children / young adult social justice book lists
a selection of titles by season
counting on fall by in counting on fall, the first title in the best-selling math in nature series, nature comes to life to help children in grades k to 2 learn concepts of number sense and numeration. as young readers journey into the natural world, they will discover that numbers, patterns, shapes -- and much more! -- can be found by observing everyday plants and animals. what if animals and plants knew math, just like you? would leaves fall in patterns? would whales enter a race? in counting on fall, the first title in the four-book math in nature series by award-winning author lizann flatt, nature comes to life to help children grasp concepts of number sense and numeration. the engaging "what if?" format of this informational picture book is sure to delight children in grades k to 2. each of the four books in the math in nature series covers one season of the year and one area of math curriculum. colorful, cut-paper collage art evokes the natural world, while two levels of text -- one a lyrical story, the other asking children to problem-solve -- bring the reader to a full understanding of the math concept being covered. free downloadable teacher's guide, lesson plan, and activities available at www.owlkidsbooks.com
fall leaves by autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. birds leave, flowers, too. apples and temperatures fall--then snow! part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves. unlock the secrets of this busy and beautiful time of year as the natural world makes way for winter.
goodbye autumn, hello winter by as leaves fall from their trees, animals huddle against the cold, and frost creeps across windows, everyone knows--winter is on its way! join a brother and sister as they explore nature and take a stroll through their twinkling town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. in a series of conversations with everything from the setting sun to curious deer, they say goodbye to autumn and welcome the glorious first snow of winter in kenar pak's goodbye autumn, hello winter.
goodbye summer, hello autumn by as trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change their colors, everyone knows--autumn is on its way! join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. in a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.
i know it's autumn by i know it's autumn when we rake the leaves in piles, when doorstep jack-o'-lanterns wear their crooked smiles ... leaves are falling, geese are flying, and warm coats are -- reluctantly -- being worn to school. that can mean only one thing: it's autumn! eileen spinelli and nancy hayashi invite you to enjoy autumn's many delights -- from warm socks worn on chilly mornings to tempting piles of crackly leaves on the lawn -- in this sweet, funny look at fall.
leaf man by ride the wind and drift east with leaf man in this autumnal classic by caldecott honor-winning author-illustrator lois ehlert, perfect for young readers returning to school in the fall. fall has come, the wind is gusting, and leaf man is on the move. is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows no one's quite sure, but this much is certain: a leaf man's got to go where the wind blows. ehlert crafts each illustration out of actual fall leaves on every spread to reveal gorgeous landscapes. this playful and whimsical book celebrates the natural world and the rich imaginative life of children.
let it fall by the leaves turn red, brown, and orange, then drift down from the trees. it's time to go apple picking and on hayrides at the county fair. fall is finally here! with soft, colourful art, adorable children, and seasonal outdoor scenes, let it fall celebrates the beauty of autumn.
stranger by the enigmatic origins of the stranger that farmer bailey hits with his truck and brings home to recuperate seem to have a mysterious relation to the weather. could he be jack frost?
we're going on a leaf hunt by three friends go on a hike searching for fall leaves.
we gather together: celebrating the harvest season by what is the fall equinox? the official start of the harvest season, it occurs around september 21each year. it marks the end of summer and the beginning of longer nights and shorter days. for many cultures around the world, the fall equinox represents a time to celebrate the harvest and begin collecting and storing crops. looking at both the science of weather and the history of how the fall equinox has been celebrated by various cultures throughout the world, this book will inspire a new understanding of autumn and the harvest season. science activities, ideas for celebrating the fall equinox, and further reading list included!
