Best of
1st-Grade

2021

Human Insanity


Kamikaze Potato - 2021
    His moment of heroism results in being torn away from everyone he knew and loved, kidnapped by an unknown force that leaves him with a note in his pocket stating: "Good luck."After being thrown into the wilderness of Elatra, a hostile fantasy world ruled by levels, stats, progression, and bizarre video game logic, he finds himself entirely out of his depth. Armed with nothing but a sword and the clothes on his back, he sets out on his the first day, and almost dies. On the second day, he almost dies again. On the third, he began to notice a worrying trend. And almost dies.It doesn't get any easier from there.Overcoming the wilds is just the first step in his journey; the society of Elatra is incredibly hostile to humans, having just come off of a devastating war that left over half the population dead, and getting the locals to trust the last human in existence is a struggle in and of itself. Between being powerless in a world that hates him and suffering under a System that is altering his mind in unwanted ways, Rob quickly finds that monsters aren't nearly the biggest thing to worry about.As far as LitRPG isekai adventures go, Rob drew the short straw in many ways. But that's okay - all the bullshit in the world won't keep him down. He'll carve out a place in this world with his bare hands if necessary. He'll survive, and then he'll thrive.Whether anyone wants him to or not.

Prodigies


Apollos Thorne - 2021
    It challenges all to ascend.Long Chao is the son of a hedge mage—a heretic cultivator. He doesn’t cultivate for power, but to satisfy his endless curiosity.One fateful day, Xiao Huifen, a girl aiming to be the youngest Sky Realm cultivator in the Monolith continent’s history, crashes into his life. She’s from the world of top-ranked sects and strict cultivation methodologies.They share nothing in common except for the unquenchable desire to unlock heaven’s every mystery.This is their journey.However, the brightest glory casts the darkest shadow.Strength begets brutality. Long-life begets the foulest perversions.To those who dwell in the darkness, young cultivators such as them are nothing more than some of the finest resources.To use them as slaves. Refine them into pills.When faced with such depravity, this unorthodox pair must do all they can to survive. Even if they do, how can they hope to remain unchanged?

Survivor Tree


Marcie Colleen - 2021
    It tells the true story of the Callery pear tree that stood at the base of the World Trade Center for 30 years and was almost destroyed, only to be pulled from the rubble, coaxed back to life, and eventually replanted as part of the 9/11 memorial.

Trying


Kobi Yamada - 2021
    It's a story for those who have experienced the pain of trying something new and not having it turn out as they had hoped.Written by New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada, this captivating book celebrates the way failure is the just the beginning of the journey. With alluring black-and-white illustrations and a powerful message, this beautiful tale is about how failure has so much to offer--lessons that help us learn, grow, and discover all the amazing things we can do.

Bear Is a Bear


Jonathan Stutzman - 2021
    . . a new friend, a fellow mischief-maker, a protector, and a dreamer.Through all the many ups and downs of a little girl’s childhood, Bear is there to provide love and support. Until it is time to say goodbye . . . and hello again.

A Defender Rises


T.R. Cameron - 2021
     The Mist Casino sits just above a kemana with an interior that would make a ghost feel right at home. Of course it does.After all, Magic City has to compete with nearby Vegas. A different kind of magic.Ruby is just back from University for the summer, catching up with an old friend when everything changes with a BANG! A series of small blasts are exploding all around her. Chips are flying through the air. Someone wanted to announce their arrival in town. But who?Ruby is about to get drawn into a battle for control of Magic City. They just made the fight personal. Is the Ebon Dragon Casino next?Will Ruby’s secrets get in her way?What waits at the end could change her life forever, if she survives the journey.For action, magic, snarky banter, martial arts, mystical creatures, and high intrigue, take a vacation to Magic City!

Home is in Between


Mitali Perkins - 2021
    Now in America, she watches fall leaves fly past her feet. Still, her family’s apartment feels like a village: Mama cooking luchi, funny stories in Bangla, and Baba’s big laugh. But outside, everything is different – trick-or-treating, ballet class, and English books.Back and forth, Shanti trudges between her two worlds. She remembers her village and learns her new town. She watches Bollywood movies at home and Hollywood movies with her friends. She is Indian. She is also American. How should she define home?

Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places


Katie Frawley - 2021
    An adventure across the world might spice things up! Fritz the elephant dreams of celebrating his birthday with an exciting voyage to a faraway place. So after the two connect online via Lair-bnb, they pack their bags and head across the globe to trade places. Will Fritz love the city life? Will the rain forest be all that Tabitha has hoped for? Join this adventurous pair as they find out whether the grass really is greener…on the other side of the world!

The Shadow Sect


Peter Hackshaw - 2021
    There is only one way he can take up the title of cultivator – to Awaken before he comes of age. Time is already running out.When a grand tournament for the magicking arts is announced, bringing old foes to Albion’s shores - rumours of betrayal and war send Falken on a journey in the unknown. There he unearths the mysteries of an ancient, long-forgotten sect – whose secrets offer hope – and the chance for Falken to develop powers that none have seen in an age.But Falken’s newfound powers may not be enough, for nightmare creatures, dark assassins and even the undead stalk the lands of Netherdei.And this is only the beginning…Fans of Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher and Avatar: The Last Airbender will enjoy this vivid, masterful tale of magicking, cultivation and fantasy adventure, inspired by the worlds of Xianxia and Wuxia.

Rissy No Kissies


Katey Howes - 2021
    But kisses make Rissy uncomfortable. Can one little lovebird show everyone that there's no one right way to show you care?Rissy No Kissies carries the message that "your body and your heart are yours, and you choose how to share." A note at the end provides further information for kids, parents, and educators about body autonomy, consent, and different ways to show affection.

Jenny Mei Is Sad


Tracy Subisak - 2021
    But you might not be able to tell.Jenny Mei still smiles a lot. She makes everyone laugh. And she still likes blue Popsicles the best. But, her friend knows that Jenny Mei is sad, and does her best to be there to support her.

My Monsterpiece


Amalia Hoffman - 2021
    A green tongue, pointy horns, sharp teeth, and terrible claws are sure to make everyone scream!But what happens when rather than running away in a fright, they smile, laugh, and absolutely LOVE the monsters?Join the frustrated artist on this hilariously hair-raising journey where the scary and not scary meet and mingle, embarking on an adventure that reveals that overcoming fear and prejudice can lead to a wonderful friendship.With hand-drawn cutout illustrations, incorporating materials that kids actually use while making art, and a perfect mix of shivers and giggles, this bold, energetic picture book celebrates the power of a child’s imagination and appeals to a child’s love of the scary and the fun. This unique monster story touches on stereotyping and the fear of what is different in a way that young readers will relate to. It demonstrates that it’s possible to overcome bias, and helps children understand that acceptance and diversity make our lives far more colorful and enjoyable.

Bad Kitty Gets a Phone (Graphic Novel)


Nick Bruel - 2021
    She has her eye on something that will make her the happiest, most grateful cat in town.Something all the other cats have but that her owners refuse to get her!Something she desperately needs!Kitty wants...a cell phone. And she can have one if she does all her chores with zero complaints.But can she handle the responsibility? What do you think?

James' Reading Rescue


Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky - 2021
    For animal lovers ages 6 years and up.James struggles with reading and misses recess to practice. To cheer himself up, he visits the cat rescue shelter and befriends Ghost, the cat in the box. But Ghost isn’t quite ready to make friends! As his reading improves, James learns that kindness and perseverance can have unexpected rewards and that having a furry friend is the best gift of all.

Three Ways to Be Brave: A Trio of Stories


Karla Clark - 2021
    A roaring nighttime thunderstorm, the first day of preschool, and a doctor's visit, in turn, encourage young readers to forge their own paths of strength in times of distress. Illustrated in rich, emotional scenes that depict vignettes of daily life, this book provides comfort and empowerment for resilience and resolution.

