Bugs, water, rocks, and explosions—there’s something for everyone in this collection of science books! Get young ones interested in science by sliding these titles under their noses, and pairing each with a little field work. Hit the playground and search for beetles, or visit the local water plant. Or like Joe-Joe, blow something up! You know that they learn not only by reading, but also by doing.
JENKINS, Steve. The Beetle Book. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. ISBN 9780547680842. JLG Level: SCE: Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2-6)
What makes beetles so special? On his website, Jenkins supplies the answer to this question: line up every kind of plant and animal on Earth, and one in every four will be a beetle. The artwork in this book is fantastic, and the beetle facts are fascinating. More info in the back matter makes this a great choice for report writers.
MCKENZIE, Precious. Water World. Rourke. 2012. ISBN 9781617417696. JLG Level: Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K-2)
This title, along with many others in the Green Earth Discovery Library series, provides a great introduction on “green” living to the youngest listeners and readers. Great photographs and easy to follow page layouts contribute the browser-friendly nature of the series. Index, glossary, and resource list are included.
BRAUN, Eric. Joe-Joe the Wizard Brews Up Solids, Liquids, and Gases. illus. by Robin Boyden. (In the Science Lab Series). Picture Window. 2012. ISBN 9781404871472. JLG Level: CK2: Series Nonfiction: Science K-2 (Grades K-2)
Humor and familiar situations carry the science to the reader in this series. Joe-Joe’s spell to turn homework into chocolate bars doesn’t really work out, so he needs to learn more about how solids, liquids, and gases are formed. The fun and slightly manic illustrations beg for this book to be put on display.
BREDESON, Carmen. Weird But True Rocks. Enslow. 2011. ISBN 9780766038646. JLG Level: CK2: Series Nonfiction: Science K-2 (Grades K-2)
Lava bombs, moon rocks, and hoodoos-all weird, but all real types of rocks—are just a few of the fascinating subjects examined in this title from the Weird But True series. Brief text (with a pronunciation guide) is paired with excellent photographs to create an engaging experience for budding geologists. Back matter includes further reading, a glossary, index, and a list of websites.
Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.
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About Dodie Ownes
