Showing posts with label Wild and Wonderful Wednesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wild and Wonderful Wednesday. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Taking Cover : One Girl's Story of Growing Up During the Iranian Revolution by Nioucha Homayoonfar
ABOUT THE BOOK
This coming-of-age memoir, set during the Iranian Revolution, tells the story of a young girl who moves to Tehran from the U.S. and has to adjust to living in a new country, learning a new language, and starting a new school during one of the most turbulent periods in Iran's history.
This true story of Nioucha Homayoonfar offers a window into an at-once familiar yet foreign culture. Religion classes are mandatory at her new school. Nioucha has to cover her head and wear robes. Her cousin is captured and tortured after he is caught trying to leave the country. And yet, in midst of so much change and challenge, Nioucha is still just a girl who listens to music and idolizes pop stars. But she has to be careful when Western music is banned and she cannot be seen in public together with her new boyfriend. Will she ever get used to this new way of life?
REVIEW
This engaging memoir of a young Iranian girl's growing up during the Iranian Revolution was eye-opening for me. In some ways she had a childhood not to different than mine, but in others, her life was vastly different. I enjoyed reading about her home life with her beloved parents as well as her experiences both good and not-so-good with her extended family. The move from America to Iran was a shock for her as a five-year-old, but being young she adapted quickly. But after the revolution occurred things started to change drastically. And with an Iranian father and a French mother, the changes didn't sit well with her own families' beliefs and traditions. Some of the experiences she had would have been truly terrifying. And yet, despite it all, she still loved her home and extended family, and still misses the good things that not even the revolution could take away. I learned a lot reading this book. The book is like a window into the life of a young person who grew up around the same time I did, but had vastly different experiences. The book is well-written and easy to read and is a great example of the memoir genre for the middle grade/young adult age-group.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: History's Mysteries: Freaky Phenomena
ABOUT THE BOOK
Curious kids itching for real-life Indiana Jones-like intrigue will get swept away with the next book in this spine-tingling series about solving puzzles of the past--from whole civilizations that have vanished to mystifying monuments and urban legends.
Fans of Night at the Museum and the Indiana Jones saga will be fascinated by these real-life mysteries: Is there any truth to the legend of Bigfoot? Why have planes and ships suddenly disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle? Is there really a lost city of gold in the jungle of Central America? The next book in this exciting new series will cover even more of history's most fascinating head-scratching conundrums, including the curse of the Hope Diamond, King Tut's tomb, black holes, the puzzling disappearance of ancient civilizations, cryptic creatures of myth and legend, long-lost treasure, and so much more. Kids can dig into these mysteries, uncover clues, and ponder leading scientific theories to help decipher what really happened. Chock-full of cool photos, fun facts, and spooky fun, this book is sure to keep curious kids engaged as they try to piece together these puzzles of the past!
REVIEW
The world is full of fascinating mysteries, some of which people have found answers to and some where the answers remain elusive. I, for one, enjoy reading and thinking about some of these mysteries. Since history is a topic that many children consider 'boring,' I'm always happy to find books like this one that demonstrate beautifully that history can be fascinating and mysterious. The book is divided into seven chapters: Creepy Creatures, Vanishing Acts, Unexplained Occurrences, Strange Sites, Unusual Objects, Curious Curses, and Unnatural Nature. Each chapter than addresses two or three specific mysteries including creatures such as bigfoot and mothman, or lost cities or strange physical creations. The book presents evidence and photographs to explain each mystery and the clues available, but leaves the reader to decide what to believe about it. A fascinating book perfect for young readers who love to read about real-life mysteries.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Picturing America/Otis and Will Discover the Deep
ABOUT THE BOOK
This look at artist Thomas Cole's life takes readers from his humble beginnings to his development of a new painting style that became America's first formal art movement: the Hudson River school of painting.
