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INTEGRATING SCIENCE & LANGUAGE ARTS
VIA TRADEBOOKS:
AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Dr. Thomas O'Brien
Binghamton University (SUNY)
School of Education and Human Development
P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000
607-777-4877(voice mail)/777-6041(Fax)/tobrien@binghamton.edu
Effective science and ELA (especially whole language) instruction share the philosophical assumption
that the primary role of teacher instruction is to promote the learner's active construction of meaning.
This "minds-on, sense-making" approach to learning is violated by many science textbooks and basal
readers which emphasize isolated, decontextualized skills, words, and facts. If utilized in conjunction
with creative, "hands-on" science activities, tradebooks provide a more holistic means of teaching both
science and language arts in a context that is student activity centered, motivational and meaningful. The
following are examples of the wide variety of quality tradebooks available. Regrettably, excellent
tradebooks periodically go out-of-print, so some titles may be available only in libraries.
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| A: Activity
C: Coloring 3D: PopUp
EC: Ecology/Conservation|
| F/F: Fact/Fiction
HB: Historical Biography
M : Math
|
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MP: MicroPhotography
P: Poetry
SF: Science Fiction |
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Q/A: Question & Answer
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Aliki. (1986). Dinosarus are Different, (1990). Dinosaur Bones, (1988). Digging Up Dinosaurs, (1990)
Fossils Tell of Long Ago, My Visit to the Dinosaurs (natural history museum), (1990) My Five Senses
(common experiences associated with each sense). NY: Harper Trophy.
Allen, M.N. & Rotner, S. (1991). Changes. NY: Macmillan. Photographic essay on the concept of
change in nature with a spare, graceful text & striking full-color photos. Ages 3-8.
Allison, Linda. (1977). Blood and Guts: A Working Guide to Your Own Insides. NY: Scholastic. Ages
8-12. For children ages 4-8, For ages 6-9,see: Cole, Joanna. (1998). Your Insides. Paper Star.
M/A Anno, Mitsumasa. (1997). Anno’s Math Games, ...II, ...III. NY: Paper Star. (Gr.2-5). lively picture
book feature two elves who invite children to join in math games (includes instructional notes for adults).
(1999). Anno’s Mysterious Multiplying Jar. (gr.3-8). Uses multiplication to teach concept of factorials &
number expansion.
A Ardley, Neil (1992). The Science Book of...: Magnets, Water, Color, Senses, Electricity, Machines,
Sound, Air, Hot & Cold, Energy, and Light. NY: Gulliver Books/Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Full-color
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photos of kids doing science discovery activities (with household materials) & clear descriptions (25pp
each). K-4.
C Arnosky, Jim. (1999). Drawing from Nature. Econo-Clad Books. Learn how to draw all kinds of
flowers, animals & plants.
SF Asimov, Isaac. The Fantastic Voyage. Econo-Clad Books. Book and movie depicts a mission to
save a famous person’s life by a miniaturized submarine microsurgery team. Gr.6+. For a lighter touch,
see the early 1990s movie Honey I Shrunk the Kids & its sequel.
Backstein, K. (1992). The Blind Men and the Elephant. NY: Scholastic Hello Reader Level 3 (gr.1-2).
A retelling of the fable from India of the six blind men who examine the elephant from different, limited
perspectives & draw very different impressions -- a wonderful metaphor for scientific discovery. See
also: Young, Ed. (1992; 1993 Caldecoot Honor Award). Seven Blind Mice. NY: Scholastic.
Reframing of a classic Indian tale that substitutes colored mice for blind men & ends with the Mouse
Moral: “Knowing in part may make a fine tale, but wisdom come from seeing the whole.”
M/EC Baker, A. & J. (1991). Counting on a Small Planet: Activities for Environmental Mathematics.
Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Children (gr.3-8) are encouraged to use math to preserve & protect our
world thru hands-on/minds-on environmental activities.
Balestrino, Philip & Kelly, True (illus). The Skeleton Inside You. NY: Harper Trophy/Let's-Read-andFind-Out. Entertaining description of how different kinds of bones work (ages 4-8).
Balkwill, Dr. Fran & Rolph, Mic.(1993).Cell Wars. Ages7-13. (1994). Cells Are Us. Ages 5-8. (1994).
DNA Is Here To Stay. Ages 9-15. Carolrhoda Books. (1994) Amazing Schemes Within Your Genes.
Ages 15+ Fiorst Avenue Editions. 32pp each; award winning series with up-to-date facts & fun graphics
that tell the exciting story of cellular biology. (1995). Microbes, Bugs, and Wonder Drugs: Potions to
Penicillin, Aspirin to Addiction.128pp. Gr.5-10. Available from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
1-800-843-4388. CSHL Press, 10 Skyline Drive, Plainview, NY 11803. See also Herskowitz’s Double
Talking Helix Blues.
F/F & EC Bang, Molly. (1996). Chattanooga Sludge. Harcourt Brace & Co. Tells the story of how a
scientist works to reclaim the purity of the Chattanooga Creek via microbial remediation. Gr. 4-7.
Banyai, Istvan. (ISBN 0-670-85804-8). (1995). Zoom. Viking Press. A wordless book that zooms out
from a scene of arranged toys to Spaceship Earth. A great study in scale & perspective. Gr.K-8.
Barrett, Judi. (1984). Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing. NY: Atheneum. Adaptations of
animals to a different environment. -- & Ron Barrett. (1989). Animals Should Definitely Not Act Like
People. Humorously depicts animal inconveniences if they acted like people ("because a fly would find
his furniture falling" and 13 others). (1982). Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. NY: Aladdin. Core
weather concepts are covered in analogous tale where precipitation falls in the form of food.
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EC Bash, Barbara. (1989). Desert Giant: The World of the Saquaro Cactus. San Francisco: Sierra
Club/Boston: Little, Brown. Lifecycle & ecosystem the cactus & desert animals & Indians who depend
on it. (Reading Rainbow book).
Baum, Arline & Joseph. (1989). Opt: An Illusionary Tale. NY: Viking Press. ISBN: 0-14-050573-3.
A magical tale of optical illusions, in which objects seem to shift color & size while images appear and
disappear. [A Reading Rainbow Book & Video S76/$29.95/call 1-800-228-4630]. See also books by
Kay & Hewetson.
EC Bellamy, David & Dann, Penny (illus.). (1991). How Green Are You? NY: Crown. Upbeat &
colorful contains information and projects (ages4-8) on saving water & energy, cleaning the air &
recycling. (1999). The Roadside. NY: Antique Collector’s Club. Construction of a 6-lane highway in a
wilderness area disrupts the balance of nature & forces animals to struggle to survive. (K-5).
A/P Bennett, A. & Kessler, J. (1996). Apples, Bubbles, and Crystals: Your Science A, B, C’s.
McGraw-Hill. 26 whimsical creatures help K-2nd gr. discover the wonders of poetry & hands-on science
experiments that use everyday materials.
Berenstain, S. and J. (1985). The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food, Go to the Doctor, Visit
the Dentist, & (1991) Don't Pollute (Anymore). NY: First Time Library/Random House. See also: Bear
Facts Library books: Nature Guide & Science Fair. (1991).
Berger, Melvin. (1989). Switch On, Switch Off. NY: Harper Trophy/Let's-Read-and-Find-Out.
Explores how electricity is produced, transmitted & used in homes (ages5-8). Germs Make Me Sick! NY:
Harper Trophy/Let's-Read-and-Find-Out. Reading Rainbow Book (ages 4-8) explores how viruses &
bacteria affect physical well-being.
HB Birch, Beverly. (1996). Pasteur’s Fight Against Microbes. Barron’s Juveniles. 68pp (w index,
glossary & chronology) biography with numerous historical quotes, photos (color & b/w) and sketches
describing Pasteur groundbreaking work on the germ theory. Gr.6-10
M/EC Birch, David. (1993). The King's Chessboard. NY: Puffin. An ancient Indian tale explains the
enormity of results when a number doubles in quantity successively - geometric progression & a good
introduction to population explosion.
C Bonforte, Lisa (illus.). (1989). Bugs, Beetles, and Other Insects: A Paint Box Book. NY: Random
House/Happy House Group. An activity book with alternate pages depicting "bugs" in natural settings to
be painted in with watercolors printed at the top of the pages. Other Titles in series: Nature Walk,
Dinosaurs & Their Babies & Things with Wings. (1988). See also: Trace'n'Rub: Dinosaurs: Rulers of
the Ancient Earth. Coloring book with pictures to trace and embossed pictures to rub. Includes simple
descriptions of the dinosaurs -- and All-About Coloring books: Brooks, Earl & Bonforte, Lisa. Creepy
Creatures.
Branley, Franklyn M. & Madden, Don (illus.). (1986). Is There Life in Outer Space. NY: Harper
Trophy Book. Astronomer-author combines fanciful sketches, actual photos of the moon, & photos from
a Star Wars movie to introduce children ages 4-8 to some of the ideas & misconceptions about life on
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outer space. (32pp). This book is part of the Let's Read-and-Find-Out Book elementary science series
(over 100 titles) - some titles available with audiotape. The Planets in Our Solar System, Rockets and
Satellites, The Sky is Full of Stars, Sunshine Makes the Seasons, Volcanoes, What the Moon is Like, The
Moon Seems to Change, Flash, Crash, Rumble and Roll (thunderstorms), & What Makes Day & Night.
Also by same author:It's Raining Cats & Dogs: All Kinds of Weather & Why We Have It (1987). Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin. Includes weather facts, myths, simple homemade instruments & experiments.
A Branzei, Sylvia. (1997). Grossology. Planet Dexter/ Addison-Wesley. 80pp book of cartoon-like
sketches, simple activities & provocative text that depicts many of the “gross” aspects of the human body
& its functioning in the world of bacteria, molds, etc. Gr.6-10. See also other Planet Dexter activity
books: Instant Creature.
Q/A Brecher, E. & Gerrad, M. (1997). Challenging Science Puzzles. NY: Sterling Pub. 54pp of
questions (+35 pp answers) related to heat, light, sound, space, household physics, general & toungue-incheek physics (some can be tested “live”). [gr.5-adult]
Q/A Brennan, H. (1997). Memory. NY: Scholastic. 189pp of “fun&mental” activities designed to
help gr.4-adult students to enhance their memory via visualization, mneumonics, etc.,
QC Brooks, Earl & Bonforte, Lisa (illus). (1988). Creepy Creatures. NY: Random House. An AllAbout Coloring Book featuring informative paragraphs & line drawings of 19 creepy animals & 2 unusual
plants and a fun-to-color pull-out poster. Other books in the series: Dinosaurs, Sharks, Whales & Other
Creatures of the Deep, and Things That Fly.
EC Brown, Marcia. (1947/1989). Stone Soup. NY: Atheneum. Classic story of the benefits of working
together & sharing; could also be used to discuss nutrition (K-3).
MP Burder, D. (photographer) & Sammon, R. & S. (authors). (1993). Creepy Crawlies in 3-D! The
Nature Company, PO Box 188, Florence, KY 41022; 800-227-1114. Full-page, 3D photos of twelve
common insects and arthropods and a set of 3D glasses. Text describes behavior, physical characteristics,
habitat, etc., of the organisms.
EC Burningham, John. (1990/1999). Hey! Get Off Our Train. Crown. In a dream, a young boy
encounters animals escaping environmental threats; fantasy picture book on the plight of endangered
species (preschool-Gr.3).
M/A Burns, M. (1976). The Book of Think (or How to Solve a Problem Twice Your Size). Boston:
Little, Brown. Part of the Brown Paper School series of light-hearted & thought-provoking activity
books. See also: (1975). The I Hate Mathematics Book; (1982). Math for Smarty Pants (gr.4-8); and
(1978). This Book is about Time.
F/F Boyle, Doe & Petruccio, Steven James (illus). (1995). Coral Reef Hideaway: The Story of the
Clown Anemonefish. Smithsonian Institution. 32pp (w index & glossary) book comes with audiotape
(reads text with realistic background sounds) and small, stuffed animal -- blends fact & fiction in an
engaging, scientifically accurate story. K-3. See other books in series such as: Jay, Lorraine & Lee, Katie
(illus). Sea Turtle Journey: The Story of the Loggerhead Turtle.
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EC Caduto, Michael & Bruchac, Joseph. (1988/1999). Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories
with Environmental Activities for Children. Golden, CO: Fulcrum. 24 stories blend science, social
studies, & language arts with half of the 320pp book dedicated to the science (including hands-on
activities) & natural phenomena involved with the legends (ages 5-12). See also similar: Keepers of the
Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children (240pp). Teachers guides & audio
cassettes are also available for both books.
Calhoun, Mary & Ingraham, Erick (illus.). (1981). Hot-Air Henry. NY: Mulberry Books/William
Morrow. A Reading Rainbow Book with accompanying audiocassette tells the story of a unexpected solo
flight of a sassy Siamese cat named Henry & basic principles of hot air ballooning.
Caney, Steven. (1985). Invention Book. NY: Workman Publishing Co. A 207pp project book for the
would-be inventor with activities, a list of contraptions in need of inventing, and the history of 36
inventions. See also books by Foltz Jones, Harris, Kassinger, Macaulay and Suid.
Carle, Eric. (1975/1984). The Mixed Up Chameleon. NY: Thomas Crowell. A very bored chameleon
wants to be like other animals, but when he is transformed, he no longer can survive & eventually
concludes his unique adaptations are most appropriate. (1977/1996). The Grouchy Ladybug. A
"grouchy" ladybug refuses to share the aphids on the leaves. Instead, she spends her day antagonizing
other animals, all of which have their own protective adaptations. At the end of a very humbling & tiring
day, a much wiser ladybug returns home, willing to share. (1985/1989). The Very Busy Spider. NY:
Putnam. Various animals attempt to keep a spider from completing her task. But by day's end, the
exhausted spider has weaved a beautiful web. (1981/1984). The Very Hungry Caterpillar. No selfrespecting catepillar would eat like this, but metamorphosis is integral to their lives. (1987/1998). The
Tiny Seed. Little Simon. Wind, weather, & water can prevent seeds from taking root & growing, but
some overcome these problems & find proper conditions to bloom.
Carroll, Susan & Marvin, Frederic (illus.). (1986). How Big is a Brachiosaurus? NY: Price Stern
Sloan. Children's questions about dinosaurs are answered with relative scale illustrations and factual text.
Caselli, Giovanni. How the Human Body Works. (1987). NY: Putnam. Dramatic allegorical
illustrations answer the most common questions about the human body. (64 pp).
A Cassidy, John & the Exploratorium Staff. (1992). Explorabook: A Kids' Science Museum in a Book.
Klutz, Inc. More than 50 hands-on experiments from the world famous San Francisco museum, plus the
simple supplies you need to perform activities in magnetism, light, biology, physics, optical illusions &
mirrors. 100 spiral-bound pages for ages 9-14.
A Cassidy, John & Bollen, Roger (illus). (1996). The Time Book. Palo Alto, CA: Klutz Press.
Engaging book comes with an electronic, digital watch.
EC Cherry, Lynne. Great Kapok Tree. (1990). San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Beautiful
illustrations and text focusing on conservation of the Amazon rainforest including a fantasy where
animals instruct a dozing man about the importance of the tree he was chopping down.
