A clever and convincing approach to helping very young understand the relativity of the meaning of BIG. The visual patterns used are amusing and helpfA clever and convincing approach to helping very young understand the relativity of the meaning of BIG. The visual patterns used are amusing and helpful, but the back matter page with age-appropriately accurate interpretation of actual sizes will satisfy those readers with more scientific interests. ...more
The cactus-voiced narrator adds just the right touch of humor and wry wit to an account the role of colors and scents in the reproductive/survival patThe cactus-voiced narrator adds just the right touch of humor and wry wit to an account the role of colors and scents in the reproductive/survival patterns of plants and pollinators. Delightful and direct, this none will teach loads of essential plant/pollination content while entertaining and enthralling with vivid illustrations....more
This is an incredibly well-adapted version of the direct account originally shared with Zora Neale Hurston from the last enslaved African while he wasThis is an incredibly well-adapted version of the direct account originally shared with Zora Neale Hurston from the last enslaved African while he was aged but i full grasp of his vivid memories of the nedetails of his life;. ...more
This is a photo-rich revelation of millenia-old underwater cedar forest that was once on land. That hook alone will ahve curious readers intrigued. ThThis is a photo-rich revelation of millenia-old underwater cedar forest that was once on land. That hook alone will ahve curious readers intrigued. The many related aspects of the marine studies this book documents could spawn future marine biologists/scientists. The text and labeled photos and insets offer STEM elements a plenty, while the studies involve climate change, discovering brand-new life forms (bacteria level, dealing with storms, descriptions of pure science careers in practice, and engaging extra spreads showing steps in gDNA retrieval from shipworm gills and other processes. Back matter (and from matter) follow standard informational text patterns (table of contents, index, resources, glossary, etc. adding to then usefulness of this bookmnot only as an inspiring read but as a resource/reference material....more
This account of the remarkably talented Barbara Cooney is a celebration of her artistic talent, the joy she pursued and found within family and natureThis account of the remarkably talented Barbara Cooney is a celebration of her artistic talent, the joy she pursued and found within family and nature, and her mindset- if she set her mind to it, she would likely do it! That last point is a refrain that occurs throughout the book and even into the back matter. The soft-hued illustrations evoke warm feelings for Cooney and for the places she loved. Her books, those that won awards and those she considers her finest, are among favorites off readers, librarians, and educators. Don't miss this, including the back matter. Revisit Cooney's books and share those widely, too....more
This is a fact-paced, fun, fact-full look at the food we eat and what call them. The brief back note about arbitrary labels and vocabulary, constructsThis is a fact-paced, fun, fact-full look at the food we eat and what call them. The brief back note about arbitrary labels and vocabulary, constructs rather than absolutes, is a great bonus to use at a young age....more
An incredibly eye-popping and fascinating account of a wide range of octopus varieties, including a summary photo/descriptor glossary in back pages. GAn incredibly eye-popping and fascinating account of a wide range of octopus varieties, including a summary photo/descriptor glossary in back pages. Gorgeous photography of incredible animals and revealed in crisp, word-wonderful rhymed text....more
This is a delightfully clever and well-executed approach that reveals parallels between a chorus of nighttime critters and the instruments in an orcheThis is a delightfully clever and well-executed approach that reveals parallels between a chorus of nighttime critters and the instruments in an orchestra. Stunning and appealing photography is used to allow even the youngest audiences to recognize animals (both familiar and surprising!) and mimic the onomatopoetic sounds integrated into the fluid and masterful rhymed text. Nature sounds and the creatures who produce them are figuratively compared to instrumentalists and their music tools. Back matter provides brief and appealing descriptions and details about the featured animals, then another double spread about the instruments named, including suggestions for readers to try to make similar instruments. Science elements reference ways vibrations are creating sound, making this a superb STEAM choice. The illustrations are darkly lush, making the contrasting text easy to read and part of a fluid page design that adds to the musicality of the full effect. The nightfall is introduced with a metaphorical curtain rising and night thrush, with the symphony's close at dawn as the curtain drops on a robin's morning rise-and-shine song. Highly recommended. ...more
This story of outreach and mutual support/concern weaves together four distinct cultures across two centuries. Some of the material was familiar to meThis story of outreach and mutual support/concern weaves together four distinct cultures across two centuries. Some of the material was familiar to me, but this complete telling is rich with detail and meaningful connective tissue while remaining simply lyrical and nearly magical. The text uses occasional side panels to clarify the history/science behind the actualmevents described in the main text, but the flow is not in any way disrupted. Beginning with the potato famine in 19th century Ireland (caused by a sudden fungal plague to the crop), the story reveals that Choctaw Native people, reached out frommtheir limited resources to offer assistance. The plight of starving people resonated with those who had been forcibly removed from their own land and suffered starvation and loss as a result. That act of kindness, of recognizing common humanity, remained in the hearts of the Irish people who marked a remembrance of their gift with a memorial statue in Ireland in recent years. Then COVID caused extreme isolation and suffering for the Hopi Navajo people, whose suffering reached the Irish people. They, in turn, contributed to the Native fund to help provide the water and medicines needed to make it through. In fact, this intersection of four distinct and distant cultures is a heartwarming reminder of our common humanity. The illustrations include informative scenes and contain luminous and vibrant traditional colors, evoking connection and conveying empathy.
