For older readers interested in learning more about how islands form.

An informative picture book about life on a New England fishing island.

This small, easy chapter book is part of the Great American Horses series.

Well illustrated and filled with interesting facts, this reference work is best read a few pages at a time rather than straight through.

This early chapter book discusses beaver homes, body characteristics, family life, and communication.

This entertaining picture book looks at 40 species of birds and the nests they build.

This easy chapter book offers solid information for young astronomers.

A vibrant picture book with friendly, informative text and inviting, colorful artwork.

A classic guide to the constellations, by the author of the Curious George books.

A fine overview from the popular Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series.

Budding astronomers will be captivated by this cosmic read-aloud.

A heartwarming read-aloud story about the journey of a young sandhill crane.

The official children’s companion book to the popular documentary movie.

A fun, fanciful story for younger children.

A lovely picture book that tells the story of three migrations with simple text and gorgeous double-page illustrations.

A simple yet thought-provoking look at the importance of trees.

A sweet read-aloud story about a prairie town’s annual Arbor Day celebration.

Vibrant collages and oversized type tell the story of a sugar maple tree and the child who planted it.

An extraordinary picture book filled with fascinating facts and imaginative, inventive artwork that can be enjoyed all on its own.

A lovely, poetic picture book that explains very simply how trees live and grow.

Fun, hands-on activities, just right for young children (with adult supervision) in a tub or wading pool.

Preschoolers will love this boisterous picture book about a tugboat with attitude.

A wonderful picture book, filled with humor and fascinating details, about a lightship (a floating lighthouse) and her crew.

A fun, fanciful look at how such familiar items as potato chips, piggy banks, eyeglasses, and animal crackers were created.

This classic picture book tells how Charlie the shepherd makes a new wool cloak.

Compelling close-up photographs and simple, rhyming text explain how bread is made.

A charmingly illustrated lift-the-flap book about where and why animals hide.

An easy-to-understand read-aloud about a fascinating animal.

This beautiful picture book uses striking, full-page illustrations to introduce 14 animal defense mechanisms.  

An informative, easy chapter book, with large photos, clear, simple design, and an intriguing subject.

A thought-provoking and imagination-sparking presentation of paintings from British museums and pictures from European children’s books.

A charming read-aloud story about Henri Matisse and his design of the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence.

Simple rhyming verse introduces 27 kid-friendly works of art.

For older readers, a wonderful, witty look at how to read a painting.

12 activities of varying complexity demonstrate how simple machines work.

Two kids use levers, pulleys, and wheels to solve silly problems in this simple picture book.

One of six easy-to-read chapter books about simple machines in the Early Bird Physics Books series.

An entertaining introduction to simple machines for kids fascinated by knights and castles.

A longer chapter book for readers who want to know more about Scruffy, the wolf babysitter featured in this month’s Click.

An extraordinary elephant photo album for elephant lovers of all ages.

A fascinating, up-close and personal look at lions for elementary-age kids.

Spectacular closeup photos tell the story of a young elephant growing up with his herd.

A straightforward, illustrated description of a dormouse’s hibernation cycle.

An evocative and beautifully illustrated celebration of the season.

This lovely picture book reveals a secret world of animals, hidden beneath the winter snow.

This easy reader offers a simple, appealing look at how some familiar animals cope with winter.

Kids (and adults) will discover new amazing details each time they look at these spectacular animal photos.

Written for grade-schoolers, but readers of all ages will find the photos of the adorable polar bear cub irresistible.

This entertaining, informative book for independent readers works fine as a read-aloud too.

Despite its alphabet-book format and stunning photographs, this book is better suited for older readers.

A captivating read-aloud story about a young boy determined to climb the mountain behind his neighborhood park.

A beginning chapter book, filled with interesting photos.

Simple text and large, close-up photos tell the life story of the American pika.

A beautifully illustrated introduction to the life cycle of plants.

A vibrantly illustrated picture book for younger children.

Basic gardening information artfully conveyed in a funny, easy-to-read story.

Granda teaches Jody the joys of gardening in this warm-hearted read-aloud.

A thorough, informative gardening story brimming with beautifully detailed illustrations.

13 simple activities, clearly explained and attractively presented.

A copiously illustrated reference guide to dinosaurs.

An engrossing read-aloud story about the historic expedition that discovered the first dinosaur eggs.

A boy and his grandfather learn about T. rex in this vibrant picture book.

A friendly, informative look at how dinosaur tracks are formed and what scientists can learn from them.

A cheerful, colorful picture book with lively, rhyming text and fun dinosaur facts.

An engaging picture book, filled with fascinating facts about all kinds of insects.

For older readers, a chapter book about wild animals and the clues they leave behind.

An informative picture-book guide to identifying animal tracks and using other nature “clues.”

