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. 

Early Book Review: Space Is Cool as F*ck by Kate Howells

Space Is Cool as F*ck by Kate Howells is an adult nonfiction book. It is currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. From astrophysics to rocket science to the future of space exploration, it explains everything you thought you’d never understand about the universe in plain-old filthy English. We’re talking Big Bang, aliens, black holes, time travel, degenerate astronomers, and all the fundamental things you take for granted until you stop and think (like matter—what is this sh*t, really?). Alongside the knowledge bombs are 100 wild illustrations, photographs, and original artwork from 40 young international artists curated by Brooklyn designer Cynthia Larenas. Space is awesome, space is absolutely bananas, and space is for everyone.

Space Is Cool as F*ck is a guide to the fundamentals of space, and the building blocks of it all, written by and for regular people that just like space and learning a bit about it. If swearing bothers you, and the title was not enough warning for you, than you might want to skip the read. There is swearing on every page, and it reads like a conversation with someone that uses expletives for adjectives and punctuation. Back in my bar band days I have had many an intelligent and/or philosophical discussion- and recently had conversations about the current state of, well everything, with the same tone. So, it does not bother me but I do know it bothers others. I liked the honest, frank, and plain language approach to explaining the fundamentals of physics and space, and while I have read a great deal on the subject, I feel like I was better able to understand and retain the information than I have in more traditional books on the matter. I really enjoyed the read, and felt like I was entertained and educated in equal measure. I think the only thing I would have wanted was a section of suggested resources for further reading, but I always want that so it is not an unexpected gripe from me, and perhaps that is in the finished product.

Space Is Cool as F*ck is a frank and swear filled exploration of space, and the building blocks of our universe.  

Early Book Review: A History of the Undead: Mummies, Vampires and Zombies by Charlotte Booth

A History of the Undead: Mummies, Vampires and Zombies by Charlotte Booth is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on January 31 2021. Are you a fan of the undead? Watch lots of Mummy, zombie and vampire movies and TV shows? Have you ever wondered if they could be 'real'? This book unravels the truth behind these popular reanimated corpses. Starting with the common representations in Western Media through the decades, we go back in time to find the origins of the myths. Using a combination of folklore, religion and archaeological studies we find out the reality behind the walking dead. You may be surprised at what you find.

A History of the Undead is an informative, entertaining, and engaging read. I like that the author acknowledges the amount of information of the subjects in the world, and that they are only tackling a fairly small segment of it. By focusing only on the subject in one part of the world she was able to get a great deal of detail about the undead in Western culture. If they had tried to tackle the whole world this would have had to be a multi-volume set. Although, I would not mind seeing this fleshed out to a more inclusive and expansive series including all cultures. I enjoyed seeing stories I knew from history, and some of the entertainment items I have enjoyed get mentioned. I was sad to see some things I thought would have added to the book left out (particularly a couple zombie books that stood out to me) and mentioning certain movies (like Dark Shadows) without referring to the television series that it was based on. However, I also got a chance to get the names for some books, movies, and games that I have missed over the years and will now get to enjoy. These subjects are vast, and while there where some missing things along the way, and some chooses in wording of information here or there that had me less than thrilled, I think the author did a good job of getting the information compiled in a readable and engaging fashion. The recovered English major that I am, I was thrilled to see proper citing of sources, et all. Way too often I see nonfiction materials for a variety of audiences that fail to do so. 

A History of the Undead is a well written and researched introduction to the evolution of mummies, zombies, and vampires in western cultures, entertainment, and media.

Early Book Review: Living Fossils: Survivors from Earth's Distant Past by Rebecca E. Hirsch

Living Fossils: Survivors from Earth's Distant Past by Rebecca E. Hirsch is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 6 2020. In the history of life on this planet, 99.9 percent of all species have gone extinct. But a few have survived almost unchanged. This book introduces readers to six living fossils, including the chambered nautilus, the horseshoe crab with its sticky blue blood, and venomous platypuses that sting, as well as a comprehensive explanation of evolution and extinction for readers who may not be familiar with the terms yet. Readers will also discover a a spectacular timeline of the history of animal life on Earth. 

