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Lists and Suggestions for Kids

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http://mppl.org/services/youth-department/good-books/?category=pre+k&list=Favorite+Nonfiction+for+Preschoolers

List: Favorite Nonfiction for Preschoolers


A photo of African Animal Alphabet

African Animal Alphabet

Presents alphabetically arranged entries describing animals that live in Africa, including cheetahs, elephants, lions, and zebras.

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A photo of Alphasaurs and Other Prehistoric Types

Alphasaurs and Other Prehistoric Types

"Using letters and an artful assortment of typefaces, Werner and Forss create a menagerie of dinosaurs and pack each page with captivating dino-facts"

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A photo of Art Up Close : from ancient to modern

Art Up Close : from ancient to modern

Invites the reader to search for tiny details hidden in famous works of art, providing information about each painting, the techniques used to create them, and how the artists and movements helped art to develop through the ages. Answer key features lift-up flaps.

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A photo of Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream and you

Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream and you

"You can be a King. Stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall. You can be a King. Beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience. Featuring a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King's life alongside a modern class as the students learn about him, Carole Weatherford's poetic text encapsulates the moments that readers today can reenact in their own lives. See a class of young students as they begin a school project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn to follow his example, as he dealt with adversity and never lost hope that a future of equality and justice would soon be a reality. As times change, Dr. King's example remains, encouraging a new generation of children to take charge and change the world ... to be a King"--

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A photo of Before She Was Harriet

Before She Was Harriet

Also available on Overdrive and Hoopla. A lush and lyrical biography of Harriet Tubman, written in verse. An evocative poem and opulent watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life.

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A photo of Best in Snow

Best in Snow

A photographic non-fiction picture book about the wonder of snowfall and the winter water cycle

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A photo of Bird Builds a Nest: a first science storybook

Bird Builds a Nest: a first science storybook

"It's time for Bird to build her nest! Follow her as she pulls a worm out of the ground, lifts some twigs that are just the right size, and pushes the twigs into place. Uh-oh! One of the twigs falls to the ground! But after a day of hard work, Bird's nest is ready and waiting"--Publisher's website.

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A photo of Birds from Head to Tail

Birds from Head to Tail

Also available from Hoopla. "Guess which bird each colorful close-up belongs to, then turn the page for the answer and some fascinating facts about that animal. Two final pages add to the fun with a quick look at other extraordinary birds and their interesting body parts - from the tops of their heads to the tips of their tail feathers."--

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A photo of Block City

Block City

A child creates a world of his own which has mountains and sea, a city and ships, all from toy blocks.

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A photo of Bloom Boom!

Bloom Boom!

Photo illustrations capture a boom of blooming flowers in the springtime.

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A photo of Bookspeak!: poems about books

Bookspeak!: poems about books

Presents a series of poems which pay tribute to the limitless worlds available through books, as characters plead for sequels, strut fancy jackets, and have a raucous party in the aisles after a bookstore closes for the night.

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A photo of Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs

What were the dinosaurs like? Shine a light behind the page and see ... Explore an amazing world that existed millions of years ago, when extraordinary animals, such as the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex and the speedy Compsognathus, roamed the land.

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A photo of Dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs!

Perfect for very young paleontologists, Gibbon's simple yet informative text and vividly detailed illustrations depict the most up-to-date information available about these magnificent creatures.

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A photo of Ella: queen of Jazz

Ella: queen of Jazz

The inspiring, true story of how a remarkable friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe was born - and how they worked together to overcome prejudice and adversity.

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A photo of Flow, Spin, Grow: looking for patterns in nature

Flow, Spin, Grow: looking for patterns in nature

Patterns appear again and again, sometimes in the most unexpected places. Why? Explores branching and spiraling (with mention of spinning, stacking, and cracking) to reveal the shared connections between objects expressing different types of patterns.

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A photo of Forever Young

Forever Young

Bob Dylan's classic 1974 anthem Forever Young is reimagined by award-willing illustrator Rogers. In this picture book, the lyrics follow the story of a young boy who travels through Dylan's life, living in the footsteps of a musical legend.

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A photo of Fox Explores the Night

Fox Explores the Night

"Fox is hungry. She waits until dark, then emerges from her den to hunt for food. Follow her as she pads through the city streets and learns about sunlight, moonlight, and electric light. Shadows grow along alleys and reflections bounce off store windows as Fox moves through patches of light and dark. Using simple, clear language and beautiful illustrations, this gentle story is the perfect introduction to light and dark for budding scientists"--

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A photo of Free as a Bird: the story of Malala

Free as a Bird: the story of Malala

Simple text introduces the inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, human rights activist and the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. In Pakistan, people said girls should not be educated. Malala's father sent her to school, and she spoke up for education in her country. Though an enemy tried to silence her powerful voice, she would not keep quiet. Now she advocates for the right to education and equality of opportunity for every person.

