Book Review: A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea by Michelle Cusolito

A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea by Michelle Cusolito is a children's nonfiction book that offers readers a front-row seat to cutting-edge ocean twilight zone technology. Join scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and international partner organizations on a research trip to study the ocean twilight zone using the newest technologies. From moving onto the ship and unpacking equipment to facing massive storms while in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this book details the fascinating equipment used to study the deep ocean as well as day-to-day details such as what you eat on a Spanish research ship. Meet people and animals and learn more at sea than you ever imagined!

A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone is a detailed description of one scientific expedition. I learned a great deal about some of the scientific tools and equipment that were being used, and the way carbon behaves in the ocean. I think science and technical minded readers will get the most out of this, as it does get very in depth (ha!) at times and younger or less interested readers might lose interest. I like that the book detailed the experiments and efforts to get data that can be correlated and studied as well as the very hard work that is involved in making something like this happen. The interpersonal relations, and how important each and every person was to making the research trip safe and successful- regardless of what their title was. I really appreciated the detailed information on where interested readers can find more information about this trip, the research it is a part of, and the field in general. I thought it was a great way to encourage readers to take things to the next level. I also appreciated the encouragement that anyone with curiosity can be a scientist. It is not straight A's, but the effort and interest that make a scientist.

 

Book Review: The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves by Jennifer Swanson

The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves by Jennifer Swanson is a nonfiction book for children. After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found the remains of a forest deep beneath the waves. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Acclaimed science writer Jennifer Swanson brings readers along with a group of scientists as they work to explore and map the site, collect samples of cypress wood, and learn about the marine creatures that live here—namely, shipworms. Page Plus links lead to videos of the scientists at work.

The Lost Forest is an intriguing read and it was very informative. I like that the book detailed the scientific process, as well as the human experience and curiosity, which gives readers a solid understanding of why people are driving to take part in these expeditions and this kind of research. I learned a great deal about the processes involved, as well as things I never knew existed like the shipworms that can help scientists uncover information and questions that I never would have thought to ask. I also liked that the book included QR codes so that interested readers could more closely explore what it might have been like to be there on the expedition. I think this will appeal to many readers and could be a great start on a school project or setting up the fascination on some aspect of the science for someone's future course of study and career. 

Early Book Review: Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange

Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange is a guide to Lange’s approach to life as well as the highlights of his career. It is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. This optical and optimistic book captures his curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for people and photography. It also distills wisdom gleaned from a lifelong search for quotidian beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through intimate stories and more than eighty photos, Picturing Joy invites readers to appreciate life with all their senses and to change their perspective by being open to new things.

Picturing Joy is a lovely coffee table book that offers stories and photographs from Lange's career and life. Some of the people he has had the opportunity to work with, and the amazing shots he has taken are wonderful to read about and enjoy. I was glad that he included stories for the celebrates that he did, but that he also included 'normal' folks and lesser known individuals in the book. I love that he also included information on why and how he does this job, and offers encouragement and tips for others to follow their own path. I think aspiring photographers, and those just starting out or interested in the field will get the most out of this book. 

Early Book Review: Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 29 2023. It was supposed to just be a normal basement—some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they've moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he's never seen before. Turns out that the basement of his house is enormous. In fact, there is a whole world down there. As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom...and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.

Things in the Basement is a beautifully drawn graphic novel and imaginative story that kept me guessing what twist might happen next. I loved the idea of Milo exploring his new home, and a mission from his mom made it even more engaging. It took me awhile to get into the swing of the amount of imagination explored here- because the adventure starts of with things that totally could be real. I loved how things slowly got stranger and more intense. Milo's journey covers the idea of courage and bravery, but also friendship and kindness. Hatke and his art style just added extra layers of goodness to this book and I think it will become another favorite for fans of the author. 

Things in the Basement is a wonderful graphic novel that will spark the imagination of many, and make some readers remember days when we more easily explored like Milo. 

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: 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. 

Book Review: Hidden Places: From Secret Shores to Sacred Shrines by Claudia Martin

Hidden Places: From Secret Shores to Sacred Shrines by Claudia Martin roams across the globe in search of hidden treasures and secret places off the beaten track. Explore the Silfra Deep Trench in Iceland, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet to create a remarkable rift and freshwater dive site; experience the weirdest of woodland walks through the Crooked Forest in Pomerania, Poland, where a grove of 400 pines are uniformly curved; marvel at the colorful, gold-plated temple of Doi Suthep in northern Thailand; or visit the world’s highest sand dune, Grande Dune du Pilat, on the Bordeaux coast. Each location is accompanied by a caption explaining the geography and history of the place. Illustrated with 180 color photographs, Hidden Places ranges from the sparse landscape of the Arctic Circle to the rich rainforests of the Amazon basin. Read this book and discover the special, hidden places that will come to define your bucket list – many of which are much closer to home than you think.

