Science Fun & Young People

Children have a lively interest in the natural world. They love vivid pictures, but they are bored if we dumb it down for them. We offer children’s books that are fascinating even for adults, full of in-depth science, but graphic and fun—many with projects and activities that make facts real. Also, great story books, beautifully and cleverly told and illustrated.

Mikl enjoys the search for the best children’s books, and delights in artful and expressive illustrations and well-written text. This year he has brought in these gems for our Holiday Gift Market:

The Camel’s Lament by Charles E. Carryl: A rollicking rhyme about animals, for children up to 7; illustrations from richly realistic oil paintings by Charles Santore.

Big As A Giant Snail by Jess Keating: Colossally cool collection of photos and kid-friendly illustrations by David DeGrand. Polar bears to huge Atlas Moth for ages 4-8; sizes explained in multiples of bananas.

The Ocean in Your Bathtub by Seth Fishman: The science of oceans explained for children 4-8. The ocean is part of your life and you are a part of the ocean’s life. Wonderful quirky fun illustrations by Isabel Greenberg.

The Variety of Life by Nicola Davies: exploring the extraordinary variety and diversity of the natural world for readers 5-8. Fascinating facts come with charming but accurate paintings of plants and animals.

The Wonderful Habits of Rabbits by Douglas Florian: Follow a family of rabbits through the seasons in this lyrical story about rabbits doing what they (mostly) really do. For children 4-7; with illustrations by award winning Sonia Sanchez.

Bugs of the World by biologist Francesco Tomasinelli: Children 9-12+ will relish exploring 250 creepy, crawly, creatures, realistically illustrated by Yumenokaori. Get the facts, unique characteristics, life cycles and why bugs are so important to our world. For adults too; Mikl grabbed a copy.

We have stocked these classics AND a plethora of NEW puzzles with beautiful floral and mushroom imagery!

Piece together a fascinating visual exploration of the natural world. Featuring illustrations from Julia Rothman’s best-selling books in her Nature Anatomy series, these jigsaw puzzles will open your eyes to new ways of seeing earth and sky, flora and fauna. With each of the 500 pieces you put in place, nature’s wonders unfold: the crystalline structure of a single snowflake, the different types of feathers on a bird, a constellation of stars. A distinctive blend of art and science, this sweeping study of the universe will delight, educate, and enlighten.

We have stocked several different puzzles in the Nature Anatomy series!

These make great gifts for nature enthusiasts, design fans, homeschooling families, and curious learners of all ages.

Kikkerland’s Classic labyrinth Jigsaw Puzzle: 1000 pieces, 27”x20”.

Despite its simplicity, this mesmerizing design offers a unique jigsaw puzzle challenge that builds fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, problem-solving and critical thinking!

Enlightening, illuminating and visually extravagant, Maia Toll’s Wild Wisdom series sheds light on the magic and mystery that abounds in the natural world — animal, vegetable and mineral, and features the opulent art of Kate O’Hara. We are offering two of the stunning 750-piece puzzles from O’Hara’s fabulous illustrations.

AND a plethora of new puzzles with beautiful floral and mushroom imagery!

Scary? Maybe. Cool? Definitely.  Author Pat Stadille used to be terribly afraid of these eight-legged daddies, until he started learning more about them. Now spiders are his best friends! As a nature enthusiast, we have a feeling you’re going to feel the same way, once you hear about their silky skills, hunting habits, and generally shy and gentle nature. Learn about jumpers, wolf spiders, tarantulas, and, of course, the black widow!

Spiders in Your Neighborhood features detailed drawings and photos of the critters you’ll find, and sections on types of webs, how and where to discover spiders, spider anatomy, common and odd relatives. So, grab a flashlight and your sleuthing kit and join Pat “Spiderman” Stadille on a journey around your backyard that will leave you spinning with excitement.  This small book is suitable for any age.

Over 40 new pages in this exciting expanded edition! More delightful spiders to love, plus nature-journaling ideas and easy, fascinating spider science activities. Pat even shows you how to study and draw your spider friends. Written with such personable warmth and wit that readers will find themselves charmed, and eager to explore the spider world!