Summer is a wonderful time of year to explore and learn. Following is a list of some fun, interesting and creative books for you to enjoy while school is out.
These first two picture books are so interesting that just the format alone will grab anyone who picks them up and chances are you won't put them down until the very last page. How Big Is It? A Big Book All about Bigness , by Ben Hillman, is one of the most fascinating books with photos as large as the oversized book itself. The most unique and interesting aspect of this book is the placement of huge items next to real items that we can relate to for comparison.
For instance, there's a full size polar bear standing next to pro basketball players as they jump to lay up a ball in the basket. The bear, of course, isn't really on the court — but with the magic of the camera it looks real. More importantly, you can really see how tall and big a polar bear is when standing up.
Another amazing picture is the comparison of a giant squid lying next to a house. There are measurements of each item drawn out to indicate the exact length and size along with interesting and informative facts.
How Strong Is It? A Mighty Book All about Strength, by the same author, has a similar format but deals with power and strength. The examples used will surprise and astound you. There's a jet airplane attempting to fly through a spider web and a Hercules beetle holding up a 37-pound barbell. It's all relative, of course, because the computer imaged photos just show the strength in comparison to well-known items. Both books will be of great interest to all ages.
Pyramids and Mummies, by Anne Bolton, is a most unusual shaped triangular book packed with interesting information, pull-outs, pop-ups and flaps in a golden foiled cover. The novelty of this distinctive book will not wear out just from the unique shape, but keep the interest level high due to its interesting contents. This book is good for ages 10 through adult.
Robots, by Clive Gifford, and illustrated by Frank Picini, is an intriguing look inside the virtual world of these inanimate creations. From the inventive cover (featuring a robotic face and magnetic eye flap) to pop-ups, flaps and a wheel turning cutaway, there is so much to learn in this book that don't be surprised if your 10-and-older child desires an occupation building these robotic machines.
Astronaut Handbook, by Meghan McCarthy, might be another way to lead one to an occupation that's out of this world. This simple picture book, with easy to read and understand text, may just be enough information to lure your interested 5- to 8-year-old into space. This easy nonfiction book points out training and equipment with just enough “lift-off” to lift you to the stars.
Frogs, by Nic Bishop, beautifully illustrates and informs all with brightly colored and close-up pictures of these interesting amphibians. If the photos alone don't make you want to read everything inside, the diversity of the many frogs, along with the fold-out pages, will entice even the most reluctant scientist. This book is good for all ages.
Fly, Monarch! Fly!, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, is a wonderful way to learn the magic and mystery of the butterfly set in a story that youngsters, ages 3 to 8, can understand. The cut-paper illustrations are clever and work well with the subject.
Flamingo Sunset, by Jonathan London, and illustrated by Kristina Rodanas, will inform you about the majestic and beautiful flamingo. The picture book begins with the soft hues of flamingoes laying a single egg and continuing to the growth of the baby as it develops. This book is for ages 4 through 9.
You Can Save the Planet: 50 Ways You Can Make a Difference , by Jacquie Wines, and illustrated by Sarah Horne, is an easy to read handbook filled with helpful information for kids of all ages to appreciate all that the earth provides and not to misuse or waste our precious natural resources.
The last three books will surely help you hone in on math skills for ages 5 through 10. Missing Math: A Number Mystery , by Loreen Leedy, is a clever picture book set in a mystery when numbers begin to vanish. The importance of numbers soon becomes evident. Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! , by Marilyn Burns, and illustrated by Debbie Tilley, shows the importance and relationships of numbers as a family member deals with a family reunion and all of the math related from food to seat arrangements. Greater Estimations , by Bruce Goldstone, will be published in mid-August and has many interesting photos to learn all about estimations.
