Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

In the Desert(Paws, Fins, Feathers, Claws)

In the Desert(Paws, Fins, Feathers, Claws)In the Desert (Paws, Fins, Feathers, Claws) by David Elliott, Gordy Wright
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536223387
Genres: Nature
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Sahara Desert is a huge and imposing piece of Africa covering more than 3 million miles. It can look quite sparse and desolate. This book tells the story of many of the animals and insects that call the Sahara home in verse form. The reader will explore the Desert Horned Viper, the Deathstalker Scorpion, the Anubis Baboon, and many more through short poems and more information included in the back matter.

Each subject has a dedicated two page spread in the book with gorgeous illustrations and brief interesting and sometimes funny verse.

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars

I’m a Photon

I’m a PhotonI'm a Photon (Meet the Universe) by Eve M. Vavagiakis, Mike Malbrough
Published by MIT Kids Press ISBN: 1536228265
Genres: Non-Fiction, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Follow an exuberant photon as it explains its role in how we see and use light. This has propulsive energy, thanks to bright, sweeping illustrations and rhyming text, so it would be a good one to read out loud in a light unit for younger grades. There is a glossary that helps round out a narrative that is high on momentum but falls a little short on explanations.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle

The True and Lucky Life of a TurtleThe True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Matt Patterson, Sy Montgomery
ISBN: 0063325160
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a remarkable true story of a lucky snapping turtle named Fire Chief. From the time snapping turtle eggs are hatched there are a number of predators and obstacles a young turtle must survive in order to reach adulthood. Born about 60 years ago, Fire Chief found his summer home in a small heart-shaped pond by a fire station, migrating across a nearby road each year to a larger pond for winter. Over time the road grew busier, and one year he was hit by a car. Fire Chief was rescued and rehabilitated by the Turtle Rescue League. Barely able to move his back legs, Fire Chief was given a wheelchair so he could exercise year-round. As time passed, Fire Chief continued to heal, but would he be able to cross the road each winter? Fortunately, Fire Chief’s friends came up with a solution, digging him a new pond far from any road and planting it with his favorite plants. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and rehabilitation.

The illustrations in this story are superb – filled with natural details, emotion, and a sense of scale. The back matter contains real pictures of Fire Chief (who now lives with the illustrator of this book), information about snapping turtles, and resources for what to do if you find an injured turtle. A wonderful and engaging addition to any nonfiction collection. Recommended for ages 5 to 8 (Kindergarten to 2nd grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

Light: The Extraordinary Energy That Illuminates Our World

Light: The Extraordinary Energy That Illuminates Our WorldLight: The Extraordinary Energy That Illuminates Our World (Spectacular Science) by Ana Sanfelippo, Dr. Jess Wade
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536243639
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This joyous exploration of all things light is sure to make an impression on anyone interested in learning about the science of both natural and manufactured light. Vibrant illustrations energize a book that is extremely informative but never gets bogged down with too many details. From rainbows to nuclear reactors, Light explains the science of illumination in a concise, accessible manner. An excellent choice for classrooms and readers wanting to learn more about the intricacies of light in its many forms.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

The Lonely Goose

The Lonely GooseThe Lonely Goose by Anne Hunter, Lela Nargi
Published by Random House Studio on March 11, 2025
ISBN: 0593647556
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Nature, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A male Canada goose courts a female. The two become inseparable, making a nest, raising goslings, migrating with their flock, and returning to the same spot to raise their young over the years. But one day, the male goose dies. His mate remains behind, alone, when the rest of the flock flies south for the winter. As the seasons pass, she slowly starts to engage with the world again and finds a new, different mate.

Gorgeous realistic illustrations and simple text ground the information about the habits and behavior of Canada geese. Never anthropomorphizing or becoming overly sentimental. While the death of the male is understated, this book is probably best shared one-on-one with a child, perhaps one who is also experiencing grief. You can also take your time to discuss the geese’s behavior and savor the illustrations. The back matter contains further information on Canada geese. Ages 6-9.

Pair with other books about Canada geese, such as Honk, Honk, Goose! : Canada Geese Start a Family by Sayre, April Pulley (2009) and Goose’s Story by Best, Cari (2002).