Thomas Cole was always looking for something new to draw. Born in England during the Industrial Revolution, he was fascinated by tales of the American countryside, and was ecstatic to move there in 1818. The life of an artist was difficult at first, however Thomas kept his dream alive by drawing constantly and seeking out other artists. But everything changed for him when he was given a ticket for a boat trip up the Hudson River to see the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. The haunting beauty of the landscape sparked his imagination and would inspire him for the rest of his life. The majestic paintings that followed struck a chord with the public and drew other artists to follow in his footsteps, in the first art movement born in America. His landscape paintings also started a conversation on how to protect the country's wild beauty.
Hudson Talbott takes readers on a unique journey as he depicts the immigrant artist falling in love with--and fighting to preserve--his new country.
REVIEW
I'll admit I don't normally find books about artists and their art very appealing. Probably because I'm not any kind of artist and can't relate to them very well. But I saw some of the illustrations from this book and wanted to read/look at it. That's probably because of the gorgeous landscapes. I'm a nature lover and enjoy looking at beautiful depictions of the natural world. So I picked up this book. And I was not disappointed. Thomas Cole's life is briefly described, as in most picture book biography's details are spare, but there is enough there to be interesting. But my favorite parts involved Cole's trips that lead to his most famous landscape paintings. The illustrations of some of Cole's most famous works are especially beautiful. I truly enjoyed this book, especially the beautiful illustrations. It would make a great teaching tool for an art class, but it can also be enjoyed solely on it's own merits as well.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The suspenseful, little-known true story of two determined pioneers who made the first dive into the deep ocean.
On June 6, 1930, engineer Otis Barton and explorer Will Beebe dove into the ocean inside a hollow metal ball of their own invention called the Bathysphere.
They knew dozens of things might go wrong. A tiny leak could shoot pressurized water straight through the men like bullets! A single spark could cause their oxygen tanks to explode! No one had ever dived lower than a few hundred feet...and come back. But Otis and Will were determined to become the first people to see what the deep ocean looks like.
This suspenseful story from acclaimed author Barb Rosenstock with mesmerizing watercolors by award-winning artist Katherine Roy will put you right in the middle of the spine-tingling, record-setting journey down, down into the deep.
REVIEW
Combining Rosenstock's great storytelling with Roy's fabulous artwork was a brilliant move on someone's part. I've long enjoyed reading the picture book nonfiction that Rosenstock writes because it's always on an unusual interesting topic, told in an informative, easy to understand, yet accurate way. And Roy has quickly become one of my favorite illustrators, her art is amazing. Combining the work of the two makes for a fascinating told, beautifully illustrated book about an unusual subject. I'd never heard of Otis Barton or Will Beebe before reading this book and yet both men played a significant role in helping move forward exploration of the natural world. In this book, the focus is on the work the two men did together, creating one of the world's first submersible's which allowed them to take a dive into the deep ocean. The additional information and photographs at the end were greatly appreciated by me in adding to what I learned reading the book. A great book for both entertainment and educational purposes.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Wilderness: Earth's Amazing Habitats by Mia Cassany & Marcos Navarro
ABOUT THE BOOK
This captivating book brings the natural world into sharp focus. Beautifully colored and intricately detailed illustrations depict places as exotic and wide-ranging as Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park, Russia's Sikhote-Alin mountain range, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka, Daintree National Park in Australia, the Mexican desert, and China's bamboo forests. The animals that live in these remote places, cleverly hidden in the trees, plants, and flowers, create a marvelous challenge for young readers to find and identify. Each spread contains more than twenty different species including birds, snakes, frogs, iguanas, leopards, tigers, gorillas, pandas, and wolves. The back of the book is filled with additional information about the animals and their habitats. Young readers will find much to discover, explore, and learn in this absorbing celebration of our planet and the amazing creatures we share it with.
