Early Book Review: Dig, Dance, Dive: How Birds Move to Survive by Etta Kaner, June Steube

Dig, Dance, Dive: How Birds Move to Survive is a children's nonfiction book written by Etta Kaner and illustrated by June Steube. It is currently Scheduled for release on April 15 2022. Birds can do a lot more than just fly! Did you know some of them can dig, dance, dive, and dabble? Readers will learn about flightless birds like the Adélie penguin (which toboggans down hills on its belly) and the kakapo (which climbs up trees to escape danger). Even birds that fly have quirky survival behaviors—like the barred owl, which can turn its head almost all the way around, or the blue-footed booby, which dives from great heights to catch fish.

Dig, Dance, Dive: How Birds Move to Survive is a beautifully illustrated book. The watercolor artwork is very well done and the book is worth a look even before getting into the text of the book. I never thought too much about how birds moved, aside that most flew and some swam. This book gives a nice look at some of the more unusual movements of birds and how they impact the survival and lives of the birds. This is a great book for the elementary and younger set- to read alone or share with an adult or older child.

Early Book Review: The World of Coral Reefs: Explore and Protect the Natural Wonders of the Sea by Erin Spencer

The World of Coral Reefs: Explore and Protect the Natural Wonders of the Sea by Erin Spencer is currently scheduled for release on March 29 2022. Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they support 25% of all marine species with food and shelter. In this illustrated book for ages 7 to 10, marine ecologist and underwater explorer Erin Spencer provides information including details about the types of coral, their anatomy and life cycle, where they live, how reefs develop, and the incredible diversity of marine animals that live among them, including aquarium favorites like clownfish, royal blue tangs, and sea turtles. Kids learn about the interdependent relationships of people and reefs and how human behavior puts reefs in danger, promising conservation work that scientists are undertaking, and solution-oriented ways kids and families can help in the effort. 

The World of Coral Reefs is an accessible book, with a great deal of information that in interesting and engaging. I learned a few new things, and thought the text was well written and balanced with the illustrations. The format made it easy to stay focused on the subject matter and engaged with the book. I thought the illustrations were good, but I have to admit to being spoiled with great illustrations in the books I have been reading lately. There was nothing wrong with the artwork, it was well done and I could see the talent and work that went into it- however with such a brilliant subject matter I was admittedly hoping for something more realistic. The issue was with my sky high expectations. I was thrilled to see the endpages, including a glossary and fairly extensive list of resources to dive deeper into the subject matter. This makes me especially happy with children's nonfiction, because you never know when you might be inspiring a scientist or activist with these books and those resources might be the start of something world changing. 

Book Review: Two Heads: A Graphic Exploration of How Our Brains Work with Other Brains by Uta Frith; Chris Frith; Alex Frith

Two Heads: A Graphic Exploration of How Our Brains Work with Other Brains was written by Uta Frith, Chris Frith, and Alex Frith, and illustrated by Daniel Locke. Professors and husband-and-wife team Uta and Chris Frith have pioneered major studies of brain disorders throughout their nearly fifty-year career. Here, in Two Heads, their distinguished careers serve as a prism through which they share the compelling story of the birth of neuroscience and their paradigm-shifting discoveries across areas as wide-ranging as autism and schizophrenia research, and new frontiers of social cognition including diversity, prejudice, confidence, collaboration, and empathy. Working with their son Alex Frith and artist Daniel Locke, the professors examine the way that neuroscientific research is now focused on the fact we are a social species, whose brains have evolved to work cooperatively. They delve into a wide range of complex concepts and explain them with humor and clarity. You’ll discover what happens when people gather in groups, and how people behave when they’re in pairs—either pitted against each other or working together. Is it better to surround yourself with people who are similar to yourself, or different? And, are two heads really better than one?

