Monster Science: Could Monsters Survive (and Thrive!) in the Real World?
by Helaine Becker
(Author), Phil McAndrew
(Illustrator)
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN-10: 1771380543
ISBN-13: 978-1771380546
Publisher’s Blurb:
"What if the terrifying creatures of your
nightmares were indeed prowling the big, wide world beyond your blankie?" begins the intriguing premise of this book. "Could they really exist? And if so,
how?" In a completely original approach to exploring science, award-winning
author Helaine Becker places six different kinds of monsters --- Frankenstein,
vampires, bigfoot, zombies, werewolves and sea monsters --- under her
microscope to expose the proven scientific principles behind the legends. For
example, the chapter on Frankenstein delves into how electricity and organ
transplants work in the human body, and whether they could really bring someone
back to life --- all presented in short, readable sections. There's also
historical background on each monster, as well as trivia and jokes in sidebars,
and fun quizzes at the end of every chapter for readers to test their
knowledge. Becker uses the never-ending appetite for all things monster to
engage the imaginations of children and get them excited about science. The
just-ghoulish-and-icky-enough illustrations by Phil McAndrew are pitch-perfect,
drenched with child-friendly humor. This is a book with tremendous
cross-curricular applications in life, earth and physical sciences, as well as
in literature (myths and legends), history and literacy skills. With its
playful spirit, this is also a book children will happily pick up and devour on
their own.
Age Range: 8 - 11 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Lexile Measure: 980
My Thoughts:
All those classic horror story figures come out to play in a scientific way! Could they really exist? Science says yes! This is a fun way to engage with science. The quizzes were okay, but it's the explanations that make this book fun. The illustrations bring the whimsy!
Possible Objectionable Material:
Some people object to some of these horror story figures.
Who Might Like This Book:
People who like horror stories, monsters, and science. Definitely
appropriate to the suggested age range, but the lexile level could be a bit of a stretch.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Awesome America (A TIME for Kids Book): Everything You Ever Wanted to
Know About the History, People, and Culture
by Katy Steinmetz
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Time For Kids
ISBN-10: 1618931490
ISBN-13: 978-1618931498
Publisher’s Blurb:
Discover what makes America unique in this
comprehensive timeline and photographic overview of American
history--pre-Columbus through the present--highlighting the milestone events
and important people that have made America awesome.
Perfect for both dip-in reference and longer-form reading, Awesome America
is organized into thematic sections, each comprised of bite-sized articles,
engaging factoid sidebars, colorful charts, graphics and interactive quizzes to
help make learning about American history interesting, interactive, and fun.
From America's early history all the way to present day, kids will learn about
what it was like to grow up in the 1700's, 1800's, 1900's and today and
discover the inventions, innovations, and important social movements great
American's have created over the years.
Age Range: 9 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Lexile Measure: 890
My Thoughts:
This is a reference book, so there's no linear narrative. However, for a reference book, it's bright and engaging.
Possible Objectionable Material:
It's history. However, some potentially problematic parts of history are kept to surface-level discussion. This is a shame, because kids at the upper end of the suggested range are definitely able to handle the fact that our history is not perfect.
Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone, child to adult, who is interested in United States History. Great as a classroom resource. A good starting point for examining deeper issues. Native American rights come to mind.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
If You Were the Moon
by Laura Purdie Salas
(Author), Jaime Kim
Publisher: Millbrook Press
ISBN-10: 146778009X
ISBN-13: 978-1467780094
Publisher's Blurb:
What would you do if you were the moon? Do
you think you would rest quietly in the night sky? Oh, no. The moon does so
much more than you might imagine! It spins like a twilight ballerina, plays tug-of-war
with the ocean, and lights a pathway for baby sea turtles. Discover the many
other roles the moon plays in this whimsical and lyrical picture book.
Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Lexile Measure: 790
My Thoughts:
Beautiful illustrations as the moon tells a little girl about all the things it does. Science-based, but poetic as well.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Some might have concerns that the back-and-forth between science fact and symbolism/imagination are too confusing for a small child. With a 790 lexile, definitely one to read to children, though those at the high end of the age range should be okay.
Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone who is fascinated by the moon. This makes a great addition to your pile of bedtime stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Inside Your Insides: A Guide to the Microbes That Call You Home Hardcover
by Claire Eamer
(Author), Marie-Eve Tremblay
(Illustrator)
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1771383321
ISBN-13: 978-1771383325
"Wherever you go, tiny hitchhikers tag
along for the ride," this intriguing illustrated nonfiction book begins. "The
hitchhikers are actually microbes--tiny living things so small that you need
a microscope to see them. And every person carries around trillions and
trillions of these critters." Six of the most common "critters" that live in
and on our bodies are introduced here: bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi,
protists and mites. Each one has its own preferred environment, and readers
will be startled (and likely a little grossed out!) by the many places they
live, including the hair follicles on our faces, the folds of our tongues and
the lengths of our guts. Just as surprising, only some of them are "bad guys" that cause disease, and many of them are actually "good guys" that keep us
healthy. There's even research currently being done on ways to improve or fix
our collection of microbes as a way to make us healthier.
