Well, the PTO had the book fair in my library this week, so it was a bit of a budget buster. I usually end up buying the bulk of my wish list books, plus, I found two interesting older non-fiction titles while rooting through the boxes of books the volunteers decided not to put out. (I actually found many more than two that I was interested in buying. I did make a pile but put them all back.)
The Secret Life of a Snowflake: an up-close look at the art & science of snowflakes by Kenneth Libbrecht. 48 p. Voyageur Press, January, 2010. 9780760336762.
Publisher synopsis: Before a snowflake melts on your tongue, it makes an epic journey. This is the beautiful, full-color story of that journey, step by step, from a single snowflake’s creation in the clouds, through its fall to earth, to its brief and sparkling appearance on a child’s mitten. Told by a scientist who knows snowflakes better than almost anyone, the story features his brilliant photographs of real snowflakes, snowflakes forming (in the author’s lab), water evaporating, clouds developing, ice crystals, rain, dew, and frost--all the elements of the world and weather that add up, flake by flake, to the white landscape of winter. Aimed at readers from 6 to 12,The Secret Life of a Snowflake gets to the heart of one of nature’s most magical phenomena while making the wonder of the snowflake all the more real.
Oceans: dolphins, sharks, penguins, and more! by Johnna Rizzo. Introduction by Sylvia A. Earle. 62 p. National Geographic, March, 2010. 9781426306860
Publisher synopsis: Swim with sharks! Dive with dolphins! Stroll the beach with penguins! Young readers will joyfully immerse themselves in this awesome adventure at sea,
in which stunning National Geographic photos reveal hidden worlds of action and beauty. We meet 30 favorite sea creatures and explore their watery homes: playful dolphins, mysterious sharks, graceful sea turtles, waddling penguins, and dozens of others. Kids will marvel at speedy swimmers on the hunt, and smile at cuddly scenes of animal families.
To give background on the attention-grabbing photographs, each page is sprinkled with fun facts and layered with information about ocean wildlife and environments. Age-appropriate text tells each animal’s story in language that’s accurate, lively, and non-intimidating. National Geographic maps encourage kids to learn about the geography of land and sea.
Conservation tips help readers of all ages understand how we can be kind to the oceans.What can I say? I'm a sucker for Nat Geo and books with beautiful photographs.
That's what's new with me. What's new with you? Happy reading!
Are these for your home or your class? I tend to get most of my nonfiction from the library because we don't reread it that often; but I love buying nonfiction from teacher's wish lists.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, was going to mention that and forgot to. I'll donate them to my library. I'd say that I donate 97% of the books I buy. There's simply no room left in my house to keep any more than the few I fall in love with and will reread.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
brenda
Yeah, I'm a sucker for great photography myself. When you look at the difference in the nonfiction from twenty and even ten years to today, there is such a difference - but esp with a publisher like NG.
ReplyDeleteNG is just the best! They set the bar high. I agree with you about NF prior to ten years ago. Thanks for stopping by!
Deletebrenda