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The author, a principal ballerina, introduces children to a ballet school. Boys and girls all begin with warmups, moving on to basic positions for both arms and legs. Readers are encouraged to try for themselves with the children depicted throughout.

Once, there were no protections for workers who often toiled in dangerous conditions for long hours. Until Frances Perkins, that is. After she witnessed a tragedy, Perkins toiled tirelessly to help workers all over the United States. This illustrated biography of the first woman on President Roosevelt’s cabinet is compelling, highlighting the events that shaped Perkins. Additional resources are included.

Staccato language is a call to action by children to do something about climate change. Black/white line illustrations are punctuated with green to provide emphasis and focus in this charming call to action. Actual young climate activists are presented at the end of the book.

Oakheart the Brave, an old tree, introduces trees in fact and folklore. The anthropomorphized narrator’s text is generously illustrated for an inviting and informative look at trees.

The child of immigrants, Jonas Salk helped develop the first flu vaccine in response to the devastating 1918 flu epidemic and went on to do again with the polio vaccine. This timely look at one man’s impact provides a glimpse at his life and the science of vaccines.

How a young Swedish girl’s concern for the environment became a global movement is presented here in straightforward language and illustrations that suggest Nordic art. Factual information and photographs complete this entry in the series.

Words that paint pictures to give one pause are called idioms. And they are used everywhere in the world! In America something unusual will happen when pigs fly but in India it happens when crows fly upside down. Stylized cartoonish illustrations complement the playful language and subtle introduction to various cultures.

The author started learning about animals by observing her dog as a child. Her respect and affinity for animals grew as she did, turning into a career as a writer and chronicler of animals and their behavior. Gently illustrated, the author shares thoughtful tidbits which is sure to lead readers to her other books.

Detailed, almost delicate illustrations of a diverse cast of characters affirm the joy in differences, all because each and every one matters. The illustrator’s signature style is worth multiple examinations.

No words are needed as a tree is transformed into a paper bag and begins its own journey from lunch bag to seedling carrier. Shown through illustrations that are punctuated with small splashes of color several stories are presented without words to inspire telling and sharing — and maybe a bit of environmental awareness.

Inspired by the Norwalk Community Quilt Project, this fictionalized account shows how a group of young and old come together to create a quilt for the library. The author/illustrator’s signature style is effective in presenting the step by step process. A final note and photograph of Peace by Piece participants concludes this uplifting book.

Based on a true story, The Water Walker, shares the story of Josephine Mandamin, a woman who was inspired by a prophecy to protect water. The book tracks her activism around water protection and the group of Water Walkers that she formed who join her on her many walks across North America. This is a dual-language edition in English and Anishinaabemowin.

To the Gitxsan people of northwestern British Columbia, the grizzly is an integral part of the natural landscape. They share the land and forests the Skeena River runs through, as well as the sockeye salmon within it. The Grizzly Mother explores how an ecosystem’s animals, people, and seasons are all intertwined.

Provides the English and Cree words for colors, along with the pronunciation.

From Sitting Bull’s childhood — killing his first buffalo at age ten — to being named war chief, to leading his people against the U.S. Army, and to his surrender, this book brings the story of the great chief to light. Sitting Bull was instrumental in the war against the invasive wasichus (White Man) and was at the forefront of the combat, including the Battles of Killdeer Mountain and the Little Bighorn. He and Crazy Horse were the last Lakota/Sioux to surrender their people to the U.S. government and resort to living on a reservation.

The story of Blind Willie Johnson — the legendary Texas musician whose song “Dark Was the Night” was included on the Voyager I space probe’s Golden Record. There, along with the many sounds and sights of planet Earth, is the stirring song of a blind man, telling us not to be afraid of the dark, and reminding us that we are never really alone.

Dale Chihuly’s dramatic sculptures made of blown glass have been widely exhibited. His life and work as an innovative glass artist are presented in a highly visual, informative presentation. Stunning color photographs of individual pieces as well as large installations are used to convey the power of glass sculpture.

They communicate, play, use tools, and sometimes even fight. Find out how different animals behave in this well-organized, engaging, and educational look at animal behavior. Illustrations complement the accessible text on each double-page spread. A glossary and additional resources are included.

Two distinctive artists are presented in a similar formats but each illustrated in a style that reflects the times when each artist lived. Original work by the artist is integrated into the narrative to add context. Paintings and source notes conclude these appealing and attractive introductions to art and artists. The second title is Portrait of an Artist: Claude Monet: Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces(opens in a new window) by Lucy Brownridge, illustrated by Caroline Bonne-Müller.

From the Atmosdragon to the Oblivionped, the Earth is in grave danger. Science and folkloric creature are creatively integrated in this call to action. Attractive and accessible, “monster cards” add a game-like quality as well as a way to compare impact. Source notes and index are included.

There’s only one president at a time. And they could come from anywhere. “When George Washington became the first president of the United States, there were nine future presidents alive.” This unique approach to U.S. Presidents is illustrated to highlight chronology but is sure to encourage all that the next president could currently be “listening, learning, and getting ready to lead.”

Lots of things happen all over the world every day. Have you ever considered what one small second of time can hold? What would happen in a minute? An hour? Colorful, bold graphic illustrations punctuate the statistics cited with sources noted at the end. The eye-popping numbers and images are sure to ignite wonder if not curiosity.

Emily Dickinson came to understand the world through what she could see and through words which she communicated through poetry. Lyrical language infused with Emily’s poems combines with translucent illustrations to reflect her world. Backmatter completes this handsome, informative package.

There are two sides to everything, including animals. Creatures like black cats, vampire bats, Tasmanian devils, and a host of other animals often have bad reputations — but there is another side! Explore both in an an open format with humorous illustrations. A glossary is included.