Birth of the Bicycle

A Bumpy History of the Bicycle in America: 1819-1900

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

Published by Candlewick Press

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, 2024

“Wheels out a chapter in the history of technology that merits greater recognition.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A great introduction not only to bicycle history, but to history books in general for kids 6-9, because Nelson makes it fun.”—Minnesota Star Tribune  | More

Three cheers for the birth of the bicycle! Hop on for a jaunty, rhythmic ride through a playfully illustrated history. From the pedal-less, brakeless wooden velocipedes of the 1800s to the sleek racing machines of today, from a luxury for the wealthy to a lifeline for the working class, the bicycle’s journey is a study in invention, innovation, and ingenuity. Sarah Nelson’s affectionate and poetic tribute covers almost a century of the two-wheeler’s development, while Iacopo Bruno’s bold, bright artwork illuminates this marvel of engineering. Cycling enthusiasts as well as budding mechanical engineers, inventors, tinkerers, and dreamers will revel in this fact-packed nonfiction adventure story—complete with a time line and other lively back matter designed to remind readers how truly extraordinary everyday objects can be.

Firefly Galaxy

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Estrellita Caracol

Published by Barefoot Books

★ “Well-crafted ­collage art complements lyrical text to create a ­luminous read-aloud.”—School Library Journal (Starred)

“Glowing illustrations enliven this tale of nature’s delights.”—Kirkus Reviews | More

Sofia and her siblings can hardly wait for nightfall—Sofia hopes to fill a jar with fireflies! When at last Mars flickers, and the owl hoo-hoos, Sofia and her family venture into the twinkling, dazzling summer night. It’s like a glittering galaxy! Following this joyful nature exploration, readers will learn more about fireflies and their unique form of light communication.

Follow the Flyway

The Marvel of Bird Migration

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Maya Hanisch

Published by Barefoot Books (2023)

★ “An impressive use of rhythm, rhyme, onomatopoeia, and word imagery endows this science-based book with a strong literary component.”—School Library Journal (Starred)

“A charming beginning look at North American migration flyways.”—Kirkus Reviews

A Bank Street Best Book of 2023| More

This nonfiction STEM gem follows a group of twelve bird species as their babies hatch, grow, learn to waddle, forage, and fly, and make their first migration along the majestic flyway. Inspired by the Mississippi Flyway, Follow the Flyway is lush with colorful, water-rich landscapes and stunning birds in action. Illustrated back matter delves into the marvels of migration, the four North American flyways, and fun facts about each of the featured birds. | Activity Guide

A Park Connects Us

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Ellen Rooney

Published by Owlkids Books (2022)

“Showcases the inclusivity of parks in loving detail.”—School Library Journal

“Parks are for everyone, and so is this book.”—Canadian Review of Materials | More

A Bank Street Best Book of 2022|Florida Literacy Association Award Finalist, 2023-2024

This playful ode to city parks celebrates the many ways that parks connect us to nature and neighbors. Vibrant, mixed-media illustrations show a diverse group of visitors enjoying all the gifts that parks offer. Children frolic; couples wander; flowers bloom and birds zoom; friends and families picnic and play ball or simply sink their toes peacefully into the present moment. Back matter shares a brief history of city parks in North America and highlights park successes around the world. | Activity Guide

Frogness

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Published by Owlkids Books (2021)

“Imaginative, delightful, and very froggy.” —Kirkus Reviews

★ Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2021 (Starred)

Florida Literacy Association Award Finalist, 2022-2023 | More

An exuberant frog hunt full of mud, muck, and wonder. As rain clouds bloom across the sea and the first stars wink, Sammy and Chocolate tiptoe into the muddy marsh behind their house in search of frogs. They can hear frogs everywhere—croaking, chirping, clucking, burping—but where are they hiding?! After the adventure, learn more about when, why, and how frogs call. | Discussion Guide

I Like the Weather

Written by Sarah Nelson | Illustrated by Rachel Oldfield

Published by Barefoot Books (2021)

“Pleasing, richly colorful…well suited to reading aloud…” —Booklist | More

Lyrical text and playful, hand-painted illustrations invite children to share in the rhythm of the rushing rain, the warmth of the shining sun, the mystery of the whistling wind and the beauty of swirling snow. Each book includes educational STEM endmatter about its respective weather element and how it helps people and planet. Also available in Spanish. | Poetry Activities & Discussion Guide