- goodbye autumn, hello winter by as leaves fall from their trees, animals huddle against the cold, and frost creeps across windows, everyone knows--winter is on its way! join a brother and sister as they explore nature and take a stroll through their twinkling town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. in a series of conversations with everything from the setting sun to curious deer, they say goodbye to autumn and welcome the glorious first snow of winter in kenar pak's goodbye autumn, hello winter.
goodbye winter, hello spring by in a simple, cheerful conversation with nature, a young boy observes how the season changes from winter to spring in kenard pak's goodbye winter, hello spring. as days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows--spring is on its way! join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. in a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.
it's snowing! by small, soft flakes fall quietly from above. it's snowing! people like to sled and ski in it, but what exactly is snow? how does it form? while it is believed that no two snowflakes look exactly alike, most have either six sides or six points. included in this crystal clear introduction to one of winter's wonders is information about different types of snowstorms, regions where snow falls, and how to prepare when a snowstorm approaches.
the mitten by in this bestselling modern classic, a young boy's lost mitten leads to a charming snowy adventure. jan brett's beautiful retelling makes a perfect holiday gift. when nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. one by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. as the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see nicki in the borders of each page, walking through the woods unaware of what is going on. in her distinctive style, jan brett brings the animals to life with warmth and humor, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the ukrainian tradition from which the story comes. jan brett is also the creator of such wintery classics as the hat, the snowy nap, three snowy bears, the animal's santa, and the night before christmas. this book is also available in spanish, as el mitón.
no two snowflakes by "what is snow?" araba, a ghanaian child, asks her canadian pen pal. the response unfolds as a letter in poetry, rich in lyricism and in what author sheree fitch would call "lipslipperiness." janet wilson's glowing pastel illustrations revel in all the sensory experiences, the color, associated with the cold white stuff. through the asking and the telling, two children reach halfway around the world and touch one another.
over and under the snow by over the snow, the world is hushed and white. but under the snow exists a secret kingdom of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals that live through the winter safe and warm, awake and busy, under the snow. discover the wonder and activity that lies beneath winter's snowy landscape in this magical book.
owl moon by celebrating 30 years of the beloved classic owl moon from renowned children's book author jane yolen and caldecott medal-winning illustrator john schoenherr! late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. the trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird. but there is no answer. wordlessly the two companions walk along, for when you go owling you don't need words. you don't need anything but hope. sometimes there isn't an owl, but sometimes there is. distinguished author jane yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind's close relatiohship to the natural world. wonderfully complemented by john schoenherr's soft, exquisite watercolor illustrations, this is a verbal and visual treasure, perfect for reading alound and sharing at bedtime.
the shortest day: celebrating the winter solstice by the science, history, and cultural significance of the shortest day of the year- the winter solstice! the beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. in lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. "using clear, concise language, pfeffer discusses important ideas behind the shortest day of the year, such as the change from autumn to winter as well as the concept of the earth's tilting away from the sun.... while appealing to a younger audience, this treatment combines the cultural approach of ellen jackson'sthe winter solstice(millbrook, 1994) and the activities of sandra markle'sexploring winter(atheneum, 1984; o.p.). pfeffer uses an easy, comfortable tone for conveying the basic information, and the end pages will provide additional opportunities for would-be astronomers to explore the principles on their own." -school library journal simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.
sizing up winter by as young readers journey into the natural world, they will discover that numbers, patterns, shapes -- and much more! -- can be found in everyday plants and animals. what if animals and plants knew math, just like us? would snowflakes all fall from the same height in the sky? would otters spread themselves evenly across lakes? would groundhogs be aware of the date? in sizing up winter, the third title in the math in nature series, nature comes to life to help children grasp concepts of time and measurement.
the snowy day by the magic and wonder of winter's first snowfall is perfectly captured in ezra jack keat's caldecott medal-winning picture book. this celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child's bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season. new york public library's #1 book on the list of "top check outs of all time" in 1962, a little boy named peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. the quiet fun and sweetness of peter's small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day. ezra jack keats was alsothe creator of such classics as goggles, a letter to amy, pet show!, peter's chair, and a whistle for willie. (this book is also available in spanish, as un dia de nieve.) praise for the snowy day- "keats made peter's world so inviting that it beckons us. perhaps the busyness of daily life in the 21st century makes us appreciate peter even more-a kid who has the luxury of a whole day to just be outside, surrounded by snow that's begging to be enjoyed." -the atlantic "ezra jack keats's classic the snowy day, winner of the 1963 caldecott medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow."-publisher's weekly
so much snow! by is it a school day? is it pizza day? is it a snow day? jasmine wants it all! neat! neat! snowy feet! snowy feet can't be beat! wintertime is fun! there's a big blizzard blowing in, but that's not going to stop jasmine from going to school - it's just a little snow, and it's pizza day, after all! but as soon as she sets out the snow starts to come down faster and faster until she finds herself frozen stiff, with just her hat poking out of a snowdrift. rescue comes in the form of the school custodian, who stomps out on snowshoes, yanks her out, pulls her inside and figures out how to get her thawed. but on the way to her class they notice that the school is empty - the principal has declared a snow day! which is always great news . . . but how is jasmine going to get her pizza?
