16-05-2025
Bonus Books: April showers bring new weather books
Spring brings flowers and showers, and thankfully, books. Here's a new crop to keep little readers engaged and learning as they celebrate their world. Teachers, don't miss 'Here is a Book.' It is timeless.
by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Kat Uno (Charlesbridge, ages birth – 3) and 'How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up' by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Teresa Martinez (Charlesbridge, ages 4 – 8)
For kiddos who can't get enough of science and weather, these books will be read again and again. 'Baby Loves Meteorology' is a board book and part of the wonderful 'Baby Loves Science' series. It beautifully talks to the youngest scientists in simple terms without talking down to them, which is no small feat. 'How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up' is in a delightful format and it is a great way to help kids understand that adults don't know everything. In fact, some are unlearning things as science progresses and gives us new information – and kids can help.
by Kelly Anne McLellan, illustrated by Javiera Mac-lean (Callisto Publishing)
Good details in a chapter book format like this one can help emerging readers feel empowered as they learn to read for content. But they don't have to know that. For many kids, nonfiction rules, and this is likely to become a 'carry around' book that they can work through on their own, learning and succeeding along the way.
by Shannon Anderson, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett (Feeding Minds Press, ages 4 – 8)
OK, teachers, this is a great hands-on science book, but get ready for your students to start asking about things like how to secure grant funding for their school hydroponic garden system. This is such a fun story (with a bit of encouragement for kids who have moved to a new school) and it shows kids that determination and teamwork can make all sorts of things grow.
by Laurel Goodluck, written by Steph Littlebird (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8)
Get this one and add it to your home library, your classroom and anywhere else you can find. It also makes a wonderful gift from a child to one of those fierce aunties that fill a role only they can. This is a beautiful celebration of a special relationship, a championing of the importance of Indigenous wisdom and a joyful acknowledgement of chosen family.
by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins, illustrated by Lisa Fields (Flamingo Books, ages 4 – 8)
Big feelings are very real and this gentle book lets little (and big) kids know that it's OK to talk about them, even in their prayers. Whether children feel brave or scared, sad or frustrated, this sweet story affirms kids wherever they are.
by Elisha Cooper (Abrams Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8)
From Caldecott Honor Winner Elisha Cooper, the frame-worthy pages of this story help readers understand how a book is born, from the imagination and work and creativity of the author and illustrator, to the teamwork (and coffee) of the publishing team, and all the way across the roads to the schools and libraries where a story that didn't exist comes to be held in the hands of children who read it and make it part of who they are. It is simply wonderful.
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This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Bonus Books: Love for the earth and each other