REVIEW
Wilderness not only highlights some of the worlds protected wilderness in brief text and gorgeous illustrations, but it's also a fun search-and-find and counting book as well. The various parks and World Heritage sites mentioned cover a wide variety of different types of habitat and wildlife. Each large two page spread gives the reader a chance to look at some of the flora and fauna of that particular wilderness area. Normally for a book like this I would prefer photographs, but these illustrations are so beautiful that they suit the book to perfection. The illustrations also include a variety of animals in varying numbers so that readers who desire to may search and count as well as read. The large size of the book makes the book great for lap reading and discussing as well. I felt the book was a powerful reminder of the importance and value of the world's few remaining wilderness areas.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Lost in the Antarctic by Tod Olson
ABOUT THE BOOK
There wasn’t a thing Ernest Shackleton could do. He stood on the ice-bound Weddell Sea, watching the giant blocks of frozen saltwater squeeze his ship to death. The ship’s name seemed ironic now: the Endurance. But she had lasted nine months in this condition, stuck on the ice in the frigid Antarctic winter. So had Shackleton and his crew of 28 men, trying to become the first expedition ever to cross the entire continent.
Now, in October 1915, as he watched his ship break into pieces, Shackleton gave up on that goal. He ordered his men to abandon ship. From here on, their new goal would be to focus on only one thing: survival.
ABOUT THE AUTHORTod Olson is the author of the historical fiction series How to Get Rich and the four books in the Lost series--Lost in the Pacific, 1942; Lost in Outer Space; Lost in the Amazon; and Lost in the Antarctic. He has written for national magazines on the Columbine school shooting, homeless teens, the murder of Matthew Shepard, and many other stories of interest to children and young adults. Tod holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and lives in Vermont with his family, his mountain bike, and his electric reclining chair. To learn more, and to download free teaching resources, visit his website: todolson.com.
REVIEW
Shackleton's famous voyage to Antarctica has been written about a lot. I've had the privileged to read some of those works. This book takes the many accounts of the voyage of the Endurance and makes it understandable for young readers. Having enjoyed his other Lost books, I looked forward to reading this one even though I was already familiar with the story. Olson does a great job of telling the story in a compelling narrative that moves along which is important for the target audience. He includes enough detail for young readers to have an idea of how hard the journey was for the participants while not getting bogged down and losing their interest. In fact, I thought he did a superb job at including important details that give the readers a taste of the hardships the men endured and the difficult decisions that had to be made. The photographs from the expedition were well chosen and did a nice job of showing the realities of the time and place. An excellent addition to a compelling series.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Sun! One in a Billion by Stacy McAnulty
ABOUT THE BOOK
Meet Sun: He's a star! And not just any star—he's one in a billion. He lights up our solar system and makes life possible. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Sun in this next celestial "autobiography." Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully illustrated, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years
REVIEW
SUN! combines darling illustrations with a fun, informative text. Sun is, of course, telling his own story. He wants to make sure that the reader knows just how important he is. This would come across as obnoxious if he weren't so friendly looking in the illustrations. The information is blended beautifully with the story leaving the reader almost unaware he/she has learned anything. There is some additional information at the back of the book for readers who want to know more. This book would work well both at home and in a classroom. This book would make a fun introduction to a unit on the solar system and the sun's importance in it. The illustrations are large and attractive and cleverly done. A book both amusing and educational.
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Thank You, Earth/Warbler Wave
ABOUT THE BOOK
Water, air, light.
Patterns, curves, shapes, colors.
Things that crawl, fly, float, run, bloom, ripen.
Think of everything Earth gives us.
What are you most thankful for?
REVIEW
This beautifully illustrate book offers an ode to the many things that our earth gives us. Trees, water, air, and mountains, things big and small, simple and fancy, sights and sounds, are mentioned and appreciated. This would be a great book to use on Earth Day to remember the planet that is our home. The photographs are gorgeous, both the close-up and far away shots. The end of the book gives suggestions for how to expand the reach of the book, including ideas for how children can help our planet. A great educational and artistic endeavor, this book provides a powerful reminder of the fact that life would not be possible without the uniqueness of this planet.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Discover the magic—and the science—behind the migration of warblers with this stunning photographic picture book from the award-winning author and photographer of Raindrops Roll, Best in Snow, and Full of Fall.
The migrating warblers have arrived, to feed and preen, to refuel and rest before continuing on their amazing journey of thousands of miles. This photographic picture book captures in lush detail the story of these tiny, colorful, and diverse birds. April Pulley Sayre’s vibrant photography has been called “striking” and “wonderful in every way” by Kirkus Reviews, and Warbler Wave is just that.
