Early Book Review: The Strangest Thing in the Sea: And Other Curious Creatures of the Deep by Rachel Poliquin, Byron Eggenschwiler

The Strangest Thing in the Sea: And Other Curious Creatures of the Deep, written by Rachel Poliquin and illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler,  is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 5 2021. A look at some very strange creatures in the sea --- but which is the strangest? A feathery tutu dancing through the water? A tiptoeing rock wearing a wig? A mountain of skulls on the ocean floor? Not everything is quite as it seems in this fascinating exploration of 12 bizarre and little-known sea animals. Each creature is introduced with an imaginative first-person depiction of its appearance, accompanied by an artistic interpretation and the question, “Am I the strangest thing in the sea?” Then, open the gatefold, and an illustration and full description of the actual creature in its habitat are revealed, along with the tantalizing answer that, no, this is not the strangest thing in the sea. That is, until the last creature, which is the strangest. But what could it be?

I enjoyed The Strangest Thing in the Sea very much. I thought the artwork matched the text very well, and the detail and imagination on each page showed great skill. I thought the use of gatefolds was a good choice, and the execution was on point. The page layout, and book organization as a whole, was very good. I enjoyed the balance of whimsy in the imagined version oft he creatures balanced with solid information.  I have to admit that I was already very familiar with most of the animals featured, but I think the approach and chosen information was great.I really liked that a glossary and chart showing the different zones of the sea and where the featured animals live were included.  I learned a few new things, and I think readers of a variety of ages will be highly engaged and interested in this book. 

Early Book Review: Crayola ® Our Colorful Earth: Celebrating the Natural World by Marie-Therese Miller

Crayola ® Our Colorful Earth: Celebrating the Natural World by Marie-Therese Miller is a nonfiction picturebook currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. Readers explore rainbow mountains, pink sand beaches, and more and learn the science behind some of nature's most colorful geographical formations.

Crayola ® Our Colorful Earth is a wonderful pairing of bold photographs and scientific details. Each page offers readers a look at a colorful feature of nature, and the scientific explanation as to why the they are the color they are.  I think the pictures used are chosen well, and the interactions suggested by the text (answering simple questions and looking for specific colors) will keep less engaged readers on task. The information is short but interesting, making them engaging and accessible. I like that the book includes a glossary, additional facts, a hand on experiment, and options to explore for further reading. I think this book would be great in home and classroom libraries.

Book Review: Plants on the Move by Émilie Vast

Plants on the Move by Émilie Vast, translated by Julie Cormier, is a children's book that tells the stories of fourteen plant journeys. When you think of a plant, you don't think of how it moves. But the feathery seeds of the dandelion fly to other gardens, strawberry tendrils creep, and maple seeds spin. There are many different ways plants move, not only as they grow, but in their quest to reproduce: falling, clinging, floating, burrowing--even exploding! The book includes the scientific names for the different ways plants move.

Plants on the Move is a lyrical and interesting read. It does a good job of describing the way the included plants grow, spread, and move. I liked the flow of the text, which means the author and translator did a good job in word and syntax choice. I cannot speak to all of the matching artwork that is in the final copy of the book- as my digital galley did not include the art. However, the cover art and what I could find from the publisher looks well done and balances the text on each page well. 

Early Book Review: Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! by Ashley Spires

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! by Ashley Spires is a nonfiction graphic novel for young readers currently scheduled for release on June 1 2021. 

Meet Burt, a ten-lined june beetle. He's sure he belongs in the category of bugs with superpower-like abilities. No, he can't carry 50 times his weight, like ants. No, he's not able to spray paralyzing venom, like some termites. No, he can't release a bad smell to repel predators, like stink bugs. What june beetles are known for is chasing porch lights and flailing their legs in the air --- does that count? Maybe Burt will just have to accept the truth. June beetles don't have any special abilities. But when some other bugs find themselves in perilous trouble that even their superpowers can't get them out of, Burt suddenly realizes there is one thing that he can do to save his friends --- and it's something that only a june beetle can do!

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! is another winner from Spires. Burt is a beetle that wants to be a special as all the other creatures around him- but his positive attitude and good hugs are not nearly as cool as what everyone else can do, right? I loved he facts about june beetles and all the other critters Burt runs into. I also liked the personality of poor Burt, as he tries to look on the bright side even as he starts to doubt himself. I think many readers, or all ages, will recognize the spiral of doubt and worry that Burt feels. I think we have all been there at some point. And the understanding that some of the more goofy aspects of Burt's are what enables him to come to the rescue and keep himself safe. I really enjoyed the balance between science facts and the silly vibe that keeps the reader turning pages. The illustrations are equally interesting and engaging. It would do well both as a fun read and a starting point in lower grade classrooms talking about insects, nature, and character traits. I think young readers that like nonfiction about nature, humor, and graphic novels and picturebooks will greatly appreciate this book. 