Living Fossils is a well organized and clearly written book that uses a blend of accessible text, interesting facts, and intriguing images to capture and keep the attention of readers. I also liked the use of timelines to illustrate the history and evolution of life, and the fact boxes to break up the pages.  The information was very interesting, and while I have done some reading on horseshoe crabs and platupi, some of the animals included I was fairly ignorant about, like the  solenodon. The amount of information included in this book is impressive, especially since it was so readable and accessible to young readers and adults alike.  I was intrigued and plan on following up on the resources suggested in the endpages to learn more.

Book Review: Life Through Time: The 700-Million-Year Story of Life on Earth by John Woodward

 Life Through Time: The 700-Million-Year Story of Life on Earth by John Woodward is a book that uses panoramic images to tell the story of life on Earth, from its earliest origins to the present day. The amazing story of life's evolution begins in vast oceans and swamp forests and is shaken by dramatic extinctions caused by ice, violent volcanic eruptions, and meteor impacts. It explores geological time and the origins of species that still exist today in early fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals. It takes readers up to the appearance of our first human ancestors around 6 million years ago, the evolution of hunter-gathering Homo sapiens in the Ice Age, Stone Age farmers, the earliest civilization in Mesopotamia, the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the natural world, and people living with nature in the modern world.

Life Through Time is a book that makes great use of bold, full page images depicting the development of life on our planet. The images have great detail, and every time I look I see something that I had not noticed before. I thought that the texted was well done, accessible and interesting. The little snippets pulling out images and extra information about specific creatures or features were also very well done. A great deal was covered, but thanks to the artwork the depth of information in those little paragraphs never became overwhelming. I thought the chart at the very end of the book that showed how the planet has shifted and changed just as much as the life that calls it home was a nice addition. A great deal of time was covered in just over thirty pages, I would have loved to see it extend just a bit longer into human civilization. We make up such a short part of this planet's history that one page more would have been enough, but I understand why thy might not have done so. 

Overall, I really enjoyed Life Through Time and think it will appeal to many young readers. It would be well loved in a public, school, or personal library. 

Book Review: Scientists Who Dared to Be Different by Emily Holland

Scientists Who Dared to Be Different by Emily Holland is an illustrated nonfiction book that tells the stories of 16 pioneering figures of strikingly different backgrounds.  People of varied ethnicity, nationality, gender, lifestyle, and wealth. What they all have in common - other than their genius - is their bravery, their resilience, and their ability to think beyond the bounds of established convention. The scientists talked about include Valentina Tereshkova, the extraordinary first woman in space, Marie Sklodowska Curie, the great pioneer of radioactivity, and first person to win two Nobel prizes. Galileo Galilei, the great physicist who bravely stood by his cosmic theories in the face of the Roman Inquisition. Katherine Johnson, the "human computer" who played a key part in NASA's space program and Stephen Hawking, the world-famous physicist who overcame physical paralysis to transform our understanding of black holes.

Scientists Who Dared to Be Different is a well rounded collection of ten to fifteen page biographies of these sixteen scientists. I liked that the scientists chosen were a blend of well known individuals and those that do not receive much recognition. The scientists profiled here also have a good deal of variety. They are from different genders, races, background, and so on. Mental health and society obstacles they faced were touched on, and I think the book does a good job of taking these names (both familiar and not) and making the people real and relatable. While those topics can be hard, the author did a good job of keeping the important aspects of these scientist's lives in the narrative while being completely age appropriate and accessible to young readers. The book can be read as a whole, or by taking it a scientist at a time. The illustrations are crisp and add visual interest to the page. 

I think this would be a great addition to a school or classroom library, or for a child already interested in science or reading biographical material. 

