One Long Line: Marching Catepillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them by Loree Griffin Burns illustrated by Jamie Green*

 World magazine selected this book as one of its honorable mentions for its 2024 Books of the Year for children's nonfiction.

Two scientists, who lived in different centuries, studied pine prcessionary caterpillars. Readers witness how scientists process information and persist in their studies. Also, readers will conclude that curiosity is a valuable trait and a driving force behind achievement. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow illustrated by Steven Salerno*

This biography is moving to the top of my favorites list!
The illustrations are bold and expressive.  Words are inadequate to describe how they give the story such life and vibrancy!
Ms. Biebow engages the reader immediately with her well chosen words and sentence structure.  She shares about Edwin Binney and his occupation and how it evolved into making a crayon that children could use safely and easily. 
In the back the author includes photographs from the actual Crayola Factory in Easton, PA and how crayons are currently made.  A must read before touring this factory (or afterwards!).
A great book when discussing inventors, experimenting and persevering!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Electrical Wizard How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World by Elizabeth Rusch illustrated by Oliver Dominguez*

Because of Mr. Tesla we enjoy the electricity we have today.  The book begins in his childhood and focuses on his curiosity and tenacity.   These traits plus his hard work ethic and intelligence are what gave them the success he experienced as an adult.
This book also reveals another side of Thomas Edison that is rarely discussed at the elementary level.
Ms. Rusch provides additional information about:
1.  Tesla and his other ideas/inventions
2. the rivalry between him and Edison
3. Scientific Notes (AC vs. DC plus explanation behind each idea Tesla had that is featured in the book)
Text features: diagrams, labels, headings (in the scientific notes only)
*Highly recommend.  A book I am considering buying.

Pair with Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis. (*In Electrical Wizard Mr. Ferris' wheel is mentioned and pictured.  Mr. Ferris and Mr. Tesla were at the World Fair together, featuring their inventions).

Things That Float and Things That Don't by David A. Adler illustrated by Anna Raff

Mr. Adler explains about the density of water compared to the density of things that float and don't.
This book really lends its self to science experiments!  It was a bit over my boys' heads (ages 4 and almost 7) but some concepts will stick.