Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Early literature and science

1) Town Mouse Country Mouse 

A story filled with suspense and humor, this classic tale of a town mouse and a country mouse takes a new twist in the imaginative and talented hands of Jan Brett. She introduces two engaging mouse couples eager to get away from their everyday lives. But when they agree to swap homes, they find unexpected adventures around every corner.

2) Bee, a Peek through Picture Book

Through a hole in the book’s cover, a bee is buzzing inside a flower. Peek into this bright and lively book and discover the big ways this little insect contributes to the beauty of the environment, from pollinating colorful flowers to buzzing about the bright and beautiful meadow.

3) The Honeybee 

Buzz from flower to flower with a sweet honeybee in this timely, clever, and breathtakingly gorgeous picture book from critically acclaimed author Kirsten Hall and award-winning illustrator Isabelle Arsenault.

Bzzz…

What’s that?
Do you hear it?
You’re near it.
It’s closer,
it’s coming,
it’s buzzing,
it’s humming…

A BEE!

With zooming, vibrant verse by Kirsten Hall and buzzy, beautiful illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault, this celebration of the critically important honeybee is a honey-sweet treasure of a picture book.

 4) Bees: A Honeyed Story 

One part science, one part cultural history, and countless parts fascination, Bees celebrates the important role that these intriguing insects have played in our ecosystem throughout the ages. From Athena to Alexander the Great and from Egypt to Ethiopia, Bees explores different methods of beekeeping and uncovers the debt that humans owe this vital species. With beautifully accessible illustrations depicting everything from bee anatomy to the essentials of honey making, readers will be captivated by the endless wonders of this seemingly small speck of the animal kingdom.

5) The Honey Makers

Ever wondered how a jar of honey is made?

Thousands of bees visit more than one million flowers to gather the nectar that goes into a one-pound jar of honey. Every page in this picture book reveals how these remarkable insects work together to create this amazing food.

 6) Over and Under the Snow *favorite

Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow. 

7) Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box

All her life, Beatrix Potter loved to paint. From a young age, she painted the bunnies, mice, and other pets who populated her family home. These characters later populated her stories, which are beloved the whole world over. With beautiful scenes rich in detail, David McPhail transports us to the charming, English countryside and the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter.

8) Beatrix Potter

An illustrated children's introduction to the life of Beatrix Potter describes her isolated existence during which she secretly kept pets and observed them, making them the central characters of her endearing stories and pictures.

9) Bear Has a Story to Tell

It was almost winter and Bear was getting sleepy.
But first, Bear had a story to tell...

Bear found his friend Mouse, but Mouse was busy gathering seeds and didn't have time to listen to a story. Then Bear saw his friend Duck, but Duck was getting ready to fly south. What about his friend Toad? He was busy looking for a warm place to sleep. By the time Bear was through helping his friends get ready for winter, would anyone still be awake to hear his story? 

10) The Busy Tree

Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree’s activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves “breathing out air for all to breathe in”—everything adds up to a “busy tree” for all to “come and see.”

11) Because of an Acorn

Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Enchanting die cuts illustrate the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem in this magical book. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning.

12) The Busy Little Squirrel

The leaves have started to fall. The air is cold. Squirrel needs to get ready for winter. He cannot nibble with the mice. He does not have time to hop with the frogs or run with the dogs. Will this busy little squirrel ever slow down?

Focusing on all the charming features of the fall season, this sweetly illustrated story features country animals, pumpkins, leaves, apples and other signs of autumn. Now available as a sturdy board book, the newly redesigned Classic Board Book logo calls out this title's seasonal theme on the front cover.

13) A Seed is Sleepy

This gorgeous book from award winning artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston offers children a beautiful and informative look at the intricate, complex, and often surprising world of seeds. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts, making it perfect reading material at home or in the classroom.

14) The Little Island *favorite

Winner of the 1947 Caldecott Medal, this beautifully moving story centers around a little island in the midst of the wide ocean, and the curious kitten who comes to visit. As the seasons pass, the island and the creatures who call it home witness an ever-changing array of sights, smells, and sounds – proving that, no matter how small, we are all an important part of the world.

15) Flowers are Calling

In this rhyming poetic picture book, explore the wonders of natural cooperation between plants, animals and insects. Flowers Are Calling by Rita Gray and illustrated by Kenard Pak is "a sophisticated blend of scientific information and artistry" (Publishers Weekly).

Flowers are calling to all the animals of the forest, "Drink me!"—but it’s the pollinators who feast on their nectar.

In rhyming poetic form and with luminous artwork, this book shows us the marvel of natural cooperation between plants, animals, and insects as they each play their part in the forest's cycle of life.

16) Pie in the Sky
 

Learn about the animals that make the forest their home by day and at night. This creative approach of looking at animal habitats in the forest puts readers close up to deer, bear, quail, crickets, mice, foxes, and more.

Someone is always awake in the forest, and someone else is always asleep! Some animals are alert in daytime and sleep at night. Others are alert at night, and are sleepyheads during the day. Be sure to count the animals! You FLIP THIS BOOK from day to night and back―a nice hands-on way to show the same view day and night. Teachers: this book is a great way to integrate science and literature.

