Elem. – Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey

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Keating, Jess. Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey. Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth. Alfred A Knopf Books, 2025. 978-0-593-48858-4. $19.99. 34 p. Grades PK-3. 

Florence Merriam Bailey loved nature and birds from a very young age. She would go on nature walks to observe the birds in their natural habitat and take notes. But it bothered her that scientists were studying birds by making observations in a lab by examining their bodies, feathers, and eggs instead of observing the birds outdoors. When Florence learned of people killing birds in order to use them as accessories on their hats, she knew she had to do something. It was that experience that led Florence to begin to share more about birds with friends and ultimately led to her creating one of the very first Field Guides. 

THOUGHTS: I think that many students who are animal lovers will find this book interesting. It would be great for any students doing research on female scientists or change makers as Florence was able to make her mark in history. 

Biography
Picture Book Biography

Elem. – Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme!

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Bird, Betsy. Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme! Illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi. Union Square Kids, 2025. 978-1-454-96046-1 $18.99 Grades K-3. 

What would happen if a weasel popped into all your favorite nursery rhymes? Well, Betsy Bird has written a book for you! The book starts out with the nursery rhyme of Pop Goes the Weasel. Then other classic nursery rhymes are introduced but right before ending in each new rhyme, the weasel pops into the story and causes mayhem. A bird interrupts the shenanigans and explains that isn’t the way the rhyme goes. The next rhyme is the same and so on. The bird gets flustered and when reciting a poem, expects the weasel to pop out any moment. The element of surprise adds excitement to nursery rhymes that children know.

THOUGHTS: This hilarious adaptation of nursery rhymes is fun to read and fun to listen to. Nursery rhymes are almost always read the same way which is comforting for children but may not be for the adult reading them. Betsy Bird talks about how tired she was of reading the same rhyme again and again to her own children, so she started inserting the weasel. This sparked laughter and an idea for a book. The rhymes picked are classic rhymes that American children should know, but it could be used as a fun read at the end of a nursery rhyme unit to review the previous rhymes already heard. The illustrations are fun and add to the story line of each rhyme. Children will giggle at them. 

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Elem. – Earthforms (Series NF)

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London, Martha. Earthforms. Bearport Publishing, 2025. 24 p. $20.97 ea. $125.82 set of 6. Grades K-1.

Caves. 979-8-892-32700-8.
Dunes. 979-8-892-32701-5.
Glaciers. 979-8-892-32702-2. 
Lakes. 979-8-892-32703-9. 
Mountains. 979-8-892-32624-7.
Rivers. 979-8-892-32625-4. 

Landforms are the perfect introduction to Earth Sciences for young learners. This simple, straightforward nonfiction series from Bearcub Books has brief text and superb traditional photography to capture and keep the attention of beginning readers. Text features help organize the facts and information, highlighted page numbers provide easy navigation, and interesting backmatter is formatted for maximum readability. Bright, colorful backgrounds for text pages feel fresh and inviting. A front panel offering “Teaching Tips” for the classroom is also helpful.

THOUGHTS: Small format for small hands, bright colors, limited text, and full page photographs make this a friendly introduction to nonfiction for the youngest learners. This nonfiction series is fresh and informative, covering a variety of landforms that will complement simple lessons on Earth Science.

551s Earth Science, Geology

Elem. – Bittersweet: Based on the True Tale of the Berlin Candy Bombers

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Mandin, Christy. Bittersweet: Based on the True Tale of the Berlin Candy Bombers. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2025. 978-1-665-96058-8. Unpaged. $19.99. Grades 2-4.

A nonfiction picture book based on the true story of “Operation Little Vittles,” when American pilot Gail Halvorsen started a program to deliver bundles of candy to Berlin’s children. World War II had ended, and Germany was divided. Food and supplies were blocked from reaching the west by land, so Great Britain and America decided to air drop supplies. Halvorsen saw an opportunity to show kindness and caring to the children of war-torn Berlin by dropping little packages of candy just for them. Halvorsen became the “Berlin Candy Bomber” and was recognized as a national hero for his kindness.

