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Sharks have not five but six senses —; all used to help them survive and even thrive. “Electroreception” is the sixth sense that allows sharks to detect electric fields emitted by other animals. This introduction to sharks is effectively illustrated with collage and will likely inform as well as dispel shark myths.

A young frog has trouble sleeping as there are strange noises all around. His father hears them, too, and so they seek out the source of the noises before finally sleeping. The recognizable story is gently told accompanied by illustrations that evoke the nighttime pond.

Stunning photographs accompanied by lyrical text describe rain and its effects in a rainforest and on people. This handsome book can be read as poetry, examined for its photography, and/or used as an introduction to the water cycle and weather.

In order “To know a spider you must first look into its eyes” – literally! Readers can do so in this fascinating look at a variety of spiders through a series of close up, full color photographs and lucid text to describe the characteristics of spiders. Even those with arachnophobia will appreciate the unusual but thorough approach to these creatures.

Join National Geographic Explorer, Daniel Raven-Ellison, as he takes a comprehensive look at wolves and what individuals can do to help their survival in the wild. Handsome full color photographs are interspersed with text for an appealing format in this informative and empowering presentation.

Different woodpeckers swoop, slam, tap, click, and grow throughout the seasons. They are introduced in handsome collage illustrations and a rhythmic text which uses alliteration and onomatopoeia to bring the birds alive. Additional details and identification is included at the conclusion.

Fourteen critters are presented here through well-placed photographs and fascinating factoids. From small (“the female tarantula lays 500 to 1000 eggs in a silken sac…”) to tall (“a giraffe’s tongue is black”), to up in the air (the hummingbird) or down in the water (a seahorse), this book is fun and informative.

A poetic, playful look at an orangutan family in the wild takes as they dance their way through the trees of the rainforest. A poetic form called the “tanka” combines with animated illustrations for a jaunty glimpse of these appealing primates.

The octopus is not only intelligent, it can be remarkably adaptable able to change color, shape and even skin texture. This fascinating overview is illustrated with attractive watercolors and includes additional detail in back matter. For older readers (ages 9 to 12), The Octopus Scientists (opens in a new window) by Sy Montgomery with photographs by Keith Ellenbogen follows octopus scientist, Jennifer Mathers, and her international team as they learn about and try to better understand this clever creature.

From whales to wasps, glimpses into animal behavior makes for intriguing reading. A pig eating python concludes the brief, engaging book illustrated with cut and torn paper collage. Back matter includes a bit more detail about the creatures described.

Follow three scientists as they study the osprey, a fascinating raptor, in and around Missoula, Montana. How these large birds are tracked and studied is revealed in a highly accessible well-researched text and color photos. Further information appears in sidebars and back matter.

In this Magic Tree House story, Jack and Annie’s vacation in the glorious waters off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula doesn’t turn out quite like they expect. An encounter with sharks and with a Mayan girl plus a bit of magic create another satisfying, fantastical adventure in the series. A companion book, Sharks and other Predators (opens in a new window) helps readers separate fact from fiction.

As it changes its appearance throughout the seasons, this plant also provides food for different birds and animals. But many people see poison ivy as a nuisance only for the itchy, sometimes dangerous reaction to it when they come in close contact with it. This attractive and informative introduction to poison ivy is handsomely illustrated with a brief but engaging text.

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.

Creatures of the far north can call on the Strength of the Land to do what they want. When Raven becomes jealous of Walrus’ useful curved tusks, Raven freezes the sea, trapping Walrus. Walrus breaks free, making his once curly tusks short and straight, which they remain to this day. This is a dramatically illustrated and well-told pourquoi (why) tale.

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.