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(1992). A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History. Pictures & text tell the true story of the
Nashua River from 1400-1990 through environmental degradation & renewal.
M Clement, Rod. (1991). Counting on Frank. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens Pub. A boy & his dog
present amusing counting, size comparisons, & mathematical facts. Gr.3-6.
A Cobb, Vicki & Darling, Kathy. (1980/1983). Bet You Can't: Science Impossibilities to Fool You and
(1983/1989) Bet You Can: Science Impossibilities to Fool You. (1993). Wanna Bet? Science Challenges
to Fool You. NY: Avon Camelot. Two activity books with 82 and 62 "tricks"/science experiments for
upper elem-middle school students using simple, household materials. See also: Cobb, Vicki &
Lippman, Peter (1972/1994). Science Experiments You Can Eat and (1979/1994). More Science.... NY:
Harper Trophy Book/J.B. Lippincott. Experiments with food demonstrate scientific principles & produce
edible results (126pp). (1991). Cobb. V. & Morrill, L (illust). (1981/1999). How to Really Fool Yourself:
Illusion for All Your Senses. 142pp with illustrations & simple do-it-yourself demonstrations. NY: John
Wiley & Sons.
HB Coerr, Eleanor & Croll, Carolyn (illust). The Big Balloon Race. (1992). NY: Harper Collins
Childrens Books. Based on a true event of a little girl and her mother competing in a race during the
pioneering days of aeronautics (64pp/ages5-8).
F/F Cole, Joanna. (1986/1988). The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks. NY: Scholastic. Ms.
Frizzle's class find themselves reduced to the size of water droplets as they tour the waterworks from the
inside and learn about the water cycle & the process of providing clean water. Other titles: (1987) Inside
the Earth (a Reading Rainbow book). The geological structure & composition of the earth is seen by Ms.
Frizzle's students who realize how minerals and rocks from inside the earth are necessary to their lives. -(1989). Inside the Human Body. -- (1990). Lost in the Solar System. -- (1992). Bus On the Ocean Floor -(1994). In the Time of the Dinosaurs. -- (1995). Inside a Hurricane. -- (1996). Inside a Beehive -(1997). The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip. All include a delightful mix of fact & fantasy
with colorful artwork. See also related Scholastic “spin-offs”: (1) the series of 24+ books that
accompany the various episodes of the TV/PBS series (lower reading level than original), (2) Skills
Books & Magazine (with activities),
(3) Chapter Books (13+), (4) CD-ROMs, etc., go to:
http://place.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus/index.htm
Cole, Joanna. (1985). Cuts, Breaks, Bruises, and Burns: How Your Body Heals. NY: Crowell.
(1984). How You Were Born. Text & photos explain how a baby grows inside the mother’s body & how
it is born. William Morrow & Co. (1994/1998). Your Insides. A lively & colorful (including four
transparent overlay pages) exploration of the human body & how it works for ages 6-9.
C Copeland, Peter F. (1984/1992). A Smithsonian Coloring Book: Mammals. Washington, DC:
Smithsonian Institution Press. (30pp). 29 realistic sketches of animals in natural habitats with captions
that include scientific names and basic facts.
A Danks, Dr. H. (1987). The Bug Book. Workman Pub. Text and activities about bugs, their habitats
and care and handling.
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Darling, K & Daling, T. (photos). (1996). Arctic Babies. NY: Scholastic. Alternates full-page photos
with descriptive text & fact boxes about 15 animals.
HB Davidson, Margaret. (1990/1992). The Story of Thomas Alva Edison, Inventor: The Wizard of
Menlo Park. NY: Scholastic. Blend of history, adventure & science for ages 7-10.
DePaola, Tomie. (1975/1985). The Cloud Book. NY: Holiday House. Facts & legends about the
different types of clouds. (1978). The Popcorn Book. Fascinating facts, legends, stories & two recipes.
A De Vito, Alfred. (1982). Exceptional Examination of Exemplar Experiments for Exciting Teaching
with Eggs. West Lafayette, IN: Creative Ventures. 65pp of eggciting experiments for Gr.4-10.
EC Dorros, Arthur. (1990/1999). Rain Forest Secrets. NY: Scholastic. Young environmentalists are
transported to the heart of the Amazon jungle to learn about the largest and endangered rain forest. A
Monkey Grows Up. Children follow the social & behavioral discoveries of an infant female vervet
monkey.
Dowell, Phillip & Dunning, Michael (photography). (1991). Eye Openers: Zoo Animals, Farm
Animals, Pets, Jungle Animals, Sea Animals, Night-time Animals & Baby Animals (ages 2-5). NY:
Aladdin Books/Macmillan (21 pp each). Simple text, labeled sketches & superb photos motivate interest
in animals.
EC EarthWorks (a coalition of environmental groups). (1989 & 1999). 50 Simple Things... You and
Kids ...Can Do to Save the Earth. Both books contain a mix of fascinating environmental facts and
practical actions that adults and children can take. Kid Heroes of the Environment: Simple Kids Are
Doing to Save the Earth. (1991). Profiles 29 individuals & organizations that use “kid power.” (1992).
25 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save Energy. (Gr.3-12/out-of-print).
MP Edwards, F.B. & Aziz, L. (1992). Closeup: Microscopic Photographs of Everyday Stuff. Firefly
Books, PO Box 1338 Elliott Station, Buffalo, NY 14205. ($6.95). 48pp present 20 common objects as
“guess what this is” scanning electron micrographs.
A Edom, Helen. (1994). Science with Water. London, England: Usborne Publishing. Illustrations and
clearly written text guide upper elementary students through safe, household item based hands-on
activities. Questions encourage predictions and real-life applications motivate students to see science in
the world around them. Notes for parents & teachers provide more detailed explanations. See also:
(1992). Science with Lights and Mirrors and Science with Magnets.
A Elsohn Ross, Michael. (1993). The World of the Small: Nature Explorations with a Hand Lens.
Yosemite Association. 63pp of explorations with a 5X hand lens for gr.4-7.
EC Field, Nancy & Machlis, Sally. (1990). Discovering Endangered Species: A Learning & Activity
Book. Middleton, WI: Dog-Eared Pub., 608-831-1410. 40pp, B&W with answers. Other Discovering
titles: Wolves, Salmon, Seattle Aquarium, Mt.Ranier, Crater Lake, Northwest Volcanoes & Marine
Mammals.
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HB: Foltz Jones, C. (1991). Mistakes that Worked: 40 Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be.
NY: Doubleday Books for Young Readers. 75pp + bibliography & index. See also books by Caney,
Kassinger, Macaulay and Suid.
Frasier, Debra. (1991). On the Day You Were Born. NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Paper collages
& simple text celebrate nature's phenomena that create the arrival of each new baby.
A Friedl, A.E. & Yourst Koontz, T. (2001). Teaching Science to Children: An Inquiry Approach.
Boston: McGraw-Hill. An unusual elementary science “methods” book which consists almost entirely of
discrepant event demonstrations (19 of 22 chapters) with explanations that cover all the key science topics
taught in K-8 grades. A wonderful “try it, learn it & teach it” book for teachers.
HB Fritz, Jean. (1982/1999). What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin?. NY: EconoClad Books. Lively
biography for ages 8-12 (48pp).
SF Gardiner, John Reynolds. (1984/1989). Top Secret. Little, Brown & Co. A humorous story about a
precocious nine year old boy who discovers the secret of human photosynthesis for his science project
while working against the opposition of his teacher, Mrs. Green. (gr.4-7). Fictional account of the
"scientific method" and attitudes. (110 pp).
A Gardner, Martin. (1969/1988). Perplexing Puzzles and Tantalizing Teasers. Dover Pub. Activity
book of 47 riddles, word games, picture puzzles, & mazes with answers (upper elem-middle sch.).
Gates, Phil. (1995). Nature Got There First: Inventions Inspired by Nature. NY: Kingfisher. 80pp with
glossary & index. Photos, cutaway drawings & clear explanations reveal how nature has served as the
prototype for various technologies. Gr.4-9.
M Geisel, Audrey (alias Theo.LeSieg). (1974). NY: Random House/Beginner Books. Wacky
Wednesday. Drawings & verse encourage careful observation & counting skills to identify the many
things that are wrong.
EC Geisel, Theodore Seuss (Dr. Seuss). (1971). The Lorax. NY: Random House. The Once-ler's
greed for "biggering" his thneeds factories w/o regard for environmental conservation leads to loss of
animal species, degradation of the natural environment, and eventually after the last Truffula tree is
chopped down, to the death of his city. In the end, he tells his story to a young boy and gives him the last
Truffula seed with the message "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot..." (1949).
Bartholomew and the Oobleck. A King disgruntled with the four things that come down from the sky
(rain, sunshine, fog and snow) has his magicians conjure up oobleck. After suffering the effects of his
environmental hubris, the King says the magic words "I'm sorry." (1984). The Butter Battle Book.
Engaged in a long-running battle, the Yooks and the Zooks develop ever more sophisticated weaponry as
they attempt to outdo each other -- metaphor for arms race. (1954). Horton Hears a Who! NY:
Random House. Whimsical story about an elephant’s effort to save the microscopic town of Who-ville
that exists on a dust speck. Great introduction to the idea of microworlds that exist beneath the limits of
our unaided vision. (1973). The Shape of Me and Other Stuff. Rhyme and silhouette drawings
introduce the shape of familiar objects.
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P Gelman, Rita Golden. (1992). Body Battles. NY: Scholastic. Rhyming text & exuberant illustrations
introduce the battles that occur inside the human body when bacteria, viruses, poisons, & drugs invade. A
Body Bulletin Board in the back of the book offers guideline to stay healthy. Ages 4-8.
EC/SF George, J.C. (1991). Who Really Killed Cock Robin? NY: HarperCollins. A young ecologist
turns scientific detective and discovers the importance of keeping nature in balance. (gr.3-7).
Gibbons, Gail. (1993). Weather Forecasting Aladdin/Macmillan.
A Ginns, Russell. (1995). Midnight Science: Science Games & Activities to Keep You Up All Night.
NY: W.H. Freeman & Co. 63pp.
F/F Greaves, Nick & Clement, Rod (illus.). (1988/1991). When Hippo Was Hairy And Other Tales
from Africa. NY: Barron's. 36 animal stories from African mythology accompanied by black-and-white
sketches of the animal characters, full-color realistic illustrations of each animal, scientific descriptions
and maps locating the animals actual habitats -- a delightful mix of fact & fancy. Includes a glossary &
bibliography. (143pp).
C Gregorich, Barbara & Pape, Richard (artist). (1983/1998). All About Animals. Grand Haven, MI:
School Zone Publishing (1819 Industrial Dr., Grand Haven, MI 49417). Part of the Preschool Series, this
activity book contains realistic black & white drawings of a variety of domestic & wild animals for
children to color & categorize by traits & abilities. (32 pp).
P Guarino, Deborah & Kellogg, Steven (illust). (1989). Is Your Mama a Llama? NY: Scholastic. A
baby llama alternately asks eight different animal friends the book's title question. Each animal gives him
(and the child reader) a hint in the form of a riddle rhyme to help him guess what everyone's mother really
is.
EC Guiberson, Brenda Z. (1991). Cactus Hotel. NY: Henry Holt. Colorful drawings & text describe
the life cycle of giant saquaro cactus with emphasis on its role as home for other desert dwellers.
A Hahn, Judith. (1991/1999). How Science Works: 100 Ways Parents & Kids Can Share the Secrets of
Science (192pp w index). Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest. Full-color photos and clear instructions
help parents guide their children (ages 8-15) through simple (household supply type) hands-on
experiments & projects in chemistry & physics. Accompanying text provide clear explanations and
historical background. Other titles in series: How Nature Works, How the Earth Works,and How Math
Works.
HB Haines, Gail Kay. (1990). Micromysteries: Stories of Scientific Detection. NY: G.P. Putnam's
Sons. Describes thirteen historical case studies of scientific investigations involving the supersmall
focusing on the scientists involved, the inquiry skills used, and the "products." (180pp/upper elem-middle
school: Goodyear & vulcanization, Hall & aluminum, Curie & radioactivity, Rocky Mtn spotted fever,
Rutherford & nuclear model of atom, quantum model, diabetes, integrated circuits, etc.).
A Harlow, Rosie & Morgan, Gareth. (1992). 175 Amazing Nature Experiments. NY: Random House.
Hands-on experiments & crafts (172pp).
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A Harris, Tina et al. (1986/1996). Inventions and Discoveries. Dominquez Hills, CA: Educational
Insights - WorldBook. Activity book that stimulates creative thinking via questions about over 100
inventions -- comes with a hand-held Decoder that reveals the coded secret answers. See also books by
Caney, Foltz Jones, Kassinger, Macaulay and Suid.
Other titles in the BrainBoosters series: Amazing Animals, Puzzles and Thinking Games, Digging into the
Past, Worldwide Wonders, & Outer Space Adventures.
Hatchett, Clint & Marchesi, S. (illus). (1988). The Glow-In-the-Dark Night Sky Book. NY: Random
House. 22pp depict the various constellations. Gr. K-4. Similar to Ingle, Annie. (1993). The Glow-inthe-Dark Planetarium Book. NY: Random House.
Heller, Ruth. (1981/1999). Chickens Aren't the Only Ones. NY: PaperStar. Depicts w full-color
artwork & words, the wide variety of organisms that give birth via eggs (Reading Rainbow book).
(1983/1992). The Reason for a Flower. Depicts parts, functions, & types of flowers. (1982/1999).
Animals Born Alive and Well. NY: Putnam. Engaging verse & colorful illustrations introduce gr.1-2
children to mammals. (1984/1999). Plants That Never, Ever Bloom. Mushrooms, lichen, seaweed, &
mosses for gr.2-3. How to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects. NY: Grosset & Dunlap. Insect
camouflage is depicted in rhyming text & colorful illustrations. See also: How to Hide a Polar Bear and
Other Mammals. (Preschool-3).
P Heller, Ruth. (1995). Color. NY: Putnam & Grosset. Bouncy rhymes & colored acetate overlays
introduce children to the “magical” process of color reproduction/printing with the primary colors of
yellow, magenta, and cyan blue. K-8th gr.
P Herskowitz, Joel & Cuddihy, J. (illust). (1993). Double Talking Helix Blues. 12-minute
audiocassette & lyrics + graphics book that musically teaches about DNA & genes. Ages 8-adult. Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. 1-800-843-4388. Ask for catalog of other products. CSHL Press, 10
Skyline Drive, Plainview, NY 11803.
P Hewetson, Sarah & Jacobs, Phil (illust). (1994). Eye Magic: Fantastic Optical Illusion: An
Interactive Pop-Up Book. NY: Golden Books/Western Pub. 19pp plus 3D glasses & a variety of extra
moving parts in a storage packet. See also books by Baum & Kay.
Hirschi, Ron & Bash, Barbara (illus). (1991). NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell. Discover My World:
Ocean, Forest, etc. By answering questions and using verbal & visual clues posed by the text (or
creature), the reader must guess identity of organism (answers on last three pages of 30pp).
F/F Hirst, Robin & Sally. (1988/1992). My Place in Space. NY: Orchard Books/Franklin Watts.