Author Claire Eamer's clear, well-organized and accessible writing, augmented throughout with fun facts and silly microbe jokes in sidebars, keeps the book interesting and enjoyable. Marie-Ève Tremblay's bright and
cheerfully funny illustrations bring the details to delightful life. With its
cutting-edge information about a topic children will find fascinating, this
book makes an excellent complement to a life science lesson on the human body.
It would also work well for a class on healthy living. A table of contents,
glossary and index are included.
Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Lexile Measure: 1010
My Thoughts:
I'm all for fun facts and microbe puns! This was a suprisingly entertaining guide to the microbiomes that live in all of us and how they affect overall health. And no, it's not just your intestines! Accessible, scientific information leaves the reader feeling like they really understand. Plus--fun illustrations!
Possible Objectionable Material:
Again, some people are grossed out by discussion of bodily functions.
Who Might Like This Book:
If you like knowing more about how your body works and about the microscopic world, this book is for you. The high lexile means younger readers will likely need some help.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ocean Animals from Head to Tail
by Stacey Roderick
(Author), Kwanchai Moriya
(Illustrator)
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN-10: 1771383453
ISBN-13: 978-1771383455
Publisher's Blurb:
This nonfiction picture book uses a
playful guessing game to introduce eight different ocean animals and some
unique aspects of their bodies. First, readers are shown a close-up
illustration of an unusual part of an animal's body and asked to guess its owner: "What ocean animal has a head like this?" Then the following spread reveals the
animal's name (e.g., "A hammerhead shark!"), along with an illustration of the
whole animal in its habitat. There's also a brief description of the animal's
traits with a special emphasis on the featured body part. For example, readers
learn that a blue whale's mouth contains baleen, which help it capture krill to
eat, and that the tail of a seahorse curls so it can hold on to sea plants for
stability. Young children will recognize that every animal has its own
distinctive features and body parts that help it survive. Author Stacey
Roderick has created a perfect beginning exploration of the physical traits of
ocean animals that's both engaging and informative. Paper collage illustrations
by Kwanchai Moriya in bright, eye-catching colors bring the animals to vivid
and appealing life. The fun, interactive nature of the guessing game makes this
book ideal for a read-aloud. It would be a terrific addition to an early
life-science class on the characteristics of living things or on types of ocean
animals. A bonus spread includes information on eight more ocean animals.
Age Range: 4 - 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 2
Lexile Measure: 1040
My Thoughts:
I really love the illustrations in this book. It's simple, yet engaging and presents interesting information about the various animals. I think the animals chosen for the book may be a little bit too common, but that's probably okay, given the age of the target audience.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Can't think of any
Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone who loves sea creatures. Even the higher end of the target audience will probably need help reading it, however, given the high lexile level.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
All About Forests
by Christina Mia Gardeski
(Author)
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Capstone Press
ISBN-10: 1515776468
ISBN-13: 978-1515776468
Publisher's blurb:
What can you find in a forest? From the
treetops to the forest floor, a forest is full of life! Falling leaves, busy
squirrels, and other secrets of the forest will delight beginning readers. All
Little Pebble books have an Accelerated Reader ATOS level of 1.0 or below.
- Age Range: 4 - 8 years
- Grade Level: Preschool - 2
- Lexile Measure: 0330
My Thoughts:
This is a perfect book for an early elementary classroom. Explanations and vocabulary are clear and the text is easy to read. The photographs of forests in various seasons are beautiful, although not particularly engaging. The glossary, further reading, and websites to visit are a great bonus.
Possible Objectionable Material:
None.
Who Might Like This Book:
Early readers who want to read independently. Children who like trees and woods.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Animals Do, Too!: How They Behave Just
Like You
by Etta Kaner (Author), Marilyn Faucher
(Illustrator)
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN-10: 1771385693
ISBN-13: 978-1771385695
"Do you like to dance?" asks the first
spread of this playful nonfiction picture book. "Honeybees do, too!" responds
the next. Illustrating the simple text are joyful drawings that visually
connect the children enjoying a dance party to the honeybees performing their
own "dance" in the hive. A block of more in-depth text fleshes out what the
honeybees are actually doing and why: their waggle dance tells other honeybees
?where to find a tasty meal.? Using this same rhythmic question-and-answer
style throughout, the book compares a series of children's favorite activities
to similar things that animals do. From playing tag and leapfrog (gazelles and
cattle egrets) to blowing bubbles and getting piggyback rides (gray tree frogs
and marmosets), there are seven activities/animals in all. And though the
behaviors might look the same, while the children are playing, the animals are
performing essential tasks such as finding food or caring for their young.
