Early Book Review: The Bat Book by Charlotte Milner

The Bat Book by Charlotte Milner is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020. From the way they fly, to how they communicate with one another, how they hunt, and why they sleep upside-down, each of the world's 1,300 types of bat is unique and utterly fascinating. Bats are also incredibly important to the environment. As well as gobbling up pests, and spreading seeds through the forests, they also pollinate more than 500 different species of plants throughout the world, including some of our favorite fruits such as mangoes and bananas.

The Bat Book is a book with a nice balance of illustrations and text. The text is interesting and accessible to readers from a wide range of skill levels. I love bats, and thought I knew a great deal about them. While Much of the information was a refresher for me, I still learned a great deal about bats- particularly those that do not live in my area. I really like that Milner talked about habitats, included where people and bats overlap, and how we can make it easier for bats to live. I think this would be a great addition to classroom, school, and public libraries. 

Book Review: The Book of Flying Machines by Neil Clark

The Book of Flying Machines by Neil Clark follows the robot dog Cogz, and his mice sidekicks, Nutty and Bolt. They are up in the sky, looking different flying machines. But how do they work? Discover all about forces, learn about wings, find out about the fastest planes in the world and more. The book covers STEM themes of engineering, physics, and inventions with a fun quiz to test the reader's knowledge.

The Book of Flying Machines is a colorfully illustrated book with a nice amount of information on a variety of flying machines. I think my favorite part of the book is the illustrations- they just captured my attention and imagination from the very start. I think the text was well written, accessible and appropriate for the lower elementary grades but perhaps too much for the preschool crowd.  The facts were interesting and will appeal to young readers that have an interest in the topic, or things that move in general. 

Book Review: Strange but True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained by Kathryn Hulick, Gordy Wright

Strange but True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained, written by Kathryn Hulick and illustrated by Gordy Wright, explores ten of the world's greatest unsolved mysteries. Readers can witness a UFO encounter, search for the lost city of Atlantis, tour a haunted house, and discover the kraken's true form. The book utilizes the scientific method and sharp thinking to separate fact from fiction and explain the unexplainable.

Strange but True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained takes the stories of the unexplained and offers readers as much of the story as they can. I like that the book offers the legends, witness statements, and scientific information to give readers of all ages the tools and information necessary to make up their own minds. I love the documentaries and television show that do this, so not much of this book was new to me. However, I think it was a well organized and structured book that can help interested readers take the time to look at mysteries and experiences like those discussed from multiple angles. I thought the illustrations were well done and broke up the text nicely to keep the pages and blocks of text from becoming overwhelming. I did think that some of the font choices, particularly the chapter headings  and sidebar commentary was hard to read- however that could have been partially because I was reading a digital copy. I did like that in the end notes the author included information on his sources, so that if readers are interested in a particular story they can do further research. 

Strange but True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained is a well organized and interesting read. I think many middle grade readers will enjoy it.

Book Review: How To Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language by Aline Alexander Newman, Gary Weitzman

How To Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language by Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman is a children's non fiction book that is easily enjoyed by adults as well. Ever wish you could talk to your cat? Well, now you can! Master cat language in this National Geographic Kids guide to pet behaviour. It is an informative guide to the body language of cats with additional facts, games and tips, designed to entertain children as well as encourage responsible pet care. Learn why your kitty likes to climb way up high, what it means when she flops belly-up in front of you, what each tail position says about your cat, and a lot more. This guide features more than 55 different feline poses with detailed explanations of their meaning as well as tests and vet care and advice, wacky fun facts, training tips and more than 100 cat photos.

How To Speak Cat is a good resource for readers that want to have a better understanding of cats. I have had at least one cat in my house for the majority of my life, and think this will continue being the case. I have read a good deal about cats, their behavior, and how to interact with them so not much of the information was new to me. However, I liked the emphasis on safety, and how like people each cat is different and personality has a role to play in the way we interpret their body language. I thought that the text was accessible and sometimes fun, holding the attention of readers. I enjoyed the images of cats, and thought they were well chosen and just nice to look at. 