Blends factual and funny text, scientifically accurate & offbeat watercolors in a story of Henry, an
Australian boy, who tells a rude bus driver exactly where he lives both locally and in the universe at large.
M Hoban, Tana. (1990). Shadows and Reflections. NY: Greenwillow. One of a series of B&W and
color photographic concept books that reminds young readers (& non-readers) that we are surrounded by
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geometric shapes, sizes, colors & patterns. (1985/1997). Is It Larger? Is It Smaller?, Circles, Triangles,
and Squares (Macmillan). Shapes, Shapes, Shapes (Greenwillow).
P Hoberman, Mary Ann. (1978/1982). A House is a House for Me. NY: Viking Penguin. Rhyme &
illustrations on the natural dwelling places of various animals, people & things. (K-3).
Hornblow, Leonora & Arthur. (1991 revised ed.). Reptiles Do the Strangest Things. NY: Step-Up
Nature Books/Random House. See also: Animals..., Birds..., Fish, Insects, & Prehistoric Monsters. High
interest descriptions of some of the unusual habits of 23 reptiles with lively, colorful illustrations.
A Irvine, Joan. (1992). How to Make Super Pop-Ups. NY: Beech Tree Books/William Morrow & Co.
Instructions for making a variety of paper pop-ups (3D), including animals, boats, robots, & enormous
pop-ups for the stage. See also: How to Make Pop-ups.
Jensen, Dr. Antony, Bolt, Dr. Stephen, & Johnson, Paul (illus.). (1989). World Explorer: Underwater
Dive. NY: Gallery Books. Two diving experts/authors guide children through the amazing world of
diving, oceanography, unusual flora & fauna, diving history, and myths & legends. (30 pp with index).
Other titles in the series written by explorer- scientists: Desert Trek, Amazon Adventure, and Artic
Expedition.
Jonas, Ann. (1990/1999). Aardvarks, Disembark! NY: Greenwillow Books - EconoClad. After the
flood, Noah calls out 140+ little-known animals (Z-->A). Includes watercolor paintings & a 1-page
glossary that identifies which animals are now extinct or endangered.
Jonas, Ann. (1989/1999). Color dance. NY: Greenwillow Books/William Morrow & Co./ Mulberry.
ISBN: 0-688-05990-2. Four dancers with colored scarfs show how primary colors combine to create
secondary ones (R + Y = O; Y + B = G; and R + B = P).
Jordan, Helene. (1972). How a Seed Grows. NY: Harpur Collins Children's Books. This book is part
of the Let's Read-and-Find-Out Book elementary science (Gr.1-3) series (100+ titles).
Juster, Norton. (1982). Otter Nonsense. NY: Philomel Books. Word and visual puns using the names
of various animals (examples: seal of approval, An inchworm jumping a foot in the yard, etc.,).
M Juster, Norton. (1989). The Phantom Tollbooth. NY: Random House. Milo encounters magical
adventures with numbers, geometry, measurement & problem solving when he drives his car beyond the
Phantom Tollbooth into the Lands Beyond. (gr.2-8).
HB Kassinger, Ruth. (2001). Reinvent the Wheel: Make Classic Inventions, Discover Your ProblemSolving Genius, and Take the Inventors Challenge. 24 easy-to-do activities that teach the science &
stories behind historical inventions (simple machines, chemical changes, predicting weather, &
magnetism & electricity [gr.K-8]. Available thru http://store.nsta.org. 800-277-5300. See also books by
Caney, Foltz Jones, Harris, and Suid
Kay, Keith. (1991). The Little Giant Book of Optical Illusions. NY: Sterling Pub. 315, one-page, 4” x
5” optical illusions (with explanations at the end of book). See also books by Baum & Hewetson
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M Keller, Charles. (1991). Take Me to Your Liter: Science and Math Jokes. Pippin. Gr.2-5 Illustrated
with cartoonlike drawings.
A Kenda, Margaret & Williams, Phyllis S. (1992). Science Wizardry for Kids. NY: Barron’s. 316pp
with over 200 experiments that use readily available supplies. Gr.4-9. See also: Kite, L. Patricia. (1995).
Gardening Wizardry for Kids. NY: Barron’s. 220pp with over 300 indoor projects.
HB Kerley, B. & Selznick, B. (illust). (2001). The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins. NY: Scholastic.
40pp book tells the true story of the Victorian artist (~1850s) who built the first life-size models of
dinosaurs in the Crystal Palace, England & again in America (including his run in with the corrupt NYC
“Boss” Tweed). Includes dramatic full-color drawings.
Kline, Suzy & (illustrations by) Remkiewicz, Frank. (1989/1999). Horrible Harry and the Green Slime.
NY: Viking Press/ EconoClad. Four stories about Miss Mackle’s second grade class. In
“Demonstrations,” Harry and his assistant Song Lee show how to make green slime from cornstarch,
water, and food coloring. It’s a big success and ends with the librarian taking it home to her husband who
is interested in science. See also: Bartholomew and the Oobleck story by Dr.Seuss.
HB Konigsburg, E.L. (1992/1999). Samuel Todd’s Book of Great Inventions. Scholastic/Aladdin.
Humorous & original look at things children think of as great inventions, including mirrors, step stools,
velcro, french fries, and backpacks. Ages 4-8.
P Koss, Amy G. (1989). Curious Creatures in Peculiar Places. Los Angeles, CA: Price Sloan Stern
(this one, out-of-print). Combines full-page artwork with fact-filled rhymes about 14 "curious" creatures
from around the world. See also: (1987). Where Fish Go in Winter and Answers to Other Great
Mysteries. As above with 13 nature questions (i.e., why does popcorn pop, leaves turn color, etc.,).
Poetry is delightful & scientifically accurate.
Kramer, Stephen P. (1987). How to think like a scientist: Answering questions by the scientific
method. HarperCollins. (48pp./Gr.2-6). Hypothetical situations model science processes.
A Krensky, Stephen. (1987/1994). Snow and Ice. NY: Scholastic. Interesting activities for ages 4-6.
Krulik, Nancy E. (1991). My Picture Book of the Planets. NY: Scholastic. Facts, drawings, &
colorful NASA photos for ages 5-7.
EC Lambert, David. (1990/1999). Forests. Mahash, NJ: Troll Associates/Econo-Clad. Part of the
series, Our Planet, provides a visually exciting look into the flora & fauna of the forests around the world
and the need for conservation.
Lauber, P. (1990/1992). How We Learned the Earth is Round. NY: Let’s-Read-and-Find Out Science
Book/HarperCollins. 32pp which address the history of the question from ancient times to photos of
spaceship earth.
SF L'Engle, Madeline. (1962/1999). A Wrinkle in Time. NY: Farrar, Straus & Giroux/Econo-Clad.
One of a # of sci-fi/morality books by author (Gr.6-12). Newbery Award winner.
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HB Lepscky, I. (1993). Albert Einstein. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s. 22pp with illustrations focus on
Albert’s unusual traits when he was a young boy. See also: Leonardo da Vinci.
Lionni, Leo. (1986/1996). It's Mine. NY: Alfred Knopf/Dragonfly. Three frogs pass the day quibbling
over who owns the earth, air and water until a natural diaster makes them realize their foolishness and
come to an understanding of the situation. Good introduction to cooperative learning.(K-2)
Livingston, Myra Cohn. (1989). Up in the Air. Portrays a captivating view of air & earth as a plane
takes off, flies & lands. Holiday House.
M Long, L. (2003). Delightful Decimals and Perfect Percents: Games and Activities that Make Math
Easy & Fun. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Part of Magical Math series (see also by same author:
Dazzling Division, Fabulous Fractions, Marvelous Multiplication, and Measurement Mania. All these
~120pp. books teach math concepts in a fun way using everyday objects and real-world problems
Lord, Suzanne and Jolie Epstein. (1986). A Day in Space. NY: Scholastic. Describes with words and
real photos what life is like aboard the NASA Space Shuttle.
MP Lovett, S. (1993/1999). Extremely Weird Micro Monsters. Santa Fe, NM: John Muir Publications:
800-888-7504. (distributed by W.W. Norton & Co.)/EconoClad. Pseudocolored microphotographs and
drawings of twenty unusual microscopic organisms including bacteria, molds, diatoms, protozoa,
tapeworms, mites, viruses, etc. 48pp. Gr.4-10.
SF Macaulay, D. (1979). Motel of the Mysteries. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. A future amateur
archeologist discovers clues to the lost civilization of “Usa” from a supposed tomb, Room #26 at the
Motel of the Mysteries. This book is an extended, insightful & humorous allegory for the power and
pitfalls of logically constructed inferences based on incomplete evidence. (gr.6-adult).
Macaulay, David. (200?/revised ed.). The New Ways Things Work: From Levers to Lasers,
Windmills to Web Sites: A Visual Guide to the World of Machines. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 400+pp
book for gr.4-adult with wonderful illustrations to explain “the way things work.” See also books by
Caney, Foltz Jones, Harris, Kassinger and Suid.
EC Madden, Don. (1986/1993). The Wartville Wizard. Macmillan/Aladdin. Mother Nature gives an
old man “power over trash” & he commands that each piece of litter “go back & stick to the person who
threw you”. Grade 1-3.
HB Mason, P. (2001). Groundbreakers: Galileo. Chicago: Heinemann. Series examines lives & work
of pioneering scientists, inventors, explorers who have had a lasting impact. Other scientists/invenors
include: Alexander Graham Bell, Marie Curie, Charles Darwin, Thomas Alva Edison, Albert Einstein,
Michael Faraday, Isaac Newton, & Louis Pasteur. Each book is ~ 43pp of historic images & well-written
text + timeline, glossary & index. Text discusses their inspiration, societal challenges/opposition, etc -sophisticated history for a young audience [gr.4-8].
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Maestro, Betsy. (1991/1997). A Sea Full of Sharks. NY: Scholastic. Explains shark physiology &
behavior and clarifies misconceptions (ages 4-7).
A Markle, Sandra. (1989). Power Up: Experiments, Puzzles, and Games Exploring Electricity.
Macmillan. Gr.5+.
M Markle, Sandra. (1997). Discovering Graph Secrets (Experiments, puzzles, & games dexploring
graphs). Antheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster.
EC Mazer, A. & Johnson, S. (illust.). (1991). The Salamander Room. NY: Alfred A. Knopf. A little
boy thinks of the ways he can change his bedroom to make a perfect home foa a salamander he’s found.
(K-3).
EC McLerran, Alice & Carle, Eric (illus.). (1985). The Mountain that Loved a Bird. Picture Book
Studio. A barren, lonely stone mountain is visited by a passing bird who offers warm company & solace.
Unable to stay because there is no environment to support him, the bird returns each spring, eventually
bringing a tiny seed which when watered by the mountains tears/stream brings forth life. An allergory on
the cycles and common needs of all living things. (24pp/K-5).
M McMillan, Bruce. (1991). Eating Fractions. NY: Scholastic. Simple concept book where halves,
thirds & quarters are introduced via photos of various foods & recipes (ages 4-8). (1986/1995). Counting
Wildflowers.
McMillan, Bruce. (1993). Mouse Views: What the Class Pet Saw. NY: Holiday House. 14 photos
show common classroom items from close-up perspective of mouse that escaped from its cage. Flip side
reveals photo ”answer” from human perspective. Pre-school->early elementary, but useful for getting
students of all ages to think about perspective and scale. See also book by Ziebel.
F/F McNulty, Faith & Simont, Marc (illus.). (1979/1990). How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the
World. NY: Harper Collins. A child's imaginary 8000 mile journey through the earth to discover about
its composition combines fantasy with basic geological facts & powerful pictures.
A Mebane, Robert C. and Rybolt, Thomas, R.. (1985/1998). Adventures with Atoms and Molecules:
Chemistry Experiments for Young People and (1987/1998). ...Book Two & (1991/1998) ...Book III.
Hillside, NJ: Enslow. Gr.3-9 experiments with household chemicals.
3D Miller, Jonathan. (1983). The Human Body. Viking Press. 3D & movable illustrations, scale models
& clear text allow reader to experience mechanisms by which we think, see, hear, move, etc.
3D Miller, Jonathan & Pelham, David. (1999). The Facts of Life. Viking Press. 12pp of 3D & movable
illustrations, scale models & clear text explain the details of male & female gentialia, the act of
fertilization, & the development & birth of the embryo/fetus/baby. Gr.6-10.
HB Moore, Eva. (1990). The Story of George Washington Carver. NY: Scholastic. Easy-to-read
biography of famous black scientist/ages 7-10.
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Moore, Frank J. (1978/1989). The Magic Moving Alphabet Book. Dover Pub. Includes a specially
ruled acetate screen that allow 26 hidden, static drawings to move and be seen via the Moire effect.
M Moscovich, I. (2000 +). Probability Games, Number Games, Pattern Games, Network Games. NY:
Workman Pub. Each coloful book contains 20-25 “mind games” that develop beginning math skills for
probability, geometry & calculus. [ages 9-12]
P Moss, Jeff & Leigh, Tom (illus). (1997). Bone Poems. NY: Workman Pub. 78pp (+ pronunciation
guide & index) of whimsical poems & sketches inspired by the dinosaur & early mammals exhibits at the
American Museum of Natural History.
M Muller, Robert & Schrader, Norbert (illus). (1990). The Great Book of Math Teasers. Sterling.
Puzzles that require math & logical reasoning for Gr.4-8.
M Myller, R. (1962, 1990). How Big is a Foot? NY: Dell/Bantam. Demonstrates the need for a
standard unit of measurement through the story of a king who asks a apprentice carpenter to build a queen
a bed for her birthday. (Gr.K-5).
Nardo, Don. (1991). Germs: Mysterious Microorganisms (The Encyclopedia of Discovery and
Invention series). 96pp depict the historical role played by germs (+/-), germ theory & the development of
antibiotics with photos & engaging text. Gr.5-10.
Q/A National Geographic Society Books for World Explorers, Robbins, P. (ed). (1985). Why in the
World? (Q/A on geophysical science, physiology, natural history, physics & technology); (1986). The
Secret World of Animals (inside animal homes); (1987). You Won't Believe Your Eyes (visual illusions
& workings of brain); (1987). Animal Architects; (1988). Why on Earth? (Q/A on human physiology,
animal behavior, earth and natural science), (1986). Fun with Physics (real-world physics of sports, home
& nature + activities to demonstrate); etc. Gr.5-12.
MP National Geographic Society. (1981). Hidden Worlds. Washington, DC: NGS/Books for World
Explorers series. 104pp (w index & glossary): 22pp of microscopic images, 16pp telesscopic, 14pp xrays & sonagrams, 24pp on animal & human vision; 16pp on the electromagnetic spectrum, and 14pp on
high speed and time-lapse photography. Fantastic full-color photography and understandable scientific
explanations.
M Nesbit, E. (1989/1999). Melisande. Candlestick. Lively painting illustrate story of a bald princess
who wishes her hair “would grow an inch a day, and grow twice as fast every time it was cut.” The
problems caused by her wish are solved by a clever, logical prince. (Gr.1-5).
SF O'Brien, Robert C. (1971/1986). Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. NY: Atheneum/Aladdin. A
fantasy-science fiction tale where a groups of rats become super-intelligent after a series of lab injections.
Its fairy tale soft opening grows into a taut and frighteningly realistic tale. (Gr.4-12/232 pp).
