* * Encyclopedia of Animals

Authors: Karen McGhee & George McKay, Ph.D.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (October 10, 2006)
ISBN: 079225936X

When I was in 5th grade this is the type of book I would have poured over. I LOVE animals and this gem of an encyclopedia will please kids in this age group to no end covering a wide range of mammal, reptiles, birds, amphibians, etc. Wonderful illustrations, plenty of detail. Also includes “conservation watches” that let’s you know about the threat to the species. An excellent addition to the family library; a great resource for school reports.

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* Build It! Structures, systems and you

Author: Adrienne Mason
Illustrator: Claudia Davila
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (Sep 1 2006)
ISBN: 1553378369

What a very cool way to get your little ones busy building. Billed as a primary physical science book, I agree. Each little section talks about a type of structure and is then followed by a project. Nothing beats hands on learning and you’ll be sure to encourage your little scientist.

Also included is a parents/teacher section with more ideas.

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* * The Jumbo Book of Art

Author: Irene Luxbacher
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (July 10, 2003)
ISBN: 1550747622

The first thing I thought of when I looked at this book was 5th grade science camp. My very next thought was, “Boy, will I have things for the kids to do next summer!” They will really love this. Not only does The Jumbo Book of Outdoor Art inspire creativity, it gets your child outdoors discovering nature instead of sitting in front of the television or computer all day. I’m also sure that some of these projects would be welcome in the classroom as a supplement for natural science, art, social studies and other exploratory classes

The instructions for each of the fifty-seven projects are well-illustrated and detailed. Older children can work independently, younger children can work with siblings or parents. (Hint – Parents, this looks like a lot of fun for us, too.) Some of the activities involve prehistoric painting, building an underground kingdom, creating a spider web, making an ice chandelier and playing with ‘monster mush’.

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* * Who Likes The Snow?

Author: Etta Kaner
Illustrator: Marie Lafrance
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2006)
ISBN: 1553378423

Both a story and a lesson in natural science, Who Likes the Snow is a great addition to the home library and a perfect companion book when your child is investigating the weather at home or studying it in school. What I really liked about this book is that it answers the dozens of questions kids naturally have about the snow supplying simple facts to support their wonder. Books like these encourage kids to ask questions, get answers and seek more.

Who Likes The Snow is part of a series called Exploring the Elements by Kids Can Press. If you like this one, you’ll want to check out the other books in the series that cover wind, sun and rain.

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* This Is Daniel Cook On A Plane

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 10, 2006)
ISBN: 1554530814

Fans of Danniel Cook and airplanes will really enjoy this book. Just like the show, Daniel and guest show you everything there is to know about the topic on hand. In this case – airplanes. Discover with Daniel what it’s like to ride in a Cessna plane. Learn the different parts of an airplane and see what it’s like to be a pilot.

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