Children's Virtual New Book Shelf: New Nonfiction August 2025

Saw Henri Matisse by Heather Alexander; Margarida Esteves (Illustrator) See the world through Henri Matisse's eyes and be inspired to produce your own masterpieces. Have you ever wondered exactly what your favorite artists were looking at to make them draw, sculpt, or paint the way they did? In this charming illustrated series of books to keep and collect, you can see what they saw and be inspired to create your own artworks, too. In What the Artist Saw: Henri Matisse, meet the famous French painter and printmaker and learn about his inspiring life and art. A singular look inside the mind of artist Henri Matisse: Follow the life of Henri Matisse and learn about his evolution as an artist, with photographic timelines, informative art reference, and interactive art ideas to try at home yourself Features full-color illustrations that bring the artist's experiences and creations to life A brilliant gift for kids aged 7-9 and young artists who want to learn something new Don't miss the rest of the What the Artist Saw series! Follow the artists' stories and find intriguing facts about their environments and key masterpieces. Then see what you can see and make your own art with what you learn. Take a closer look at landscapes, or even yourself, with Vincent van Gogh. Try crafting a story in fabric like Faith Ringgold, or carve a woodblock print at home with Hokusai. Every book in this series is one to treasure and keep - perfect for young artists to explore exhibitions with, then continue their own artistic journeys.

The Dia de Los Muertos Story by Andrea Jáuregui De La Torre; Laura González (Illustrator) Join Little Andrea on an exploration of her Mexican heritage and the history of the Day of the Dead, a holiday that transforms death into a joyful celebration of life. Through detailed stories told by Little Andrea's beloved abuela, The Dia de Los Muertos Story reveals to young readers the origins of Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, what it means to Mexican families, and how it has grown and expanded to other parts of the world, specifically north into the United States.  This enchanting picture book follows Little Andrea as she discovers how what began as ceremonies practiced by the ancient Aztecs has evolved into a holiday recognized far beyond the borders of Mexico. As the story unfolds, Little Andrea explores significant moments in history and historical figures that demonstrate the endurance of the holiday through the ages. The Dia de Los Muertos Story offers children a deeply personal and more meaningful way to connect with the season surrounding the more commercial celebration of Halloween, giving an opportunity to transform the often-scary topic of death into a more nuanced perspective that includes the important celebrations of life, family, and friends.  Gorgeously illustrated, this guide to understanding Dia de los Muertos encourages a young audience to engage directly with the holiday and Mexican culture through its many hallmarks such as sugar skulls, papel picado, ofrendas, catrinas, and more. Young readers will love learning beside Little Andrea about the incredible history and traditions of Dia de los Muertos and its joyful celebration of life. The Holiday Celebration series from becker&mayer! kids honors the diverse holidays and milestones that shape the cultural fabric of the United States. Though these traditions may have originated elsewhere, brought to our shores by ancestors from around the world, they have endured and evolved to weave the vibrant tapestry of American life. The series includes picture books and their companion kid-friendly cookbooks that share stories uniquely representative of the American experience--an experience that is multilayered, eclectic, inclusive, and joyfully beautiful. Also available from the series:The Juneteenth Story, The Juneteenth Cookbook, The Dia de Los Muertos Cookbook, and The Kwanzaa Story.

Your Crown Shines by jessica Care moore; Dare Coulter (Illustrator) Ketanji. Unshook. Unbothered. Poised for position. Based on the electric and historic appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, this poetic picture book from powerhouse jessica Care moore outlines the dreams of a young girl who wants to change the world one day. Regardless of the obstacles put into place, her crown shines brightly. A love letter to the Black women pioneers of the past and to the next little girl who will one day be crowned, this melodic anthem, with luminous illustrations by award-winning illustrator Dare Coulter, is a celebration of one woman's story that will inspire generations to come. Perfect for Black History Month, Women's History Month, baby shower gifts, birthdays, and more!