 

Audio Book Review: Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention by Christopher Lloyd

Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention is written and narrated by Christopher Lloyd. Buckle up for an extraordinary ride through the 14-billion year history of absolutely everything! This remarkable story (which is far more amazing than anything you can make up) sweeps through natural history with the creation of planet Earth, the beginning of life, the age of dinosaurs, mass extinctions, and the rise of prehistoric humans. The story then leaps through the ancient civilizations and into medieval times, where wars, revolutions, and scientific inventions reshape the world. Finally, we arrive in the modern age which brings with it new challenges of pollution, climate change, viral pandemics, and much more. How will a world of 8 billion humans survive in the future? 

Absolutely Everything! is fast paced and a fascinating overview of the history and science of our world. LLoyd's narration is very well done. I love audiobooks read by the author, because their excitement about the subject matter often shines through, and that is certainly true in this case. It does not hurt that he just has a wonderful voice, and I think I could listen to Llyod narrate just about anything quite happily.  I found myself stopping the other tasks I was attempting to do while listening, like cleaning or cooking dinner, to give the audio my full attention. It was just such a well done explanation of interesting information- some of which I knew, but most went well beyond what I already understood- and then connected those smaller topics together for a bigger picture.  I was very happy that the chapters were split up the way they were, because that allowed me to investigate and read further on some of the shared information before moving on to the next part. Perfect for car rides, or for inclusion in distance learning or home schooling to help understand the way the world itself was shaped, and the effect we and he rest of the living creatures of the world have on it.

Absolutely Everything! is a wonderful book for all ages. It gives a nice broad understanding of the world and Lloyd's narration is engaging and animated. 

Early Book Review: The Great Bear Rescue: Saving the Gobi Bears by Sandra Markle

The Great Bear Rescue: Saving the Gobi Bears by Sandra Markle is the latest in a series of books about threatened and endangered animals. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2020.  This book offers readers a fascinating look at Gobi bears—the rarest bears on the planet. These adorable animals face threats ranging from illegal gold miners to climate change. Find out more about these bears, which are considered a national treasure in Mongolia, and learn what scientists are doing to help this critically endangered species.

The Great Bear Rescue takes a look at the critically endangered Gobi Bear. Part of what makes them so special is what has made them so endangered. These bears have evolved to survive in a very specialized habitat- the Gobi desert in Mongolia. Since this is a desert, and they have to compete with other animals for food and water even under the best conditions, the added challenges of climate change and those seeking gold have caused their numbers serious harm. I was very interested to learn about the traits these brown bears share with grizzlies, and how they are very different. As usual, Markle does a good job of making the information accessible and interesting. The included images are very much a part of the narrative, and ad a great deal of visual interest. She also ties in the challenges faced by Polar Bears and includes a timeline and valuable backmatter for those interested in further research or checking out some of her source material.

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. 

Book Review: Foil Pack Dinners: 100 Delicious, Quick-Prep Recipes for the Grill and Oven by Julia Rutland

Foil Pack Dinners: 100 Delicious, Quick-Prep Recipes for the Grill and Oven by Julia Rutland offers readers a variety of meals with less than an hour of cooking time. Steaming food in packets has been a tried and tested method of cooking that the French and Italians have used for generations. Perfect for grilling, campfire cooking, or making a quick meal in the oven, there’s absolutely no other cooking method out there that’s as fast, fun, mess-free, and versatile as foil packs. Recipes include Chicken Cordon Bleu, Pepperoni Cheese Bread, Louisiana-Style BBQ Shrimp, Black Bean Enchiladas, and Summer Squash Spirals with Ricotta and Basil. With recipes for both carnivores and vegetarians alike, this book includes a little something for everyone.

