Library Goddesses - Nonfiction for Kids

The Day-Glo Brothers

2016-06-08T17:56:00.001-04:00


by Chris Barton

The Day-Glo Brothers is the true story of Bob and Joe Switzer's discovery of florescent paints and their applications. Joe, a novice magician, wanted to spice up his magic act. Bob, unable to pursuit medicine due to a work injury, helped Joe experiment with ultraviolet lights. Soon they noticed that some chemicals left by their pharmacist father glowed under the light. Through trial and error they discovered florescent paint. When WWII arrived, the military found multiple uses for the paints, and eventually the brothers were wealthy. Now florescent paint is used everywhere and we have the Day-Glo brothers to thank for their discovery. This is a great book for kids who love finding out about the origins of products or are interested in scientific inventions.

Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box

2016-05-27T14:23:00.002-04:00

by David McPhail

This is a small biography of Beatrix Potter focusing on her early years when she is given her mother's paint box.The book continues to show Beatrix's love of painting which led her to write her first book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit". Through David McPhail's intimate watercolor paintings, we see Beatrix's love of the countryside and animals which were so central to her books. There's not a lot of detail about Beatrix's life nor is there any back matter for further reference. However, it's a good introduction to Beatrix Potter for younger children.

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons

2016-05-13T13:52:00.000-04:00

                                                           by Julie Fogliano

This is a collection of poems throughout the seasons. All are free verse and very sweet and accessible for kids. The illustrations by Julie Morstad are a perfect match, following a little girl through the rain, snow, sun and chill. Here's a sample poem:

   may 10
                                                     lilac sniffing
                                                     is what to do
                                                     with a nose
                                                     when it is may
                                                     and there are lilacs
                                                     to be sniffed

Flutter and Hum/ Aleteo y Zumbido

2016-05-07T10:48:00.001-04:00

by Julie Paschkis

Flutter and Hum is a collection of free verse animal poems for children written in English on the left page and Spanish on the right. Each poem uses playful words to describe the animal's special qualities.
Here's a sample poem:

Dog
The shaggy dog
wiggles, wiggles,
squirms
and leaps.
His wagging tail
fans wild happiness
into the wide world.

The illustrations, also done by Julie Paschkis are colorful and decorative, evoking Mexican painted animals. Within the illustrations Ms. Paschkis has included descriptive words in both Spanish and English. Overall, it's a fun and colorful poetry collection celebrating animals.

I Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are by Bridget Heos

2016-03-23T19:22:00.002-04:00

This picture book is a funny science book about the common housefly. The narrator is a cartoon fly who quizzes a classroom of kids as to their knowledge about flies. Beyond the "ew" factor of maggots, eating garbage etc. this book is a hilarious introduction to a common (but little discussed) insect. The main fly character is full of personality as he extols the virtues of his fellow flies. At the back of the book there's a glossary and bibliography for further information.

In the Canyon by Liz Garton Scanlon

2016-03-23T19:06:00.000-04:00

Told in rhyme, this picture book explores a girl's day hike into the Grand Canyon. Readers follow her down the trail to the bottom, meeting various animals and experiencing nature along the way. At the book's end, the girl's in her room in the city, peering up at the moon. She has kept the Grand Canyon memories in her heart. There's more information in the back: Author's Note, Glossary and Further Reading links. Ashley Wolff's illustrations, done in linoleum block print, capture the southwest feel of the location. A beautiful exploration of a national treasure.

Water is Water by Miranda Paul

2016-01-05T11:05:00.001-05:00

This is a gorgeous picture book about the various states of water: rain, fog, clouds, puddles etc. While the main part of the book is poetic rather than educational, there's informational matter in the back which helps to explain the water cycle. Instead of overly explaining the scientific aspects of water, the text plays with words and the images tell a story of a family (probably in New England) encountering water throughout the days and seasons. Lovely watercolors by Jason Chin. A good introduction to the water cycle for younger elementary ages.

