One of the aspects of this picture book biography that I most appreciate is how the author not only describes Junko Tabei's formative years and her clOne of the aspects of this picture book biography that I most appreciate is how the author not only describes Junko Tabei's formative years and her climb to the top of Mount Everest, but how she highlights her efforts to clean up and protect the area in the years afterward, something that it seems other climbers had not been as concerned about. The story is inspiring since she had to deal with sexist attitudes toward women climbers and form her own expedition, eventually becoming the first woman to summit Everest, a feat only a handful of individuals had accomplished at that time (1975). The text is rich with culturally specific terms related to Nepal as well as to mountain climbing; for instance, these: "egg-scented air," "a slope bristling with boulders," "air thick as a mug of butter tea," and "the jangle of yak bells and the grunt of voices," among others. All of these descriptions take readers along Tabei's journey. And the artwork! Oh, my! Rendered with a Japanese calligraphy brush and black India ink and then colored digitally, the illustrations are breathtaking, layered, and as complex as the book's subject. The opening double-page spread, for instance, show Junko's head filled with images of mountain peaks as pink sakura blossoms float around her. The next double-page spread is just as interesting, depicting the ten-year-old girl and her classmates climbing a mountain, one much smaller than Everest. Later, when she and her all-women team are in Nepal, the double-page spread is crowded with the faces of her Nepali supporters, almost overwhelming her with kindness. Two pages later, the illustrator carefully uses white space as the team heads upward, snow almost obliterating them and their path, marked by a vivid red rope. The courage and determination to keep climbing against adverse weather conditions and to push for change in how others treated the mountain serve as great reminders and sources of information for youngsters today. Tabei's step-by-step approach to life and mountain climbing and the entreaty to go "Up, up, and ever up!" (unpaged) are great pieces of advice to the rest of us. Having adored the illustrator's work in The Cat Man of Aleppo, I'm pleased to see that this illustrator continues to adorn children's books with her beautiful, precise work. It's clear that she immerses herself in her projects. The 2025 Caldecott Honor was well deserved. ...more
I continue to enjoy this series featuring an irrepressible protagonist in third grader Bibsy Cross. As fans of the series know, Bibsy is quite curiousI continue to enjoy this series featuring an irrepressible protagonist in third grader Bibsy Cross. As fans of the series know, Bibsy is quite curious and constantly asks questions in her classroom, annoying her classmates and her teacher, Mrs. Stumper, who tries to be patient but grows weary of having her lessons interrupted by Bibsy. In this book, the third in the series, the third graders are learning about habitats through self-sustaining terrariums. Although Bibsy is pleased that her team's terrarium and its inhabitants are doing fine, she becomes concerned when others' terrariums develop mold and some of the insects are dying. She decides to help by introducing another species, a plan which does not go well. The author cleverly embeds science information and vocabulary within the humorous story while continuing to develop Bibsy as a character with various quirks and sayings. The artwork, created through Photoshop, helps youngsters see Bibsy and her own habitat, both at home and at school. As with the previous books, Bibsy is realistically portrayed, and while she certainly moves to her own beat, she is refreshingly honest and authentic. This title would be a good read aloud, one sure to entertain youngsters and their teachers, who just might have a Bibsy Cross or two in their own classroom. ...more
Dreamy, color-saturated watercolor illustrations accompany simple yet evocative text to pay tribute to the forests around us. The picture book [3.5 foDreamy, color-saturated watercolor illustrations accompany simple yet evocative text to pay tribute to the forests around us. The picture book [3.5 for me!] opens with a full-page image of the forest, filled with trees of different shades of green, before moving in closer to focus on several trees, then one, and finally, on the different creatures that live on and near those trees. The woods provide food, shelter, places to hide and rest, but most of all, trees clearly serve as home to many different species. This is a lovely, moving introduction to forests, a gentle reminder of their importance and humans' responsibility to be good stewards. Add this one to a science classroom library and then watch youngsters' eyes light up as they peruse its pages. ...more