Two Heads offers readers a solid understanding of the brain, and all it wonders and misfires. I like that opposing viewpoints are mentioned, and that the fact that these two experts openly admit that they disagree on some topics. I like how the text makes it clear what experts think they know, that there are various schools of thought, and just how much we still have to learn. It is when scientists or experts proclaim that we have all the answers that they loose credibility with me. I thought the illustrations were charming, and I liked the labels, humor, and hidden details which made each page more engaging and interactive. I think it was written in a very accessible style, with humor and explanations that really work. I found the personal touches and side comments made the book more entertaining and broke up some of the more intense teaching moments to help readers process. I think it is honestly approachable to any reader interested in the subject matter. As expected of a book from scholars and professionals, the footnotes and endpages were on point and well done. I think this would be a great addition to libraries, particularly graphic medicine collection (I will be recommending it for my own workplace just for that reason).  

Early Book Review: Girls Solve Everything: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Building a Better World by Catherine Thimmesh, Melissa Sweet

Girls Solve Everything: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Building a Better World, written by Catherine Thimmesh and illustrated by Melissa Sweet, is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2022. Women all over the globe are asking questions that affect lives and creating businesses that answer them. Like, can we keep premature babies warm when they're born far from the hospital? Or, can the elderly stay in their homes and eat a balanced diet? Women are taking on and solving these issues with their ingenuity and business acumen. How did they get their ideas? Where does the funding for their projects come from? And how have some of these businesses touched YOUR life? Girls Solve Everything answers these questions, inspiring today's kids to learn from entrepreneurs and take on some of the world's biggest problems, one solution at a time.

Girls Solve Everything is a collection of short biographies feature women that have shown perseverance and made impacts on the world through their discoveries, inventions, and more. I like how the book illustrated that a small idea, class assignment, or serious problem can spark the inspiration for real change, and that anyone can make that change with the right tools. I thought the illustration work was extremely well done and matched the content and tone of the text perfectly. I think this book would be a great addition to school and public libraries, as well as home libraries. I have to admit that my digital copy had some formatting issues, which made it challenging to enjoy, but I know these issues will be resolved well before the final copy hits the shelves. 

Girls Solve Everything is a book that shows some of the many accomplishments of women, and just might inspire current and future generations to make their own marks on the world. 

Early Book Review: Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids: 35+ Fun Art Projects to Build Amazing Science Skills by Karyn Tripp

Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids: 35+ Fun Art Projects to Build Amazing Science Skills by Karyn Tripp is currently scheduled for release on February 8 2022. This book guides children ages 8 and up through hands-on activities that explore an engaging variety of art and craft techniques and science concepts.  Make special light-up greeting cards, and use magnets to create abstract paintings and solve mazes. Craft tiny terrariums, create plantable seed paper, and make your own paints using natural materials. Create exploding paintballs, grow a garden of crystal flowers, and learn to make plastic out of milk. Combine shaving cream and food coloring to make marbled paper, use the sun to print on paper and fabric, and make an awesome kaleidoscope from scratch.

Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids is a well organized and easy to follow book of projects. I like that the projects are divided into five different science concepts, so that projects on a particular subject are together. I thought the instructions were concise and easy to follow and that the accompanying images were well chosen and did a good job of illustrating those instructions. I was glad to see that the majority of supplies were things likely to be already in the home, with a few exceptions. I think this would be a great addition to home, school, and public library collections.  

Book Review: Extinctions: Twilight of the Species by Jean-Baptiste De Panafieu, Alexandre Franc

Extinctions: Twilight of the Species is a nonfiction graphic novel written by Jean-Baptiste De Panafieu, with art by Alexandre Franc. Two journalists travel to an island in the Arctic Circle where scientists are searching for fossils of extinct animals. Like all journalists, they have a lot of questions: how is it possible for an entire species to completely disappear? Word has it that we’re in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, but what exactly does that mean? How did the first five happen? What is the scientific definition of an extinction? Alexandre Franc adeptly illustrates the narrative by Jean-Baptiste de Panafieu, a specialist in natural sciences and doctor of biological oceanology. Panafieu, who has already authored a number of popular science books, gives a clear explanation of what mass extinctions are, cleverly comparing past extinctions with the one we are witnessing now. The two authors present us with a clear, intelligent, and lighthearted perspective on a fascinating phenomenon.

