Literature Connections

The links by each kit title below take you to fiction and nonfiction literature related to that kit. Literature is listed by author, title, publisher, date, ISBN #, Reading Level, and includes a short description.

CIBL has not previewed and does not supply these books, but schools can purchase them based on teachers’ recommendations or suggestions in kit teacher’s guides.

Some of these titles were compiled by Carolina Biological Supply Company, and teachers have suggested others. Feel free to email us your suggestions.

Kindergarden

view Kit description

Aardema. Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain.
RL: PK-3.

Folklore.

— Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears.
RL: PK-3.

Folklore.

Ada. Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Carle. The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

— The Very Busy Spider.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

— The Mixed Up Chameleon.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

— The Grouchy Ladybug.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Garelick. Where Does the Butterfly Go When It Rains?
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Heller. How to Hide a Butterfly.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Kirk. Miss Spider’s Tea Party.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Merrill. The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction, Folklore.

Udry. What Mary Jo Shared.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Cato, Sheila. Measuring.
Carolrhoda, 1999. ISBN 1-57505-323-3 RL: 1-4
Measuring becomes fun to children when Digit, the cartoon character of this book, introduces it to students.

De Rubertis, Barbara. Lulu’s Lemonade.
The Kane Press, 2000. ISBN 1-5756-5093-2 RL: 1-3
Three children argue over which ingredients and what quantities should go into their special lemonade. Once the ingredients have been measured and the drink is made, they have to decide how to finish filling their gallon pitcher. Teaches about liquid measures and fractions in a simple and concise manner.

Gershator, Phillis. Tiny and Bigman.
Marshall Cavendish, 1999. ISBN 0-7614-5044-0 RL: PK-1
Tiny is a large woman with incredible strength, while Bigman is scrawny and weak. Despite these differences, they’re a good pair. Humor and color make this an entertaining story.

Hoban, Tana. More, Fewer, Less.
Greenwillow, 1998. ISBN 0-688-15963-2 RL: PK-2
This wordless picture book uses familiar objects and animals to introduce the concept of comparison. Brightly colored pages and photographs add to its appeal.

Jenkins, Steve. Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest.
Houghton, 1998. ISBN 0-395-89999-0 RL: K-2
The author uses pictures to compare the sizes of many different objects, such as lakes, mountains, and buildings. Charts and collages illustrate the ideas.

Leedy, Loreen. Measuring Penny.
Holt, 1998. ISBN 0-8050-5360-3 RL: 2-4
This picture book shows the main character, Lisa, measuring in many different ways–with both standard and nonstandard units. Lisa’s results are shown in different formats.

Lehn, Barbara. What Is a Scientist?
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-1272-2 RL: K-2
The title question is answered with simple text and colorful illustrations. Readers can see students doing scientific investigations.

Mitchell, Adrian. Twice My Size.
Millbrook, 1999. ISBN 0-7613-1423-7 RL: PK-2
The “twice my size” comparison is made by showing two animals playing together. One animal is always two times (or more!) larger than the other. Students see color illustrations of animals ranging in size from ladybugs to whales.

Murphy, Stuart J. Bigger, Better, Best!
Harper Collins, 2002. ISBN 0-06446-247-1 RL: K-3
When a brother and sister squabble over who has the larger bedroom, their parents help measure the rooms. Then the siblings find out a bigger room does not always mean a better room. A reading list and follow-up activities are included.

Murphy, Stuart J. Just Enough Carrots.
Harper Collins Children’s Books, 1999. ISBN 0-06026-779-8 RL: PK-3
When mother bunny and her child go grocery shopping, the two count and compare the products in their cart with those of other shoppers. The concepts of more, fewer, and same are on each page.

Nathan, Cheryl and Lisa McCourt. The Long and Short of It.
BridgeWater, 1998. ISBN 0-8167-4545-5 RL: K-2
This picture book uses pairs of animals to show sizes. Animal parts are then compared to objects students are familiar with.

O’Brien, Patrick. Gigantic!: How Big Were the Dinosaurs?
Holt, 1999. ISBN 0-8050-57382 RL: PK-3
Kids will delight in comparing the size of dinosaurs to objects like airplanes. Illustrations extend the size comparisons.

1st Grade

Baruffic. Wheels on the Bus.
RL: PK-3.
Nonfiction.

Bemelmans. Madeline.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Burningham. Mr. Grumpy’s Outing.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Burningham. Mr. Grumpy’s Motor Car.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Burton. Katy and the Big Snow.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Burton. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Darling. Up, Up and Away: The Story of Flight.
RL: PK-3.
Nonfiction.

Hoban, Tana. More, Fewer, Less.
Greenwillow, 1998. ISBN 0-688-15963-2 RL: PK-2
This wordless picture book uses familiar objects and animals to introduce the concept of comparison. Brightly colored pages and photographs add to its appeal.

Hodge, Deborah. Simple Machines.
Kids Can, 1998. ISBN 1-55074-311-2 RL: 2-4
Simple text and step-by-step instructions for experiments help children to discover such simple machines as the wheel, lever, and a pulley. Pictures are included.

Lehn, Barbara. What Is a Scientist?
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-1272-2 RL: K-2
The title question is answered with simple text and colorful illustrations. Readers can see students doing scientific investigations.

Wilkes, Angela. The Best Book of Ballet.
Larousse Kingfisher Chambers, 2000. ISBN 0-75-345275-8 RL: 1-4
Information about the history of ballet and famous ballets is found among pages of watercolor illustrations. Examples of exercises and basic movements of the discipline are also given.

Aardema. Borreguita and the Coyote.
RL: PK-3.

Folktales.
—-Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain.
RL: PK-3.

Folklore.
—-Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears.
RL: PK-3.

Folklore.

Ada. Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Ahlverg. Each Peach Pear Plum.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Aliki. My Visit to the Dinosaurs.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.
—-Corn is Maize.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Arnosky, Jim. Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats.
Simon & Schuster, 2000. ISBN 0-6898-3538-8 RL: K-3
Nature guide Crinkleroot takes the reader on a tour of animal habitats. Find out which animals are found in wetlands to woodlands.
—-Rabbits and Raindrops.
Penguin Putnam, 2001. ISBN 0-69811-815-4 RL: PK-1
Five rabbits explore the world outside the nest. They follow their mother in the grass and meet grasshoppers and bees. When rain cuts the adventure short, they find shelter until the sun appears and the playing begins. Images of nature and weather conditions are drawn in watercolor.