Readers may wonder why Tibbles the Cat is of any importance as they move through this comic book explanation of an important science lesson learned inReaders may wonder why Tibbles the Cat is of any importance as they move through this comic book explanation of an important science lesson learned in New Zealand. After all, the cat is the pet of David Lyall, who moves to a small island near New Zealand with Tibbles in 1894 in order to become its lighthouse keeper. When Tibbles brings Lyall a bird that he's never seen before, this sets off all sorts of stirs in the scientific community, prompting ornithologists to come to the island to see the bird in its natural habitat. Alas, they find that Tibbles has been quite busy. I found this way of telling an important story with a warning about invasive species quite effective, supported as it is with sketches and that afore-mentioned comic book artistic style. Pet owners who let their cats roam freely outdoors might also see it as a cautionary tale....more
As climate change makes summers unbearable, droughts more severe, and hurricanes more powerful in different parts of the world, it's important to be mAs climate change makes summers unbearable, droughts more severe, and hurricanes more powerful in different parts of the world, it's important to be mindful of the effects rising temperatures and changes in the environment are having on animals. This picture book, written with heartfelt, eye-opening text and illustrated exquisitely with mixed media artwork, provides a glimpse into how they changes are affecting polar bears, who depend on ice and snow to hunt for the food they need. It also offers some suggestions for actions youngsters can take. Even the image on the title page is haunting as a mother bear, body spread across two pages, gets ready to rise from where she's resting. She's eager to move since the first snowfall signals that it's time to head to her den where she will give birth to cubs. But the text and illustrations depict the struggle she had last year when the ice broke up earlier than usual, and food was hard to find. But this time, her slumber is interrupted because warmer temperatures threaten her den's solidity. She settles back down to sleep, eventually awakening and taking her cubs outside to find food. But areas that were once frozen are now slushy, and she worries about how the ice melts earlier each year, a sign that there may one day be no ice in the Arctic Ocean where the bears find their food. The author doesn't sugarcoat the peril in which this species finds itself, even stating that no one knows how the bears will survive with these changes in their habitat. It's a stark and moving reality check that will touch the hearts of anyone who cares about this planet and its animal inhabitants. The mother bear's concern over her future and the future of her offspring is palpable. Helpful back matter explaining climate change, its effects on polar bears, and how to help the bears is provided. Add this one to a collection about polar bears or one on climate change. I wish the large corporations and government agencies that deny climate change or don't acknowledge its effects on animals or their responsibility to make changes would read this book. ...more
Elementary and intermediate science teachers love this particular series, and it's easy to see why. In this new and revised edition of the kid-friendlElementary and intermediate science teachers love this particular series, and it's easy to see why. In this new and revised edition of the kid-friendly book [3.5 for me!], youngsters learn about the importance of various types of frogs, some of the threats they face due to humans, and steps that they can take or that scientists are taking to help them. Since some of them are threatened as their numbers dwindle, this raised awareness is particularly crucial if there are going to be any frogs left on the planet. The text makes it clear that frogs and humans can coexist, but that humans must take action if that is to be the way forward. Some steps are as simple as planting native plants and removing grass that isn't native to the area or creating ponds that flourish only part of the year or even keeping dogs on a leash when hiking through the woods. The endpapers feature maps of North American and the range of nine different types of frogs. The readable text and the luminous, detailed acrylic illustrations highlight frogs in a variety of locations and positions so that the importance of their habitat and how they move is clear. It's hard to think that a species that has been on Earth for 200 million years might disappear because of humans, and this book makes readers care about those frogs. For those educators unfamiliar with author Melissa Stewart's work, this book is a good place to start. ...more
