Book Finder

Look closely. Notice the recurring shapes that create patterns that abound in nature. Senses are sure to be heightened when examining the highly realistic illustrations accompanied by minimal text in this attractive oversized volume just right to inspire.

A child narrates the move from city to country that he and his mother make. Though initially resistant, the boy soon learns to love his new environment even bonding with a fox. When a fire destroys all that was familiar, the forest, the family, and the fox rebuild. Dramatically illustrated, this is a story of resilience and hope; includes an afterward from the author.

A friendly water droplet character guides children through topics ranging from melting and freezing to the ways in which water literally shapes the Earth. Tales by storytellers from around the world are sprinkled through the book, highlighting the variety of ways in which global cultures value water. The engaging format includes gatefolds and booklets with hands-on activity ideas for learning about and protecting water. 

This story is “that of honey bees, CLAN APIS.” Nyuki is the newest honeybee in the hive and full of questions. Readers will delight in the handsomely illustrated story as well as learn a great deal about clan apis, how they live and work. Any remaining questions are likely answered in the extensive backmatter. Interestingly, the author is a biology professor who is also a cartoonist.

Have you ever had one thought lead to another one that is seemingly unrelated? Open this unique book and readers will be able to follow trails from one thought to another, all playfully illustrated. Just right for browsing, the factoids contain nuggets to amaze and delight.

You know about animals that hibernate, but do you know about animals that sleep all summer? They estivate! Estivation occurs during particularly hot or dry periods such as the West African lungfish in Mali. Straightforward text and realistic illustrations are punctuated by black/white line drawings with notes that create the impression of a field guide. Notes from the author and illustrator as well as additional resources conclude this fascinating volume.

Scientists are working to save the endangered California Condor. In rich narrative, the author provides information on the condor as well as the history and efforts of scientists to bring them back from the brink. Accompanying photographs add drama and personality for both feathered and human subjects.

Start at the beginning or jump into a topic that interests you! Whichever way you approach this handsome, fresh, and large volume, you will find fascinating information on a range of topics. As its reputation suggests, the venerable Britannica provides trustworthy information from cited authorities all in an engaging package.

Staccato language is a call to action by children to do something about climate change. Black/white line illustrations are punctuated with green to provide emphasis and focus in this charming call to action. Actual young climate activists are presented at the end of the book.

Oakheart the Brave, an old tree, introduces trees in fact and folklore. The anthropomorphized narrator’s text is generously illustrated for an inviting and informative look at trees.

How a young Swedish girl’s concern for the environment became a global movement is presented here in straightforward language and illustrations that suggest Nordic art. Factual information and photographs complete this entry in the series.

No words are needed as a tree is transformed into a paper bag and begins its own journey from lunch bag to seedling carrier. Shown through illustrations that are punctuated with small splashes of color several stories are presented without words to inspire telling and sharing — and maybe a bit of environmental awareness.

Few words are needed as a small penguin is separated from his group on an ice floe but soon delights in his changing surroundings. After traveling around the globe, the penguin returns home. Expressive illustration presents changing scenery and changing emotions.

Opening in the summer of 1847, this story follows an Ojibwe family through four seasons; it focuses on young Omakayas, who turns “eight winters old” during the course of the novel. In nearly step-by-step details, the story describes how they build a summer home out of birchbark, gather with extended family to harvest rice in the autumn, treat an attack of smallpox during the winter, and make maple syrup in the spring to stock their own larder and to sell to others.

Based on a true story, The Water Walker, shares the story of Josephine Mandamin, a woman who was inspired by a prophecy to protect water. The book tracks her activism around water protection and the group of Water Walkers that she formed who join her on her many walks across North America. This is a dual-language edition in English and Anishinaabemowin.

To the Gitxsan people of northwestern British Columbia, the grizzly is an integral part of the natural landscape. They share the land and forests the Skeena River runs through, as well as the sockeye salmon within it. The Grizzly Mother explores how an ecosystem’s animals, people, and seasons are all intertwined.

A girl and her grandfather contemplate circles, both physical and metaphorical, in this thought-provoking tale of family, community, and interconnection. Grandpa says circles are all around us. He points to the rainbow that rises high in the sky after a thundercloud has come. “Can you see? That’s only half of the circle. That rest of it is down below, in the earth.” They share and create family traditions in this exploration of the cycles of life and nature.

From the Atmosdragon to the Oblivionped, the Earth is in grave danger. Science and folkloric creature are creatively integrated in this call to action. Attractive and accessible, “monster cards” add a game-like quality as well as a way to compare impact. Source notes and index are included.

The prophecy has come true: the black snake has come to terrorize the community. It hurts the source of life, water. This call to action is presented by in word and image by an author and illustrator, Ojibwe and Tlingit/Haida respectively, based on the Dakota Pipeline access protest in Standing Rock reservation. Lush, flowing illustrations and a narration by a young Native girl make a compelling case for protection, encouraging readers to sign a water protector pledge.

There are two sides to everything, including animals. Creatures like black cats, vampire bats, Tasmanian devils, and a host of other animals often have bad reputations — but there is another side! Explore both in an an open format with humorous illustrations. A glossary is included.

Earth is presented as a large brown-skinned girl who awakens “from a winter nap” listens to farmers tapping the earth and birds singing. She guides a baby zebra, tends prairies, and more until she sleeps, “To fly up again in the warm bright sun of spring!” Clever use of flaps and die-cuts hold surprises and delights in the richly colored, dynamic illustrations and lyrical language, creating a stunning appreciation of Earth.

Apis Mellifera, the worker honeybee, does a lot during its short life. Poetic language and highly detailed illustrations provide an up-close look at the bee, its hive, and expansive travels, cleverly seen in a double gatefold. Backmatter and further reading conclude this stunning book.

A father gently awakens his child to begin their day outdoors. As they leave home, the scenery changes, becoming more tranquil and natural where they begin their hike. At the end of the day, they head home. The joy of an outdoor afternoon and the pleasure of an outing with dad are elegantly conveyed with few words. 

Look! A line of paw prints in the snow. Follow the tracks to see the rare and majestic snow leopard and visit her secret world. Join a zoologist in the Himalayan mountains as he searches for the elusive creature. With her pale gold and silver-gray coat painted with black rosettes, she blends so well into the boulders, it’s no wonder she’s thought of as a ghost of the mountains. Written by a zoologist and interwoven with fascinating facts, this look at a fascinating animal includes an end note suggesting resources to explore.