This biography is moving and powerful as a portrayal of a committed and talented photographer whose work "told more than words" and changed people's mThis biography is moving and powerful as a portrayal of a committed and talented photographer whose work "told more than words" and changed people's minds and hearts. The emotional journeys throughout are intense, from a joyous boyhood in an idyllic wild world to homesickness at boarding school, through young adulthood, marriage, political upheaval, and various further successes and heartbreaks. Throughout it all, the heart and commitment of Salgado and his wife are compelling and inspiring for readers of any age. The illustrations are effective at revealing expansive and vibrant (or stark) natural scenes, but also manage to capture the nearly-magical qualities of light that characterized Salgado's photographs. This is one of those picture books that will appeal at many age levels, will also provide mentor text for writing a complex biography that engages many interests and concerns of readers. ...more
This is a charming new picture book that appeals on many levels: minimal,mrhymed text that is arranged organically on then page rather than in stanzasThis is a charming new picture book that appeals on many levels: minimal,mrhymed text that is arranged organically on then page rather than in stanzas, an array of living things that blend the familiar with surprising critters, and assemblage/collage art that portrays very natural scenes and accurate animal qualities using cut pieces with artifacts and materials. The many appeals are undeniable, and the layers of useful content will make this an asset in families, classrooms, and libraries. ...more
As you likely know, prairie dogs live in extensive communities, often called prairie dog towns. Whether the extended group is small (as this one is) oAs you likely know, prairie dogs live in extensive communities, often called prairie dog towns. Whether the extended group is small (as this one is) or massive, their interactions can make a lively and appealing model for many human relationships. In this case, the story unfolds with speech bubble narratives, delightful perspectives, and one prairie dog, Earl, who is afraid of going outside. He prefers dig-dig-digging underground where he feels safe. His above-ground buddies are on the look out for predators, but Earl fears rain. Earl's fears (of several kinds) play a role in his rescue of the group. Even so, despite their safe survival, Earl relies on his peer support to find security within himself and among his community. OUTSIDE!
This is an excellent offering for young readers to encourage social/emotional learning and discussion, to empathize with characters, to identify/predict storyline, and to flat-out enjoy a funny story.
The double spread back matter includes labeled illustrations of the ways prairie dogs dig complex intentional underground spaces to survive and thrive. I found Earl & Company to be unforgettable, and I hope you will, too....more
Main narrative and densely powerful illustrations convey a "night in the life" of an imagined individual RURU, a New Zealand variety of owl. SecondaryMain narrative and densely powerful illustrations convey a "night in the life" of an imagined individual RURU, a New Zealand variety of owl. Secondary/parallel text on most pages provide facts about this species as relate to the lyrical (and busy) male owl as it spend a moonlit night trying to feed its mate and owlets. Both text and image are dramatic and exciting, while providing engaging information about food chains and other STEM material that allows compare/contrast opportunities for varieties of animals in local and distant settings. The parallel text makes this appealing and useful across many ages, with back matter that can be used for further investigations....more
Fans of shipwrecks will dive into this with eager enthusiasm. Even those who may not find the topic intriguing may come away as newly curious and exciFans of shipwrecks will dive into this with eager enthusiasm. Even those who may not find the topic intriguing may come away as newly curious and excited to learn more. This well-written and thorough account of several specific shipwreck discoveries and explorations features the oldest wreck ever discovered but also depicts the tradition from looting/collectiing from found wrecks to origins of applying anthropologic science and techniques/documentation to discoveries while still underwater. As stated several times, the early stage documentation is only a small portion of the extended years of work done on artifacts once they are removed from the water....more
This is a lovely account of the ways in which Barbara Cooney lived, grew, and became a renowned illustrator of children's books, eventually charting hThis is a lovely account of the ways in which Barbara Cooney lived, grew, and became a renowned illustrator of children's books, eventually charting her own course and writing text, as well. The illustrations and text both call to mind the color choices and nature focus of Cooney's later works. A must read for anyone who knows and loves her classic, award-winning books....more
What an ideal and delightful book for anyone who watches and wonders about the world around us - the very small world around us. By framing the readerWhat an ideal and delightful book for anyone who watches and wonders about the world around us - the very small world around us. By framing the reader as a "giant" in such a perspective, readers realize quickly that this book invites/challenges readers to take the time to observe AND to learn about the living things that so often go unnoticed. ...more
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