Hidden Places was a wonderful book to look through and enjoy. As someone that has travelled little, but often thinks about going to the less travelled places in the world, I really enjoyed getting a good look at the quiet places that I am likely never going to see. The photographs are wonderful, and for the most part show locations with few to zero people taking advantage of the locations (just how I'd like to see them). I liked the variety of locations and climates included. There were snow and ice covered locations, lush forests, deserts, as well as man made or altered locations from all over the world. The colors in each image are so vibrant and perfect that it feels almost like you are looking out a window rather than at a picture on a screen, or page in the case of a print version. Some of the colors and wonders included looked so perfect that I was squinted to make sure the image really was a photograph rather than a painting since they looked so fantastic.   I think this book offers readers exactly what they will be hoping for by the title and cover, weather they are regular travelers or those that prefer staying home and enjoying from afar. 

Early Book Review: Secrets of the Lost City: A Scientific Adventure in the Honduran Rain Forest by Sandra Markle

Secrets of the Lost City: A Scientific Adventure in the Honduran Rain Forest by Sandra Markle is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on September 6 2022. Join a scientific expedition to a remote area of the Honduran rainforest, suspected to be the ruins of the Lost City of the Monkey God. The team of scientists had only ten days to hike into the dense jungle, likely unvisited by humans in the past 500 years, and locate the archaeological site. In addition to searching for and finding incredible artifacts, scientists also uncovered an amazing, diverse ecosystem flourishing due to the lack of human influences. They recorded hundreds of different kinds of animals, including some new species as well as animals listed as endangered or previously believed to be extinct. Award-winning author Sandra Markle incorporates interviews and information from key scientists who took part in this ten-day expedition, showing how their discoveries led to new protections for this incredible place.

Secrets of the Lost City is a fascinating read about scientist looking to solve several mysteries together. Not only were they looking to find archeological proof of the Lost City, but they combined talents and resources to study the state of the environment and the living things in the area. I love that the book gives hints at how much planning and hard work goes into just getting the permission of governments and important organizations just to get into some areas of the world, and then there are the challenges of the location and safety and health challenges that might come with the search for more knowledge and understanding.  I enjoyed getting to see the pictures of the discoveries that were made, both archeological and biological, and thought that the text and photographs were combined well to keep and hold the attention of readers without overwhelming them. I was glad to see the glossary, sources cited, and suggestions for further reading. I hope the book and that list will inspire many readers to further explore the subject, and perhaps become scientists themselves in the future. 

Secrets of the Lost City is yet another wonderful scientific nonfiction book for children.

Book Review: NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet by Piers Bizony

NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet by Piers Bizony is full of NASA photography. The large-format book (12 × 12 inches) examines everything from the first tentative steps toward the fourth planet to the 2021 landing of rover Perseverance and beyond. Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, but perhaps the achievement which has most piqued a sense of possibility has been the exploration of Mars. Beginning with Soviet and American flybys in the early 1960s that were part and parcel of the Space Race, acclaimed space historian Piers Bizony continues through complete coverage of the Viking 1 and 2 missions of 1975–1976. Bizony also traces NASA’s acclaimed rover program, describing the development, technologies, mission histories, and achievements of the rovers Sojourner, Opportunity, Spirit, and Curiosity—all on the 25th anniversary of their first landing. While the billions of dollars and ingenious innovations have allowed us incredible views from more than 51 million miles away, no less incredible are the insights these missions, hardware, and scientists have provided into our universe—and our own planet. 

NASA Missions to Mars is an informative and visually stunning book with images from NASA cameras, works of science fiction, and more. I thought that the text was engaging and did a good  job of chronicling the journey to Mars. As one might expect, the information is very much centered on the U.S. efforts and projects on this front, so readers go into the read with that understanding. I think this book hits a nice balance for readers. There is a great deal to learn, enjoy, and simply marvel at here with neither getting too technical for us less technically inclined readers but not so fluffy and light that it falls short of what dedicated space fans will be hoping for. Less dedicated readers can be more that satisfied with the variety of images and their brief captions through out the book if they do not feel compelled to read the informative text. I liked the complete index and the chart of Mars missions by date, but would have liked to see some suggested reading or websites for further information included in the endpages as well. I think this book will be a well loved addition to public libraries, and the personal libraries of space enthusiasts. 

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: The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space by DK Children

 

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the Best-Kept Secrets of Space is from the publishing team at DK Children.From planets and asteroids to black holes and galaxies, every page will captivate young readers as they journey through the vastness of space. Each celestial body is shown both photographically and illustrated, and children will love poring over the detailed close-up images. Engaging storybook-style descriptions of each object allow readers to delve into myths, legends, trivia, and key discoveries about the solar system and beyond. Wonder at the rocky rings around Saturn, discover the tale behind the constellation Centaurus, and gaze at the fountains gushing from Jupiter's moon Enceladus. With reference pages packed with fascinating information, you'll go away knowing something you didn't before, and you'll return time and again.