Foil Pack Dinners is a book that grabbed my attention easily. We have all been cooking more at home, and now that we are in the heat of summer using the grill or quick and easy options are priority. Getting to try something new and different, that I can still tailor to my family's taste is great too. I like that the author gave more detail about the different kinds of foil, and the logistics of folding, moving, and cooking in foil packets before getting to the recipes. I thought I would already know the majority of it, but I learned a great deal and it helped me have a much more enjoyable and successful experience when I started doing this more often. I found the recipes themselves to be very clear and easy to follow, and nicely varied and with plenty of room for personalization. There is a great deal of fresh produce and various spices used- so as always read through the recipes first to make sure you have all the called for ingredients- or something you would like to substitute. I am still finding random things missing from store shelves, so planning ahead and with specific recipes or possibilities in mind is important. I thought the recipes were well organized. I like that the metric conversion charts were included at the end of the book, and thought that the images used nicely represented the food described. 

Foil Pack Dinners is a well written and organized cookbook. I recommend giving it a look, but think that for myself it would be a library borrow rather than a purchase since I have no cookbook shelving space left.

Early Book Review: Builders by Reina Ollivier, Karel Claes, Steffie Padmos

Builders, written by Reina Ollivier and Karel Claes and illustrated by Steffie Padmos, is currently scheduled for release on August 11 2020. Just like people, animals need a place to live. The nine animals in this book are very talented builders and make their own homes. Readers can learn about the amazing beaver, cross spider, sociable weaver, termite, stork, meerkat, honeybee, Japanese puffer fish, and mole.

Builders is a well written book that clearly explains the basic information these nine animals and their homes. It does not go into great depth of detail, but gives enough information to give readers a good understanding of the animals. I really enjoyed the illustrations. I thought they were done with great skill, and offered details and visual interest to the read. This book offers readers exactly what it promises and just might trigger greater interest and curiosity in readers, inspiring them to research and read further on their own. 

Book Review: Easy Frugal Cookbook: 100 Satisfying Recipes That Won't Break the Bank by Sarah Walker Caron

Easy Frugal Cookbook: 100 Satisfying Recipes That Won't Break the Bank by Sarah Walker Caron aims to give readers the ability to make hearty meals that are tasty, budget-friendly, and nutritious. Recipes include dishes like Crispy Coconut Drumsticks or Open-Face Turkey Sandwiches for everyone in the house for just $5. All it takes is the right recipe, a few tricks, and a little planning to make the most of your food budget. The cookbook offers budget tricks and tips to lower the cost of ingredients even further.

Easy Frugal Cookbook is a book that offered something very much needed, ideas for keeping your family fed for less money than you might expect. The recipes are easy to follow, practical, and include ingredients that are common and generally easy to get. I did find it to be very simple, and as someone that grew up in a very frugal home as a child and still of the same mentality, a little condescending. However, that could just be because of my mindset when reading and the fact that very little of the book was new to me. I think this book would be most helpful for readers that are just getting started in their adult lives, or those that have never really thought about cooking or a budget before. Some of the recipes gave me ideas, but for me including recipes like scrambled eggs, sandwiches, and wraps was a bit basic- although I know there people that need instruction for the things I no longer need to think about.

Easy Frugal Cookbook is a cookbook for those just starting out cooking and thinking about budgeting. This might be a good gift to those striking out as lone adults for the first time or adding members to their household and needing to readjust the budget.

Early Book Review: Horses by Paula Hammond

Horses by Paula Hammond is currently scheduled for release on August 14 2020. From the Azteca to the Appaloosa, Choctaw to the Palomina, Brumbys in Australia to the Mongolian, from rare breeds such as the Polish Konik to the semi-feral Pyrenean Pottok, Horses celebrates a wide variety of breeds from all around the world. Ranging from dressage to police horses, from racing horses to rodeo and polo, the book looks at the anatomy and life-cycle of foals and yearlings, colts and fillies, stallions, mares and geldings around the globe. It includes draft horses and warmbloods, light horses and thoroughbreds, gaited horses, ponies and breeds that have become feral. Each photograph is accompanied by a caption with fascinating information about the characteristics of each breed. Illustrated with 200 outstanding color photographs, Horses is an exquisitely produced work packed with lively information about this beloved animal.