Extinctions: Twilight of the Species is a very well organized and informative read. There is a great deal of information here, and there are times that it can be overwhelming and others that might trigger a bunch of side research sending you down internet rabbit holes. I thought the artwork, maps, and text were all well balanced and worked together nicely to tell the whole story and the importance it holds. This is not a light read, and can fell very science heavy to those that are not expecting it. Because of that, and the less than cheery subject matter, it is not a quick or light read. However, it was the information and factual aspects of the book I liked the most. The part that I was less than happy about was the fictional aspects, which I assume were included to make this a more engaging and personal read. I was not a fan of the main character from the onset, and the inclusion of a romantic subplot just did not work for me. I loved the science and facts, and I could see that a great deal of research and work went into creating this, but I felt like the personalities of the fictional aspect did more harm than good here. 

Extinctions: Twilight of the Species is a good resource to see the realities of climate change and extinctions in more detail and to better understand the topics. 

Book Review: Adventures in Architecture for Kids: 30 Design Projects for STEAM Discovery and Learning by Vicky Chan

Adventures in Architecture for Kids: 30 Design Projects for STEAM Discovery and Learning by Vicky Chan offers readers a world of possibilities for learning math, engineering, history, social studies, planning, geography, art, and design. It includes hands-on projects that allow kids to experiment, design, build, succeed, fail, and try again. Complete building challenges with corrugated cardboard and geodesic forms. Look at how designers have solved impossible problems of gravity and space with creations such as suspension bridges, the Loretto helix staircase, and Brunelleschi’s dome. Explore how materials can be used in interesting ways—how paper can go from flimsy to structural, for instance. Participate in family game playing: client and design team—finding creative ways to meet a client’s wish list. Use games to test strength, balance, and structure. Engage in pure imaginative archi-doodling.Explain the why. Why did styles evolve as they did? What technology was available when?

Adventures in Architecture for Kids is a well organized and visually appealing book. I found the layout and instructions to be easy to understand and follow, and the images chosen to match the content and intent perfectly. I liked that the materials used in the activities were all things that were likely to already be in the home (or school) or easy and inexpensive to get. I also liked that the notes to adults were interesting, informative, and could easily lead to further instruction or discussion about the project, not just the mechanics of it but sometimes the practical history and application of the architecture involved. I did like that an index and glossary were included at the end of the book, but I would have loved to see a page of resources at the end of the book for further reading and research.

I think this book would be a fantastic addition to a home library for families with members that are interested in projects like this, and homeschooling families. I think it would be a valuable resource in school and public libraries as well.  

Early Book Review: Where Did We Come From?: A Simple Exploration of the Universe, Evolution, and Physics by Chris Ferrie

Where Did We Come From?: A Simple Exploration of the Universe, Evolution, and Physics by Chris Ferrie is a nonfiction picturebook currently scheduled for release on January 4 2022. Discover how our universe came to be; first the quark then the particle, first atom then the molecule, first the sun then the solar system, first the earth then the life, first the love then the child. Little scientists will learn all about how the universe evolved in this unique science book for kids from the creator of the Baby University series, Chris Ferrie. The "first/then" pattern provides a deceptively simple introduction to the beginning of life, evolution, scientific inquiry, and more! It's the perfect love letter for science-loving families.

Where Did We Come From? is a perfect picturebook for science focused family. The language pattern is simple enough for the youngest listeners, but I think some of the vocabulary will need to be explain (there is a glossary in the back) for many young readers or listeners to get some understanding.I like that the artwork used bold lines and colors, making this a good book to read together, either one on one or in a group settling.  I think this is a fun gift book for scientist parents, and those looking to start science and physics discussions with young children, at home or in school, but it is not likely to be a requested reread.  

Early Book Review: Blowholes, Book Gills, and Butt-Breathers: The Strange Ways Animals Get Oxygen by Doug Wechsler

Blowholes, Book Gills, and Butt-Breathers: The Strange Ways Animals Get Oxygen by Doug Wechsler is currently scheduled for release on December 7 2021. This is the latest installment of the How Nature Works series. 

