Early Book Review: Inky the Octopus: Bound for Glory by Erin Guendelsberger

 Inky the Octopus by Erin Guendelsberger is a picturebook based on a real story, but from the perspective of the octopus in question. It is currently scheduled for release on April 3 2018.  This story chronicles the adventure that the real-life Inky might have taken on his escape to freedom in the open ocean from the National Aquarium of New Zealand in 2016. After the entertaining tale, there is a more text heavy recounting of his adventure, tales of other aquarium house octopi, and facts about different kinds of octopi. 

Inky the Octopus is an easy read, with fun rhymes and basic text to make it accessible to a wide variety of readers. The story is fun, and the art work is bright and adds details and humor to the story. For the adults and more advanced children reading the story, I found the real accounting and news articles referred to at the end of the book to be funny and well worth taking the time to explore. I also liked the facts about other clever octopi, and the different types of octopi in the world, to be very interesting and entertaining. I already knew they were smart and could squeeze into tight places, making them masters of escape, it was neat to see this collection of stories and information dealt with with humor and respect for the creatures.

Early Book Review: Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones by Ted Enik, G.F. Newlan

Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones written by Ted Enik and illustrated by G.F. Newlan is currently scheduled for release on September 28 2017. This is the first book in the Unhinged History series brings to life the best-known public spat in all of paleontology: the bitter rivalry between Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh. This frenzy of discovery and one-upmanship—known today as the Bone Wars—was a gold rush–like scramble to find the most and “best” dinosaur fossils, thus bringing to glory to their respective home-base universities. Lively and witty rhymes plus wonderfully demented illustrations reveal how the paleontologists’ infamous rivalry began, and how—despite making genuine and lasting contributions to the field—their mutual obsession with outdoing one another spun out of control.

Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones is a nonfiction picturebook in rhyme. I have always been interested in paleontology, and this book brought the initial rush to find and identify dinosaur bones to life. While there was some exaggerating and silliness to make the picturebook my engaging, the facts and fascinating tidbits of information I had not known were included as well. I think that this is a must read for children (and adults) interested in American history and paleontology.The trouble Cope and Marsh cause for themselves is entertaining, but rather sad, that adults would cheat and lie to gain notoriety for themselves and their employers, but it is not all that surprising when you see what some are still willing to do in the name of money or fame. I found the factual parts to be well written and accessible, and the story of Cope and Marsh's rivalry was entertaining and engaging. The artwork is just as entertaining and attention grabbing as the text and story, keeping readers turning pages. I think this would be a great addition to school and public library collections. It could inspire future scientists and historians as well as starting discussions on how rivalries can get out of hand and cause the participants more trouble than it is worth. 

Book Review: Striker, Slow Down by Emma Hughes, John Smisson

Striker, Slow Down is a picturebook written by Emma Hughes and illustrated by John Smisson. Striker the cat is unstoppable! He thinks that there is too much fun to be had, and no matter what his mama tells him, he never slows down. One day, a bump to the head brings this busy cat to a standstill. Will Striker finally listen to his mama and learn to make time for a little calmness?

Striker, Slow Down is a charming book about slowing down and taking the time to notice things and clear the head. The illustrations are sweet and charming, capturing the energy Striker has and the reluctance to slow down. As a mom of two very active children I have seen this in real life, the fear of missing out or not taking advantage of every fun possibility that comes their way. I enjoyed that the book show how slowing down and being more aware, more mindful, of their bodies and the world around them. I think there was a nice balance of fun and getting the point across with out getting pushy. I think the concept of thinking of nothing might be hard for some youngsters to grasp, and I felt like there was not much time spent on how to actually relax. Although I do like the idea of starting this conversation and giving parents and caregivers some of these tool, both for themselves and the kids. 

Book Review: Plants Can’t Sit Still by Rebecca E. Hirsch

Plants Can’t Sit Still is a children's non fiction picturebook written by Rebecca E. Hirsch and illustrated by Mia Posada. Have you ever seen a plant move on its own? Plants might not walk, but they definitely don't sit still! Discover the many ways plants (and their seeds) move in this fascinating picture book.

Plants Can’t Sit Still is a book that shows young readers that while plants might not be able to get up and walk, they are definitely not immobile. it is an easy read and will appeal to pre-school and kindergarten readers, and might be useful when talking about science, particularly what is alive. plants move quite a bit, as they grow and seek light for the most part, but in other ways as well. The bright illustrations and simple text do a nice job of explaining the way plants move and why, while leaving the readers to think about the plants in their own yard, on the paths they know, and how they might be moving or might have already moved to get where they are. A nice book to share and read, particularly if you want to instill a love and curiosity about nature.