How To Speak Cat is an informative and interesting read, but I have to admit that I was hoping for more new information. Readers that are looking for this sort of information for the first time will get the most out of the read. 

Book Review: Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales by Mark Leiren-Young

Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales by Mark Leiren-Young is a non fiction book for middle grade readers. Orcas are found in every ocean on the planet. But can they survive their relationship with humans? This book looks at how humans around the world (Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike) related to orcas in the past, how we relate to them now, and what we can do to keep cetacean communities alive and thriving. The book deals with science, philosophy, environmentalism and ethics in a kid-friendly and accessible way. Mark Leiren-Young takes readers back to when killer whales were considered monsters and examines how humans went from using orcas for target practice to nearly loving them to death.

Orcas Everywhere is a very informative book, but also rather sad. The way people focus on ourselves and treat other living creatures as a general rule makes me sad. Seeing the history, present, and thoughts on the future of the relationships between people and orca is no different. I did learn a great deal about the orcas and how they have been viewed, treated, and now researched.I had no idea that there were such different whales labeled as 'killer whales', and how different they can be from each other. The different orcas that have been captured and/or researched over the years were sad to read about, because so many stories ended badly, but knowing where we have been helps us to understand where we are, and where we want to go in the future. The legends and stories about personal encounters were interesting to read. The pictures did a good job of showing the beauty of sea life- and some of the effects people have had on them- the small holding tanks and equipment used really brought that message home.  I liked that there was a glossary and selection of further resources. I always find these tools important to encourage interested and engaged readers to explore further. I also like that the suggestions for changes readers can make to help are doable, and that efforts by other young people to help the whales and the environment are highlighted. It is great to see what research and steps adults are making, but knowing kids just like them are stepping up might encourage rea; change and effort from more people. 

Orcas Everywhere is an informative read. Some of the text is heavy and hard to read, because of the subject matter. However, the author does try to keep the tone conversational and accessible to all readers.

Book Review: The Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks by Sandra Markle

The Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks by Sandra Markle is the story of whale sharks—the largest fish on the planet. Facing threats from commercial fishing as well as climate change, they were categorized as endangered in 2016. Find out how scientists are working to study and protect these gentle giants of the ocean.

The Great Shark Rescue is another great book about animal mysteries by Markle. I enjoyed learning about the whale shark, and found it sad but interesting to learn about the danger they are in. There are still so many unanswered questions, but I am glad to know there are dedicated scientists using a variety of tools and technology to learn more and make a difference.The photographs and maps really brought the facts to life, and made the book come together. I like that Markle took the time to mention great white sharks and the sheer number of vulnerable or endangered species of sharks. The timeline, glossary, source notes, and recommendations for further reading make me happy (as always). Properly citing sources and encouraging further learning and reading are so important, and I find them sadly lacking in other children's nonfiction sometimes.

The Great Shark Rescue is an interesting and engaging read for children and adults interested in sharks, endangered animals, animal research, and related topics. Maybe it will inspire some more animal activists and/or researchers. It would be a great addition to school and public libraries. 

Early Book Review: Make Trouble Young Readers Edition: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead by Cecile Richards, Lauren Peterson

Make Trouble Young Readers Edition: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead by Cecile Richards, with Lauren Peterson and adapted by Ruby Skamir, is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2019. Sometimes to make change, you have to make trouble. Cecile Richards has been fighting for what she believes in ever since she was taken to the principal’s office in seventh grade for wearing an armband in protest of the Vietnam War. She had an extraordinary childhood in ultra-conservative Texas, where her father, a civil rights attorney, and her mother, an avid activist and the first female governor of Texas, taught their kids to be troublemakers. From the time Richards was a girl, she had a front row seat to observe the rise of women in American politics. And by sharing her story with young readers, she shines a light on the people and lessons that have gotten her though good times and bad, and encourages her audience to take risks, make mistakes, and make trouble along the way.

