Books For Young Readers Seeking Information …

John Muir Wrestles a Waterfall

By Julie Danneberg
Illustrated by Jamie Hogan
Charlesbridge. $16.9

While operating a small sawmill in the Yosemite Valley in the early 1970s, John Muir had the opportunity to explore the wonders of the area. One of the natural attractions that drew his attention was the eye-catching Yosemite Falls.

This picture book provides an account of the famed naturalist’s decision to get “up-close-and-personal” with the falls in April of 1871. Not only does Muir climb the mountain next to the waterway but, at great personal risk, he also works his way behind the falls.

This unusual look at an actual episode from Muir’s life which he wrote about is made even more interesting thanks to the pastel-and-colored pencil illustrations by Jamie Hogan. If your family is planning a Yosemite adventure this year you’ll want to share this story with your child before visiting Yosemite Falls.

Where Did My Clothes Come From?

By Chris Butterworth
Illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti
Candlewick Press. $12.99

This picture book for children six years of age and older features retro illustrations that explain not only where a child’s clothing is made but also how it is actually manufactured.

The process of producing jeans begins with illustrations showing the harvesting of cotton in a field and how the fiber is cleaned, straightened and spun into thread. Next, the cotton yarn is woven into cloth on a big loom, and then cut into pieces using patterns. Finally, the individual pieces are sewn together to great a pair of jeans.

The process is also explained for producing a sweater, party dress, fleece jacket, and boots. Filled with lots of interesting information and eye arresting illustrations, this book is a “must purchase” for any school library. Once the teaching staff knows the volume is available they will find many ways to use it to enhance the class curriculum.

The story behind clothing is one a young child can understand and should be aware of. Chris Butterworth makes the process easy to grasp and will heighten the reader’s awareness of what goes into producing clothing of all types.

Emergency Vehicles

By Rod Green
Illustrated by Stephen Biesty
Templar/Candlewick. $15.99

Children five years of age and older who would like to learn more about various types of emergency vehicles will find this book amazing. The detailed illustrations are accompanied by over forty flaps that the reader can lift to discover additional information about each vehicle.

You’ll find inside information on a high-tech police car, a pumper fire truck, a flying firefighting plane that scoops water from lakes, a submarine rescue craft, a large fireboat, an air ambulance helicopter, a regular ambulance and a sea rescue craft.

Sidebars include other emergency vehicles and plenty of facts about each of the featured machines while the tabs take the reader inside each vehicle to show how it functions and what special features it has.

The first time through the tabs are a bit hard to open and even locate, so mom or dad will have to lend a hand to make sure all the tabs are found and folded back.

A solid combination of excellent illustrations and highly informative material on emergency vehicles, this book will fascinate curious young readers and even their parents will find it a worthwhile read.

Sir Cumference and the Roundabout Battle: A Math Adventure

By Cindy Neuschwander
Illustrated by Wayne Geehan
Charlesbridge. $16.95

This picture book for young readers features an adventure spotlighting Sir Cumference who finds his castle about to be attacked by Sir Wantsalot. As his men prepare for battle Sir Cumference needs the assistance of Rounds 2, the son of Edmund Rounds, who must quickly figure out if there are enough bow and arrows to hold off the interlopers.

When he discovers that some weapons are in short supply, Rounds 2 needs to devise another way to figure out how to repel the invaders. Fortuneteller, the clever youth, comes up with an idea that saves the day.

A clever introduction to the concept of rounding off numbers, this engaging book will help your child understand this important aspect of dealing with complicated numbers.

E Is For Egypt

By Charles Somerville
Hogs Back Books. $9.99

Sample an array of interesting facts about Egypt in this inexpensive little book that features humorous, carton illustrations and an A to Z approach to the ancient culture.

You’ll learn what a “cartouche” is as well as why cats and dung beetles were so revered by the Egyptians. Ever hear of the “Eye of Horus,” the temple of Karnak, or the role of Ushabti in Egyptian burial practices? You will have after paging through this book.

Here’s an entertaining way to expose a young reader to some of the highlights of ancient Egyptian culture in a fun and informative manner. Even mom and dad may find a few tidbits here of interest in this book that covers a wide range of topics.

Animal Partners

By Scotti Cohn
Illustrated by Shennen Bersani
Arbordale. $9.95

Learn about some of the fascinating symbiotic relationships between animals that will defy comprehension. You’ll see how small fish will clean larger fish’s teeth, birds will feed on insects on a rhino’s back, and beetles keep forest mice relatively free of fleas.

The unique partnerships presented here are narrated using a jaunty, rhymed text that will appeal to young readers as will the colorful, full-page illustrations.

Four pages of learning activities at the end of the book are a definite bonus and make this book an exciting and memorable learning experience for young readers.