NELL CROSS BECKERMAN
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coming nov 4!

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Your senses will come alive in FORESTS! In this video, learn about Poland's mysterious Crooked Forest and join Nell on a sneak peek trip around the world visiting fascinating forests. Learn what classrooms and families can do to help keep our forests healthy.
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The team behind the acclaimed book Caves returns with an enchanting exploration of one of Earth's most familiar ecosystems — forests!

So much to see, to smell, to hear, to taste, to feel. So much to find… in the forest.


Using evocative storytelling, Nell Cross Beckerman leads readers on an exciting adventure through the magic of forests! From kelp forests on the ocean floor to the wonders of the Amazon, Beckerman guides readers through these tree-filled ecosystems using dramatic, poetic language. Nonfiction text on every page allows for a deeper understanding of the topic.


Illustrator Kalen Chock's stunning illustrations have been praised as "atmospheric" and "striking." Readers will be delighted as each spread brings a surprise.
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Extensive backmatter includes author's and illustrator's notes, additional information on planting trees, and fun facts about forests!
The first book in this series, Caves, received three starred reviews, was an NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended Title, was on the Texas Bluebonnet Master List and the Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List, and was a Kirkus Best Book of the Year.

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Pops with strong feeling and riveting art
-Kirkus Reviews
ORder signed copy from Children's Book World
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The team behind the acclaimed book Caves returns with an enticing exploration of one of the most explosive wonders on the planet -- Volcanoes!

A rumble. A tremble. A grumble. Growing, growling, getting hot. When will it... POP?!

Using evocative storytelling, Nell Cross Beckerman leads children on an adventure through the radioactive wonders that are volcanoes. From deep down on the ocean floor to extraterrestrial volcanoes, Beckerman guides readers with dramatic, poetic language. Nonfiction text on every page allows for deeper understanding of the topic.

Illustrator Kalen Chock's stunning illustrations have been praised as "atmospheric" and "striking," and readers will be delighted as each page brings a new surprise. 

Extensive backmatter includes an author's note, additional information on the types of volcanic eruptions and the questions volcanologists are trying to answer, and additional facts.

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Texas Library Association Bluebonnet Award List 2025/26
2024 Seattle Public Library Staff Favorites: Children's Nonfiction 
​2025 DC Capitol Choices List Selection Ages 6-9
2025 Maryland Library Assoc. Blue Crab Young Reader Award: Transitional Non-fiction

2026 Washington State Library Towner Award List
2025 Children's Book Council Awards: Librarians Favorite K-2

..a great job of engaging kids as it explores volcanoes' majesty and mysteries...[with] an overall tone of respectful awe
-Booklist
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An immersive, much-needed reminder that nature is all around us, if we only look.
-Kirkus Reviews
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From a dynamic author and illustrator team, a picture book about connecting to nature and with each other on a path across the city, from a park to the beach

Follow along as families from all over the city set out and connect on a trail that begins inland and winds its way through diverse neighborhoods, city playgrounds and parks, up and down open-space hills, past piñata parties and food trucks, downtown buildings, movie-studio rainbows, and public art murals—all the way to the beach at dusk, where they meet around a bonfire, next to a sparkling Ferris wheel on a pier.

Inspired by a real city trail called Park to Playa in Los Angeles, From Park to Playa includes back matter not only about the real path, but about finding your path where you live. Nature is just outside the door and free and accessible to all, even if you live in the middle of a major city.

  • Publisher: Abrams/ Cameron Kids
  • Illustrator: Sophie Diao
  • ISBN: 9781949480252​
  • Age Range: 5 - 7
School Visit Info

When the Sky Glows



A beautiful and informative title for a sense-of-wonder storytime.
-Kirkus Reviews
  • Texas Library Association Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List
  • A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
  • South Carolina Assoc of School Libraries Best Picture Book Nominee 2024-2025
  • Florida Literacy Association Children's Book Award 3rd-5th
  • Pennsylvania School Librarian Association Best of 2022
  • Children's Book Council Awards: Teacher Favorites, Librarian Favorites, Children's Favorites
Click for WHEN THE SKY GLOWS:
  • Teacher's guide
  • Video interview between Nell and David
  • Book trailer
  • Read-aloud video
  • Trade reviews
  • Where to purchase
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Would-be spelunkers and those who would never consider a trip into a cave have the potential to be launched on a lifelong journey of discovery into the amazing world of caves as depicted in this excellent title. Highly recommended for all library collections.
-School Library Journal starred review
  • Texas Library Association Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List
  • Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List 2024-2025
  • Association of Illinois School Library Educators Blustem Award Nominee 2025
  • Kirkus Best of 2022
  • New York Public Library Best of 2022
  • NCTE Pictus Orbis Recommended Book for Excellence in Non-Fiction Writing for Children 
  • Bank Street Books Best of the Year
  • Children's Literature Assembly Notable Book
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Click for CAVES:
  • Classroom Spelunking Guide
  • List of show caves around the USA to visit.
  • Writing class for adults with behind-the-scenes look at CAVES editing and revision process.
  • Starred trade reviews
  • Where to purchase
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A dreamy tribute to summer days—and sea life and the spaces in-between.
-Kirkus Reviews
Click for DOWN UNDER THE PIER:
  • Teacher's guide
  • Printable activities
  • Book trailer
  • Blog interviews
  • Trade reviews
  • Where to purchase
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