Make Trouble Young Readers Edition is a book that can inspire readers of all ages to take a stand, do use their voices, actions, and efforts to do the right thing even when it might earn them the label of troublemaker. I like that the encouragement comes with the information that sometimes standing up can bring about labels, stigma, and danger. I also like Cecile shared not only her positive inspirations, but also those that she came up against that made her work harder and think more creatively because of their opposing viewpoints and actions. She shared her successes, big and small, but also the mistakes that were made and what she learned from them. I think showing the next generation that small things can start change, and small actions can have a big effect is just as important as showing how much work and effort is involved in the bigger actions that can create bigger change. The risks are laid right right along side the goals. I appreciated seeing how some of the ideas and movements were formed, and how the daily work was done. The writing was fully engaging and I felt like I was sitting down with Cecile to hear her talk about her life. It is not a rally call to cause trouble for no reason- rather it is a offer of support and encouragement for the reader to stand up for themselves, for what they believe in, and for the causes that are important to them. Yes, those that question authority and fight for these causes are often labeled as troublemakers- but when earned in this context I think we should all be willing to wear that label with pride and the honor it merits.

Make Trouble Young Readers Edition is a read that is like talking to a trusted friend or relative. Engaging stories and the encouragement to be your best self, and cause trouble when need is something great for children teens, and adults alike. I think this would be a valuable addition to  home, public, and classroom library collections.

Early Book Review: The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat by Anne Renaud, Milan Pavlovic

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Milan Pavlovic, is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2019. Frank William Epperson is a curious boy who wants to be an inventor when he grows up. Since inventing begins with experimenting, Frank spends a lot of time in his “laboratory” (better known as his back porch) trying out his ideas, such as building a double-handled handcar that whizzes past the single-handled cars in his neighborhood. What Frank loves most, though, is experimenting with liquids. When he invents his own yummy flavored soda water drink, his friends love it! And this gets him to thinking: “I wonder what this drink would taste like frozen?” Though he doesn't yet realize it, his curiosity will lead to his best invention ever: the Popsicle!

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a biographical picture book that shows young inventors and dreams that yes they can start experimenting early, but that it does not have to be all they do. I like that the book shows young Frank experimenting and questioning things- but it also shows him playing and doing other things.Too often I see books about great inventors or scientist only showing the person doing things involved in their subject matter- which can be daunting to young people that might want to follow a similar path. I also like that it shows Frank finding success, and having things go wrong. I love that there are experiments, with instructions, woven through the story that will allow readers to try some of Frank's experiments. The illustrations did a good job of capturing the mood and time of the story. I thought that the book was very well researched and love that the back matter includes a bibliography, historical notes, and photographs. 

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a good read for young readers that have inquisitive minds and might want to experiment a bit on their own. This might just inspire some future inventors to keep trying new things.

Early Book Review: Nature's Ninja: Animals with Spectacular Skills by Rebecca L. Johnson

Nature's Ninja: Animals with Spectacular Skills by Rebecca L. Johnson is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2019. Did you know that some animals have natural ninja-like talents? This book describes some of these creatures including geckos, sea urchins, bombardier beetles, and more. For example, geckos can grip almost any surface—including walls and ceilings—with their amazing toes. And when collector urchins are attacked, they release tiny, sharp objects that bear a striking resemblance to throwing stars. The book also introduces some of the scientists who are studying these animals' amazing abilities.

