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Exploring the Natural World: Ecology and the Environment
The natural world is truly wondrous, and children love learning about nature in all of its splendor and
variety. The books listed highlight interesting ecologies, wild environments, endangered species, and other environmental topics. This Showcase is concurrent with the fall issue of CBC Features, which
focuses on the environment.
Please browse the titles below and click on those that interest you to see cover art and a full book
description. Some of the titles may also include examples of interior art that offer a clearer representation of the actual book. The titles included in the Showcase are selected by their publishers
who provide the art and descriptive information.
These books are available at your local bookstore, which we urge you to patronize. Your local
bookseller can supply these titles and offer professional, informed help in selecting other good books for children. Check the American Booksellers Association's directory of member bookstores for a bookseller near you.
If you do not have convenient access to any local bookstores, you can purchase these CBC Showcase books online from independent bookstores at  .
CBC Showcase is a bimonthly thematic bibliography available only online. Please visit the Showcase Archive to view previous lists, which include Poetry Titles, Math and Counting Books, Folk and Fairy
tales, The African-American Experience, Humorous Books, Holiday Titles, and much more.
Animals on the Trail with Lewis and Clark
, written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, illustrated by William Munoz. Ages: 9-12.
This book chronicles the expedition of Lewis and Clark and the scores of animals who were recorded for the first time during their important journey. (Clarion Books)
Army Ant Parade
, written by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Rick Chrustowski. Ages: 3-7. An evocation of an army ant
parade set in the rain forest. (Henry Holt and Company)
At Break of Day
, written by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Paul Morin. Ages: All. This poetic text celebrates the wonders
of the universe, its creatures, and the loving collaborative effort that brings it into existence. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
The Bald Eagle Returns
, written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, illustrated by William Munoz.
Ages: 8-11. Young naturalists will be inspired by this account of the present status of the Bald Eagle and a successful conservation effort to save the species. (Clarion Books)
The Beautiful World that God Made
, written by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Anne Wilson. Ages: 3 and up.
Rhythmic lines build into the sweeping story of creation—from the heavens to the tiniest animals. Bold illustrations convey excitement of life coming into being. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
Butterflies in the Garden
, written and illustrated by Carol Lerner.
Ages: 5-8. Spring is the season for new flowers and the arrival of new butterflies! Carol Lerner shows families how to lure winged beauties into their gardens. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
The Cat
In the Hat's Learning Library: Oh Say Can You Seed?—All About Flowering Plants, written by Bonnie Worth,
illustrated by Aristedes Ruiz. Ages: 5-9. An insider's guide to the science of flora and fauna with the Cat in the Hat! (Random House Books for Young Readers)
A Cool Drink of Water
, written by Barbara Kerley.
Ages: 4 and up. This elegant book combines striking photographs and poetic text to depict the relationship that various cultures have with water. (National Geographic Society)
Crawdad Creek
, written by Scott Russell Sanders, illustrated by Robert Hynes.
Ages: 5 and up. Fossils, crayfish, beetles, arrowheads, and deer. There's a wild and beautiful world at Crawdad Creek waiting to be discovered. Take the time to look! (National Geographic Society)
Danger! Volcanoes
, written by Seymour Simon. Ages: 6-8. With full-color photos and easy-to-read words, Seymour Simon
explores the danger, and also importance, of volcanoes. Tear-out collectible cards are included. (SeaStar Books, a division of North-South Books)
Earthquake!
, written by Cynthia Pratt Nicolson. Ages: 7-11. Mother Nature in upheaval! (Kids Can Press)
Field Trips
, written and illustrated by Jim Arnosky. Ages: 8 and up.
An ordinary hike becomes an eye-opening adventure with Jim Arnosky as your guide. Here he enthusiastically shares a wealth of tips for watching wildlife. (HarperCollins Publishers)
Five Little Fiends
, written and illustrated by Sarah Dyer.
