Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes

Nicola Davies (author) and Emily Sutton (illustrator)
Candlewick Press
Recommended for ages 6-10

With clear, simple wording and jazzy illustrations, this engaging tale explains the world of “wee beasties” in an entertaining way that even the youngest biologists-to-be can grasp. 

TIME for Kids Explorers: Robots

Mark Shulman and James Buckley Jr.
TIME for Kids
Recommended for ages 8 and up

Forget the zombie apocalypse; robots are where it’s at! Overflowing with full-color photos and not-too-long blurbs, this is a great choice for visual learners who panic at the sight of text-heavy tomes.

The History of Money

Martin Jenkins (author) and Satoshi Kitamura (illustrator)
Candlewick Press
Recommended for ages 9-12

Info-packed but surprisingly punchy and irreverent — with silly cartoons throughout — this history of currency will give youngsters a whole new appreciation for nickels and dimes.

Animalium

Katie Scott and Jenny Broom
Big Picture Press
Recommended for ages 8-12

Some oversized books’ hugeness is a gimmick. Not this one. Rich with lovely illustrations and detailed — though concise — text, the too-tall-for-your-shelf Animalium is a feast for the eyes. Think of it as a coffee-table book for kids.

Stand There! She Shouted

Susan Goldman Rubin (author) and Bagram Ibatoulline (illustrator)
Candlewick Press
Recommended for ages 8-12

Victorian-era photographer Julia Margaret Cameron was a trailblazer both behind and in front of the lens. This kid-friendly biography uses descriptive language, detailed drawings, and period photos to bring the artsy innovator to life.