Horses is a lovely collection of photographs. Horses are majestic on any given day, even when they are being stubborn or silly. This book does a great job of capturing the wonder of horses, using a wide variety of breeds and landscapes. It was nice to browse through the pages, simply enjoying the images. It was also nice to go through the book in a slower, more thoughtful manner, to read the information offered on horses. I think the text was well written and interesting, but as expected it was the photographs that really captured my attention and kept it as I looked through the book. I think horse lovers, and animal lovers in general, will enjoy the book and find a place for it in their collection.

Book Review: Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth by Ashley Hall

Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth by Ashley Hall is filled with photographs and facts for junior fossil hunters ages 5 to 9. It includes how fossils form, where they are found, and tips on how to identify them. Start by learning more about some of your favorite dinosaurs—from Velociraptor to Tyrannosaurus rex—and where you can see the coolest dinosaur skeletons. Then discover the creatures that predate even the dinosaurs! You’ll meet famous birds, like the Archaeopteryx, explore tiny invertebrate trilobites, and learn which ancient plant is the source of a delicious drink—root beer!  Readers won’t just be learning about dinosaurs; this book covers mammals, other reptiles, and plant fossils. 

Fossils for Kids is a solid and well organized book that gives a summary of fossil study and finding for young readers. The information is accessible and covers a broad range of information that is valuable to readers just getting started on the topic. The pictures, illustrations, and occasional fact box and sidebar were well placed and added value while keeping the book from becoming too text heavy. I though the book as a whole is a great starting point for readers that are intrigued by fossil hunting, and want to know more about the process both so they can get started and so they can know what the professionals are doing in the field. However, I think that readers that have been interested in the subject for awhile and maybe already read other books on the topic might find it less valuable than those just getting started. 

Fossils for Kids is a good introduction to fossils and related fields for young readers.

Early Book Review: Clever Creatures: How Animals and Plants Use Science to Survive by Steve Mould

Clever Creatures: How Animals and Plants Use Science to Survive by Steve Mould is currently scheduled for release on June 23 2020. Meet amazing engineers, such as the spiders who build immense webs stretching over rivers, and funky physicists, like the geckos that can walk upside down on ceilings. Observe crazy chemists, including the sea snail that squirts a sleep-inducing liquid at passing fish, and magnificent mathematicians, like the Venus flytrap that counts to five before consuming its prey! Clever Creatures is an exciting introduction to some of nature's smartest animals and plants. It's filled with spectacular photographs of the weird, obscure and downright disgusting and the science behind each genius adaptation is explained clearly.

Clever Creatures is a well organized and formatted book that introduces the unique abilities and survival strategies of plants and animals in terms of the scientific fields of people. Each page has bold colors, combining clever illustrations, photographs, and text that explains how a variety of living creatures use physics, chemistry, and other tools that can fit into the scientific classifications we use. I thought the set up by scientific category was a little contrived and a bit unnecessary- these creatures have amazing abilities that are pure nature and instinct. I think people go a little too far trying to fit things into neat little boxes rather than simply enjoying the complexity and unique nature of the world. However, it did work and the information and layout used was all very interesting. Much of the information was things that I have heard or read before, because these types of skill and abilities are what fascinates me about nature, but I did still learn a few things and enjoyed the book.

I think Clever Creatures will be a winner with many readers that enjoy nature and science. 

