What Do They Do With All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by Allison Black
For all you parents in the midst of potty talk battles, this book is for you! Featuring an animal and its feces on each page, readers will learn all about that poo: size and shape, smell factor, digestion and diet, and more! Colorful illustrations are paired with the text, which comes in two formats: readers can choose to read simplified bolded text or additional text below the illustrations for even more content! Sure, it’s all poop, but this book is full of interesting, science-related information!
The Street Beneath My Feet by Charlotte Guillain and Yuval Zommer
The Street Beneath My Feet is a wonderful interactive story chock-full of detail and elements to “find.” Each flip of the page reveals another layer of ground, as the narrator takes readers deeper and deeper into the earth’s crust. From subways to skeletons, pipes, tunnels, and so much more, it’s brimming with interesting information and questions to make readers think more deeply. There’s even a section at the end with a diagram of the Earth’s layers. This is a wonderful book, sure to spark a child’s interest in the many things beneath their feet!
Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex, illustrated by Laurie Keller
Pluto Gets the Call is a fantastic science book that personifies the planets, bridging the gap between nonfiction and storytelling. It takes place on the dreadful day when Pluto learned he wasn’t a “real” planet after all. Full of fun illustrations and a clever story, the book still manages to include gobs of space-related content and information. It’s especially great for reluctant non-fiction readers, as this book is full of all sorts of hilarious antics and entertainment mixed with learning!
Sun! One in a Billion by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
This story is told by none other than Sun himself, whose narrative voice fills the book with a great mix of humor and information. Paired with bright and colorful illustrations, the book makes use of relatable comparisons that readers will understand, helping them to gain a better understanding of the sun’s size, temperature, and much more. It ends with a letter from the author, a Q&A from the Sun, and even more facts. This is a wonderful science book!
Seashells: More Than a Home by Melissa Stewar, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen
Seashells: More Than a Home highlights a variety of these beautiful natural objects, as well as the creatures that live within them. It’s full of informative text, beautiful illustrations, and simple diagrams. Comparisons to such things as submarines, crowbars, armadillos, and butterflies are especially helpful in aiding reader comprehension. The end includes more seashell information and the five most common types of mollusks. Overall, there is so much to learn from this book!
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
This wonderful nonfiction story follows a boy and his dad in the snowy woods as they discover creatures both over and under the snow. The language is beautiful, allowing for an engaging read-aloud. The illustrations are simple yet detailed and interesting, guiding readers to focus on the most important details of each illustration. The author also included an Author’s Note, along with more information about each animal featured in the book.
A Rock is Lively by Diana Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long
A Rock is Lively is part of a delightful science series, including other such books as An Egg Is Quiet, A Seed Is Sleepy, A Butterfly Is Patient, and A Nest Is Noisy. Upon opening this book, readers are greeted with a large variety of illustrated rocks, each one beautiful and unique. The book includes two types of text on each two-page spread: simple lyrical text that reads like poetry and more detailed prose with added scientific information about rocks. This book will inspire anyone with a love for geology and the study of rocks!
Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis
Beginning with all of the many ways we experience water—from faucets, sprinklers, and hoses to rivers, oceans, and more, this book introduces children to a variety of water-related vocabulary throughout its pages. The ending also includes bonus features, including various types of water forms and a diagram of the water cycle. This is a great nonfiction choice for children—simple, educational, and engaging.
Watersong by Tim McCanna, illustrated by Richard Smythe
Watersong is composed of wonderful illustrations and rhymes that highlight the animals and natural features of the wetlands. Its simple rhythm makes for an engaging read-aloud. And with each page packed with scientific details, there is much for readers to see and find. The story also includes an Afterword that gives more information on “aquatic ecosystems, the progression of the water cycle, and the habitat of the omnivorous fox.” Overall, this is a wonderful nonfiction book to add to your collection.