NPL Children's Department - Reading Suggestions

-Nonfiction-

Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars by Douglas Florian
The brightly colored pages of this book will attract people of all ages to read poems about each of the planets, plus the moon, stars, and more. Lines such as, "Pluto was a planet./ Pluto was admired./ Pluto was a planet./ Till one day it got fired." are fun, yet educational. A "Galactic Glossary" at the end of the book gives readers additional information on these objects in our universe. (jlw)

Dogs and Cats by Steve Jenkins
Whether you are a cat lover or a dog person, this book is for you! Read about how your favorite companion came to be a pet and how its body works. Then, flip the book over and find out about the other kind. The illustrations are so incredibly realistic; you'll want to pet them! Ages 6-10. (kd)

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston
Award winning artist Sylvia Long has teamed with author Dianna Aston to create this gorgeous and informative introduction to eggs. From tiny hummingbird eggs to giant ostrich eggs, oval ladybug eggs to tubular dogfish eggs, gooey frog eggs to fossilized dinosaur eggs, it magnificently captures the incredible variety of eggs and celebrates their beauty and wonder. Ages 8-10 (kd)

Here's Looking at Me: How Artists See Themselves by Bob Raczka
Enlightening artist information accompanies this colorful self-portrait collection made up of drawings, paintings, and photos of 14 famous artists including Vincent Van Gogh, Norman Rockwell, and Jan Vermeer. Each artist's take on him/herself shows readers and viewers of all ages that there is not one correct way of self-perception and self-expression. (jlw)

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming
This book is packed with short informational pieces as well as photos and other visual primary documents from Abraham and Mary's life. Fleming leaves nothing out as she describes life before, during, and after the family's time in the White House. Whether you read just parts of the book or complete the whole thing, you will learn something new about this fascinating family. Extensive sources and places to find additional information are included in the final pages. Ages 10 and up (jlw)

Oh, Rats! The Story of Rats and People by Albert Marrin
Did you know that a rat can squeeze its entire body through a pipe the size of a quarter or that a rat can survive being flushed down a toilet? Well, in this fascinating book, you will find out these as well as many other unusual and sometimes shocking facts about the rat. Rat history, nature, and biology are all discussed, as is the rat's long history with humans. There is a delectable section on how humans have served and eaten rats over the centuries, which is not to be missed. Pick up this book to get a new look at a very misunderstood and maligned creature. Ages 8 and up. (kp)

-Picture Books-

Bubba and Beau: Best Friends by Kathi Appelt
Bubba is a baby and Beau is a puppy - but they sure like the same things - going around on all fours, chewing, Bubba's blankie and mud. And they both dislike the same thing - SOAP! On wash day they think that things may never be the same again!

Don't Worry, Bear by Greg Foley
Bear and Caterpillar become fast friends in this sweet and simple story. When Caterpillar goes inside his cocoon, Bear becomes very concerned about his new friend. Bear keeps a close eye on the cocoon day and night, through warm weather and cold, as well as through wet and dry. Through it all, Caterpillar tells his friend not to worry, that everything will work out just fine. And it does. Caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly! Gr. PreK-2. (kp)

Flora's Surprise by Debi Gliori
Flora is the youngest in her bunny family. While everyone else is planting fruits and vegatables and flowers, Flora decides to plant a brick. Flora insists that her brick will grow into a house. Find out how a single brick can become a house.

No Babysitters Allowed by Amber Stewart
Hopscotch is a brave little bunny. He is not afraid of spiders, or hanging upside-down on the trapeze. However, having Mrs. Honeybunch babysit while his parents go out for the evening makes him feel worried inside and his tummy hurt. At first Hopscotch won't play, but when Mrs. Honeybunch reads his favorite books to Hopscotch's toy rabbit and gets the stories mixed up, Hopscotch helps out and discovers that having a babysitter can be fun. The cute illustrations, done in acrylics and pen and ink, perfectly match this gentle story. Ages 3-6. (tm)

Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is a fabulous pig who likes to dress up, go to the beach, sing very loud songs, go to the museum, and wear out her mother. The adventures continue in Olivia Saves the Circus. Watch for Olivia...and the Missing Toy.

The Trouble with Dragons by Deb Gliori
The trouble with dragons may sound a little bit familiar. They spread their houses and roads all over the place, cut down forests, leave huge messes, and even melt the icecaps with all that fire-breathing. When their world starts to become unlivable, the forest creatures give them some tips on how to clean up their act. This bouncingly-rhyming picture book is a great way to introduce kids to conservation. Ages 4-8. (ml)

The Web Files by Margie Palatini
Help Ducktective Web and his partner, Bill, find out who on the farm has been stealing peppers, tomatoes and lettuce. Can you quack the case? DUM DE DUM DUM DUM.

Widget by Lyn Rossiter McFarland
Widget is a little stray dog looking for a home. Mrs. Diggs' house seems perfect - except for the six cats who live there. But, they let Widget stay once he convinces them that he is also a cat - until a dog is need to save the day.