Aruego, Jose. Weird Friends.
Harcourt, 2002. ISBN 0-15202-128-0 RL: K-3
Animal friendships between the unlikeliest pairs are evaluated. Fourteen sets of animals in all, such as a beetle and a mouse and a shrimp and a fish, show how the two help each other survive. Book includes a pronunciation guide and location tips on where to find the animals.

Asbjorsen & Moe. The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Ashman, Linda. Castles, Caves, and Honeycombs.
Harcourt, 2001. ISBN 0-15202-211-2 RL: PK-3
The different places in which animals live–from a cave to a cliff to a tree–are described. Acrylic paintings illustrate the creatures’ living quarters and habitats. Although the homes may be unique, each animal is safe in its individual habitat.

Baylor. Amigo.
RL: PK-3.

Poetry.
—-Before You Came This Way.
RL: PK-3.

Poetry.
—-The Desert Is Theirs.
RL: 1-5.

Folklore.
—-I’m in Charge of Celebrations.
RL: 1-5.

Poetry.
—-Your Own Secret Best Place.
RL: PK-3.

Poetry.

Bonsall. The Case of the Cat’s Meow.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Brett. The Mitten.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.
—-Town Mouse, Country Mouse.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Brown. The Runaway Bunny.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Carle, Eric. The Grouchy Ladybug.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.
—-The Mixed Up Chameleon.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.
—-The Very Busy Spider.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.
—-The Very Clumsy Click Beetle.
Philomel, 1999. ISBN 0-399-23201-X RL: PK-2
Complete with sound effects (thanks to a microchip), students can hear and see the click beetle that’s stranded on its back. Other animals come along to help the beetle turn over. Children will enjoy the story and the beetle’s success in righting itself.
—-The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

DuQuette, Keith. They Call Me Woolly: What Animal Names Can Tell Us.
Penguin, 2002. ISBN 0-399-23445-4 RL: K-3
What’s behind a name? Children can find out by learning the meaning of 35 animal names, from a woolly bear to a blue-tongued skunk. Details about each animal are also included.

Ehlert. Feathers For Lunch.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Elsohn, Michael. Life Cycles.
Millbrook Press, 2001. ISBN 0-76131-817-8 RL: 1-3
The life cycles of a mushroom, grasshopper, and sunflower are brought to life through watercolor illustrations and descriptions. Pictures also show magnified mushroom spores, as well as a child planting a seed and watching it grow.

Fleming, Denise. Where Once There Was a Wood.
Henry Holt, 2000. ISBN 0-80-506482-6 RL: K-2
What happens when wild creatures in a wooded area are suddenly displaced out of their habitat? The author tackles this question and provides suggestions on how to create backyard habitats and gardens that will attract wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds.

Galdone. The Little Red Hen.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Garelick. Where Does the Butterfly Go When It Rains?
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

George, Jean Craighead. Morning, Noon, and Night.
HarperCollins, 1999. ISBN 0-06-023628-0 RL: PK-3
Beautiful text tells of various animals’ activities throughout the day. Illustrations are very realistic.

Glaser, Linda. Fabulous Frogs.
Millbrook, 1999. ISBN 0-7613-0424-X RL: PK-1
Different types of frogs are depicted in the illustrations, while the text gives nformation in rhyme. Included at the back is a section with answers to commonly asked questions about frogs.

Hartley, Karen and Chris Macro. Snail.
Heinemann Interactive Library, 1998. ISBN 1-57572-664-5 RL: 1-3
Information on life cycle, behavior, and habitat of the snail is presented clearly. Color photographs can be found on many pages.

Heller. Chickens Aren’t the Only Ones.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.
—-How to Hide a Butterfly.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Himmelman, John. A Ladybug’s Life.
Children’s Press, 1998. ISBN 0-516-20819-5 RL: PK-2
This book gives basic facts about the life cycle of this specific insect. Clear and accurate illustrations provide more information.
—-A Luna Moth’s Life.
Children’s Press, 1998. ISBN 0-516-20821-7 RL: PK-2
This book on the life cycle of a luna moth contains very life-like pictures. Its readability level makes it appropriate for young students.

Holub, Joan. Why Do Cats Meow?
Puffin, 2001. ISBN 0-14-056-788-7 RL: PK-3
Questions related to America’s popular pet are found here. Readers will learn ways a cat communicates, its similarities to other animals, and a cat’s senses. Also mentioned is pet care and instructions on how to make inexpensive cat toys. Includes a variety of cartoons and color photographs of children and their feline pets.

Hooks. The Three Little Pigs and the Fox.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Hunter, Anne. What’s in the Pond?
Houghton, 1999. ISBN 0-395-91224-5 RL: PK-2
Both general and specific information about animals in this habitat is provided. A full-page illustration accompanies each of the ten organisms featured.

Johnston. Whale Song.
RL: PK-3.

Poetry.

Joyce, Susan. ABC Animal Riddles.
Peel, 1999. ISBN 0-939217-51-1 RL: K-3
Riddles give clues to the mystery animal, which could be a common animal like a turtle or a more unfamiliar one like a quail. All illustrations are in color.

Kasza. Wolf’s Chicken Soup.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Lehn, Barbara. What Is a Scientist?
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-1272-2 RL: K-2
The title question is answered with simple text and colorful illustrations. Readers can see students doing scientific investigations.

Lobel. Frog and Toad Books.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Merrill. The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction, Folklore.

Oppenheim, Joanne. Have You Seen Bugs?
Scholastic, 1998. ISBN 0-590-05963-7 RL: PK-2
“Bugs” in this rhyming picture book refers to many different insects. The pictures help to show the animals in their own environment.

Singer, Marilyn. Good Day, Good Night.
Marshall Cavendish, 1998. ISBN 0-7614-5018-1 RL: PK-2
The rhyming text gives insight into the lives of nocturnal animals. Illustrations give more information about where these creatures live.