The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures


Curtis Manley - 2021
    You know, the ones stranded in the middle of the sidewalk. Upside-down, flopping, or near-frozen.A lot of the time, that earns her funny looks from kids in school.But when a swarm of baby spiders finds its way into the classroom, Roberta will save the day with her knowledge and creativity, showing everybody that tiny creatures aren’t so scary after all. They just need friends who rescue and understand them!Established Roaring Brook Press author Curtis Manley has teamed up with up-and-coming illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins, creator of Truman and Stumpkin, to present this quirky and adorable picture book.“Childlike images by Cummins use expressive, charcoal-y lines and bright colors to present information clearly, including the insects Roberta’s interested in, how they behave (“The millipede… curled into a spiral when I picked it up”), and how it’s possible to take those it’s too late to save and look at them under the microscope. This substantive story by Manley is both a STEM tale about insects and a lesson in staying true to oneself, as Roberta’s distinctive interest takes her from odd kid out to minor celebrity with a like-minded new friend.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“The appealing, cartoonlike pictures illustrate the action and the characters’ emotions effectively. Well worded and engaging, Roberta’s first-person narrative is heartening in several ways. She feels so strongly about helping animals that she continues despite ridicule. By sharing her knowledge, she unexpectedly earns her classmates’ respect. And more broadly, one person can make a difference, not only through action but also by influencing others. An original picture book and a rewarding read-aloud choice.” —Booklist (starred review)

Unlikely Friends


Norm Feuti - 2021
    Beak & Ally is a new early reader graphic novel series perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly.Ally the alligator is perfectly happy being alone . . . until one day a noisy bird named Beak lands on her snout. Much to Ally’s annoyance, this chatty bird likes to sing all the time and has chosen a nearby tree to build his new nest. Even worse, he insists that he and Ally will be best friends. In fact, he has all kinds of friendship goals in mind, and it seems nothing Ally says will convince him that she’d rather just be alone.Nothing beats peace and quiet . . . except for maybe a new best friend?Beak & Ally is a brand-new graphic novel series by Norm Feuti, perfect for emerging readers and comic lovers alike.

Let It Grow


Mary Ann Fraser - 2021
    A very small pumpkin seed. A very small but special pumpkin seed. And what will become of this very small but special seed? He'll only find out if he lets it grow...and grow...and grow! Because sometimes the smallest things can lead to the biggest adventures! In a world full of immediacy and instant gratification, author Mary Ann Fraser plants the seed of patience in her playful picture book about the life cycle of a giant pumpkin and the rewards of letting it grow.

Meet January


April Martin - 2021
    January loves to be cozy and warm and play with her new toys. Finally, the day comes when winter break is almost over. She does not like the cold, but she wants to wish her friends a Happy New Year! Will she make it to school? January finds herself feeling blue, but with the help of friends, that feeling fades away.Book 1 of the The Calendar Kids Book SeriesCreated by an elementary school teacher, The Calendar Kids Book Series is a tool for educators and parents to help their students and children connect with the events and weather that take place during different months of the year. While teaching, author April Martin discovered there were not many books about the months of the year. That is where her very own name gave her an idea! She created characters with names of the months and visuals about the months in their hairstyles and outfits for children to know and love.This series was written and illustrated by April Martin.

Lockdown Hair


Linda Steinbock - 2021
    She comes up with some creative and ingenious solutions, but will they work?This fully-illustrated children's book serves as a humorous and sensitive way to introduce children to a public health crisis, lockdowns and the pandemic’s effects on working families. Siona comes up with clever, compassionate ways to keep her mum safe, all while learning to turn fear and anxiety into positive, constructive action. A perfect book for any family to inspire a conversation about ""the new normal"" during the pandemic.

This Is Ruby


Sara O'Leary - 2021
    A delightful picture book celebration of science and creativity, and a welcome companion to Sara O'Leary's beloved This Is Sadie.Ruby is a little girl with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm that's too big to contain! Ruby is always busy -- she loves to make things, watch things grow and figure out how things work, with her dog Teddy by her side. And Ruby has lots of ideas about what she wants to be: maybe an animal conservationist? Or an archaeologist? She's great at excavating (i.e. digging holes). Or maybe an inventor? She's already invented a book with smells instead of words (so dogs can read it) and a time machine (the dinosaurs did have feathers after all, and the future is looking wild). This is Ruby, and this is her world.

Mars Is


Suzanne Slade - 2021
    But curious earthlings want to know more. Does Mars have deserts? Volcanos? Or signs of life? Could people live there someday?Scientists decided to take a closer look. They built a powerful camera called the HiRise (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) and loaded it onto a rocket. The rocket blasted off on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, the camera began orbiting Mars. It sent back astounding, revealing photos showing the world what Mars really is.Suzanne Slade leads readers through some of these photos taken by the most advanced camera ever sent to another planet. A visual journey for space enthusiasts and STEAM fans that will expand readers' assumptions and understanding of Mars.

