Our Homeschool Library – Essential Reference Books

Planetarium: Welcome to the Museum

by Raman Prinja

Welcome to the museum that is always open to explore. Step inside the pages of this beautiful book to discover galleries of galactic matter, expertly curated to bring you the experience of a fascinating exhibition in the comfort of your own home. Planetarium features all aspects of space, from the sun and our solar system to the lives of stars, the Milky Way, and the universe beyond. With stunning artwork from Dinosaurium illustrator Chris Wormell and informative text by Raman Prinja, a professor of astrophysics at University College, London, Planetarium is the perfect gift for budding astronomers and armchair stargazers alike.

Dinosaurium: Welcome to the Museum

by Lily Murray

With artwork from Chris Wormell, this stunningly curated guide to dinosaursgives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. Featuring a wonderful range of dinosaurs, from the much-loved triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex to lesser known species such as coelophysis and tsintaosaurus, Dinosaurium is a fascinating display of the impressive beasts that once ruled the world.

Animalium: Welcome to the Museum

by Jenny Broom

Animalium presents the animal kingdom in glorious detail with illustrations from Katie Scott, an unparalleled talent. Open 365 days a year and unrestricted by the constraints of physical space, each title in this series is organized into galleries that display more than 200 full-color specimens accompanied by lively, informative text.

Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum

by Kathy Willis

Discover more than 160 exhibits in this virtual museum, open all hours. The 2017 offering from Big Picture Press’s Welcome to the Museum series, Botanicum, is a brilliantly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicumgives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

Fungarium: Welcome to the Museum

by Ester Gaya

Welcome to the Fungarium! Step into the world of fungi and learn all about these strange and fascinating life-forms. Illustrator Katie Scott returns to the Welcome to the Museum series with exquisite, detailed images of some of the most fascinating living organisms on this planet—fungi. Exploring every sort of fungi, from the kinds we see on supermarket shelves to those like penicillium that have shaped human history, this collection is the definitive introduction to what fungi are and just how vital they are to the world’s ecosystem.

Anatomicum: Welcome to the Museum

by Jennifer Z. Paxton

Welcome to a museum that is always open to explore. Inside these pages you’ll get a peek at the workings of the major systems of the human body, from the minute muscles used to convey emotion to precise workings of the human brain. With stunning artwork by Katy Wiedemann and expert text by Dr. Jennifer Z. Paxton, this beautiful book makes anatomical knowledge both accessible and beautiful.

The Magic & Mystery of Trees

by Jen Green

This breath-taking book about trees takes children on a captivating journey of nature packed leafy exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are. Discover how they communicate and warn each other of predators, how they nurture their networks, record the past, and anticipate the future to ensure their survival. There’s so much more to trees than meets the eye.

The Book of Brilliant Bugs

by Jess French

The Book of Brilliant Bugs, written by insect expertJess French and illustrated by Claire McElfatrick, takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how amazing creepy-crawlies are, what they do for our planet, and how we can help them. It includes bug relatives such as slimy slugs, web-spinning spiders, and scuttling centipedes, plus amazing facts on how bugs pass on messages, compete for food, seek true love, and fill the air with buzzing wings.

The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth

by Rachel Ignotofsky

Making earth science accessible and entertaining through art, maps, and infographics, The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth explains how our planet works—and how we can protect it—from its diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants, to the levels of ecology, the importance of biodiversity, the cycles of nature, and more. Science- and nature-loving readers of all ages will delight in this utterly charming guide to our amazing home.

The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

by Dawn Casey

Learn how different cultures around the world set out to live in harmony with the natural world in this popular anthology, now in paperback. The seven folk tales are each followed by a hands-on activity that promotes green living and reinforces the eco-messages of the stories. 

The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.

My African Icons

by Mr. Imhotep

This book is a journey back to the Golden Ages of Africa. You will discover some of the greatest icons to ever exist.They were Emperors, Empresses, Kings, Queens, Scientists, Conquerors, and Builders. They were Smart, Innovative, Wise and Bold and their achievements changed the course of history. They left an indelible imprint on their people, their continent and our world. But some of them have been forgotten or are not given credit for their accomplishments. Now, with this book, they will be honored at the height of their greatness and the will live again in our hearts.This book will inspire and lead you to discover your TRUE SELF and activate your TRUE POTENTIAL.It is an homage to all our African ancestors and inspiration for the future of our world.

Historium: Welcome to the Museum

by Jo Nelson

Welcome to the museum! There are more than 160 historical artifacts to be discovered in Welcome to the Museum: Historium. Wander the galleries of this museum whenever you wish — it’s open 365 days a year! — and discover a collection of curated objects on every page, accompanied by informative text. Each chapter features a different ancient civilization, from the Silla dynasty of Korea to ancient Rome.

The Barefoot Book of Children

by Strickland, DePalma & Dean

Innovative and inclusive, Barefoot Books Children of the World empowers young readers to learn about children around the globe and ponder their own place in it. Created with the guidance of diversity specialists, this groundbreaking work of narrative nonfiction addresses the need for children’s books that depict diversity, while demonstrating the interconnectedness and uniqueness of all people. This book opens your little learners to views from around the world right in your own homeschool library.

This Is How We Do It

by Matt Lamothe

In Japan, Kei plays Freeze Tag, while in Uganda, Daphine likes to jump rope. While the way they play may differ, the shared rhythm of their days—and this one world we all share—unites them. This genuine exchange provides a window into traditions that may be different from our own as well as mirrors reflecting our common experiences. Inspired by his own travels, Matt Lamonthe transports readers across the globe and back with this luminous and thoughtful picture book.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

by Carol McCloud

While using a simple metaphor of a bucket and a dipper, author Carol McCloud illustrates that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our OWN bucket! Conversely, when we choose to say or do mean things, we are dipping into buckets. All day long, we are either filling up or dipping into each other’s buckets by what we say and what we do. When you’re a bucket filler, you make the world a better place to be!This 32-page picture book is perfect for children, parents, grandparents, teachers and people that want to teach empathy, nurture kindness and create a positive environment in their home, classroom, workplace and community.