Award-winning author Etta Kaner has created a fun, engaging exploration of some
ways animals behave just like people. By highlighting connections between human
and animal behaviors, she encourages children to develop compassion for other
creatures and to recognize their place within the natural world. This book would
make an excellent resource for early life science lessons on the
characteristics of living things, especially with the expanded information in
the back matter about each of the animals found in the book. The
question-and-answer pattern of the text together with Marilyn Faucher's
inviting, detailed illustrations work as an entertaining, interactive
read-aloud as well.
Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 2
Lexile Measure: 630
My Thoughts:
The energetic illustrations help to show the comparisons between human and animal behavior. Explanations of how animals behave are clear and interesting. I just feel like it's been done before. I've seen books since I was a kid that show us how animals are not that different from us. This one does have more depth to those explanations, however. The animals are not anthropomorphized at all, which is nice.
Possible Objectionable Material:
None
Who Might Like This Book:
People who like animals.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Birthdays Around the World
by Margriet Ruurs
(Author), Ashley Barron
(Illustrator)
Publisher: Kids Can Press
ISBN-10: 177138624X
ISBN-13: 978-1771386241
Publisher's Blurb:
Everyone in the world has a birthday. But
birthdays are not celebrated in the same way everywhere. Meet Mercedes in Peru,
who eats a cake and a purple pudding called mazamorra morada. Ieva in Latvia is
raised in the birthday chair, one lift for each year. And rather than
celebrating his own birthday, Phúc Khang in Vietnam joins in the festivities
during Tet, when everyone in the country turns one year older. Based on interviews
with real people, award-winning author Margriet Ruurs tells the unique stories
of how seventeen children from all around the globe celebrate a birthday,
including how they each say happy birthday in their native language. Following
the memorable stories, children are invited to compare their own birthday
traditions with the ones they've learned about in the book.
Birthdays can be a yearly highlight and a shared experience for children, which
make them a perfect subject for introducing different customs around the world.
As with all the titles in the bestselling Around the World series, this
fascinating book provides cross-curricular applications in language arts,
global studies and geography. Ashley Barron's beautiful cut-paper collage
artwork adds a contemporary, stylized feel to the pages. Enriching the reading
experience are a world map that pinpoints all the locations of the children in
the book; a two-page spread containing six activities that facilitate a closer
reading of the text; and a glossary containing translations, pronunciations and
foreign scripts for the foreign words and phrases in the book.
Age Range: 4 - 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 2
Lexile Measure: 780
My Thoughts:
Bright and cheerful illustrations make this a book to look at as well as listen to. There is a nice range of peoples and cultures. It's always great to find out about traditions that are different from our own.
Possible Objectionable Material:
This is another one with a higher lexile, so children in the target age range will definitely need some help.
Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone who likes birthdays and learning about other traditions. Another one to add to your pile of bedtime stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ranger Rick: National Parks!
by Stacy Tornio
(Author), Ken Keffer
(Author)
Paperback:
144 pages
Publisher:
Muddy Boots
ISBN-10:
163076230X
ISBN-13:
978-1630762308
Publisher's Blurb:
From the “crown jewels” such as
Yellowstone, Sequoia, and the Grand Canyon, to the many lesser-known – but
still stunning – areas dotting the country, the National Parks have provided
generations with enjoyment and wonder. Now, Ranger Rick: National Parks! takes readers on a tour of
America’s most beautiful protected landscapes. Join Ranger Rick as he leads
this cross-country adventure and provides his favorite facts, animals, and
plants along the way. Page after page of beautiful photography and fascinating
information bring the most unique features of the National Parks to life.
Inside you’ll also find Ranger Rick’s favorite things to do in each park, like
sledding down the mighty sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park or
exploring the bat-filled caves of Carlsbad Caverns. With Ranger Rick as your
trusted guide, there is no better way to experience the National Parks – other
than being there!
Expertly researched, chock full of fun facts, and filled with gorgeous,
full-color photography, Ranger Rick: National
Parks! is sure to delight and inspire any young explorer!
Age Range: 7 - 12 years
Grade Level: 2 - 6
My Thoughts:
Photography and easy-to-navigate bullet lists give a nice taste of each park. The map at the beginning breaks things into regions and shows where each park is. It's nice to see coverage of many lesser-known, but deserving of attention, parks.
Possible Objectionable Material:
None.
Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone who is deciding what parks to visit, whether near home or far away. This could be a good classroom resource as well..
