Most Popular Books by Gail Gibbons

"Narrator Polly Collier is very good. Her strong, clear voice makes her sound much like a teacher, and I appreciated her explanation to young listeners that she would be reading the text portion of a picture book...It''s a wonderful book, full of interesting trivia..." - AudioFile

Flowers, trees, fruits—plants are all around us, but where do they come from? With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination. Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanation and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow. The book includes instructions for a seed-growing project, and a page of interesting facts about plants, seeds, and flowers. A nonfiction classic, and a perfect companion for early science lessons and curious young gardeners. According to The Washington Post, Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children''s writer-illustrator." Ms. Gibbons is the author of more than 100 books for young readers, including the bestselling titles From Seed to Plant and Monarch Butterfly. Her many honors include the Washington Post/Childrens Book Guild Nonfiction Award and the NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book Award. From Seed to Plant was included in the Common Core State Standards Appendix B.

Describes the characteristics of the sun and the ways in which it regulates life on earth.

An up-to-date, clear and interesting introduction to our magnificent moon from the the award-winning author of science books for children. Shining light on all kinds of fascinating facts about our moon, this simple, introductory book includes information on how the moon affects the oceans'' tides, why the same side of the moon always faces earth, why we have eclipses, and more. This newly revised edition, available in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, incorporates new, up-to-date information based on recent discoveries, and includes an updated map of the moon''s surface. Thoroughly vetted by an astrophysics expert, The Moon Book is a perfect introduction lunar phases, orbit, the history of space exploration, and more. Using her signature combination of colorful, clear illustrations and accessible text, Gail Gibbons reinforces important vocabulary with simple explanations, perfect for budding astronomers. Legends about the moon, trivia, and facts about the moon landing are also included.

From #1 science writer for kids Gail Gibbons, learn everything about the delicious fruits you eat with this new and updated edition. Berries, apples, melons, and grapes; oranges, grapefruits, bananas -- yum! This scrumptious, updated picture book, a companion to The Vegetables We Eat, offers youngsters an inviting, information-packed cornucopia of favorite fruits. Gail Gibbons combines a clear, simple text with her signature illustrations to present fruit facts galore: the parts of fruits, where and how they grow, harvesting, processing, where to buy them, and how to enjoy them as part of a healthy diet.

What are vegetables, anyway? Give kids the 411 on veggies with this richly illustrated introduction to produce! Peppers, beans, corn, and peas! Nonfiction superstar Gail Gibbons lays out the basics of veggies with colorful watercolors and straightforward text. Learn how they grow, how they get to stores, and how many kinds there are—and learn some weird trivia, too! Diagrams, cross sections, and illustrations get kids up close and personal with glossy red peppers, plump orange pumpkins, delectable little peas, and dozens of other vegetables in this essential primer on the subject.

Houses are built with many different materials, and in many shapes and sizes. Step by step, this picture book explains how homes are built—from the architect''s plans through the arrival of a happy family. The many processes of construction are explained with simple language and bright, clear illustrations, perfect for kids starting to wonder about how the world around them works. Many different careers—including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and landscapers—are introduced, each doing their part to bring the picture wood-frame house to life. A great read for kids who love construction sites, or who can''t get enough of Building a House by Byron Barton. According to The Washington Post, Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children''s writer-illustrator." Ms. Gibbons is the author of more than 100 books for young readers, including the bestselling titles From Seed to Plant and Monarch Butterfly. Her many honors include the Washington Post/Childrens Book Fuild Nonfiction Award and the NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book Award.