Explores a question unasked by any other book for young readers: What can we learn about nature and evolution from the bizarre and exotic ways some animals have evolved to get life-giving oxygen? It is an inquiry-based book designed to stimulate active minds; a STEM offering from a celebrated nature photographer and writer, featuring some spectacular nature photography. Weird and wonderful, as only nature can be!

Blowholes, Book Gills, and Butt-Breathers is more straightforward and scientifically presented that I expected from the title and illustrated cover. I was expecting more  puns and jokes about the more unusual ways animals get their needed oxygen. I started the book expecting it to be an easy, fluffy read, and was happily surprised to see some detailed explanations about how bodies use oxygen, and just why it is such an important part of life on this planet. I found the information to be well written and accessible to the middle grade and older crowd. There are moments that might give readers the giggles, because of the subject matter. I found the photographs to be extremely well done, and their placement helps keep the reader's focus and attention on the subject matter. I loved that the author included a glossary and list of materials foe further reading. That always makes my geeky little heart happy.

Book Review: Ocean Planet: Animals of the Sea and Shore by Ben Rothery

Ocean Planet: Animals of the Sea and Shore by Ben Rothery explores ocean life.  Pacific walrus, king penguin, narwhal, great white shark, squid, seahorse, moray eel, humpback whale, manta ray, orca, and many more are rendered in great detail on the pages of the book. It includes shore dwellers who depend on the sea: Polar bears and otters of course, but also ring-tailed lemurs, Bengal tigers, and British Columbia wolves. It also explores extreme ocean environments: Tropical reefs and polar seas, islands and open oceans, surface waters and the ocean abyss, kelp forests and mangroves.

Ocean Planet is a visually fascinating book that had me looking closer at many images to be certain they were not photographs. The illustrations are highly detailed and of wonderful quality. The artistry, skill, and attention to detail is evident on every single page, regardless of the general size or popularity of the subject. It is well structured and organized, helping to make the book engaging and accessible to readers.  I liked the information that was given about the included subjects, and the clear message that the ocean and it's health is key to our planet. I think this book is wonderful for library, school, and personal collections. Nature and animal lovers will want a copy, and artists and art lovers might want a copy to study and enjoy as well. 

Early Book Review: Friends Change the World: We Are the NASA Scientists by Zoë Tucker, Amanda Quartey

We Are the NASA Scientists, written by Zoë Tucker and illustrated by Amanda Quartey, is part of the Friends Change the World series and is currently scheduled for release on November 30 2021. This picture book tells the story of two scientists who worked together side by side to send humans into space. Mary Jackson was super smart. She loved math and science, and she loved to learn. When Mary got a job at NASA, it was a dream come true! But this was a time when Black people were segregated from white people, and Mary had to fight hard for every opportunity. In 1953, Mary started working alongside Kaz Czarnecki. They soon realized how much they could share and teach each other. The two were from completely different backgrounds, but it didn't matter at all—they had so much in common. This was the beginning of a friendship that lasted for decades. Together, they worked on amazing experiments and achieved incredible things, like working to land astronauts on the moon.

We Are the NASA Scientists is a well written book that shares the story of how two scientists came together to make great discoveries and small changes towards equal right while following their dreams. I liked the honest and straight way prejudice and discrimination was  handled. It showed that treating people differently because of race or gender was wrong, but still focused on the persistence, intelligence, and determination of the people involved. I liked the way the support of family, friends, and colleagues was included in that as well, because overcome systemic barriers usually require some encouragement and support. I thought the illustrations were well done, showing the emotions of the individuals and hinting at things were not outright stated but important to Mary's story. 

Early Book Review: Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World by Craig Foster; Ross Frylinck

Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck is currently scheduled for release on October 19 2021. Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck regularly dive together in the awe-inspiring kelp forests off South Africa, without wetsuits or oxygen tanks. In Ross, he found a kindred spirit, someone who also embraced the ancient methods of acclimating his body to frigid waters, but whose eyes had not yet adjusted to the transcendent wonder Craig saw each time they dove. In the stories that make up this book, readers swim alongside Ross as he grows from skeptic to student of the underwater wild. And in the revelatory marine science behind the stunning photos, we learn how to track sea hares, cuttlefish, and limpets, and we witness strange new behaviors never before documented in marine biology. We realize that a whole world of wonder, and an innate wildness within us all, emerge anew when we simply observe. 

