This Librarian's Quick Picks: Buried Sunlight

Buried Sunlight: How Fossil Fuels Have Changed the Earth
by Molly Bang
Blue Sky Books (Sep. 30, 2014)
Nonfiction Picture Book

Summary:

Humans’ rapid use of fossil fuels—stored energy from plant matter that has been “squashed” underground for millions of years—has made one thing certain: Earth will change.

Why You'll Love It:

• Bang’s beautiful illustrations have a folk-art style and are saturated with deep blues and rich greens.
•  The sun's first-person voice puts readers at the center: "Yes, living things--including YOU--need energy to stay alive and grow.

Who Should Read It:

Perfect for grades 2-4...and here's the discussion guide.

What Else You Should Read:

• Ocean Sunlight by Molly Bang
• Too Hot? Too Cold? Keeping Body Temperature Just Right by Caroline Arnold

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Try This!!

Try This! 50 Fun Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You
by Karen Romano Young
National Geographic Children's Books (August 5, 2014)
Nonfiction

Summary:

Provides instructions for fifty kid-friendly science experiments and an explanation of the science involved, as well as more than twenty bonus experiments, science fair tips, and STEM connections for each project.

Why You'll Love It:

• The dynamic full-color photographs and layout meet the standard set by other National Geographic books and are undeniably appealing.
• Some experiments take days, while others take just minutes, but it is always obvious that the creators have tried each experiment.
• Readers shouldn't have major trouble gathering materials, following the steps or adapting most of the demos into science-fair projects.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 5 and up...and here's the educator guide.

What Else You Should Read:

•  Eat Your Science Homework: Recipes for Inquiring Minds by Ann McCallum
• Cool Optical Illusions: Creative Activities that Make Math & Science Fun for Kids! by Anders Hanson 

Best of the Best!

Contrary to what you normally see here, I do still read "adult" books. Quite a lot of them.

Here are my top 10 best reads of 2014 (in no particular order.)

I hope some of these books bring as much joy to you as they did to me.

1. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
3. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell
4. The Darlings by Cristina Alger
5. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
6. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty
7. Working Stiff by Judy Melinek
8. Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
9. Remarkable Courtship of General Tom Thumb by Nicholas Rinaldi
10. A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz (okay, okay...I had to sneak at least 1 kidlit book into the list!)

This Librarian's Quick Picks: The Book With No Pictures

The Book With No Pictures
by B. J. Novak
Dial (Sep. 30, 2014)
Picture Book -- kind of...

Summary:

A book with no pictures “probably seems boring and serious. Except . . . Everything the words say, the person reading the book has to say." Genius!!!

Why You'll Love It:

• If you love yelling, singing, and being generally goofy while reading to kids (like I do), this book was MADE for you!
• Dynamic design, judicious use of color, and varied typeface and font size all work together to bring personality and expression to the story.
• The text is presented through artful typography that visually conveys its changing tone to guide oral readings.
• It has the words "Boo Boo Butt" in it. 

Who Should Read It:

I mean. Really anyone and everyone. But especially great for K-2 crowds. And here's a video...please watch!

What Else You Should Read:

There's really nothing else quite like this, but if I had to make a suggestion...

• This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne
• Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham
• The Pigeon books by Mo Willems