From Gail Gibbons, the #1 author of science books for kids, this guide to those wonderful waddling water birds is updated with the latest facts from experts. In this new edition vetted by experts, learn about some of the seventeen different kinds of penguins. With bright watercolor illustrations and kid-friendly language, Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to zoology concepts, describing where and how penguins live, what they eat, and how they hatch their young. With updated information on species classifications, habitat ranges, and prehistoric penguins. Learn how penguin’s feathers are designed to help them survive freezing waters. See how emperor penguins take care of their babies in extremely cold temperatures, working together to look after one large egg at a time. Readers will also learn about threats to penguin populations, and what conservation efforts have been made to help preserve them. Even more penguin facts are included in the backmatter. Author of over 120 nonfiction books for kids, including the beloved Monarch Butterfly and From Seed to Plant, and with hundreds of thousands of books sold, Gail Gibbons continues to bring science to kids this colorful and approachable introduction to penguins.

Every year on March 17th, people all over the world celebrate St. Patrick''s Day! In this bright picture book, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons tells you everything you need to know about this holiday. You''ll learn the story of Patrick''s life, legends about the saint, and the history of the holiday. From shamrocks to shillelaghs, Gail Gibbons'' signature combination of accessible text and clear, colorful illustrations creates a perfect introduction to a fun holiday. A perfect introduction to the customs surrounding the holiday-- parades, special meals, and of course wearing lots of green. Filled with facts, legends, and traditions, this book is ideal for kids learning about the holiday, Irish culture, and history.

Cold winters, hot summers--year after year the seasons repeat themselves. But what causes them? Why is there winter in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time there is summer in the Northern Hemisphere? In summertime, why is it still light out in the evening? With simple language appropriate for young readers, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the four seasons and explains why they change throughout the year. Newly revised and vetted by experts, this updated edition of The Reasons for Seasons introduces the solstices, the equinoxes, and the tilt in Earth''s axis that causes them, and gives examples of what each season is like across the globe from pole to pole. Clear, simple diagrams of the earth''s orbit are labeled with important vocabulary, explained and reinforced with accessible explanations. Fascinating and easy to understand, this is a perfect introduction to seasons, earth''s orbit, and axial tilt. Different effects on different parts of the world are included, illustrating the difference in climate between the equator, the northern and southern hemispheres, and the polar regions.

Find out where your favorite crunchy, refreshing fruit comes from in this snack-sized book. Apples come in all shapes and sizes from all over the world. Take a bite and chew on months of planting, growing, picking, and selling that bring this tasty fruit into the home. With deliciously bright, detailed images and a simple text, Apples is the perfect board book for small curious hands who are still new to the crisp comfort of autumn. Gail Gibbons, a dedicated explorer of the world on behalf of curious young readers, uncovers and educates young audiences with board books on everything from Pumpkins to Bicycles to Boats. Readers ages 4-8 will also enjoy the newly-updated picture book version of Apples, which includes even more delectable details, diagrams, and vocabulary.

A nonfiction favorite from #1 science writer for kids Gail Gibbons, this updated edition brings the latest astronomy facts to young readers. After the sun sets, on clear nights points of light begin to appear in the sky. But when we look up at the night sky, what are we seeing? Vetted by an expert, this new and updated edition introduces scientific facts about the stars, as well as how we look at and learn about them, through simple text and bold illustrations. From ancient names for constellations to modern innovations in telescope technology, this book covers a broad range of ideas without overwhelming the reader. It introduces and reinforces important vocabulary for the aspiring astronomer, explaining everything in clear, simple phrases. Nonfiction master Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children’s writer-illustrator" according to The Washington Post. This book includes a brief timeline of major advances in astronomy, written in concise, kid-friendly language, and a wealth of fun facts and trivia about the stars.