Early Book Review: New World Sourdough: Artisan Techniques for Creative Homemade Fermented Breads; With Recipes for Birote, Bagels, Pan de Coco, Beignets, and More by Bryan Ford

New World Sourdough: Artisan Techniques for Creative Homemade Fermented Breads; With Recipes for Birote, Bagels, Pan de Coco, Beignets, and More by Bryan Ford is currently scheduled for release on June 16 2020. Learn how to make a sourdough starter, basic breads, as well as other innovative baked goods from start to finish with Instagram star Bryan Ford's (@artisanbryan) nontraditional approach to home baking. With less emphasis on perfecting crumb structure or obsessive temperature monitoring, Ford focuses on the tips and techniques he's developed in his own practice, inspired by his Honduran roots and New Orleans upbringing, to ensure your success and a good return on your time and effort. Ford's recipes include step-by-step instructions and photographs of all of the mixing, shaping, and baking techniques you'll need to know, with special attention paid to developing flavor as well as your own instincts.

New World Sourdough offers readers exactly what the title promises, an accessible guide to sourdough and recipes to use the starter. The descriptions and instructions are well written and easy to follow, and the photographs of the dough and finished product are very well done. I am still not a fan of the ingredients list being off to the side rather than at the top of the recipe, but it worked better for me here than it has in other cookbooks. I like the approachable style of this book, and it has made me a little more comfortable with my attempts at sourdough, which was feeling a bit too much work after some less than successful attempts while home  maintaining social distance from the rest of the world. There are a few recipe that on my list of things to try out soon, and we will see if they turn out nearly as well as I hope.

Early Book Review: Follow Those Zebras: Solving a Migration Mystery by Sandra Markle

Follow Those Zebras: Solving a Migration Mystery by Sandra Markle is currently scheduled for release on April 7 2020. Every year in Namibia, about two thousand zebras suddenly disappear from their grazing area along the Chobe River. Months later, the herd returns. Where do they go? And why? Thanks to satellite-tracking collars, scientists were able to solve the mystery, but several questions remain. Award-winning science author Sandra Markle reveals the process scientists used to study the zebras, and she also delves into the science of migration, exploring how animals know where to go, how to get there, and when to leave.

Follow Those Zebras is well written and researched. I liked that the photographs, maps, and small bubbles of additional facts broke up the pages, putting the information in accessible blocks for younger or more distractible readers. I still find it fascinating that no one knew were the herd was going, you would think that many zebra moving year after year would have garnered more attention then people just wondering where they went. With the way people have taken over so much land I would have thought someone would have tracked their movements by now. I loved learning about the methodology of how they managed to track the zebras and what they learned. I also really liked that the scientists did not stop there, having their initial questions answered. Instead they looked further to see the whys behind the migration, and how people and climate change could impact the future of the zebras, and are working to help them survive in a changing environment. I thought that the additional zebra facts, references, resources for further reading, and glossary are important touches as well, and always make my day when they are included.

Follow Those Zebras is another fascinated nonfiction book about animals from Markle. It would be a great addition to school and classroom libraries.

Early Book Review: The Surprising Lives of Animals: How They Can Laugh, Play and Misbehave! by Anna Claybourne

The Surprising Lives of Animals: How They Can Laugh, Play and Misbehave! by Anna Claybourne is a non fiction children's book currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020. Did you know that some animals giggle and play just like us? Or that certain animals build their homes, stockpile their food, and use tools? In this book you’ll learn about the things that humans and animals have in common. From team work, exercise, and self-care to dancing and getting into trouble, you’ll discover that, actually, animals are a lot like you! Visiting underground burrows and grassy savannas, watery realms, and towering tree tops, this book will take you around the world on a journey of discovery. Meet the monkeys who love to take baths, or the penguins who toboggan for fun. Hear the stories of escaping honey badgers, sneaky spiders, and clever crows. Or find out if animals can really talk. You’ll see plenty of Earth’s creatures, from creepy crawlies to mega mammals, and you’ll learn about their lives, habitats, characteristics, and behaviors–and uncover what makes each of them so surprisingly similar to us humans. Look out for ‘Scientist Spotlight’ boxes too, to learn about some important scientists and conservationists, such as Sir David Attenborough and Dame Jane Goodall.