Early Book Review: The Eyeball Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, Shennen Bersani

The Eyeball Alphabet Book is a children's nonfiction book written by Jerry Pallotta and illustrated by Shennen Bersani. It is currently scheduled for release on May 11 2021.  The eyes have it! Laugh as you learn by staring right into the eyes of familiar animals (A is for alligator eye) and not-so-familiar ones (Z is for zebu eye!). Readers of all ages will be entertained with every page turn. Language learning bonus: each page defines an idiom that includes the word "eye"!

The Eyeball Alphabet Book is a beautifully illustrated book about eyes. The artwork is extremely well done, to the point I had to look closer to make sure they were not photographs on occasion.  I thought the pages were well formatted and that the text flowed nicely. The facts shared were very interesting, and I think other adults and children alike will find them engaging as well. However, no matter how good the information was,and how well it was written, I think the artwork was the real star of the show here. I took a few moments after reading the book the first time and just went back to spend more time studying and simply enjoying the skill and talent in the illustrations. I enjoyed the book and think most everyone that picks it up will agree. 

Early Book Review: Monarch Butterflies: Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World by Ann Hobbie, Olga Baumert

Monarch Butterflies: Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World , written by Ann Hobbie and illustrated by Olga Baumert, is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021. Monarchs are a favorite and familiar North American butterfly, and their incredible annual migration has captured the popular imagination for generations. As populations of monarchs decline dramatically due to habitat loss and climate change, interest in and enthusiasm for protecting these beloved pollinators has skyrocketed. With easy-to-read text and colorful, engaging illustrations, Monarch Butterflies presents young readers with rich, detailed information about the monarchs’ life cycle, anatomy, and the wonders of their signature migration, as well as how to raise monarchs at home and the cultural significance of monarchs in Day of the Dead celebrations. As the book considers how human behavior has harmed monarchs, it offers substantive ways kids can help make a positive difference. Children will learn how to turn lawns into native plant gardens, become involved in citizen science efforts such as tagging migrating monarchs and participating in population counts, and support organizations that work to conserve butterflies.

Monarch Butterflies is a well balanced non fiction picture book. The artwork is well done, ad both captures the reader's interest and supports the information text to help keep that attention. I thought the information shared was well phrased and selected, making it easy to understand and process with out being too over simplified. I was glad to see that information about both the monarch butterfly's life cycle and the trouble they are having with loss of habitat was covered, giving a well balanced understanding of what each generation of the butterfly's experience. I think this book would be good in school, classroom, and home libraries. 

Early Book Review: Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate by Melissa Stewart, Sarah S. Brannen

Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate is a nonfiction picturebook written by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. It is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021.

All science classrooms discuss animals that hibernate during winter months, but few know about animals that estivate--a prolonged sleep during hot or dry periods. Dual layers of text awaken readers to the reasons estivating animals become dormant--whether it's because warm weather threatens food supply or to avoid increased body temperatures. From the ladybug to the salamander, from the lungfish to the desert hedgehog, twelve estivating animals and their habits--both when sleeping and awake--are explained through clear text and watercolor illustrations that create a scrapbook feel.

Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate is a realistically illustrated introduction to something  I have not really thought about, or learned much about, over the years. I had read about specific animals that estivate, but did not know the range of creatures that have this unique skill, and the variety of reasons and forms it can take. I thought the text and artwork were well balanced, and the text was well worded, making it accessible without stepping over the line into condescending. I really enjoyed that there  was additional informational text at the end of the book.

Book Review: Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity by Karla Valenti

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity by Karla Valenti is a picturebook that combines fact and fiction. One sunny day in June 1912, a new super science hero was born. He hadn't figured out he was a super science hero; though everyone else around him was pretty sure about this early on. His name was Alan Turing. Super Evil Nemesis decides to call on his minion Ms. Deception to confound and confuse Alan—but because Alan likes working on puzzles, he's not easy to defeat. The minion in this book will speak in code (which will read like nonsense). As the story progresses, Alan will crack the code on Ms. D's enigma machine and be able to decipher her speech, which is how he befriends her. At the end of the book, we will provide a decryption key that allows the children to decipher what the minion is saying in earlier pages. This is the (mostly) true story of how Alan Turing had a superpower that helped him become a successful scientist. But, of course, the super power is really something we all have inside of us.

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity is a book that shares interesting information on the life and accomplishments of Alan Turning. His work in codes and artificial intelligence has had a great impart on the world. I thought the fictional and fun story about the nemesis trying to stop learning and curiosity is likely to capture and hold the attention of those that might have lost interest in a straight narrative.I thought the illustrations were very well done- and the hidden objects and code on the pages add an extra layer of interest. I also enjoyed that the book offers readers a chance to learn and use codes. I enjoyed the read and found it both interesting and engaging- and I think most readers will agree.