Nature's Ninja is a book that is about the crazy cool stealth skills some creatures have. I like that while the book uses ninja skills as a hook to interest more readers, it also offers real information on ninjas as well as the featured animals and continues to relate the two throughout the book. I was worried that the ninja thread would be dropped in lew of the animal facts, but I found the merging of the two topics to be well balanced and informative. The used of narratives about both ninjas and the featured animals can help capture and keep the interest of readers that might otherwise struggle with typical nonfiction books. Although, I have to admit that I enjoyed the straight forward science portions more than the dramatic narratives. I think the balance between the two will help the book hold the attention of a wider range of readers, and maybe inspire some to branch out of their comfort zone and explore more books on the subjects or conduct their own research. I thought the chosen photographs and formatting choices only help this intention, and I found myself going back to look at some of the images again or studying them for a while longer than necessary because of the vivid nature of them. Weird and wacky animals tend to be my favorite to learn about, so I already knew a good deal of the information in the book, but I still learned some new information and was engaged through the read. I really appreciate that there was a glossary, bibliography, suggested resources and links for further research, and an index. Too often I find these things left out of children's non fiction, so I always find myself very pleased to find them included.

Nature's Ninja is a well balanced non fiction narrative for middle grade readers. I think it will appeal to a wide range of readers and will stand up to multiple reads.

Early Book Review: Megabugs: And Other Prehistoric Critters That Roamed the Planet by Helaine Becker, John Bindon

Megabugs: And Other Prehistoric Critters That Roamed the Planet, written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by John Bindon, is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2019. Can you imagine a bug the size of a small crocodile? How about one bigger than a large basketball player? As scary as it may seem, supersized, insect-like critters such as these roamed Earth long before humans. In this peek into prehistory, award-winning science writer Helaine Becker introduces seven of these megabugs, the ancestors of modern-day insects, spiders, crabs and other arthropods, which lived from 480 million to 47 million years ago. The book explores when, where, and how they each lived, why they grew so big and what caused their extinction. Highly realistic illustrations show each megabug in its habitat. Each spread features one animal and loads of visuals --- such as a size chart that shows how big the animal could grow, a timeline placing it in its geological period and a map of where its fossils have been discovered. Sidebars provide further context on such topics as adaptation, fossils and the Permian Extinction. 

Megabugs is a very well written and informative book that hits a great balance. It is high interest with very accessible writing that does not talk down to readers or feel condescending due to the ease of reading. This can be a hard balance to strike, but I think they hit it perfectly here. I thought I had a good understanding of the critters that have, or currently, live on our planet due to my daughter's animal obsession and the amount of documentaries and non fiction reads we have shared. However, I did learn quite a bit from reading this, and had some of my understanding confirmed or expanded on. The organization of creatures of the past, today, and possibilities of creatures of tomorrow was good- and I liked seeing the size comparisons. I liked the charts and detailed diagrams of the creatures discussed- and found the illustrations of the creatures in their habitats to be very realistic and bold.I sometimes had to stop and just admire the skill and detail in the images and graphs because they were just that well done.  I thought the inclusion of a detailed glossary, suggestions for further reading, and index were important, and are sadly skipped too often. I think this book would be valuable for a wide range of interested readers. 

Megabugs is a great non fiction book for children and adults that have any interest in the history, present, and future of the creatures others might consider creepy crawlies. It is very well done and holds up well to multiple reads.

Book Review: Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature by Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature by Marcie Flinchum Atkins is a non fiction picturebook. It is full of beautiful photos of animals accompanied by text about dormancy in nature. Featuring creatures like ladybugs, chickadees, squirrels, and even alligators, this book should not put curious kids to sleep!

Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature exceeded my expectation with the images used. The photographs were absolutely wonderful, and worth looking through the book for. I was also very excited by the additional information about types of dormancy, and suggestions for further reading- both with books and online. However, the heart of the book felt flat for me. The images were wonderful, and the placement and varied fonts for the text were very visually engaging. I found the text itself to be a little clunky, not that I expect or want all books for children to rhyme, but there should be a comfortable cadence for reading aloud.  I liked the intent of the book, and think the design was great, but the book just did not match my high expectations.

Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature is visually stunning, and has great endpages information, but did not wow me as a whole.

