Book Finder

What makes snow crystals unique? What conditions allow their formation? How does one catch a snowflake? These and additional information and activities about snow are explored in this lucid and attractive presentation just right as one watches winter games.

Dr. Flossman welcomes his class of incisors, canines, etc. (appropriately for each of the typical mouth’s 32 teeth), providing actual information in a wacky, slightly abstract combination of art and story.

Babies don’t have teeth as they don’t need them yet. But as children grow, teeth grow in and then fall out to be replaced by adult teeth. This informative, appealing, and easy science book is just right to answer early questions about teeth and dental hygiene — and may encourage even more questions.

Aldrin relates how he, the second man to walk on the Moon, became interested in aeronautics and flying. The result is a fascinating look at his personal history as well as the history of flight accompanied by precise but equally engaging illustrations.

Two machines captivated young Philo Farnsworth: a telephone and a phonograph. Both had cranks and both connected people with others (one in real time, the other through music). These and other inspirations motivated young Philo to invent what was to become known as the television. His early story is fascinatingly told and well illustrated.

A hungry owl sits on a branch to listen for something he might catch for dinner, like a plump little mouse. The predictable pattern, onomatopoeic words, and realistic, highly detailed illustrations combine to make a satisfying story for all except for the still-hungry owl.

The famous cat in a red and white striped hat is used to introduce basic information about space as well as space trivia. As in others in the series, the limited vocabulary in a predictable format provides easily accessed and understood information about a popular topic.

Poets have always looked to the sky for inspiration. A range of contemporary and older poets and their exploration of the stars, sky, moon — and more — are presented, illustrated with lush, evocative paintings.

The encyclopedic presentation in an oversized format support about 200 photographs from NASA as well as other illustrations to chronicle the history of space flight. Rockets and the moon landing are also included. A DVD with historical footage from the moon landing completes this attractive package, sure to be enjoyed by a range of readers.

When his teacher assigns a science project, 3rd grader Oliver is enthusiastic about doing it independently. His rather overprotective parents, however, have different ideas. How Oliver and his newfound friend and classmate overcome the obstacles makes for engaging reading with lots of laughs.

Even though Leonardo da Vinci lived a long time ago (born in 15th century Florence), his ideas have intrigued inventors and scientists ever since. In cartoon-like illustrations and brief text, old “Leo” ideas are juxtaposed to newer “Neo” ideas. This playful book is informative and engaging and may inspire further investigation of man and inventions.

How the Murray children search through time to find and save their missing scientist father continues to enthrall readers even 50 years after its publication. The author was awarded the Newbery Medal for what has become a classic time travel fantasy.

Made to look like a scrapbook, this history of man’s interest in space flight, the space race, and the first lunar landing will appeal to sophisticated readers. This detailed presentation requires multiple examinations.

Poetic language and striking illustrations evoke the drama of the first lunar landing. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s first impressions are captured with awe and may well inspire young scientists.

Apollo 13 attempted to repeat Apollo 11’s successful Moon landing. An explosion, however, changed the mission to just get the astronauts home safely. Dual texts and dramatic illustrations tell the remarkable story and extend the information presented.

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin takes the reader on a journey through centuries of air and space aviation, from Isaac Newton to exploring Mars to futuristic space tours. Fascinating details and a timeline are embedded throughout.

Realistic but soft and evocative illustrations recall a boy’s wonder as man first walked on the Moon. This attractive book was rereleased in time for the 40th anniversary of this memorable event.

A rhyming text in an intriguing format introduces the Moon’s cyclical nature — its phases. An informational note concludes this introductory look at the Moon and why it appears to change.

Young children will appreciate the basics of how astronauts travel, what they eat, and their spectacular view from space in this sturdy board book, just right for young hands.

The alphabet is the device used to pique curiosity about astronomy, space travel, and things related from A to Z. Illustrations use different media to create the look from the Sputnik era for a playful introduction.

Based on a well-known almanac, these portable, colorful cards will engage children as they learn more about dinosaurs through activities, games, and more. Each is presented on sturdy cards as is the accordion answer card included for challenged adults.

Stink, Judy Moody’s bright but short little brother presents his version of an encyclopedia. It begins with the Anatomy of Stink and continues through to Z (Zero, ZZZs, until Zee End!). Fun, fact-filled and fully sourced, just right for Stink fans.

Each room of every house holds items, objects, and other surprises that were invented at one time or another. A kitchen calendar, for example, comes from a 16th century. Detailed, interactive pages are filled with fascinating tidbits sure to intrigue and inspire.

Follow the life of a puffin pair as they nest, hatch, care for, and teach their “puffling” until it can live independently. A note about the Puffin Project concludes this handsome and dramatic book.