Ann Elizabeth's Diary by Anne Elizabeth Rector and Kathleen Krull

2015-12-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

This is a short, but sweet and informative diary of a twelve year old girl, Ann Elizabeth Rector, who was born in 1899 in West Virginia. She grew up as an only child in New York City and in this year-long diary recounts life there: her schooling, friends, family and desire to be an artist. Eventually, Ann Elizabeth does become an artist, initially as a fine artist and in later years as a crafter of toys. Throughout the diary are actual illustrations done by Ann Elizabeth, in addition to historical information and photos of Ann Elizabeth. This is a great book for girls (or boys) who are between 8-12, and interested in art and/or history.

Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick

2015-12-22T14:54:00.001-05:00

This book tells the true story behind Winnie-the-Pooh. Finding Winnie is a story within a story: the reader is learning about Winnie while the mother in the book tells the story to her son. It opens with a soldier heading off to WWI. At a train stop, the soldier sees a bear sitting with a trapper. Being a veterinarian, the young soldier has sympathy for the bear and buys him from the trapper. Winnipeg, or Winnie as she is later called, acts as a mascot for his fellow soldiers while at training camp and travels with them to England. As Winnie gets a bit older and the soldier has to go to the front, he gives her to the London zoo. While there, Winnie befriends a small boy named Christopher, whose father goes onto write about the bear in children's books. This is a true story, but told in a personal and interesting way (the author is the great-granddaughter of the soldier.) Sophie Blackall's illustrations are lovely and muted, giving the book a sweet, vintage quality.

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos by Stephanie Roth Sisson

2015-01-17T15:35:00.001-05:00

Star Stuff is a picture book biography of Carl Sagan, astrophysicist and original host of Cosmos, the PBS series about the universe. This biography deals with Carl's early years and development of his fascination with stars and planets. There's numerous illustrations depicting Carl's neighborhood in New York and the night sky that Carl loved to dream about. Several of the illustrations are in wide format or fold out orientation, so that the reader can imagine outer space along with Carl. The end of the book shows Carl on t.v. and assembling a recording for the 1977 Voyager spacecrafts---a recording which is still being carried out into the far reaches of space! This book is a good introduction to astronomers and outer space for kids 5 and older.

Spic and Span! Lillian Gilbreth's Wonder Kitchen by Monica Kulling

2015-01-17T15:09:00.000-05:00

"Spic and Span!..." is the biography of Lillian Moller Gilbreth, a woman of many hats: inventor, industrial engineer, author, professor and psychologist. In addition, Lillian was the mother of eleven children! Lillian and her husband Frank were one of the first efficiency experts in the early 1900's. They analyzed worker's movements and made recommendations for their improved performance and safety. Lillian's husband passed away unexpectedly, which left Lillian with the task of providing for her large family by herself. Consequently, she went to work for Macy's analyzing the efficiency of their cash handling process. With limited time to cook for the family, Lillian found herself trying to improve the flow of her own kitchen. This led to a new area of expertise: kitchen design and invention. She invented the electric mixer and pedal-opening trash can, among other things. The clarity of writing and illustration in "Spic and Span!..." lends itself to readers ages 7-12. It's a great introduction to a little-known woman who was a pioneer in the field of industrial engineering (and also part of a series entitled "Great Idea Series" which showcases other obscure inventors).

Desert Life: a Close-Up Look at the Natural World of a Desert by Barbara Taylor

2014-11-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

Each chapter in Desert Life features a different species that has adapted to survive in this harsh habitat. From examples of snakes and turtles to gerbils and cacti, this book proves that living in the desert takes special skills and aptitudes, particularly the ability to go without food or water for several days. Young readers will enjoy learning about these species for the first time.

Readalikes:

Deserts by Seymour Simon

Desert Giant: the World of the Saguaro Cactus by Barbara Bash

Watching Desert Wildlife by Jim Arnosky

Apps:

Desert Tortoise
http://www.nps.gov/moja/photosmultimedia/desert-tortoise-iphone-app.htm

easyLearn Adaptations in Animals
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/easylearn-adaptations-in-animals/id579406670?mt=8

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum app
https://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/geotrex.php

Places:

The Massachusetts Desert
http://www.marlborough-ma.gov/gen/marlboroughma_concommisn/parks/desert_area

Desert Animals
http://www.desertusa.com/animals.html

The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest by Steve Jenkins

2014-11-24T11:29:00.000-05:00

Explore the dangers and excitement of climbing Mount Everest as you enjoy the beautiful cut-out collage illustrations of The Top of the World. This book introduces several new concepts, including Himalayan culture and mountaineering to young adventurers who want to know more about extreme travel.