THOUGHTS: A touching, true story that highlights the innocent children caught in the cross fire of war and destruction. Mandin writes a heartfelt author’s note making an important connection to the children of all wars, including current conflicts across the globe today. The author asks us to choose kindness and see others as ourselves. The illustrations are soft and timeless and help reinforce the story’s message of caring for all children.

943 Germany and Neighboring Central European Countries
Picture Book

Elem. – Bitsy Bat, Team Star

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Windness, Kaz. Bitsy Bat, Team Star. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025. 978-1-665-94755-8. Unpaged. $19.99. Grades K-5.

Bitsy Bat (of Bitsy Bat, School Star, 2023) returns with her classroom of wildlife characters in this story about welcoming a new student. Enzo is another “flyer,” and he is a nonverbal owl who uses a tablet and sign language to communicate. When teacher Mr. Nibbles explains the next day’s Critter Games, Bitsy begins to worry, as she’s always been the one fantastic flier. In a practice round during recess, Enzo beats Bitsy, and she doesn’t take it too well. Bitsy has to take a break and visit the sensory room (she’s autistic). At the end of the day Bitsy still is too tired to fly home. Her parents encourage her to focus on being a star teammate, but Bitsy isn’t too sure. All morning while her classmates prepare the the race course, Bitsy practices her fast flying. As each race passes, Bitsy becomes more nervous. At race time Bitsy sees Mo still tucked and tumbling and heading towards the woods. Will she fly off course to make sure Mo is okay and risk losing the race to Enzo, or will Bitsy be the fastest flyer? Specific details about autism and an author’s note provide more information that may be helpful for teachers, counselors, and young readers. 

THOUGHTS: This inclusive picture book highlights everyone’s unique abilities and shows readers that being a friend and teammate is more important that being the fastest (or best). Highly recommended for elementary collections. 

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Elem./MG – I, Rock: A Geology Tale

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Slivensky, Katie. I, Rock: A Geology Tale. Illustrated by Steph Stilwell. Beach Lane Books, 2025. 978-1-665-94036-8. Unpaged. $19.99. Grades K-7.

After being carried into a classroom on the bottom of a student’s shoe on senior citizen interview presentation day, an unnamed rock leads students through a fascinating geology evolution story! Who knows someone older than a rock that’s seen it all? Starting 4.3 billion years ago, the rock takes students through its formation from minerals, moving around the Earth’s layers, erupting from a volcano, landing on the ocean floor, and continuing to move on Tectonic plates. With over 1 billion years to go until present time, this rock has much more on their journey! Young readers will learn all about the types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) while also learning about Earth science terms like specific minerals and layers of Earth, tsunami, supercontinent, erosion, and more. While packed with a ton of scientific information that could be overwhelming for young learners, this title may inspire future scientists. Coming back to the title again and again only will lead to new discoveries. Older students will find a wealth of information in the text and back matter (awesome geology facts, geology pop quiz, and sources) for Earth science-related reading or research. Hand drawn, digitally colored illustrations bring the text of this picture book to life and will make it a popular selection for young readers.

THOUGHTS: Use this title as a humorous (the rock is a pretty awesome narrator), informational read aloud ahead of an earth science unit or research project, and encourage students to go back for all of the information in call outs. Highly recommended for elementary collections and secondary collections serving an Earth science course! 

Picture Book
551 Geology 

Elem. – A Quick! Trip to the Store

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Wedelich, Sam. A Quick! Trip to the Store. Alfred A. Knopf, 2025. 978-0-593-90599-9, Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-2.

A little girl’s favorite snack is all gone and, because she is clearly on the verge of a tantrum, mom grabs her purse and prepares for a quick trip to the store! A dark black cloud follows their car, indicating how much both mother and daughter dread this errand and the conflict that is inevitable when food shopping with a small person. At the store, the mother becomes distracted, so the adventuresome girl sets out on her own. Humorous chaos ensues and leads to a distinctly different shopping experience than anyone anticipated. Comedic shifts in perspective help readers see both sides of the mishap. To help set things right after, mother and daughter spend quality time together in the kitchen at home, and now shopping trips don’t look so daunting anymore!