Early Book Review: Gone is Gone: Wildlife Under Threat by Isabelle Groc

Gone is Gone: Wildlife Under Threat by Isabelle Groc, with a foreword by Jane Goodall, is currently scheduled for release on September 24 2019. This children's nonfiction book looks at why species become endangered, how scientists are learning about endangered wildlife, what people are doing to conserve species and ways young people can help. It contains unique photos that the author has taken over many years of observing endangered species in the field alongside the people who work to conserve them. Throughout the book the author shares enchanting encounters and personal field stories: watching narwhals socialize in the Canadian Arctic, getting close to a Laysan albatross raising chicks in a remote Hawaiian island, spotting a rhinoceros on safari, and even swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. It inspires to inform, intrigue and inspire readers to take small steps toward big changes for endangered species around the world.

Gone is Gone does a good job of explaining the ins and outs of how animals become threatened or extinct, how humans play a role, and how to help protect them. The images of the animals and landscapes help show the reality of the situation rather than leaving it as a problem we know about but cannot necessarily grasp beyond theory.  The information starts with the basics- how animals are classified by threat level and who makes those distinctions, then on to what is making the largest negative impact on these populations and the basics of some of the better known endangered species. I found the information on the efforts and scientist involved in studying and conserving wildlife to fascinating. I really enjoyed reading about the successes we have already had in increasing some populations, and how interconnected the habitats and different types of life are. It brought home how much good seemingly small things can have an impact- good or bad- on the larger ecosystem. The simple actions suggested for readers might take a little effort- but they are a place to start and can be done easily I also liked that there was a glossary, list of book and online resources, and index at the end of the book. Not every reader takes advantage of these things, but I find them important in encouraging further reading, research, and action. I found the book as a whole to be well written. It does not talk down to readers, and is accessible at the same time. I found it to be informative and inspiring to read. I think it will be the same for other middle grade and older readers, including adults.

Gone is Gone is an engaging, interesting, and informative read. A great book for middle grade and older readers. It would be a good addition to public, school, and classroom libraries. 

Book Review: Monstrous: The Lore, Gore, and Science behind Your Favorite Monsters by Carlyn Beccia

Monstrous: The Lore, Gore, and Science behind Your Favorite Monsters by Carlyn Beccia is a children's non fiction book. Could Dr. Frankenstein's machine ever animate a body? Why should vampires drink from veins and not arteries? What body parts are best for zombies to eat? (It's not brains.) This fascinating encyclopedia of monsters delves into the history and science behind eight legendary creatures, from Bigfoot and the kraken to zombies and more. Find out each monster's origin story and the real-world history that informed it, and then explore the science of each creature in fun and surprising ways. Tips and infographics—including monster anatomy, how to survive a vampire attack, and real-life giant creatures of the deep sea—make this a highly visual and fun-to-browse book.

Monstrous is well organized and written. The book offers a historic and scientific background to some of the legends of monsters, magic, and more. The text is well written. It is very informative, with bits of humor throughout. Even when the subject gets a little dense or shares what I would consider fairly well known information, the text never feels unaccessible or condescending. I enjoyed that even while I knew a great deal of the information- as I am a fan or folklore and mythology- there were some new things to learn as well as some deep enjoyment in seeing some of my more esoteric knowledge confirmed or expanded on. I also greatly enjoyed the artwork in the illustrations and the the styles for the backgrounds and infographics. It was on point and helped reinforce the information, keep the reader's interest, and entertain. The combination of fact and fun was pretty much perfect. The author even took the time to mention when science has been wrong, I think this is important to remind all readers because it shows that there is always more to learn and more research that can be done. I was very happy to see a bibliography, glossary, and index in the endpages. Too often I see these things neglected or poorly done in children's non fiction- expecting them to ignore it or not notice. In this book the list of sources and citations was very well done and could result in interested readers doing further reading, investigating, and research on their own. This encouragement always makes me happy. 

