IMAGINE COUNTING ALL THE STARS, by Raewyn Caisley and Gabriel Evans, Candlewick, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Maddie takes comfort in counting daisy petals and the parallel lines of moonlight pouring through her bedroom blinds. She finds joy in patterns: the black-and-white keys on a piano, the tessellations in a brick pathway. Dad understands and encourages her love of math, but Maddie longs for a friend who marvels with the same enthusiasm she does. The other girls prefer dolls to building with shapes at playtime, and when they bake together, Maddie likes to measure, while the others decorate. Always the odd girl out, Maddie finally meets her match when Dad invites new classmate Priya and her mom along on a stargazing expedition to the observatory. The unfathomable number of stars takes Maddie’s breath away—and Priya’s. Perhaps one of them will discover a way to count all those stars one day! Heartfelt text and timeless illustrations tell a relatable story of finding the right friend at the right time and counting yourself lucky indeed.

LIFE AFTER WHALE: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall, by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin, Neal Porter Books, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

All living things must one day die, and Earth’s largest creature, the majestic blue whale, is no exception. But in nature, death is never a true ending. When this whale closes her eyes for the last time in her 90-year life, a process known as whale fall is just beginning. Her body will float to the surface, then slowly sink through the deep; from inflated behemoth to clean-picked skeleton, it will offer food and shelter at each stage to a vast diversity of organisms, over the course of a century and beyond. Additional back pages offer further info and reading recommendations on whales, whale falls, and ecosystems.

DESERT SONG, by Laekan Zea Kemp and Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández, Neal Porter Books, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

As the blush of sunset gives way to night in the desert, coyotes, cicadas, and barn owls emerge, each calling out to the moon. Watching from their porch, the family joins the song. One by one, each relative offers their drums, flute, maracas, strings, and voices.

They sing with the insects, birds, snakes and toads; and they sing with their ancestors, an audience glittering in the stars overhead. With each strum of passed-down instruments, memories renew, and those gone are alive and near again.

Desert Song hums and chimes with all the music a front porch and the desert beyond can hold. Simultaneously published in Spanish as Canción del desierto.

BEACH HAIR, by Ashley Woodfolk and Nina Mata ,Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

When I wake up with the wildest bed head
and Mommy and Daddy do too
Mommy says we all have beach hair,
so Daddy says, “Guess we should go to the beach.”

At the beach, everyone has beach hair. There’s twisty and twirly hair, flossy and glossy hair, hair that’s barely there, and hair that’s everywhere.

The best part about a beach day is the belonging and joy that everyone feels when they let their hair run as wild and free as the sea.

THE WORLD IN OUR BACKYARD, by Jami Gigot, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, May 21, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 4-7)

Show young readers that whether they live in the country, city, or suburbs, their backyard is a world full of wonder ready to be explored.

As children play together, a sandbox becomes a desert, sidewalk chalk drawings become an art gallery, and everything that can be dreamed up is within reach. From forests to hike and mountains to climb, oceans to sail and castles to build, creative little ones don’t have to look any farther than their own backyard for wonderful things to be discovered!

THERE’S A MOUNTAIN IN THIS BOOK, by Rachel Elliot and Genevieve Lacroix, Thames & Hudson, June 11, 2024, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 6 and up)

Young adventurers undertake an intrepid journey to explore some of the mightiest mountains on Earth. From the foothills of the Alps to the peak of Mount Everest, readers will discover the diverse habitats of mountain ecosystems. Expedition logs encourage readers to use their senses to explore each location as they climb.

There’s a Mountain in This Book provides young readers with an immersive experience of breathtaking mountain environments. Visit forests and caves in the foothills of the Alps; canyons, lakes, and spectacular geysers in the Rocky Mountains; rainforest and moorland in the uplands of Mount Kilimanjaro; and the snowy glaciers and icefalls of the Himalayas. Discover remarkable flora and fauna, including mighty bears, snowy leopards, and even a rare cave-dwelling salamander with no eyes!

