Books by Theme
Celebrating Poetry and Nature
It seems appropriate that both National Poetry Month and Earth Day are observed in April. One celebrates worlds in words; the other reminds us of the importance of the world. Start this celebratory month by reading about our world using words that paint pictures.
Every Breath We Take: A Book About Air
Air is all around us and is crucial to all living things on earth. In poetic language and handsome photographs of people from around the globe, the importance of clean air is presented. Additional information is presented at the back of the book.
Guess Who, Haiku
Short, evocative poems – haiku – present clues about familiar animals. With a turn of the page, the answer is revealed in bold typeface and a charming illustration. This short poetic form is effectively used to play a guessing game.
Jumping Off Library Shelves
What do books and libraries mean to readers young or old? Fifteen poems pay tribute to just that. Poets included are generally well known and are accompanied by jaunty, playful illustrations which together are sure to please.
Junk Re-Thunk
Don’t toss that tube, use it to create! Clearly presented ideas for crafts, games and other activities are displayed in this well organized, accessible book – a creative way to recycle and reuse “trash."
Olinguito, from A to Z!: Unveiling the Cloud Forest / Olinguito, de la A a la Z!: Descubriendo el bosque numblado
The alphabet is used to introduce animals of the cloud forest and its most recently discovered resident, the elusive olinguito. Handsome illustrations and brief information appear in both Spanish and English as does more complete information at this stunning book’s conclusion.
Race Car Count
Cars from one to ten line up to race in this rhythmic countdown. The rhyming text is a lively accompaniment to stylized illustrations and the final “GO!” as colorful vehicles zoom through the pages.
The Neighborhood Mother Goose
Familiar rhymes and ditties are set in a city by clever photo-collage images. The diverse casts of characters bring new life to poems appealing and appropriate for the youngest listener.
The Night Gardener
A town transforms from dreary to delighted when a night gardener provides a new topiary to be seen each day. Muted colors in highly detailed illustration depict the impact of the creative gardener on the townspeople as they enjoy the outdoors.
Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems
The author successfully creates a picture in the title of each poem (they are concrete or shape poems, after all!) followed by the poems in which are “pictures with words.” The result is a creative, playful collection of concrete poetry.
When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons
Short poems and gentle illustrations present seasons almost as a journal. Each entry captures natural beauty and emotions that often accompany them. For example the March 13 entry: “politely/but tired of mittens/I asked winter to please tell the snow/thank you very much, but no”.
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