I have to admit that I picked Underwater Wild to read because of the photography. Seriously, the images are stunning and well worth a look at the book all on their own. They are simply stunning. The text is well written and talks about much more than the marine life feature. The narrative style brings readers along for the ride, showing rather than telling about what has been seen and learned. It is about marine life, exploration, family, relationships, and more. When paired with the photographs, the text gives an extra layer of wonder and heart to the book as a whole. I think this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, and some will definitely be taking more time to enjoy the pictures than the text, no mater how moving or interesting the information shared.

Book Review: Stolen Science by Ella Schwartz

Stolen Science by Ella Schwartz is a middle grade non fiction book. Over the centuries, women, people from underrepresented communities, and immigrants overcame prejudices and social obstacles to make remarkable discoveries in science-but they weren't the ones to receive credit in history books. People with more power, money, and prestige were remembered as the inventor of the telephone, the scientists who decoded the structure of DNA, and the doctor who discovered the cause of yellow fever. This book aims to set the record straight and celebrate the nearly forgotten inventors and scientists who shaped our world today.

Stolen Science is an interesting look at how great discoveries, inventions, and innovations have been mis credited over the years, although not always maliciously. I think that this was an engaging and interesting read, and teaches readers more about some individuals that had great impact in a variety of fields, and teaching them a bit about those fields along the way. While it does drive home the point that life is often not fair, and that certain people tend to get credit even though others do the hard work, which is sadly still often the case. The book also points out that hard work, continuing to learn and grow, and perseverance are important factors in the achievements these individuals made. I had read some of the stories previously, but they were well framed and I liked some of the additional details about their lives and families as well as the science or industry most affected by their work.

Dwelling on how those in marginalized groups were, and sadly are, treated in most arenas does not leave me with all that much hope after reading, even though more and more of this sort of information is being  uncovered and shared has shed some light on the issues, but there will always be those looking to benefit from other's hard work and take advantage of those with less social standing in any way they can.  So I left the book feeling more than a little discouraged, mostly because of how some of today's social issues mirror the same pattern of problems. However, perhaps if we keep pointing it out the next generation will make more progress than my generation, and those previous, have this far.  

Early Book Review: Black Hole Chasers: The Amazing True Story of an Astronomical Breakthrough by Anna Crowley Redding

Black Hole Chasers: The Amazing True Story of an Astronomical Breakthrough by Anna Crowley Redding is currently scheduled for release on October 5 2021. In April 2019, the Event Horizon Telescope Team unveiled the first ever image of a super massive black hole. This inspiring scientific breakthrough took years of hard work, innovative thinking, and a level of global cooperation never seen before. The challenge was immense. The goal was impossible. They would need a telescope as big as the earth itself. The technology simply didn’t exist. And yet, a multi-national team of scientists was able to show the world an image of something previously unseeable. Based off extensive research and hours interviews with many of the team's ground-breaking scientist, physicists, and mathematicians, Black Hole Chasers is a story of unique technological innovation and scientific breakthroughs, but more importantly, it's a story of human curiosity and triumph.

Black Hole Chasers is a middle grade non fiction book that is just as interesting an engaging for older readers, including adults, that are interested in the topic. I found the writing to be accessible and interesting, not oversimplified for younger readers nor overly technical. The information was well presented and I found myself intrigued. I enjoyed the asides of additional information and pop culture references, I felt they put things in context and might help the younger readers understand some of these references  that seem to consistently find their way into these discussions. I also like that the author took the time to show how many different people had a hand in the evolution of our understanding of black holes,  and how diverse they and their ideas have been over the years. No one individual, culture, or country can be credited with the discoveries or ingenuity that allowed for us to get an actual image of a black hole- never mind out current understanding of what they are and how they behave.  I liked that the author also included a proper bibliography and endnote citations. This should always be the case in nonfiction, but somehow it is somehow forgotten on occasion so proper citations always make me happy. 