Using die-cut flaps and gatefold pages, the book details how mountains are formed, shows a cut-through of the interior structure of a mountain, and describes the effects of changing seasons and climates on mountains in different parts of the world. Illustrated in color throughout.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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A FAMILY OF TREES: MY FIRST BOOK OF FORESTS, by Peggy Thomas and Cookie Moon, Phaidon Press, May 22, 2024, Board Book, $16.95, (ages 2-4)

A Family of Trees, by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Cookie Moon, introduces little ones to forest families.

In this first book of forests for the very young, children are invited to experience how trees, like humans, talk to each other, care for each other, share food, and create a home together. The book further unfolds to showcase a lush temperate forest-scape, creating a true visualization of how trees are connected and form forest families. Back panels offer vivid illustrations of diverse forests environments around the world for a more global context, while secondary text offers more detailed, curricular information about tree science and the flora and fauna that rely on forest habitats.

This introduction to forests and the new science of tree communication has a accordion-style board-book format. Housed in a gift case with a magnetic closure, it opens up to create a forest-scape that is 2more than 8-feet long. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

A Family of Trees is essentially two books in one — the first one (or side of the accordion) is about tree families, their ecosystems. The second book is about different environments in which forests adapt and thrive. There is simple main text that offers broad ideas and smaller, secondary text that goes into more detail, allowing parents to cater to their child’s attention span and interest. Charming illustrations bring the whole thing together.The design of A Family of Trees is cool. The 8-foot-long accordion is constructed from heavy stock. And the magnetic enclosure is very strong. However, I can see some rambunctious kids running around with it trailing behind them. Therefore, I suggest this book be one that’s read supervised.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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TELL ME ABOUT OCEANS, by Lisa Varchol Perron and Jennifer Falkner, Little Simon, April 16, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 2-5)

A child gets answers to their many questions about the ocean in this rhyming, fact-filled nonfiction board book.

Tell me why the ocean moves
in waves that splish and splash.

Wind on water makes those waves
that hit the shore and crash!

A child asks their grownup many questions about the ocean. From what creates waves, what lives in the deep sea, what makes the ocean blue, and more, scientific facts are conveyed in accessible language. Sidebars on each spread provide even more information for every question asked and answered. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

Tell Me About Oceans is a beautifully illustrated board book that little readers will be drawn to. Simple text works as a great introduction and more detailed sidebars provide further information as little ones ask for more clarity.

SHELLS… AND WHAT THEY HIDE INSIDE: A Lift-the-Flap Adventure, by Helen Scales and Sonia Pulido, Phaidon Press, April 17, 2024, Board Book, $14.95 (ages 2-4)

In this board book companion to What a Shell Can Tell, award-winning marine biologist and documentary maker, Helen Scales, introduces children ages 2-4 to the wonders of shells. With over 40 flaps to lift creating interactive opportunities on every page, stunningly lifelike illustrations, children are encouraged to observe, engage with, and understand a range of shells and environments. From where shells are found and who lives in them, to what a shell’s look and feel can reveal about its inhabitant and environment. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

Children are naturally drawn to shells, and this book expands on that interest through interactive flaps, bright colors and stunning illustrations. The lift of each flap reveals new illustrations and more information about each shell’s purpose. The book’s heavy-duty construction means it will stand up to heavy use. It’s one of the better nonfiction board books available.

THIS WOLF WAS DIFFERENT, by Katie Slivensky and Hannah Salyer, Beach Lane Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-8)

Inspired by natural history, this picture book imagines how humans and wolves first came together, exploring individuality and how true friendship means embracing differences.

Long ago, a wolf pup was born in a forest. This pup was a wolf, and so were her brothers and sisters. But this wolf was different. She liked staying close to the den instead of hunting and chasing her tail instead of chasing other animals. She wished she were more like her siblings—more like a real wolf.

Then she meets a new kind of creature, no more like the other wolves than she is. As a new friendship blossoms, the wolf discovers that it’s okay to be different and, better yet, it’s a gift to be something new. —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books

Though This Wolf Was Different is fiction, it is based on sound research. It offers readers a plausible explanation of how dogs became domesticated. This gentle story is warm and full of life. And beautiful illustrations provide a sense of time and place. Extensive backmatter features scientific information about how wolves and humans first connected.

