When the Whales Walked
When the Whales Walked This book does a great job conveying the concepts of evolution to young people with beautiful pictures and articulate descriptions.
Kid
Northwind
Northwind This survival story starts out pretty bleak but ends up being adventurous and inspiring.
Da Vinci’s Cat
Da Vinci’s Cat Fantastic time travel chapter book. An Italian nobleman’s child held hostage meets modern tomboy at a Pope’s palace where Michelangelo is painting a secret ceiling project. Funny and historical both.
The Music in George’s Head
The Music in George’s Head Stacy Innerst somehow turns music into illustrations in this delightful picture book biography. Easy and inspiring to read.
The House of Serendipity
The House of Serendipity Fun, creative and historically accurate chapter book about sewing, dress design, and the Jazz Age in London, England.
Restart
Restart Another terrific chapter book read, about a boy who returns to school after a concussion to find that everyone hates him. It turns into a chance at major self-transformation.
The Iridescence of Birds
The Iridescence of Birds A fictional story of Henri Matisse’s childhood life, illustrated by Hadley Hooper IN THE STYLE of the artist. I can’t say often enough how much I love this book. Great way to talk about the whole concept of iridescence too.
Working Boats
Working Boats If you have a curious reader who enjoys Hunt and Seek books, these boat cut-away illustrations by the author will keep them busy for hours.
Making More
Making More Most amazing book of the year! Stunningly beautiful and scientifically accurate illustrations about the basic mechanics of life, reproduction. Touches on almost all families of life: bugs, birds, mammals, fish, plants – the whole shebang, in clear language reflecting the miracle that it is to be alive. Recommended for any age, this is … Read more
Jubilee
Jubilee If you like horse stories, and success against the odds stories, this one is for you. A picture book biography that both makes the reader feel good, but also instills them with hope and encouragement.