Monstrous is a well written book that offers the tools of science, history, and a little humor to explain the truth about creatures like vampire, zombie, and more. Good for monster fans, and for giving fact based information that could ease the fears of some that are non so fond of monsters. I just pre ordered this to share with my kids.

Early Book Review: Animal Habitats: Search and Find by Sarah Dennis and Sam Hutchinson

Animal Habitats: Search and Find by Sarah Dennis and Sam Hutchinson is currently scheduled for release on August 27 2019. This book can introduce young nature lovers to the wonders of ecology as they explore the earth's most amazing and unusual regions--colorful coral reefs, frozen polar seas, dense, leafy rain forests, and more--and meet the unique animals that call them home. In a world filled with marvelous creatures great and small, astounding discoveries can be found in Sarah Dennis's enchanting, intricate cut-paper illustrations. Readers learn how food webs sustain incredible birds, beasts, fishes, and insects and the ingenious ways that plants and animals adapt to the varied ecosystems of our diverse planet. 

Animal Habitats: Search and Find gives young readers a good understanding of the food chain and web ideas, and how they relate to specific animal habitats. The text is accessible, and the illustrations by Sarah Dennis are well done- adding a great deal to the understanding of the information. I have to admit that I was hoping for more, some additional seek and finds or more complex versions, but that it my personal preference. I will admit there were some viewing issues with the digital galley I was reading through Netgalley, so maybe I missed something along the way- although the page count did match up. This book is good for what it is, but I was hoping it would be so much more than good. 

Book Review: When We Walked on the Moon: Discover the Dangers, Disasters, and Triumphs of Every Moon Mission by David Long, Sam Kalda

When We Walked on the Moon: Discover the Dangers, Disasters, and Triumphs of Every Moon Mission was written by David Long and illustrated by Sam Kalda. The book tells the story of the Apollo Missions, when incredible intelligence, engineering and bravery allowed humans to stand on the surface of something other than Earth for the very first time. From the 1969 first moon landing to the amazing rescue of Apollo 13, each chapter tells the story of a different mission. Humorous details bring the astronauts to life: discover how the astronauts of Apollo 12 were so over-excited when they stepped onto the Moon that Mission Control had to tell them to quieten down, and Shepard (Apollo 14) somehow managed to smuggle a golf club onto his spacecraft! 

When We Walked on the Moon is a very informative and well balanced read. I like that the facts are straight forward but given with small humorous and lesser known details that will make every reader smile. The combination of well written and accessible text with illustrations that offer up additional details and make some of the fact more clear is nearly perfect. I found the art style to be very nice, and think that they will help keep the interest of readers that need to break up the text a little. I really enjoyed having all of the missions described in one book, giving a clearer view of the progression of the missions and the unusual moments from each. I learned many things that I did not know, and I think many other readers (of all ages) will find that they learn a great deal from this book as well.

I also appreciated the glossary, which might make reading the text even more accessible to some readers.

When We Walked on the Moon is a great book for every readers that has ever dreamt of becoming an astronaut, or that has simply looked at the sky and wanted to know more about what goes into getting there. 

Book Review: In Search Of Dinosaurs: Find the Fossils: Identify the Dinosaurs by Dougal Dixon

In Search Of Dinosaurs: Find the Fossils: Identify the Dinosaurs by Dougal Dixon encourages readers to look out for dinosaur bones, footprints, and fossil feathers in this dinosaur dig site. Defore opening the gatefolds and uncovering the creatures to whom they once belonged, in 3 incredible, expansive panoramic scenes. Travel through Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras, hunting for fossils and then learning about each amazing prehistoric creature, before testing your knowledge with a fun dinosaur quiz. Grab your paleontologist’s tool kit and get stuck in with facts, stats, and colorful illustrations to amaze any young dinosaur enthusiast.

