Nonfiction picture books are an integral part of reading comprehension strategies for younger children.
Take a look at these information-rich selections that Linda’s Links likes the best.
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Barnum’s Bones by Tracey Fern
Illustrated by Boris Kulikov
FSG, 2012
Looks at the life of paleontologist Barnum Brown. (Picture Book/Biography)
Brothers at Bat by Audrey Vernick
Clarion, 2012
Shares the story of the Acerras and their sixteen children, who had enough members to fill every position on a baseball team. (Picture Book/Informational)
Jazz Age Josephine by Jonah Winter
Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
Atheneum, 2012
Introduces the life and legacy of Josephine Baker, examining her accomplishments, and describing how she overcame her poor, segregated upbringing to find success as a performer. (Picture Book/Biography)
Just Behave, Pablo Picasso! by Jonah Winter
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Scholastic, 2012
Critics want Pablo Picasso to continue painting the kind of things they like, but he stands up to them and paints in the styles he chooses. (Picture Book/Biography)
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Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola
FSG, 2012
A picture book biography of oceanographer Sylvia Earle, discussing her childhood along the Gulf of Mexico, her passion for the environment, and her experiences in ocean exploration. (Picture Book/Biography)
Minette’s Feast by Susanna Reich
Illustrated by Julia Bates
Abrams, 2012
While Julia is in the kitchen learning to cook up elaborate, delicious dishes, the only feast Minette is truly interested in is that of fresh mouse. (Picture Book/Biography)
Monsieur Marceau by Leda Schubert
Flash Point, 2012
Presents a biography of the famous mime. (Picture Book/Biography)
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Ocean Sunlight: How Tiny Plants Feed the Seas by Molly Bang & Peggy Chisholm
Illustrated by Molly Bang.
Blue Sky Press, 2012
Explains how tiny plants feed the seas. (Picture Book/Informational)
Out on the Prairie by Donna Bateman
Charlesbridge, 2012
Illustrates the creatures of Badlands National Park from reptiles, mammals, and birds to insects, and includes a guide to prairie flora and fauna. (Picture Book/Informational)
Step Gently Out by Helen Frost
Illustrated by Rick Lieder
Examines nature through lyrical text and close-up photography. (Picture Book/Poetry)
Water Sings Blue by Kate Coombs
Illustrated by Meilo So
Chronicle, 2012
A collection of poems about the sea. (Picture book/Poetry)
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Books annotations are from The Library of Congress or Linda’s Links to Literature.
Have you seen LITTLE DOG LOST: The True Story of a Dog Named Baltic? Very dramatic story with great art. A debut picture book by a Philadelphia Librarian.
Thanks Nancy. Haven’t read this title yet but will surely put it on my list. After all, librarians are my favorite people.
Thank you!