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A photo of Full of Fall

Full of Fall

Simple text and photographs explore the science behind the transformation that trees undergo in the fall.

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A photo of Gravity

Gravity

"What keeps objects from floating out of your hand? What if your feet drifted away from the ground? What stops everything from floating into space? Gravity ... Jason Chin has taken a complex subject and made it brilliantly accessible to young readers in this unusual, innovative, and very beautiful book.

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A photo of Hello Winter!

Hello Winter!

"The basic facts about the season of winter including how plants, animals, and the climate change and adapt are included in this photo essay introduction."

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A photo of How Long is a Whale?

How Long is a Whale?

"Have you ever wondered how long a blue whale is? How about a dolphin or a sea lion? Find out in this fascinating book of facts, numbers and wildlife"

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A photo of How Tall was a T. Rex?

How Tall was a T. Rex?

"Have you ever wondered what a T. rex was really like? How tall was it? How much did it eat? Did it have scales or feathers? Find out lots of fascinating facts in this brilliant exploration of the world's scariest dinosaur, the T. rex"

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A photo of If You Were the Moon

If You Were the Moon

Also available on Hoopla. "If you were the moon, what would you do? You'd spin like a twilight ballerina and play dodgeball with space rocks! Find out more in this lyrical list poem accompanied by stunning illustrations."

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A photo of Imagine

Imagine

"When Juan Felipe Herrera was very young, he picked flowers, helped his mama feed the chickens, slept under the starry sky, and learned to say goodbye to his amiguitos each time his migrant family moved on. When he grew up, Juan Felipe Herrera became a poet. His breathtaking poem "Imagine" and Lauren Castillo's evocative illustrations will speak to every reader and dreamer searching for this place in life."

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A photo of It Starts with a Seed

It Starts with a Seed

"How can something so small grow into a tree, which is such an incredibly big thing to be? Journey through the seasons and years to watch as a single seed transforms into a mighty tree, and spot all the creatures that make it their home"

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A photo of Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a young artist in Harlem

Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a young artist in Harlem

"Jake Makes a World follows the creative adventures of the young Jacob Lawrence as he finds inspiration in the vibrant colors and characters of his community in Harlem. From his mother's apartment, where he is surrounded by brightly colored walls with intricate patterns; to the streets full of familiar and not-so-familiar faces, sounds, rhythms, and smells; to the art studio where he goes each day after school to transform his everyday world on an epic scale, Jake takes readers on an enchanting journey through the bustling sights and sounds of his neighborhood."

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A photo of Let's Explore Engineering

Let's Explore Engineering

Also available on Hoopla. "An introduction to engineering and how it impacts people's lives."

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A photo of Light

Light

"Simple text and colorful photos introduce the topic of light"

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A photo of Look, I'm an Engineer

Look, I'm an Engineer

Provides step-by-step instructions for making fourteen projects that demonstrate scientific principles, including rafts, insect homes, and bridges.

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A photo of Masterpiece Mix

Masterpiece Mix

Uses works displayed in the National Gallery of Art to introduce common subjects and genres in painting.

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A photo of Nina: jazz legend and civil-rights activist Nina Simone

Nina: jazz legend and civil-rights activist Nina Simone

With evocative black-and-white illustrations and moving prose, readers are introduced to Nina Simone, jazz-music legend and civil-rights activist. Shared as a lullaby to her daughter, a soulful song recounts Simone's career, the trials she faced as an African American woman, and the stand she took during the Civil Rights Movement. This poignant picture book offers a melodic tale that is both a historic account of an iconic figure and an extraordinary look at how far we've come and how far we still need to go for social justice and equality. A timeless and timely message aptly appropriate for today's social and political climates.

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A photo of Pancakes to Parathas: breakfast around the world

Pancakes to Parathas: breakfast around the world

Breakfast varies from country to country, but it's how all children begin their day. Explore the meals of twelve countries in this playful approach to the world! From Australia to India to the USA, come travel around the world at dawn. Children everywhere are waking up to breakfast. In Japan, students eat soured soybeans called natto. In Brazil, even kids drink coffee--with lots of milk! With rhythm and rhymes and bold, graphic art, Pancakes to Parathas invites young readers to explore the world through the most important meal of the day.

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A photo of Prehistoric Actual Size

Prehistoric Actual Size

Also available on Overdrive. Learn what it's like to come face-to-face with some of the dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Earth through these "actual-size" illustrations.