Packard, E. (1994). Imagining the Universe : A Visual Journey. NY: Perigee Books. One of the best
books on the concept of scale in the universe with great visual analogies. Gr.5-adult.
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Pallotta, J. & Masiello, R. (illus). (1990s). The ___ Alphabet Book where ___ = Icky Bug; Bird;
Ocean; Flower; Yucky Reptile; Frog; Furry; & Dinosaur. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge. Series of
books that use realistic, full color drawings & simple text introduce the alphabet and unusual animals, etc.
(Aa is for...).
P & F/F Parker, Nancy Winslow & Wright, Joan Richards. (1990). Frogs, Toads, Lizards, and
Salamanders. NY: Greenwillow Books/William Morrow & Co. Combines humorous rhyming couplets,
colorful, labeled anatomical illustrations and scientific facts about sixteen amphibians and reptiles.
Includes a picture & word glossary, range maps, & bibliography (48pp). See also: (1987) Bugs (a Reading
Rainbow book).
Parker, Steven & Male, Alan. (illust). (2000). Large as Life: Startling Comparisons of Animals at Life
Size. Essex, England: Miles Kelly Pub. 39pp of dramatic, full-color, life-size drawings of over 90
animals with accompanying text that emphasizes their unique attributes (with an additional 8pp of profile
data for each animal).
Parker, Steven & West, David. (illust). (1993). Brain Surgery for Beginners and Other Major
Operations for Minors. NY: Scholastic. Color cartoon style illustrations explains the internal workings of
the human body from the vantage point of the amazing control center. 60pp for gr.4-8.
EC Peet, Bill. (1970/1991). The Wump World. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Man and machines take a
simple grazing environment and turn it into a polluted, industrial complex. After the resources have been
consumed, the Pollutians leave to seek a new home and the Wumps emerge from hiding. See also:
(1981). Farewell to Shady Glade.
3D Pelham, David. (1991). A is for Animals: 26 Pop-Up Surprises. Children ages 9 mos to 3 yrs will
enjoy lifting the flaps (each which depicts a single upper & lower case letter) to reveal an animal whose
name begins with that letter.
A Penrose, Gordon. (1987). Magic Mud. Simon & Schuster. Dr. Zed (star of OWL/TV) gives recipe
for oobleck/magic mud and other easy (gr.1-6) experiments.
Peters, Lisa Westberg & Rand, Ted (illus). (1988/2000). The Sun, the Wind and the Rain. NY: Henry
Holt. Introduces concept of geological change (mountain building) via parallel stories of two mtns, one
made by the earth & one made by a little girl at the beach. (preK-3rd gr.).
M Pittman, Helen Clare. (1986/1996). A Grain of Rice. Hastings House/Skylark. Picture book tells of
Pong Lo, a poor Chinese peasant who wins the hand of the emperor’s daughter through his knowledge of
mathematical principles. K-Gr.5.
Q/A Pope, Joyce. (1986). Do Animals Dream? NY: Viking. Information, illustrations, and charts to
answer the nearly 100 ? children ask most often at the Natural History Museum. (96pp).
P Prelutsky, Jack & Lobel, Arnold (illus). (1985/1988). Tyrannosaurus Was A Beast. NY: Mulberry
Books/Greeenwillow. 14 dinosaur poems.
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Priddy, Roger. (1995/2000). Baby’s Book of Nature. Dorling Kindersley. 21pp of color photos &
simple text depict the diversity of color, shapes, size of plants & animals + weather phenomena.
Preschool-Gr.1.
Ride, Sally & Okie, S. (1986/1989). To Space and Back. NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard/Morrow. A
first person account of what it is like to live, sleep, eat & work in the Space shuttle; includes colored
photos, cross-sectional schematics, a log of countdown routines and dewscription of a space walk. (gr.47).
MP Ricciuti, Edward R. (1994). Microorganisms: The Unseen World. Woodbridge, Connecticut:
Blackbirch Press. Part of Our Living World series that focuses on commonalities across life forms and
functions (14 titles). 64pp including index, glossary & bibliography with clear, engaging text (gr.6-12)
and more than 34 full and half-page color photos. Includes a simple discussion of biological
classification.
Rinard, Judith E. (1990/2000). Along a Rocky Shore. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society.
Part of NGS "Books for Young Explorers" series (32pp). Combines excellent color photos & engaging
text on characteristics of plants & animals found along a rocky shore to instill a deep appreciation for tidal
zone life.
Ryder, Joanne. (1976). Simon Underground. NY: Harper & Row. Simon the mole digs underground
tunnels where he will eat and sleep during winter. Then, as spring approaches he emerges from his
burrow. Also see: (1987). Chipmunk Song. NY: E.P. Dutton. Portrays a chipmunk's life activities
through the seasons: food gathering, keeping warm or cool & avoiding predators.
Q/A Robinson, Howard (ed., 1989). Ranger Rick's Answer Book. National Wildlife Federation.
Answers 100 of questions about animals & nature via text adapted from Ranger Rick magazine, full-color
photos, cartoons, drawings, & diagrams.
M Sachar, L. (1989/1997). Sideways Arithmatic from Wayside School. NY: Scholastic/Apple. A series
of humorous problems and puzzles to stimulate divergent thinking. (gr.3-5).
SF Sadler, Marilyn & Bollen, Roger (illus). Alistair.. in Outer Space, (1988) Underwater, & Time
Machine. NY: Simon & Schuster. A nerdy boy has unique adventures: on his way to the library, he winds
up out of the galaxy -- exploring a pond in his homemade sub, he meets friendly frog people & a
gruesome monster. (ages 4-7). Fantasy stories with colorful water color; can be used as entry into science
topics. K-2.
Sandved, Kjell B. (1996/1999). The Butterfly Alphabet. NY: Scholastic. Rhyming text and full-page,
full-color blowups that reveal hidden letters (A-->Z) on butterfly & moth wings from around the world.
SanSouci, D. (1990). North Country Night. NY: Doubleday Dell. Tells the story of relationships
between the environment & various animals that roam the snow covered forest at night while people
sleep.
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A Schecter, Deborah. (1997). Science Art: Projects and Activities that Teach Science Concepts and
Develop Process Skills. NY: Scholastic Professional Books. 144pp TG for gr.2-4 with projects related
to plants & seeds, animal adapations, sky watch, changes, ligt, color & shadows, exploring energy, force
& movement and the way liquids work.
M Schwartz, David M. & Kellogg, Steven (illus). (1986/1999). How Much is a Million. NY:
Scholastic/EconoClad. Marvelosissimo the magician guides youngsters (ages 5-12) into the world of large
numbers (millions, billions & trillions). (1989/2000). If You Made a Million. (2003). Millions to
Measure. History of measurements systems (including SI).
A/EC Schwartz, Linda. (1990). Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment. Learning
Works.Gr 3-6
M & P Segan, Ann. (1979). One Meter Max. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Introduces the
metric system with cartoon characters, rhyming text, and everyday comparisons.
3D Selberg, I. & Miller, A. (illust). (1982). Our Changing World. NY: Philomel Books/Putnam. A
Revolving Picture Book depicts the summer & winter animal inhabitants of Rocky Mountains, European
lake, North Atlantic seashore, Arctic tundra, southwest USA desert and European woodland
environments. Includes brief, but accurate text.
Selsam, Millicent E. (1988/1991). Backyard Insects. NY: Scholastic. Full-color photos & descriptions
of moths, ladybugs, wasps, etc., (ages5-8). (1989). Strange Creatures that Really Lived. Extinct animals
from prehistoric times & not so distant past (ages 4-7).
3D Seymour, Peter. (2000) What Lives in the Sea. Little Simon. & (2000). Insects: A Close-Up Look.
Macmillan.
F/F Seymour, Simon & de Groat, D. (illus). (1979/1987). Animal Fact/Animal Fable. NY: Crown.
Contrasts fables vs facts (includes humorous vs realistic sketches) for 20 animals.
Seymour, Simon. (1989). Storms. NY: Morrow Junior Books. 30pp describe the atmospheric
conditions which create violent weather & its effects on the environment & people. Includes dramatic,
full-color photos. Gr. 2-6.
Sharmat, Mitchell. (1980/2000). Gregory the Terrible Eater. NY: Four Winds Press/Simon &
Schuster. The necessity of a proper diet & the problem of solid waste are both evident in a reverse tale of
a goat that has no taste for junk food. The Reading Rainbow Library/ Checkerboard Press edition
includes 16 pp of Behind the Scenes related science fact readings & 15 pp of Activities. Most books in
this series are fantastic -- the additional 30 pages make great ties between fictional, non-science stories
and the world of science.
Q/A + A Shadow, Detective. (2000). Tricky MindTrap Puzzles: Challenge the Way You Think. NY:
Sterling Pub. 95pp of brainteasers & optical puzzles (figure out what is pictured larger than life) taken
directly from the popular MindTrap games. [gr.4-adult].
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Showers, Paul. (2000). Your Skin and Mine. NY: Harper Trophy/ Let's-Read-and- Find-Out (ages 49/32pp). Explores the skin & its role in protecting us. Other titles in series by same author: (2000). What
Happens to a Hamburger (digestion), (2000). Hear Your Heart & (1989). A Drop of Blood.
EC Silverstein, Shel. (1964/2000). The Giving Tree. NY: Harper and Row. A tree serves many useful
purposes for a little boy, but it is eventually destroyed to fulfill his needs as a man -- a story of
environmental gifts & responsibility.
F/F Simon, Seymour. (1984/1986). The Dinosaur is the Biggest Animal That Ever Lived: And Other
Wrong Ideas You Thought Were True. NY: Harper Trophy Book. Explains why 29 commonly accepted
"facts" are scientifically false.
F/F Simon, Seymour. (1984/1986). The Dinosaur is the Biggest Animal That Ever Lived: And Other
Wrong Ideas You Thought Were True. NY: Harper Trophy Book. Explains why 29 commonly accepted
"facts" are scientifically false. See also: (1984). The Optical Illusion Book. William Morrow & Co.
A Simon, Seymour. (1971). The Paper Airplane Book. Viking Press. Experiments & explanations for
gr.4-8.
3D Smithsonian Institution. Yes Interactive Book series: Deep in the Rain Forest and Bugs and Other
Insects. 12pp book with battery powered sound chip for 10 real sounds + pull-tab action & 3D. Gr.2-7.
A Sobol, Donald J. (1967/1991). Two-Minute Mysteries. NY: Scholastic/Apple. Activity book of 79
"quickie" mysteries involving crime scenarios (with answers/upper elem-middle school). Promotes
reasoning skills. HB (1987/2000). The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk. EconoClad Biography for ages
8-12.
C Soloff-Levy, Barbara. (1985/1989). How to Draw: Forest Animals. Watermill Press/Troll. (32pp).
Brief descriptive paragraphs & step-by-step guides on how to draw.
C Spizzirri, Linda (ed). Educational Coloring Book series. Spizzirri Pub., INc., P.O. Box 9397, Rapid
City, SD 57709; 605-348-2749. Wide variety of 32pp paperback “books” which combine realistic line
drawings and current factual information. Gr 4+.
P Steig, Jeanne & William. (1988/1990). Consider the Lemming. NY: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux.
Light-hearted rhymes & sketches that depict the attributes & eccentricities of various wild and domestic
creatures.
EC Steig, William. (1984/1999). Rotten Island. Boston: David R. Godine. Rotten Island is the
epitome of overpopulation, poor land use, hatred, warfare, etc. Can these creatures be saved or is
extinction the answer?
F/F + A Strasshofer, Craig. (1998). Science Court: To Serve and Observe: The Case of the Dear
Departed Chicken Bone and The Case of the Tilting Planet (why seasons change). Troll Pub. Books
based on the ABC-TV series by Tom Snyder Productions, Inc. that involve science
detectives/lawyers/kids in scientific & legal problem solving (+ 1 activity).
20
A & HB Suid, Murray & Artell, Mike (illust). (1993). How to Be an Inventor. Palo Alto, CA: Monday
Morning Books. 80 pp with lots of “try this & what if” activities & projects, plus historical anecdotes
about famous inventions, tips for inventors, etc., for ages 8-adult. See also books by Foltz Jones, Harris,
Kassinger & Macaulay.
A Suzuki, David. (1991). Looking at ...: A Book of Things to See and Do: Insects, Plants, Senses,
Environment, Weather, and the Body. NY: John Wiley & Sons. Six texts (96pp w index), realistic
sketches & hands-on activities. (upper elementary/middle school).
M Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver’s Travels. Classic tale of ratio, proportion & scale via an Englishman who
is alternately shipwrecked in a land of 6-in people & giants. (Gr.4-8).
M Tang, G & Briggs, H. (illus). (2001). The Grapes of Math: Mind-stretching Math Riddles. NY:
Scholastic. Rhyming, visual math problem that teach patterns, grouping skills & other problem-solving
techniques [ages 7-10]. (2002). Math for All Seasons. [ages 5-8]. (2003). Math Appeal. [ages 7-10].
(200?). The Best of Times.
Taylor, B. & Lilly, Kenneth (illus). (1992). The Animal Atlas: A Pictorial Atlas of World Wildlife.
NY: Alfred A. Knopf. 64, 10 1/2 x 13 3/4" pages contain 30 pictorial maps, 85 photos, 350 realistic
illustrations, and interesting facts on geography, wildlife, habitats, & ecological awareness. (upper
elementary-middle school reading level, but pictures for age 7&up).
Taylor, Kim, Burton, Jane & Taylor, Barbara. (1992/1998). Meadow (Look Closer series). NY: Dorling
Kindersley. 29pp of larger-than-life photos & engaging text illustrate animals & plants in an original &
exciting way. Gr.2-6. Other titles in series: Pond Life, Desert Life, Tree Life, River Life, Rain Forest,
Coral Reef, and Tidal Pool.
Terban, Marvin & Maestro, Giulio (illus). (1987). Mad as a Wet Hen and Other Funny Idioms. (1983).
In a Pickle and Other Funny Idioms. Houghton Mifflin. Illustrate and explain common idioms; many
which can be related to science concepts by a skilled teacher.
HB Thimmesh, C. & Sweet, M. (2002). The Sky’s the Limit: Stories of Discovery by Women and Girls.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 11 brief accounts (including Jane Goodall & Mary Leakey). 63pp + websites,
sources, further readings, selected discovery timeline 1300-2000 & index. .
P Thornhill, J. (1990/1994). The Wildlife A-B-C: A Nature Alphabet Book. NY: Simon &
Schuster/Aladdin. Introduces letters via full-color illustrations of North American animals & 2-line
rhymming text. Descriptive nature notes about each animal is included for the parent/teacher. (1989).
The Wildlife 1-2-3: A Nature Counting Book. Like the above except introduces numbers 1-20, 25, 50,
100, & 1000 without rhymming text.
EC Thurber, James. (1939). The Last Flower: A Parable in Pictures. Simple text and line drawings
paint a powerful antiwar message for children & adults.
21
C Tillett, Leslie. (1980/1982). Plant and Animal Alphabet Coloring Book. NY: Dover Publications.
Activity/coloring book of 26 full page decorative letters containing an array of hidden flora and fauna
whose names begin with that particular letter (answer key included).