- goodbye winter, hello spring by in a simple, cheerful conversation with nature, a young boy observes how the season changes from winter to spring in kenard pak's goodbye winter, hello spring. as days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows--spring is on its way! join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. in a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.
in the small, small pond by award-winning author/illustrator denise fleming gives young readers a frog's eye view of life in a pond throughout the seasons in the caldecott honor book, in the small, small pond. a child explores the wonders of the natural world in this rhyming, beautiful bright colored picture storybook about the lives of small animals and insects living around a freshwater pond.
sorting through spring by in sorting through spring, the second title in the best-selling math in nature series, nature comes to life to help children in grades k to 2 learn concepts of patterning, sorting, data management, and probability as young readers journey into the natural world, they will discover that numbers, patterns, shapes -- and much more! -- can be found by observing everyday plants and animals.what if animals and plants knew math, just like us? would flowers bloom in patterns? would raindrops fall in rhythm? would birds balance evenly on branches? in sorting through spring, the second title in the math in nature series, nature comes to life to help children in grades k to 2 learn concepts of patterning, sorting, data management, and probability. this interactive, poetic, and artful picture book series is a non-intimidating and enticing way to introduce math to kids -- they will laugh, use their imaginations, and learn through activities inspired by the books. free downloadable teacher's guide, lesson plan, and activities available at www.owlkidsbooks.com
spring is here! by discover the world as it wakes from its winter slumber as the flowers blossom, the animals come out from their resting place, and nature comes alive during this season of renewal. head outside and play soccer and baseball with your friends while enjoying a wonderful picnic lunch from the food you grew in your garden! heidi has done it again with this wonderful, wholesome book about the spring season, tying family and nature together in a book that will leave you feeling excited about spring!
surprising spring by suddenly the earth warms up from a long winter nap. green appears all around. nature comes alive and spring surprises us all as robins hatch and flowers bloom, beginning a new cycle of surprises.
and then comes summer by a joyful, sun-drenched tribute to the anticipation and adventures of the warmest season of the year. when the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it's time to get ready for summer! from flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there's something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season. tom brenner's lovely, lyrical ode to summers spent outdoors will strike a chord with anyone who's ever counted down the days until school gets out, and jaime kim's jubilant, nostalgia-soaked illustrations leave little doubt that summer is indeed a time unlike any other.- goodbye summer, hello autumn by as trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change their colors, everyone knows--autumn is on its way! join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. in a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.
shaping up summer by as young readers journey into the natural world, they will discover that numbers, patterns, shapes -- and much more! -- can be found in everyday plants and animals. what if animals and plants knew math, just like us? would spiders draw pictures in their webs? would narwhals sort blocks of ice by shape? would insects know what's above and what's below? in shaping up summer, the final title in the math in nature series, nature comes to life to help children grasp concepts of geometry, symmetry, and spatial sense. this interactive, poetic, and artful picture book series is an enticing way to introduce math to kids -- they will laugh, use their imaginations, and learn through activities inspired by the books. teacher's guide, lesson plan, and activities available at owlkidsbooks.com/resourcesactivities/teacherguides
summer days and nights by on a hot summer day, a little girl finds ways to entertain herself and stay cool. she catches a butterfly, sips lemonade, jumps in a pool, and goes on a picnic. at night, she sees an owl in a tree and a frog in a pond, and hears leaves rustling. before long, she's fast asleep, dreaming about more summer days and summer nights. as with his earlier books featuring this spunky little girl, wong herbert yee's focus is on appreciating the small but special details that define a season.
