Early Book Review: A Whale's World by Ian McAllister, Nicholas Read

A Whale's World by Ian McAllister and Nicholas Read is an informational picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on August 28 2018. The story follows a pod of spy-hopping orcas as they explore the ecosystems of the Great Bear Sea while hunting for their next meal. Past rocky shores and through kelp forests, they observe foraging wolves, hungry grizzly bears, curious black bears, graceful fin whales, splashing porpoises, slippery seals and other members of the Pacific coastal food web.

A Whale's World is a visually and informationally interesting book about orcas and the world around them. Other animals that the orcas see in their travels; such as bears, wolves, types of fish, and more are included in the photographs and information. The photographs are well done and lovely to see. The text offers a selection of information about orcas, the world they live in, and the other living creatures that they see and interact with. I thought the book was well done, but not amazing. I think it will entertain and engage young readers, even those that do not take the time to read all of the text. It is a fun introduction to the ways that marine and land animals interact with the environment and with each other.

Book Review: Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs by Susan Hughes, Valerie Boivin

Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs is a non fiction picturebook written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Valerie Boivin. From the time she was a young girl, Jane Jacobs' curious mind made her a keen observer of everything around her. When she grew up, she moved to New York City, a place full of new wonders for her to explore. It was there she realized that, just like in nature, a city is an ecosystem. So, when city planner Robert Moses proposed creating highways through the city that would destroy neighborhoods and much of what made New York great, Jane decided she couldn't let it happen. She stood up to the officials and rallied her neighbors to stop the plans and even got arrested! Jane's bravery and ideas had a huge influence on urban planning that is still being felt today.

Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs is an engaging informational picture book, offering readers a fictionalized story of the life of Jane Jacobs, one of the world's greatest urban thinkers and activists. I think the stylized art gives a feel for the time and location, it is interesting and enjoyable to look at. I found the story to be well told and interesting. I think young readers that love cities, streets, and exploring will fully enjoy the read. I think those that get bored easily in school, and are always looking to explore, will relate to Jane and her story. Nature loves and those interested in ecosystems and how cities and the world in general work will also be captivated by the story. I am not sure that it will be interesting to all readers, but it was well done and engaging in my opinion. At the end of the book there is a brief biography of Jane Jacobs to further inform or inspire readers.

Book Review: This Is a Taco by Andrew Congelose, Josh Shipley

This Is a Taco is a picturebook written by Andrew Congelose and illustrated by Josh Shipley. This is a squirrel, one named Taco that does not eat nuts and tree bark—blech—he prefers tacos! This twist on a children's nature primer teaches kids that the most important story is the one you write yourself.

This Is a Taco is an informative but fun look at the squirrel. What they eat, how they move, and who eats them. Our narrator, Taco, is not too thrilled with the information about flying squirrels (because he isn't one) and hawks. So, he does his best to strike hawks from his story and to get himself some more of his favorite food- tacos. Things do not go quite as planned, but he still gets himself a special, happy ending.I loved the illustrations and the breaking of the third wall as the squirrel entertains and teaches readers of all ages.the colors and hints of fun in each of the pages made the read great fun. Much like Taco, I prefer tacos to bark and nuts, and do not think I would like the idea of being snatched up by a hawk. I think the book could offer readers of all ages a bit of knowledge, a few laughs, and a touch of empathy. 

Early Book Review: A Place For Pluto by Stef Wade, Melanie Demmer

A Place For Pluto was written by Stef Wade and illustrated by Melanie Demmer. This informational picturebook is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2018.Pluto got the shock of his life when he was kicked out of the famous nine. His planet status was stripped away, leaving him lost and confused. On his quest to find a place where he belongs, he talks to comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. He doesn't fit it anywhere! But when Pluto is about to give up, he runs into a dwarf planet and finally finds his place in the solar system. 

A Place For Pluto tells the story of Pluto's change of status to dwarf planet from Pluto's point of view. The poor guy was crushed! As he searches the universe for anyone like himself readers not only learn a bit about space and the things in it, but they also get a lesson in acceptance, friendship, and self discovery. The artwork is bright and cute, with small blurbs of explanatory text about who Pluto comes across in space. Pluto talks to other planets, Halley's Comet, asteroids, and more until he finds other dwarf planets and discovers what he his. I like that after his journey he returns home to find his old friends missed him and now has more friends than ever before. I only wish he could have been happy with himself before finding a label, because putting people in categories is not always the best path, but it worked for the story and can be used to start discussions. There are extra materials included at the end of the book to encourage more reading and research on the subject, which could be helpful and curiosity inducing. 

Early Book Review: The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouw, Translated by Christelle Morelli, Susan Ouriou

The Golden Glow is a picturebook by Benjamin Flouw, translated into English by Christelle Morelli and Susan Ouriou. It is currently scheduled for review on May 15 2018. Fox loves nature. There's nothing he enjoys more than reading about and picking flowers. One evening, he comes across a rare specimen in his old botany book -- the golden glow, a plant from the Wellhidden family, found only in the mountains, a plant that has yet to be described. Fascinated, Fox decides to set off on a quest in search of the mysterious golden glow. He packs his knapsack, a map, a compass, a flashlight, a sleeping bag and other items for his hike. Along the way, Fox observes many different kinds of trees and plants. He also encounters woodland friends who help him make it to the summit of the mountain. But when Fox eventually stumbles upon the object of his quest, he makes a surprising decision.

The Golden Glow is a picturebook that offers some nonfiction information inside the story of Fox's search for the mysterious flower. I found the plant identification and other nature information be be well incorporated into the story without making it feel like a lesson. I learned a few things, and think it will capture the attention of younger readers as well.   I also like how prepared Fox is for his hunt, and how the book might be used to help young readers get excited for and prepared for nature walks, hikes, and other expeditions of their own. I found the fact that Fox consulted others, and was willing to both ask for and accept help, to be great- so often this idea is ignored. The art was stylized,  the digital painting and hand painted textures looking more like the paper cut out art than the digital work I have come to expect lately. I liked the effect, and think it worked nicely with the story. The attention to detail and precise nature of the plant, tree, and other nature themed identification was fantastic. I think this book might inspire a new generation to explore, investigate, and observe the natural world and to appreciate it. 

Early Book Review: A Stegosaurus Would NOT Make a Good Pirate by Thomas Kingsley Troupe

A Stegosaurus Would NOT Make a Good Pirate by Thomas Kingsley Troupe is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2018. Everyone has dreams, even dinosaurs! But not every dream can become reality. For example, the brachiosaurus would love to be a spy! But at 40 feet tall, he certainly would not blend in. And the T-rex aspires to be a knight. But how would she manage to pick up a sword with those tiny arms?  

A Stegosaurus Would NOT Make a Good Pirate is a picturebook that is good fun, with charming illustrations. I liked the dinosaur's attempts at being a good pirate, and how the tone gave the impression that he could laugh at himself while still being more than a little overconfident. I think the deliver of dinosaur facts along side the light hearted story make for a fun read that might get many re read requests. I also enjoyed the glossary and mini quiz at the end. The fact that the answers are hidden in the illustrations, and the quiz offers clues as to where young readers can find the answers, might spark a larger search for hidden information and encourage them to study pictures in other books to see if they can find information and clues.