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: 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: 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: Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean's Biggest Secret by Jess Keating

Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean's Biggest Secret by Jess Keating is a nonfiction picturebook currently scheduled for release on June 30 2020. From a young age, Marie Tharp loved watching the world. She loved solving problems. And she loved pushing the limits of what girls and women were expected to do and be. In the mid-twentieth century, women were not welcome in the sciences, but Marie was tenacious. She got a job in a laboratory at Cambridge University, New York. But then she faced another obstacle: women were not allowed on the research ships (they were considered bad luck on boats). So instead, Marie stayed back and dove deep into the data her colleagues recorded. She mapped point after point and slowly revealed a deep rift valley in the ocean floor. At first the scientific community refused to believe her, but her evidence was irrefutable. She proved to the world that her research was correct. The mid-ocean ridge that Marie discovered is the single largest geographic feature on the planet, and she mapped it all from her small, cramped office.

Ocean Speaks is a read that just might inspire a new generation of children to follow the interests or fields of study they love even when society might cause stumbling blocks. Marie Tharp loved the ocean, and want to take part in the study of it. Because of restrictions placed on her due to gender she was relegated to the background, and her results and work with the data were often dismissed or claimed by others for the very same reason. It was a little satisfying to see that her conclusions were proven, after being dismissed for so long. However, it is often also infuriating to read about how people's intelligence and hard work are so often dismissed, stolen, or mocked because of gender or other factors.  I liked learning about Tharp and her work, because much of the information was new to. I also liked the deeper look at her work and the science at the end of the book. 

Ocean Speaks is a well written book that can engage a wide range of readers, and I think it would be an especially good addition to school and classroom libraries for the lower grades. 

Early Book Review: A Rainbow of Rocks by Kate Depalma

A Rainbow of Rocks by Kate Depalma is a children's book currently scheduled for release on May 15 2020. This book offers exactly what the title suggests, a rainbow of rocks from ruby to amethyst and beyond. Close-up photos of real, vibrant rocks and minerals in a rainbow of colors are paired with rhyming text about the many facets of geology. Includes educational notes perfect for STEM learning.

A Rainbow of Rocks is a lovely, rhyming primer covering the basics of geology for young readers. The text is fairly simple, but still imparts some good information to readers of all ages. The images are bold and bright, and worth a look all on their own. I think the combination of the stunning images, with information, and rhyming text will really keep the interest and attention of readers. I really appreciated the addition of additional information at the end of the book, in the form of a Q&A with more complex information for the more interested or advanced readers. 

I think A Rainbow of Rocks is a book that would be a good addition to any library, including school and public collections. 

Early Book Review: Run, Sea Turtle, Run: A Hatchling's Journey by Stephen R. Swinburne, Guillaume Feuillet

Run, Sea Turtle, Run: A Hatchling's Journey, written by Stephen R. Swinburne and with photography from Guillaume Feuillet, is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. Follow a hatchling's treacherous journey from nest to sea in an engaging first-person narrative from the sea turtle's perspective. Photographs by Guillaume Feuillet capture the drama of the hatchlings' race to safety. Back matter includes information on the life cycle of leatherback sea turtles, tips for how readers can assist with sea turtle conservation, and recommended further reading.

Run, Sea Turtle, Run: A Hatchling's Journey is a visually enchanting book. I love the photography, especially some of the pictures of sand covered turtles making their way to the water. The text was simple and accessible. The color choices for page backgrounds and text were nice and made everything pleasing to the eye and easy to read. I really liked that there was backmatter offering further information on the topic and ways families can help, and resources for further reading. My only complaint is that while I know this is a children's book and we do not need to be freaking out young or sensitive readers with turtles dying, something actually acknowledging the dangers turtles face during the trip could have been mentioned. Why would kids reading think turtles need saving if there are no dangers towards them mentioned. Yes, that there are birds and crabs on the beach is mentioned- but no mention as to why that is important. As far as readers of this book know all turtles that hatch make it to the water, which is far from the case. Perhaps this could be used as a discussion starter for adults reading this with their young readers.

Book Review: Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature by Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature by Marcie Flinchum Atkins is a non fiction picturebook. It is full of beautiful photos of animals accompanied by text about dormancy in nature. Featuring creatures like ladybugs, chickadees, squirrels, and even alligators, this book should not put curious kids to sleep!

Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature exceeded my expectation with the images used. The photographs were absolutely wonderful, and worth looking through the book for. I was also very excited by the additional information about types of dormancy, and suggestions for further reading- both with books and online. However, the heart of the book felt flat for me. The images were wonderful, and the placement and varied fonts for the text were very visually engaging. I found the text itself to be a little clunky, not that I expect or want all books for children to rhyme, but there should be a comfortable cadence for reading aloud.  I liked the intent of the book, and think the design was great, but the book just did not match my high expectations.

Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature is visually stunning, and has great endpages information, but did not wow me as a whole.

Book Review: Rattlesnake Rules by Conrad J. Storad, Nathabiel P. Jensen

Rattlesnake Rules by Conrad J. Storad is a children's non fiction picturebook. Rattlesnakes have rules?! If these babies shake their rattles, you had better pay attention! Misunderstood, rattlesnakes have gotten a bad rap over the years.  This book demystifies the world of rattlesnakes and introduces children to such topics as who, when, and what rattlesnakes eat. It shows readers why rattlesnakes have rattles and what it means if you hear one. You will learn how the snakes forked tongues help them survive. The delightful and colorful illustrations of Nathaniel P. Jensen help bring the story alive.

Rattlesnake Rules is a good introduction to rattlesnakes and their behavior. I like that it offers the rules rattlesnakes live by to survive, and the rules people should follow when exploring the outdoors. The illustrations are cute, and I like the realistic colors used in the snakes and the landscapes, but it did not wow me with detail work. The text of the story is told in rhyme, and is easy to understand and remember. My favorite aspect of the book is the additional information and resources included at the end of the book. There are some interesting facts that were new to me, and some activity and craft ideas for caregivers, parents, or teachers to take part in with young readers to get them more engaged and interested in the story and information. 

Rattlesnake Rules was an informative read, and I think it could be very useful in teaching young children how to behave in rattlesnake territory, and to understand rather than fear them. I found the story itself to be alright, but the picturebook portion did not stand out or wow me in any way.

Early Book Review: The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Melina Mangal, Luisa Uribe

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just is a picturebook biography written by Melina Mangal, and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. It is currently Scheduled for release on November 1 2018. Ernest was not like other scientists. He saw the whole, where others saw only parts. And he noticed details others failed to see. Through stunning illustrations and lyrical prose, this picture book presents the life and accomplishments of Ernest Everett Just, an African American biologist who made important discoveries about the cell in the 1930s. Through his careful observations and hard work, Ernest opened up the wonder of the universe to all of us, through a tiny egg cell.

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just is a wonderful picturebook biography about a man that struggled against prejudice and never let anything get in the way of his search to understand the word around him. I like that he is described as an observer, because too many of our budding scientists today are observers as well, and often get hurried along rather than given the time they want to study the details of the world. Just's work and struggles are covered well here in the limits of the picturebook format, and the artwork does a wonderful job of complimenting the text, and the spirit of Just's work. 

I wish I had known more about this scientist and his work before now, and hope that this book will not only inspire young people to study the world around them, but for all readers to take some time and explore his life and work. I know I will be exploring the sources cited and information offered at the end of the book to better understand him, but to take it a step further and look into other scientists that do not get the respect and honor that they deserve. 

Early Book Review: Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones by Sara C. Levine, T.S. Spookytooth

Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones, written by Sara C. Levine and illustrated by T.S. Spookytooth, is currently scheduled for release on January 1 2018. What kind of dinosaur would you be if you had a bony ridge that rose up from the back of your skull and three horns poking up from the front? A triceratops! This lively picture book will keep readers guessing as they find out what how their bones are similar to and different from those of various dinosaur species.

Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones is a wonderful combination of imagination and education. This book not only teaches young readers about the bone structures of people and dinosaurs, it also encourages them to imagine how they might look as a dinosaur and how the similarities and differences make all creatures look. I also like that the human children included in the book are diverse, but not in a way that make the book appear to be trying to be that way.  I like the way questions were posed to the reader, inviting them to consider and imagine before more information is given to them. I like that there is further information, a glossary, and other helpful information included for the most engaged readers at the end of the book. This is a fun and visually attractive book that will capture the attention and interest of readers, and might encourage multiple reads and further research or imaginative play. 

Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones is an entertaining and interesting read. I think this book will be a big hit among dinosaur, nature, and imagination fans for all ages. 

Book Review: A Stick Until by Constance Anderson

A Stick Until by Constance Anderson is a picturebook. A stick is just a stick until an elephant turns it into a flyswatter, an alligator uses it to catch prey, or a child uses a stick as a toy. A simple stick can become a tool or a toy in this enjoyable look at the many uses animals and people can find for sticks. Creative uses of sticks range from chimpanzees catching tasty treats to birds attracting mates. A fun book to read to an inquisitive child or for use in a classroom, A Stick Until shows the wonders of nature and the joys of imagination.

A Stick Until is a beautifully illustrated book with images and information that will capture the imagination of animal lovers of all ages. It teaches children to imagine the different uses for something as simple as a stick. While I wish some stick wielding was done by kids was as harmless as a back scratcher, I like that this book offers some real example of how animals use a stick. I really found the informational part of the book, explaining how and why a large variety of animals can use a simple stick, to be nicely done. The information is well worded and simply put. The information is off to the side, and subtle on most pages, so that if you need to skip on a read you should be able to get away with it, at least until the child figures it out. This is a great read all around. 