Minecraft: Survival Challenges by Mojang AB Survive 30 thrilling challenges in the first book of a new Minecraft series! Are you ready to take your Minecraft survival skills to another level? However you love playing, this book is packed with challenges that will improve your ability and inspire fun new ways to enjoy the world of Minecraft, on your own or with friends. Complete with amazing illustrations and expert tips throughout, this book will guide you on a journey to become a Minecraft survival expert!

DK Super World: Brazil by DK From the Amazon rainforest to the samba-filled streets of Rio de Janeiro, take an exciting adventure through Brazil. DK Super World: Brazil is part of the new DK Super World series for children aged 7-11 to explore the wonders of diverse cultures and landscapes across the globe. Captivating and curriculum-aligned, this book is the perfect support for learning about the countries of the world. Embark on an educational journey with this enriching Brazil country profile book, specifically tailored for elementary school pupils. This geography book for children offers: Curriculum-aligned and age-appropriate material that covers all the core teaching points. Bright images, engaging content, and interactive elements that helps encourage reluctant learners. Vocabulary-building content covering a variety of topics. Captivating and curriculum-aligned content, diagrams, and interactive elements provide an immersive learning experience while covering core information about the richness of our world, one country at a time. With vibrant visuals and age-appropriate content to make complex information accessible and engaging for young learners, Brazil is the ideal companion to any science learning. Transform learning into an adventure with DK Super World, bringing science to life on every page.

National Geographic Kids World Atlas, 7th Edition by National Geographic Kids Discover and explore lands close to home or oceans away in the fully updated seventh edition of this acclaimed atlas, created especially for kids by the world-renowned National Geographic cartographers. Learn all about the people, places, trends, and new developments in our world with the completely updated maps, stats, graphics, and fun facts in the National Geographic Kids World Atlas, 7th edition--an unparalleled resource for every home, classroom, and library.   This new edition includes:  New maps and facts about internet access around the globe  A new feature on Earth's fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean  Colorful photographs showcasing the beauty and diversity of our planet  Count on National Geographic to give curious kids, map-lovers, and students the very best atlas of the world!

Food Around the World by Gill Budgell (Contribution by); Tom Heard (Illustrator); DK Introduce young readers to a variety of countries and cultures through an exploration of food. Discover fascinating facts about the food on your plate and tasty dishes from all around the world in this educational reader to help children aged 7-9 learn about countries and cultures. Children can explore the significance of food to different cultures and the variety of ways in which food is prepared and shared. Then learn how diet can vary according to personal choice, culture, and medical needs, and how food can be broken down into groups to help us maintain a healthy, balanced diet. The educational series can help children learn about the world, with: Links to key social studies and geography curriculum objectives. Content that allows children to learn about a variety of countries, cultures, and celebrations through food and its significance to each country and culture. Recipes featured that are simple and easy to follow for young readers to try out. Food Around the World follows the journey of food from farm to table, learning how seasons can affect what produce is available. Children can learn how food is packaged, and how to recycle packaging and reduce food waste. Plus, fun food facts show how food can be grown to extremes! About the series This book is part of the ...Around the World series, which includes Celebrations Around the World and Language Around the World. The series is designed to inspire and inform children with bright and original illustrations and fascinating facts about the world around us.

LEGO Minecraft Games Book by Julia March This edition does not include LEGO elements. Keep the whole family entertained with 50 ideas for LEGO® Minecraft® themed games, puzzles, and challenges! Challenge friends to a Nether minecart race. Find the odd crafting block out. Design your own LEGO Minecraft fairground. And much more! Get ready to level up the fun with your friends and family: ALL-NEW GAME IDEAS: Explore 50 brand-new LEGO Minecraft models and ideas for games, challenges, and puzzles - perfect for playing with family, friends, or on your own SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: The activities and games are great for all ages, making this the perfect gift for young LEGO builders and avid Minecraft fans alike Build in some time for bite-sized family fun with the LEGO Minecraft Games Book, packed with hours' worth of ideas for LEGO Minecraft games, puzzles, and challenges. Also included are 61 Minecraft themed LEGO elements to add to your own collection and use alongside the games in the book, making this the ultimate experience for fun-loving LEGO Minecraft enthusiasts. ©2025 The LEGO Group. ©2025 Mojang AB.

Who Meows? by Robin Page (Illustrator) From Caldecott Honor illustrator Robin Page comes a dynamic and interactive nonfiction picture book introducing little ones to animal sounds! Meet many different inhabitants of the animal kingdom and learn what sound they make in this vibrantly illustrated picture book. The engaging question-and-answer text is perfect for little ones learning animal noises for the first time or just learning to read! And backmatter offers further exploration into why each creature makes their signature sound.

The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide to Inventing the World by Dylan Thuras; Jennifer Swanson; Ruby Fresson (Illustrator) The team behind the bestselling Atlas Obscura presents a kids' illustrated STEM-oriented exploration of the world's most interesting technologies, inventions, and scientific discoveries.   Following up on the New York Times bestselling Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid, with more than 200,000 copies in print, here is a globe-spanning history of invention like no other. This illustrated and STEM-oriented exploration of the planet's 50 most interesting inventions and scientific discoveries sends middle-grade readers on an unforgettable trip around the planet and across time.   Each spread focuses on a world-changing technology and how it led to or influenced the tech or discovery on the next page. Starting with the very first invention, fire, readers will spelunk the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa for evidence of humankind's earliest control of flames, then learn how fire is necessary to create another essential tech: glass, including the modern-day glass bridge in Zhangjiajie, China, that offers a crystal-clear (and terrifying!) view of the chasm 1,300 feet below.   As you gaze at comets through telescopes, create unbreakable codes, zap space garbage with lasers, and break supersonic records in the world's fastest car, gorgeously illustrated scenes will transport readers across continents and centuries into a world of wonder and discovery.

DK Super World: Japan by DK From Mount Fuji and hot springs to the bustling city of Tokyo, explore the wonders of Japan. DK Super World: Japan is part of the new DK Super World series for children aged 7-11 to explore the wonders of diverse cultures and landscapes across the globe. Captivating and curriculum-aligned, this book builds background knowledge and is the perfect support for learning about the countries of the world. Embark on an educational journey with this enriching Japan country profile book, specifically tailored for elementary school pupils. This geography book for children offers: Curriculum-aligned and age-appropriate material that covers all the core teaching points. Bright images, engaging content, and interactive elements that helps encourage reluctant learners. Vocabulary-building content covering a wide range of topics. Captivating and curriculum-aligned content, diagrams, and interactive elements provide an immersive learning experience while covering core information about the richness of our world, one country at a time. With vibrant visuals and age-appropriate content to make complex information accessible and engaging for young learners, Japan is the ideal companion to any science learning. Transform learning into an adventure with DK Super World, bringing science to life on every page.

DK Super World: Norway by DK Discover the Scandinavian country of Norway, with its majestic mountains, stunning fjords, and unique culture. DK Super World: Norway is part of the new DK Super World series for children aged 7-11 to explore the wonders of diverse cultures and landscapes across the globe. Captivating and curriculum-aligned, this book builds background knowledge and is the perfect support for learning about the countries of the world. Embark on an educational journey with this enriching Norway country profile book, specifically tailored for elementary school pupils. This learn-to-read book for children offers: Curriculum-aligned and age-appropriate material that covers all the core teaching points. Bright images, engaging content, and interactive elements that helps encourage reluctant learners. Vocabulary-building content covering a wide range of topics. Captivating and curriculum-aligned content, diagrams, and interactive elements provide an immersive learning experience while covering core information about the richness of our world, one country at a time. With vibrant visuals and age-appropriate content to make complex information accessible and engaging for young learners, Norway is the ideal companion to any science learning. Transform learning into an adventure with DK Super World, bringing science to life on every page.