While I've heard the term "sustainable" bandied about quite often, I had never really thought much about green or sustainable architecture, which madeWhile I've heard the term "sustainable" bandied about quite often, I had never really thought much about green or sustainable architecture, which made this book enlightening for me. Inside, the author provides 15 examples of sustainable structures from around the world, dividing them into five categories: local materials, adaptability, sustainable construction, clean energy, and optimized space, The incredibly detailed artwork, created with Procreate and Photoshop, enables readers to see the possibilities for each category. Some I like better than others, but all are quite amazing. I'd have loved to have known the cost of the buildings and building process, though, and how financially practical each one is, even though I know that cost isn't the only consideration, especially during these days of dwindling and costly resources. ...more
What a handsome treasure this picture book, in its third edition, is! With a front cover blossoming with bounteous flowers and at least five differentWhat a handsome treasure this picture book, in its third edition, is! With a front cover blossoming with bounteous flowers and at least five different types of butterflies to its engaging, accessible text, to the back cover with three vertical boxes and three interesting facts about butterflies, this one is memorable and so much more than the typical butterfly book for children. Inside, the author introduces readers to 12 different butterflies found in North America. She also describes the challenges these creatures face, points the finger of blame for their demise at humans, and then offers ways that humans can help. Considering that butterflies have been around for 140 million years, according to the text, surely, they deserve some respect. The incredibly detailed, full-color acrylic illustrations showcase the butterflies thriving in their unique habitat as well as some scenes in which small groups of humans are at work, restoring or tending to some of the places they favor. It's hard to read this book and not want to take action, even if that action is simply starting or adding to a garden with plans favored by butterflies. There shouldn't be an elementary science classroom without this important book with its message of stewardship for the natural world. ...more
Even though I've read this one and the others in the A Place for.... series several times, I'm still impressed with the clear, accessible language in Even though I've read this one and the others in the A Place for.... series several times, I'm still impressed with the clear, accessible language in the text, the interesting information provided about 12 different kinds of North American birds, and the way that author Melissa Stewart holds humans accountable for the actions that have threatened them and their habitat. Stewart is never preachy or judgmental, but she doesn't flinch from the truth, even celebrating species that are rebounding through the actions of humans as well as those that have not. There's even a high five offered to students in a Florida elementary school who raised enough money to buy scrubland for the Florida Scrub Jay to make its home. The text also acknowledges the link and interdependence among various species and offers tips for how to help this beautiful species. Bursting with life and visual appeal that will make readers think they're looking at photographs, the detailed acrylic illustrations show close-ups of the birds in their natural habitat. This is a revised and updated version of the book, originally published in 2009. It's a must-have for any science classroom library. ...more
Surely there's a way for humans and other animals to peacefully coexist on this planet? But as humans destroy more and more habitat and take up more sSurely there's a way for humans and other animals to peacefully coexist on this planet? But as humans destroy more and more habitat and take up more space through urbanization, places for animals seem hard to come by. One useful idea--wildlife corridors or animal crossings, as some prefer to call them--is highlighted in this appealing, hopeful picture book [3.5 for me!]. Inside, the author describes seven different places where countries are building wildlife corridors to help various species get from one place to another; these include elephants in India, hedgehogs in the United Kingdom, and gibbons in China. There are even descriptions of bridges for bears and ladders for fish, all efforts to make those crossings safe for these precious living things. Colorful mixed media illustrations showcase the animals, their habitat, and the pathways humans have built for them. The backmatter features seven more species that are getting a helping hand from humans, and the nifty endpapers are filled with animal tracks. This one is a good addition for an elementary or middle-grade science classroom library. ...more
