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Birds craft surprisingly unique nests. Brief verses introduce different birds and how their nest is made complemented by equally engaging but concise factual information in a different typeface. Memorable illustrations are realistic, made of cut paper collages placed on uncluttered pages.

Water is essential for all life on earth. In the author’s signature style, the water cycle, clouds, and more are introduced. Straightforward language and characteristic illustrations include maps, cautions, and additional tidbits of information about rain and related topics.

The mayor of Food Town introduces each of the five groups: grains, vegetables, fruit, protein, and dairy. Each personified group parades through town with its relatives. Humorous illustrations of foods with personality, all labeled, are used with an understated text to present palatable nutrition information. A bit more easily digestible information ends the 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.

While children cavort through a sprinkler on a suburban lawn, animals thrive or survive in other habitats (desert, field, wetland, and seaside). The same sun has a different effect in different places on all living creatures presented in a clear text and handsome, realistic, detailed illustrations.

As swamp residents move, water ripples and the creatures munch, gulp, swallow, and more. Short, rhythmic sentences and simple but realistic illustrations present a wetlands food chain. A brief endnote describes the environment and “balance of nature.” The language in this informational picture book reads well aloud, likely to engage  listeners.

A dot of “dirt (and everything in it)” is a meal for the earthworm seen in a stylized, double page illustration. Four pages open with gatefolds to show the giant squid which is the sperm whale’s feast. Actual sizes of what animals eat are dramatically presented with additional information on the last spread.

Sharp eyes are needed to see most of the well-camouflaged creatures in the Costa Rican rainforest presented in stunning, realistic illustrations. A simple, repeated sentence lets emerging readers know what (e.g., bird, snake) to look for in each double page spread. The animals are specifically identified on the final page.

Even though Emily’s teacher is distressed that Emily daydreams during science, both recognize that Emily’s wandering mind just might lead to creativity and new ways of thinking. A lighthearted take on a serious topic reminds readers that imagination can lead to many positive things.

Discover why boats — even filled with people — can float, but a small pebble sinks in water. Easy experiments and lucid explanations are presented with cartoon-like illustrations to bring concepts like density and displacement into focus for readers of all ages.

A handsome feline named Mr. Wuffles is quite fussy about his toys. But he certainly enjoys a small roundish object he comes across unexpectedly. Surprises abound when readers see what that object holds and how — and from whom — the aliens contained in it find help. The three-time Caldecott medalist presents another fresh, nearly wordless tale.

Twirling like leaves. Flying on swings high in the air. Leaf Baby is off to the park for a fun-filled autumn day with Grandpa. The whimsical rhyming verse and vibrant illustrations will delight toddlers, parents, and grandparents alike as they share the fun of this magical season. [Amazon]

Young Frank lives with his dog and his grandpa, Old Frank. Only a trip to the museum convinces Old Frank that Young Frank is really a very creative architect who can make chairs, “twisted and wiggly” buildings and more. Each creation, of course, is from an architect’s design, presented with understated humor in text and illustration.

Katherine Olivia Sessions grew up in Northern California’s woods where she did things that most other 19th century girls didn’t do: get dirty, study science and complete college. Kate grew up to become known as “Mother of [San Diego’s] Balboa Park.” Stylized illustrations and text present this unique woman and her scientific accomplishments.

Homan Walsh wanted to win the prize for flying his kite, Union, from one side the Niagara River to the other — the first step in building a bridge connecting Canada and the U.S. Stylized paintings and simple text tell a powerful story (based in fact) of persistence and hope.

Ruth Elder was a beauty queen but in 1927 she showed her pluck when she and a copilot took off for Paris. Though she didn’t make it that time, she continued to demonstrate that women were fine pilots and could fly solo. Ruth’s early life and aviation is fascinatingly revealed through evocative narration and illustration.

A partial image of an animal is accompanied by the question, “What am I?” With a turn of the page, a larger look at the animal is shown, accompanied by “Where am I?” Another turn reveals the habitat. Handsome, highly realistic watercolors in a predictable format introduce animals, ending with a portrait of a boy “on the beautiful Earth.”

How big were the dinosaurs really? Though a deadly hunter, the microraptor “would barely be able to look a modern-day chicken in the eye.” Energetic illustrations contrast dinosaurs to things familiar and contemporary. Add animated text for a memorable look at size and prehistoric creatures.

From swamps to coral reefs, animals use camouflage. Lush, realistic, double page illustrations ask readers to find a particular number of animals in each habitat. With the turn of the page, the habitat is described and all animals are identified.

Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, visit a space museum for a brief introduction to stars, planets and related concepts. Photographs and funny illustrations combine with easy-to- read language for a quick, accessible, informative trip shared by old friends.

A vacationing family sees many different types of boats and ships as well as what they carry. Young readers will find lots to explore as they travel over the waters in this large, highly pictorial journey.

The children’s mother is away but finally they separate their dad from his newspaper to go out for milk. When he returns with it, father regales the narrator and his sister with his adventures that start when he goes out for milk and is taken by aliens but always saves the milk! Droll line illustration combines with exaggeration for a very funny tall tale.

Everyone knows what a toilet is, but have you ever wondered what happens when a toilet is flushed? A brief introduction explains why toilets are needed (the digestive system), followed by lucid text and clear illustrations, with humorous touches, that detail what happens. This glimpse is sure to engage and heighten appreciation for the toilet.

Mummies and mummification in North America are introduced in short, readable text accompanied by illustration and photographs. Adapted from her longer book, the easy reader format makes a fascinating topic accessible to newly independent readers.