Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs by Meghan McCarthy

McCarthy, Meghan. Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2015. 48p.

This interesting book is all about how earmuffs were made. It includes a lot of diagrams of different earmuffs throughout history. Readers will learn that Chester Greenwood did not invent earmuffs, but that he made them way better! 

This is a great book for nonfiction units and for learning about inventions in science. Students will also learn about patents and how important they are!  

By guest bloggers Harrison and Mohamed, 4 Chaddock

As an Oak Tree Grows by Brian Karas

Karas, G. Brian. As an Oak Tree Grows. New York: Penguin Group, 2014. 32p. 

On a sunny day, a young boy plants an acorn in the ground. Readers can watch the young tree grow into a magnificent oak in the depths of these colorful pages! Go back in time to 1775 and explore the world throughout 200 years as the tree sprouts and grows roots deep in the soil!  

        

This book is good for plant units or life cycle examples. Both students and teachers will love this story of a beautiful oak tree as they learn about a plant’s life cycle. This story is great for teaching young students about the weather and history too!

By guest bloggers Elena and Fielding, 4 Chaddock

Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar

Sachar, Louis. Fuzzy Mud. New York: Delacorte Press, 2015. 192 p.

In this fast-paced environmental thriller, fifth-grader Tamaya and her seventh-grade neighbor Marshall take a shortcut through the woods on their way home from school. During a conflict with a bully, they discover some "fuzzy mud," uncovering a corporate disaster that will soon affect their entire town.

Alternating between accounts of the middle schoolers' actions and transcripts of Senate hearings, this is a book that will keep readers hooked while sparking lively conversations in classroom environmental units.

Guinea Pigs Are Not Pigs! by Evelyn Ryan

Ryan, Evelyn. Guinea Pigs Are Not Pigs! New York: Garth Stevens Publishing, 2015. 24p.

Have you ever wondered if guinea pigs are actually pigs? Well, now you know that they are not pigs! Guinea pigs are not pigs because guinea pigs don't roll around in mud. Guinea pigs don't eat slop either. These are a few facts from this interesting nonfiction book. Read the book to find out more!

This book is great for kindergarten, first grade and second grade. For first grade and kindergarten, teachers can read it out loud. For second grade, students can read it independently. It will make nonfiction units fun! It's also good for science units on animals.  

By: Guest bloggers Luke and Nick, 4 Chaddock

20 Fun Facts About Galaxies by Michael Sabatino

Sabatino, Michael. 20 Fun Facts About Galaxies. New York: Gareth Stevens Publishing, 2015. 32p.

This amazing book is all about galaxies from outer space. It also has super fun and cool facts about outer space like, "Galaxies will eventually fade into nothing!" Also, did you know that, "The first galaxies were formed over 13 billion years ago?" Another awesome fact is that, "The largest known galaxy is about 60 times bigger than our galaxy, the Milky Way." There are many, many more interesting facts about galaxies that you can learn about if you read this fascinating book!

This nonfiction book is useful to teachers because it teaches many things about the universe. It will make science and nonfiction reading units really exciting!

By: Guest bloggers Noah and Zachary W., 4 Chaddock

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

Sisson,Stephanie. Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2014. 40p.

As a young boy, Carl Sagan was curious about everything around him. His imagination took him everywhere. But then, he saw some stars. Not knowing what they were, he looked at them every day. How did he find out what they really were? How did he become one of the world's most famous astronomers? Read this interesting book to find out!!! 

This book teaches kids about creativity and some basic facts about space. It's perfect for science and for reading and writing biographies. Its illustrations show some important facts as well.

By: Guest bloggers Jaden, Jake and Zack F., 4 Chaddock

Winter Is Coming by Tony Johnston

Johnston, Tony. Winter is Coming. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2014. 40p.

A little girl is exploring outside in autumn. She draws pictures of every animal she sees while watching them from a tree house. All of the things she sees and draws are signs that winter is coming. The little girl feels that winter is coming- but will it?

This beautifully illustrated book is great for kindergarten through fourth grade. It's the perfect book for teaching about the environment, seasons and writing that paints a picture in your mind. Last but definitely not least, this book is wonderful for art. We hope you enjoy this majestic book!    
     
By: Guest bloggers Amanda and Brooke, 4 Chaddock           

Crocodile or Alligator? by Susan Kralovansky

Kralovansky, Susan. Crocodile or Alligator? North Mankato: Abdo, 2015. 24p.

Discover the differences between crocodiles and alligators in this concise nonfiction book! Well-supported by photographs, the text includes traditional features of nonfiction such as a table of contents, descriptive headings and a glossary. A step-by-step craft section at the end will also entice young readers. 

Fans of this book should check out others in the This or That? series as well!

Dear Wandering Wildebeest: And Other Poems from the Water Hole by Irene Latham

Latham, Irene. Dear Wandering Wildebeest: And Other Poems from the Water Hole. Minneapolis: Millbrook Press, 2014. 34 p.

Animal lovers will adore these beautifully written and illustrated poems about the animals of the African grasslands! Fact boxes accompanying each poem provide additional information on the animals and their environments.

Microwave Man: Percy Spencer and His Sizzling Invention by Sara Latta

Latta, Sara L. Microwave Man: Percy Spencer and His Sizzling Invention. Berkeley Heights: Enslow Publishers, 2014. 48 p.