Readalikes:

Danger on the Mountain: Scaling the World's Highest Peaks by Andrew Donkin

Everest: an Eyewitness Book by Rebecca Stephens

To the Top: the Story of Everest by Stephen Venables

Apps:

Airplane Mount Everest

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/airplane-mount-everest/id875998232?mt=8

Mount Everest Travel Guide

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id565946637

Mountaineering

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.max.Mountaineering&hl=en

Places:

Wachusett Mountain winter sports

http://www.wachusett.com/

MA mountains and peaks

http://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos/Massachusetts/

Mount Greylock

http://www.summitpost.org/mount-greylock/150465

The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus by Jen Bryant

2014-11-22T11:07:00.000-05:00

This book is an introduction to Peter Mark Roget, the man who devised the thesaurus. Ms. Bryant tells of Roget's birth in Switzerland and move to England when a young child. Being shy, Roget's youth is spent reading books and compiling lists, something that serves him well later on. Roget eventually becomes a tutor and a doctor, more sources of information that will help write his thesaurus. After starting a family and establishing his medical career, Roget notices other books of word lists which aren't as effective as his. This gives him the courage and inspiration to publish his own work in 1852. The illustrations throughout the book use text and collage in Melissa Sweet's inventive way. Historical objects (book bindings, type drawers, Roget's pages etc) are incorporated throughout and much of the text has synonyms provided. At the end of the book, there's additional notes and a timeline on Roget. The Right Word is a fun and informative book for ages 5 and older.

Railroad Fever: Building the Transcontinental Railroad 1830-1870 by Monica Halpern

2014-11-18T12:40:00.001-05:00

This non-fiction chapter book starts with an introduction to the earliest industrial technologies that would eventually create the transcontinental railroad. Each chapter focuses on a specific theme, from the conditions of the workers to native life in the Wild West. The Great Race between the Union and Central Pacific railroads boasts its own chapter, culminating in the driving of the golden spike where the two rails meet. Railroad Fever is a great book for older middle school readers.

Readalikes:

Bandanas, Chaps and Ten Gallon Hats by Bobbie Kalman

The Railroad by John R. Matthews

The Industrial Revolution by Hilarie N. Staton

Apps:

Industrial Revolution
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/industrial-revolution/id399672536?mt=8

UP Steam
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/up-steam/id468495042?mt=8

Places:

Holiday Train Rides
http://boston.mommypoppins.com/kids/the-polar-express-holiday-trains-story-times-and-movie-rides-in-and-around-boston

Train Gallery at Wenham Museum
http://www.wenhammuseum.org/trains.html

Chatham Railroad Museum
http://www.chathamrailroadmuseum.com/

Seeing Stars by Dandi Daley Mackall

2014-11-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

Sparkly stars seem to light up this book of introductory constellations. With poetic narration, Seeing Stars compares constellations in the sky to their imaginary counterparts. A bear outline helps children conceptualize the Great Bear, for example. All of the constellations appear together at the end of the book, making it perfect for early grade readers.

Readalikes:

The Big Dipper by Franklyn M. Branley

Stars! Stars! Stars! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Older than the Stars by Karen C. Fox

Apps:

Star Walk
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-walk-5-stars-astronomy/id295430577?mt=8

Astronaut Trainer
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jetpack-journeys-astronaut/id761412238?mt=8

Cosmographia
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cosmographia/id519714038?mt=8

Places:

Boston University public open night
http://www.bu.edu/astronomy/events/public-open-night-at-the-observatory/

Astronomy after Hours, Museum of Science
http://www.mos.org/public-events/astronomy-after-hours

Danger - Icebergs! by Roma Gans

2014-11-17T14:54:00.001-05:00

This is a simple book for elementary school readers who want to know more about the Arctic, or the natural phenomenon that led to the sinking of the Titanic. From formation to dissolution, this book follows the life of an iceberg. While icebergs can provide habitats for arctic animals, they are also potentially dangerous. After reviewing the Titanic disaster, the book ends with a brief mention of how sailors and travelers protect themselves from icebergs today.