 18) Home, by Carson Ellis
Home might be a house in the country, an apartment in the city, or even a shoe. Home may be on the road or the sea, in the realm of myth, or in the artist’s own studio. A meditation on the concept of home and a visual treat that invites many return visits, this loving look at the places where people live marks the picture-book debut of Carson Ellis, acclaimed illustrator of the Wildwood series and artist for the indie band the Decemberists.

19)  The Owl and the Pussycat 

Owl sets out to woo Pussycat in a boat laden with fruit from their Caribbean island and with a guitar at his side, ready for serenading.

As they sail off across the sea, another story unfolds in the water beneath the boat. One by one, exotic sea creatures swim into the picture and a small yellow fish seems to be looking for someone.

Jan Brett brings the magic of the Caribbean to her exquisitely detailed illustrations of Edward Lear's charming poem.

20) Tiny Acts of Kindness 

From a simple smile to a soft wave hello, tiny acts of kindness can fly to faraway places . . . then flutter right back into your arms. In Tiny Acts of Kindness, author-illustrator Thuy Ha weaves a heartwarming rhythmic tale about the magical powers of kindness.

With charming illustrations and poetic verses, this book will warm the hearts of grown-ups everywhere as they snuggle up with their little ones for a bedtime read. An enchanting gift for baby showers, birthdays, and graduations, Tiny Acts of Kindness celebrates the small acts of love that light up the world.

21) Cloudette 

 22) We Are the Gardeners *favorite

In the #1 New York Times bestseller We Are the Gardeners, Joanna Gaines and the kids chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden. From their failed endeavors, obstacles to overcome (bunnies that eat everything), and all of the knowledge they gain along the way, the Gaines family shares how they learned to grow a happy, successful garden.

 23) Over and Under the Pond *favorite

A secret underwater world brought to life: In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the water is a hidden world of minnows darting, beavers diving, and tadpoles growing. These secrets and many others are waiting to be discovered.over and under the pond.

• An entertaining and educational look at the beauty the ecosystem has to offer. Stunning illustrations paired with an easy-to-follow storyline make this a great read for any early elementary school student
• Includes a glossary of animals that live in, near, and around the mountain pond to enrich the reading experience
• Inspires a love of nature and encourages young minds to explore the world around them

24) Frogs

From tiny tadpoles to massive master jumpers, explore the lives of frogs in this detailed introduction!

How far can frogs jump? Why do their eggs look slimy? Answer these questions and many more in this illustrated introduction to amphibians, and learn about the unique role frogs play in the environment.

With her signature bright, well-labeled diagrams and simple text, Gail Gibbons introduces the habitat and life cycles of frogs, and gives a brief overview of common frog behaviors. Important vocabulary is introduced, defined, and reinforced with kid-friendly language and clear illustrations—plus a page of intriguing frog trivia.  

25) Let's Hatch Chicks This is the last part of the book, unfortunately. 

In this book you’ll meet Violet, a plucky and fun-loving chicken. Violet has an exciting secret to share with you: she’s ready to be a mom! Join Violet as she keeps her eggs warm and protects them from danger. See what happens each week as the chick grows inside the egg. And when the new chicks arrive, that’s when the fun begins again! These baby chickens need a lot of help to get along in the big world. They will need food, a new home, and sometimes a little help from mama hen. The book also features:

  • A glossary to help with any unfamiliar words
  • Tips for safely handling chicks and taking part in activities like candling
  • A close look at many of the things kids will see when hatching eggs at home, such as an incubator and brooder
  • Fun chicken and egg facts on many pages

26) The Little Red Hen

This timeless story of having your cake (and eating it, too!) comes to life with Paul Galdone's dynamic, amusing pictures. A classic storybook for all young readers--and a cautionary tale for lazy ones. Little Red Hen is a time-tested tale about how we reap what we sow.

When the Little Red Hen asks a cat, dog, and mouse for help planting some wheat, she gets no takers: "‘Not I!’ said the cat. ‘Not I!’ said the dog. ‘Not I!’ said the mouse."

They won’t water, cut, or grind the wheat... or help bake a cake with it, either. So in the end, the Little Red Hen eats the cake all by herself as well!

Paul Galdone’s delightfully detailed ink and wash illustrations—packed with charming details—add plenty of sly humor to the well-loved story that not only offers a sage message, but also shows children what it takes to make a cake from the ground up!

27) Make Way for Ducklings *favorite
Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live.  The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston.  But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arive safely at their new home.
   This brilliantly illustrated, amusingly observed tale of Mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations of readers.  Awarded the
Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1941, it has since become a favorite of millions.
 
ON DUCK POND continues their journey, this time in a new place―a serene pond, filled with birds, frogs, turtles, and other creatures going about their quiet business. Their intrusion stirs the pond into a cacophony of activity, reaching a climactic chaos before slowly settling back to a quiet equilibrium.

Pond Wildlife to discover in this book:

  • Mallard
  • Wood Duck
  • American Black Duck
  • Green-Winged Teal
  • Hooded Merganser
  • American Wigeon
  • Gladwell
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Great Egret
  • Red-Winged Blackbird
  • American Box Turtle
  • Red-eared Slider
  • Eastern Gray Squirrel
  • Eastern Cottontail
  • Raccoon
  • American Bullfrog
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Dragonfly
 29) They All Saw a Cat
The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?


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