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A photo of Roar: a dinosaur tour

Roar: a dinosaur tour

"Simple text and bold illustrations take young readers on a tour through the time of the dinosaurs"

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A photo of The Roots of Rap : 16 bars on the 4 pillars of hip-hop

The Roots of Rap : 16 bars on the 4 pillars of hip-hop

Presents the history of hip-hop including, how it evolved from folktales, spirituals, and poetry, to the showmanship of James Brown, to the culture of graffiti art and breakdancing that formed around the art form.

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A photo of Shout!: little poems that roar

Shout!: little poems that roar

This vibrant collection of twenty-one poems celebrates the joys (snack time!) and pitfalls (2 + 2 = 23?) of childhood. Brod Bagert's often silly, always winsome poems cover everything from the seasons and the stars to finger paint and kids who quack. With humor and warmth, Shout! shows us there's fun in work and play, poetry in everything, and a million different uses for ketchup

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A photo of Sing With Me!

Sing With Me!

Thirteen favorite nursery songs are brought to life.

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A photo of Thank you, Earth: a love letter to our planet

Thank you, Earth: a love letter to our planet

A love letter to the Earth shares striking photographic images from around the world that introduce such concepts as nature and science. Water, air, light. Patterns, curves, shapes, colors. Things that crawl, fly, float, run, bloom, ripen. Think of everything Earth gives us. What are you most thankful for? Includes notes from the author about related activities and resources.

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A photo of There's Math in my Art!

There's Math in my Art!

Can you find math in your art? Discover math in art through symmetry, geometry, and patterns in this STEAM based title.

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A photo of Through Georgia's Eyes

Through Georgia's Eyes

A biography of Georgia O'Keeffe from her childhood in Wisconsin through her work in New Mexico.

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A photo of Triceratops

Triceratops

Learn interesting facts about triceratops.

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A photo of Water Land: land and water forms around the world

Water Land: land and water forms around the world

Based on Montessori teachings, die-cut pages identify and contrast types of water bodies and their corresponding land masses to help young readers understand how connected the earth and the water really are.

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A photo of What a Wonderful World

What a Wonderful World

Illustrations and lyrics introduce a song, first recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, which celebrates the wonders of nature, loving friends, and the promise of the future in a baby's cry.

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A photo of What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?

Also available on Overdrive and Hoopla. A nose for digging? Ears for seeing? Eyes that squirt blood? Explore the many amazing things animals can do with their ears, eyes, mouths, noses, feet, and tails in this interactive guessing book, beautifully illustrated in cut-paper collage, which was awarded a Caldecott Honor.

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A photo of What Will Grow?

What Will Grow?

"Seeds can be big or small, round or pointy, and all sorts of colors. They can become flowers, trees, fruits, or vegetables, and they grow all times of year, during spring, summer, fall, and winter. But all seeds have one thing in common--inside each is a new plant life waiting to emerge. What kind of plant will bloom? Wait and see what will grow! This jacketed companion picture book to What Will Hatch? features all kinds of seeds, from flowers and trees to fruits and vegetables. Along with lyrical text and beautiful illustrations, the book includes four pull-out gate-folds and fascinating back matter about plants!"

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A photo of What's Your Favorite Bug?

What's Your Favorite Bug?

Eric Carle and fourteen other beloved children's book artists illustrate their favorite bugs and explain why they love them. Everybody has a favorite bug. Some like shiny, colorful beetles or busy ants or soft pale moths best. Others prefer spindly walking sticks or fuzzy caterpillars that turn into bright butterflies. With beautiful illustrations and charming personal stories, 15 children's book artists share their favorite bugs and why they love them. Featuring words and pictures by: Eric Carle, Joey Chou, Eric Fan, Denise Fleming, Ekua Holmes, Tim Hopgood, Molly Idle, Beth Krommes, Scott Magoon, Kenard Pak, Maggie Rudy, Britta Teckentrup, Brendan Wenzel, Teagan White, and Eugene Yelchin.

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A photo of What's Your Favorite Color?

What's Your Favorite Color?

Fifteen children's book artists, including Lauren Castillo, Frann Preston-Gannon, and Melissa Sweet, share their favorite colors and explain why they love them. This personal collection will inspire readers to create favorite-color drawings and stories of their own.

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A photo of Whose Hands are These?: a community helper guessing book

Whose Hands are These?: a community helper guessing book

Also available on Hoopla. Asks young readers to identify the occupation of each community helper from the type of tasks they perform and explains how these helpers work together to keep communities clean and safe and people healthy.

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