Black Hole Chasers is a great read for anyone interested in black holes, and the scientific journey thus far in understanding, finding, and finally getting an image of one. 

Early Book Review: Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant by Kate Messner

Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant by Kate Messner, with photographs by Jake Messner, is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. Galápagos giant tortoises are fascinating—and endangered. They live only on the Galápagos Islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. These tortoises face threats from the humans who live on—and visit—the islands, as well as from Earth's warming climate. This book takes readers on an a journey to the Galápagos Islands to see these incredible creatures up close and discover how cutting-edge technology is helping scientists to study and protect them.

Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant gives readers a great blend of science fact and personal narrative. Readers get to know a bit about the scientists and volunteers involved in her trip and the greater mission to save these endangered animals. I already knew a good deal of the background- why the animals on the island are so special and in danger, but there were details here that I missed (or forgot) in my previous readings and documentary watching. It was interesting to see the tools and technology that are now available to help the effort and how invested volunteers and researchers are using every idea and tool at their disposal to make a difference. I can think of many middle grade readers- and those both older and younger- that would be invested and engaged in this read. I think seeing what it is like to actually do the hands on work in these efforts will encourage more readers to do what they can now to help, and what s possible for them to do in the future. I also appreciated the source notes, suggestions for further reading, and other information included in the book's endnotes. I think this book is a perfect addition to school collections, libraries, and personal collections. 

Early Book Review: Night Creatures: Animals That Swoop, Crawl, and Creep while You Sleep by Rebecca E. Hirsch, Sonia Possentini

Night Creatures: Animals That Swoop, Crawl, and Creep while You Sleep is a nonfiction picturebook written by Rebecca E. Hirsch and illustrated by Sonia Possentini. It is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. As the sun sets, night creatures awaken. In their rural backyard, a parent and child camp out, watching as fireflies flicker, bats flap, and rabbits race. Atmospheric illustrations bring the nocturnal world to life in this lyrical and informative picture book.

Night Creatures is a beautifully illustrated book that shows young readers the wonder of the creatures that come out at dusk. The illustrations do a great job of showing the real aspects of these animals and insects- showing where they are likely to be and what they might be doing. Similarly the text explains why they are out, and how they go about their hunting or work towards survival. I found the images and the text well matched, and the design of each page complimented both and help the book come together seamlessly. I think this book would be great to share at bedtime, or to share pretty much anytime. 

Early Book Review: Water: A Visual and Scientific History by Jack Challoner

Water: A Visual and Scientific History by Jack Challoner is currently scheduled for release on August 31 2021. The story of the most abundant substance on Earth, from its origins in the birth of stars billions of years ago to its importance in the living world. Water is so ubiquitous in our lives that it is easy to take for granted. The average American uses ninety gallons of water a day; nearly every liquid we encounter is mostly water--milk, for example, is 87 percent water. Clouds and ice--water in other forms--affect our climate. Water is the most abundant substance on Earth, and the third-most abundant molecule in the universe. Water is perhaps the most studied compound in the universe--although mysteries about it remain--and Challoner describes how thinkers from ancient times have approached the subject. He offers a detailed look at the structure and behavior of water molecules, explores the physics of water--explaining, among other things, why ice is slippery--and examines the chemistry of water. He investigates photosynthesis and water's role in evolutionary history, and discusses water and weather, reviewing topics that range from snowflake science to climate change. Finally, he considers the possibility of water beyond our own hydrosphere--on other planets, on the Moon, in interstellar space.



Water: A Visual and Scientific History is a well researched, organized, and written book. It goes into great detail on the different aspects and history of our understanding of water. There were moments that it went a little too technical for my personal tastes, but I think I just was not ready for that level of detail and explanation when I opened the digital galley. I do think that it is very well done, and will appeal to those looking for a in depth look at all things water in our past, present, and future- including things you might not have even considered. 