BEHOLD THE HUMMINGBIRD, by Suzanne Slade and Thomas Gonzalez, Peachtree, April 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Hummingbirds are tiny and pretty, so you might find yourself taking them for granted. But these little birds are remarkable, fierce, and talented. In Behold the Hummingbird, readers will learn about species that can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards and upside down, and consume half their body weight in a single day. —Synopsis provided by Peachtree

Behold the Hummingbird is two glorious books in one. The first, is a simple lyrical read that will hold a little one’s attention. The second, is an informative read that compliments the first. For example, a spread about “humming” explains how the hummingbird gets its name. Each spread features a different species of hummingbird rendered in glorious pastel, colored pencils and airbrush. The stunning artwork is such that you wouldn’t mind framing it and hanging it on the wall. Excellent backmatter explains how to find hummingbirds and how to help them.

ONE DAY THIS TREE WILL FALL, by Leslie Barnard Booth and Stephanie Fizer Coleman, Margaret K. McElderry Books, March 26, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Discover how a tree’s wounds and decay bring new life to the forest ecosystem in this nonfiction picture book.

When a tree falls, is its story over?

There are many ways a tree’s story could end: Gobbled up by a bird as a tiny seed. Damaged by wind or ice or fire. Chopped down and hauled away. But some trees—this tree—survives. And grows old. Riddled with scars, cracks, and crevices, it becomes a place creatures large and small call home.

One day, after standing tall for centuries, this tree will fall. But even then, is its story over? Or will it continue to nurture the forest and its creatures for many years to come? Complete with additional information about the role trees play in a forest ecosystem, this sweeping story invites readers of all ages to celebrate the incredible life cycle and afterlife of trees. —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books

If ever there was a perfect book for reading aloud in a classroom, this one might be it. It features lyrical text that is a joy to read aloud; big, bold illustrations that can be seen from afar; and excellent backmatter that explains how a tree’s story never ends. This book will prompt questions, illustrations and further discussion, making it a great option for both home and/or classroom libraries.

IS THIS A HOUSE FOR HERMIT CRAB? by Megan McDonald and Katherine Tillotson, Neal Porter Books, Feb. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Follow a hermit crab on the perilous journey to replace his outgrown shell in this classic picture book by the author of the popular Judy Moody and Stink series.

Hermit Crab has outgrown his shell, and it’s time for a new home to keep him safe from predators. The beach is strewn with possible choices, but none are quite right. A rock is too heavy; a tin can is too noisy; a fishing net has too many holes.

He stepped along the shore,
by the sea, in the sand . . .
scritch-scratch, scritch-scratch

When a giant wave sends Hermit Crab careening toward a hungry porcupine fish, will he find a hiding place in time? —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books

First written in 1990, Megan McDonald’s text gets a new look with Katherine Tillotson’s captivating watercolor, acrylic, finger paint, and collage artwork. Extensive backmatter includes a note from the author and two-page spread featuring more information about hermit crabs.

ANGELA’S GLACIER, by Jordan Scott and Diana Sudyka, Neal Porter Books, Jan. 2, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Angela listened to the glacier; the glacier listened to Angela.

As soon as she’s born, Angela’s father introduces her to her glacier. He carries her on his back up the icy expanse as the wind makes music of the snow and the water underneath. Over time, Angela gets big enough to walk beside him, and then, to go alone. She tells her glacier everything, and it answers.

But then, life gets busy. Angela’s days fill up with school, homework, violin and soccer and friends. Until one day, Angela’s heart doesn’t sound right anymore. Luckily, Angela’s dad is there to remind her what she needs: a visit to her ancient icy friend. —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books

Angela’s Glacier was inspired by the author’s friend who grew up in Northern Ontario and emigrated to Iceland in 2011. It’s a story of home, growing up and discovering what’s most important to you. It’s told through lyrical text and magnificent illustrations that make you want to visit the glacier yourself. An afterword from the real Angela highlights the tragic threat climate change poses to our planet’s frozen marvels.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR: CARBON, CLIMATE, EARTH, AND US, by Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-8)

A nonfiction picture book about ways that the Earth removes carbon from the air, and ways people can help.

