Are you looking for some top-notch science picture books for kids? I have generated a list of some of the best from titles nominated in the Cybils nonfiction picture book category and from the National Science Teacher’s Association 2012 trade book list.

“My review” links take you to full reviews of the books at Wrapped In Foil blog, many with suggestions for hands-on activities. “Related science activities” links take you to posts here at Growing With Science, often inspired by the book. Linked titles go to Amazon for further information.

We’re hosting STEM Friday this Friday, so look for more about science books for kids all week!

Check out these 2012 Science Picture Books:

	A Leaf Can Be . . . (Millbrook Picture Books) with poetic text by Laura Purdie Salas and breathtaking illustrations by Violeta Dabija My review Related science activities
	Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola My review
	A Place for Bats by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Higgins Bond
	Awesome Autumn by Bruce Goldstone My review Related science activities
	Nic Bishop Snakes by Nic Bishop Related science activities and more related science activities
	A Rock Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long Also by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long: A Butterfly Is Patient My review Related Science activities
	Plant a Little Seed by Bonnie Christensen
	Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins and illustrated by Vicky White My review
	The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon My review Related science activities
	The Story of Silk: From Worm Spit to Woven Scarves (Traveling Photographer) by Richard Sobol (Traveling Photographer) My review Note:Â although this looks like a picture book, the text is more like a chapter book.
	Polar Bears, Penguins, and Other Mysterious Animals of the Extreme Cold (Extreme Animals in Extreme Environments) by Ana Maria Rodriguez
	`Let's not forget` Bird Talk: What Birds Are Saying and Whyby Lita Judge and the other recent children’s books about birds from earlier this month
	Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be? by Janet Halfmann and illustrated by Betsy Thompson Also by Janet Halfmann: `Little Black Ant on Park Street (Smithsonian's Backyard Collection)` See my review
	North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration by Nick Dowson and illustrated by Patrick Benson
	For the Birds: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Laura Jacques
	Island: A Story of the GalÃ¡pagos by Jason Chin My Review Also by Jason Chin Coral Reefs My review of Coral Reefs
	The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi and illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker