Miles and Miles of Reptiles by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu

Gr. 1-3. This rhyming reptile read is great for beginning readers because its jam-packed with information, but presented in a familiar storybook format. Detailed illustrations highlight what is described in the text from the difference in size between a crocodile's head versus an alligator's head to the shade a chameleon's skin turns when it's ready to attack! This book contains a glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading.

Vampires by Bonnie McMeans

Gr. 4-6. This book in the Mysterious Encounters series has it all: superstitions, sightings, attacks, and all the facts that explain the many questions people have about this mysterious creature. The author provides historical information that helps set the back drop necessary for understanding the emergence of vampire lore and superstition. Accounts of specific attacks and sightings are included in this book as are numerous pictures and sidebars that contain brief facts. Included is a glossary, index, bibliography, and suggestions for further reading.

The reading level for this book is a little lower than Gr. 4-6, but due to the subject matter I believe this book is more appropriate for children in Gr. 4-6. Many of the pictures are graphic and may scare younger children.

You Are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O' Brien

Gr. 1-3. Take a journey to Mars! Realistic illustrations show what life on Mars would really be like. Detailed descriptions and depictions reveal every step of the journey including the technology and machinery necessary to undertake such an expedition and support human life on the planet while research is being conducted.

This book reads like a factual picture book. The illustrations are so detailed and accurate that at first glance many of them appear to be photographs. A two-page spread at the back of the book lists facts about Mars. This might not be the text a child looking for sources for a school project is searching for, but it would be an excellent read for any child interested in space, space technology, planets, or the solar system.

Tornadoes: The Science Behind Terrible Twisters by Alvin and Virginia Silverstein and Laura Silverstein Nunn

Gr. 4-6. This book in the Science Behind Natural Disasters series begins with a look at one community struck by a deadly tornado: Greensburg, KS 2007. The authors then explain weather that make tornado formation possible. They also explain the technology that can be used to predict and track a tornado and break down the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale that rates the damage caused by a tornado much like the Richter Scale is used to describe the intensity of an earthquake. The book ends with a chapter addressing how to stay safe in the event that a tornado strikes your area. A glossary, suggestions for further reading, an index, and a list of websites on this topic are all all contained at the end of this book.

Tiny & Hercules by Amy Schwartz

PreK-2. Tiny, an elephant, and Hercules, a mouse, are best friends. They share many adventures in Schwartz's picture book-sized short story collection. In the first story, Hercules teaches Tiny to ice skate with a humorous result. In the second story, Tiny helps Hercules find inspiration for his artistic masterpiece. In the third story, the friends set up a lemonade stand, but soon find themselves with a bunch of unhappy customers. In the fourth story, the friends throw a birthday party for Hercules' Uncle Roy who is turning 103 and has a little trouble blowing out all the candles on his cake! In the fifth story, Tiny and Hercules knit each other sweaters.

These stories are fun whether read one at a time or all in one sitting!

A Small Surprise by Louise Yates

PreK-2. A rabbit is too small to do many things, but just small enough to do big things. Overall, the message is that everyone has different abilities and limitations based on their size and talents. Limited text and detailed pictures make this a book that can be shared over and over, sometimes in the same sitting. The text does interesting things in this book as its placement on the page is ever-changing and certain words are emphasized within the text by their artistic font.

Bea Rocks the Flock by Victoria Jamieson

PreK-2. Bea has a hard time following the Rule of Sheepdom: Sheep are not unique! After standing out too much she heads to New York to try out a few different identities to see if they're a better fit. After failing to be anything other than a "unique sheep" Bea heads home to her flock and finds that they missed her and have always had some dreams of their own, which Bea graciously helps them achieve.

Funny, detailed illustrations support a text with a strong message: be yourself.