Book Review: Do Other Earths Exist?: Mysteries of Space by Jennifer Lombardo

Do Other Earths Exist?: Mysteries of Space by Jennifer Lombardo is a children's non fiction book. Until 1990, no one could say for certain that planets existed beyond our solar system. Today, thanks to unprecedented advancements in technology, astronomers have found more than 5,000 of these exoplanets. Some are Earth-sized, some orbit a sun-like star, and some are rocky rather than gaseous. Could any of them hold life as we know it? Full-color photographs and engaging, age-appropriate text let students explore the exciting field of exoplanet study. A glossary of terms is provided to help expand readers’ scientific vocabulary.

Do Other Earths Exist? is a well written and designed introduction to the search for other inhabitable planets for young readers. I thought the information was well organized and accessible. While those that have been space obsessed for awhile ad have already done some reading, not everything here will be new information. However, since it is such a specific subject I think the angle and focus makes the read engaging and informational for young readers. I appreciated the glossary and information for further reading and exploration included in the endmatter a great deal. 

Early Book Review: The World's Most Atrocious Animals by Philip Bunting

The World's Most Atrocious Animals is the third title in the series from Philip Bunting. It is currently scheduled for release on July 11 2023 and is filled with facts about some of the scariest creatures in the natural world. Meet the enormous murder hornets of east and southeast Asia, the poisonous blue-ringed octopus, Africa's hungry but deadly hippos and some truly shocking electric eels, among many more truly scary creatures! The antagonist voice (speaking though cheeky annotations) points out the most frightening aspects of each creature's characteristics, while the narrator's voice describes engaging, factual information about each animal's seemingly scary characteristics. Are they really as scary as they seem? With humorous text and bright illustrations, this guide to terrifying animals contains funny labelled diagrams and fabulous facts. It will help teach kids about the animals we fear and whether their gruesome reputation is deserved!

The World's Most Atrocious Animals is another great addition to this series. There is a great balance of humor and information. While there was a good deal of information that I knew, I still learned a good deal. The illustrations are fun, and accurate while still maintaining the humorous tone of the book. There is a wide range of creatures covered here- with plenty of interesting information about each of them. The only things I would have liked to see here that I didn't, is some sources for further reading in the endmatter of the book and some kind of organization for the order of creatures in the book. If there was a reason for the order I missed it, but organizing them by something would have been nice; location, habitat, alphabetically, anything at all would have been helpful to me personally but no one else might be bothered by this at all.  Fans of the previous books in this series will not be disappointed, either will readers that like a little fun along side their information.

Book Review: Sheepology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia by Ilaria Demonti, Camilla Pintonato

Sheepology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia, written by Ilaria Demonti and illustrated Camilla Pintonato, is filled with incredible sheep facts told in a playful tone and endearing illustrations. Discover all there is to know about sheep in all their woolly glory in this illustrated guide ewe will flock to again and again! For instance, did you know that sheep do not like to be alone and get along well with other animals? Or that a sheep was the first mammal to be cloned by humans? Have you ever wondered how sheep's milk turns into cheese? Or how sheep are shorn and wool is made into cloth? These and other intriguing and engaging facts about this lovable animal can be found in Sheepology, a visual encyclopedia and follow-up to Chickenology and Pigology. Nature- and animal-loving readers of all ages will find something to learn and love about these fascinating farm friends.

Sheepology offers readers exactly what the title and blub suggest. There is a humorous tone in the interesting information shared about sheep here, some I knew and some was new to me. I thought the illustrations were well done, and the art style felt a bit like some of the classic picturebooks I remember fondly from my own childhood. I thought the information was well chosen, and the text was accessible and I learned more about sheep in this relatively short book than I thought I would. While there is a bit on anatomy and animal husbandry, the information and images are completely age appropriate for the target audience of children 6-10 years old. This book would be great for an animal obsessed young reader, a child doing a report, or anyone interested in learning more about sheep. 

Early Book Review: The Bawk-ness Monster by Natalie Riess; Sara Goetter

The Bawk-ness Monster by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on June 27 2023. Penny swears that when she was a little girl, a creature called the Bawk-ness Monster (half sea serpent, half chicken) saved her from drowning. Now, years later, she’s about to move away to a new city, and before she goes, she needs the help of her best friends, Luc and K, for a vitally important mission: seeing “Bessie” one more time. But in their quest to find Bessie and give Penny the send-off she deserves, the kids stumble into a whole new problem—cryptids are being kidnapped by an evil collector, and only Penny, Luc, and K can save them!

