GUIBERSON, Brenda Z. Frog Song. illus. by Gennady Spirin. Holt. 2013. ISBN 9780805092547. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K–2).

“Slurp!” The Darwin’s frog in Chile scoops up the tadpoles and keeps them in his vocal sacs for seven weeks. Then the froglets jump out of his mouth. A wood frog in Canada sings a “brackbrack!” song when she calls her mate. The female Surinam toad carries 100 eggs in the skin on her back. In four months, tadpoles will swim through her skin and away from their mother. Children will learn how frogs and toads sing all over the world as they incubate and hatch their babies. Gorgeous tempera, watercolor, and pencil illustrations provide young students with eye-opening visuals.

KRULL, Kathleen and Paul Brewer. The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny). illus. by Stacy Innerst. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780547509914. JLG Level: E+ : Easy Reading (Grades 1–3).

Lots of kids learn to play guitar or drums, but not every musical kid makes history. The Fab Four, otherwise known as the Beatles, zoomed to stardom from Liverpool, England to San Francisco―and everywhere in between. After seventeen straight times of singing it, they recorded their first song―”Love Me Do.” Their next song, “Please Please Me,” hit number one on England’s music charts. The band that laughingly considered calling themselves the Rainbows, created Beatlemania. They played for the Queen Mother―and even joked with her while onstage. When interviewed, they answered questions, but their sense of humor got in the way of a serious response. When George was asked what he called his hairstyle, he replied, “Arthur.” Ringo answered “How did you find America?” with “We went to Greenland and made a left.” After all, don’t silly questions deserve silly answers? The husband and wife team of Krull and Brewer guide the reader from the start of the Beatles’s career until their final album, Abbey Road―though you may have to be a fan to see the importance of the album cover tribute illustration. Adults sharing the story with kids will have a soundtrack playing in the back of their minds while they read. The listeners will want to hear it too.

MARKLE, Sandra. Bats: Biggest! Littlest! Boyds Mills. 2013. ISBN 9781590789520. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K–2).

The Great Fruit-Eating Bat carries and eats figs while he flies. The Tube-Lipped Nectar Bat has a tongue so long that it’s attached to its ribcage. When not in use, the tongue curls up next to its heart. The Gray-Headed Flying Fox carries her baby with her, while Free-Tailed Bats cluster together on their own as their mother forages for food. Bats are as small as six inches and have a wingspan as big as three feet. Markle amazes readers with fascinating fats about bats―big and little, in this new addition to an animal series that includes large photographs and fonts.

ROSENTHAL, Amy Krouse and Tom Lichtenheld. Exclamation Mark. Scholastic. 2013. ISBN  9780545436793. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K–2).

Whoever said that reading about punctuation would be boring? Exclamation Mark is a laugh-out-loud adventure that appeals to everyone’s insecurities. “It seemed like the only time he [the exclamation mark] didn’t stand out was when he was asleep.” He was different, no matter how hard he tried to fit in. When an inquisitive question mark asks him more questions than he can handle, he finds his voice, shouting, “STOP!” It feels good to shout, so he tries something else―accepting himself.  Finding his place in the world could have endless possibilities. Simply told and illustrated, Rosenthal and Lichtenheld have created a classic that goes far beyond a language arts lesson.

STONE, Tanya Lee. Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell. Holt. 2013. ISBN 9780805090482. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K–2).

Elizabeth Blackwell never walked away from a challenge. Whether it was sleeping on the floor to toughen herself up or carrying her brother over her head until she got her way, the little girl was determined to succeed. As a woman in the 1840s, she ran into a road block. She had decided to become a doctor even though everyone always said  that women can’t be doctors. Twenty-eight medical colleges refused to admit her, but Elizabeth wouldn’t give up. “No” was an answer she could not accept. Stone includes a two-page author’s note with more facts about the life of America’s first female doctor. Her narrative biographical account is perfect for reading aloud.

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

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.

ARNOLD, Caroline. Too Hot? Too Cold?: Keeping Body Temperature Just Right. illus. by Annie Patterson.  Charlesbridge. 2013. ISBN 9781580892766. JLG Level: SCE : Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2-6).

Written in a voice that speaks directly to the reader, Arnold’s text presents facts about body temperature. “You have a layer of fat under your skin. It is like a built-in blanket that helps protect your body and keep it warm.” The author introduces various behaviors that influence natural temperature, such as weather, clothing, and location. Glossary and author’s note provide supplemental nonfiction text features.

MARKLE, Sandra. The Long, Long Journey: The Godwit’s Amazing Migration.

illus. by Mia Posada. Millbrook. 2013. ISBN 9780761356233. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K-2).

In picture book format, Markle and Posada tell a story about the 7,200 mile migration of a godwit. Hatching in an Alaskan summer, the bird learns to fly, catch its food, and develop its defenses. In October, it will make a long, nonstop journey to New Zealand. Young readers will enjoy the narrative lilt of the text, while older children will appreciate the numerous facts. Appended information, including an author’s note, round out the nonfiction features. Beautiful collage and watercolor illustrations communicate one bird’s lifecycle in migration.

MARTIN JR., Bill. I Love Our Earth / Amo nuestra tierra. illus. by Dan Lipow. Charlesbridge. 2013. ISBN 9781580895569. JLG Level: PS : Primary Spanish (Grades K-3).

Full-color photographs illustrate a poetic tribute to the seasons of the earth and times of the day. This bilingual picture book uses simple language to convey an introduction to nature. Panoramic views depict mountains and seas. Kids of all ages and cultures illustrate the meaning of each line. This simple overview of a child’s world makes it a good selection for even preschool storytimes.

NELSON, Kadir. Nelson Mandela.  HarperCollins/Katherine Tegan. 2013. ISBN 9780061783760. JLG Level: BE : Biography Elementary (Grades 2-6).

Much-loved and respected author/illustrator Kadir Nelson gives children an up-close-and-personal look at Nelson Mandela. From the tight shot of Mandela on the cover to the final shot of the world leader’s fist in the air, powerful images punctuate this introduction to the life of the first black president of South Africa. Expressive verse allows the author to convey a young boy who saw injustice and vowed to make a difference. A must-have for your picture book biography collection.

For ideas about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

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.