Fly With Me is a masterpiece of transdisciplinary study. The book examines birds from every possible angle: biological, historical, conservation, art, and stories. Poetry is peppered throughout complementing the other information. It's a National Geographic book, so you can trust that the photography throughout is stunning. Perfect for bird enthusiasts and curious minds. 

Erica's Picks
Grades 1 - 4
Tags: Animals, Nonfiction, Poetry, Science​

A lone wolf strikes out from his pack and heads south to California. His radio collar allows scientists and animal lovers to follow his progress. Abby watches with excitement as he heads closer to where she lives, but she's also worried. Some people don't want the wolves to come back to their land. Will this one survive?

Journey alternates between the perspectives of the wolf and a young girl following his progress. The young girl's story provides context and adds tension as she worries over the fate of the wolf. She even participates in a contest to name him. The wolf is from Oregon and the girl lives in Northern California. Even the girl's grandparents as far away as Mexico follow the wolf's progress. This is based on real events and there's a lot of great back matter including the real Journey's path, a timeline of wolf conservation efforts, and questions and activities for a classroom.

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd grade
Tags:

The giant squid is a tantalizing mystery. We have more close-ups photographs of Mars. We know more about dinosaur behavior. Much of what we do know about giant squids comes from pieces we have found and dissected--pieces often found in sperm whales. Despite how rarely giant squids are sighted by humans, sperm whales have been found with as many as 7,000 indigestible giant squid beaks in their stomachs. Get a glimpse into the life of these mysterious and beautiful creatures with Giant Squid by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann.

This book is beautiful and a bit terrifying, much like the creatures it describes. What little we know is described in a poetic language that creates a rich atmosphere. The pictures are gorgeous, showing parts of the squid to emphasize its size and the sense that it's lurking just out of sight. This would make a great read-aloud for budding science enthusiasts.

Giant Squid by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd grade
Tags: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Science

For most people the name Darwin brings to mind an old, serious-looking man with a long, white beard. Not Charley Darwin--the small boy who couldn't sit still in class because he'd rather be outside collecting specimens. Darwin's life was not always certain and the man who would go on to become one of the most important and controversial scientists of his day was once a young man, unsure of himself and without a clue as to what he'd do with his life. This book follows that boy from his days as a mediocre student worshiping his older brother through his growth into the young man who joined the Beagle Expedition and set off on a trip around the world.

It is easy to relate to the young Darwin and the picture of his life as a young boy is charming and surprising. It’s a great story for anyone with an interest in history, natural science, or adventure.

The True Adventures of Charley Darwin by Carolyn Meyer