Book Review: More Fish Faces: More Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish by Tam Warner Minton

More Fish Faces: More Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish by Tam Warner Minton is the second book in the Ocean Friends series. This volume offers readers more fun faces and more fun facts for fish fans young and old. Colorful photography — including the names of every fish featured — creates a colorful dive log worth experiencing again and again. The photos and fun facts are presented in small and easily digestible bites so your child can enjoy learning in short bursts or longer reads. It is a wonderful book for bedtime. Concepts like recycling, re-purposing, and sustainability are presented with photos and practical examples that are easily understood. 10% of profits will go to the Marine Megafauna Foundation to continue their scientific research to protect our oceans and ocean giants.

More Fish Faces: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish offers readers exactly what the title suggests, a continuation of the colorful photographs and interesting information the All Fish Faces gave readers. Again, I found that the photographs were high quality and worth looking through the book all by themselves. I liked that each picture is also clearly labeled and that the accompanying information boxes were well written and chosen for the audience.  I think animal and ocean loving readers will adore this book and its predecessor. I learned a few things, and really enjoyed the photographs. 

Book Review: All Fish Faces: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish by Tam Warner Minton

 All Fish Faces: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish by Tam Warner Minton is a collection of  tropical reef fish faces. Some fierce, some fun, but all a joy for fish fans young and old. Colorful photography — including names of every fish featured — creates a colorful dive log worth experiencing again and again. Introducing kids and their families to our ocean friends will create a generation of excited, enthusiastic, and caring ocean lovers who care deeply about marine life. Who knows? Maybe it will encourage future scientists and conservationists! It includes ocean and marine life education and tips on how kids, and everyone they know, can help save our ocean friends. 10% of profits will go to the Marine Megafauna Foundation to continue their scientific research to protect our oceans and ocean giants.

All Fish Faces: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish is a visually and informational interesting book for all ages. I found that the photographs were high quality and worth looking through the book all by themselves. I liked that each picture is also clearly labeled and that the accompanying information boxes were well written and chosen for the audience. I learned quite a bit, as I love learning about animals of all kinds, but fish seem to be one of my weak spots. I think the formatting and color choices on each page are attention grabbing and are likely to keep the interest of even the most distracted readers. 

Early Book Review: Eye by Eye: Comparing How Animals See by Sara Levine, T.S. Spookytooth

Eye by Eye: Comparing How Animals See is a nonfiction picturebook written by Sara Levine and illustrated by T.S. Spooktooth. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2020. 

What kind of animal would you be if you had eight eyes? Or if your pupils were the shape of the letter W? Keep an eye out for weird and surprising facts in this playful picture book, which brings together comparative anatomy with a guessing game format. See how your animal eyes are like—and unlike—those of starfish, spiders, goats, cuttlefish, owls, and slugs. 

Eye by Eye: Comparing How Animals See is a wonderful look at the ingenuity of nature. The text was clear and engaging- making the information understandable and interesting to read. The art work pairs pretty much perfectly with the text- adding details in interest to each page.  Some of the information was brand new to me, like the shape of a cuddlefish's pupil. Even the information I knew was presented in a way that made it fun and interesting to read. Every page was fun to look at, and engaging to read. I also enjoyed the bits of extra information and resources included in the endpages. That always makes me happy. I think this book would be a great addition to libraries, schools, classroom, and personal school collections. 

Early Book Review: Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers is a nonfiction picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2020. As a kid, Mary Anning loved hunting for fossils with her father. One day, that hobby led to an unexpected discovery: the skeleton of a creature no one had never seen before! Mary had unearthed a dinosaur fossil, the first to ever be discovered. Her find reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world and led to the beginning of a brand new field of study: paleontology. For the rest of her life, Mary continued to make astonishing finds and her fossils are displayed in museums all across the world! The daring discoveries of Mary Anning not only changed the scientific world, but also helped change people’s attitudes towards women scientists.

Dinosaur Lady is a picturebook that not only talks about the early years and discoveries in paleontology, but how women were viewed in science, and to a certain degree still are. I liked the illustrations, they added a great deal of detail and heart to each page. I thought the information included was interesting and was accessible. I think the narrative and information were well balanced and should keep the reader's interest. I also liked the additional information that was included at the end of the book. I really enjoyed the read and think the book just might inspire kids interested in topic others might try to dissuade them from perusing to keep on studying and working towards their goals.

Dinosaur Lady is a engaging and informative book that would be a great addition to all libraries. Hopefully it will encourage more young scientists to follow their interests.