Do you ever mail a letter and wonder what happens to it after you drop it in the box? Read all about the post office and learn how letters are weighed, sorted, transported, culled, canceled, coded, binned, boxed, and sorted once again. Find out how people and machines work together to deliver the letters you send. Children''s Books of 1982 (Library of Congress)

Get kids thinking with this primer on sky, land, and sea animal migrations. Did you know Arctic terns migrate farther than any other animal? Gray whales can swim up to 12,000 miles during their migration journeys and Emperor penguins walk about 125 miles over ice to reach their nesting grounds. Gail Gibbons explores the many reasons why animals migrate, using direct sentences, maps, infographics, and illustrations. Featuring over 30 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fishes, this nonfiction picture book is perfect for aspiring zookeepers and animal-lovers. Fully vetted for accuracy by James Doherty, Curator Emeritus, The New York Zoological Society. This title is part of the Explore the World . . . with Gail Gibbons series, which promotes active learning, good citizenship, and student leadership. A Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year!

"...bright illustrations and simple text, pleasantly presented in read-along form, should be welcomed by budding entomologists." -School Library Journal

A look at the life of knights in the Middle Ages and a collection of tales about their adventures.

Dark clouds fill the sky and soon—it''s raining! In this accessible and clear introduction, the water cycle, cloud formations, and various rain events are all part of a solid overview of rain and how it affects the world around us. Gibbons''s bright watercolors and simple, descriptive text are perfect for explaining weather and climate to young readers.

Weaving webs, digging burrows, and floating on strands of silk—spiders are fascinating creatures! From tiny baby spiderlings to large tarantulas, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons'' introduction to these intriguing arachnids reminds us that even when they look scary, most spiders are harmless—and even helpful! There are over thirty thousand kinds of spiders in the world—small and large, colorful or gray—and they live, hunt, and adapt in different ways. A number of different species and spider behaviors are highlighted in this book, accompanied by clear, labeled illustrations and important vocabulary. This new and updated edition, vetted by an entomologist, includes revised illustrations and the latest in arachnid science. Filled with interesting trivia and information on the history of spiders, as well as an explanation of the difference between spiders and insects, this is a great introduction that takes the fear out of our eight-legged, web-spinning friends.

An introduction to the history and customs of Thanksgiving.

Football is fun--let''s play! Find all the basics in this lively guide. The markings on a football field What football players wear The positions, from quarterback to wide receiver The excitement of the kickoff The thrill of scoring a touchdown All these and more are included with a useful glossary at the end.

What if we could open up our planet and look inside? From its red-hot core to the highest mountain peak, come see Earth as you''ve never seen it before in a colorful introduction to the powerful forces shaping our home.

Soccer is fun - let''s play! Find all the basics in this lively guide. The markings on a soccer field What soccer players wear The positions, from forward to goalkeeper The excitement of pasing a ball The thrill of making a goal All these and more are included, with a useful glossary at the end.

The alarm sounds. Fire! Fire! Big trucks roll out of the firehouse and race to the scene. Out come the soft hoses and aerial ladders. Whether the fire is in the city or in the country, on the waterfront or in a deep forest, firefighters are on the scene in moments, ready to attack the blaze.

Explore a lush garden of plant life. . . . from your bookshelf! Packed with science concepts, this picture book will tell you everything you need to know about flowers. A Eureka! Nonfiction Honoree With her signature combination of clearly-labeled diagrams, infographics, and accessible language, Gail Gibbons introduces the basics and life cycle of flowers. Sweet-smelling violets, delicate roses, vibrant tulips-- and many more-- come alive on the profusely illustrated pages. Including information on common regional species, flowers'' habitable ranges, basic flower care and cultivation, and flower anatomy and pollination, this picture book introduction is perfect for both budding gardeners and aspiring scientists. Explore a worldwide garden without ever leaving home! Beloved by educators, nonfiction superstar Gail Gibbons has covered seeds, farming, vegetables, fruits, and much more for children. According to the Washington Post, "Gail Gibbons has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children''s writer-illustrator." This Explore the World . . . with Gail Gibbons title promotes active learning, good citizenship, and student leadership.

