Book Finder

Charles Darwin came across a distinctive frog in Chile during his ventures on the Beagle. The exceptional characteristics and the mysteries it created are presented in engaging text, photographs and notable, realistic collage illustrations. Additional resources are included.

The strength of Spiderman’s web wasn’t far from reality. Biologist Randy Lewis’ work proves it. A highly readable text and captivating photographs make a complicated topic, related issues, and current research understandable for sophisticated readers of all ages.

Poems intended for two voices celebrate nature and how its creatures are interrelated. Seeds helicopter, hitchhike and travel by bird; worms snack; snails leave trails and more in playful verses made more accessible by the large, colorful, almost whimsical illustrations.

Like most snakes, pythons are often vilified. Realistic watercolors, however, of a Diamond Python (native to Australia) and informative text present a slice of her life from warming in the sun to hatching eggs — and, of course hunting and eating.

Interesting factual tidbits inspired imaginative animal portraits. The strong graphic design on large pages encourages close reading so that “while the creatures …may look a little silly, they are all based on real animal facts.”

Meet different kinds of monkeys — all of which come in many colors — shown in crisply lined, full-color illustration and brief text. Additional information about each of the 12 monkeys introduced and a world map concludes this brief, enticing introduction.

In one lifetime, creatures presented will grow or show one behavior repeatedly. Limited text combines with textured illustration to reveal these estimates from one papery spider egg sac to a thousand baby seahorses. Animal and math information conclude this unique glimpse of animals.

Meet a panda, moon bear, sloth bear, sun bear, and other kinds (plus a teddy bear) in simple rhyming text and gentle illustrations. Bear facts and where to find additional information conclude this easy informational picture book.

Rhythmic text and lush illustrations invite young readers (or listeners) to eat like a bear from April until midwinter. Textured illustrations and more thorough backmatter conclude this engaging introduction to brown bears and their habitat.

Bats come in different sizes with different characteristics but each serves a particular purpose. Crisp photographs and lucid writing provide a riveting introduction to these often maligned creatures.

Volcanoes erupt on land and in the sea and are found all around the world. Eruptions are both “creative and destructive” but all start with “gooey rock called magma.” Volcano facts are combined with specific locations and striking, textured collages for an absorbing introduction to a fascinating natural phenomenon.

In the rainforest of Sumatra, a baby orangutan is born. Photographs chronicle her life with mother and the baby’s growth. At about five years old, the baby is old enough to live independently though she still occasionally sees her mother. Brief general information about orangutans concludes this accessible photo essay.

Most kids like something chocolate-y, right? But there wouldn’t be chocolate without cocoa beans that come from cocoa pods that rely on insects and other creatures in rainforests — even monkeys! A brief but engaging look at this interconnected habitat is realistically illustrated with informative but humorous asides by bookworms to encourage each page turn.

There’s always something to do outside regardless of the weather. A range of activities are presented through short descriptions and photographs with notation to indicate if the activity can be done independently or if adult help is needed. Some are messy, all are doable.

Find out the difference between “warm blooded” and “cold blooded” creatures, learn why sweat is important, how to stay warm or cool, and how animals cope with temperature changes. Attractive illustrations and crisp text will inform and engage.

Stink is still afraid to put his head underwater so fears he’ll remain a “polliwog”. When frogs start to appear everywhere, however, Stink learns about them, what’s really going on, and learns to swim! The latest installment about Judy Moody’s little brother is sure to please.

In the spring in Pakistan’s Hindu Kush Mountains, two hungry snow leopard cubs wait for their mother. As they grown, they must learn to survive on their own in a harsh environment. Stunning illustrations and dramatic narration provide a glimpse of the animals’ lives.

This handsome book invites readers to look at birds while learning about their habits and habitats; clearly organized by region and illustrated with illuminating photographs for identification. Easy activities, positive actions, and additional resources are also included.

No visit to a beach is complete without finding shells. Those who visit the Northeast coast of the U.S. are sure to gain information and insight from a small but instructive, clearly illustrated book on seashells.

Look! Watch various animals in their own environment with a young dreamer. Here, expressive but realistic watercolor illustrations are truly worth a thousand words. They are accompanied by brief, repeating language just right for new readers.

Starting in space, an alien family bids adieu to their offspring (they look a lot like octopuses) who then head for earth landing in the ocean. When read the other way, he journeys home. The vertical format and strong design create a sophisticated literary and visual jaunt.

There are things to do indoors and outside. But the inside goes outside and the reverse with cutouts on pages in this attractive wordless book. Simple lines and flat colors are appealing on brown paper, and encourage careful — and multiple — examinations.

If a whale is what you want to see — as does the boy in this expressive, delicately illustrated tale — then patience (plus an ocean) is needed. Images combine with poetic language to create a quiet, deeply satisfying book rich enough for multiple readings.

A mother humpback whale and her calf travel from the Caribbean Sea to the coast of New England and back over a year. Informative text is formatted to be read as a whole or in chunks and illustrated with luminous pastel illustrations. Additional information is included.