—-Prairie Dogs Kiss and Lobsters Wave: How Animals Say Hello.
Holt, 1998. ISBN 0-8050-3703-9 RL: K-4
Factual information is given about animals’ greetings. Prairie dogs, lobsters, bees, and elephants are just a few of those discussed. Illustrations are done in watercolor.

Taylor, Kim. See How They Grow: Frog.
Dorling Kindersley, 2001. ISBN 0-78947-656-8 RL: 1-3
All the life stages of a frog are found in Taylor’s book. Vocabulary terms and full-color photographs are also included.

Allison. The Reasons for the Seasons.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Baylor. Everybody Needs a Rock.
RL: PK-3.  

Nonfiction.

Baylor. I’m in Charge of Celebrations.
RL: 1-5.  

Poetry.

Lewis. Hill of Fire.
RL: PK-3.  

Fiction.

Burningham. Mr. Grumpy’s Outing.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Crozon, Alain. I Can Roll!
Chronicle, 1999. ISBN 0-8118-2408-X RL: PK-3
Students will be motivated by the format of this book. A riddle introduces the object, and the answer can be found under a flap to the right. Color illustrations bring the objects to life.

Lehn, Barbara. What Is a Scientist?
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-1272-2 RL: K-2
The title question is answered with simple text and colorful illustrations. Readers can see students doing scientific investigations.

Shaw. It Looked Like Spilt Milk.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner. What Is the World Made Of?: All about Solids, Liquids, and Gases.
HarperCollins, 1998. ISBN 0-06-027143-4
Each state of matter is explained with text, examples, and activities. Pictures of students enjoying science and an appropriate reading level make this book accessible to early elementary students.

2nd Grade

Aardema. Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain.
RL: PK-3.

Folklore.

Allison. The Reasons for the Seasons.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Branley. Flash, Crash, Rumble, Roll.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Carle. The Grouchy Ladybug.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

DePaola. The Cloud Book.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Keats. The Snowy Day.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

McKissack. Mirandy and Brother Wind.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction, folklore.

Morgan. Sadie and the Snowman.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Shmid. The Air Around Us.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Aliki. Corn is Maize.
RL: PK-3.
Nonfiction.

Allsburg. The Z was Zapped.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Asch. Popcorn.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Bate. Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth.
RL: PK-3.
Nonfiction.

—Linnea’s Windowsill Garden .
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

—Linnea’s Almanac.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Brown. Goodnight Moon.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Carle. The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

—The Mixed Up Chameleon.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Cherry. The Great Kapok Tree.
RL: PK-5.
Folklore.

Cole. Princess Smarty Pants.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Cooney. Miss Rumphius.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

De Rubertis, Barbara. Lulu’s Lemonade.
The Kane Press, 2000. ISBN 1-5756-5093-2 RL: 1-3
Three children argue over which ingredients and what quantities should go into their special lemonade. Once the ingredients have been measured and the drink is made, they have to decide how to finish filling their gallon pitcher. Teaches about liquid measures and fractions in a simple and concise manner.

Henkes. Sheila Ray the Brave.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Howe. The Day the Teacher Went Bananas.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Johnson. Yonder.
RL: PK-3.
Poetry.

Lehn, Barbara. What Is a Scientist?
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-1272-2 RL: K-2
The title question is answered with simple text and colorful illustrations. Readers can see students doing scientific investigations.

Lester. Imagine.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Lionni. Little Blue and Little Yellow.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Morgan. Sadie and the Snowman.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Numeroff. If You Give Series.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

The Ontario Science Center. Solids, Liquids, and Gases.
Kids Can, 1998. ISBN 1-55074-195-0 RL: 2-4
Students can learn about all three states of matter by completing the activities in this book. The steps are written clearly, and photographs provide more information. Household items are used.

Seuss. Bartholomew and the Oobleck.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Shaw. It Looked Like Spilt Milk.
RL: PK-3.
Nonfiction.

Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner. What Is the World Made Of?: All about Solids, Liquids, and Gases.
HarperCollins, 1998. ISBN 0-06-027143-4
Each state of matter is explained with text, examples, and activities. Pictures of students enjoying science and an appropriate reading level make this book accessible to early elementary students.

Aardema. Borreguita and the Coyote.
RL: PK-3.

Folktales.

— Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain.
RL: PK-3.

Folklore.

— Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears.
RL: PK-3.

Folklore.

Ada . Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Allen, Judy. Are You a Butterfly?
Larousse Kingfisher Chambers, 2000. ISBN 0-7534-5240-5 RL: K-3
Readers gain a front-row seat into what life is like for a butterfly and a spider. Colorful artwork and oversized text teach about the living things’ life cycles. Butterfly trivia facts are found in the back of the book.

Baylor. Amigo.
RL: PK-3.

Poetry.

— Your Own Secret Best Place .
RL: PK-3.

Poetry.

Bunting, Eve. Butterfly House.
Scholastic Press, 1999. ISBN 0-590-84884-4 RL: K-3
A young girl and her grandfather build a butterfly cage together and then watch a caterpillar mature. The decorations on the butterfly cage make the story beautiful.

Carle, Eric. The Grouchy Ladybug.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

—The Mixed Up Chameleon.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

—The Very Busy Spider.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

—The Very Clumsy Click Beetle.
Philomel, 1999. ISBN 0-399-23201-X RL: PK-2
Complete with sound effects (thanks to a microchip), students can hear and see the click beetle that’s stranded on its back. Other animals come along to help the beetle turn over. Children will enjoy the story and the beetle’s success in righting itself.

—The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Cox, Judy. Butterfly Buddies.
Holiday House, 2001. ISBN 0-82341-654-2 RL: 2-4
Robin is nervous about getting a new teacher and science partner. For a science project Robin and her classmate observe a caterpillar and write about their observations. Readers along with the main characters gain knowledge about the butterfly’s life cycle. Robin tries to win the friendship of her new teacher and science partner by dressing like them. As the butterfly comes out of its cocoon, Robin comes out of her shell and learns the best way to make friends.