Readalikes:

Antarctica by Linda Aspen-Baxter

Icebergs and Glaciers by Seymour Simon

Explore Antarctica by Bobbie Kalman

Apps:

Chasing Ice
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chasing-ice/id579276308?mt=8

Mission Antarctica
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mission-antarctica/id451913321?mt=8

Titanic Database
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/titanic-database/id517114728?mt=8

Places:

Titanic Museum
http://www.titanichistoricalsociety.org/museum/

Exploring the Arctic Seafloor exhibition
http://polardiscovery.whoi.edu/museums/exhibit.html

The X-Ray Picture Book of Big Buildings in the Ancient World by JoAnne Jessop

2014-11-17T11:12:00.000-05:00

The cross-section illustrations in Big Buildings will delight children who want a more detailed understanding of some of the most famous ancient architecture ever constructed. The Great Pyramid, the Parthenon, and Notre Dame are just a few of the structures that are dissected and deconstructed to help explain how they were built. A helpful glossary in the back keeps all the new terms in one convenient place.

Readalikes:

The Taj Mahal: How and Why it was Built by Christine Moorcroft

Greek Temples by Don Nardo

Apps:

Minecraft
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/minecraft-pocket-edition/id479516143?mt=8

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aga-khan-award-for-architecture/id485296765?mt=8

Places:

Harvard Art Museum Ancient Art Collection
http://www.harvardartmuseums.org/collections/special-collections/ancient-mediterranean-and-near-eastern-bronzes-at-the-harvard-art-museums

Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology
https://www.peabody.harvard.edu/

Bodh Gaya and other Buddhist Holy Places by Mandy Ross

2014-11-10T13:55:00.002-05:00

It can be hard to find clear explanations of Buddhism, but this book does a great job of summing up Buddha's life and mission in just a few pages. The rest of the book is dedicated to understanding Buddhist symbols and practices including pilgrimage sites, festivals and temple rituals. Bodh Gaya and other Buddhist Holy Places is appropriate for middle school readers, especially as an informational resource.

Readalikes:

Buddhism in Thailand by Frances Hawker and Sunantha Phusomsai

Buddhism: Yuranan's Story by Holly Wallace

Buddha by Demi

Apps:

My First Yoga Animal Poses for Kids
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-first-yoga-animal-poses/id365336362?mt=8

Zen Garden 2
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/izen-garden-2-portable-zen/id347232643?mt=8

Enchanted Meditation for Kids
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/enchanted-meditations-for/id490096965?mt=8

Places:

Shambhala Community
http://boston.shambhala.org/

Zen Center
http://bostonzen.org/

Journey to Ellis Island by Carol Bierman

2014-11-10T11:52:00.000-05:00

This book follows a Russian boy and his family on their journey to the United States in the 1920s. Although presented as a narrative, this true story is supplemented with real photographs, postcards and personal items from the Weinstein family. Journey to Ellis Island does a great job of presenting immigration topics in a meaningful way, through the eyes of real people who experienced settling in a foreign country. This is a great book for middle school readers with a little guidance from parents along the way.

Readalikes:

How People Immigrate by Sarah De Capua

Ellis Island by Thomas S. Owens

Apps:

NYC Ellis Island: Take a virtual tour of Ellis Island
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nyc-ellis-island/id457142722?mt=8

Places:

American History Games for Kids
http://www.wartgames.com/themes/american/immigration.html

Scholastic: Meet Young Immigrants
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/young_immigrants/

Hanukkah: Festival of Lights

2014-11-10T11:04:00.001-05:00

Stories, songs, crafts and games fill Hanukkah: Festival of Lights, a guide to the prayers and traditions of the Jewish holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees. A helpful dictionary in the back assists younger children with learning Hebrew vocabulary, while a colorful map illustrates important places and events.