Amara's Farm


JaNay Brown-Wood - 2021
    From the new Where in the Garden series.Amara is hosting a potluck for friends on her farm, and her snacks won’t be complete without pumpkins. She’s searched and searched, but she's grown so many plants that she needs help finding them. What do we know about pumpkins? They’re large, round, and orange—and, wait a minute, is that a pumpkin? No, that’s an apple. Where, oh, where could those pumpkins be?Little gardeners will compare, contrast, and hunt for visual clues that eventually lead to the pumpkins and a fun potluck with Amara, her grandparents, and her diverse group of friends. Artist Samara Hardy brings this multi-layered story to life with vivid, cheerful illustrations created from layers of hand painted ink and watercolor texture. Backmatter includes yummy molasses pumpkin bread recipe for little chefs to try.Amara’s Farm is the first entry in the Where in the Garden series from author Janay Brown-Wood and illustrator Samara Hardy. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, the books explore gardening and farming during every season of the year. Perfect for early childhood and elementary education units on agriculture, farming, gardening, and healthy eating.

You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion


Margaret O'Hair - 2021
    But wouldn't it be boring if we were all the same? Being different is great! Being different is what makes you YOU.This inclusive and empowering picture book from Sofia Sanchez-an 11-year-old model and actress with Down syndrome-reminds readers how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident, and be proud of who you are. Imagine all of the wonderful things you can do if you don't let anyone stop you! You are enough just how you are. Sofia is unique, but her message is universal: We all belong. So each spread features beautiful, full-color illustrations of a full cast of kid characters with all kinds of backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.This book also includes back matter with a brief bio of Sofia and her journey so far, as well as additional information about Down syndrome and how we can all be more accepting, more inclusive, and more kind.

Waiting for a Warbler


Sneed B. Collard III - 2021
    One of them is a Cerulean warbler. He will lose more than half his body weight even if the journey goes well. Aloft over the vast ocean, the birds encourage each other with squeaky chirps that say, “We are still alive. We can do this.”Owen’s family watches televised reports of a great storm over the Gulf of Mexico, fearing what it may mean for migrating songbirds. In alternating spreads, we wait and hope with Owen, then struggle through the storm with the warbler.  This moving story with its hopeful ending appeals to us to preserve the things we love. The backmatter includes a North American bird migration map, birding information for kids, and guidance for how native plantings can transform yards into bird and wildlife habitat.

MOMENT: Inspiring Our Youth to be Active Global Citizens


Robert Abad - 2021
    By showing kids the world from a unique global perspective --through candid photos of children across the "emerging" world along with traditional proverbs and notable quotes from philosophers, authors and cultural icons --MOMENT can play a role in sparking lively and enriching conversations that can help dispel many common biases and misconceptions. This book aims to inspire and motivate the next generation of young trailblazers and problem solvers into action with the hope that they develop an appreciation for cultures, history and geography, and a desire to see the world through the eyes of others.

A Kid Is a Kid Is a Kid


Sara O'Leary - 2021
    I can think of better things to ask than if I’m a boy or a girl. Another child comes along and says she gets asked why she always has her nose in a book. Someone else gets asked where they come from.One after another, children share the questions they’re tired of being asked again and again — as opposed to what they believe are the most important or interesting things about themselves. As they move around the playground, picking up new friends along the way, there is a feeling of understanding and acceptance among them. And in the end, the new kid comes up with the question they would definitely all like to hear: “Hey kid, want to play?”Sara O’Leary’s thoughtful text and Qin Leng’s expressive illustrations tell a story about children who are all different, all themselves, all just kids.

I'll Meet You in Your Dreams


Jessica Young - 2021
    Each evening when the sun has set, as nighttime casts a starry net, I'll hitch a ride on moonbeams, and meet you in your dreams. This poetic and tender story celebrates the parent-and-child bond in its many forms and offers gentle assurance of love across a lifetime. Two parents' dreams of the future with their children—from early dependence for nourishment and basic needs, to the parent as home base for a child in later life—mirror an always-changing but unbreakable relationship. Written in lyrical rhyme and accompanied by breathtaking art by the incomparable Rafael López, I'll Meet You in Your Dreams affirms that parental love is a constant force, transcending boundaries of space and time.

Thao


Thao Lam - 2021
    She’s been called Theo, Tail, even Towel! But the teasing names―Tofu, Tiny, China Girl―are worse. Maybe it’s time to be someone else? Thao decides to try on a different name, something easy, like Jennifer.It works, but only until she opens her lunchbox to find her mother’s Vietnamese spring rolls, gỏi cuốn―Thao’s favorite! Now, it feels a lot more comfortable to be herself.Simple on the surface, this story inspired by Thao’s own childhood is full of humor, heart, and important ideas of diversity, inclusion, and cultural pride. The story will be instantly relatable to readers who have ever felt different.Designed with a playful emphasis on typography, and Thao’s own childhood photos added to her signature cut-paper collage, THAO champions being true to yourself and your background, and being empathetic towards others. It is a celebration of all that’s in a name and the power of owning your identity.

I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience


Susan Verde - 2021
    I act with bravery. I am courage.   When we picture someone brave, we might think they’re fearless; but real courage comes from feeling scared and facing what challenges us anyway. When our minds tell us “I can’t,” we can look inside ourselves and find the strength to say, “Yes, I CAN!” From the New York Times bestselling team behind the I Am series comes a triumphant celebration of everyday courage: believing in ourselves, speaking out, trying new things, asking for help, and getting back up no matter how many times we may fall. Grounded in mindfulness and awareness, I Am Courage is an empowering reminder that we can conquer anything. Inside, you'll also find exercises to inspire confidence.

How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten)


Rachel Poliquin - 2021
    But Celeste loves very bad ideas, and she is willing to put your life on the line to prove herself right! Need to stop a python from swallowing you head-first? Wear a lamp shade as a hat! Want to speed up a three-hundred-pound snake? Try roller skates! What's the perfect light snack for a python? A chicken! Using her superior pythonine knowledge, Celeste comes up with various strategies and solutions -- many dangerous, most absurd, but all based on the biology of pythons. Meanwhile, Frank is hatching his own plans.

Mermicorns #1: Sparkle Magic


Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen - 2021
    And to make matters worse, her school partner, Lily is way better at magic than she is! It's not fair! Turns out, it's hard to do magic when you're jealous or angry. Can Sirena learn to be a good friend and master her first magic lesson?The Mermicorns chapter book series is perfect for readers who love magic and adventure in series like Magic Pony, Unicorn Academy, Purrmaids, and more.

Run, Little Chaski!: An Inka Trail Adventure


Mariana Llanos - 2021
    But on his first day things quickly start to go awry. Will Little Chaski be able to deliver the royal message on time?

Awakening Arte (The Eldest Throne, #1)


Bernie Anés Paz - 2021
    His only hope for escaping the life of an outcast lies in being awakened by the Eldest Throne and becoming a guardian of humanity.But when his dream finally comes true, Roun finds himself stranded on the path to immortality with only a fragment of the spiritual powers he should have received. Roun, however, is used to making do with less—and will let neither rigorous training nor grotesque chimeras stand in the way of his ascension.To find his own path, he will need to search for the answers hidden within. What he uncovers will forge him into a hero unlike any other—if it doesn’t leave him an abomination first.

What If You Had Animal Scales!?: Or other animal coats?


Sandra Markle - 2021
    If you had a hammerhead shark's scales, you'd be the fastest swimmer on the team! And if you had a honeybee's coat, you'd always bring home the biggest haul on Halloween.Discover what your life would be like if you had these special coats -- and find out why your skin is just right for you!

Mermicorns #2: A Friendship Problem


Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen - 2021
    They love to find special places to pratice their magic so when Sirena finds a spot on the coral reef that's perfect for a club house, she can't wait to take Lily there. But she also wants to invite her kitten mermaid friends to the club...and that makes Lily jealous. Does Sirena have room for old friends AND new friends in her clubhouse?The Mermicorns chapter book series is perfect for readers who love magic and adventure in series like Magic Pony, Unicorn Academy, Purrmaids, and more.

A Small Kindness


Stacy McAnulty - 2021
    It was like a game of tag, with one small act of kindness spreading throughout a small community of kids and teachers alike. Award-winning children's book author Stacy McAnulty packs a powerful punch with minimal text, providing a sweet message about all the small ways one can be kind. Illustrator Wendy Leach creates a diverse cast of characters while using color as a visual cue to how kindness is able to spread, even in a small community like a school. Overall, A Small Kindness is sure to speak to this new generation of children and their parents.