Book Review: GOA Kids - Goats of Anarchy: Polly and Her Duck Costume and The Goat with Many Coats: A True Story of a Little Goat Who Found a New Home by Leanne Lauricella

GOA Kids - Goats of Anarchy: Polly and Her Duck Costume: + The True Story of a Little Blind Rescue Goat by Walter Foster Jr Creative Team tells the true story of Polly, a little blind goat who was rescued by Leanne Lauricella, rescuer of farmyard animals and founder of the immensely popular Instagram account The Goats of Anarchy. Polly has some trouble adapting to her new life until her new mom gives her a warm and fuzzy duck costume, which turns out to be the perfect fit! Follow along with Polly as she finds love with her new family, gains confidence, and makes new friends. 

GOA Kids - Goats of Anarchy: The Goat with Many Coats: A True Story of a Little Goat Who Found a New Home by Leanne Lauricella tells the true story of Prospect, a small goat rescued by Leanne Lauricella, the barnyard rescuer behind the hugely popular Instagram account Goats of Anarchy. The perfect tale to inspire and delight animal lovers, The Goat with Many Coats pairs beautiful illustrations and real-life photos of Prospect the goat with a truly heartwarming tale readers of all ages will adore.

These picturebooks tell heartwarming stories from the point of view of the young rescued goats. They are both adorable and heart warming

stories about a rescued goat whose life was made better. I loved the solution of a small, chilly goat being coats and an anxious goat being a duck costume. I had no idea coats (and other accessories) were available for goats, or maybe they ones intended for kids or dogs? In both cases the artwork is very reminiscent of the classic Golden Books that I remember from my childhood, making the read even sweeter. I love the work that Lauricella does to rescue animals, and to both raise awareness and entertain us all with the stories of her rescue adventures.  These are wonderful books for animal lovers in general, animal rescuers, fans of the instagram account, and those that just love books that leave them with the warm fuzzies. 

Book Review: Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids by Kristen Fischer, Susi Schaefer

Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids is a picturebook written by Kristen Fischer and illustrated by Susi Schaefer.  What could be more fun for kids than to hop like a frog, slither like a snake, and roar like a lion--all while learning an empowering, healthy life skill? This book is a pose-along adventure for young children, taking them on an adventure with Lyla as she learns ten yoga poses from her friends at the zoo, receiving helpful tips along the way from each animal she encounters. Rhyming and counting are used to make memorization easier, and fun. 

Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids is a simple and fun introduction to yoga poses for young readers. Those that are interested in yoga, and animals will enjoy the read. I thought it was well done, unfortunately it did not blow mew away as particularly better that the books and videos that I have seen doing similar things- although I found the illustrations charming and  the animal connection one that will speak strongly to some readers. 

Book Review: If You Were the Moon by Laura Purdie Salas, Jaime Kim

If You Were the Moon is a picturebook by Laura Purdie Salas and Jaime Kim. If you were the moon, what would you do? You'd spin like a twilight ballerina and play dodgeball with space rocks! A blend of ideas about what a moon does that is perfect for bedtime reading is paired with information about the real science and facts about the moon.

If You Were the Moon is a lovely book, with illustrations that are detailed and in colors that catch the eye. This book could be approached two ways, and in that way can also grow with your child. On one hand, you could just read the larger print and have a lovely bedtime story, a quick and light read. Thgis text is well shaped for reading aloud, and the illustrations are somehow soothing even with the pops of color and details. The bracketed information offers accessible facts about the moon, that can inspire research or further conversations about science and the moon in particular.  I really liked that there was a glossary and resources for further information and exploration at the end of the book.

I think this book is one that can grow with young readers, can inspire interest and conversations, and will stand up to multiple reads. A win on encouraging science and information seeking, as well as offering a sweetly flowing bedtime story.

Early Book Review: When We Were Alone by David Alexander Robertson, Julie Flett

When We Were Alone is a picturebook written by David Alexander Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett. It is currently scheduled for release on December 31 2016. When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she begins to notice things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long braided hair and wear beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where everything was taken away. 

When We Were Alone is a wonderful look at how much the younger generation can learn about their heritage and the lives of their family by asking questions. I think it is important for us all to understand what our elders and ancestors went through, and how other cultures have faced. this picturebook offers a little of each. Whether your family tree includes Cree (or any other Native American Heritage) or not, it is important to know what they faced, and how any group has been treated in the past or present. Not only does this book offer a lesson on heritage and history, it can also help with empathy and understanding. Perhaps a better understanding of our shared history can help us understand how others feel and prevent similar treatment of groups still or now considered 'other'. I would highly recommend adding this to any library collection. It can start many important conversations that are currently very relevant to the current state of the world and necessary.