REVIEW
This oversized book pays tribute to the beauty and migration of the songbird known as the warbler. The book starts with photographs of a few of the places that the birds travel through on their migration. Further pages highlight the need to feed and rest and how and where they do so. The end note provides more detailed information about warbler migration for those who are interested. The poem highlights the basic skills and abilities that make the bird so beautiful. The poem is great, but it's the photographs that win the day here, especially oversized the way they are. Books like this help children develop a greater appreciation for the beauty and harshness of the world around us.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Speediest!/How They Choked/Life on Surtsey
ABOUT THE BOOK
Caldecott Honor winner Steve Jenkins is back with more Extreme Animals, perfect for young readers looking for accessible nonfiction chock full of incredible art. Speediest! will focus on the fastest members of the animal kingdom.
Through illustrations, infographics, facts, and figures, readers will see how big each animal is compared to humans, where it lives on the globe, and just how quickly it can move!
With his signature art style, Steve Jenkins' Extreme Animals reader series explores nature's truly superlative animals. These readers are fact-packed and span the globe, detailing the astounding abilities of every shape, size, and species. Each installment focuses on amazing and unusual animals, making these nonfiction readers accessible, informative, and fascinating.
REVIEW
As in his other books, Speediest combines interesting animal factoids with gorgeous cut paper illustrations. This book focuses specifically on the fastest animals in the world. Animals that are highlighted include cheetahs, ostriches, brown hares, the road runner, and the falcon. The size of the book makes it particularly appealing to children in grades 1st through 3rd. In addition to each two page spread, Jenkins includes a glossary, bibliography, and graphs comparing the different animals. A great addition to a fun series that is sure to be popular with young animal lovers.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Over the course of history, famous people made mistakes that were so monumental they could never escape them, no matter how brilliant their successes! Ferdinand Magellan is credited as the first man to sail around the world . . . but he only actually made it halfway. His terrible treatment of everyone he met cut his life journey short. Queen Isabella of Spain is remembered for financing Columbus’s expeditions—and for creating the Spanish Inquisition. J. Bruce Ismay commissioned the unsinkable marvel of the sea, the Titanic—and then jumped the line of women and children to escape death on a lifeboat. Readers will be fascinated well past the final curtain and will empathize with the flawed humanity of these achievers.
Famous successful “failures” include:
Marco Polo • Queen Isabella of Spain • King Montezuma II • Anne Boleyn • Ferdinand Magellan • Isaac Newton • Benedict Arnold • George Armstrong Custer • Vincent Van Gogh • Susan B. Anthony • Thomas Alva Edison • J. Bruce Ismay • Amelia M. Earhart • Joseph Jefferson Jackson (“Shoeless Joe”)
REVIEW
The snarky tone of this book is bound to make it interesting to young adult readers. So often history books don't provide details about the people they mention, depriving young learners of the depth needed to truly start to understand historical events and people. Books like this one provide a look at people who left their mark on the world, bringing about change of various kinds, but they didn't necessarily do it in good ways. Whether one is talking about Queen Isabella of Spain who proved that women were capable of ruling a country, but who tortured many of her own people or George Armstrong Custer who became a general because of his daring, but who pridefully led his men to their deaths, Bragg focuses on famous individuals who succeeded in some things but failed utterly in others. A fascinating account of just how human our predecessors were.
On November 14, 1963, a volcano fifteen miles off the shore of Iceland exploded under the sea, resulting in a brand-new island. Scientists immediately recognized Surtsey for what it was: an opportunity to observe the way life takes hold.
Loree Griffin Burns follows entomologist Erling Ólafsson on a five-day trip to Surtsey, where since 1970 he has studied the arrival and survival of insects and other species. Readers see how demanding conditions on Surtsey can be, what it’s like to eat and work while making the smallest impact possible, and the passion driving these remarkable scientists in one of the world’s most unique fields ever!