Readalikes:

Hanukkah Crafts: Fun Holiday Crafts Kids can do! by Karen E. Bledsoe

Happening Hanukkah: Creative Ways to Celebrate by Debra Mostow Zakarin

The First Night of Hanukkah by Nicki Weiss

Apps:

123 Color: Hanukkah Coloring Book
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/123-color-hanukkah-coloring-book

Dreidel HD
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dreidel-hd/id402462039?mt=8

Gus on the Go: Hebrew for Kids
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gus-on-the-go-hebrew-for-kids/id547205711?mt=8

Places:

JewishKids.org Hanukkah recipes, games and more!
http://www.chabad.org/kids/article_cdo/aid/354748/jewish/Chanukah.htm

Boston celebrations and activities:
http://boston.mommypoppins.com/kids/hanukkah-celebrations-and-fun-in-and-around-boston

P is for Pinata: A Mexico Alphabet by Tony Johnston

2014-10-28T14:33:00.002-04:00

The culture and history of Mexico comes alive in this A-Z adventure. More thorough descriptions of terms and traditions are located near the main text, which makes this book perfect for very young and/or independent readers. P is for Pintata will be best understood after reading a few introductory books about the country and its people.

Readalikes:

Art Across the Ages: Ancient Mexico by Kelly Campbell Hinshaw

Cultural Traditions in Mexico by Lynn Peppas

Foods of Mexico by Barbara Sheen

Country Explorers: Mexico by Lerner Publications Company

Apps:

Gus on the Go: Spanish for Kids
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gus-on-the-go-spanish-for-kids/id541567964?mt=8

Mexican Recipes
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavorfulapps.mexicanrecipesfree&hl=en

All About Sharks by Jim Arnosky

2014-10-28T14:06:00.001-04:00

This shark book will certainly appeal to elementary school readers who enjoy learning about shark species’ habits, characteristics and lifestyles. Colorful illustrations, easy vocabulary and simple text make this book particularly readable and enjoyable.

Readalikes:

Sharks by Gail Gibbons

A Shark Pup Grows Up by Pam Zollman

Tough, Toothy Baby Sharks by Sandra Markle

Apps:

Expedition White Shark- track Great Whites in real time

http://www.expeditionwhiteshark.com/

Discovery Kids Sharks

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/discovery-kids-sharks/id468416145?mt=8

Places:

Shark and Ray Touch Tank

http://www.neaq.org/animals_and_exhibits/exhibits/individual_exhibits/shark_and_ray_touch_tank/index.php

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris

2014-10-28T14:05:00.001-04:00

Christine King Farris memorializes her brother Dr. Martin Luther King in this beautiful book of stories from their childhood. While often seen as a revolutionary leader, Mrs. King Farris shows another, very personal side of Dr. King that proves any ordinary child can grow up to change the world.

Readalikes:

A Lesson for Martin Luther King Jr. by Denise Lewis Patrick

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

I Have a Dream by Scholastic Press

Apps:

GoExplore Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goexplore-martin-luther-king/id460465913?mt=8

Riding with Rosa Parks

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/riding-rosa-parks-laz-reader/id341736146?mt=8

Martin Luther King Speeches

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/martin-luther-king-jr.s-speech/id486026410?mt=8

Places:

Museum of African American History

http://www.afroammuseum.org/

Black History Trail

http://www.afroammuseum.org/trail.htm

From Head to Toe: Bound Feet, Bathing Suits and other Bizarre and Beautiful Things by Janice Weaver

2014-10-28T12:19:00.000-04:00

From corsets and zoot suits to blue jeans and ties, fashion has changed so much over the last several centuries! Often related to real political and historical events, these trends can change the way we relate to each other and world around us. This book is great for middle school readers who want to learn more about fashion as well as changing concepts of beauty over the years.

Readalikes:

18th Century Clothing by Bobbie Kalman

19th Century Clothing by Bobbie Kalman

From Rags to Riches: A History of Girl's Clothing in America by Leslie Sills

Children's Costumes by Mason Crest Publishers

Underwear: What we Wear under There by Ruth Freeman Swain

Apps:

Style Studio: Fashion Designer
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/style-studio-fashion-designer/id366492169?mt=8

Places:

MFA Boston Department of Textile Arts and Fashion
http://www.mfa.org/collections/david-roberta-logie-department-of-textile-fashion-arts