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Bogle-catching in Victorian England is comes alive in this deliciously spooky tale effectively presented in an accented voice and a capella singing.

The first in the Accelerati Trilogy, 14-year old Nick, his younger brother and his father have moved from Tampa (FL) to a ramshackle Victorian house in Colorado Springs. Peculiar things happen when items from the attic are sold. Could they really be inventions from inventor Nicola Tesla? Intrigue with plenty of humor and likeable characters in a fast-pace will leave readers awaiting the next book.

Everyone makes mistakes — even well-known people — which is why this collection of humorous and often insightful biographical sketches begins with a warning: “If you only want to see people at their best, this book isn’t for you…” as it reveals how 14 luminaries made mistakes. Black/white illustrations add humor and spirit.

Walter, Wendell, Woody, and Wilmer Wing Wing, feathered siblings, share comic adventures beginning with their first amazing feat, “Describing Relative Positions” (in front, behind, etc.). They continue by composing simple shapes, and conclude by partitioning a rectangle into equal parts. While wacky, the Wing Wings’s exploits enliven basic math concepts and vocabulary.

Transformations begin with one (1) acorn that becomes one oak tree with a turn of the sturdy page. They continue on to 100 puzzle pieces that, when put together, become one big puzzle. Boldly colors and die cuts create an effective and intriguing introduction to counting from 1 to 100.

Moose and his friend Zebra (from Z is for Moose (opens in a new window)), are back, this time changing shapes, recognizing geometric shapes all around, and generally causing chaos within the pages of the book. Spirited illustrations create a witty tone for this engaging and surprisingly informative book.

Playful situations from familiar situations and activities make math come alive. Questions for “wee ones”, “little” and “big kids” as well as bonuses make this humorously illustrated bedtime book fun at any time of the day. It’s a follow-up to Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late (opens in a new window).

Annika wants her math-hating friends to enjoy math as much as she does. Feeding answers to math problems to friends hurts more but using math to save the class carnival is another story! Recognizable characters identifiable situations make a plausible, engaging school story.

Stanley is a very talented hamster who runs a garage. There he fixes his customers’ cars, taking care of everything from overheating to flat tires. After a busy day, Stanley returns home happily. Attractively simple shapes and bold colors in black outlines on uncluttered pages not only chronicle Stanley’s work but begin with illustrations of tools used. The same format is used in a companion book, Stanley the Builder (opens in a new window).

The horizontal format of this sturdy board book is just right for images of all manner of flying machine — from a seaplane to a space shuttle. Each deft image is accompanied by a similar refrain, “The helicopter goes,…” followed by onomatopoeic sounds dramatically presented in bold typeface.

Maisy, the engaging white mouse, gets around by bicycle, trolley, and even dreams of flying in a rocket ship. Bright, child-like illustrations and a tab to pull on each page encourage active participation in this very basic but very appealing introduction to modes of travel.

Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, are back. Boy and fly visit a fire station to learn more about what firefighters do as well as a bit about fire safety. Comic illustrations of bug-eyed Buzz and Fly Guy combine with actual photographs present information accessibly and with good humor.

Each vehicle on the construction site snuggles down at the end of the day. Sound has been added to this edition of the picture book version (opens in a new window) with the same title. Icons on each page ask young readers to match the button which makes the sound — from the final sounds of digging and dumping to yawns and snores.

Dog lovers everywhere will appreciate the canine shenanigans of best friends, Lucie and Kate. They are neighbors in a no-dogs-allowed apartment but they use their amazing dog-bone necklaces to become dogs! Dog jokes and dog notes by the authors conclude this playful novel.

Bird basics — from characteristics to colors — are briefly introduced in an attractive, accessible package. In addition to a table of contents, glossary and index, this series provides additional material on birding (bird-watching) via an online, downloadable book.

Each dramatic photograph of an animal (such as a pink flamingo) on a white background is accompanied by one word: its color. In Creature Numbers (opens in a new window), Animals from 1 to 10 bounce, swim, and pose on the equally open pages of a companion book for a fine, fun introduction to basic concepts.

Animals and people both have hair. Photographs of animals and droll illustrations of kids with that hair on opposing pages provide a light, humorous, and surprisingly informative look at different animals — and of course, hair.

Die-cuts let readers ‘spy’ a portion of an animal while text provides clues as to what it might be. With the turn of the page the entire bird is portrayed. Basic characteristics and attractive illustrations provide an informative glimpse of a variety of fowl while playing a variant of a familiar game.

Splendid photographs are used along with a crisp, easier to read narrative to introduce dolphins, water-dwelling mammals. A glossary, index and access to additional online material complete this appealing and edifying title.

An eclectic collection of factoids about animals is presented in an eye-catching, brightly colored format that uses graphic art or “infographics.” The result is a fetching book sure to engage sophisticated readers as they dip in and out.

When Tyler forgets his dog’s birthday, he goes to Mr. Baker to learn how to bake a cake. There the boy learns about where the ingredients for a carrot cake originate. Childlike illustrations provide information and humorous asides from Tofu, the dog. Tyler’s DOG carrot cake recipe is included.

Geo along with Dr. Brain and a couple of friends explore the digestive system from within in their nano-ship. The last chapter sets up the team’s next adventure. First published in South Korea and translated into English, the comic book format provides adventure and information.

As seasons change, Alice and her friend, Zack, notice changes in the length of the day. Together with Alice’s little brother, the children examine the changing seasons as they observe birds, animal tracks, and more. Two articulate chickens named Maisy and Daisy add a bit of whimsical humor as well as scientific detail in this winning and enlightening book.

Fog is the only type of cloud that is close enough to feel; all other clouds can only be seen. Folk art and crisp text brings different types of clouds into focus for budding scientists. Cloud facts and directions for making a cloud in a jar conclude this informative and engaging introduction to clouds, weather, and observation.