The Bawk-ness Monster was a very fun read. I liked that it worked on several levels. It a great friend adventure with unexpected creatures and twists that kept everything moving quickly. But there was also room for conversation about being different, bullying, guilt, big changes, and friendship. I thought the story flowed very well, considering the amount of great detail that was layered in. I got a kick out of the three very different friends, and could completely understand the mother's protectiveness after Penny's history. They way she want a bit over the top just added to the feel of the story. The art style and color work matched the tone and action of the book and everything came together nicely. I am hoping to see more adventures from this cast of characters.

The Bawk-ness Monster is a fun and engaging graphic novel for young (and some of us older) readers. 

Early Book Review: The Hidden World of Gnomes by Lauren Soloy

The Hidden World of Gnomes by Lauren Soloy is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on June 20 2023. This book is an introduction to the hidden folk called gnomes, who live in a happy place they call The Pocket. Where is The Pocket, you ask? Well, it’s all around you, all the time. Gnomes are curious little creatures, and they’re very shy. But after reading this book, you will learn to spot the telltale signs that gnomes are around, and maybe even meet one! Lauren Soloy has been studying gnomes her whole life, and she has created this book to share her knowledge with you. For example, what jobs do gnomes do? Babysitting robin's eggs, squirrel-tail fluffing, storytelling. Where do they live? In gardens, forests and any place with plants, birds and bugs. 

The Hidden World of Gnomes is a cute ad imaginative picturebook with splendid illustrations. I thought the artwork was extremely well done and added depth and whimsy to each and every page. I liked the small stories about the different gnomes. There was a nice variety of gnomes, all different types and different jobs and personalities to match. I like the gnome lore included and how it matched up with the lunar calendar and the passing of the seasons and holidays of the gnomes. I thought it was very well thought out and executed and that it will be a hit with children and adults alike that love a little bit of magic and wonder in their lives. 

Early Book Review: Gretel and Hansel by Bee Waeland

Gretel and Hansel by Bee Waeland is currently scheduled for release on May 16 2023. It is a wordless retelling of the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" in which a friendly woman lovingly decorates her candy home and two inconsiderate, greedy children take advantage of her kindness. When Gretel and Hansel  abandon their wood-gathering chores and follow a fox deeper into the woods, they come across a delicious-looking house, the home of a friendly witch. Hungry after thoughtlessly feeding their picnic lunch to the wildlife, the two children start to devour the candy shingles, shutters and walls until the house begins to crack and crumble. Despite her initial shock, the witch is caring to the strangers and invites them in. But when they overstep the boundaries of her hospitality and start eating everything inside as well, it’s time for Gretel and Hansel to get their just desserts!

Gretel and Hansel is a cute fractured fairy tale and retelling of the classic. I liked that the that in this version the witch is not painted as the evil one, and that the pair do actually have some consequences for their actions. The power of telling the story without text makes each detail in the images more important, and I think Wealand did a great job with it here The art style reminds me of the classic picturebooks that I grew up with, the blocky paper cut style work that was very popular in the 70's and 80's. .  It felt very nostalgic to me, and I think many adults sharing this book with young readers will agree. 

Early Book Review: The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley, Bre Indigo

The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley and Bre Indigo is a middle grade graphic novel currently scheduled for release on May 16 2023. Frankie knows who they are. They’re a drummer, they’re nonbinary, and they’re… the Dog Knight? One day Frankie is a relatively normal middle schooler, with relatively normal challenges, like finding the perfect outfit to wear during their drum solo during the upcoming band concert. The next, they save a friendly golden retriever from bullies and suddenly find themselves in a giant magical doghouse, with a funny looking helmet, talking to a group of dog superheroes called the Pawtheon about a job offer. If Frankie can prove that they possess the six dog virtues of loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell, they will be named the Dog Knight and be given the power to fight alongside the Pawtheon and save the world from the forces of chaos. Maybe there is more to Frankie than they thought?