With its green font color and unique setting in the swamp, this series has plenty of kid appeal. While Croc and Gator should have plenty of things in With its green font color and unique setting in the swamp, this series has plenty of kid appeal. While Croc and Gator should have plenty of things in common, their personalities are quite different. The two meet and pair up for projects at Swamp Ranger School where they're learning to be junior rangers. Gator is friendly, outgoing, and likes to joke around while Croc is quiet, serious, and bound by rules. But as the plot unfolds, both of them are able to make some compromises, stretch a little but still stay true to their unique personalities. Some readers will be entertained by Croc's disinterest in the first-day getting-to-know-you activities presented by Ms. Egret and his focus on just getting through the questions while Gator loves embellishing his responses. The story provides an important message about learning to appreciate others who are not the same as others while also encouraging youngsters to take action to save habitats like the swamp. The artwork adds personality and charm to the story, and the text cunningly offers tidbits of information about different species and swamps amid the narrative. ...more
Who can believe that this is number 39, yes, 39, in this popular series for young readers? Even readers who are unfamiliar with the series or the prevWho can believe that this is number 39, yes, 39, in this popular series for young readers? Even readers who are unfamiliar with the series or the previous titles will be able to pick this one up without missing a beat. Siblings Jack and Annie are drawn to the treehouse by a golden eagle and then magically transported to Mongolia in 1992, where locals are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Takhi, wild Mongolian horses who have disappeared from their natural habitat and only found in zoos. Some of them are being returned to the reserve, Hustai National Park, to see if they can flourish and restock the area. The youngsters meet Tuya, a local Mongolian girl, who provides background on the wild horses. And then, at night, when part of the herd is threatened by wolves, Jack and Annie rescue them, with help from a mysterious, white stallion. As usual, the plot is simple, fast-paced, and ideal for its intended audience, and the artwork complements the text effectively. It just seemed less engaging and believable to me than some previous titles so it's a 2.5 for me. No matter, young readers will still love the book and series. ...more
In this, the thirty-seven title in the popular series, Jack and Annie time travel to the African savannah after Annie is distracted by an oxpecker. ThIn this, the thirty-seven title in the popular series, Jack and Annie time travel to the African savannah after Annie is distracted by an oxpecker. They meet two reserve rangers who are trying to find and protect a pregnant black rhino, a species that is critically endangered. The youngsters are the ones who spot the rhino and her baby when the rangers leave to try to thwart some poachers in a helicopter. While they're gone, the poachers arrive, and Jack and Annie follow the instructions on the mysterious message left for them back at the magic tree house in Pennsylvania. Doing so saves the day, and something much older than the children or modern rhinos steps in to avert disaster. As always with the books in this series, the action and adventure move quickly, and readers learn some interesting facts about places and animals while also being entertained by the story and the detailed artwork. While the ending is a bit over the top, fans of the series will probably not be bothered by its unlikelihood. ...more
While I'm not particularly fond of Brazil nuts because I dislike their rather earthy flavor, I am a fan of this informational book and this series (StWhile I'm not particularly fond of Brazil nuts because I dislike their rather earthy flavor, I am a fan of this informational book and this series (Start Small, Think Big). Just like with the other title in what I hope will be a continuing series related to natural or biological science, this one starts with a small object--in this case, the hard fruit that encases the Brazil nut--and then explains how the nut must be freed by an agouti. Once that happens, the agouti may eat the nut or store it, and if the animal forgets where it's hidden its find, the nut may grow into a tree, eventually becoming part of the canopy of the rain forest where it provides a home for several different animals. A fold-out map delineates the area where Brazil nut trees flourish and depict the life cycle of this tree. Most importantly, a "Think Big" feature encourages reflection about the longevity of these trees, the number of nuts they can produce, how they combat climate change, and how nutrient-packed one Brazil nut is. Maybe it's a good thing I eat them only rarely. With easy-to-understand text, interesting facts, and colorful artwork, this book is a good choice for an elementary or an intermediate science classroom library. I'll be looking forward to more of these in the future. Who would have imagined that there'd be so much to consider about a Brazil nut?...more