Early Book Review: Little Cloud: The Science of a Hurricane by Johanna Wagstaffe, Julie McLaughlin

Little Cloud: The Science of a Hurricane is a children's nonfiction book written by Johanna Wagstaffe and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin. It is currently scheduled for release on February 18 2020. Follow our little cloud on an adventure through the sky and learn the science behind how it transforms from a simple cumulus cloud to a full-blown hurricane. Children will enjoy finding new gems of information even after several reads, thanks to a whimsical and rich layout. The story is a comprehensive narrative about a weather system with lovely illustrations that combine storytelling with weather facts.

Little Cloud is an engaging nonfiction picturebook for a wide range of readers. I thought the story of the cloud traveling and changing as he grows is well told, and can capture the attention of younger readers that might not grasp the science information. I found that even though I thought I was well versed in hurricanes and the science, I still learned a few interesting facts about the monitoring of hurricanes.  I enjoyed the artwork, and thought that McLaughlin's illustrations were wonderful and helped to focus the attention on the story and the information included. I think this book will be a hit among weather loving kids, and could be a great teaching tool in homes or classrooms when storms are in the news.

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: Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford, Eric Velasquez

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library was written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro–Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house (and his wife threatened to mutiny), he turned to the New York Public Library, where he created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of a new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library is a wonderful look at the work and dreams of Schomburg. He did not want to discover the history and accomplishments that are often whitewashed from history for his own sake. As much as he loved the research, collecting, and learning he also loved teaching and sharing this information with others. I really enjoyed reading about poets, musicians, and activists that I did not know about (or know the whole story of). More importantly it inspired me to do more of my own research, and hopefully arrange a trip to the New York Public library to see this collection in person.  While some might find the book a little text heavy, I cannot imagine what could be cut out of the story without losing interesting and important information. In fact, there is so much more that could have been included that I think there was a good balance. The art did a good job of matching the text and keeping my interest. I think this would be a great addition particularly for school and library collections. It would be a great discussion starter and would also be a fantastic choice for inspiring student to research people that might not have received the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library  is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.

Early Book Review: There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe by Chris Ferrie, Susan Batori

There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe is a picture book written by Chris Ferrie and illustrated Susan Batori. This book uses the familiar rhythm of "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly," follow along as the black hole swallows up the universe and everything that exists in it, from the biggest to the smallest pieces of matter. The silly, vibrant artwork is sure to make stargazers of all ages smile. Included in the book are instructions to create a craft to turn a cell phone camera light into a black light. Use this new invention to reveal the secret, invisible text and artwork that reverses the story from nothing to the scientific creation of everything! It is currently scheduled for release on September 3 2019.

There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe is a well illustrated story that can give young readers a good idea of the building blocks of the universe. Some of of the word choices struck me as odd, and the fact that we go from planets down to cells did not make sense to me, but I know in a picturebook brevity is an art form its own and choices need to be made. I liked the idea and the artwork very much, and thought that the black light story in reverse is a wonderful touch, even if my digital copy does not allow me to enjoy it. I think this is a fun and enlightening story that will please many young readers and their caregivers. 

Book Review: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are by Julia Kregenow

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are by Julia Kregenow in a nonfiction picturebook. Do you know why stars twinkle? It’s time to find out! The text is written to match the classic melody of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by an expert in astrophysics. This book is an introduction to the real science behind the magic of stars. Discover how stars are created, what they’re made of, and even what makes them look like they’re twinkling. 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are is an accurate and factual rhyme to teach readers of all ages the truth and science surrounding stars. I think the rhyme are well done, and interesting. However, I have to admit that as an adult I lost focus partway through the second verse. I love the idea of teaching science in our bedtime reading, but thought that this was a little much. I know there are kids and parents out there that will love this book, and will have as a repeat read. I just found it to go on too long, the details about fusing atoms, atmospheric turbulence, and more was beyond what I would find myself singing.

Book Review: Want to Know. The Bicycle by Lucas Arnoldussen & Marc Janssen

Want to Know. The Bicycle by Lucas Arnoldussen & Marc Janssen is a children's non fiction book that is really fit for all ages. Do you want to know all about the bicycle? What did the first bike look like? How many kinds of bikes are there? How can you chose the best bike for you? What kinds of cycling sports are there? Who are the most famous racing cyclists? Beyond the basic information about bicycles and those that ride them are rhymes, repair information, a mini quiz, a fold out page and more.

Want to Know. The Bicycle is an interesting and informative picturebook. While aimed at young readers, and worded so that everyone can understand the text, I found that I learned a few things as well. The illustrations and information are paired well, and I think it will capture and hold the interest of a wide range of readers. The fold out page of the bike shop was interesting, and I liked the information on the variety of bikes and some of the most famous bike riders- even the less than positive things about them. I think this is an all around well done non fiction picturebook that will appeal and capture the imagination and interest of a wide range of readers. 

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.