REVIEW
One of the things I love about the Scientists in the Field series is the chance to visit other places vicariously. I'm not much of an adventurer myself, but reading these books makes me appreciate those who are. In this book, Burns gives the reader a glimpse into the study of a newly born island, created through volcanic activity. The author follows a group of scientists to the island where they spend a week gathering information about the plants and animals taking root on the island. The author provides an close-up look at the work of the scientists as well as a glimpse into Icelandic culture and the conditions that field scientists live with as they work in the field. It's always fascinating to me to read about the information gathered by field scientists as well as the methods used. Burns focuses on the work of Erling Olafsson, an entomologist, who has been studying the insects on the island for over thirty years. For young readers who enjoy science this series opens windows into fascinating worlds and the work people do to understand those worlds better.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Gorillas Up Close by Christena Nippert-Eng
ABOUT THE BOOK
Stunning photographs, an eye-catching design, and complete with anecdotes and facts, Urban Gorillas explores the lives of two resident troops of gorillas at the Lincoln Park Zoo. With histories and biographical details for each ape, this book immerses readers in the gorillas' individual personalities while also presenting a fascinating window into their daily routines and care, touching on zoo habitat design and gorilla conservation.
REVIEW
This is what narrative nonfiction ought to be: fascinating, beautifully documented, with gorgeous illustrations, maps, and captions. It's clear a lot of work went into this book. Hours of observation, interviews, and photograph taking were used to document the lives of these gorillas. I wasn't too surprised to read in the author's note that the book began as a college class project. I enjoyed reading about Kwan and the other gorillas, their lives and their behavior. I learned a lot about gorillas reading this book. I also found the information about how the gorillas are cared for interesting too. I've long believed that wild animals belong in the wild, but I'm also aware that with so many species endangered, the work that zoos do is important. And this book confirmed for me the tremendously important work that zookeepers and researchers do to keep their animals happy while advocating for their wild relatives. All in all a wonderfully informative, and beautifully designed book.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
GRAPHIC NONFICTION: Science Comics Volcanoes: Fire and Life/Science Comics Bats Learning to Fly
ABOUT THE BOOK
Get ready to explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! Volcanic eruptions, vampire bats, feathered velociraptors, and more await you in SCIENCE COMICS.
In a not-so-distant future our world is as cold as a frozen burrito. But can humanity save itself by harnessing a power that dwells inside the Earth? Explode into the world of geology in Volcanoes: Fire and Life!
A lot of magic happens under the Earth's crust. Thanks to magma vents, shifting continental plates, and volcanic eruptions, we know that our planet is alive and in motion. Alongside Aurora, a young explorer, you'll learn that volcanoes are just one of the massively powerful forces at work on our planet. From catastrophic destruction to the creation of new land masses, volcanoes have made their mark on our amazing Earth.
REVIEW
This book is an unusual mix of fiction and nonfiction. The story revolves around a young girl named Aurora, her brother and sister, and their teacher Dallas. They live on an icebound earth that requires them to spend much of their time looking for fuel to burn to keep their tribe alive. On one such trip, they find their way into a city where they come across a library. In the basement of the library, they discover a bunch of books which they are excited to report as fuel. But they do take the time to scan each book into their computer so the knowledge isn't lost when the books are burned. While doing this, Aurora comes across a book about volcanoes which interest her so much that she sneaks off and reads it.
The rest of the book is a combination of story and fact. Aurora is so excited about what she's read and the possibilities for helping her tribe that she tells her companions all about what she has learned. The reader then learns about types of volcanoes, how they are made, types of eruptions, and other interesting facts about volcanoes. But Aurora's excitement about volcanoes makes her a bit careless of her responsibilities and leads to the others getting really mad at her. And the computer keeps blocking her from accessing additional information. This Science Comics series is a fun way for young readers to learn about real life topics combined in a format that they love. The story mixed with the facts can be interesting. Although I would have liked more background about the characters and their situation. I was a bit confused at times. But this won't stop children from enjoying the book.