Several of the wordless double-page spreads in this picture book are simply stunning. Created with watercolor, gouache, pastels, and digital techniqueSeveral of the wordless double-page spreads in this picture book are simply stunning. Created with watercolor, gouache, pastels, and digital techniques, the artwork pays tribute to the wonders of nature and those special places that haven't get been spoiled by humans. It's interesting when Grandpa and his grandchild decide to search for the place that the elderly bear recalls from his youth, only to be initially disappointed. But the other wild animals in the forest seem to know that they can trust these two and decide to lead them to the right spot, a place "with pine-needle air and a wide sky"(unpaged), as the young bear calls it, a place worth protecting. I'm not sure exactly how the grandfather plans to insure that the area remains unspoiled, but the young bear spreads the word to classmates that there are special spots in need of human stewardship. Add this picture book to a collection devoted to conservation, green themes, and how one person can make a difference in the world around him/her/them. Some of the pages may seem a bit text-heavy because of the decision of the illustrator or book designer to leave some pages without text, but that allows the special place, that faraway valley, to speak for itself and be admired by readers who may never have seen anything so pristine. ...more
Although this eco-thriller set in New Zealand starts out rather slowly as the book's characters are introduced, their relationships developed, and theAlthough this eco-thriller set in New Zealand starts out rather slowly as the book's characters are introduced, their relationships developed, and the plot thickens. As might be expected from the title, the story focuses on a group of gardeners under the leadership of Mira Bunting who raise their crops on public land as well as spots owned by private individuals for the most part without their knowledge. The closure of a large rural area due to a landslide means that the crew can increase their produce. But a billionaire with shady ethics has plans for the area as well. Of course, it's clear that he's not to be trusted. However, to what lengths will he go to keep his own plans for the area secret and how many principles will be broken and lives betrayed? With the introduction of a journalist who stumbles on his secret, the story intensifies, and readers will see the connections to Macbeth from whom the book's title originates in the betrayal after betrayal as well as the goal-oriented, win-at-all-costs Robert Lemoine, who seems to have an answer to every question and uses his wealth for evil purposes. And yet, easy to hate as he might be, Robert also is complex and may prompt some sympathy--for a moment or two. Some readers will find it a bit of slog to wade through some of the group discussions about ethics and the group's purpose, but patience and persistence through those sections will lead to several passages that will hold their interest easily. The individual, societal, and sexual politics at work here are quite interesting and will prompt discussion as will the ending. ...more
This picture book does exactly what its cover and book jacket promise that it will. Taking readers into six different North American deserts over a 24This picture book does exactly what its cover and book jacket promise that it will. Taking readers into six different North American deserts over a 24-hour period, from daybreak to midnight, the book allows youngsters to explore the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin Desert, the Chihuahuan Desert, the Painted Desert, the Sonoran Desert, and Death Valley. Using accessible text that makes a stirring case for appreciating and preserving these unique habitats, the book includes a map of the areas where the deserts are situated and incredibly detailed acrylic and India ink illustrations that highlight the deserts' abundance. The top two-thirds of each double-page spread consists of those illustrations with the text on the bottom one-third. Anyone who thinks that deserts are empty places will have that assumption challenged through the depiction of flora and fauna found there. In fact, the drawings depict 108 various species who make the desert their home. Since these living things are positioned in their natural habitat, the importance of protecting deserts could not be clearer because of that decision. Another notable feature in this useful book are the yellow boxes at the bottom of the right-hand pages. There, readers are encouraged to find various creatures in the illustration. They can check their answers in the back of the book along with gleaning even more information about each desert. Finally, there is a section devoted to taking action with suggestions for how to insure that these deserts and their inhabitants thrive. It's clear that many individuals regard deserts as wastelands deserving of no notice, but human intrusion on many levels, from farming to pipelines to off-road travel. Add this well-written and beautifully illustrated picture book to your elementary or intermediate science classroom library. This title is part of the Books for a Better Earth series. ...more