Cow Says Meow (A Peep-and-See Book)


Kirsti Call - 2021
     Cow says . . . Meow!Cat says . . . Neigh! . . . or does it? With bold graphic art and a punny narrator, this zany picture book is full of outrageously mixed-up animal sounds. Puns and wordplay will leave readers giggling through the roller-coaster of sounds all the way to the final pages featuring the correct animal noises. Cow Says Meow is a perfect read aloud for home, the classroom, or anywhere else, and will delight fans of Cece Bell’s I Yam a Donkey and David Ezra Stein's Interrupting Chicken.

The Meanest of Meanies: A Book About Love


Kristin Hensley - 2021
    The creators of the social media sensation #IMomSoHard, Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley, know what it means to be a M.O.M.—the Meanest Of Meanies! It’s cheering the loudest at the spelling bee, making crazy dinners because someone is a “picky eater,” bath time (enough said?), and only reading four books at bedtime when someone has piled up about eighty-two of them.Because the truth is that when you’re a M.O.M. being mean . . . means . . . I love you.

Bad Panda


Swapna Haddow - 2021
    So much so that they ship her off to the local zoo, away from her beloved brother, to be ogled at by the masses. But Lin HATES being cute, and now she will do everything in her power to prove that she's the baddest, meanest, most un-cute animal in the zoo.Laugh-yourself-out-of-bed hilarious, the first in a new series from the creators of DAVE PIGEON.

Penguin Journey


Angela Burke Kunkel - 2021
    A picture book exploration of emperor penguins’ journey to parenthoodPacked Snow / Moon glowWind-blown / All alone   This picture book is about the lengths to which emperor penguins go for their young ones.

Don't Call Me Fuzzybutt!


Robin Newman - 2021
    The weather is getting cool and he's ready for a nice long nap--he's got earmuffs and a brand-new door to keep out the noise, plus a pair of fluffy slippers. Meanwhile, real estate mogul Woodpecker finds his recent homes...missing. And he follows the trail of debris right to Bear's new front door. When he "tap tap taps" to talk to Bear about it, the two engage in a feisty exchange of name-calling and gossip with the rest of their forest neighbors. Can they patch it up--literally--before Bear loses too much sleep?

Mermicorns #3: The Invisible Mix-Up


Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen - 2021
    

The Stars: A Gazillion Suns


Laura Perdew - 2021
    But what is a star made of? How long will its light last? In Stars: A Gazillion Suns , the character of the Universe takes us on a journey among the stars and explains how they are born, what makes them twinkle, how many there are, and even how they will come to an end. The Universe's conversational and engaging tone helps to engage and inform, bringing complex scientific concepts to a level kids can grasp. The two alien characters provide hilarious commentary while a poem at the beginning encourages language arts connections!Through a hands-on activity, fun facts, and a glossary, kids are invited to explore a world previously out of reach! Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers. Stars: A Gazillion Suns is part of a set of four books in the Picture Book Science series that explore our incredible solar system. Other titles in this series include Sun: Shining Star of the Solar System ; Earth: One-of-a-Kind Planet ; and Moon: Small but Mighty Neighbor . Provides layered text and back matter that encourage more in-depth discoveryPromotes a sense of awe and wonder in astronomyUses humor to engage children's attentionPromotes cross-curriculum learning through poetryIncludes a hands-on, science-minded project to help support and reinforce deeper learningMeets Next Generation Science Standards in Earth's Place in the Universe and Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles for grades K through 3.About the Picture Book Science series and Nomad Press Nomad Press books in the Picture Book Science series present real-world examples of science topics kids find fascinating! These nonfiction picture books consist of engaging narratives paired with detailed, accurate illustrations and layered text that offers ample opportunity for discussion and reflection. Elementary-aged children are equipped to recognize basic science concepts and identify the different ways they are demonstrated in real life, while being impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Let's Go to the Garden! with Dr. Seuss's Lorax


Todd Tarpley - 2021
    Seuss's youngest fans--perfect for encouraging a love of nature! The Lorax shares his love of animals and plants and need to speak for the trees in this sturdy board book about he role gardens play in helping the Earth. Written in rhymed verse and with flaps to lift that uncover simple facts about the creatures and plants found in gardens, it's both a fun read and an educational tool for toddlers and preschoolers.

