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Plants have secrets: within each seed, large or small, is a new plant. Highly detailed but crisp, well-placed illustrations reveal the life cycle of plants and provides an easy introduction to seeds — just in time for spring gardens!

Birds live all over the world, but their nests come in many sizes, shapes, and some even borrow (or snitch) homes in which to lay and hatch their young. This lively introduction to various birds and their habits will likely absorb, inform, and inspire.

The lives and times of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln are presented through written and pictorial information in a scrapbook-like format. A well developed, tragic portrait of Mary Lincoln emerges as her life is presented beyond the assassination of the President.

Lincoln’s own words punctuate this overview of his life and times including lighter moments. Full color illustrations exaggerate Lincoln’s physical features but complement the man’s complexity.

Not only did Vinnie Ream work at the post office but was the first woman (and the youngest) commissioned to sculpt an image of Abraham Lincoln. Watercolors and documentation combine to present a portrait of an artist and the city in which she lived.

The friendship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist who was once enslaved, is presented in richly imagined text and collage illustrations.

Take a tour of our nation’s capital — from A to Z — including both lesser and well-known sights from Gallaudet University (the college for the deaf signed into law by Lincoln) to the Lincoln Memorial and lots more.

Luke and his father travel by buggy to pay respects to the train carrying the assassinated Abraham Lincoln from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois. Evocative text and illustration are well-researched to capture the period from a child’s point of view.

A straightforward overview of Lincoln’s life is punctuated by Lincoln’s words and commanding images. Additional resources for further reading and research are included as are sources used in this unforgettable book.

Before leaving for Ford’s Theater, Abraham Lincoln reflects on his life — his accomplishments and disappointments. Realistic illustrations reflect the serious tone of this unusual glimpse of the 16th President.

Drama abounds in what might have happened if Austin Gollaher had not pulled the young Abraham Lincoln from a swollen Kentucky creek that day in 1816. This engaging tale was inspired and expanded from a real event noted by the author.

The basic life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln are introduced in free verse and detailed illustrations in an open format. A concluding note provides additional information.

From mailbox to homes, the process of handling mail is introduced in Gibbons’ signature style illustrations and crisp text in this brief but informative book.

This is the story of librarian Pura Belpré, told through the eyes of two young children who are introduced to the library and its treasures just before Christmas. Lulu Delacre’s lovely illustrations evoke New York City at the time of the Great Depression, as well as the close-knit and vibrant Puerto Rican community that was thriving in El Barrio during this time. Bilingual Spanish-English text.

Everything you never knew you wanted to know about skin is presented in an engaging, light combination of photographs and drawn lines. The result is an informative book that can be shared in layers, demonstrating that “it’s your skin that holds you in!”

Descriptive language introduces a series of animals in both English and Spanish accompanied by Carle’s signature illustrations. The animal word appears in both languages with one hidden by its picture on sturdy board that slides to reveal the other.

Sturdy pages introduce young readers to familiar ideas and objects in Spanish and English. From colors to shapes and things that go, this colorful book will introduce readers to vocabulary in two languages.

Readers follow a car from the factory where it’s manufactured to a family driving and maintaining it; through an accident (uh-oh!), towing, recycling, and a new car built. Simple language and crisp illustrations show the process. (Astute readers will notice the wheel on the right side as the author/illustrator is from England).

A bald baby with a round head and an expressive face confronts the challenge of learning how to walk. Children who have mastered the art of walking and adults who cheer them on will appreciate the subtle humor in both text and cartoon-like illustration.

Going “green” is made accessible to young children with 10 can-do activities like turning out the lights or unplugging the television when not using them. Unique page shapes, die cuts, and bold colors add to its appeal.

Lemon was a lucky duck. His brood mates were all healthy and eventually went to live independently, but Ms. Lake and her class would always provide Lemon the special attention he needed. This surprising story is based on the author’s experience with the real Lemon the duck.

Stunning close-ups of colorful frogs in their natural habitats taken by an acclaimed photographer and biologist combine with clearly presented information on large, bright pages, sure to intrigue as well as inform readers of all ages.

Inspired by a visit to the Iguazu National Park in South America, Francisco X. Alarcón celebrates its animals, skies, waterfalls, and more in these short and vibrant bilingual poems. Each page holds pulsating paintings that swirl and move, further vivifying each poem.

Wangari Maathai’s native Kenya was a changed land, literally blowing away because its trees and growth had been destroyed. Rather than complain, she started a reforestation effort for which she was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Handsome illustrations combine with crisp text to tell the story of one person’s impact.