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the Best-Kept Secrets of Space is an accessible and interesting read. The information is organized well, with single page-spread layouts for each concept explained. The images are splendid; they are bold, bright, and offer visual interest and further insight on almost every page. I thought that the information included as well chosen, and understandable for a wide range of ages. I really enjoyed the details that were included, and the I enjoyed looking at each page, taking my time to enjoy the image details paired with the text. The visual guides in the endpages made me particularly happy, offering further information in a way that inspires rather than boring younger readers. I think this text could become a well loved volume in a home library, or a much view part of a public, school, or classroom library collection.

Early Book Review: When Darwin Sailed the Sea: Uncover how Darwin's Revolutionary Ideas Helped Change the World by David Long, Sam Kalda

When Darwin Sailed the Sea: Uncover how Darwin's Revolutionary Ideas Helped Change the World, written by David Long and illustrated by Sam Kalda, is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2020. At the age of 22 Charles Darwin clambered up the steps of HMS Beagle, armed with enough notepads to last him for several years and set sail on a journey of exploration that would change his life and how we view the entire world forever. This book tells the story of Charles Darwin, and shows how his revolutionary research changed the world forever. From his fascination with the natural world which began at an early age, his love of collecting new specimens and keen eye for observation, to his groundbreaking theory of evolution, uncover the incredible life of Charles Darwin with this illustrated, narrative non-fiction book. 

When Darwin Sailed the Sea is a book that offers readers a look at Darwin as a person and a scientist. The book does a good job of explaining his interests, determination, and how he collaborated with a variety of people. The information was accessible and interesting.I found the accompanying artwork to be lovely to look at while also adding meaning and detail to the text as appropriate. I learned quite a bit about Darwin, and liked the narrative tone that I think works very well in this format. I will admit that I was not expecting it to be as text heavy as it was, but the style and substance balanced that out. I am hoping some young people reading this will see how hard Darwin worked to follow his interests and be inspired. I really liked the timeline, further information on the people Darwin worked with, and additional information included in the endpages. Good use of this section always makes me happy- and this book delivered. 

When Darwin Sailed the Sea would be a great addition to school, classroom, and public libraries. Some readers will want it for their personal collections as well. 

Early Book Review: The Incredible Yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt: The Greatest Inventor-Naturalist-Scientist-Explorer Who Ever Lived by Volker Mehnert, Claudia Lieb

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt: The Greatest Inventor-Naturalist-Scientist-Explorer Who Ever Lived is an biography for children written by Volker Mehnert and illustrated by Claudia Lieb. Explorer. Scientist. Polymath. Hero. In his day, Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859) was among the most renowned scholars of the Enlightenment. He led pioneering expeditions in Central and South America (including the Amazon rainforest) as well as in Siberia, and he arguably founded the natural sciences as we know them. Charles Darwin called Humboldt “the greatest scientific traveler who ever lived,” and credited him with inspiring the journey that resulted in On the Origin of Species. And yet, in history books, Humboldt has been eclipsed by his intellectual heirs and admirers—such as Darwin himself, John Muir, and Henry David Thoreau—until now.

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt is a well written and researched book about an explorer and inventor that took part in many amazing expeditions and had a great impact on science. I like that it the story began with Humbolt being intelligent but distract able and frustrating his tutor. I think that could inspire readers with similar challenges academically to find their niche and work hard. Although I did find myself siding with his family a little as he quit his job and started exploring the world. It must be nice to do what ever you want with no obligations or money concerns, but I digress.I was glad to learn about his work, and thought the writing was easy to follow and accessible to middle grade readers. I liked the illustrated pages, and think the artwork added a great deal to the finished product. As a whole,  it was a little dry at times and while I can admire the work he did, and the fact that it was not easy all the time, I cannot help but think about how many others with the same interests and intelligence  could have done alongside, before, or after to further science if they only had the same opportunities.

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt is an interesting and informative look at one inquisitive man's life. I like that it showed some of the challenges that he faced in his efforts to research and explore, but that the privilege of bring a rich man allowed him the opportunities that others with similar interests would not have had. 

Book Review: Storytime Astromouse by Steve Smallman

Storytime Astromouse is a picturebook by Steve Smallman. When Pip the mouse learns that the moon is made of stinky cheese, he has a big idea – he's going to be an Astromouse! Pip makes himself a rocket out of an old funnel and some cardboard, and prepares for take-off. But blasting to the moon is harder than he thought and things don't go quite to plan. On his way home Pip sees a huge reflection of the moon in a pond. The moon has come to him! As he reaches down to break off a piece of stinky cheese, the eyes of a large frog appear and a frightened Pip runs all the way back home. He decides the moon is far to scary for a mouse, and he'd much rather live with his mom instead.

Storytime Astromouse is a sweet picturebook about a mouse wanting to get to the moon, because his mother tells him its made of cheese. He tries a variety of approaches until he discovers the reflection of the moon in a pond, and does not like what he finds. The illustrations are cute, and do a good job of expanding on the story. I would have liked it more if it had not started with the myth about the moon being cheese- but rather the mouse wanted to go to the moon to explore instead of eat. Some science or at least hints of it would have been a nice addition. But, I did like that there is are endpapers to guide a parent or teacher to further discussion.