The Dog Knight takes on some serious topics, nd I think that many middle school readers will relate to much of the book. Frankie is non-binary and just trying to figure out what clothes, sports, friends, and so on really make them happy and feely fully themselves. Even as a fully grown adult, I still change up my style and am always looking for things that make me feel more me, and I know most kids are spending a good deal of their thought and energy trying to figure all that out for the first time. Add in the fantasy, danger, and adventure of a secret dog society and gremlins and you get a read that will keep young readers (and adults) engaged and eager to see how everything turns out. The aspects of bullying, friendship, and family relationships are very well done in this book, but more than anything I love that at the heart of it the whole story is about Frankie being the best Frankie they can be, and continuing to work at being the honest and loyal person that they want to be. I look forward to continuing this series and think it has great potential to be a favorite for many. 

The Dog Knight is a well written, ad beautifully illustrated, graphic novel that I found to be engaging and enjoyable to read. 

Early Book Review: Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler

Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler is a middle grade graphic novel currently scheduled for release on May 9 2023. A young squire tackles mysteries, monsters and magic, but the inept knight he serves takes the credit. Every time. Squire is brainy, bookish, and terribly under-appreciated by the brawny, inept knight Sir Kelton, who somehow always gets all the glory. So when the two mismatched heroes find themselves in a cursed village plagued by a demonic dragon, Kelton rides off to slay it and Squire stays behind to catch up on some reading. But Squire starts to notice that something isn’t quite right about this town. Can he uncover its strange secrets?

Squire & Knight is a fun graphic novel that has fantasy, mystery, and character growth. I was glad to read in the author comments that the squire and knight in the story were inspired by T.H. White's 'Wart' and his brother from Sword in the Stone, because that was the vibe I got from the pair as I was reading. I enjoyed getting to follow the squire around as he explores the town and investigates what is happening and how the problems could be solve while the knight goes off ready to fight at a moment's notice. I thought the art and story were perfectly matched and I really liked the art style. I think this graphic novel will appeal to a wide range of readers, from elementary school age readers through adults. It is well balanced in the adventure and mystery, and I enjoyed every moment of the story, and think that others will as well. 

Squire & Knight is a well written and drawn story that had me entertained and engaged the entire read. I am looking forward to more.

Early Book Review: The Genius Kid's Guide to Mythical Creatures by Sara Novak

The Genius Kid's Guide to Mythical Creatures by Sara Novak is currently scheduled for release on May 2 2023. From beautiful mermaids and gentle unicorns to fire-breathing dragons and bloodthirsty vampires, mysterious beings and magical beasts appear in stories told all around the world. The Genius Kid’s Guide to Mythical Creatures highlights 20 of these legendary beings, detailing each creature’s appearance and behavior, as well as where and how legends about it began. The text also explores how the stories have changed and developed over time. Readers learn everything they need to know about their favorite myths and monsters, as well as plenty of fun trivia to impress their friends.

The Genius Kid's Guide to Mythical Creatures offers readers some basic information about cryptids and creatures of legend. The information was all in line with what I have read and seen elsewhere- so I think readers that have already done some reading on the subject will not find much that is new to them, but those that have not broached the topic yet will get a good foundation on the creatures covered. I was more than a little disappointed that most, if not all, of the images were from shutterstock. I would have liked to see more effort put into that aspect of the book.  I did appreciate the endmatter, the glossary and resource list at the end were a nice addition to the book. Although, I was expecting some kind of quiz in here somewhere, but perhaps they were in the sections of the galley that had some formatting issues, which I fully expect to be fixed prior to the publication. 

Early Book Review: A Flower is a Friend by Frieda Wishinsky, Karen Patkau

A Flower is a Friend, written by Frieda Wishinsky and illustrated by Karen Patkau, is a children's picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 2 2023.  In the garden ecosystem, a flower means many things to each bird, insect, and creature. What does a flower do? They may not seem active to human eyes, but for the creatures of the garden they dust a bumblebee, shade a frog, feed a hummingbird, and serve as the center of a buzzing, humming, thrumming community.

A Flower is a Friend is a very engaging and informative picturebook. The text is pretty simple and asks readers questions about flowers and how creatures interact with them. I think it does a good job of getting the youngest readers to think about how connected nature is, and to get them to ask questions about it. I really enjoyed the artwork, which I found to be the star of this book. There is a close-up view of each mouse, frog, and butterfly with a flower, and each picture is detailed and very well done. There is a good amount of back matter with more information about the partnerships within the garden, especially for a book targeting such a young age group- which I greatly appreciated. 