Q/A Time-Life Books. (1988). Alexandria, VA. A Child's First Library of Learning: variety of titles
(87pp each) including Insect World, Sky and Earth, etc. Q/A format with full-color photos, realistic
sketches and cartoon figures teaches about natural world. Includes notes to parents and brief activity
sections. See also: Time-Life for Children series (1990). Titles (20pp each) such as: Guess Who?
Physical traits, habits, and habitats of various animals are depicted with verbal & visual clues and answers
available via lift-the-flap.
MP Tomb, Howard & Kunkel, Dennis. (1993). Micro-Aliens and Their Micro-Worlds. Farrar, Straus, &
Giroux. Collection of electron microscope photos. See also: Norden & Ruschak.
F/F Trimble, M. & Lund, J. (illust). (2000). Malinda Martha Meets Mariposa. Los Altos Hills, CA:
Images Press. In response of a “summer vacation” writing assignment, a girl imagines herself directing a
backyard theater performance of the metamorphosis of a monarch butterfly.
EC Van Allsburg, Chris. (1990). Just a Dream. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. A dream journey into
a future wrecked by environmental mismanagement causes young Walter to adopt more environmentally
sound behaviors and attitudes upon awakening. Also by same author/pub.: (1988). Two Bad Ants. The
quest for a mysterious sweet-tasting crystal leads to near diaster for curious ants who then return to the
safety of their colony.
3D Van der Meer & Fisher, Ron. (1995). The Earth Pack: Tornadoes, Earthquakes, Volcanoes,
Nature’s Forces in Three Dimensions. National Geographic Society. 16pp with dense text, stunning
visuals & movable 3D parts + audiotape. Gr.5-adult.
Q/A Wollard, Kathy & Solomon, Debra (illus). (1993). How Come? Every Kid’s science Questions
Explained. 307pp (w index). Gr.4-8.
Wood, John Norris. (1993/1999). Nature Hide & Seek: Rivers & Lakes. Knopf/Random House. 10
full-color fold-out pages challenge readers to find hidden animals; in-between pages lists the total count
plus color drawings & text on some of the animal species.
EC Wright, A. & Peck, M. (illus). (1992/1999). Will We Miss Them? Endangered Species.
Charlesbridge/EconoClad. Full-color Reading Rainbow Book focusing on 14 endangered species.
Wyatt, Valerie & Cupples, Pat (illus.). (1990). Weather Watch. Addison-Wesley/Perseus Press.
Information packed weather guide & activity book for ages 7-10 (95pp.)
P Yolen, Jane. (1986). Ring of Earth. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. The weasel, pond frog,
dragonfly, and wild goose describe via poetic songs and colorful illustrations the four seasons.
Young, E. (1992). Seven Blind Mice. NY: Philomel Books. Retelling of classic fable of blind men &
elephant. (Gr.K-4). Good analogy for the work of scientists.
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3D Young, Jay. ( 1994). The Most Amazing Science Pop-Up Book. HarperCollins Pub. 14pp book
includes a working record player, compass, microscope, camera obscura, sundial, kaleidoscope &
periscope with graphic images & explanatory text.
A Zubrowski, Bernie. (1990). Balloons: Building & Experimenting with Inflatable Toys. Boston
Children's Museum Activity Books. NY: Morrow Junior Books. (79pp). Clear directions (w sketches) &
explanations guide children thru scientific play/experiments. Other titles: Clocks, Tops, Raceways,
Wheels at Work, Ball-Point Pens, Bubbles, Milk Carton Blocks, and Messing Around With... Baking
Chemistry, Drinking Straws, and Water Pumps.
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SCIENCE MAGAZINES FOR CHILDREN
Dr. Thomas O'Brien
Binghamton University (SUNY)
School of Education and Human Development
P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
607-777-4877(voice mail)/777-6041(Fax)/tobrien@binghamton.edu
American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Pre-High School Science
Office in collaboration with the American Institute of Physics publishes WonderScience: Fun Physical
Science Activities for Children (gr.4-8). $5 for 8 issues per year (8pp each) of colorful, clearly written
activities. ACS also has a variety of actions posters, etc.,: go to ACS’s WonderNet (gr.4-6 activities for
kids, parents, & teachers):
http://www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/wondernetdisplay.html?DOC=wondernet\index.html
Children’s Television Network, One Lincoln Plaza, NY, NY 10023. (212) 595-3456. 3-2-1 Contact
(grades 3-6). 10 issues/yr.
KIDS DISCOVER, 170 Fifth Ave., NY, NY 10010 (subscription inquiries: PO Box 54205, Boulder,
CO 80322-4205). 100 issues/yr.for $14.95. (grades 4-8?). http://www.kidsdiscover.com/
National Audubon Society, 613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830. Audubon Adventure (gr. 3-6)
http://www.audubon.org/educate/aa/
National Geographic Society, 17th & M St., NW, Washington, DC 20036. 202-857-7000. National
Geographic World (ages 8-12/32pp full-color monthly).
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/media/world/
National Wildlife Federation, 1400 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036. 202-797-6800. Ranger Rick
(ages 6-12/48pp full-color monthly) and Your Big Backyard (ages 3-5). http://www.nwf.org/kidzone/
Odyssey, (astronomy/space exploration for ages 8-14), Cobblestone Publishing Inc., 30 Grove St.,
Peterborough, NH 03458. 603-924-7209. http://www.odysseymagazine.com/
Scholastic Magazine Inc., P.O. Box 3710, Dept.5013, Jefferson City, MO 65102-9957. 800-631-1586.
NSF funded, 16 page, colorful activity-oriented student magazine (8 thematic issues/yr) that integrates
science with language arts, math, social studies & visual arts. Super Science Red Edition (gr.1-3) and
Blue Edition (gr.4-6). Along with a class order, the teacher will receive free SuperScience Teacher,
posters, task cards & software. (Book Club: 800-325-6149). http://www.scholastic.com
Scienceland, 501 Fifth Ave., Suite.2108, NY, NY 10017-6102; Scienceland (grades K-3). 8 issues/yr.
available in either light magazine or library-type stock.
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Science Weekly , PO Box 70154, Washington, DC 20088-0154. 301-680-8804. 16 issues/yr (gr.K-6),
4pp each, single science topic focus, black, white & yellow colored, available in levels Pre-A (K), A
(gr.1-2)...E (gr.5-6) with common, 4pp Teaching Notes. Integrates skills in vocabulary, labwork,
mathematical problem solving, critical thinking, & writing.
Wildlife Education, 930 W. Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103. Zoobooks (grades K-5).
https://www.zoobooks.com/
The Young Naturalist Foundation, PO Box 11314, Des Moines, Iowa 50340. OWL: The Discovery
Magazine for Children (ages 8 & up/gr.2-9) and Chickadee (ages4-9/gr.1-3). Both have 10 issues/yr,
32pp full-color. http://www.owlkids.com/
25
SOURCEBOOKS FOR INTEGRATING SCIENCE & LANGUAGE ARTS
Dr. Thomas O'Brien
Binghamton Univ. School of Education and Human Development
P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
607-777-4877(voice mail)/777-6041(Fax)/tobrien@binghamton.edu
Activities that Integrate Mathematics and Science/AIMS, P.O. Box 7766, Fresno, CA 93747 [209-2554094]. Publish a variety of K-9 activity books, posters, kits and a newsletter. http://www.aimsedu.org.
888-259-6725
Baeckler, Virginia. (1986). Storytime Science. Van Wynen Press. Each of the 27 chapters provides an
experiment, materials list, recommended children's books, and extension activities for early childhood and
primary students.
Baker, A. & J. (19910. Counting on a Small Planet: Activities for Environmental Mathematics.
Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Children (gr.3-8) are encouraged to use math to preserve & protect our
world thru hands-on/minds-on environmental activities. For the early elementary grades, the authors
wrote: (1991). Raps & Rhymes in Maths.
Baker, D., Sample, C., & Stead, T. (1990/1992). How Big is the Moon: Whole Maths in Action.
Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Integrates math into the broader curriculum thru exploration of facts,
skills, & concepts in relevant, meaningful contexts.
Braddon, Kathryn L., Hall, Nancy J., & Taylor, Dale. (1992/1993). Math Through Children's
Literature: Activities that Bring the NCTM Standards Alive. Englewood, CO: Libraries
Unlimited/Teacher Ideas Press. 225pp integrate literature & math. Part I explains the NCTM standards &
Part II contains summaries of tradebooks that relate to the first five NCTM standards & related whole
language activities.
Brainard, Audrey, H. & Wrubel, Denise, H. (eds.). (1995). CESI Sourcebook VIII: Through the
Rainbow, Children, Science and Literature. Washington, DC: The Council for Elementary Science
International.
Butzow, Carol & John. (1989/2000). Science through Children's Literature (gr.K-3). &(1998) More
Science through Children's Literature (gr.K-3). Teacher Ideas Press/Libraries Unlimited. (240 pp).
Discusses general techniques for integrating science into whole language instruction using children's
literature; lists a variety of references and a bibliography of tradebooks; and provides ideas for science
activities related to 33 books. (1995). Intermediate Science through Children's Literature (gr.4-7). All
available thru http://store.nsta.org. 800-277-5300.
Caduto, Michael & Bruchac, Joseph. (1988/1999). Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories with
Environmental Activities for Children. Golden, CO: Fulcrum. 24 stories blend science, social studies, &
language arts with half of the 320pp book dedicated to the science (including hands-on activities) &
natural phenomena involved with the legends (ages 5-12). See also similar: (1992). Keepers of the
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Animals: Native American Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children (240pp). Fulcrum Pub. Teachers
guides & audio cassettes are also available for both books thru NSTA.
Freedman, Robin Lee Harris. (1990). CONNECTIONS: Science by Writing. Carmichael, CA: Serin
House. A teacher's guide (gr.5-9) that includes over 50 activities (essays, tables, graphs, poetry, comics,
etc.,) and 23 student handouts that combine oral & written communication skills with science processes.
Reworked as (1999). Science and Writing Connections. Addison-Wesley. Available from NSTA
#OP604X.
Gertz, S.E. Portman, D.J. & Sarquis, M. (1996). Teaching Physical Science through Children’s
Literature: Twenty Complete Lessons for Elmentary Grades. Science discovery & literature based
activities for K-3. Available thru http://store.nsta.org. 800-277-5300
Glandon, Shan. (2000). Caldecott Connections in Science. 50 lessons for pre K-4 based on 10
Caldecott winners. Available thru http://store.nsta.org. 800-277-5300.
Great Explorations in Math and Science/GEMS. (1994) Once Upon a GEMS Guide: Connecting
Young People’s Literature to Great Explorations in Math and Science. Contains over 400 book
annotations, suggestions for making literature connections to hands-on science and mathematics activities
(especially those in GEMS guides), major science themes & math strands, poems, quotes, illustrations, indepth reviews and articles. 376 pages. LHS GEMS, Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California,
Berkeley, CA 94720. 510-642-7771. GEMS also publish a wide variety of teacher activity guide books.
Great Plains National/GPN, Univ. of NE-Lincoln, Box 80669, Lincoln, NE 68501. 800-228-4630. ETV
organization sells: Science Comes Alive with Reading Rainbow Teacher's Guide ($5). Link 15 Reading
Rainbow science programs with 3-6 science activities each and a single activity for each of 9 other
programs that include a science-related segment. RR videotapes (hosted by LeVar Burton for $38.75
each). Also: 3-2-1 Contact (30, 15-minute single topic videotapes for gr.4-6) with TG with 2, 40-minute
lessons & reproducible pages. Out-of-Print.
Koch, Janice. (2001). Science Stories: A Science Methods Book for Elementary School Teachers, 2nd ed.
Houghton-Mifflin Company. A compilation of stories which illustrate concepts by showing children and
teachers doing science together. Each story has an “expanding ideas”, “teaching the science behind the
story”, and a science standards section. Also included is a list of other science story sources and
references as well as useful internet sites.
See also: Science Stories: Science Methods for Elementary and Middle School Teachers, 4th ed. (2004).
La Patner, Michelle. (2005) Write to Know: Nonfiction Writing Prompts for Upper Elementary Students.
& (2005) Write to Know: Nonfiction Writing Prompts for Lower Elementary Students. Ready-to-use
nonfiction writing prompts with classroom implementation ideas and scoring guides. Quotes regarding
writing and student achievement are also included. Several books also available by the same author on
math writing for elementary students.
Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series – each book in the series deals with a different science related
topic. Each topic is introduced through an illustrated story and includes ideas for possible experiments
27
and additional teacher resources. There are two stages to the series – Stage 1 is geared toward the K-1st
grade, Stage 2 is geared toward grades 1-4. Some books from the series are: Forces Make Things Move
(stage2) and Energy Makes Things Happen (stage 2) by Kimberly Bradley, Volcanoes (stage2) and The
Moon Seems to Change (stage 2) by Franklyn Branley.
The Living History Library – each book in the series is designed to weave scientific and mathematical
principles into a story format, keeping the explanations simple but not overly basic. Books in the series
include: Archimedes and the Door to Science & Galen and the Gateway to Medicine by Jeanne Bendick,
and The Mystery of the Periodic Table by Benjamin Wilker
McGlathery & Livo, Morma J. (1992). Who's Endangered on Noah's Ark? Literary & Scientific
Activities for Teachers and Parents. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited/Teacher Ideas Press. 175pp
integrate literature, science, art & writing. Out-of-Print.
Mechling, Kenneth & Oliver, Donna. (1983). Science Teaches Basic Skills: Handbook I: Project for
Promoting Science Among Elementary School Principals. Washington, DC: National Science Teachers
Assn. Argues that science content, processes & attitudes are a "basic" & discusses ideas for integrating
science with creative writing, health, math, music & art, reading and social studies. Out-of-Print.
Moore, Jo Ellen & Camilla, Thomas. (1991). Exploring Science Through Literature: Level A (Gr.K-1),
B (gr.2-3) & C (gr.4-6). Monterey, CA: Evan-Moor. Each of the six units (in each book) offers
discussion starters, reproducible language arts activities & science experiments that correlate to a cited
pair of fiction & non-fiction tradebooks.
Rothstein, Gloria. (2002) Real-Life Writing Activities Based on Favorite Picture Books: Super-Fun
Activities and Reproducibles That Use Picture Books As Models to Help Kids Practice 11 Kinds of RealLife Writing. Scholastic. Linked to the Language Arts Standards.
Santa, Carol Minnick & Alvermann, Donna E. (eds.). Science Learning: Processes and
Applications.Newark, DE: International Reading Assn. Articles by K-univ. science & reading teachers on
research and practice of science textbook reading. Out-of-Print.
Saul, W. & Jagusch, S. (1991). Vital Connections: Children, Science, and Books. Heinemann?Govt.
Printing Office. 15 Papers (including children's authors such as S.Simon & V.Cobb; editors; &
reviewers) from a symposium sponsored by the Children's Literature Center.
Saul, E. Wendy & Newman, Alan. (1986). Science Fare: An Illustrated Guide & Catalog of Toys,
Books & Activities for Kids. NY: Harper & Row. Out-of-Print.
Singh, Simon. (2000). The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy From Ancient Egypt to Quantum
Cryptography. Anchor. A book which ties mathematics and history, mainly of cryptography, together.