Dossenbach, Monika and Hans D. Eye Openers!: All about Animal Vision.
Blackbirch, 1998. ISBN 1-56711-216-1 RL: 2-4
All types of animal eyes (compound, underwater, antenna) are listed here. Each type has a picture and a few facts.

Dussling, Jennifer. Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!
Dorling Kindersley, 1998. ISBN 0-7894-3762-7 RL: 2-4
Bright photographs and easy-to-read text will interest readers. An array of insects is covered accurately.

Edwards, Pamela Duncan. Clara Caterpillar.
HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2001. ISBN 0-06028-995-3 RL: K-3
The stages of metamorphosis are shown as two caterpillars become butterflies. When the colorful butterfly is in danger, plain-colored Clara comes to the rescue with the help of her camouflage. The book uses the language device of alliteration.

Ehlert, Lois. Waiting for Wings.
Harcourt, 2001. ISBN 0-152-02608-8 RL: K-2
Readers will find illustrations of the life cycle of the butterfly, as well as various butterfly and flower species. Also includes tips on how to grow a butterfly garden.

Florian, Douglas. Insectlopedia.
Harcourt, 1998. ISBN 0-15-201306-7
Each poem in this book has an insect as its subject. Each poem also has its own suitable illustraton and format.

Glaser, Linda. Spectacular Spiders.
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-0353-7 RL: 2-6
Significant information about spiders’ physical characteristics, natural environment, diet, and their webs can be obtained here. Realistic artwork helps students to visualize the 13 different types of spiders discussed.

Heller. How to Hide a Butterfly.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Himmelman, John. A Ladybug’s Life.
Children’s Press, 1998. ISBN 0-516-20819-5 RL: PK-2
This book gives basic facts about the life cycle of this specific insect. Clear and accurate illustrations provide more information.

—A Luna Moth’s Life.
Children’s Press, 1998. ISBN 0-516-20821-7 RL: PK-2
This book on the life cycle of a luna moth contains very life-like pictures. Its readability level makes it appropriate for young students.

James, Betsy. Tadpoles.
Dutton, 1999. ISBN 0-525-46197-3 RL: 2-4
Molly, the main character, is having trouble adapting to her new sibling. To deal with this, Molly is given some frog eggs, which she watches develop. She also learns about her new brother’s development. Artwork shows both human and animal development.

Kalman, Bobbie. The Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly.
Crabtree Publishing Company, 2001. ISBN 0-77870-650-8 RL: 2-4
Illustrations and photographs enhance the fact-filled text that describes the life cycle stages of a monarch butterfly. Other topics are the butterfly’s senses and how humans affect its life.

Kirk. Miss Spider’s Tea Party.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Lang, Susan. More Nature in Your Backyard: Simple Activities for Children.
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-0308-1 RL:2-5
The instructions here are so clearly written that students can do them on their own. Activities include observing plants, animals, insects, soil, and weather.

Lehn, Barbara. What Is a Scientist?
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-1272-2 RL: K-2
The title question is answered with simple text and colorful illustrations. Readers can see students doing scientific investigations.

Lerner, Carol. Butterflies in the Garden.
HarperCollins, 2002. ISBN 0-68817-478-7 RL: K-3
Beautiful illustrations combine with simple, clear explanations of butterflies. Lerner gives a basic overview of the butterfly’s life cycle, how it eats, and what plants attract butterflies to a garden.

Marzolla, Jean. I’m a Caterpillar.
Econo-Clad Books, 1999. ISBN 0-61313-705-1 RL: K-2
The story explains the daily routine of a caterpillar throughout his life cycle of turning into an exquisite butterfly. The extra-large print and short sentences are geared for beginning readers.

Merrill. The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction, Folklore.

Oppenheim, Joanne. Have You Seen Bugs?
Scholastic, 1998. ISBN 0-590-05963-7 RL: PK-2
“Bugs” in this rhyming picture book refers to many different insects. The pictures help to show the animals in their own environment.

Rockwell, Anne. Becoming Butterflies.
Walker, 2002. ISBN 0-80278-798-3 RL: PK-2
A class observes caterpillars growing into butterflies. A great resource for children who have witnessed the butterfly life cycle in their own classroom.

—One Bean.
Walker, 1998. ISBN 0-8027-8648-0RL: PK-2
The clear illustrations help to cover the basics of a bean’s life cycle. The story is told by a child, so young students will be interested.

Ryder. Where Butterflies Grow.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Udry. What Mary Jo Shared.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Adler, Naomi. Play Me a Story: Nine Tales about Musical Instruments.
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-0401-0 RL: 3-6
Interesting instruments from around the world are featured in these folktales. The thematic illustrations add appeal to thte text.

Arnold, Caroline. Did You Hear That? Animals with Super Hearing.
Charlesbridge Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-57091-404-4 RL: 3-5
Meet amazing animals that hear ranges of sound better than humans do. Explains the measured range of sound and how sound travels.

Asch. Popcorn.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Baylor. Plink! Plink! Plunk!
RL: PK-3.

Poetry.

Bonsall. The Case of the Cat’s Meow.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Branley. Flash, Crash, Rumble, Roll.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Byrnie, Faith Hickman. Six-Minute Nature Experiments.
Sterling, 1999. ISBN 0-8069-9827-X RL: 3-6
Animals introduce each experiment that encourages students to find out about nature. Topics such as sound, water, temperature, and motion are presented. Colorful illustrations make the text lively and understandable.

De Pinna. Sound.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Furgang, Kathy. My Ears.
Rosen Publishing Group, 2000. ISBN 0-82395-572-9 RL: K-3
Easy-to-read text gives information about the functions and importance of the human ear. Topics range from ear anatomy to ear diseases. Diagrams and illustrations, including 3-D models of the human organ, are also provided.

Heelan, Jamee Riggio. Can You Hear a Rainbow? The Story of a Deaf Boy Named Chris.
Peachtree Publishers, 2002. ISBN 1-56145-268-8 RL: K-3
Chris, a 10-year-old deaf boy, describes what it’s like to be hearing impaired: how he communicates (through sign language, hearing aids, lip reading, and more), attending public school with an interpreter, how friends help him, and more. He even compares himself to a hearing friend and a deaf one, noting the similarities and differences.