The rest of the book is a combination of story and fact. Aurora is so excited about what she's read and the possibilities for helping her tribe that she tells her companions all about what she has learned. The reader then learns about types of volcanoes, how they are made, types of eruptions, and other interesting facts about volcanoes. But Aurora's excitement about volcanoes makes her a bit careless of her responsibilities and leads to the others getting really mad at her. And the computer keeps blocking her from accessing additional information. This Science Comics series is a fun way for young readers to learn about real life topics combined in a format that they love. The story mixed with the facts can be interesting. Although I would have liked more background about the characters and their situation. I was a bit confused at times. But this won't stop children from enjoying the book.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In Bats, we follow a little brown bat whose wing is injured by humans on a nature hike. He is taken to a bat rehabilitation center where he meets many different species of bats. They teach him how they fly, what they eat, and where they like to live.
Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic—dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, flying machines, and more. These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty year old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you!
REVIEW
I really quite enjoyed this entry in the Science Comics series. The combination of a fictional story about a young bat who is injured by a human tourist with factual information about bats makes for an interesting read. The efforts of a young girl and a vet to help the young brown bat heal complement the interactions of the different kinds of bats. Lots of fascinating information about bats, how they fly, what they eat, where they live, provides plenty of great facts for eager young readers. The graphics are attractive and accurate, including the scenes with the bats interacting (shown right-side up, but clearly shown as upside down). For students who enjoy graphic novels and learning about interesting factual topics this series is a great boon. This series is also a great way to encourage students who favor either fiction or nonfiction into expanding their horizons.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Lost in the Amazon by Tod Olson
ABOUT THE BOOK
Peru, Christmas Eve, 1970.
It was supposed to be a routine flight, carrying 86 passengers across the Andes Mountains and home for the holiday. But high above the Amazon rainforest, a roiling storm engulfs the plane. Lightning strikes. A deafening whoosh sweeps through the cabin. And suddenly, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke is alone. The plane has vanished. She is strapped to her seat and plunging 3,500 feet to the forest floor.
On Christmas Day, she wakes. She is injured, covered in mud, but strangely--miraculously--alive. And now, in a remote corner of the largest rainforest on Earth, the real battle for survival begins.
REVIEW
I really enjoyed the two previous Lost books by Tod Olson so I was excited to pick this one up. I was not at all disappointed. It lived up to my expectations in every way. The story revolves around a Peruvian airplane flight that took off on Christmas Eve of 1970. After crossing the Andes on it's way to a town in the Amazon rainforest, the plane ran into a dangerous thunderstorm. Instead of flying around it or trying to get above it, the pilot took the risk of flying into the storm. The plane is struck by lightening causing the plane to come apart in the air. Juliane Koepcke plunges thousands of feet to the forest below, still strapped in her seat, but having lost her mother. She woke up to find herself utterly alone and injured, and unbeknownst to her, the lone survivor. Having grown up on her parent's experiment station in the Amazon rainforest, Juliane had some background knowledge of the plants and animals she now found herself surrounded by. But she's got a broken collar bone and several nasty wounds, she also finds herself with only a small bag of hard candy, a single sandal, and her mini-dress for supplies. A concussion made it difficult for her to think clearly, but her survival instincts were strong and she remembered that her father had told her stories about people who followed streams and rivers to safety after getting lost. So she seeks out the running water she hears nearby and starts to follow it.
But as the days pass by, Juliane finds herself getting weaker as she starts to starve and her wounds become infected. Despite nearly giving up hope several times, she presses on. Meanwhile, the plane has been missed and people have started to look for it. The question is whether Juliane can find help before her body gives out and the forest takes her. In addition to telling Juliane's story, the author presents some interesting background on the forest itself and those who've tried to explore it. This provides a powerful backstory revealing just how dangerous the Amazon rainforest can be. Olson has written another compelling true story that middle grade readers are bound to enjoy. I had a hard time putting it down.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Axolotl/Deadly Mine/Welcome to the Coral Reef/Ghastly Gothic Mansions
ABOUT THE BOOK
What's that odd-looking salamander that never leaves the water? It's an axolotl! Beginning readers will learn all about these strange yet wonderful creatures in this delightful title. They will also learn basic information about axolotls, including what they eat and the story behind their long, feathery gills. Each 24-page book features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The lively text, colorful design, and eye-catching photos are sure to capture the interest of emergent readers.
