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In 1924, four biplanes from the United States were the first to circumnavigate the world. The journey is presented through well-researched narrative in a handsome format and highly illustrated with maps, period graphics, and photographs. The epilogue concludes the amazing trip where it started — in Seattle, Washington — where a memorial to the flyers remains.

A brief introduction invites readers to learn where “birds nest, what they eat, and how they call” to learn how to pay close attention. The information that follows introduces 12 artic birds. It is comprehensive yet accessible and clearly illustrated.

Learn tidbits of information about our 16th President, the times in which he lived and more. Brief entries for each letter of the alphabet present Lincoln the man and the president. Detailed illustrations are both informative and humorous.

A girl explains how her family once hunted whales but now use their family-owned boat to take tourists out to whale watch. Illustrations in color show the contemporary narrator and boat, while sepia-toned images depict the history. Interesting bits of African American history are embedded in this engaging, educational, and accessible story.

Because dogs can actually “see” with their sense of smell, they have been trained to work in various fields to help humans. A crisp text accompanied by color photographs shows dogs working in different ways: from the military and police duties to locating invasive plants to pointing to particular medical issues. Additional resources are included at the end.

Simple machines are all around us! They can be seen in a flag pole (a pulley), a faucet (a wheel and axle), and even on the playground (a seesaw is a lever!). Flat illustrations and an understandable narration introduce and explain three types of simple machines most of which are in a young reader’s experience.

Birds aren’t the only animals to make their homes in nests. Other nest-dwellers include insects, turtles, even orangutans. Handsome, detailed illustrations and an informative text (which can be read either in detail or for the main theme) appealingly present these animal homes and their residents.

A boy spends the day enjoying and learning with his grandfather, his tata, who is known in the community to help people feel better with his knowledge of herbal remedies. Realistic illustrations depict the minor mishaps (e.g., a bee sting, a bump on the head) and the apparently botanically accurate plants from which they are derived. The culturally rich text is in both Spanish and English.

Which is more amazing, the vampire squid or the blue whale? Could it be the leafy sea dragon or the wolffish? Characteristics of these and many other amazing sea creatures suggest that it is the most amazing but it is the reader who must decide. Stunning, realistic illustrations of each animal in its likely environment and fascinating facts present a host of remarkable beings.

An entire community comes together to create and learn from a garden. Students with their teachers plant a variety of edible plants from tomatoes to radishes. They explore insect residents of the garden and more. Finally, everyone comes together to enjoy the harvest. Photographs and a conversational text document this pleasure of a garden project.

Poetic verse alternates with information about the flowers that attract a variety of animals and insects. Text appears on evocative illustrations in a horizontal format that suggests the expanse of the gardens and fields. A bit of additional information and link to a guide appear at the conclusion.

Animals, like people, have faces. And faces have amazing features; for example, a panda’s furry face keeps it warm, a ladybug’s antennae smells, and large ears help bats hear. Explore these and other senses in crisp text and lots of photographs in an attractive, accessible format. A code for a supplemental digital book is included to continue the exploration.

Lyrical language and handsome, realistic watercolors present water in its many forms, from liquid to snow. Water is also in things like mud and even apples. Additional information about the processes seen and further readings concludes this striking and informative look at water.

Even when it’s too early to plant, there’s a lot going on underground. When a grandmother and her grandchild do plant, they tend the garden until it’s harvested and even then there’s a great deal of activity down in the dirt. Richly colored illustrations show both on top and underneath the garden.

Many animals on land and in the water, familiar and exotic, have spots — seen here through brief, poetic language and carefully crafted illustrations: “Spots with purpose, spots with flair. Spotted creatures everywhere!” Additional information about the animals and where they live concludes this handsome informational book.

Some creatures that live in oceans have skeletons, others don’t. Meet a colorful variety of them in this exploration of sea animals from jellies to clown fish in this playful but informative introduction. A chart of “sea facts” concludes this book that can be read with or without the extra information presented in a different typeface on each double-page spread.

Hippos are indeed huge. They can also be dangerous as they’re fast and have razor-sharp teeth. An informal narrative and dramatic illustrations combine with factual information in this engaging and fascinating look at a very big creature.

Some kids are adopted, others live with one parent, other children live with two moms or two dads; still others live with a mom and dad. Lots of different families are celebrated through a simple text and full-color photographs.

What makes a bird different from other animals that also have a beak, wings, and lay eggs? It is feathers, of course — bright or dull, on birds tall or small. Easy text and realistic illustrations show familiar and less well known birds in this appealing and informative book.

Follow a honeybee as it travels to a prairie in bloom to gather nectar and return to let other bees know of the place. Bold collages of honeybees from varied perspectives present the environment and hive. Additional information about the honeybee dance concludes this compelling look at a fascinating process.

This ode to building a house from the ground up features six kinds of craftsmen and the 24 tools they use, accurately labeled. The answer to each inquiring refrain is revealed under a gatefold, seven in all, engaging the reader in an informative guessing game.

Work by both well and lesser-known poets is presented by subject for an inspiring glimpse of American history as well as varied styles of poetry complemented by bold illustrations.

Readers will recognize the emotional impact of one year in the writer’s life, a year of change, growth, pain and joy. It is presented in economical but powerful poems.

The First World War comes into gritty focus through battles fought and the world changes it brought about. Photographs and other primary source material make this a riveting, sophisticated look at an impactful period in world history.