Early Book Review: Search for a Giant Squid by Amy Seto Forrester and Andy Chou Musser

Search for a Giant Squid, written by Amy Seto Forrester and illustrated by Andy Chou Musser, is a children's book currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. An exciting ocean-themed choose-your-path STEM adventure for emerging readers! Take a journey to the ocean's twilight zone in Search for a Giant Squid ! An exciting mixture of action and nonfiction, this choose-your-own-adventure-style story allows readers to take on the mantle of a teuthologist looking for a giant squid in its natural habitat. Once readers pick their submersible, pilot, and dive site, the adventure begins!

Search for a Giant Squid is a combination of adventure and nonfiction. I liked the amount of information shared about the people that study and work in the ocean, and study specific aspects and creatures of the ocean. I learned a few new things, and I think most young readers will learn a great deal. I loved that the fact the scientists are still learning, still asking questions, and still looking to better understand things. Helping kids see that the adults are still looking to answer questions makes them feel a little better when they do not know the answer, even when they think they should. I thought making the story interactive was a great idea, giving young readers the ability to make the choices, and see the consequences of those choices in a book is safe and low stakes. I like that the readers are encouraged to try different paths, and see what else they can discover. I also like that they are encouraged to check the glossary if they see a word they do not understand. The inclusion of suggestions for further research, the sources used, and some additional fun facts at the end were a perfect addition.

Search for a Giant Squid is a wonderful book for curious young readers, especially for those with interest in animals or the sciences in general. 

Early Book Review: Nobody Likes Frogs: A Book of Toadally Fun Facts by Barbara Davis-Pyles, Liz Wong

Nobody Likes Frogs: A Book of Toadally Fun Facts, written by Barbara Davis-Pyles and illustrated by Liz Wong, is currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. Why would you pick up a book about frogs? Nobody likes them! At least according to Persnickety Q. Turtle. In this humorous narrative nonfiction picture book the text cleverly puts the reader in the role of the “expert” to educate a persnickety turtle about the amazing amphibian known as the frog. With the reader's help, Persnickety Q. Turtle learns intriguing frog facts, such as they can breathe through their skin while underwater and their eyes help them swallow. Pick up this book and help Persnickety find out all the reasons frogs are such incredible creatures.

Nobody Likes Frogs is a fun and informative picturebook that uses a cranky turtle to help dispel some myths (real and imagined) about frogs and share some great information about them. I thought the facts were well chosen and shared, and I thought the art work did a great job of capturing and keeping the readers attention and helping to expand on the points made on the page. I think this delivers on what the book promises ad will be an enjoyable, engaging, and educational book for young readers. 

Early Book Review: Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill by Maureen Fergus, Danesh Mohiuddin

Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill, written by Maureen Fergus and illustrated by Danesh Mohiuddin, is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on April 18 2023. Princess Pru’s life is practically perfect. She has two loving dads, an ostrich named Orville, and three royal tarantulas. But one day, a ghastly ogre with crusty toenails and goopy ears moves into the house on the hill. At first, Pru sees the ogre as a nuisance: he disrupts her royal rock band practices, weekly tickle tag games, and even the hide-and-seek tournament. But then she starts to wonder if the ogre is just lonely. The unsympathetic townspeople become especially terrified when Oggy the ogre is spotted buying cupcakes and balloons. They receive ominous notes (that look very much like invitations), and the kings are convinced that Oggy wants to make everyone into a stew! But with courage and spunk, Pru heads to the house on the hill to meet Oggy—for a party! All along, Oggy just wanted to make friends—and thanks to Pru, he does.

Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill is a charming picturebook with wonderful illustrations. The artwork felt a bit nostalgic to me, since it reminded me (in all the best ways)  of the cartoons and comics that I remember from my childhood. I am not sure what about the style made me feel that, but I loved it so it does not really matter why. While the book is clearly about making assumptions and how 'everyone' can be wrong it does need feel preachy or pushy- which I find sometimes happens where there is a clear intent in a children's story. I think having the child be the voice of reason, and bravery, will appeal to many young readers and maybe help them be more empathetic in their own lives after reading the book. However, the book is also just good fun and entertaining, as all the very best books are. 

Early Book Review: Animal FACTopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts by Julie Beer, Andy Smith, Britannica Group

Animal FACTopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts, written by Julie Beer, illustrated by Andy Smith, and with facts verified the Britannica Group is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on April 4 2023. Did you know that beavers have orange teeth? Or that some monkeys floss their teeth using bird feathers? Or that one species of bird can walk underwater? Or that alligators stay underwater for longer by swallowing rocks? Or that sea otters use rocks to crack open prey? Interesting facts you might never otherwise know can be found in this book.