In the World of Whales by Michelle Cusolito; Jessica Lanan (Illustrator) Plunge deep into the awe-inspiring true story of a freediver's encounter with a newborn sperm whale and its family. When a freediver (one who dives without the benefit of oxygen) slips underwater, he encounters a pod of sperm whales so close he can almost touch them. When he sees blood in the water, he wonders if there's been an injury. When he comes even closer, what he finds instead is a moments-old calf, skin wrinkly and tail fluke still folded from the womb.  The calf's family nudges it up to breathe; nudges it toward each member of the pod, by way of introduction; and then it happens--the mother nudges her child toward the diver, inviting him, too, to share in the family moment.  Told from the vantage point of Belgian freediver Fred Buyle, who with his diving partner Kurt Amsler are the only people known to be present at the birth of a sperm whale, In the World of Whales features lyrical-yet-precise text by Michelle Cusolito and dreamlike illustrations by Jessica Lanan, creator of the Sibert Honor book Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider. Any child who dreams of speaking to animals will adore this proof of humanity's bond with the wild world. At the end of the story, find more information about freediving and whales. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Over and under the Coral Reef by Kate Messner; Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator) Discover the colorful wonder of the Caribbean in this fascinating and beautiful exploration of the coral reef from the New York Times bestselling author and award-winning illustrator of the beloved Over and Under series! Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Wetland, and Over and Under the Snow, this volume takes readers on a journey into the colorful and lively coral reef of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. Over the reef, terns circle and frigate birds soar. Sea turtles paddle and balloonfish float through the sparkling waves. But under the reef's arms, where nurse sharks prowl the seafloor and octopuses slip away into shadows, there waits a living rainbow of peacock flounders and blue damselfish, pink anemones and creamy conch shells. Discover the dazzling world just beneath the waves--over and under the coral reef. ENCHANTING AND EDUCATIONAL: A charming story and dazzling illustrations invite readers of all ages to explore and learn about the reef, with waters full of coral and animals that are as lively as they are lovely to see--and full of secrets to fire up young readers' curiosity! ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MADE WONDERFUL: Preservation of our wilderness--and especially of our coral reefs--is essential, and this book makes a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance and wonder of our world's natural habitats and ecosystems. GREAT SET OF NATURE BOOKS FOR KIDS: Acclaimed author and artist Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal have made dozens of beloved and critically acclaimed books. The entire Over and Under series--including Snow, Garden, Pond, Rainforest, Canyon, Waves, Wetland and more to come--is a joy to read and a wonderful addition to any classroom or home library. Perfect for: Fans of the Over and Under series and The Brilliant Deep Parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for a book about nature to share with kids Teachers, educators, and librarians seeking beautiful nonfiction books with STEM content Anyone seeking a distinctive gift for an animal- or nature-loving child

Wish I Was a Baller by Amar Shah; Rashad Doucet (Illustrator) Wish I Was a Baller is part New Kid, part The Tryout, and part Dragon Hoops! Amar Shah has some story to tell! In 1995, he was a fourteen-year-old aspiring sports journalist (and basketball superfan) angling to get into an Orlando Magic team practice. He did, and it took him on the ride of his life! Wish I Was a Baller is a graphic memoir chronicling Amar's real-life experiences as a fourteen-year-old sports journalist covering the golden era of the NBA, when he befriended Shaq and hung out with Michael Jordan and the Bulls-all while surviving the high school caste system, dealing with crushes, and friendships being tainted by jealousy.

Geography by DK Learn all about geography on planet Earth in this jam-packed visual encyclopedia for children. Get to know the processes that shape our world through amazing facts and colorful diagrams in this fully updated edition of the popular Geography A Children's Encyclopedia. This encyclopedia for children aged 9-12 is full of beautiful pictures that bring the natural world to life and show Earth's most amazing features. Each concept is broken down clearly, with colorful diagrams describing geological processes, while the water cycle and the structure of a rainforest canopy are fully explained. This geography book for kids offers: All aspects of physical and human geography explained clearly with the help of maps and country factfiles. A refreshed and updated edition, including a new design and the latest facts and stats on the subject. An essential reference for children, looking at the latest topics like the effects of climate change. Learn about the processes that shape our world, from ice ages to global warming, earthquakes to tsunamis, and explore the wonders of the natural world, from the peak of Mount Everest to the very bottom of the Mariana Trench. Children can carry the world wherever they go, from the deserts of Africa to the low countries of Europe, the lush forests of Brazil to the coral reefs of Indonesia and Australia. This encyclopedia expands horizons and is a fantastic resource for children interested in geography, geology, environmental science, and sociology. Explore the series! Globally, the Children's Encyclopedia series has sold more than 4 million copies worldwide. Uncover the marvels of our world with Science, explore the deep blue with Ocean, discover our solar system and beyond with Space, understand anatomy with Human Body, and get to grips with world-famous sculptures with Art.