I'm almost willing to round this one up from a 3.5 to a 4.0 because of its subject matter and the understated way in which the story is told. The narrI'm almost willing to round this one up from a 3.5 to a 4.0 because of its subject matter and the understated way in which the story is told. The narrator, a young boy, cherishes the outings he and his father share, especially since he lives with his mother and doesn't get to see his father as often as he might like. The two of them typically go on walks, spending time outdoors enjoying nature. The boy is particularly interested in tadpoles and the ephemeral ponds in which some of them live. He and his father pay close attention to the changes in these small creatures over time. While some readers may dislike this book because so much is going on, I actually appreciated the parallels between those ephemeral ponds and his time with his father. Their moments together may be fleeting, but they're all the more important because they don't happen all the time. It's clear from the illustrations and text that he's had to adjust to these unexpected and unwanted changes in his life, but that he's also learned to accept them and cherish the time they have together. The text is written in the voice of a child, which makes it all the more relatable, and the eye-catching illustrations, created with acrylics, gouache, ink, cut paper, and photographs applied to cardboard for a unique look. Notably, the book jacket features a bucket of water in which the tadpoles are swimming, and the front and back covers are filled with close-ups of those tadpoles. This poignant story will stick in readers' memories even as its back matter about frogs and ephemeral ponds makes it a possible choice for a science lesson. ...more
This picture book featuring a grandfather, a mother, and a daughter, a 3.5 for me, follows the three over the course of three seasons as they nurture This picture book featuring a grandfather, a mother, and a daughter, a 3.5 for me, follows the three over the course of three seasons as they nurture a home garden. First, the ground must be prepared for the seeds, then those seeds are sown carefully in the spring once winter has departed. The girl watches for signs of growth, and her patience is rewarded as the seeds sprout and then flourish during the summer despite the insects that threaten them. As temperatures drop and fall arrives, there is more work to be done, and the family collects the seeds that remain on the plants to use next year. The repetitive language in the phrase passed down from one generation to the next ["The secret of a plant lives in every little seed" (unpaged)] adds a solemnity to the story while making readers aware of just how amazing seeds are, something the young girl herself considers. The rhyming text floats across the pages like a gentle spring breeze, complemented exuberantly by the colorful, blossom-filled artwork. Some pages show close-ups of the flowers and the girl's face while others pull back in order to allow more area to be visible. Readers can even see bees and butterflies flittering about and later, after the flowers have died, the carefully-tended packets of seeds that will transform into blossoms next year. The back matter, entitled "Let's Dig a Little Deeper into Seeds!" provides additional information about seeds, invasive species, and extension activities related to seeds. Blending fiction in the narrative and nonfiction in the back matter makes this picture book quite useful for a lesson on plants, gardens, the life cycle or even one about families working together in a common interest. ...more
This is a 3.5 for me. Bountiful digital illustrations consisting appropriately with plentiful greens accompany a tribute to one of the nation's Poet LThis is a 3.5 for me. Bountiful digital illustrations consisting appropriately with plentiful greens accompany a tribute to one of the nation's Poet Laureates, W.S. Merwin, his pen name. As a young boy, William Stanley grew up longing for wilderness. He eventually found it in Hawaii in a most likely place, a spot of "wounded ground" (unpaged) where everyone said nothing would grow. But something told Stanley that this place could heal, and one by one, with the help of his wife Paula and friends, he planted palm trees, including several species that were on the edge of extinction. Through this all, he was writing poems, but his love for the land and its wild spaces never left him, prompting him to leave his land to a nature conservancy that would cherish the palm forest as he had. Back matter includes an Author's Note with additional information about this fascinating man and one of his poems. The text itself is poetic, engaging, and consists of lines that express how the young Stanley was bothered by urbanization since all around him it seemed as though "the wild parts had been straightened out and turned into roads and lawns and driveways" (unpaged). The comparison between those wild places for which he longed and his developing craft as a writer, expressed as the notion that "writing poetry was like visiting a wild place--a surprising place always just exactly itself, language growing wherever it pleased" (unpaged) is an unusual one, but upon consideration, it is quite apt. Budding poets and environmentalists will draw inspiration from this man's example while others may contemplate how change starts with one thought, one seed or one palm tree. ...more