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Salt Princess

The Salt PrincessThe Salt Princess by Anoosha Syed
Series: Everlasting Tales #2
Published by Harper on April 1, 2025
ISBN: 0063324717
Genres: Folklore
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this retelling of a Pakistani folktale, a spirited princess teaches her father a lesson about love. Four princesses live with their father in the Kingdom of Zammarud. Amal, the youngest marches to her own drummer, but one day her prank caused the king embarrassment so he banished her from the kingdom. In order to get back into her father’s good graces, she disguises herself and invites him to dinner. She plays another prank in order to prove her love for him. 

This is a true princess tale, making it a bit cringe worthy, but I suppose it is true to the original tale. Fans of Disney princesses will enjoy it. The art work is gorgeous, especially the end pages, and the book interestingly reflects the Pakistani culture.

This is the second book in the Everlasting Tales series, a collection of multicultural fairy tales and folktale honoring the stories passed down through oral tradition by refreshing and preserving them for new generations. Back matter includes an author’s note and a condensed tale in Urdu for bilingual readers. A fun addition to library’s fairytale collections and can be used in a compare-and-contrast with more familiar Euro-centric ones.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

The Escape Artist

The Escape ArtistThe Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure by Galia Bernstein, Thor Hanson
Published by Greenwillow Books ISBN: 0062676474
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction, Oceans
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Cephalopods couldn’t be more fascinating if they tried; what a majestic group of animals, and none so spectacular as the octopus. The Escape Artist is the true story of Inky, a Māori octopus who was on display at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. While Inky was friendly with aquarium workers, he was driven to explore, resulting in his return to the ocean. A fun,  rhyming story about a wonderful animal and sure to delight anyone who reads it. Back matter includes some additional information about Inky and general facts about octopuses.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher

Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher by Ruby Bridges, Trudy Tran
ISBN: 1338753940
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher” is a picture book memoir by Ruby Bridges and illustrated by Trudy Tran. Ruby is back in school in 1961 after last year’s historic and momentous integration of schools (in which Ruby was the first Black student to attend a local elementary school). She looks forward to seeing her favorite teacher again, but when she gets there, Mrs. Henry is gone! The book jumps forward decades later to Bridges reconnecting with her former teacher and asking her questions. The book is short but interesting and would appeal to children interested in becoming teachers. There is a teacher glossary in the back where Bridges has added several well-known teachers throughout history. An additional purchase where picture book non-fiction is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Sun Bird: The Amazing Journey of the Arctic Tern by Lindsay Moore

Sun Bird: The Amazing Journey of the Arctic Tern by Lindsay MooreSun Bird: The Amazing Journey of the Arctic Tern by Lindsay Moore
on February 18, 2025
ISBN: 0063061007
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sun Bird: The Amazing Journey of the Arctic Tern by Lindsay Moore

Sun Bird is an incredible non-fiction story of the Arctic Tern and their travels from the Arctic to the Antarctic. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really show us the story as much as the words tell us the story. The words are artfully woven between the illustrations in a way that adds to the story while letting the illustrations be the star of the show. The author balances telling the story with giving us important information to keep us both engaged and learning. The end of the book includes more information about the Arctic Terns and shows their migration—from pole to pole! At the end of the book it also gives links to videos and resources for teachers and librarians to play. This would be a fantastic addition to any elementary library, classroom unit on animals, migration, or birds, or a differentiated or alternative text for secondary students. This is definitely a five-star read and I’m recommending it for cream of the crop!

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

The Girl Who Tested The Waters: Ellen Swallow, Environmental Scientist

The Girl Who Tested The Waters: Ellen Swallow, Environmental ScientistThe Girl Who Tested the Waters: Ellen Swallow, Environmental Scientist (Curious Minds) by Junyi Wu, Patricia Daniele
Published by MIT Kids Press on February 4, 2025
ISBN: 1536230057
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Ellen Swallow was born in 1842 with a love for all things in the natural world. Her family valued education and made sure she received not only a high school diploma but went on to college. Ellen then became the first woman ever admitted to MIT where she studied chemistry. She withstood the trials this brought to her and became a revered member of the student body and was offered the opportunity to study Boston’s water looking for environmental contaminants that were making people sick. From her results a water treatment plant was developed, the first of its kind which led to the water treatment facilities we all encounter in our daily lives.

The book’s content is highlighted with gorgeous illustrations and wrapped up with extensive back matter.

Ages 4-9

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars