The Extinct Files: My Science Project by Wallce Edwards

Wally uses the scientific method to prove to his science teacher that dinosaurs are not really extinct. Claiming that the illustrators drawings are "actual photographs," he makes astute observations about these non-extinct creatures. He shares information about habitat, diet, grooming, movement, etc.

This is a very creative way to present scientific method, using lots of humor (Glamorousaurus shows us grooming, "Tea Wrecks" hangs out at the coffee shop). The language used in the observations is very heavy in description and sticks to factual information.

It gets a little silly with its conclusion but all-in-all, a fun way to present some science themes creatively. Definately a picture book for middle school.

Exploratopia

This is an excellent science resource for teachers and students. The book is divided into 3 main sections: Exploring Yourself (senses) Exploring Interesting Places (including kitchen, bathroom, beach, amusement park!) and Exploring Interesting Stuff (a whole host of things right out of the science curriculum).

Really neat ways to explain lots of great information in a kid friendly format--for example the scientific reason for disliking broccoli! The optical illusion section has some cool newer ways to look at optical illusions rather than the same old tired images. Lots of experiments--more than 400--many of which are easy to do and require common items to carry them out. Others have a plan ahead section where a few items will need to be gathered from other local sources such as Radio Shack.
The book contains lots of great pictures, diagrams and illustrations, a hints tips, and answers section and an index.
Packed full of lots of good and easy ideas to spice up science lessons in the classroom or allow students to extend some of the learning in class. Good ideas for science fairs too! I see this more as a book used with students rather than by them as the size of the book and depth of information is overwhelming for all but the most scientific-mindedchildren. I can see lots of the ideas from the book used to explore and explain scientific concepts K-8. Great ideas for centers can be developed from these ideas.

Put together by the folks at the Exploratorium

Wildfire, by Taylor Morrison

This is not a read aloud. It provides a great deal of details about the business of fighting wildfires. The page layout is sometimes confusing, but there is a wealth of information on each page. The paintings are perfect for conveying the heat of the fires. A central theme in the book is how our forests actually need fires and how fires are a part of nature's plan for healthy growth. Overdevelopment and people's general aversion to fire are putting our western forests in an ever more volatile and dangerous situation. This will be very popular with students interested in fires, disasters, and how things work.

Grades 4 - 8

The Story of Salt, by Mark Kurlansky

A really interesting journey into the history and importance of a rock we all take for granted. The book begins with an explanation of what it is, followed by its impotance to our bodies and how it is used. The book continues with how to make salt the four most common ways. While 'Make" is not an exact term as minerals cannot be made--it does explain how salt is released from water. Political and economic uses are discussed including salt's role in the great Wall of China and it's use in preservation from mummies in Egypt to food products. Words in our language that have developed based on salt are included. Lots of information in child-sized bites with text boxes on every other page.
The format causes some difficulty in reading--black text on dark washes, but the information is top notch and it ties salt in across a variety of subject areas. Great ties to the 4th Grade curriculum. Notables.

Grades 4-6

Sea Horse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea by Chris Butterworth

Illustrated by John Lawrence

A beautifully written description of the life of a male Barbour's sea horse evolves into a description of the life of one of his daughters. Additional facts about sea horses are provided in blue ink against a lighter blue water background. Includes index.

The illustrations are incredible. The backgrounds are woodcut prints with vinyl prints for the foreground. The simple color scheme, drawn from the colors of a coral reef (blue, aqua and red) portrays the richness of the underwater scenery.

Children will find the facts of the sea horse's life very interesting. The index is comprehensive for such an artistic picture book.

starred SLJ, starred Booklist