When I was in first and second grade, I was really into books that explained different scientific phenomena or natural events. (Why does the moon change shape? Where do fish go in the winter? How do birds fly?) Of course I can’t remember the titles of these books, but they were a nice introduction to science. Similarly, Just a Second by Steve Jenkins is a cool combination of science facts and great illustrations based around what can happen in nature in just a second. The review at Brain Pickings shares some images from the book, like this one:
Books like Just a Second impart information, but I think they’re most valuable as tools to get kids excited about science and the world around them. I see this image and immediately focus on the whale because, come on, whales are freakin’ amazing. Maybe someone else will see this and think “Light is intense!” and investigate more about physics. I wish I could have added this one to my book collection in first grade!
Annie Cardi 
Steve Jenkins is the perfect author for budding young scientists! I use a collection of his books beginning with “What do you do with a tail like this?” with my first grade library class. They devour his books. They’re so visually appealing and they cover so many topics: animal defenses and adaptations, symbiosis, skeletons, brother and sisters in the wild, habitats, evolution…so rest assured, there are new 1st graders who are enjoying his books and exploring science!
That makes me so happy! So glad to hear kids get so into his books. Excellent librarianship, dude. š