Ages: 4-8. An unforgettable fable featuring five fiends who learn the world is best when shared. Simply told with stunning art, it is compelling and timeless. (Bloomsbury Children's Books)
The Forest in the Clouds
, written by Sneed B. Collard, III, illustrated by Michael Rothman. Ages: 5-10. Sneed B. Collard takes
the reader to the mountains of Costa Rica to see the glorious world at the top of the rain forest. (Charlesbridge)
Gorillas, written by Seymour Simon. Ages: 5-8. Join renowned science writer Seymour Simon as his engaging narrative and full-color
photographs explore what makes these remarkable and often misunderstood creatures so fascinating. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
If My Mom Were a Platypus: Animal Babies and Their Mothers
, written by Dia L. Michels, photographs by Michael J. N. Bowles.
Ages: 8-12. Fourteen baby mammals describe the way they eat, sleep and learn from birth to maturity. Fun facts, solid science, detailed illustrations. (Platypus Media)
Look What I See! Where Can I Be? With My Animal Friends
, written by Dia L. Michels, photographs by Michael J. N. Bowles.
Ages: Infant - 5. Lively family in vibrantly photographed guessing-game picture book visits different places in the community where animals reside—acquarium, farm, petting zoo, animal shelter. (Platypus Media)
Magic
Tree House Research Guide-Rainforests: A Non-fiction Companion to Afternoon on the Amazon, written by Will
Osborne and Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca. Ages: 5-9. Includes information on rain forests around the world; fun facts about rain-forest bugs, birds, plants, and animals;
maps and photographs; and much more with Jack and Annie! (Random House Books for Young Readers)
Mammoth, written and illustrated by Patrick O'Brien. Ages: 5-9. Discover the fascinating facts and intriguing beliefs about the
mammoth-one of the largest animals that ever lived. (Henry Holt and Company)
One Whole Day: Wolves
, written and illustrated by Jim Arnosky. Ages: 4-8. In fairy tales, wolves are scary creatures with big
teeth that chase little children and try to eat them. But are they like in real life? (National Geographic Society)
Seasons of the Moon: Summer Moon
, written by Jean Craighead George. Ages: 8-12.
Newbery Medal-winning Jean Craighead George's acclaimed Seasons of the Moon series, now available in chapter book format. (HarperTrophy)
Shadows, written by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Harvey Stevenson. Ages: 3-7. Two friends find that shadows are all around
them. (Henry Holt and Company)
Song for the Whooping Crane
, written by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Elsa Warnik. Ages: All. "Spinelli's poetic ode to an
endangered crane species is at once respectful and breathless with wonder." —Booklist "A visual and linguistic delight." —Publishers Weekly (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
The Tide, written and illustrated by Nik Pollard. Ages: 3-7. The ebb and flow of the tide give shape to this striking picture book
about the seashore. A perfect choice for summer. (Roaring Brook Press, a division of The Millbrook Press, Inc.)
The Tree, written by Dana Lyons, illustrated by David Danioth.
Ages: All. This powerful song of an ancient Douglas Fir celebrates the age-old cycle of life in the Pacific Rain Forest, revealing the inter-connectedness of all things. (Illumination Arts)
Watching Water Birds
, written and illustrated by Jim Arnosky. Ages: 8 and up.
Lively text and captivating, full-color artwork give young readers a close-up look at the habits, habitats, and distinctive features of loons, gulls, herons, and more. (National Geographic Society)
Water Hole Waiting
, written by Jane Kurtz and Christopher Kurtz, illustrated by Lee Christiansen. Ages 3 up. This
introduction to African animals and life at a water hole is also a suspenseful read-aloud. (Greenwillow Books)
What Will the Weather Be?
, written by Lynda DeWitt, illustrated by Carolyn Croll.
Ages: 5-9. A classic Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science title that teaches the basics of weather prediction. (HarperTrophy)
What's Up, What's Down
, written by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Barbara Bash. Ages: 4 and up. The concept of
"up" and "down" is explored through a series of questions (what's up if you're a worm?) that invite young readers on a journey through nature. (Greenwillow Books)
When Mammoths Walked the Earth
, written by Caroline Arnold, illustrated by Laurie Caple.
Ages: 8-11. The meticulously researched text, in addition to the stunning and scientifically accurate artwork provides an accessible look at these fascinating giants. (Clarion Books)
Where Does a Tiger-Heron Spend the Night?
, written by Margaret Carney, illustrated by Melanie Watt. Ages: 3-8. Children fold back the flaps and
catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger-heron, or one of eleven other intriguing species highlighted in this poetic celebration of the beauty, wonder and variety of birds. (Kids Can Press)
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