Sometimes, my library has everything I am looking for and more. I love when I discover specific titles I have never even heard about. Other times, even when I search the entire system, I can’t find what I want. So visiting another library in another city, another country actually, meant nonfiction jackpot! 🙂 Thank you Seattle Public Library Central branch for being so well stocked!

And for the gorgeous views . . .

Plant a Pocket of Prairie written by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Betsy Bowen (published 2014)

I am a once was-almost am again gardener. Working full time means less time in my garden. Now it is all about low maintenance, wildlife friendly plants. I love rainy late fall afternoons sitting in the window and watching birds swoop in to feed on rudebeckia and echinacea seeds. And summers when a butterfly lands, well . . . So this book really appealed. I certainly don’t live on the prairies. The Pacific Northwest is a far cry from flat, farm land. But, I as this book suggests, one might plant a pocket of prairie. And then, the visits from the birds and insects who love these prairie plants might begin. I know from experience, that they certainly do. I loved the detailed information in the back of birds, animals and insects who might visit these prairie flowers. Beautiful book.

Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter (published 2014)

Inspirational accounts of young people standing up for their rights and the rights of other children are so important to share with our students. I can see this book hitting my students hard. They know Malala’s story of perseverance, tragedy and recovery. Iqbal’s story is not one of survival but his courage is just as strong. I hope that our school library can purchase this title so that my students will be able to read it. This book will be an excellent title to begin discussions and to prompt further research.

Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story Of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way To Fame, Fortune & Swimsuit History! written by Shana Corey and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham (published 2009)

I love this biography! It is full of energy – from its inspirational story to the gorgeous, bright illustrations. I had no idea about how the changes to women’s swimsuits came about and I love that the change was influenced by an athlete wanting more women to experience the joy of swimming! What I loved even more though was how the water was Annette’s ticket to health and athleticism after being weak and ill as a child. I would love to get a copy of this book for our picture book biography collection.

Thanks to Alyson from Kid Lit Frenzy for the inspiration to read and share more nonfiction picture books in 2015. Follow the link to Alyson’s blog to read about more nonfiction books you need to read!