REVIEW
Bearport does such a nice job with these short nonfiction books. With gorgeous photos balancing out the straight-forward text, young readers can focus on the the information in the book rather than the book itself. Axolotl's are a kind of salamander that looks a lot like a fish. Since they use gills rather than lungs like many amphibians they are completely water-bound. Using large glossy photographs of the different colors and habits of the axolotl the author gives the reader a fabulous introduction to a rather unusual animal. The book includes a glossary, index, and places to look for more information. I especially appreciated the pronunciation help because I had no idea how to say the animals name going in. This is a fun book that young animal lovers are bound to enjoy.
ABOUT THE BOOK
What is a coral reef actually made of? What microscopic creatures take shelter in the coral and become its food? Which coral reef resident has stinging tentacles? And which huge creature visits the reef to have its dead skin and parasites nibbled away by a fishy clean-up crew? Packed with facts, core-curriculum information, and fantastic photographs that support the text, this title takes readers on a mini safari around a coral reef. Like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, readers will discover how the living things that make this habitat their home depend on each other and their environment for survival.
REVIEW
This gorgeous book about coral reefs makes for an interesting read, but the real winner is the amazing illustrations that give the reader a glimpse into a fascinating animal habitat. With coral being a living creature it makes sense that coral reefs are always growing. The problem is that they are being destroyed much faster than they can be built. And the incredible biodiversity found among coral reefs is astounding and irreplaceable. This book takes a look at several of the elements that make up this special ecosystem. The book covers what coral is, what are sea anemones, how birds, turtles, and whales make use of the coral reef environment. A food web diagram, glossary, index, as well as additional resources are also included.
Eco-Disasters
by Kevin Blake
Bearport, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-68402-222-9
Source: publisher for review
Ages 6-9
Picture book nonfiction
All opinions expressed are solely my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In 1963, Les Skramstad came home after a hard day's work at the local mill and mine in Libby, Montana. His wife kissed him at the door and his kids playfully grabbed his legs. They didn't mind that he was covered in powdery brown dust. Little did Les and his family know that the dust was deadly. Deadly Mine: Libby, Montana traces the tragic story of a small mining town that eventually became poisoned by a deadly mineral called asbestos. Fascinating photos of the actual events, maps, and fact boxes enrich the compelling text. The personal and heart-breaking story will grip and inspire young readers.
REVIEW
This book presents the shocking story of a town brought to it's knees by the very thing that helped make it possible. Mining is a dangerous profession, but when miners carry home a poisonous dust, mining becomes deadly for everyone. Not only is the story eye-opening but it carries a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. The company that came to own the mine did nothing about the poisoning of the whole town, even after they knew about it. The book documents the discovery and use of the mine followed by information about the discovery of its dangers and the efforts now underway to help clean up the mess. Unfortunately, those exposed will continue to deal with the nasty aftereffects of this environmental disaster. This is an important story that makes for a quick and easy read but leaves the reader wondering about the future of the human race.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The glowing moon peeks from behind a massive stone house. The front door slowly creaks open. A feeling of gloom swells from inside the home. There's an ear-splitting shriek! What horror has overtaken this ghastly gothic mansion? In the 11 gothic mansions in this book, you will explore a mansion lit up by phantom fires, the stately site of a brutal double murder, a cliff-side castle where the ghost of a girl lingers, a house filled with human remains, and many other spooky sites.
REVIEW
Eleven mansions and their ghostly stories are presented in this rather fascinating book. A photograph of each location along with a brief description of the events that supposedly happened their give the reader just enough information to make him/her wonder about their reality. This is the sort of book that young readers who want to be scared and who prefer nonfiction books enjoy. The book is nicely designed and works well for reluctant readers.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: A Seed is the Start by Melissa Stewart
ABOUT THE BOOK
Beautiful photography and lyrical text pair with comprehensive picture captions in award-winning author Melissa Stewart's story about the surprisingly diverse world of seeds. Learn all about the plant cycle, from how seeds grow, the fascinating ways they travel, and what it takes for a seed to become a plant.