Animal FACTopia! is a entertaining, informative, and engaging read. Some of the facts were things I knew, but some were brand new to me. I liked the variety of creatures that are included, and the way the facts are connected together to capture and keep the attention of readers. I thought the illustrations were fun and kept the reader's attention on the page. They were an entertaining and valuable addition to the book. I liked the blend of real pictures, illustrations, and pictures with additional illustration or details added. I also liked that the facts were verified via a valuable and trusted source. Not that I doubt the author in any way, but that extra layer of work means a great deal. In this day when there is so much information available, knowing what is real wand what is just believed with little to no proof is sometimes hard to pin down. There is peace of mind knowing that a children's nonfiction book has that extra work and due diligence put into it before putting a book into the hands of young readers or on a library shelf. 

Early Book Review: Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild by Margarita Engle, Sam Trull

Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild, written by Margarita Engle and with photography by Sam Trull, is currently scheduled for release on March 30 2023. Explore the Costa Rican rainforest with Destiny, a rescued orphan baby sloth who must learn to return to the wild, in this heartwarming true story from Newbery Honor winner Margarita Engle. Destiny must learn to be strong and confident after she loses the use of one of her eyes. Without her mother to protect her or teach her, Destiny is found and taken to a rescue center in Costa Rica. The little sloth soon befriends other orphaned sloths. Her poor eyesight, however, makes it hard for her to keep her balance. Eventually Destiny begins to use all of her senses to explore the world around her. But can she learn to climb? Can she master the other skills she needs to survive on her own? And will Destiny be brave enough to return to her wild, forest home?

Destiny Finds Her Way is a good telling of one sloth's care and release. I was happy to read the story and learn how this one sloth was rescued and rehabilitated, and I was very glad to find more sloth facts and resources for further reading at the back of the book. I think the book design and photographs chosen were very well done, the colors and placement of images and text captured and kept the attention. The only thing that I was not thrilled with was some of the text. Every now and then- particularly in the beginning- I think they were trying too hard to set the scene. I found some of the descriptions to be unneeded, since a cute baby sloth in need of help is more than enough to capture interest. 

Book Review: The Ojja-Wojja by Magdalene Visaggio

The Ojja-Wojja, by Magdalene Visaggio and Jenn St-Onge, is a middle grade graphic novel. Welcome to Bolingbroke. It's a small town just like any other . . . or so eighth graders Val and Lanie think. They’re the best of best friends—they love the same comics, they watch the same shows, and they’re always there for each other. Which is important when you’re queer, like Lanie, or on the spectrum, like Val, and just don’t seem to fit in anywhere. When a school project about their hometown’s supernatural history leads to a for-real ghost sighting, Val and Lanie realize Bolingbroke might not be as boring as they’d always thought. But after a run-in with the resident middle school queen bee (who also happens to be Lanie’s former friend), they decide to take things to the next level and accidentally summon the Ojja-Wojja, a demonic presence connected to a slew of mysterious tragedies throughout Bolingbroke’s sordid history. Now all heck has broken loose. With the whole town acting weird and nowhere left to turn, it’s going to be up to Val, Lanie, and their small group of friends to return things to normal—if “normal” is even something they want to return to.

The Ojja-Wojja is a well balanced graphic novel. First off, the art is fantastic and gives a great deal of detail and mood to the story. There were several times when small details appeared in the artwork to hint of the actual action or things to come that the characters in the story seem to miss. The art and story were seamless, as they should be in a graphic novel. I loved the story and how well developed the main characters became. I thought the character and world building was very well done. Laine and Val each have aspects that are seen as different by others, and I love that readers get to see how these characters feel and hopefully they might see someone like themselves in one of the pair, or the other residents of the town. Seeing yourself in books is important, as is better understanding how those who are different than you might be thinking or feeling. This book covers a little of both without feeling like it is trying to teach a lesson or feeling preachy. I loved that no character was all good or bad, sometimes pain and confusion can trigger actions that are easily seen as evil or mean. I can see so much room for more character growth and interesting developments in the small town of Bolingbroke as this series continues. 

The Ojja-Wojja is a visually and emotional engaging graphic novel with a perfect balance of action and heart.