Ben Franklin observes ant behavior in this read-aloud explanation of insect pheromones.

Preschoolers will be intrigued by this amusing comparison of human and animal babies’ development.

A lively read-aloud story about how tadpoles—and little brothers—grow.

Young schoolchildren observe butterfly metamorphosis in this charming picture book.

A simple but thorough look at how a chick develops and grows inside an egg.

A classic picture book, perfect for armchair travelers.

A vibrant, visual history of Manhattan, from prehistoric to modern times.

An informative, introductory look at skyscrapers and how they’re built.

A fascinating picture book filled with funny, detailed illustrations of a small city and its surrounding community.

For older kids interested in the history of our alphabet.

Learn to say hello in 42 different languages with this exuberant picture book.

A quick, lively look at elephants and how they communicate.

A beautifully illustrated introduction to some of the unusual ways animals communicate.

Stunning closeup photos for frog fans of all ages.

This introduction to animal movement features numerous photos and illustrations but is best for youngsters who enjoy expanding their vocabulary.

A playful picture book simple enough for the very young, with gorgeous illustrations that will keep adults captivated too.

This firsthand account of cave exploration is best for older kids, but many preschoolers will be fascinated by the gorgeous photos.

A poetic--and scientifically accurate--evocation of the strange, mysterious world of a limestone cave.

Clear explanations of cave science for older readers (and adults looking for answers to a curious kid’s questions).

Fun, imaginative, and great for singing along.

Short, descriptive poems and stunning woodcut illustrations capture the essential characteristics of familiar farm animals.

Interesting facts combine with a sweet, simple story in this lovely picture book.

An engaging photo-essay for dog lovers of all ages.

Gentle, easy-to-understand text and photos describe life on a dairy farm.

A sweet ode to the love of fire trucks and to imagination.

This well-written story about how fire was once used for communication benefits from its child’s-eye perspective.

This oversize picture book features short, rhyming text, compelling illustrations, and a surprising amount of information.

For grade-schoolers who want to know more about fire and firefighters.

Straightforward, informative text and photographs clearly explain the many jobs firefighters do.

Filled with large, detailed photographs, perfect for fire-engine fans.

This fast, funny read provides a delightfully silly introduction to an unusual animal.

A beautifully illustrated picture book for animal lovers of all ages.

A warm-hearted read-aloud inspired by a Zimbabwean artist and the beautiful works she creates from mud.

An interactive book, with plenty of information, as well as flaps to lift, tabs to pull, and wheels to turn.

Poetic text and illustrations explore clues that are hidden or left behind in the natural world.

A wordless picture book that invites repeated viewings.

A simple and inventive book makes a game out of art appreciation.

The photo puzzles in this handsome book encourage viewers of all ages to look at everyday objects in new ways.

This lively chapter book about scientific sailing expeditions to study dolphins reads like an adventure story.

An easy-to-understand description of the characteristics and behavior of whales.

A wonderful wordless adventure that vividly captures a child’s encounter with an ocean wave.

Best for older readers, but little ones will enjoy looking at the large pop-ups and colorful illustrations.

Gorgeous photos and intriguing text offer a simple introduction to the life of sea jellies.

Clever and funny, this is one picture book that both children and adults will want to read again and again.

Funny illustrations enhance the explanations in this useful story about colds and germs.

This story about a dirt-loving princess conveys all the basics of handwashing with humor and spunk.

A charming story that's perfect for reading aloud, particularly to a sick kid wondering when she’ll ever feel better.

Packed with information for confident readers but with concepts simple enough for younger nature lovers.

An exuberant picture book featuring the popular Charlie and Lola characters.

A picture book with a more involved story, ideal for reading aloud.

This inspirational true story is simply and sensitively told but includes one scene that may disturb some readers.

A beautiful read-aloud with detailed illustrations that can be enjoyed even without words.

Simple text, easy enough for early readers, will also appeal to younger children.

Tons of visual detail and silly text make this a winner for all ages, even adults.

For reading aloud or flipping through the pictures solo.

Wordplay and exciting illustrations make this a great book for reading aloud.

A rhyming read-aloud with a rhythmic refrain just right for little listeners and beginning readers.

A fun introduction to maps for school-age children.

A simple introduction to nocturnal animals

Enjoyable for reading alone or reading aloud

Written especially for new readers

Bedtime reading that may take the sting out of turning off the lights

A nice bedtime story for younger children or an easy book for confident readers

A simple board book with pop-out trucks that preschoolers can play with

Somewhat abstract illustrations and poetic text to be enjoyed by older readers

A fun activity book for curious preschoolers (with adult help) as well as older kids

Simple sentences and a satisfying story for new readers

For reading aloud or looking at the pictures

A lively read-aloud book for digger fans of any age