Why am I passionate about this?

I spent long days at the beach as a kid, and sharp bits of horseshoe crab shells in my sandcastles were a frequent annoyance. As an adult, I discovered a horseshoe crab lurching its way back to the water and wondered: What's the deal with this weird animal? To find out, I read books, talked with scientists, and assisted with horseshoe crab and shorebird research. What I discovered—about horseshoe crabs, other animals, and the water they live in—was too amazing to keep to myself. I hope my book encourages kids to go out and explore wild places, too!


I wrote

High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs

By Lisa Kahn Schnell, Alan Marks (illustrator),

Book cover of High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs

What is my book about?

Every spring, millions of horseshoe crabs crawl to the shore to lay their eggs, just as they have since before…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Blue Whale

Lisa Kahn Schnell Why did I love this book?

Awe, beauty, and a satisfying amount of information—The Blue Whale has it all. I love the curious child we follow through the book, as well as the visual comparisons that turn astonishing facts about the world’s largest living creature into subtly humorous images that I can relate to on a more personal level. In the final pages of the book, the child—our surrogate adventurer—falls asleep and dreams, amazed by a world that contains such tremendous creatures. 

By Jenni Desmond,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Blue Whale as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A nonfiction picture book, The Blue Whale draws children into the life and world of this enormous whale by situating facts within a familiar context that is fun and engaging. Here, readers are given the actual size of an eye right on the page, and we are informed how understand this whale's body size in relation to trucks, cars, milk bottles, and hippos! With an accurate and engaging text, fully vetted by a blue whale expert, and lyrically lovely illustrations, The Blue Whale is a book that invites children in and holds their attention. Its tempo is like a pleasing…


Book cover of We Are Water Protectors

Lisa Kahn Schnell Why did I love this book?

We Are Water Protectors celebrates the power and determination of a child who is firmly rooted within both her family and the larger community. Written and illustrated by Indigenous creators, the rich, flowing watercolor illustrations pull me in and hold me still, even though the subject matter is upsetting at times. How can we face the pollution of water that our reliance on fossil fuels has caused? There is no simple answer. I found comfort in the beautiful community and intergenerational connections that buffer the fear and sadness of such a task. These connections remind us that it is only by working together, appreciating each person’s strengths and contributions, that we can do the work that needs to be done. 

By Carole Lindstrom, Michaela Goade (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked We Are Water Protectors as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal
#1 New York Times Bestseller

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption―a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people’s water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.


Book cover of Water Sings Blue

Lisa Kahn Schnell Why did I love this book?

To me, this book feels like a walk along the beach. I pick up each poem, sink into the swirls and splashes of color, and let my mind wander. Books that encourage such meandering strolls near the ocean have a special place in my heart: the idea for my horseshoe crab book started on just such a walk. Water Sings Blue is a great reminder that you never know what wonders you will discover when you go outside and let your curiosity guide you. 

By Kate Coombs, Meilo So (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Water Sings Blue as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Come down to the shore with this rich and vivid celebration of the ocean! With gorgeous watercolors by award-winning artist Meilo So and lyrical, playful poems by Kate Coombs, The Water Sings Blue evokes the beauty and power, the depth and mystery, and the endless resonance of the sea.


Book cover of Giant Squid

Lisa Kahn Schnell Why did I love this book?

Immersed in the pages of Giant Squid, I feel pulled out of my usual world, allowed to explore the life of an animal I will probably never get to meet in person. I love the way this deep dive takes me up close and personal, yet maintains an aura of mystery—a curl of tentacle here, a glimpse of eyeball there. I also appreciate the balance of accurate scientific information with the basic questions that remind us that there is so much about this animal, and, by extension, the natural world as a whole, that we still do not know. 

By Candace Fleming, Eric Rohmann (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Giant Squid as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

The giant squid is one of the most elusive creatures in the world. As large as whales, they hide beyond reach deep within the sea, forcing scientists to piece together their story from those clues they leave behind.

An injured whale's ring-shaped scars indicate an encounter with a giant squid. A piece of beak broken off in the whale's belly; a flash of ink dispersed as a blinding defense to allow the squid to escape-- these fragments of proof were all we had . . . until a giant squid was finally filmed in its natural habitat only two years…


Book cover of Water: A Deep Dive of Discovery

Lisa Kahn Schnell Why did I love this book?

As a young reader, I would have slipped into this book and lost myself for hours. While it’s not a picture book by most definitions, these gorgeously illustrated pages overflow with facts, stories, and cheerful art. Like its subject matter, Water: A Deep Dive of Discovery covers a lot of territory—from the many ways water affects the lives of all living creatures, to maps and diagrams, to simple experiments you can try at home. A lovely book that will hold up to repeated readings by curious minds.    

By Christy Mihaly, Mariona Cabassa (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Water as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Immerse yourself in fascinating facts about water! This comprehensive yet accessible exploration of water will help young readers understand many aspects of one of our planet's most precious resources - and how they can protect it. A friendly water droplet character guides children through topics ranging from melting and freezing to the ways in which water literally shapes the Earth. Tales by storytellers from around the world are sprinkled through the book, highlighting the variety of ways in which global cultures value water. The engaging format includes gatefolds and booklets with hands-on activity ideas for learning about and protecting water.…


Explore my book 😀

High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs

By Lisa Kahn Schnell, Alan Marks (illustrator),

Book cover of High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs

What is my book about?

Every spring, millions of horseshoe crabs crawl to the shore to lay their eggs, just as they have since before dinosaurs roamed the earth. But they aren’t the only ones crowding the beaches! Flocks of shorebirds stop to feed on the horseshoe crab eggs. Scientists and tourists turn out to see the spectacle and learn more about the animals that call this habitat home for a few weeks. 

With layered text and in-depth back matter, High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs engages readers at multiple levels. Evocative watercolor paintings by Alan Marks bring young beach explorers down to the shoreline to observe this exciting annual event that interconnects species. Come join the frenzy!

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The Open Road

By M.M. Holaday,

Book cover of The Open Road

M.M. Holaday Author Of The Open Road

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up a fan of an evening news segment called “On the Road with Charles Kuralt.” Kuralt spotlighted upbeat, affirmative, sometimes nostalgic stories of people and places he discovered as he traveled across the American landscape. The charming stories he told were only part of the appeal; the freedom and adventure of being on the open road ignited a spark that continues to smolder. Some of my fondest memories from childhood are our annual family road trips, and I still jump at the chance to drive across the country.

M.M.'s book list on following the open road to discover America

What is my book about?

Head West in 1865 with two life-long friends looking for adventure and who want to see the wilderness before it disappears. One is a wanderer; the other seeks a home he lost. The people they meet on their journey reflect the diverse events of this time period–settlers, adventure seekers, scientific expeditions, and Indigenous peoples–all of whom shape their lives in significant ways.

This is a story of friendship that casts a different look on a time period which often focuses only on wagon trains or gunslingers.

The Open Road

By M.M. Holaday,

What is this book about?

After four years of adventure in the frontier, Win Avery returns to his hometown on the edge of the prairie and tracks down his childhood friend, Jeb Dawson. Jeb has just lost his parents, and, in his efforts to console him, Win convinces his friend to travel west with him―to see the frontier before it is settled, while it is still unspoiled wilderness.

They embark on a free-spirited adventure, but their journey sidetracks when they befriend Meg Jameson, an accomplished horsewoman, lost on the Nebraska prairie. Traveling together through the Rocky Mountain foothills, they run into Gray Wolf, an Arapaho…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in water, the water supply, and Earth Day?

Water 19 books
The Water Supply 15 books
Earth Day 15 books