Become inspired by Percy Spencer, a self-taught man who invented a system for producing radar tubes and later used his knowledge to change homes forever with the invention of the microwave! Learn how a melting candy bar led to one of the most popular inventions of the century as you read this high-interest biography, filled with supporting photographs, illustrations and fun facts.

For additional information on inventors, check out other books in the Inventors at Work series! 

The Woman Who Invented Windshield Wipers: Mary Anderson and Her Wonderful Invention by Sara Latta

Latta, Sara L.The Woman Who Invented Windshield Wipers: Mary Anderson and Her Wonderful Invention. Berkeley Heights: Enslow Publishers, 2014. 48 p.

Find out how Southern belle Mary Anderson solved a challenging issue common to cars of her time in this fascinating biography! Drawings, photographs, and "Real Fact!" pages add to the book's appeal. A perfect read for future inventors!

For additional information on inventors, check out other books in the Inventors at Work series! 

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Queen: Ruth Wakefield and Her Yummy Invention by Carmen Bredeson

Bredeson, Carmen. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Queen: Ruth Wakefield and Her Yummy Invention. Berkeley Heights: Enslow Publishers, 2014. 48p.  

In this fascinating biography, readers will discover interesting facts about Ruth Wakefield, the accidental inventor of chocolate chip cookies! Recipes, photographs, fact boxes, timelines and a "You Be the Inventor" section at the end add to the book's appeal. 

Young inventors will find inspiration in this book and in others within the Inventors at Work series! 

The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland

Bland, Nick. The Very Cranky Bear. New York: Orchard Books, 2008. 32p.  

A grumpy bear is awoken by animals who try to cheer him up in unusual ways. This silly story is a great choice for rhyming practice and would make a fun addition to hibernation units!

Flight School by Lita Judge

Judge, Lita. Flight School. New York: Athenuem Books, 2014. 32p.  

A penguin with "the soul of an eagle" has his heart set on flying. With the help of some flight school friends, he discovers a way to achieve his goals, if only for a little while! With renewed hope, he brings another friend to flight school, resulting in a humorous ending that children will love!

Don't Wake the Bear! by Steve Smallman

Smallman, Steve. Don't Wake the Bear! New York: Cartwheel Books, 2012. 32p.

In this rhyming book that begs to be read aloud, animals are excitedly preparing for their annual Spring Party Day but grow fearful when they discover a hibernating bear nearby. When a popped balloon finally wakes Bear, the animals are surprised to learn that he is not angry; instead, he is grateful for the opportunity to make new friends! Students will adore this story and its illustrations, especially if they are encouraged to predict the rhyming words out loud! 

The downside of this book is its noticeable similarity to Karma Wilson's Bear series (especially Bear Snores On). For fun, rhyming Bear tales covering multiple seasons, check out her Bear series here. 

Parrots Over Puerto Rico by Susan Roth and Cindy Trumbore

Roth, Susan and Cindy Trumbore. Parrots Over Puerto Rico. New York: Lee & Low Books, Inc., 2013. 48p.

This award-winning nonfiction book teaches readers the history of Puerto Rico through the story of the growth and destruction of parrots' habitats there over time. The second half of the story focuses on efforts to save these incredible birds. 

Young environmentalists, birdwatchers and animal lovers will enjoy this inspiring story and its gorgeous, colorful collage illustrations.  

Ice Bear: In the Steps of a Polar Bear by Nicola Davies

Davies, Nicola. Ice Bear: In the Steps of a Polar Bear. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2005. 32p.

This beautifully-written account of a polar bear's life includes many interesting facts on adaptation. The conclusion highlights lessons humans have learned from this amazing species and a couple of ways in which we can protect polar bears' habitat by making eco-friendly choices in our everyday lives. 

Note: This version also includes a read-along CD with music and additional polar bear facts. 

The Tower to the Sun by Colin Thompson

Thompson, Colin. The Tower to the Sun. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1996. 32p.

In this cautionary environmental tale, a wealthy man tells his grandson about a time when Earth's inhabitants could see the sun. Looking through layers of dark gloom, the young grandson asks his grandfather if they can start building a tower to the sun. The grandfather agrees to spend all of his fortune on this worthwhile dream, and over many, many years, the pair's dream is finally realized when the tower reaches layers of light and warmth. 

This book will serve as a powerful read-aloud for generating discussions on why it is so important for each of us to care for the earth in our everyday lives. 

 

From Seed to Apple Tree: Following the Life Cycle by Suzanne Slade

Slade, Suzanne. From Seed to Apple Tree: Following the Life Cycle. Mankato: Picture Window Books, 2009. 24p.

Through accessible text and illustrations, readers will follow the life cycle of a Golden Delicious apple tree. A table of contents, captions, fact boxes, a glossary and a "Fun Facts" section at the end support students' comprehension. This is a perfect book for science life cycle units or for reading prior to a field trip.   

What if There Were No Sea Otters?: A Book About the Ocean Ecosystem by Suzanne Slade

Slade, Suzanne. What if There Were No Sea Otters?: A Book About the Ocean Ecosystem. North Mankato: Picture Window Books, 2011. 24p.  

This book, perfect for science units, introduces sea otters as a keystone species and explains their role within the ocean ecosystem. Tips on the final page help students discover ways in which they can help protect our oceans. For information on additional ecosystems, read the rest of the series!