Kline. Shhh!
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Moss, Lloyd. Our Marching Band.
Penguin, 2001. ISBN 0-39923-335-0 RL: K-3
Kids in a community take up the clarinet, trumpet, and other musical instruments. When they start playing without a tune, the racket disturbs their neighbors. But soon their practice turns into an invitation from the mayor to play in a parade. This rhyming narrative is enhanced by detailed cartoon art.

Peterson. I Have a Sister, My Sister is Deaf.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Siegelson, Kim L. In the Time of the Drums.
Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, 1999. ISBN 0-7868-0436-X RL: 2-5
Drums tell of ancient times in Africa in this traditional Gullah tale. Students will enjoy the story while learning about a traditional role for this instrument. Brian Pinkney’s illustrations add depth.

Spier. Crash! Boom! Bang!
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Wells. Noisy Nora.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Wright, Lynne. The Science of Noise.
Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2000. ISBN 0-73981-324-2 RL: 2-5
Chapters are full of factual explanations regarding sound. Includes the origin of sound, how it travels, and how humans hear and change sound. A glossary of terms is also provided.

3rd Grade

Bate. Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Allison. The Reasons for the Seasons.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Brown. Goodnight Moon.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Fox. The Best Time of Day.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Keats. Regards to the Man in the Moon.
RL: K-4.

Fiction.

Preis. The Planets.
RL: 3-8.

Nonfiction.

Thurber. Many Moons.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Winter. Follow the Drinking Gourd.
RL: PK-3.

Legend.

Aardema. Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain.
RL: PK-3.

Folklore.

Ada . Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Ahlverg. Each Peach Pear Plum.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Aliki. Corn is Maize.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Baylor. Your Own Secret Best Place.
RL: PK-3.

Poetry.

Bjork. Linnea’s Windowsill Garden.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Cherry. The Great Kapok Tree.
RL: PK-5.

Folklore.

Coweher. Rainforests.
RL: PK-5.

Nonfiction.

DePaola. The Legend of the Blue Bonnet.
RL: PK-3.

Legend.

Ehlert. Growing Vegetable Soup.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Goodman, Susan E. Seeds, Stems, and Stamens: The Ways Plants Fit into Their World.
Millbrook Press, 2001. ISBN 0-76131-874-7 RL: 3-5
Goodman focuses on how plants survive in various habitats around the world. Questions about plants are provided, with the answers on the next page. Color photographs are interwoven with the short chapters.

Kalman, Bobbie and Jacqueline Langille.  What Is a Life Cycle?
Crabtree/A Bobbie Kalman Book, 1998. ISBN 0-86505-874-1 RL: 3-5
The life cycle is thoroughly covered here, for both animals and plants.

Kraus. The Carrot Seed.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Kudlinski, Kathleen V. Popcorn Plants.
Lerner, 1998. ISBN 0-8225-3014-7 RL: 2-4
Its easy-to-read format and good information make this book appropriate for student research. A wide variety of facts are provided. One drawback is the small number of illustrations.

Kudlinski, Kathleen V. Venus Flytraps.
Lerner, 1998. ISBN 0-8225-3015-5 RL: 2-4
The basic information offered here gives a great introduction. A map is included along with color photographs.

Lang, Susan. More Nature in Your Backyard: Simple Activities for Children.
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-0308-1 RL: 2-5
The instructions here are so clearly written that students can do them on their own. Activities include observing plants, animals, insects, soil, and weather.

Macleod, Elizabeth. Grow It Again.
Kids Can, 1999. ISBN 1-55074-558-1 RL: 3-5
Background information, helpful tips, and drawings walk students through three different methods of growing plants—using seeds, bulbs, or roots. Brain teasers and crafts make it appealing to kids.

Maurer, Tracy Nelson. Growing House Plants.
Rourke Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-5591-6254-6 RL: 1-4
The book’s large-print text gives basic facts and instructions on how to choose a plant, weeding, a watering guide, and what and where to plant. Includes color photos, helpful drawings, and sidebars.

Ross, Michael Elsohn. Life Cycles.
Millbrook Press, 2001. ISBN 0-76131-817-8 RL: 1-3
The life cycles of a mushroom, grasshopper, and sunflower are brought to life through watercolor illustrations and descriptions. Pictures also show magnified mushroom’s spores, as well as a child planting a seed and watching it grow.

Royston, Angela. Bean.
Econo-Clad Books, 2001. ISBN 0-6133-6085-0 RL: 1-3
Full-color photographs show the formation of a root, stem, shoot, leaves, and flowers. Pollination is briefly discussed. With two sentences per page, the book is geared toward a beginner reader. Provides additional reading list and a glossary.

Applehof, Mary. Worms Eat My Garbage.
Flower Press, 1997. ISBN 0-942256-10-7

Bocknet, Jonathan. The Science of Soil.
Gareth Stevens, 1999. ISBN 0-8368-2468-7 RL: 2-5
Color photographs and an easy text help describe different types of soil, soil nutrients, and animals that live there.

Cronin, Doreen. Diary of a Worm.
Scholastic, 2003. ISBN 0-439-69234-2

Dewey, Jennifer Owings. Mud Matters: Stories of a Mud Lover.
Marshall Cavendish, 1998. ISBN 0-7614-5014-9 RL: PK-4
The author tells of her childhood adventures with many types of mud. Everything from the building properties to the healing properties of mud is covered. The desert of the Southwest provides an appropriate background.

Lang, Susan. More Nature in Your Backyard: Simple Activities for Children.
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-0308-1 RL: 2-5
The instructions here are so clearly written that students can do them on their own. Activities include observing plants, animals, insects, soil, and weather.

Lehn, Barbara. What Is a Scientist?
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-1272-2 RL: K-2
The title question is answered with simple text and colorful illustrations. Readers can see students doing scientific investigations.

Lewis. Hill of Fire.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

MacLachlan. Sarah, Plain and Tall.
RL: 3-8.

Fiction.

Rockwell, Anne. Bugs Are Insects.
HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2001. ISBN 0-06445-203-4 RL: 1-3
Text helps readers become expert at telling an insect from an animal. Paper collage illustrations enhance the creature characteristics. An index and project ideas for further learning are provided.