The book explains how math was used to create codes throughout history with clear explanations of
complex algorithms which cut through the arcane mathematical details without oversimplifying.
28
Staton, H.H. & McCarthy, T. (1994). Science and Stories: Integrating Science and Literature. Two
books (K-3 and 4-6) with correlations to tradebooks and reproducible handouts. Available thru
http://store.nsta.org. 800-277-5300
Stenmark, J.K., Thompson, V. & Cossey, R. (1986). Family Math. Berkeley, CA: Lawrence Hall of
Science/EQUALS Project. Activities for children (K-8) & their parents to learn math together via
problem solving & hands-on. 319pp.
Thelen, Judith N. (1984/2nd ed.). Improving Reading in Science. Newark, DE: International Reading
Association. A book of strategies of aiding science textbook reading. Out-of-Print.
Whiten, D. & Wilde, S. (1992). Read Any Good Math Lately: Children's Books for Mathematical
Learning, K-6. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF SCIENCE TRADEBOOKS FOR CHILDREN
The AAAS Science Book List for Children. (1972/3rd ed.). Washington, DC: American Association
for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Contains 1530 annotated bibliographies. -- Best Science Books
& AV Materials for Children. (1988). Contains 1200 annotations from Science Books & Films. Science
Books & Films. 5 issues/year review about 500 films, and 400 K-6 science nonfiction tradebooks &
reference books with content accuracy being a major criterion. The December issue includes an annual
“Best Children’s Science Booklist.” AAAS, 1333 H St., NW, Washington, DC 20005.
http://archives.aaas.org/publications.php?program=Science%20Books%20ampersand%20Films
Appraisal: Science Books for Young People. Boston University School of Education, Science
Education Program, 605 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215. 617-353-4150. Quarterly newsletter
reviews about 100 science tradebooks (mostly nonfiction & biography) per issue using teams of science
discipline specialists & librarians (pre-school -> high school).
http://www.appraisal.neu.edu/
Book Links. Bimonthly publication of BookList Publications/American Library Assn., 50 E. Huron St.,
Chicago, IL 60611 (new subscriptions: PO Box 1347, Elmhurst, IL 60126; 800-545-2433 or 1545;
$18/yr). Publishes bibliogrqaphies, essays linking books on a similar theme, retrospective reviews, &
other features (including EarthBeat: children’s environmental books) for preschool-grade eight teachers,
parents, & librarians interested in connecting children with books. (Vol.I/No.1: Sept.1991; July issue
includes annual index).
http://www.ala.org/ala/productsandpublications/periodicals/booklinks/booklinks.htm
E for Environment: An Annotated Bibliography of Children’s Books with Environmental Themes by
Patti Sinclair (R.R. Bowker, NY, 1992). Discusses 517 books for preschool through age 14.
The Museum of Science and Industry Basic List of Children's Science Books: 1973-84 & 1986-7 (2nd
vol.). Chicago, IL: American Library Assn. Annual review of children's books, publisher directory, &
annotated listing of adult sourcebooks.
29
National Science Teachers Assn. NSTA Supplement of Science Education Suppliers, 199X. Yearly
insert in the Jan. issue of Science and Children, Science Scope, & The Science Teacher - contains
extensive list of suppliers of equipment, computer/AV materials, textbooks, resource materials, and
tradebooks. All NSTA journals contain book reviews. NSTA, 1742 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington,
DC 20009-1171. 202-328-5800. Catalog offers a wide variety of useful books, posters, etc.
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children. Children's Book Council, 568 Broadway, NY, NY
10012. 212-966-1990 or Orders: CBC Order Center, 350 Scotland Rd., Orange, NJ 07050. 1-800-9992160. Annual, free list of award-winning books with stamped, self-addressed 6 x 9 envelope (also
appears in Science & Children, March issue). Also publish similar list for Social Studies, a CBC Features
newsletter (2+ issues/yr; one-time life fee: $45), posters, kits, etc.
http://www.nsta.org/ostbc
Science Books for Children: Selections from Booklist, 1976-1983. (1985) Chicago, IL: American
Library Association.
Scientific American, Dec. issue: annotated list of science gift books.
ARTICLES ON INTEGRATING SCIENCE WITH LANGUAGE ARTS
Arms, R. & Sullenger, K. Learning science through writing. Science and Children, 23(7). (1986).
Barufaldi, J. & Swift, J. Children learning to read should experience science. The Reading Teacher,
Jan.1977, 4.
Belk, Elizabeth, Allen H. Smith, and Wali Abdi. Content Reading Strategies. Science Scope,
28(6)/March 2005, 44-45.
Birdd, D. & Wagner, I. Creative integration approaches to science and language arts. Science Scope,
8(3): 14-5 (1985).
Blake, W. Science and creative writing: An ad(d)verse relationship. The Science Teacher, 50(9): 31-3
(1983).
Butzow, John and Carol Make science livelier with children's fiction. Learning, 16(7), Mar.1988, 50-3.
(Includes annotated bibliography of children's literature - fictional- with science themes.)
Buxton, Cory A. and Patricia Austin. Better Books, Better Science Teaching. Science and Children,
41(2)/ October 2003, 28-32.
Cacha, F. Children create fiction using science. Science and Children, 15(3): 21-2 (1977).
Carter, G.S. & Simpson, R.D. Science and reading: A basic duo. The Science Teacher, 45(3):18
(1978).
30
Dexter, S. Writing poetry to learn science. Learning '88, 16(5)/Jan. 1988, 73-74. (Gr.5+)
Dole, J. & Johnson, V. Beyond the textbook: Science literature for young people. Journal of Reading,
24 (1981): 579-82.
Esler, W.K. and Anderson, B. Can science aid in remediating state reading deficiencies. School
Science and Mathematics, 81(4)/1981, 278.
Freedman, R. Enlightened vocabulary. Science Scope, 12(3):29 (1988).
Fulton, Lori and Brian Campbell. Student-Centered Notebooks. Science and Children, 42(3)/ November
2004, 26-29.
Guerra, C. & Payne, D. Using popular books and magazines to interest students in general science.
Journal of Reading, 24 (1981): 583-5.
Harris, Joanne and Gerrie Storr. Before, During, and After Reading Strategies. Science Scope,
28(6)/March 2005, 48-49.
Holliday, William G. Teaming Up for Science and Reading Success. Science and Children, 40(8)/May
2003, 41-45.
Housel, Doreen. Writing poetry in science class. Early Years, 17(4)/Jan.1987, 49-52.
Fredericks, Anthony D. The Ins and Outs of Guided Reading. Science and Children, 40(6)/ March 2003,
22-27.
Jervis, Charles K. Crossing Boarders in Literacy and Science Instruction: Perspectives on Theory and
Practice. Science and Children, 42(3)/November 2004, 55-57.
Johnson, Jill Caton and Lisa Martin-Hansen. Improving Science Reading Comprehension. Science
Scope, 28(6)/March 2005, 12-15.
Keenan, Suzanne. Reaching English Language Learners. Science and Children, 42(2)/ October 2004,
49-51
Knight, C.W. Science activities as stimulators of creative writing. Journal of Creative Behavior,
11:214.
Laminack, Lester. Mr. T leads the class: The language experience approach and science. Science and
Children, 24(5)/Feb.1987, 41-42.
Libros de Ciencias en Español. Science and Children, 42(6)/ March 2005, 46.
Available in March issues each year
Licata, K. Writing is part of literacy, too! The Science Teacher, 47(2):24-6 (1980).
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Milligan, J.L. and Orlich, D.C. A linguistic approach to learning science vocabulary. The Science
Teacher, 48(2)/Feb.1981, 34-35.
Naylor, K. Supporting language arts with science. The Reading Teacher, 40/Jan.1987, 49-52.
Main, E.D. Science and creative writing: A dynamic duo. Science and Children, 21(4):25-6, 99-100
(Jan.1984).
Main, E.D. Interrelating science with other school subjects. Science and Children, 18(5)/Feb.1981, 2627.
Melber, Leah M. True Tales of Science. Science and Children, 41(2)/ October 2003, 24-27.
Miller, Roxanne Greitz and Robert C. Clafee. Making Thinking Visible. Science and Children, 42(3)/
November 2004 20-26.
Mintz, Ellen and Jeri Calhoun. Project Notebook. Science and Children, 42(3)/ November 2004, 30-35.
Rice, D.C. Using tradebooks in teaching elementary science: Facts and fallacies. The Reading Teacher,
March 2002, V55/N6, 552-565.
Riley, J. & Sowinski, K.D. Natural partners: Science and reading. Science and Children, Oct.1979, 46.
Rowsey, R. Haiku: Touching nature through poetry. The Science Teacher, 46(8): 36 (1979).
Royce, Christine Anne and David A. Wiley. The Common Ground: A Rationale for Integrating Science
and Reading. Science and Children, 42(5)/February 2005, 40-43
Simon, M. Shore & Zimmerman, J. Moss. Science and writing. Science and Children, 18(3): 7-9
(Nov./Dec.1980).
Smardo, F. Using children's literature to clarify science concepts in early childhood programs. The
Reading Teacher, 36 (1982): 267-73.
Spangler, Lois. Science Notebooks: Writing and Inquiry. Science and Children. 42(3)/November 2004,
56-58.
Thelen, J.N. Just because kids can't read doesn't mean they can't learn. School Science & Mathematics,
Oct.1979, 457-464.
Wiley, David A. Teaching Through Trade Books. Science and Children., 42(3)/November 2004, 16-18.
Yelverton, B. & Grange, D. Crystallizing the cinquain. The Science Teacher, 50(1):39 (1983).
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OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS
HB Aaseng, N. (1989). The Unsung Heroes: Unheralded People Who Invented Famous Products.
Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications. Archival photos & offbeat text tell story of such products as
Coca-Cola, Hoover vacuum cleaners, pneumatic tires, McDonald’s, etc. (gr.5-10). (1989). The Rejects:
People and Products that Outsmarted the Experts. Continuing series about innovators & inventors; covers
Graham crackers, Birdseye, Xerox, Redenbacher popcorn, etc. (1990). Better Mousetraps: Product
Improvements That Led to Success. Covers elevator safety device, Caterpillar Tractor & WWI tanks,
Eastman Kodak, etc. (1987). The Disease Fighters: The Nobel Prize in Medicine. Minneapolis, MN:
Lerner Pub. 78pp briefly outline microbiology work which led to Nobel Prizes.
MP Amery, Heather & Songi, Jane. (1994). Discover Hidden Worlds: The Human Body. Racine, WI:
Western Pub. Co./A Golden Book. 40pp (with index & glossary) of text and full-color photos with
magnifications of 35-6000X showing various parts of the body. The last page has eight “Guess What?”
clue photos.
A Amery, Heather & King, Colin (illus). (1977). KnowHow Book of Experiments. London:
Usborne/Tulsa, OK: EDC Pub. (32pp). Safe & simple experiments to do at home on 29 different topics.
This series is designed to involve children (ages 7-12) in reading & activities. Other titles: Detection,
Spycraft, Flying Models, Batteries & Magnets, Action Toys, & Action Games.
MP Amery, Heather &Songi, Jane. (1994). The Human Body (Discover Hidden World series). Racine,
WI: Western Pub./A Golden Book. 40pp (w index) of 25-16,000X microscopic images of human body
parts, engaging photos and text to explain the inner workings of the human body. Gr.4-7.
F/F Asimov, Isaac. (1989). Science Fiction, Science Fact. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Compares the projections of science fiction writers to actual scientific developments. Gr.6+.
3D Bantock, Nick. 1990). Wings: A Pop-Up Book of Things that Fly. NY: Random House. 20pp of
3D pop-ups and pull-tabs show how wings in insects, bats, birds & jets work. Gr.3-7.
Bender, Lionel. (1992). The Human Body: Its Mysteries and Marvels. Crescent Books/Outlet Book
Co./Random House. 108pp (w index) blend stunning photos, engaging text, & fact files to explain some
40+ aspects of how the human body is constructed & works. (Gr.5-10).
A Berger, Melvin. (1991). The Wonders of Science. NY: Scholastic. Includes demos on sound, light,
water, heat & air for ages 7-10. Make Your Own Weather Station. Includes a thermometer, balloon &
compass, plus a punch-out wind gauge & cloud chart. (1989) 101 Outer Space Jokes. 101 Wacky
Science Jokes (ages 8-up). (1988). Simple Science Says: Take One Balloon. Child activity book with
balloon included. See also:(1989). Simple Science Says: Take One Magnifying Glass (included). Most
activities (approx. 4th gr.) can be done w/o parental assistance. (1975). Time After Time. (45pp). NY:
Coward, McCann & Geoghegan. Fascinating observations about natural "clocks" (seasonal changes,
migrations, tree rings, etc.,) explain what time is & how it is measured.
33
A Berman, Paul & Wicks, Keith. (1989). Science in Action/The Marshall Cavendish Guide to Projects
& Experiments in..: Light & Sound, Fun with Chemistry, The Living World, Projects in Physics, & the
World of Numbers. NY: Marshall Cavendish. 48pp each with index for upper elementary-middle school
(200 words/page).
M Boeke, K. (1957). Cosmic View: The Universe in 40 Jumps. NY: John Dax. Journey from the edges
of the universe to the inside of an atom jumping by a factor of ten. Classic children's book & film that
inspired the more elaborate & up-to-date adult book by Morrison, P. & P. (1982). Powers of Ten. NY:
Scientific American Library.
Branley, Franklyn M. & Madden, Don (illus.). This book is part of the Let's Read-and-Find-Out Book
elementary science series (over 100 titles) - some titles available with audiotape. Air is All Around You.
Simple experiments & interesting facts about air. The Sun Our Nearest Star, Eclipse: Darkness in
Daytime, Hurricane Watch, Gravity is a Mystery, Journey into a Black Hole, Oxygen Keeps You Alive,
Comets, The Moon Seems to Change Also by same author: How Little and How Much (1976) &
Measure with Metric part of the Thomas Y. Crowell Co.'s Young Math Book series &
Q/A Braus, J. Marshall, J., Altman, J. & Hitchner, N. (1993). Amazing Animals: Question & Answer
Book. Wilton, CT: Wishing Well Books/Joshua Morris Publishing. 142 one-page (+ index) dramatic
photos that pose an inquiry question with brief answers, loosely organized into 12 chapters.
A Brin, Susannah and Nancy Sundquist. (1988). 50 Mysteries I Can Solve. Los Angeles, CA: Price
Stern Sloan. An activity book with one-two page creative puzzles that help develop science
process/inquiry skills. Other books in the series: 50... Magic Tricks - Science Experiments ... I Can Do
and 50 Things I Can Make With Stuff Around the House.
Burton, Jane. (1989). Animals Keeping Cool. NY: Random House. Describes with words and photos
the ways 26 different animals stay cool in hot weather. (22pp). Other books in this series: Animals
Keeping: Clean, Safe, and Warm.
SF/EC Caraker, M. (1991). The Faces of Ceti. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Earth colonists form
tenements on adjoining planets; one adopting a dominating stance towards the natural environment and
the other a more ecological approach. The latter encounter a dilemma when they find that the only edible
food appears to be a native animal. (gr.6-12).
Charman, Andy & Erksine, Sarah. (1992). Be a Bug Detective. NY: Derrydale Books/Crown. Invites
grades 4 & up readers to learn about "bugs" with colorful, realistic drawings, clearly written text, several
experiments & quizzes.
