Part of the Great American Horses series, this small, easy chapter book offers a simple introduction to the breed made famous by author Marguerite Henry in her story Misty of Chincoteague. Each chapter consists of just two or three paragraphs of text opposite a large color photo. Topics covered include the ponies’ origins, body type, and present-day uses.

Magma, tectonic plates, cinder cone, Ring of Fire--some of the concepts and terms in this introductory science book can be challenging, but the brief text explains clearly and simply how islands form from volcanoes. Interested younger children should be able to understand the basics, especially with some adult guidance, but because the photos and artwork are relatively small (albeit clear and attractive), the book may not appeal to preschoolers.

This informative picture book describes life on a New England fishing island over the course of a year. The clear, cheerful illustrations provide plenty of interesting details for children to notice, and they work well with the text to show how islanders get around, catch fish, trap lobsters, and keep in touch with mainlanders.