Rockwell, Thomas. How to Eat Fried Worms.
Bantam, Doubleday, Dell, 1973. ISNB 0-440-44545-0 RL: 4-8.
Fiction.

Ross, Michael Elsohn. Re-Cycles.
Millbrook Press, 2002. ISBN 0-76131-818-6 RL: 1-3
This picture book presents information about soil, water, and composting. Other subjects include the life cycle of an oak tree and reusing items.

— Wormology.
Carolrhoda Books, 1996. ISBN 0-8614-937-9

Royston, Angela. Bean.
Econo-Clad Books, 2001. ISBN 0-6133-6085-0 RL: 1-3
Full-color photographs show the formation of a root, stem, shoot, leaves, and flowers. Pollination is briefly discussed. With two sentences per page, the book is geared toward a beginner reader. Provides additional reading list and a glossary.

4th Grade

Allsburg. Jumanji.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

— Two Bad Ants.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Atwater. Mr. Popper’s Penguins.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Bonsall. The Case of the Cat’s Meow.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Fleischman. Joyful Noises: Poems for Two Voices.
RL: 3-8.

Poetry.

Gardiner. Stone Fox.
RL: 3-8.

Fiction.

George. The Moon of the Owls.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Ahlverg. Each Peach Pear Plum.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Auch. The Princess and the Pizza.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

Burleigh, Robert. Chocolate: Riches from the Rainforest.
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2002. ISBN 0-8109-5734-5 RL: 3-5
Offers a connection between chocolate and the rainforest. Children learn the history of chocolate, its health effects, and Hershey’s role in the evolution of chocolate candy.

Catling. Chocolate Touch.
RL: 4-8.
Fiction.

Dahl. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
RL: 4-8.
Fiction.

Ehlert. Growing Vegetable Soup.
RL: PK-3.
Fiction.

Fleisher, Paul. Ice Cream Treats: The Inside Scoop.
Lerner Publishing Group, 2001. ISBN 1-57505-268-7 RL: 4-6
Take a tour of an ice cream factory without leaving your seat. Fleisher gives the history and production methods of ice cream, and even provides recipes for making the tempting dessert.

Hurford. Rabbit Stew.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

King, Hazel. Milk and Yogurt.
Heinemann Library, 1998. ISBN 1-57572-657-2 RL: 3-5
The author provides students with nutritional information about these foods along with background details on where these foods are used throughout the world. Experiments and recipes let students apply what they have learned. Color photographs make the foods appealing to students.

Lauber, Patricia. What You Never Knew about Fingers, Forks, and Chopsticks.
Aladdin Paperbacks, 2002. ISBN 0-68985-100-6 RL: 3-6
Provides etiquette rules from all over the globe, plus information about how eating implements were developed and customs have changed over time. Instructions onhow to use chopsticks are also included.

Manes. Chocolate Covered Ants.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Meltzer, Milton. Food: How We Hunt and Gather It, How We Grow and Eat It, How We Preserve and Waste It, and How Some Have Too Much and Others Have Too Little of It.
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-0354-5 RL: 5 and up
The short sections make this book easy for students to manage. The information about how diet has changed over the years and how it is affected by culture is very readable and interesting. Illustrations are in black and white.

Ridgewell, Jenny. Fruits and Vegetables.
Heinemann Library, 1998. ISBN 1-57572-656-4 RL: 3-5
Common and unusual fruits and vegetables are pictured to grab students’ attention. Information about where the foods can be found and their nutritional value is presented in readable text and in maps and charts. Readers are also encouraged to have a healthy diet.

Rockwell, Thomas. How to Eat Fried Worms.
Bantam, Doubleday, Dell, 1973. ISNB 0-440-44545-0 RL: 4-8.
Fiction.

Solheim, James. It’s Disgusting and We Ate It!: True Food Facts from Around the World and Throughout History.
Aladdin Paperbacks, 2001. ISBN 0-68984-393-3 RL: 3-6
Solheim researched the world’s most unusual foods (like roasted spiders!) to accompany his text full of basic food facts and interesting trivia. Includes charts, tables, and recipes.

VanCleave, Janice. Janice VanCleave’s Food and Nutrition for Every Kid: Easy Activities That Make Learning Science Fun.
Wiley, 1999. ISBN 0-471-17666-4 (Carolina cat. no. 45-6444) RL: 4-8
All the basics of nutrition are covered—food groups, food labels, minerals and vitamins, and how the body uses food. Activities help students relate this information to life.

Adler. A Picture Book of Thomas Alva Edison.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Ardley. The Science Book of Electricity.
RL: PK-8.

Nonfiction.

Biddulph. Flashlights.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

—What Makes Light?
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Birch. Benjamin Franklin’s Adventures with Electricity.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Cleary. Dear Mr. Henshaw.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Clements, Andrew. Jake Drake, Know It All.
Simon and Schuster, 2001. ISBN 0-68983-881-6 RL: 2-4
Fourth-grader Jake Drake tells about his third-grade science fair project, when he learned a lot about electromagnets but even more about the pitfalls of being a know-it-all. With its true-to-life dialogue, this story will entice transitional readers.

Cuthridge. Thomas A. Edison Young Inventor.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

DiSpezio, Michael. Awesome Experiments in Electricity & Magnetism.
Sterling, 1999. ISBN 0-8069-9819-9 (Carolina cat. no. 45-8907) RL: 5-8
Electricity, switches, circuits, and magnetism’s connection to electricity are explained in an entertaining style. Experiments and suggestions for more in-depth investigations extend the learning.

Fritz. What’s the Big Idea, Ben Franklin?
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction/Biography.

Gearhart, Sarah. The Telephone.
Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, 1999. ISBN 0-689-82815-2 RL: 5-9
Gearhart presents a great deal of details in an easy-to-work-with format. Students read about and view the developmental stages of the phone.