C Chirinian, Helene & Quinn, Kaye (illus.). (1990). First Impressions: Animals and Space. Mahwah,
NJ: Watermill Press. Two 48 page coloring/ activity books with simple science paragraphs & visual
answer keys.
Cobb, Vicki. Stories Science Photos Tell series: Fun & Games, Natural Wonders, and For Your Own
Protection. NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. 32 pp each (w glossary) of detailed full-color photos & clear
34
explanations of science phenomena. F/F (1986). Inspector Bodyguard Patrols the Land of U. NY:
Simon & Schuster. 125pp/9 chapters (w index & glossary) explain human body defense systems with a
fictional character & his blood mobile working to fight germs & heal injuries (colorful photos & text).
[See also Donner, Carol. (1986). The Magic Anatomy Book]. Supersuits (with P.Lippman). (1975). NY:
J.P. Lippincott. 95pp depicts special clothing needed in freezing cold, fire, underwater & low air pressure
environments.
M Combs, A. (1987). How Old is Old? LA: Price Stern Sloan. Alistair’s grandfather explains the
relativity of old age by using a variety of natural examples. (K-3).
C Conaway, Judith & Swasey, Tom (illus.). (1987). My Preschool Invisible Ink Book: All About
Animals. NY: Playmore Preschool Press Inc./Waldman. Children develop eye-hand coordination as they
use a pencil point to rub over invisible, blank areas on the pages to reveal answers to questions about
numbers, letters, words, size & shape, word-picture associations related to animals. See also: Author. I
Love to Color & Learn: Animal Kingdom. Combines realistic drawings, factual information & some
activity pages. NY: Creative Child Press/Playmore.
Dewey, Jennifer. (1989). Can You Find Me?: A Book About Animal Camouflage. NY: Scholastic.
Beautiful artwork and words depict how various mammals, sea animals, insects & reptiles use camouflage
to survive.
F/F &SF Donner, Carol. (1986). The Magic Anatomy Book. NY: W.H. Freeman & Co.. 146pp/16
chapters (w glossary) explain human body systems via the adventures of a brother & sister who find
themselves inside one (colorful photos & text). See also Vicki Cobb’s Inspector Bodyguard Patrols the
Land of U.
Dorros, Arthur. (1988). Ant Cities. NY: Harper Collins. A look at the world of ants, their remarkable
feats & how to build an ant farm (ages 4-8). Animal Tracks. Simple text and guessing-game format helps
readers identify animals. (1990). Me and My Shadow. NY: Scholastic. Hands-on approach to shadows
for ages 4-6.
Doubilet, Anne. (1991). Under the Sea from A to Z. NY: Crown. For each letter of the alphabet, a
full-color underwater photo of a sea animal is presented along with a brief description of its physical
characteristics, habitat, and diet (ages 4-8).
SF/EC Durrell, Gerald. (1987). The Fantastic Flying Journey. NY: Simon and Schuster. (144 pages).
The naturalist/conservationist, author introduces children to the animal kingdom via an adventure story
involving Great-Uncle Lancelot, his niece and twin nephews' journey around the globe in an ecological
flying machine. Magic powder allows conversations with animals.
HB Epstein, Beryl & Samuel. (1978). Doctor Beaumont and the Man with the Hole in His Stomach.
Biography of 1820s army surgeon whose studied digestion by inserting a tube through a bn a patients
stomach. (gr.4-6).
A Evans, David & Williams, Claudette. (1993). Seasons & Weather (Let’s Explore Science series).
Dorling Kindersley. 30pp with lively questions & clear action photos with easy-to-follow directions for
35
observations & simple experiments. Preschool-gr.2. Other titles in series: Make It: Balance, Change, Go,
Me & My Body, Sound & Music, Color & Light, Water & Floating.
Feldman, Judy. (1991). Chicago: Childrens Press. The Alphabet in Nature. Explores the alphabet thru
full-color photos of animals & nature scenes that have the shape of a letter (contains no words). (1991).
Shapes in Nature. Wordless concept book that compares seventeen geometric shapes to similarly shaped
full-color nature photographs.
Filisky, Michael. (1991). Living Light: Creatures that Glow-in-the-Dark. Crown Pub. 21pp feature a
variety of plants & animals that exhibit bioluminescence. (K-6).
P Fletcher, Elizabeth & King, Dorothea (illus.). (1990). Riddles and Rhymes. Newmarket, England:
Brimax Books. 56 riddles with picture clues and answers involve 5-8 year olds in predictive reading
about the natural and manmade world.
Ford, B.G. & Leigh, Tom (illust). (1980). Grover's Book of Cute Little Baby Animals. Western Pub.
with Children's Television Workshop. The popular Sesame Street character introduces children to photos
and simple text on sixteen different animal babies.
Freedman, R. (1981). Animal superstars: Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, Smartest. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Prentice-Hall.
A Friedhoffer, Robert. (1990). Magic Tricks, Science Facts. NY: Franklin Watts. Magic tricks based
on physics, math, chemistry, & physiology.
A Friend, Mari. (1992). Discovering Nature’s Secrets. NY: Universe. A collection of nature projects &
activities arranged by seasons, including raising butterflies, setting up an aquarium, observing life cycles
of frogs, etc. 77pp. Gr.4-7.
HB Fromer, J. & Castro, A (illust.). (1992). Jane Goodall: Living with the Chimps. Frederick, MD:
Twenty-First Century Books/Henry Holt & Co. 72pp (with glossary & index) with b/w sketches; part of
the Earth Keepers series that also includes biographies of Rachel Carson, Jacques Cousteau, John Muir,
George Washington Carver & others.
Fun, Chee Yin. (1991). Funny Facts about Animals. NY: Derrydale Books. 38pp featuring cartoon
like color sketches & incredible, but true facts. Gr.2-4.
Gamlin, Linda & Reason, Sallie (illus.). (1989). Be An Plant Detective. NY: Derrydale Books/Crown.
Invites grades 4 & up readers to learn about the plant kingdom (adaptations, natural importance, growth &
reproduction and uses) with colorful, realistic drawings, clearly written text, several experiments, and
quizzes. (39pp counting 2pp index).
Ganeri, Anita. (1992). Be a Space Detective. NY: Derrydale Books. Invites grades 4 & up readers to
learn about "bugs" with colorful, realistic drawings, clearly written text, several experiments & quizzes.
36
A Gardner, Robert. (1989). Kitchen Chemistry. NY: Julian Messner/Simon & Schuster. Use the stove,
refrigerator, counter, sink, & kitchen chemicals for experiments. See also: Science in Your Backyard and
Science Around the House (physics). Each book is ~ 100pp with B&W drawings to accompany the
activities/projects.
3D Gay, Tanner Ottley & Cassels, Jean (illus). (1990). Sharks in Action and Dinosaurs and Their
Relatives in Action. NY: Aladdin Books/Macmillan. 16 page, scientifically accurate, EarlyReader (3-D)
Pop-Up books.
P Gelman, Rita & Buxbaum, Susan. (1991). What Are Scientists?. NY: Scholastic. Invisible Martians
land on Earth to determine what scientists are and do. Poetry, rap, definitions & entertaining drawings
provide the answer that scientists are ordinary people just like you & me.
Gibbons, Gail. (1990). Up Goes the Skyscraper. NY: Aladdin Books/Macmillan. simple text and
illustrations depict the building of a skyscraper from ground up & associated kinds of careers.
Gollin Evans, Lisa. (1992). An Elephant Never Forgets Its Snorkel: How Animals Survive Without
Tools and Gadgets. NY: Crown Pub. 18 analogies beteen human tools & structural & behavioral animal
adaptations. (gr.3-7).
EC Goodall, Jane. (1990). Jane Goodall's Animal World: 4 volumes: Chimps, Pandas, Hippos, and
Lions. NY: MacMillan Children's Book. Vivid color photos & clearly written text for youngsters ages 7+.
A Goodman, Beth. (1991). A Science Puzzle Book All About Five Senses. Puzzles & experiments
teach children ages 5-7.
EC Goodman, Billy. (1990). A Kid's Guide to How to Save the Planet. NY: Avon. For children 8 and
up.
A Gordon, A.C. (1972). Solv-A-Crime. NY: Scholastic. Activity book of 47 short story mysteries
involving burglars, murderers, and con men with answers (upper elem-middle school).
GPN (Great Plains National), Univ. of NE-Lincoln, Box 80669, Lincoln, NE 68501. 800-228-4630.
ETV organization sells: Science Comes Alive with Reading Rainbow Teacher's Guide ($5). Link 15
Reading Rainbow science programs with 3-6 science activities each and a single activity for each of 9
other programs that include a science-related segment. RR videotapes (hosted by LeVar Burton for
$38.75 each). Also: 3-2-1 Contact (30, 15-minute single topic videotapes for gr.4-6) with TG with 2, 40minute lessons & reproducible pages for each videotape.
HB & A Graham, Ada & Frank. (1985). The Big Stretch: The Complete Book of the Amazing Rubber
Band. NY: Alfred A. Knopf. Words & sketches describe the history, manufacturing, uses, and magic
tricks & experiments of rubber bands. (81pp).
MP Grillone, Lisa & Gennaro, Joseph. (1978). Small Worlds Close Up. NY: Crown Pub. See also:
Tomb & Kunkel; Norden.
37
EC/A Hadingham, Evan & Janet. (1990). Garbage! Where It Comes from, Where It Goes. Simon &
Schuster. Full-color photos, activities, and amazing garbage facts are featured in this NOVA book for
grades 3-6.
Harris, Susan. (1980). Creatures with Pockets. NY: Franklin Watts. Two to three pages of text,
realistic illustrations, and phonetically supplemented text tell the story of 12 Australian marsupials.
EC & A Holmes, Anita. (1993). I Can Save the Earth: A Kid’s Handbook for Keeping Earth Healthy and
Green. Julian Messner/Simon & Schuster. Includes fascinating Did You Know facts, Test It Out
experiments, and What Can You Do & Try It Out conservation activities that kids can do to improve
environmental quality. 96pp with Further Reading, Glossary, & Index. Gr.4-8.
F/F James, Simon. My Friend Whale. In this playful British picture book (ages 4-7), a boy and his best
friend, Whale, romp in the ocean letting kids in on all kinds of interesting facts.
EC Jeffers, Susan (paintings). (1991). Brother Eagle, Sister Sky. NY: Dial Books. Beautiful paintings
illustrate the moving ecological message spoken by Chief Seattle over a century ago.
A Johnston, Tom & Pooley, Sarah (illus.). (1985). Science in Action: The Forces with You.
Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens. (32pp). Colorful cartoon characters, humor and simple, fun
experiments on gravity, magnetism, wind, and electricity (gr.4-6).
3D Jones, Frances. (1992). Nature’s Deadly Creatures: A Pop-Up Exploration. NY: Dial Books for
Young Readers/Penguin Books. 2pp of text, full color photos/drawings & dramatic 3D figures for each of
the following: scorpian fish, black widow spider, scorpian, king cobra, Gila monster, & blue-ringed
octopus.
Kahney, Regina. (1992). The Glow-in-the-Dark Book of Animal Skeletons. NY: Random House.
Brief exposure to light will enable the reader to see an “x-ray” of the skeleton of humans and 14 other
animals. Text at gr.4-7. Also see book by David Taylor.
Kelly, John. (1994). The Robot Zoo: A Mechanical Guide to the Way Animals Work. Atlanta: Turner
Pub. 49 oversized pages with glossary & index. Uses spectacular artwork, detailed cutaways &
explanations that explain the design of 16 organisms in terms of how mechanical parts/machines would
do the same job. Gr.4-9.
Kelly, John. (1995). Everyday Machines: Amazing Devices We Take for Granted. Atlanta: Turner Pub.
43 oversized pages + glossary + index. Uses spectacular artwork, detailed cutaways & clear explanations
of the workings of 18 everyday devices. Gr.4-9.
EC Kids for Saving Earth Guidebook. (1990). Plymouth, MN: Kids for Saving Earth.
Knapp, Edward. (1987). How Speedy is a Cheetah?: Fascinating Facts About Animals. NY: Platt &
Munk. Combines realistic artwork w interesting facts about a variety of animals (31pp).
38
C Krupp, Marion, illus. (1988). Nature Walk: A Paint Box Book. NY: Random House/Happy House
Group. An activity book with alternate pages depicting animals in natural settings to be painted in with
watercolors printed at the top of the pages.
Krupp, Edwin C. & Krupp, Robin Rector (illus.). (1985). The Comet and You. NY: Macmillan. The
astronomer-author combines basic science, imaginative comparisons and black & white sketches to
discuss the composition, orbit, and historical significance of Halley's Comet. (48pp).
P/HB Kumin, Maxine & Lobel, A. (illust.). (1968). The Microscope. NY: Harper & Row. Lighthearted book depicts Leeuwenhoek grinding lenses, the appearance of common objects under a
microscope, and provides accurate historical information. (gr.4-8).
Lang, Susan S. & Lindstrom, E.C. (illust.). (1992). Invisible Bugs and Other Creatures That Live with
You. NY: Sterling Publishing. 96pp with index. Upper elem-middle text with b/w cartoon like drawings
focusing on unusual facts about bacteria -->bugs that cohabit our homes.
A Lewis, J. (1989). Learn While You Scrub Science in the Tub. NY: Simon & Schuster. 85pp. 41
water activities w clear directions with b/w sketches & explanations for children ages 5-9.
P Livingston, Myra Cohn. (1988). Space Songs. NY: Holiday House. Heavenly bodies are described in
poetry that appeals to both the intellect & emotions. (1986). Earth Songs. Poems & paintings combine in
a tribute to the natural wonders (ages 4-8/32pp). (1986). Sea Songs.
Lurie, Susan & Mann, Mel (illus.). (1987). The Big Book of Amazing Knowledge. NY: Creative
Child Press, Playmore Inc., Waldman. Interesting, fun, one-two pages stories (with cartoon drawings)
from the world of science, nature, history, heroes, inventors, explorers, and more. See also: (1988) A
Treasury of Amazing Knowledge and (1988) The Best Amazing Questions & Answer Book. (225 pp.
each -- upper elem/middle sch).
EC Mayer, Mercer. (1987). The Pied Piper of Hamlin. NY: Macmillan. The problems of solid waste
disposal, disease, and environmental relationships are an important aspect of this familiar tale concerning
the importance of keeping one's promises. (gr. Preschool-6)
Q/A Maynard, C. (1993). Amazing Animal Facts. NY: Knopf/Dorling Kindersley. 61pp (oversized w
index & glossary) book answers questions about 26 animals w clear text & beautiful photos & drawings.
Gr.4-8.
A McGlathery, Glenn & Malone, Larry. (1991). Tons of Scientifically Provocative and Socially
Acceptable Things to Do With Balloons Under the Guise of Teaching Science. Englewood, CO: Teacher
Ideas Press/Libraries Unlimited. 141pp of fun experiments with balloons.
HB Mintz, Penny. (1989). Thomas Edison: Inventing the Future. NY: Fawcett Columbine/Ballantine.
120pp biography for upper elem-middle school.
HB Montgomery, M. Marie Curie. NJ: Silver Burdett Press. Colorful biography of the life & work of
Marie Curie with a discussion of applications of radioactivity & x-rays.