Early Book Review: Volcano, Where Fire and Water Meet by Mary M. Cerullo

Volcano, Where Fire and Water Meet by Mary M. Cerullo is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on August 1 2021.  Lava shoots in the air, then bubbles down mountains, flattening, burning, and boiling everything in its path. The destructive forces of volcanoes are terrifying and well-known. But what about their other forces? Volcanoes can spur new growth of plants and trees. In the water, they create an environment where coral reefs and sea life can thrive. In fact, the meeting of volcanic fire and ocean water gave way to life on Earth.Stitching science, history, and mythology together, Cerullo explores these explosive wonders of nature and reveals the secrets they’ve been keeping since the beginning of the world.

Volcano, Where Fire and Water Meet is exactly what I expect from nonfiction published by Scholastic. The content is well written and researched It is informative and accessible to a range if readers without feeling too easy or too complicated at any point. The chosen images where a perfect pairing to the text- offering visual interest and detail in the subject matter. Frankly, I went back to look at the images for a second time after I finished my first read, since I found them to be simply fascinating. I really like that there was a glossary, source notes, and bibliography included i the endpages. This always make me happy- not only because it gives readers a chance to further explore the topic, but because it helps them see that these this are necessary when writing books or papers. 

I think this would be a perfect book for readers interested in the subject. It is also a book that would be a valuable resource in classrooms and libraries to aid in lessons on the subject, and to get students engaged and excited about the subject.

Book Review: The Hidden Beauty of the Microscopic World: What the Tiniest Forms of Life can Tell us about Existence and our Place in the Universe by James Weiss

The Hidden Beauty of the Microscopic World: What the Tiniest Forms of Life can Tell us about Existence and our Place in the Universe by James Weiss is a nonfiction book. James Weiss was feeling lost in life when he first discovered his interest in the microscopic world. With his own microscope and a little homespun ingenuity, he began to capture thousands of hours of stunning footage of the creatures that he found around him: the local pond, at the beach, in a puddle. What he found astounded him, and it became his mission to reveal the beauty of the microcosmos to everyone. James presents this beginner's guide to the invisible life that surrounds us. From the most simple single-celled life, to complex micro-animals, James reveals the secrets of a world that we rarely consider. Navigating the births, feasts, tragedies, idiosyncracies and deaths of a cast of tiny characters, learn how these lifeforms work and what lessons they can teach us about our own existence. You'll discover fascinating absurdities: that a cell can be both its own daughter and its own mother. That immortality really does exist, and it comes in the form of a teeny, tentacled medusa. And that seeing the wonder of nature from a new perspective can literally save your life.

The Hidden Beauty of the Microscopic World is an accessible and engaging introduction and explanation of the microscopic world. I thought the balance of personal narrative, scientific explanations, and photographs to be well done.  I thought the technical and scientific explanations were understandable and interesting to read. In fact, it made me a little sad that I did not pursue my interests in this kind of science when I was in school, although my struggles with math holds no small part in that. I appreciated the inclusion of references, resources, and an index in the endpages. Too often on or more of these are skipped for one reason or another. I think young adult and adult readers alike could really enjoy, and get a great deal out of this read. I know that I will be revisiting my galley of this book many times.

Audiobook Review: Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going by Neil deGrasse Tyson, James Trefil, Lauren Fortgang

Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going, written by Neil deGrasse Tyson and James Trefil and narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lauren Fortgang, is a book that takes the idea of the StarTalk podcast and expands on some of the more in depth questions and ideas that just do not fit in the podcast format. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe. This illuminating audiobook takes on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia—How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?—and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire listeners of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

Cosmic Queries is an engaging and enlightening audiobook- and I can only imagine that the addition of photographs and any images in the printed or digital version of the book only increase the level of understanding, engagement, and interest in the reader. The alternating narration was very well done, and I found the inflections and phrasing to be very well done and able to keep me engaged even when the subject matter might have lost me otherwise. The writing was well done- and  I found that for the most part I understood the details and was intrigued by the information shared and questions raise. I will admit that there were a few times that my mind drifted or I was interrupted and when I refocused was completely lost with the topic at hand, but a quick rewind was able to fix that. I am not sure how much I retained- but that is on me and not the reading material. 

I think anyone that enjoys StarTalk and related podcasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the universe and how it all works will enjoy Cosmic Queries as an audiobook or traditional read.