THOUGHTS: A sweet story about exploring independence, navigating feelings, setting limits, and being responsible. Young readers will recognize the minefield that is food shopping with parents who say no and appreciate the positive spin on turning mishaps into learning experiences. Wedelich’s illustrations are expressive and full of good humor! 

Picture Book

Elem. – A Knot is Not a Tangle

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Nayeri, Daniel. A Knot is Not a Tangle. Illustrated by Vesper Stamper. Alfred A. Knopf, 2025. 978-0-593-80970-9, Unpaged. $18.99. Grades 2-5.

Daniel Nayeri, author of Nomad Land, this year’s 2025 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, writes a beautiful and heartfelt picture book homage to his grandmother and the Iranian tradition of rug weaving. Colorful drawings by Stamper help illustrate the detailed steps of turning sheep’s wool into dyed yarn and weaving it into a unique and personal rug designed by grandmother and child. Focused on perfection, the child is frequently reminded by his grandmother that beauty is in the imperfections, the memories, and the care it takes to make this magnificent heirloom. Midway through weaving, the grandmother takes apart one knot, creating the “Persian flaw,” and explains “Nothing in this world is perfect, and nothing should pretend to be.”

THOUGHTS: A lovely, informative story highlighting the 2,500 year old art form of Persian rug making. Nayeri honors intergenerational relationships and family traditions of the Middle East. Back matter provides interesting details about rug making including knot density, natural dyes, and popular patterns by region. In the classroom, this book will be appreciated in a variety of ways.

Picture Book

Elem. – From BAM! To BURP! A Carbon Atom’s Never-Ending Journey Through Space and Time and YOU

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Stewart, Melissa. From BAM! To BURP! A Carbon Atom’s Never-Ending Journey Through Space and Time and YOU. Illustrated by Marta Álvarez-Miguéns. Charlesbridge, 2025. 978-1-623-54446-1. $17.99. Grades K-5. 

Journey with an atom, yes that tiny particle that makes up almost everything, to space then back to Earth again. Learn how atoms and most importantly, the carbon atom, play a part in many things. The carbon atom attracts two oxygen atoms, and they continue the journey. Atoms get burped from volcanoes and kid’s bellies and separate and combine throughout the story. The reader sees how carbon travels from plant to animal and back again. Take the wild journey with an atom. 

THOUGHTS: Melissa Stewart (Meet the Mini-Mammals: A Night at the Natural History Museum, 2025) once again uses her storytelling to bring nonfiction to life. She is able to share nonfiction data in an accessible way that reads like a fiction story. Álvarez-Miguéns’ illustrations are fun and vibrant. This book brings a lot of facts about the carbon atom to younger readers with ease. Students like the way the facts are woven into a storylike narrative. This book reads well to a large group but even better to a small group or one on one. There are extensions at the back of the book which include a wonder wall, more about carbon and the carbon cycle, information about what a fossil fuel is, and about the climate crisis. Also included are selected sources and further exploration references.

546 Inorganic Chemistry

Elem. – Cat Nap

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Lies, Brian. Cat Nap. Greenwillow Books, 2025. 978-0-062-67128-8. $19.99 Grades K-5. 

Caldecott honoree Brian Lies gives us a romping variation of the classic cat and mouse game. A young cat, who is taking a nap, is disturbed by a mouse and gives chase through an advertisement poster for the Egyptian Antiquities at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Readers, along with the cat, are taken through paintings and encounter sculptures while on the chase. This romp gets the kitten lost in the museum. Eventually, a gentleman in a painting helps the cat return to his home. 

THOUGHTS: This book is an amazing tribute to art. Brian Lies seamlessly blends the story with the art. The whimsical story of a cat chasing a mouse will keep young students interested and lead to discussion about the art the cat encounters during the chase. Readers also will connect with being lost and needing some help to make it home. A teacher could read this book then take a digital trip through an art museum or create their own class museum modeled after famous art pieces. This would make a wonderful collaboration project with the school’s art department. In the back of the book, there is an extensive note spread on how the art was physically recreated for the story. Brian Lies explains that while he could have used digital art, the simple act of making art was satisfying to him.  The book also includes a paragraph on each piece of artwork from the museum that was used.

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