Legendary Heroes by DK Meet the bold, the brave, and the brilliant - over 100 individual heroes of legend from cultures around the world are profiled in an engaging and fun way! Explore the adventures of more than 100 heroes of ancient legend, brought to life in this striking book for children aged 9-12. Featuring bright and colorful photography, authentic artworks, and terrific tales from cultures around the world, Legendary Heroes is the ultimate page-turner for budding heroes everywhere. This book celebrates timeless heroism, incredible bravery, supreme strength, keen intelligence, and exceptional self-sacrifice. This magical book on legends for kids offers: Rare contemporary and authentic images bring the world's myths, legends, and folklore to life. More than 100 creatures featured throughout in incredible detail. Culturally authentic and historically accurate imagery showing each creature alongside compelling text breaking down each one. Join Beowulf as he comes face-to-face with a fire-breathing dragon, sail with Sindbad as he grapples with gargantuan giants and sinister snakes, watch Maui lift the sky, and ride into battle with warrior princess Yennenga. This guide brings to life a truly eclectic mix of more than 100 heroes. Some are natural-born champions, others find courage in the face of supernatural monsters or vengeful rivals, and still more go on epic quests and arduous voyages to find wisdom and enlightenment. But they all come together as the stars of the most magnificent and memorable tales ever told. More in the series If you enjoyed learning about ancient legends in Legendary Heroes, then why not try the other book in the series Supernatural Creatures to learn about spooky myths and folklore?

Weird but True! Space by National Geographic Kids Blast off to the strangest places the universe has to offer with 300 unbelievable facts about all things space! Packed with amazing photos and quirky illustrations, the latest Weird But True! is truly out of this world! Did you know that some planets--like Saturn and Jupiter--have diamond rain? Or that black holes can "burp"? How about the fact that the newest toilet on the International Space Station cost NASA a cool $23 million? Weird But True! Space is a portable, browsable book full of mind-blowing facts--about everything from astronauts and moon missions to black holes and faraway galaxies to rockets and robot rovers. Incredible photos and wacky, colorful designs make every page pop. Can't get enough Weird But True? There's a whole universe of books to discover, including Weird But True! Dinosaurs, Weird But True! Ocean, Weird But True! Star Wars, Weird But True! Animals, and A LOT more!

Down Syndrome Out Loud by Melissa Hart; María Perera (Illustrator) "In a society that often overlooks those with intellectual and developmental disabilities...this book will inspire readers to befriend and champion people with Down syndrome." - JACQUELINE JODL, Special Olympics International In this illustrated biography collection, meet over twenty people with Down syndrome who have accomplished amazing things in their lives. Excelling in film, sports, business, photography, and more, these people are changing hearts and minds about their disability. Read about Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon, and Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, the first designer with Down syndrome invited to showcase her work at London Fashion Week. Learn about the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and other organizations who support the Down syndrome community. Each of these stories will educate and inspire young readers, both kids with Down syndrome and their family members, friends, classmates, and teammates! Included in this book- AC Heigel Alex Bourne Alex Lee Allison Fogarty Chris Nikic Christine Lau Geoffrey Mikol Grace Key Grace Stroebel Isabella Springmuhdi Tejada Jamie Brewer Jared Kozak John Cronin John Tucker Kayla McKeon Madison Trevlin Meg Ohsada Michael Holton Nick Doyle Ronnie Brown Sofia Sanchez Tommy Jessop Yulissa Arescurenaga Zack Gottsagen Special Olympics Best Buddies National Down Syndrome Society The Buddy Walk