A perfect introduction to how we talk and think about the weather. Everyone talks about the weather, but what does it all mean? In clear, accessible language, Gail Gibbons introduces many common terms--like moisture, air pressure, and temperature--and their definitions. Simple, kid-friendly text explains the origins of fog, clouds, frost, thunderstorms, snow, fronts, hurricanes, reinforcing the explanations with clear, well-labeled drawings and diagrams. Newly revised, this edition of Weather Words and What They Mean has been vetted by an expert from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Best of all, the book features a fun list of weird weather facts!

"...a valuable and effective program." -School Library Journal

Presenting fascinating information on all kinds of bats, from how they use echoes to hear, to the legends that surround them and how to protect the species Though people often think of bats as scary, bats are really shy, gentle animals. There are nearly 1000 different species of bats, and they live on every continent except Antarctica. Some are tiny, but the giant flying fox bat has a five-foot wingspan! Popular science author Gail Gibbons also discusses the efforts to protect the world''s only truly flying mammals. A final page offers additional facts.

Explore the natural world with Gail Gibbons in this introduction to farming and the work done on a farm throughout the seasons. Farms are busy places throughout the year. Animals are born, fields are plowed and planted, and crops are harvested. The winters are quiet, but there are always chores to be done, and soon spring will come again. This new edition of a popular favorite has been vetted by an agricultural scientist and includes updated farming procedures and shows new safety equipment for family farms. "Simple stylized shapes and clear bright colors make Gibbons'' landscapes easy for young children to comprehend." --Booklist "Gibbons depicts aspects of farm life with her characteristic bright colors and stylized forms. Every season brings its own specific chores, indoors and out, its own crops and its own food. There are the forces of nature, and the ways the farmer harnesses or copes with the elements using mechanical devices."--Publishers Weekly

From the tiny dwarf shark to the gigantic whale shark, Gail Gibbons'' clear text and illustrations acquaint readers with these ever-fascinating creatures.

Featuring a special section on how children can make a tree identification book of their own, this title is a bright and colorful introduction to trees, leaves, and their inner workings in nature. Full color.

The perfect book for little hands on that most fascinating of creatures, dinosaurs. Long ago, there was the Age of Dinosaurs. Tiny explorers can discover the many different types of dinosaurs that existed in the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretacious periods. This sturdy board book will hold up to hours and hours of use as toddlers pore over basic dinosaur facts. According to The Washington Post, Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children''s writer-illustrator.” In her experienced hands, the perennially popular subject of dinosaurs gets a clear, simple, and visually appealing treatment for the very youngest readers and listeners.

A joyful, fun, and delicious holiday has a very interesting history! Is a toddler in your life celebrating Easter for the first time? Guide them through the basics of the sweet holiday with this simple board book. Colorful, detailed illustrations accompany an easy-to-read description of Easter’s history and traditions. Maybe the Easter Bunny will even make an appearance! Award-winning science author Gail Gibbons shows that it is never too early to learn with a book that is perfect for any Easter basket. Pairs perfectly with Bunnies, another board book by Gail Gibbons.

We don''t believe in dragons anymore, but we continue to celebrate these fantastic creatures in stories, movies and songs. In fact dragons are so popular there is a science just to study them! In a book that is carefully researched, brimming with energy and charm, and full of interesting facts, best-selling author and illustrator Gail Gibbons presents dragons from cultures all over the world -- their origins, their place in mythology and folktales, and the reasons why they are still so fascinating today.

A new edition of a nonfiction favorite for more than 20 years from science writer Gail Gibbons, updated with the latest discoveries in space exploration. From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our solar system—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather. Since its original publication in 1993, The Planets has been a home and classroom staple for introducing our solar system to the youngest readers. With her signature blend of clear, bright illustrations and accessible text, Gail Gibbons takes readers on a tour of our planetary neighbors, near and far. This updated edition brings the latest scientific understanding of the planets of our solar system to young readers. The bodies in our solar system are named, described, and illustrated in clear, well-labeled spreads that give a strong sense of shape and scale to our skies. Each entry is full of intriguing details about their composition, behavior, and moons.