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sea Creatures #2: "Armed & Dangerous"
by Christophe Cazenove
(Author), Nanette Cooper-McGuinness
(Translator)
Hardcover:
56 pages
Publisher:
Papercutz
ISBN-10:
1629917435
ISBN-13:
978-1629917436
Publisher's Blurb:
Dive in to the deep-end with this new
series and hear from Sea Creatures, great and small, in their own words! Clown
around with clownfish, float around with a puffer fish, and soar with flying
fish! This fun exploration of the deep blue sea and all the marine life in it
is perfect for any budding marine biologist!
Age Range: 8 - 14 years
Grade Level: 3 - 9
My Thoughts:
This graphic novel-style book introduces both well-known and more obscure creatures of the deep. Factual, but not boring!
Possible Objectionable Material:
Some might object to the animals "speaking"/being anthropomorphized.
Who Might Like This Book:
Fans of undersea life. Those who enjoy the graphic novel format. I think it comes off as a bit "young" for the top end of the age range, but for those struggling readers who enjoy the format and are interested in the topic, this could be a good resource.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem
by Patricia Newman
(Author)
Library Binding: 56 pages
Publisher: Millbrook Press
ISBN-10: 1512426318
ISBN-13: 978-1512426311
Publisher's Blurb:
Marine biologist Brent Hughes didn't think
sea otters and sea grass had much in common. But his research at Elkhorn
Slough, an estuary on Monterey Bay in northern California, revealed a new and surprising
connection between the two. The scientist expected this estuary to be overrun
with algae due to the fertilizer runoff from surrounding fields. But it wasn't.
Why?
Age Range: 9 - 12 years
Grade Level: 4 - 7
Lexile Measure: 1060
My Thoughts:
Full disclosure: I adore sea otters, so I was predisposed to like this book. It is absolutely packed with information. The way each organism coexists in an ecosystem is fascinating, and I found the explanations easily accessible
Possible Objectionable Material:
Once again, the lexile level is high for the suggested age range.
Who Might Like This Book:
Sea otter fans, science fans, anyone fascinated by the symbiosis of different organisms.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space
by Dave Williams
(Author), Loredana Cunti
(Author), Theo Krynauw
(Illustrator)
Paperback: 56 pages
Publisher: Annick Press
ISBN-10: 1554518539
ISBN-13: 978-1554518531
Publisher's Blurb:
Of all the questions astronauts are asked
by kids, the most frequent one is “How do you go to the toilet in space?”
This book not only answers that question, but many others about the effect of
zero gravity on the human body: How do you brush your hair in space? What happens when you sweat? What does
food taste like? The best thing is that the answers are provided by Dr. Dave Williams,
a NASA astronaut who speaks from first-hand experience. Written for kids ages 7
to 10, this book uses age-appropriate language to explain the different
phenomena that astronauts encounter during a mission. The bright, colorful
pages, short blocks of text accompanied by photos and humorous illustrations
make this a very attractive choice for young readers. The opening message from
Dr. Dave empowers kids to follow his example by believing in themselves and
following their dreams.
Age Range: 7 - 10 years
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Lexile Measure: 940
My Thoughts:
Admit it. You've wondered some of those things, too. Isn't it nice that a real astronaut is here to answer those questions? The combination of comic book-like illustrations and photography add some levity. Dr. Dave's explanations are accessible and understandable.
Possible Objectionable Material:
If you dislike honest discussion of bodily functions, this might be a bit uncomfortable.
Who Might Like This Book:
Future astronauts, future doctors, anyone fascinated by space and by how our bodies work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Want to Know: Going To the Theater
by Florence Ducatteau
(Author), Chantal Peten
(Illustrator)
Hardcover:
32 pages
Publisher:
Clavis
ISBN-10:
1605372536
ISBN-13:
978-1605372532
Publisher's Blurb:
Do you want to know everything about theater and what you can do there? What
did theater look like in Ancient Greece? Who else works at the theater besides
actors? Is theater the same everywhere in the world? What is a shadow show?
These and many other questions will be answered in this book. You’ll also find
a fun comic, a crafts page, a big foldout page, and a mini-quiz, so you’ll
become a real expert.
An informative picture book for children aged 5 and up about the wonderful
experience that is going to the theater.
Age Range: 5 - 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten and up
My Thoughts:
Honestly, I think every child should experience live theatre just as soon as they are able to be a respectful audience. This book is a good way to start them on that path, by helping them to understand just what goes on. The addition of activities, and even a monologue to perform, are fun ways to extend the learning.
Possible Objectionable Material:
If you don't like theatre, and there are people who don't, for a variety of reasons, then pass this by.
Who Might Like This Book:
Theatre fans and fellow drama-nerds.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