Ray by Emily Kate Moon (Illustrator) The dazzling Ray illuminates how light works-part of the Science Pals series, including Drop- An Adventure through the Water Cycle and Puff- All About Air Meet Ray. He's light! And he's been shining since time began. Wherever there's life on Earth, there's Ray, helping everything under the sun thrive. And Ray can really move-fast. Have you ever hurtled through space? Become a rainbow? Made food for plants? Ray has! With brilliant wit and sparkling one-liners, Ray introduces readers to a light show like no other. Filled with awe-inspiring artwork, funny asides, and a spotlight on kid-enticing facts, Ray invites us to bask in his warmth, as he illuminates our world. " A refreshing combination of charm and solid fact and a high-wattage spotlight on our most important power source." -Kirkus " A brilliant addition to the Science Pals series. . . . Every part of the book is packed with fascinating facts and tidbits. Kids will appreciate Moon's inviting approach." -Booklist

The Treasure Hunt by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe; Gordy Wright (Illustrator) Switch on your metal detector, grab your compass, and follow the clues. It's time for YOU to do some treasure hunting of your own! Because X marks the spot . . . or does it? Perfect for fans of Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid, this nonfiction adventure book will have 6-9 year-olds wanting to travel the world. Following a trail of intriguing clues, take an epic journey around the world and discover heart-stopping true stories of treasure lost, stolen, and found. Exactly where is Queen Nefertiti's mummy HIDDEN? Can the Titanic's treasures be SAVED from the waves? Could you help find a Viking HOARD with a metal detector? Find out which artist's work has been STOLEN more than 80 times and where you can DIG UP the tooth of a T. rex as YOU become the treasure hunter . . . Countries around the world readers will visit: Scotland Norway Egypt Indonesia India Colombia Madagascar And many more Kids will love this engaging and interactive book that's chock-full of information and facts. THEY are the treasure hunter, and THEY get to be a map reader, code cracker, and puzzle solver, searching for lost treasure and figuring out the mystery.

DK Super World: Australia by DK Discover a wealth of wildlife, natural wonders and lively cities by heading down under and exploring Australia. DK Super World: Australia is part of the new DK Super World series for children aged 7-11 to explore the wonders of diverse cultures and landscapes across the globe. Captivating and curriculum-aligned, this book builds background knowledge and is the perfect support for learning about the countries of the world. Embark on an educational journey with this enriching Australia country profile book, specifically tailored for elementary school pupils. This learn-to-read book for children offers: Curriculum-aligned and age-appropriate material that covers all the core teaching points. Bright images, engaging content, and interactive elements that help encourage reluctant learners. Vocabulary-building content covering a wide range of topics. Captivating and curriculum-aligned content, diagrams and interactive elements provide an immersive learning experience while covering core information about the richness of our world, one country at a time. With vibrant visuals and age-appropriate content to make complex information accessible and engaging for young learners, Australia is the ideal companion to any geographical learning. Transform learning into an adventure with DK Super World, bringing science to life on every page.

DK Super World: Mexico by DK From the vibrant culture and ancient Maya ruins to golden beaches and delicious cuisine, take an exciting adventure through Mexico. DK Super World: Mexico is part of the new DK Super World series for children aged 7-11 to explore the wonders of diverse cultures and landscapes across the globe. Captivating and curriculum-aligned, this book builds background knowledge and is the perfect support for learning about the countries of the world. Embark on an educational journey with this enriching Mexico country profile book, specifically tailored for elementary school pupils. This learn-to-read book for children offers: Curriculum-aligned and age-appropriate material that covers all the core teaching points. Bright images, engaging content, and interactive elements that help encourage reluctant learners. Vocabulary-building content covering a wide range of topics. Captivating and curriculum-aligned content, diagrams and interactive elements provide an immersive learning experience while covering core information about the richness of our world, one country at a time. With vibrant visuals and age-appropriate content to make complex information accessible and engaging for young learners, Mexico is the ideal companion to any geographical learning. Transform learning into an adventure with DK Super World, bringing science to life on every page.