The Earth has a problem: there’s too much carbon in the air.

Luckily, the Earth also has amazing powers to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere-like the power of kelp, mangroves, and dirt. Although these powers alone cannot get us out of the climate crisis we’re facing, the Earth has another important power: the power of people! People have the power to change, protect, innovate, and invent.

In this informational picture book, Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma paint an encouraging yet honest picture of the problems at hand and some of the ways that we can address them. Thanks to the power of nature and the ingenuity of people, change is in the air! —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

At this point, there’s no point in denying climate change, but there is hope, and Change is in the Air offers it. Through fairly simple words and more detailed illustrations, readers are offered an accessible look at what can be a complex subject. Younger readers will be drawn to the artwork, while older ones will garner more from the text. Strong backmatter includes an author’s note on the problem and the Earth’s power to heal.

INCREDIBLE: STARS OF THE PLANT WORLD, by Benjamin Flouw, Twirl; 1st edition, Feb. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 5 and up)

Towering sequoias, giant Saguaro cacti, prehistoric plants, incredible palms and many more fill the pages of this large format book. The detailed illustrations are accompanied by fascinating facts about each plant. It features supersized spreads with eye-catching illustrations, bite-sized descriptions about each plant and educational content reviewed by experts. —Synopsis provided by Twirl

This big, bold book will appeal to kids who like to wander their way through pages. Bold, stylized illustrations immediately grab attention and small sections of text make it more accessible. It’s not a book that has to be read front-to-back, which is a major bonus. A lovely world map tagged with each featured plant is included at the end, giving readers a sense of place. This is the sort of nonfiction book that you’d happily display on the coffee table but would also make a great addition to any classroom library.

SONA SHARMA, LOOKING AFTER PLANET EARTH, by Chitra Soundar and Jen Khatun, Candlewick, Feb. 13, 2024, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 6-9)

Sona is determined to get her whole suburban Indian neighborhood to help fight climate change in this second Sona Sharma story.

When Sona learns about the climate crisis at school, she worries nobody is doing enough to combat it. So, she takes up the challenge herself! But her family isn’t amused when Sona suddenly gets rid of her sister’s diapers and turns off Thatha and Paatti’s cooling fan during their nap. Sona finds a better way to implement change, at a family meeting where everyone helps make a list of ways to conserve. Energized, Sona sets her sights on the rest of the neighborhood. When she learns many of the kolams—traditional art that people draw in front of their homes to celebrate the festival season—are not eco-friendly, she makes plans for some even bigger changes. Can Sona convince everyone to get involved—even her own strong-willed grandmother? —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

At 120 pages and full of charming illustrations, this is a good option for stronger chapter book readers looking for something a little different. With a likeable main character and timely topic, it’s a fun read.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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SAVING DELICIA: A Story about Small Seeds and Big Dreams, by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola, Flyaway Books, April 9, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

A young girl creates a seed bank after learning her favorite tree is about to go extinct in Saving Delicia: A Story about Small Seeds and Big Dreams, by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola.

Kari’s favorite parts of summer are eating juicy fruit from the delicia tree and listening to stories from Old Otis. But now the last remaining delicia is in danger. What if this beloved tree dies out? Is there anything one girl can do? With inspiration, information, and a pocketful of seeds, Kari sets out to craft a surprise for Otis―and for the future.

This story celebrates the connections between generations, emphasizing that small steps can have a big impact when one looks beyond the present. An author’s note about seed banks around the world is included. —Synopsis provided by Flyaway Books

Saving Delicia is a story about connection to other people and connection to nature. Kari associates the delicia tree with friendship, with stories, and with sweet, tangy fruit. Blight is about to take away the tree, but Kari’s memories are intact. And those memories spur her to action.

Readers are introduced to the very real and important concept of seed banks through the fictional delicia tree. Author Laura Gehl’s warm and gentle text is comfortable to read aloud. It has a lovely rhythm to it that conveys feeling with few words. Equally lovely is Patricia Metola’s whimsical illustrations. Her use of white space and color convey emotion and energy throughout.