39
Morris, Johnny. (1993). Animals-Go-Round. Dorling Kindersley. 16pp revolving picture book lets
young children watch their favorite baby animals (duck, cat, frog, rabbit, sheep, puppy, butterfly,&
chicken) grow from infancy to adult. Preschool-2nd gr.
EC & C Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet, Natural Resources Defense Council. (1990). Color the
Rainforest. A coloring book that teaches children ages 3-7 about the diversity & interrelatedness of life.
(48pp).
Nelsen, Jeffrey S. (1988). Space Jokes & Riddles. NY: Checkerboard Press. 24pp with colored cartoonlike sketches.
3D/MP Norden, Beth B. & Ruschak, Lynette. (1993). Magnification: A pop-up lift-the-flap book. NY,
NY: Lodestar Books/Dutton Children’s Books/Penguin Books. Contains 30 lift flaps & 3D scanning
electron microscope photos (with color added) of everyday objects and organisms that encourage
prediction, a sense of wonder & beauty. See also Tomb & Kunkel and how-to-use books by Johnson,
Oxlade, and Ross.
Q/A Nussbaum, Hedda, editor. (1977). Charlie Brown's Second Super Book of Questions and Answers
About the Earth and Space ... from Plants to Planets. (1981). Charlie Brown's Fifth Book ...about all
kinds of things & how they work (machines). NY: Random House. Science Q/A explained via Peanuts
characters & cartoons. (145pp).
O'Callaghan & Londesborough, Kate. (1988). Animal Life Survival in the Wild. Newmarket, England:
Brimax Books. (157pp). Easy-to-read text (ages 5-12) is combined with realistic illustrations and vivid
photos about animals Growing Up, Living Together, Nature's Builders and Staying Alive. Also available
as four separate books.
M Olney, Ross & Patricia & Alley, R.W. (illus.). (1984). How Long? To Go, To Grow, To Know.
NY: William Morrow & Co. Fascinating comparisons and two-color illustrations show how long it takes
for various kinds of changes to occur (i.e., plants & animals to grow, distances to be traveled, objects to
wear out, etc.). (40pp).
O'Neill, Mary & Bindon, John (illus.). (1989). A Family of Dinosaurs. Mahwah, NJ: Troll Associates.
Surveys the dinosaur world, describing what fossils tell us about these extinct animals including where &
how they lived. Combines colorful drawings, up-to-date theories, brief fictional stories about dinosaur
life, and a glossary. (32pp). One of three (?) books about dinosaurs from this publisher.
A Ontario Science Centre. (1987). FoodWorks: Over 100 Science Activities & Fascinating Facts that
Explore the Magic of Food. Addison-Wesley. Gr.3-9.
A Orii, Eiji & Masako. (1985/1989). Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens Children's Books. Simple Science
Experiments with...: Water, Light, Optical Illusions. 32pp each with glossary & index. Color drawings &
simple text (30 words per page) depict Japanese children performing simple, reproducible experiments
with household type supplies.
40
C Osborne, Jill E. (1983). Wild Animals Dot-to-Dot, Fun-to-learn Activity Book. Mahwah, NJ:
Watermill Press. Connect the dot coloring book that includes to-be-completed sketches and simple
descriptive information on 25 different animals.
Q/A Owl Magazine editors. (1988). The Kids Question & Answer Book Two. NY: Grosset &
Dunlap/Putnam. Full-color photos & drawings and clearly written prose answer more than 100 questions
kids ask about the natural world. (77pp with index). See also Owl Magazine and Book One & Book
Three (both by The Young Naturalist Foundation/upper elem-middle school).
Packard, Mary & Leder, Dora (illus.). (1985). From Head to Toes: How Your Body Works. NY: Simon
& Schuster. Clear, easy-to-understand language & appealing color drawings & diagrams answer a variety
of questions that children 8 yrs old & up might pose.
Q/A Paige, Rae & Zallinger, Jean (illus.). (1983). The Sesame Street Question and Answer Book about
Animals. Western Publishing. Describes, compares, and illustrates different animals and their habitats.
Parker, Steve & Anstey, David (illus.). (1989). Be An Underwater Detective. NY: Derrydale
Books/Crown. Invites grades 4 & up readers to learn about the Earth's hydrosphere and its variety of
unique plant and animal life with colorful, realistic drawings, clearly written text and mini-quizzes. (39pp
counting 2pp index).
A Parsons, Alexandra. (1993). Make it Work: Electricity: A Creative, Hands-On Approach to Science.
Aladdin Books/Macmillan. Full-color photos, clear textual information & activity directions to introduce
basic principles of electricity & magnetism. 48pp w index & glossary. See other titles in series: Plants,
Sound, & Earth.
Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. (1989). Singing Birds and Flashing Fireflies. NY: Franklin Watts. Explores
the variety of ways that animals communicate with each other for mating, territory claims, alarm calls or
food sources messages.
Pearce, Q.L. & W.J. (1990). Nature's Footprints: In the Barnyard. NJ: Silver Press. Other books in
series: In the... Forest, Desert, & African Grasslands. K-1st grade children are asked to identify various
animals by their tracks.
EC Pedersen, Anne. (1991). The Kids' Environment Book: What's Awry and Why. New Mexico: John
Muir Publications.
Q/A Perle, Ruth Lerner. (1993). I Wonder...Which Snake is the Longest and other neat facts about
animal records. A Golden Book/Racine, WI: Western Publishing Co. 32pp w index & full-color realistic
drawings; one in series of eight books (by different authors) that introduce children to fun, “amazing but
true” facts about the plant & animal kingdoms. (other neat facts about... insects/Where Butterflies Go in
Winter, underwater animals, mammals, birds/How Parrots Can Talk, reptiles & amphibians, plants/What
a Rainforest Is, and unusual animal/If Sea Cows Giev Milk.
Roberts, David & Pledger, Maurice (illus.). (1978). Animals and Their Babies. NY: Grosset &
Dunlap. Full-color drawing and prose tell how various animal babies survive. (24pp).
41
Rogers, Fred. (1986). Going to the Doctor. NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons. A First Experience Book that
uses sensitive text and photos of a young boy and girl visiting a male African American doctor & a white
female doctor to lessen a child's fear of doctors & provide insight into what they do.
P Rogers, Paul & Kazuko (illust). (1990). What Will the Weather Be Like Today. NY: Greenwillow
Bks. Rhyming text & bright illustrations take gr.1-2 readers around the world where various animals
enjoy their ideal climates (28pp).
SF Sandford, J. (1988). The Gravity Company. Nashville, Abingdon Press. Fictional story of the fun
mayhem that occurs when the switch on the gravity machine in Cayuga Ridge is accidentally tripped off.
Fun graphics accompany the text. Good discussion starter for all ages.
A Schneider, Herman & Nina. (1987). Quick Science: Science Experiments You Can Do in a Minute.
NY: Scholastic. 26 short experiments that children 5-12 can conduct with household items (64pp).
Selsam, Millicent E. (1971). Is This a Baby Dinosaur?: And Other Science Picture-Puzzles. NY:
Harper and Row. Activity book of black & white visuals of parts of living organisms (with pictorial
answers) to motivate inquiry (32 pages). Also by same author: (1981). Where Do They Go?: Insects in
Winter. NY: Scholastic. Depicts with colorful artwork & words how various insects survive the winter
(32 pages).
3D Seymour, Peter. (1985). Animals in Disguise. NY: Macmillan. 3-D/pop-up, Science Action book
with movable parts depicting a variety of camouflage and defense mechanisms (10 pages). Other titles in
the Science Action Series: (1986). Discovering Our Past. 3-D/pop-up, Science Action book with movable
parts depicting the work of archaeologists (10 pages). include: Exploring the Solar System, How the
Weather Works. See also: (1987). All Kinds of Animals. Los Angeles: Price Stern Sloan. A Magic
Answer Book with colorful realistic pictures & easy to understand info about 70 animals.
P Shalom, Vivienne & (illustrations by) Petricic, Susan. The Color of Things. NY: Rizzoli
International Pub./St. Martin’s Press Rhyming text & gray-tone & full-color pages tell the story of how a
little girl brought colors back to the town of Monroe after they were stolen by the evil Dr. D. Drainit &
Madame DeWitt. The science is not explicit in text, but easily connected to chemistry experiments on
chromatography, acid-base indicators, etc.
MP Simon, Seymour. (1983). Hidden Worlds: Pictures of the Invisible. NY: William Morrow & Co.
47pp that contains 20 microscopic images(15-4400X), 10 telescopic, 5 X-rays, 6 high-speed & 3 infrared
one-half to full-page B/W & color photographs. See also book with same title by National Geographic
Society.
Simon, Seymour. (1976). Everything Moves. NY: Walter & Co. Text and simple experiments
(suitable for grades 1-3 students) demonstrate how everything in nature moves. Body Sense, Body
Nonsense & Computer Sense, Computer Nonsense. (1980). Einstein Anderson, Science Sleuth. NY:
Viking.
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Q/A Smith, Kathie Billingslea & Storms, Robert (illus). (1985). Who?, What?, Where?, When?, Why?,
and How Discovery Toys Question Books. Pleasant Hill, CA: Discovery Toys/Ottenheimer Publishers.
Answer basic questions kids about the natural world.
C & EC Snowdon, H. (1992). The Wild Animal Workbook. Minocqua, WI: NorthWord Press [800336-5666 for catalog of nature books & gifts). Interesting text, geographic range maps, full-page realistic
B/W sketches & 5 reading comprehension questions for 16 different animals. (upper elem-middle).
SF Stannard, R. (1989). The Time and Space of Uncle Albert. NY: Holt. Whimsical story about a high
school girl who gets some unusual help on her science project from her uncle (Albert Einstein) who
suggest unusual “thought experiments that challenge conventional concepts of space & time. (gr.5-8).
3D Taylor, David. (1993). Nature’s Creatures of the Dark: A Pop-Up,Glow-in-the-Dark Exploration.
NY: Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Books. 2pp of text, full color photos, drawings & dramatic
3D figures for each of the following: the bat, tarsier, glowworms & fireflies, deep-sea fish, owl, and giant
squid. Also see 3D book by Frances Jones & glow-in-the-dark book by Regina Kahney.
Taylor, Kim. (1989). Secrets Worlds: Too Fast to See, Too Small to See, Too Slow to See, & Too
Clever to See. NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell. Full-color photos (produced with special camera
techniques) and text introduce plants and animals in ways not available to the unaided eyes (25 pp with
index). See also: Hidden: ...by Darkness, ...Inside, ...Underneath, & ...Under Water.
EC/P Uchitel, Sandra & Michaels, Serge (illust.). (1992). Endangered Animals of the Rainforest. LA:
Price Stern Sloan. Describes the characteristics of the tropical rain forest, examines the plight of
endangered animals & discusses how readers can help save these threatened areas. Includes a first person
poem & realistic color drawing of each of the 12 animals discussed.
3D Van der Meer, Ron and Atie. (1990). Amazing Animal Senses. Boston, MA: Little, Brown, &
Co./Joy Street Books. 3-D/pop-up, science action book with movable parts depicting 25 clever tricks,
tests, and movable parts that show how animals use their senses to survive. (12 pp).
A Walter, Marion. Magic Mirror Tricks. NY: Scholastic. Includes a non-breakable mirror for children
ages 5-8 (32pp).
Waricha, Jean. (1992). 101 Wacky Facts About Bugs & Spiders. (ages 8-12). Scholastic. See also:
Hendryx, Brian. 101...Snakes & Reptiles.
3D Watson, Clare. (1990). Big Creatures from the Past: A Pop-Up Book. NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
14pp depict the prehistoric TRex, brachiosaurus, giant condor, indricotherium, great shark, dragonfly and
the present-day blue whale and scientific facts & figures.
Whitcombe, Bobbie. (1988). Learn About...: Insects, Dinosaurs, Reptiles, Whales & Sharks, Animals
in Danger, Strange Animals, Animals of the Night, and Dangerous Animals (20 pages each). NY:
Checkboard Press/Macmillan. Beautiful, realistic illustrations and fascinating large type information
about a variety of animals.
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A White, Laurence B. & Brown, Marc Tolon (illus.). (1985). Science Games & Puzzles. NY: Harpur
& Row. A companion book to Science Toys & Tricks, the simple pictures and text allow the fifty
activities to be used by children (gr. 3 & up) with minimal (if any) adult assistance.
Q/A Whitfield, Dr. Phillip (1990). Why Do Volcanoes Erupt? (96pp w index). NY: Viking Penguin.
Author (from British Natural History Museum) answers a variety of questions about our unique planet
with text, full-color photos, drawings, and diagrams. Appropriate for upper elementary-junior high.
Other titles: Oceans, Do Animals Dream?, Why Do the Seasons Change, Why Do Our Bodies Stop
Growing, & Can the Whales Be Saved?
EC/A Wilson, A. (illus.) & Wood, A.J. (nature notes). (1990). Look! The Ultimate Spot the Difference
Book. NY: Dial Books/Penguin. Paired full-color, realistic drawings of twelve different ecosystems that
challenge the “viewer” to spot the differences. End-of-book nature notes identify each animal and
provide interesting facts.
HB Winner, H.I. (1974/1980). Louis Pasteur and Microbiology. (Pioneers of Science and Discovery
series). Great Britain: Wayland Pub. Ltd. 96pp (w index, glossary, & chronology) with numerous
historical b/w photos and sketches. With the exception of a dated, sexist reference to Pasteur’s wife (who
according to book by Birch actually directly aided his research), a good readable biography. Gr.5-10.
A Wood, John Norris. (1990). Survival: Could You Be a ____
Frog, Mouse. Other books in series (by Fiona Pragoff): Otter, Deer, Squirrel, Fox. Nashville, TN: Ideals
Children’s Books. Interactive 23pp books with full color photos and different survival game options (w
point values & “go to page#”) results. Ages 7-12.
A Wyler, Rose. (1986). Science Fun with Toy Boats and Planes. NY: Julian Messner. Instructions &
diagrams for constructing models to test the principles of buoyancy, center of gravity, air lift, jet
propulsion, action-reaction, etc. (Gr.4-5).
Yabuuchi, Masayuki. (1981). Animals Sleeping. NY: Philomel/Putnam. The flamingo, leopard, bat,
sea otter, albatross and camel are depicted verbally and visually in active and passive (sleeping) modes.
See also: Whose Baby?.
MP Ziebel, Peter. (1989). Look Closer. NY: Clarion Books. 14 full-page, close-up views of common
household objects with simple word clues underneath. Flipside of page has pull-back, easily identified
macro view. Pre-school->early elementary, but useful for getting students of all ages to think about
perspective and scale. See also book by McMillan.
C/EC Zerner, Jesse (illus) & Hanft, Joshua (ed). (1992). A Healthy Earth: Coloring & Activity Book.
NY: Playmore Inc./Waldman. One of a series of four books to help children learn about & protect the
environment. See also: Let’s Recycle, Let’s Help the Earth, & It’s Our Earth.
EC Zion, Gene & Graham, Margaret (illus). (1957). Dear Garbage Man. HarperCollins. Funny story
of a garbage man who cannot bear to throw away anything useful. Preschool-Grade 2.
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