Early Book Review: Hidden Creature Features by Jane Park

Hidden Creature Features by Jane Park is a nonfiction picturebook currently scheduled for release on March 7 2023.  Some animal features are easy to see—long tails, large wings, patterned fur, or sharp beaks. But look closer—you might be surprised by what you find!  A penguin’s sharp beak hides a textured tongue that helps it grip fish. A red-eyed tree frog has a golden eyelid that covers its eyes so it can see predators while it sleeps. A platypus fends off predators with a venomous spur. Rhyming text and eye-catching photos offer an up-close look at lots of fascinating hidden creature features!

Hidden Creature Features features some fantastic close up images of animals along with facts that detail hidden adaptations that they have to help them survive. I liked the variety of creatures shown, and the different adaptations that were shared. I knew some of the information, but the book still taught me a few things. For instance, I never knew that the pacu fish's teeth looked like that, and while I knew about the platypus's poisonous spur I did not know that it was only active during mating season. I love that the book includes a glossary and recommendations for further reading. I think this book would be a great addition to personal collections for those with children that love to learn about animals. I also think that this would be a valuable addition to public, school, ad classroom libraries. 

Early Book Review: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat is a middle grade memoir in graphic novel format currently scheduled for release on February 28 2023. Dan's always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble. But being a good kid doesn't stop him from being bullied and feeling like he's invisible, which is why Dan has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe. At first, he's right. He's stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, and he doesn't know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him—first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers, and first love.

A First Time for Everything is a entertaining, engaging, and relatable book. As a fellow member of Gen X, I also remember the crazy things we got away with and the independence that we were encouraged to explore- even though I would never encourage my kids to do the same at the same ages. I think the heart of the book, the explorations of being yourself and dealing with trying new things and figuring out who you want to be is something every reader can relate to. As always, Santat's artwork is just as engaging as the text and overall story. I think this is a great great for middle grade and older readers- including adults. This will hit home for many readers, and I enjoyed getting to know more about someone whose work I have always admired.

Book Review: The Moon Tonight: Our Moon's Journey Around Earth by Jung Chang-hoon, Jang Ho

The Moon Tonight: Our Moon's Journey Around Earth, written by astronomer Jung Chang-hoon and illustrated by Jang Ho, is a children's nonfiction book translated into English by Paige Morris. Everyone on Earth can look up and marvel at our moon in the night sky. It is an experience we share across cultures and continents. As our closest celestial neighbor, the moon touches on many aspects of our lives and has inspired interest from people across centuries. In The Moon Tonight, you can share that same sense of wonder with your child through the eyes of a father-daughter duo as they learn the science behind the twenty-nine-day lunar cycle and the moon’s four phases: crescent, quarter, full, and new. With age-appropriate and easy-to-follow scientific explanations this picture book offers families a reading experience that is both poetic and educational.

The Moon Tonight: Our Moon's Journey Around Earth is a wonderful book for a young reader to explore alone, or to share with an adult. There is a great deal of information about the moon, its cycles, and how it effects our oceans. I thought the text was straightforward and easy to understand and follow, with no moments of condescension that is sometimes found in nonfiction books for children. Credit for this can go to the author and the translator- since they both had a hand in the English version of the book working as well as it did. I thought the illustrations were lovely and added a great deal to the read. I also loved learning a few new proverbs and lore that relate to the moon. I thought I could remember all my moon facts from my school days when I took astronomy, but this children's book reminded me of information long forgotten and/or taught me a few new things.

Book Review: 100 Disasters That Shaped World History by Joanne Mattern

100 Disasters That Shaped World History by Joanne Mattern is a children's nonfiction book. From the Great Fire of London to the Challenger explosion, earthquakes, crashes, floods, and accidents have been major turning points throughout history. In 100 Disasters That Shaped World History, young readers will be introduced to some of the most notorious disasters known to mankind, discovering how these fateful events unfolded-and how they changed the world as we know it.

100 Disasters That Shaped World History is a book that covers a wide range of disasters, including some I would not have never thought to include, like the MGM fire and a molasses flood. The impact of these crisis are covered- such as how laws and regulations followed and how people's behavior did (or did not) adjusted afterwards. This many incidents is a great deal of ground to cover, so some are cover in much more depth than others, but this is an interesting and informative read. I thought the illustrations were less than stellar, but they are credited to the publishing group rather than an individual so that is not terribly surprising. I did like the trivia and project suggestions at the end, but that could have been made even better with some suggested resources for further reading as well. This is an interesting and engaging read for young readers that like history and learning about things that have gone wrong in the past.