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Animals

THE TALE OF PALE MALE: A TRUE STORY

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Winter
Author's First Name: 
Jeanette
Publisher: 
Harcourt
Publication Date: 
2007

When two red-tailed hawks build a nest atop a New York City apartment building, they enrapture bird lovers but enrage residents. Winter’s pastel acrylics and simple shapes give this true story a timeless character.

HOW TO PAINT THE PORTRAIT OF A BIRD

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Jacques Prévert
Author's First Name: 
Jacques
Illustrator's First Name: 
Mordicai
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Gerstein
Publisher: 
Roaring Brook
Publication Date: 
2007

A mystical text tells a young artist how to attract a bird using only his paintbrush and patience. Pale illustrations gradually accumulate color and texture as he succeeds.

DOGS AND CATS

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Jenkins
Author's First Name: 
Steve
Publisher: 
Houghton Mifflin
Publication Date: 
2007

Read one half of the book about dogs, then turn it upside down and learn about cats. Careful placement of the tactile paper collages draws attention to biology, evolution, and behavior.

SPIDERS

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Bishop
Author's First Name: 
Nic
Publisher: 
Scholastic
Publication Date: 
2007

Highly magnified, close-up photos of more than a dozen spider species jump off the page while a brief text provides information about eating, mating, and birthing. An appendix explains how Bishop hand-raised the spiders to get the best shots.

THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE [AUDIOBOOK]

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Kelly
Author's First Name: 
Jacqueline
Narrator's First Name: 
Natalie
Narrator's Last Name: 
Ross
Publisher: 
Brilliance Audio
Publication Date: 
2009

Growing up female in 1899 did not allow many choices. Callie, fortunately, has Grandpa and together they immerse themselves in natural science and forever change the course of Callie’s life. Ross’s performance makes Callie’s quest to become the woman she is meant to be a passionate and believable affair. Ages 10 -14.

DIAMOND WILLOW [AUDIOBOOK]

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Frost
Author's First Name: 
Helen
Narrator's First Name: 
Jennifer
Narrator's Last Name: 
Ikeda
Publisher: 
Recorded Books
Publication Date: 
2009

This coming of age story in the Alaskan wilderness sparkles to life with an inspired narrator and cast, bringing listeners the magic of living close to nature and traditional Alaskan beliefs. Survival drama abounds, complete with injured sled dogs and raging storms. Hearing the images in this book of diamond-shaped verses may be even effective than reading them. Ages 10-14.

THE FROG SCIENTIST

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Turner
Author's First Name: 
Pamela S.
Publisher: 
Houghton Mifflin
Publication Date: 
2009

Budding naturalists accompany Dr. Tyrone Hayes as he and his students, called the "Frog Squad", conduct research into the effects of pesticides on frog development. A lively narrative and vivid photographs convey the joy of scientific research.

WILD THINGS

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Carmichael
Author's First Name: 
Clay
Publisher: 
Front Street
Publication Date: 
2009

The voices of independent Zoe, who has just moved in with her eccentric uncle, and a feral cat who roams their woods, create a verbal diptych of trust. Charming black and white illustrations of the cat are sprinkled throughout.

WHAT BLUEBIRDS DO

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Kirby
Author's First Name: 
Pamela F.
Publisher: 
Boyds Mills
Publication Date: 
2009

Close-up photographs and a clear, simple text that is appropriate for newly independent readers chronicles one season in the life of a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and their five babies. Back matter includes information about attracting and supporting Bluebirds.

NEVER SMILE AT A MONKEY

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Jenkins
Author's First Name: 
Steve
Publisher: 
Houghton Mifflin
Publication Date: 
2009
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Torn and cut paper collages and playful alliterative warnings (“Never bother a blue-ringed octopus”) introduce animals that use claws, teeth, spines and venom to protect themselves. Extra information will lure older readers.

Torn and cut paper collages and playful alliterative warnings introduce animals that use claws, teeth, spines and venom to protect themselves.  Extra information will lure older readers.

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