play tour guide to a group of turistas visiting her hometown. Though many people from around the world journey to Salento, Colombia, to see famous sites like the Cocora Valley, filled with towering palm trees, Luisa highlights what matters most — her home, her family, and the people and places that make her community special. Descriptive language and colorful artwork provide details about la farmacia, la oficina de correos, la iglesia, and other destinations. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout. The book is filled with humor, as the young narrator enthusiastically describes her vibrant community, while just as enthusiastically trying to avoid her chores. Read this story and then research the natural wonders, history, and way of life in this real-life town. Ages 4 - 8 Family Stories; Responsibility; Helping; Community; Columbia; Discussing Cultures and Traditions |
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A Good Hide by Karina Iceberg; illustrated by Natasha Donovan This beautiful family story demonstrates how the members of an Indigenous Alaskan community — including children — work together to complete an important task. A hunted moose provides a large hide for the people of the village to process through a long step-by-step procedure, resulting in a beautiful, tanned, soft hide. Narrated by a child, the text is packed with vivid details (“Here’s the best part—making brain goo,” “Next, we pee on it! PEE! Yep, all of us!”), bits of playful humor, and respect and gratitude for the animal. End notes from author explain how some things have changed over the years. A true celebration of traditions and community! Aleut/Alutiiq Culture; Alaska; Shared Community Tasks; Gratitude; Discussing Cultures and Traditions |
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Pikes Peak Library District
P.O. Box 1579, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
(719) 531-6333https://ppld.org/ |
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