Getting Used to the Dark

The first published collection of poems by Susan Marie Swanson, this book focuses on images of the night. Dreams, worries, wishes, spiders, flowers, deer, stars, and more - they're all here. Black and white illustrations by Peter Catalanotto add to the imagery. It might add to a storytelling session of scary stories.

An American Safari; Adventures on the North American Prairie

Jim Brandenburg is a well-known nature photographer from Minnesota. In this book, he mixes photos of plants and animals found on the prairie lands of North America with an account of how he became a photographer. It's a good resource on prairie ecology for science students, has excellent photos of plants and animals, and provides some interesting insight on wildlife photography.

Worksong

This simple rhyming story by Gary Paulsen shows people in many kinds of jobs and work situations. The oil painting illustrations by Ruth Wright Paulsen add strength to the story. It might be used to support an elementary unit on occupations or community helpers.

Minnesota's Capitol; A Centennial Story

This book describes the construction and history of the Minnesota state capitol building. It was published in 2005 to honor the centennial of the building. It also includes information about the artwork in the capitol and on the ground. Written by Leigh Roethke and illustrated with historical and modern pictures, it is a valuable resource for classes studying Minnesota history. It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2006.

Romeo and Lou Blast Off

Romeo, the penguin and Leo, the white bear are 'polar' opposites; but they work together well as a team. On a snowy day the build a pretend rocket ship. When a shooting star passes overhead, the pair are carried off on their rocket ship to a strange new land. How will they be able to get home? Written and illustrated by Derek Anderson, this imaginative story will have young readers laughing all the way to the end.

Sleepyhead Bear

A young bear just wants to take a nap on a hot summer day, but he can't because of the noisy pesky bugs who are keeping him awake. What can he do? Growling and roaring don't work, but readers will want to stay and see what finally happens to the sleepyhead star of this story. Written by Lisa Westberg Peters, illustrated by Ian Schoenherr, it's a funny, rhyming story for young children and early readers.

Scruffy; A Wolf Finds His Place in the Pack

This is the story of Scruffy, a yearling arctic wolf on Ellesmere Island. Scruffy is kind of a mess: he's awkward, makes poor decisions, and his fur is always scraggly looking. But he has one skill; he's a good babysitter for his new younger brothers and sisters in the pack. Written by, and illustrated with photos by Jim Brandenburg, this is a nice resource for a unit on wolves.