This is a great option for helping little readers understand the roles they can play in caring for our planet.

About the creators:

Laura Gehl is a former science teacher who still loves getting kids excited about science and nature . . . now through her books. She’s written more than forty books for young readers, including the Baby Scientist board book series, Odd Beasts, Odd Birds, Who Is a Scientist?, Apple and Magnolia, Who Dug This Hole?, and Climate Warriors. Gehl lives with her husband and four kids in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where she enjoys observing and exploring in the woods near her home. Visit Laura at lauragehl.com.

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SPECK: AN ITTY-BITTY EPIC, by Margaux Meganck, Knopf Books for Young Readers, March 19, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 3-6)

Follow a tiny speck as it travels through the ocean in search of a place to grow and thrive in Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic, by Margaux Meganck.

Deep in a tide pool, too small to see,
Thousands of tiny specks go forth.
Each one searching
for a place to stay, and grow, and thrive…

The little speck does not know what it is, only that it wishes to find out. And so it embarks on a journey across the sea. From sun-flecked surf to darkest depths, past schools of fish, storm-tossed ships and hungry eels…. Until, at last, it finds exactly what it was looking for: a place to belong. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Despite its title, there’s nothing itty-bitty about Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic. Author/illustrator Margaux Meganck’s gentle, simple text sets the tone for a grand adventure.

Meganck’s book is full of vivid watercolors that not only show how tiny a speck is but an ocean’s vastness. And her expert use of light and color transport from the sparkling sunset to the dark, deep sea.

Speck: An Itty-Bitty Epic is a beautiful picture book that reminds young readers that every creature has a place and a role to play.

About the creator:

Margaux Meganck spends her days dodging raindrops and drawing from her imagination in beautiful Portland, Oregon. Her author-illustrator debut, People are Wild, received two starred reviews and was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year. Her illustration work has earned multiple accolades. Speck is the second book she has both written and illustrated. To learn more, visit margauxmeganck.com.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WILD PLACES: THE LIFE OF NATURALIST DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, by Hayley Rocco and John Rocco, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Feb. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough, by Hayley Rocco and John Rocco, tells the story of our planet and a man who has dedicated his life to saving it.

As a boy, David loved exploring the wild places near his home in England, collecting fossils, rocks, and newts. When he grew older, he got a job in television, where he had an idea for a new kind of show: He would travel to wild places all over the world to film animals in their natural habitats. Over the span of seven decades, David’s innovative documentaries have been treasured by millions of people.

But as time went on, he noticed the wild places he loved were shrinking. What could David do to help? What could we all do?

This is the story of David Attenborough. It’s also the story of our planet, which has changed rapidly over the course of one person’s lifetime, and a clarion call for us to do our part to bring back the wild places and protect the creatures who call Earth home. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Sir David Attenborough is a naturalist, broadcaster and documentarian. As a young person, he fell in love with wild places and the things that lived there. That love has evolved from sharing it with others to teaching them how to protect the Earth’s wild areas.

In Wild Places, author Haley Rocco not only tells David’s story but that of the planet. The two are so intertwined, it would be hard not to. Her text mirrors the story she sets out to tell, celebrating David’s work and inviting others to look beyond it. An excellent author’s note with more detailed information and a fairly comprehensive look at rewilding our planet are included at the end.

Artist John Rocco’s pencil, watercolor and digital paint illustrations immediately draw you in. Vibrant colors and detailed looks at David and the places he’s visited transport readers all around the globe.

With topics ranging from biography and history to nature and animals, Wild Places offers wide appeal. This is a good option for at home or in the classroom.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WHO LAID THESE EGGS? (An Animal Traces Book), by Laura Gehl and Loris Lora, Harry N. Abrams, Jan. 9, 2024, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 2 and up)

Learn about eight animal species and their nests in Who Laid These Eggs, a lift-the-flap book by Laura Gehl and Loris Lora.