Giblin, James Cross. The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin.
Scholastic Press, 2000. ISBN 0-59-048534-2 RL: 3-6
This book covers Franklin’s entire life, touching on his many great contributions as printer, scientist, inventor, politician, and humanitarian. Includes wonderful oil illustrations and line drawings, plus a wealth of back matter: a time line, list of Franklin’s inventions, sayings from Poor Richard’s Almanack, list of historic sites associated with Franklin, and more.

Glover, Danny. Batteries, Bulbs, and Wires.
Houghton Mifflin, 2002. ISBN 0-75345-510-2 RL: 3-6
The connection between magnetism and electricity is explored in this paperback edition. Each page has an activity that goes along with the concept introduced. Photos and illustrations complement the text.

Hopping, Lorraine Jean. Wild Weather: Lightning!
Scholastic/Cartwheel, 1999. ISBN 0-590-52285-X RL: 1-4
This book begins with facts about the discovery and history of lightning. Also included are facts about lightning’s connection to electricity and technology, myths surrounding it, and even survivor tales of those struck by lightning.

Lawson. Ben and Me.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Macaulay, David. The New Way Things Work.
Houghton/A Walter Lorraine Book, 1998. ISBN 0-395-93847-3 RL: 4 and up
It’s bigger and better, with even more machines than before. Now, computers are included. Readers can expect a high level of detail in the explanations and drawings.

Middleton, Haydn. Thomas Edison.
Oxford University, 1998. ISBN 0-19-521401-3 RL: 3-4
Facts about Edison and his contributions are written in a style easily understood by students. Illustrations, rather than photographs, are included.

Parker, Steve. Shocking, Slimy, Stinky, Shiny Science Experiments.
Sterling, 1999. ISBN 0-8069-6295-X RL: 3-6
Children can explore light, electricity, smells, and slime by performing the 73 activities listed here. Related facts and photographs of students performing the experiments add to the information available.

Sandler. Inventors (A Library of Congress Book).
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Simon. Einstein Anderson Shocks His Friends.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Wallace, Joseph. The Lightbulb.
Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, 1999. ISBN 0-689-82816-0 RL: 5-9
The development of the lightbulb is presented along with further advancements. The text is simple enough for elementary students to understand, and the photographs make the book interesting.

Allison. The Reasons for the Seasons.
RL: PK-3.

Nonfiction.

Atkins. Girls Who Looked Under Rocks: The Lives of Six Pioneering Naturalists’ Remarkable Discoveries.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Baylor. If You Are a Hunter of Fossils.
RL: 1-5.

Poetry.

Baylor. I’m in Charge of Celebrations.
RL: 1-5.

Poetry.

Field. Discovering Northwestern Volcanoes.
RL: 3-8.

Nonfiction.

Hurst . Rocks in His Head.
RL: PK-3.

Fiction.

5th Grade

Allsburg. Jumanji.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Baylor. The Desert Is Theirs.
RL: 1-5.

Folklore.

—  I’m in Charge of Celebrations.
RL: 1-5.

Poetry.

—  The Table Where Rich People Sit.
RL: PK-5.

Fiction.

Busche. Dining on a Sunbeam: Food Chains and Food Webs.
RL: 3-8.

Nonfiction.

Cherry. The Great Kapok Tree.
RL: PK-5.

Folklore.

Coweher. Rainforests.
RL: PK-5.

Nonfiction.

Dahl. The Enormous Crocodile.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Dehr. Good Planets Are Hard to Find.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Dorros. Rainforest Secrets.
RL: 3-8.

Nonfiction.

Freedman. Tooth and Claw.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

George. One Day in the Tropical Rainforest.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Sabin. Ecosystems and Food Chains.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Tayentor. Dive to the Coral Reefs.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Taylor . The Cay.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Birch. Benjamin Franklin’s Adventures with Electricity.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Byars. Tornado.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

MacLachlan. Sarah, Plain and Tall.
RL: 3-8.

Fiction.

Ruckman. Night of the Twisters.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

Baylor. If You Are a Hunter of Fossils.
RL: 1-5.

Poetry.

Base, Graeme. The Water Hole.
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2001. ISBN 0-81094-568-1 RL: 3 and up

A fantasy story about ten different animals from ten different countries that come to drink at a water hole. The hole dries up and the animal visitors leave. The cycle begins again with a drop of water, rain showers, a new watering hole, and the return of the animals. Includes bright and colorful illustrations of animals such as a rhinoceros, kangaroo, and panda.

Byrnie, Faith Hickman. Six-Minute Nature Experiments.
Sterling, 1999. ISBN 0-8069-9827-X RL: 3-6

Animals introduce each experiment that encourages students to find out about nature. Topics such as sound, water, temperature, and motion are presented. Colorful illustrations make the text lively and understandable.

Coombs, Karen Mueller. Children of the Dust Days.
Carolrhoda Books, 2000. ISBN 1-57-505360-8 RL: 3-6

Coombs depicts through words and authentic photographs how children lived through the Dust Bowl days of the 1930’s. She offers possible reasons why erosion hit Midwest wheat fields during the drought.

Dewey, Jennifer Owings. Mud Matters: Stories of a Mud Lover.
Marshall Cavendish, 1998. ISBN 0-7614-5014-9 RL: PK-4

The author tells of her childhood adventures with many types of mud. Everything from the building properties to the healing properties of mud is covered. The desert of the Southwest provides an appropriate background.

Field. Discovering Northwestern Volcanoes.
RL: 3-8.

Nonfiction.

Geisert, Bonnie. River Town.
Houghton/A Walter Lorraine Book, 1999. ISBN 0-395-90891-4 RL: 1-5

Life along a river in early America is portrayed in intricate detail. Through the artwork, readers learn how the river affects life and vice versa.

Harrison, David L. Rivers: Nature’s Busy Waterways.
Boyds Mills Press, 2002. ISBN 1-56397-968-3 RL: 1-4

Look no farther to answer any question about rivers. Much of the book is devoted to the development and movement of rivers. Other topics include the water cycle, food chains, ecology, and the environment.

Hodge, Deborah. Beavers.
Kids Can, 1998. ISBN 1-55074-429-1 RL: 2-4

The simple text and large illustrations make this an independent read for students. They can discover much about the beaver, its habitat, and its interaction with land and water.

