Unlikely Friendships : 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom


Jennifer S. Holland - 2011
    Unlikely Friendships tells one story after another of animals who, with nothing else in common, bond in the most unexpected ways and thrive on the warmth, closeness, and trust that come with being true friends.Imagine a predator cuddling its prey. Or a bird befriending a mammal. Or a fish poking its nose out of the water to nuzzle a dog. Or a massive gorilla - the one named Koko, famous for her ability to communicate in sign language - embracing a tiny kitten.Science writer Jennifer S. Holland narrates each story, and also offers insights into these relationships. Sometimes there are plausible scientific explanations: an orphan seeking comfort from an older animal; an adult yearning for a younger creature to nurture. Consider the lioness who befriended and protected a baby oryx - unexpected, but not inexplicable. Sometimes a friendship is about need, as in the case of the blind Lab and her "seeing-eye" cat. B ut sometimes it's just a lovely mystery. How else can one explain the story of Owen the hippo and Mzee the tortoise, two notoriously surly creatures who became bosom buddies?Each story reveals the true power of friendship and, to some degree, the many forms of "love" that seem to exist in the animal kingdom. Yes, scientists might scoff at that notion, but readers may feel a little differently about the world after they finish this book.

Over and Under the Rainforest


Kate Messner - 2020
    A tour of one of the most diverse ecosystems on planet earth: the rainforests of Central America.Discover the wonder that lies hidden among the roots, above the winding rivers, and under the emerald leaves of the rainforest.• Features animals like the slender parrot snake to the blue morpho butterfly• Explores the canopies, where toucans and pale-billed woodpeckers chatter and call• Other animals include capuchin monkeys who swing from vines and slow-moving sloths who wait out daily thunderstormsUnder the canopy of the rainforest hundreds of animals make their homes, but up in the leaves hides another world.This stunning read is perfect for kids who can't get enough of the rainforest and all the animals living in it.

Where the Forest Meets the Sea


Jeannie Baker - 1987
    But for how much longer will the forest still be there, he wonders?Jeannie Baker's lifelike collage illustrations take the reader on an extraordinary visual journey to an exotic, primeval wilderness, which like so many others is now being threatened by civilization.

Sir Cumference and the First Round Table: A Math Adventure


Cindy Neuschwander - 1997
    King Arthur was a good ruler, but now he needs a good ruler. What would you do if the neighboring kingdom were threatening war? Naturally, you'd call your strongest and bravest knights together to come up with a solution. But when your conference table causes more problems than the threat of your enemy, you need expert help. Enter Sir Cumference, his wife Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius. With the help of the carpenter, Geo of Metry, this sharp-minded team designs the perfect table conducive to discussing the perfect plan for peace. The first in Sir Cumference series, SIR CUMFERENCE AND THE FIRST ROUND TABLE makes math fun and accessible for everyone.

Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus


Barbara Bash - 1989
    A story about the mighty saguaro cactus.

Mama, Do You Love Me?


Barbara M. Joosse - 1991
    How much? In this universal story, a child tests the limits of independence and comfortingly learns that a parent's love is unconditional and everlasting. The lyrical text introduces young readers to a distinctively different culture, while at the same time showing that the special love that exists between parent and child transcends all boundaries of time and place. The story is beautifully complemented by graphically stunning illustrations that are filled with such exciting animals as whales, wolves, puffins, and sled dogs. This tender and reassuring book is one that both parents and children will turn to again and again.• Set in a captivating and unusual Arctic setting• Includes a carefully researched glossary provides additional information on Arctic lifeFans of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, and Guess How Much I Love You will love this book. This book is a great read for:• Toddlers and young children• Families interested in different cultures• Parents• Librarians

If You Come to Earth


Sophie Blackall - 2020
    . . We live in all kinds of places. In all kinds of homes. In all kinds of families. Each of us is different. But all of us are amazing. And, together, we share one beautiful planet. This masterful and moving picture book is a visually comprehensive guide to the earth, imbued with warmth and humor. • Ideal for children ages 3 to 5 years old• Resonates year-round as a go-to gift for birthdays, holidays, and more• A great pick for teachers looking for a crowd-pleasing picture book about the world for little students• Perfect for parents, grandparents, and caregivers• Add it to the shelf with books like The Travel Book by Lonely Planet Kids, Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams, and If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche.

Annabelle & Aiden: The Story Of Life


Joseph Raphael Becker - 2016
    Join our characters as they visit outer space, watch the Earth go through its earliest stages, and gaze in wonder at the earliest forms of life. Young readers will gain a basic understanding of evolution, and perhaps more importantly, what we can learn from it: to be kind to one another, as we are all related in the same family tree.

Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible Alvin


Michelle Cusolito - 2018
    Along the way, discover what one wears, eats, and talks about during a typical eight-hour trip in a underwater craft and find out more about the animals that live deep in our oceans. Extensive back matter explains how Alvin works, describes the author's research, and includes a glossary and further reading."An appealing, exhilarating, and informative vicarious journey of discovery" --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW"Wong's detailed illustrations add an exciting immediacy to the descent and to the glowing wonders of the deep"--Washington Post

Over in the Meadow


Olive A. Wadsworth - 1971
    Keats's collage-style illustrations perfectly complement this classic Appalachian counting rhyme, which is also a popular song for toddlers.

Noisy Dinosaurs


Jonathan Litton - 2015
    Touch, feel, and hear the dinosaurs on every page of this interactive, sturdy board book, packed with appealing photographs, tactile textures, and exciting dinosaur sounds.

Yes, I Can!


Wayne W. Dyer - 2012
    Wayne W. Dyer, is taken from his latest book for adults, Wishes Fulfilled. I AM teaches kids a simple but profound message: God is not far off in the distance, or even merely beside us. In other words, we are not separate from God—we are God!       Knowing that God’s love and strength is a part of everyone can help kids grow to meet their greatest potential in life. The book uses a rhyme and illustrations to teach this lesson and help children realize that they are greater than they ever imagined! There is also a special section at the end that teaches the important meaning and way to use the words I am to create love, happiness, and greatness in their own lives and the world

We're Roaming in the Rainforest: An Amazon Adventure


Laurie Krebs - 2010
    The charming, rhyming text highlights an action verb for each creature, from chattering monkeys to crouching jaguars.

Mama Loves You Always


Lindsey Coker Luckey - 2020
    Take your child on a journey about a mother’s love in this sweet, touching children’s picture book filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations and warm and engaging rhymes that speak to the power of a mother’s love and explain to children in terms that they understand just how immense that love is.Written for children of any age, this beautifully illustrated book will inspire, comfort, and make a young heart sing with joy and love.

The Earth and I


Frank Asch - 1994
    They play together. They listen to each other. They nourish each other. But when the earth is sad, the child is sad--so he finds a way to make his friend, the earth, happy. “The vibrant use of pastel colors and simple, big details in close-up perfectly communicate the tender empathy children feel towards something loved.”--Children’s Book Review