In this nonfiction board book, young readers will see eggs in different environments on each spread. They can lift the flaps to discover all of the different animal nests and eggs—and learn a simple fact about each species. Featured creatures include robins, alligators, ostriches, salmon, butterflies, seagulls, snakes, and chickens, plus the kids who gather the eggs from the coop! —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

What better way to look forward to spring than a sweet board book about new life. The question-and-answer format of Who Laid These Eggs? is perfect for little readers. It adds a fun interactive element beyond the lifting flaps. Bright illustrations of cute animals will draw little ones in. The pages are made of thick stock, as are the flaps, standing up to lots of use. Who Laid These Eggs would make a good Valentine’s Day, Easter, or just because gift.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THANK YOU, DAY! by Charlie Hopper and Penelope Dullaghan, Harry N. Abrams, Sept. 5, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

The natural world gets a high five in Thank You, Day! a love letter to the natural world by Charlie Hopper and Penelope Dullaghan.

Let’s hear it for the day, you all! With heartfelt feeling and joy, a kid gives kudos and kisses, hugs and high fives, shout-outs and simple thanks to everyday wonders in this sweet ode to slowing down, being present, and paying attention to the world around us. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

Thank You, Day! is an ode to our Earth. Each rhythmic line pays tribute to the natural world in a joyful, bouncy way. Author Charlie Hopper’s text is fun to read aloud. And Penelope Dullaghan’s bright and colorful illustrations exude happiness.

Thank You, Day! helps children recognize that gratitude extends beyond people and gifts.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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A STONE IS A STORY, by Leslie Barnard Booth and Marc Martin, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Oct. 3, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Follow the amazing journey of stone through time and elements in A Stone is a Story, by Leslie Barnard Booth and Marc Martin.

“Where do rocks come from?”

The answer may be more incredible than you think! After all, a stone is not just a stone: a stone is a story. Embark on a journey across time to see how one stone can change and transform, from magma under Earth’s crust to the sand swept up by a rushing river to the very heart of the tallest mountain. Watch what happens when rain, ice, and wind mold this rock into something new, something you might even hold in your hand—something full of endless possibility.

Complete with additional information about geology and the rock cycle, this lyrical and captivating story invites readers to experience the wonder of the natural world around us, and to see—in every cliff, pebble, and stone—a window into Earth’s deep past. —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Have you ever really sat an considered the origin of a stone? Where it came from? How it formed? How it fits into a bigger puzzle? That’s what Leslie Barnard Booth does so elegantly in A Stone is a Story.

This nonfiction picture book challenges readers to think bigger — and smaller — as they consider the building blocks of our world. Booth’s text has a lovely movement to it, with pauses and flares that are a joy to read aloud. Geological end notes expand on the ideas presented in a accessible text.

Illustrator Marc Martin’s striking watercolors are the perfect accompaniment, providing scope and structure.

A Stone is a Story is the type of book that will engage young readers at home and in a school setting.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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OUR UNDERWATER WORLD: A FIRST DIVE INTO OCEANS, LAKES, AND RIVERS, by Sue Lowell Gallion and Lisk Feng, Phaidon Press, Aug. 24, 2023, Board Book, $19.95 (ages 2-5)

Explore our planet’s water ecosystems in Our Underwater World: A First Dive Into Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers, by Sue Lowell Gallion and Lisk Feng.

The youngest readers are invited to explore and experience our blue planet’s amazing underwater ecosystems through rhyming verse and lush illustrations: from freshwater ponds to the deepest depths of the ocean, streams, and rivers, to coral reefs and polar waters. Secondary text offers more detailed, curriculum-focused facts and encourages readers to learn about different plants and animals found in various watery habitats across the globe. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press

The draw of Our Underwater World is undeniably the book’s innovative shape. It opens up to create a freestanding globe, which makes it almost a play object in addition to its being a book. Made of heavy board, it can withstand lots of use.

There are two reading parts to Our Underwater World that make it suited for both younger (ages 2-5) and older (5-8) readers. The first part features rhythmic text that echoes waves crashing ashore. Shorter sentences covering broad subjects take place here. The second part is printed in much smaller font and goes into a lot more detail.

Younger readers will love the book’s unique design and intricate images of fish, dolphins, whales, frogs, crabs and more. As readers get older, they will enjoy the concepts and learning about the blue connection.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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