In Search Of Dinosaurs is a good non fiction introduction to fossil huntings and the eras when dinosaurs lived. I thought the break downs and information were very well done. The information was all valuable, but I think many dino obsessed young readers will already have some of this information down, but this is a good starting point for readers that are just discovering paleontology and dinosaurs. The illustrations were well done, giving the needed detail, but did not wow or amaze me with detail of vividness. I did like the short quiz at the end.

In Search Of Dinosaurs is basic non fiction resource for those looking to learn about dinosaurs and paleontology. It offers exactly what is expected by the title and description, but did not amaze me. 

Early Book Review: Ask A Scientist: Professor Robert Winston Answers 100 Big Questions from Kids Around the World! by Robert Winston

Ask A Scientist: Professor Robert Winston Answers 100 Big Questions from Kids Around the World! by Robert Winston is currently scheduled for release on June 11 2019. This science book for kids poses 100 real-life questions from kids to Robert Winston on every aspect of science. Questions cover all the popular science topics, including human body: "Why do freckles come in dots on your face?"; physics: "Could you jump off the world?"; Earth: "Why is the sky blue?"; chemistry: "Why are there bubbles in boiling water?"; natural science: "Do dogs cry?", and space: "Why will the Sun explode and make us extinct?"

Ask a Scientist is a book that balances information and images nicely to answer questions and keep the interest of readers. I found the selection of topics covered to be nice and broad, well rounded in a way that will appeal to a wide range of readers. The text is accessible and has some humor, while never talking down to the reader. Too often the text of children's non fiction is too simple or condescending rather than inspiring, but this book has a solid tone that answers without that feel. I like that there were some nice labels for the images and more detailed bits of information on the pages for the most interested readers, while the main body of text was more comprehensive and interesting to all readers. I think this book is a great resource and one that some readers will devour whole while others might return for information on the subjects that interest them most.

Ask a Scientist is a well organized, and written, book that deserves a place in public libraries, schools, and homes. I think it will answer many questions for readers, and inspire them to continue to question and seek out answers.

Book Review: The Dictionary of Difficult Words: With More Than 400 Perplexing Words to Test your Wits! by Jane Solomon, Louise Lockhart

The Dictionary of Difficult Words: With More Than 400 Perplexing Words to Test your Wits! was written by Jane Solomon and illustrated by Louise Lockhart. ​What is a bumbershoot? Or a moonbow? And what does it mean when someone absquatulates? Find out all this and more in the Dictionary of Difficult Words. Test your knowledge with more than 400 words to amaze, confuse, and inspire budding wordsmiths (and adults). All of the words featured in this book are difficult to spell, hard to say, and their meanings are obscure to most children (and most adults)! Written with simple, easy-to-understand definitions by lexicographer Jane Solomon, this dictionary celebrates the beauty of the English language for family trivia time spent around the printed page.

The Dictionary of Difficult Words is a fun, educational, and useful book for all ages. I love that the book starts off explaining the various ways readers can explore and enjoy the book. In the beginning there are also great explanations about kinds of words and how to decode intimidating words and how to pronounce them. These are things that will always be helpful, even if I know I mentally mispronounce things all the time- especially if I have only read them and never heard them spoken. I love the words that were chosen for this book. Some are adjectives and adverbs that are used sparingly, but are just great words. Some are just fun to say, like bumbershoot (which I proudly already knew the definition for). I learned a few new words, and am trying to figure out how to use bildungsroman instead of coming of age tale in a book review without sounding pretentious.  The artwork is fun and adds extra layers of understanding, fun, and style to the book.  

The Dictionary of Difficult Words is a great book to have in home, school, and public libraries. It can help teach the use and functionality of dictionaries, and get readers to broaden their personal vocabulary in fun ways. This book is a win all around, and I think I need to add it to my personal collection.