The Surprising Lives of Animals is a wonderful nonfiction book that shows just how smart, and like people, animals can be in their lives. There was a good deal of information that was new to me, and I like that it was organized by type of behavior rather than animal,  which I felt shows just how universal emotion and some behaviors really are. I found the wide variety of animals, and the variety of climates and locations that they are found, further showed the universal nature I was talking about. I found the information about the animals, their behavior, and the spotlights on scientists that work in the field to all be well written and engaging. I think that the illustrations are well done and add both further details and interest to each page. I found myself studying some of the images for details referred to in the nearby text or just enjoying the skill that went into them. I also like that they took the time to include a glossary and resources for further reading. I can think of many readers, children and adults, that would enjoy this read.

The Surprising Lives of Animals is a wonderful look at just how much the behavior of animals mirrors human behavior. It teaches a great deal about the animals and the behaviors covered, and could be a good tool to encourage empathy and care for all creatures. 

Book Review: The Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks by Sandra Markle

The Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks by Sandra Markle is the story of whale sharks—the largest fish on the planet. Facing threats from commercial fishing as well as climate change, they were categorized as endangered in 2016. Find out how scientists are working to study and protect these gentle giants of the ocean.

The Great Shark Rescue is another great book about animal mysteries by Markle. I enjoyed learning about the whale shark, and found it sad but interesting to learn about the danger they are in. There are still so many unanswered questions, but I am glad to know there are dedicated scientists using a variety of tools and technology to learn more and make a difference.The photographs and maps really brought the facts to life, and made the book come together. I like that Markle took the time to mention great white sharks and the sheer number of vulnerable or endangered species of sharks. The timeline, glossary, source notes, and recommendations for further reading make me happy (as always). Properly citing sources and encouraging further learning and reading are so important, and I find them sadly lacking in other children's nonfiction sometimes.

The Great Shark Rescue is an interesting and engaging read for children and adults interested in sharks, endangered animals, animal research, and related topics. Maybe it will inspire some more animal activists and/or researchers. It would be a great addition to school and public libraries. 

Book Review: Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-Friendly Household by Christine Liu

Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-Friendly Household by Christine Liu is a guidebook to maintaining a more environmentally friendly household. Sustainable lifestyle blogger and professional Christine Liu takes you on a tour through the rooms of your home – the living area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom – offering tips, tricks and 18 step-by-step projects designed to help you lead a more low-impact lifestyle. Whether it is by making your own toothpaste, converting to renewable energy sources, reducing your consumption of plastic, growing your own herb garden or upcycling old pieces of furniture, there are numerous ways – both big and small – to make a difference. The desire to make small changes on an individual level is on the rise; this book will guide anyone hoping to make a difference, but who perhaps don’t know where to begin.

Sustainable Home was a mixed bag for me. Decluttering and trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle are things that I think anyone picking up this book already knows about, but they are necessary reminders and suggestions. I liked the suggestions about how to find items that have been made sustainably and by companies that are working to minimize their carbon footprint, and that of their product. The growing your own food, and increasing the amount of plant based food was good. I like that while the suggestions do offer some big options, it also mentions small things that people could do regardless of kitchen size and the possible lack of time or a yard that would be required for significant gardening. The ideas, instructions, and recipes for making things for yourself rather than buying them are good, and some I might even try. 

However, some of the suggestions are completely impossible for people depending on where they live. While some libraries and organizations are getting tool libraries, repair and make it spaces, and what not set up and available to the public. These tend to be in places where to local government has enough money to fund them and might not accessible to those with limited transportation options and resources, or those working many hours or multiple jobs to make ends meet which might make it next to impossible to make use of local options. Many of these kind of suggestions will only work for those privileged enough to have access to them, or the time to research options or make a special trip. 

This book has good information and suggestions in it. However, I feel like it is for people with a little too much time and money on their hands rather than the average person or household. I feel like there are good intentions here, but a lack of understanding of what life is like beneath a certain income bracket, or in areas without the resources so casually mentioned in the book.