Meet seeds that pop, hop, creep, and explode in this vividly illustrated introduction to the simplest concepts of botany. The story, which is perfect for elementary school Common Core learning, carefully highlights the many ways that seeds get from here to there, engaging children's curiosity with strong action verbs. Stunning photographs with fact-packed captions provide supporting details, explaining the role of seed features and functions in creating new generations of plants. Complete with an illustrated glossary and back matter featuring more resources, this book inspires wonder as it encourages budding botanists of all ages to look with new eyes at plants and their seeds.
REVIEW
I learned a lot about the different ways that seeds travel in this book. I knew about animals eating them and then depositing them in various locations in their poop. I knew about seeds that fly thanks to light fluffy hairs. I learned bout seeds that spin and slide, seeds that tumble and spill, seeds that travel by water, and seeds that POP! The text is written in such a way that the book can be used with multiple age groups. Use the large text with younger students, the middle white text with slightly older students, and the full text with older students. The beautiful design of the book and the typically gorgeous National Geographic photographs make this a wonderful book for sharing and teaching about the wonderful world of seeds.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant/Animal Tails/Night Creepers/Living Things and Nonliving Things
ABOUT THE BOOK
How much does an
elephant weigh? How do you know? How would you know if you didn’t have a
modern scale? Six-year-old Cao Chong, the most famous child prodigy in
Chinese history, faced just this problem! Chong watches as the prime
minister’s most trusted and learned advisors debate different methods.
The principle of buoyancy and a little bit of creative thinking help
this boy come up with a solution.
REVIEW
Based on true events, Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant, tells the story of six-year-old Cao Chong, who helped a group of Chinese governmental ministers figure out how to weigh an elephant without putting it on a scale. It's delightful to see a child outsmarting the adults. This is a fun book to use in STEM lessons on buoyancy and problem solving. The publisher provides additional information at the end of the book that would be perfect for using in such a lesson. This information includes a short biography of Cao Chong, a buoyancy experiment, and a geography activity. All these activities can be found on the publisher's website. The only thing missing is a works cited page with references.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Readers will be
fascinated by the many ways animals use their tails: to move on land,
swim, warn others, steer, hold on to things, keep warm, balance, fly,
attract a mate, and even to defend themselves! Apparently, tails are not
just for wagging when happy. Following Animal Eyes, Animal Mouths
(NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Science Award-winning book), and Animal
Legs, Mary Holland continues her photographic Animal Anatomy and
Adaptations series by exploring the many ways animals use their tails.
REVIEW
It's the gorgeous photographs that really make this book. Photographs of a fox, eagle, muskrat, opossum, and other animals highlight the variety of ways that animals use their tails. Each page, in addition to the photograph, gives a paragraph or two of information about the animal depicted and how it uses it's tail. This is a great book to use with units on animals and animal adaptations. The publisher has provided several activities that can be used with the book to encourage further exploration.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Short, lyrical text
makes this a perfect naptime or bedtime story. Young readers are
introduced to nocturnal animals and their behaviors. Older readers learn
more about each animal through paired-reading sidebar information.
REVIEW
This book combines simple text with longer more detailed text and lovely illustrations to present information about animals that are active at night. The shorter text would work well with younger listeners/readers while the longer text would satisfy readers interested in more information. This would also work well as a you read, I read text for children and adults. The illustrations do a nice job of highlighting some of the activities of certain nocturnal animals. As in all there titles, Arbordale has provided additional information and activities that can be accessed at the back of the book as well as on their website.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Using a wide variety of
stunning photographs, author Kevin Kurtz poses thought-provoking
questions to help readers determine if things are living or nonliving.
For example, if most (but not all) living things can move, can any
nonliving things move? As part of the Compare and Contrast series, this
is a unique look at determining whether something is living or
nonliving.
REVIEW
This book does a fabulous job of presenting the similarities and differences between living and nonliving things. Kurtz also points out the exceptions to the rules, demonstrating that categorizing things can be complicated. The combination of large, easy to read text and gorgeous photographs makes for a captivating read. The book also works really well as a STEM lesson with activities and ideas for lessons listed at the back of the book and available on the publisher's website.
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