Book Review: Brilliant Ideas From Wonderful Women: 15 Incredible Inventions from Inspiring Women! by Aitziber Lopez

Brilliant Ideas From Wonderful Women: 15 Incredible Inventions from Inspiring Women! by Aitziber Lopez is a children's non fiction book that shares the stories behind 15 of the twentieth century's key inventions by trailblazing women, who each made a unique contribution to the history of science and technology. Car heaters, Monopoly, Disposable diapers, the dishwasher, Kevlar, Maritime flares, Anti-reflective glass, Wifi, Syringes, Submarine periscopes, Diagnostic tests, Lifeboats, Windshield wipers and Ebooks were all pioneered by women! Each invention is presented with biographical information about the brilliant woman who came up with it, including what inspired them. Learn how Martha Coston disguised herself as a man to contact pyrotechnicians and convince them to manufacture her idea for maritime flares, how a New York tram ride on a wet winter’s day led Mary Anderson to invent the windshield wiper, and why Letitia Mumford Geer’s one-hand operated syringe was a medical breakthrough, among other fascinating facts. Full-page illustrations show the inspiration for and use of these incredible inventions in humorous detail.

Brilliant Ideas is a wonderful primer about some of the women inventors that have changed the world with their ideas. I think that the combination of information about the actual science and engineering of each invention is lightly covered, but the struggles these women faced to be taken seriously or just get their work done is very well detailed. I have heard the basics of some of these stories before, but not all of them. I was glad to have more details on the lives of some of these women, and to learn about the others. For instance, I knew Hedy Lamarr's work was the basis for Wifi and bluetooth, but I did not know about the treatment she endured in her marriage. This was and informative and engaging read with a nice balance of illustrations to keep the attention of distracted readers. 

I think this book would be a great read in homes and classrooms. It can be used to inspire inventors, and to show perseverance to readers. It can also help show how far rights and perceptions of women have come, how long it has taken, and how much further we really need to go for everyone to be treated equally and respected.

Early Book Review: Put on Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses & Discover Nature's Secrets; Mapping, Tracking & Journaling Activities by Devin Franklin

Put on Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses & Discover Nature's Secrets; Mapping, Tracking & Journaling Activities by Devin Franklin is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2019. This book is intended to help readers see the natural world around them with brand new eyes. It will teach them to follow its signs, hear its language, and understand its secrets. The book is written by expert environmental educator Devin Franklin, for kids aged 8 to 13 to read and build their own relationship with nature. From the Six Arts of Tracking (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How) and making a habitat map to walking in smooth silence like a fox and learning the basics of bird language, exploration exercises lead young readers on a fascinating journey of discovery as they watch, listen, map, interpret, and write about the sounds, sights, scents, and patterns they encounter.  There are journaling prompts, map-making activities, and observational tracking pages throughout.

Put On Your Owl Eyes is a book that offers personal accounts from the author, inspiration for readers to slow down and notice the wonders of nature, and activities and challenges that can help keep them engaged and interested. I really liked the balance between the personal stories, activities, and information. I think some readers with be skimming over some of the terminology that is explained, as if they are already interested in nature and the environment they will already know the vocabulary, however I am glad that the explanations are there because newcomers to the terms might feel left out or discouraged with out those explanations. It will encourage engaged readers to do further research and explorations- which is the point of the book. The photographs and  text are well balanced, keeping the interest and focus of the reader moving. The journal entry spaces and writing prompts might be small for some readers, depending on their writing ability and style, but that is hard to judge since I was reading a digital copy rather than a paper edition which might be larger than I picture. As a whole I think this would be a fantastic read for middle graders that love the outdoors and want to learn more about nature, or have a reason to spend time outside exploring. I like that the activities can be revisited continuously and some are designed to become part of a routine. I also like that at the end of the book there is a message of accomplishment and encouragement to continue for readers, and a list of organizations in a few states that could be good resources for readers.

Put On Your Owl Eyes is an interactive guidebook for middle grade readers. It is not a book to sit and read through; it is a book to explore, fill with experiences, and return to as desired.