Hooper, Meredith. The Drop in My Drink: The Story of Water on Our Planet.
Viking, 1998. ISBN 0-670-87618-6 RL: 3-5

Students are shown how precious water is by going back through time to the creation of Earth. The text and illustrations help students to understand that all the water we have now is all that will ever be available.

Keller, Ellen. Floods!
Simon & Schuster Spotlight, 1999. ISBN 0-689-82021-6 RL: 4-7

Keller makes this natural occurrence exciting by including personal stories along with the facts about causes and effects of floods. Color photographs can be found in the center of the book.

Meister, Cari. Earthquakes.
ABDO, 1999. ISBN 1-57765-083-2 RL: 4-6

These awesome events are explained with text, charts, and illustrations. Students can also learn how scientists are learning to forecast earthquakes.

Miller, Debbie S. River of Life.
Houghton Mifflin, 2000. ISBN 0-39596-790-2 RL: 1-4

Follows an Alaskan river and the lives of the animals that use it. Glossary gives information on the animals mentioned, such as bears, moose, and salmon.

Minor, Wendell. Grand Canyon: Exploring a Natural Wonder.
Scholastic/Blue Sky, 1998. ISBN 0-590-47968-7 RL: 4-8

The author tells of his journey through the Grand Canyon. Thomas Moran’s paintings are used as illustrations.

Robson, Pam. Mountains and Our Moving Earth.
Millbrook Press, 2001. ISBN 0-761321-66-7 RL: 2-4

With facts about rocks, minerals, mountains, erosion, volcanoes, and earthquakes, this read is great for a beginning geologist. Beyond the facts are color photos, drawings, projects, and experiment ideas.

Rogers, Daniel. Volcanoes.
Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1999. ISBN 0-8172-5547-8 RL: 3-4

Plenty of why and how information is given along with the positive and negative impact on the environment. Students also learn about the science of predicting an eruption. Lots of color photographs capture the awe of this natural event.

Staedter. Rocks and Minerals.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Wadsworth, Ginger. River Discoveries.
Charlesbridge Publishing, 2002. ISBN 1-5709-1418-4 RL: 1-4

Shows how 13 animals depend upon North American rivers for shelter and food. Each page is devoted to a different animal, such as the moose, water beetle, and mountain lion. Also includes colorful watercolor illustrations, glossary, and discussion questions.

Bull, Angela. Flying Ace: The Story of Amelia Earhart.
Dorling Kindersley, 2000. ISBN 0-78-945435-1 RL: 2-4

In this account of pilot Amelia Earhart’s life, students not only learn about the famous aviator, but also about the times and places in which she lived and worked. Includes maps, photographs, informative sidebars (about prohibition, navigational tools, 1920s and ’30s fashion, other aviator heroes, etc.), and glossary.

Byrnie, Faith Hickman. Six-Minute Nature Experiments.
Sterling, 1999. ISBN 0-8069-9827-X RL: 3-6

Animals introduce each experiment that encourages students to find out about nature. Topics such as sound, water, temperature, and motion are presented. Colorful illustrations make the text lively and understandable.

Cleary. The Mouse and the Motorcycle.
RL: 4-8.

Fiction.

DiSpezio, Michael. Awesome Experiments in Force & Motion.
Sterling, 1999. ISBN 0-8069-9821-0 RL: 5-8

The experiments presented here help students to  understand five main concepts—inertia, propulsion, air pressure, buoyancy, and surface tension. The author also includes critical-thinking activities that ask students to try different ways to complete the experiment.

Englart, Mindi Rose. Bikes: From Start to Finish.
Gale Group, 2002. ISBN 1-56711-486-5 RL: 3-5

This book, which spotlights the Cannondale bicycle factory in Pennsylvania, shows a factory production process—designing, testing, welding, and painting. Accompanying full-color photographs that show factory employees at work add realism.

Herbert, Janis. Leonardo da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas: 21 Activities.
Chicago Review, 1998. ISBN 1-55652-298-3 RL: 4-8

The title says it all! Students learn about da Vinci’s life and his designs, and they have the opportunity to do related projects. The artwork captures the Renaissance flavor.

Hodge, Deborah. Simple Machines.
Kids Can, 1998. ISBN 1-55074-311-2 RL: 2-4

Simple text and step-by-step instructions for experiments help children to discover such simple machines as the wheel, lever, and pulley. Pictures are included.

Horvatic. Simple Machines.
RL: 3-8.

Nonfiction.

Macaulay, David. The New Way Things Work.
Houghton/A Walter Lorraine Book, 1998. ISBN 0-395-93847-3 RL: 4 and up

It’s bigger and better, with even more machines than before. Now, computers are included. Readers can expect a high level of detail in the explanations and drawings.

Plottner, Kevin. The Best Paper Airplanes You’ll Ever Fly.
Klutz Press, 1999. ISBN 1-57054-178-7 RL: 1 and up

Spectacular flights are guaranteed if you follow the well-written directions to the letter. A section on troubleshooting is also included.

Simon. The Paper Airplane Book.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Sullivan, George. Burnin’ Rubber: Behind the Scenes in Stock Car Racing.
Millbrook, 1998. ISBN 0-7613-1256-0 RL: 4-6

Students are presented with information on all areas of NASCAR racing. They get an insider’s look at developing the car, financing it, and racing it. The pictures and readability will motivate even reluctant readers.

Taylor, Barbara. Structures, Materials, and Art Activities.
Crabtree Publishing, 2002. ISBN 0-7787-1113-7 RL: 2-4

Gives factual information and related art projects on tents, skyscrapers, and pyramids as well as stained glass, highways, glassblowing, and plastics. Children will enjoy the interconnected facts and activities, and busy teachers trying to extend their lessons with meaningful art activities will also appreciate them.

Van Cleave. Machines.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

7th Grade

BCleary. The Mouse and the Motorcycle.
RL: 4-8.
Fiction.

Simon. The Paper Airplane Book.
RL: 4-8.

Nonfiction.

Smith. The History of Flight.
RL: 4-8.
Nonfiction.

8th Grade

None suggested. A wealth of fiction (e.g. Carl Hiassen) and non-fiction literature on water quality is available, and most teachers have their own lists.