Song of Serenity


Brey Willows - 2021
    But now she’s arbitrating between arguing gods, answering complaints from cantankerous humans irked by how their prayers are being answered, and keeping her eight sisters in line. When it’s time for her annual break from Afterlife, Inc, she goes to the one place she can count on to keep her sane: the Temple of the Muses in the quiet countryside of Scotland.But Jordan James shows up with her contractors, builders, and noisy equipment. Her adventure park will take up most of the idyllic region, turning the serenity Calliope treasures into a haven for adrenaline junkies.Jordan is resistant to Calliope’s powers of persuasion, but Calliope's beauty remains a potent force. Stubbornly, Jordan vows to take on even the most beautiful immortal to make her dream come true, especially if it means spending more time with her.

The Two Fridas


Frida Kahlo - 2021
    Without trying to imitate Frida's unmistakable style, Gianluca Folì captures this fragment from her diary through stunning illustrations that provide a colorful backdrop for Frida's powerful voice. In these words, children will be given a window into the mind of this great artist and the great joy and happiness her imaginary friend brought to her during times of struggle. Along with biographical information about Frida Kahlo's childhood and her later work, The Two Fridas is a celebration of Frida Kahlo, her culture, and the magical, joyful, secret-filled friendship she shared and later captured in her painting. Children will be encouraged to explore their own imaginary worlds, open up conversations, and build on their own creativity.

Just You and Me: Remarkable Relationships in the Wild


Jennifer Ward - 2021
    Under the sea, the stinging anemone protects the boxer crab in exchange for food. In the desert, the woodpecker shelters inside a tall saguaro cactus and then distributes its seeds so more will grow. Near the water, the mighty hippopotamus stays pest-free because of the hungry egret that rides comfortably on its back. Even humans have to do our part—we depend on Earth for our survival, so we must do our best to protect our amazing planet.

Constellation of the Deep


Benjamin Flouw - 2021
    He especially loves the seaside, and often walks the salty coastal trails with his cousin Wolf. One day, Seagull tells the two about an especially interesting underwater plant called the constellation of the deep. According to Seagull, it grows on the bottom of the ocean, but no one knows exactly where, and it glows in the dark. Before long, Fox has donned his diving equipment, including a wet suit, a snorkel, a diving mask, fins and more, and sets off on an underwater quest to find this incredible plant. Along the way, Fox observes many different kinds of ocean life, like crabs, starfish, algae and an amazing array of corals. He also comes across some underwater friends who try to help guide him to the elusive plant. But Fox despairs when he loses his camera -- even if he finds the constellation of the deep, how will he capture this amazing discovery?With spreads of informational content interspersed throughout, Constellation of the Deep is a charming picture book featuring the same character from The Golden Glow that details the wonders of the underwater world and celebrates observing the beauty of nature.

Get Off My Lawn


Michael Garland - 2021
    Smith's pride and joy is his colorful flowers and perfectly manicured lawn.So when he peers out his window to admire his masterpiece and sees the neighborhood kids traipsing through his yard and trampling his flowers, he roars "GET OFF MY LAWN!"The thunderous scolding sends all the kids sprinting home and blaming mean Mr. Smith for ruining their fun. But one mom knows exactly where the blame really belongs and helps the children understand why they need to make amends for their damaging and disrespectful behavior.Tips for parents and educators are included to help kids better understand how their behaviors can affect those around them.New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Michael Garland uses evocative illustrations and crisp writing to introduce young and beginning readers to the social skills of "Asking Permission" and "Making an Apology".

Noah's Seal


Layn Marlow - 2021
    In a gentle multigenerational story that blurs the boundaries of real and imagined, Noah waits on shore while Nana fixes their sailboat. The boat will take them out to sea where the seals live, and Noah can hardly contain himself. In the meantime, he sculpts his own seal out of sand. Noah collects shells for the seal’s speckled back, spiky dune grass for whiskers, two shiny pebbles for eyes, and a smiling line of seaweed for a mouth. He lies beside his new friend to watch the rolling sea until a storm blows in and Noah must take cover. Later, he wonders: did his seal swim away? Readers will delight in pondering the mystery too in this sun-splashed book for young adventurers—an essential summer-vacation read.

Under the Apple Tree


Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton - 2021