Synergy: Investigating History

HISTORY studies the past including all aspects of human society. Historians use oral accounts, written documents, artifacts, and other primary sources to tell the story of people, places, and events.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

MORE THAN A DREAM: THE RADICAL MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long is a compelling middle-grade history exploring the 1963 March on Washington. Featuring numerous photos from the time period, this engrossing work of nonfiction weaving in primary source materials to explore the broader impact of this event on racial justice and the civil rights movement. This is an important work for the school library collection. ARC courtesy of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, imprint of Macmillan

HEAR OUR VOICES by Radhika Natarajan and Chao Tayiana retells the story of the British Empire through 20 fascinating true stories. Exploring perspectives often overlooked, this beautifully illustrated picture book uses two-page spreads and small blocks of text to feature key figures and events from across five continents. ARC courtesy of Wide Eyes Editions, Quarto Group.

ATTACKED: PEARL HARBOR AND THE DAY WAR CAME TO AMERICA by Marc Favreau is a fast-paced work of narrative nonfiction balancing the broad world view with inspiring, individual accounts of this momentous event. Middle grade and young adult readers will enjoy the focus on the unique perspectives of everyday people along with soldiers and sailors.

ARC courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette Books.

THE LIGHT THAT SHINES written and illustrated by David T. Warner is a stunning picture book exploring the rescue of 669 children at the onset of World War II. Along with beautiful illustrations, the book also incorporates photographs and primary source documents to bring the rescue to life. ARC courtesy of Shadow Mountain Publishing.

FACING THE MOUNTAIN by Daniel James Brown is an adaption of the acclaimed work of adult nonfiction. This engaging true story explores the Japanese American heroes of World War II. Facing discrimination at home, this riveting narrative nonfiction follows three soldiers deployed to Europe and the challenges faced by their families back home. ARC courtesy of Viking Books for Young Readers and Penguin Random House.

RISING ABOVE written by Hayley Diep and illustrated by Naomi Giddings is a picture book telling the story of Wataru “Wat” Misaka who became the first non-white athlete to play in the NBA. Born to immigrant parents, Wat overcame discrimination, lived in a Japanese-American incarceration camp, served in the U.S. Army and ultimately played in the NBA. The engaging text combined with the simple illustrations will appeal to young readers. ARC courtesy of Triumph Books.

Timely Take-aways for Life Long Learning: American History

From the Revolutionary War era to the San Francisco Earthquake, several works of adult nonfiction explore topics related to American History.

1789: George Washington and the Founders Create America by Thomas Allen

Overview: Learn how the United States federal government was brought into being through the leadership of George Washington and the Founders.

Take-aways: The logistics of establishing the federal government and implementing the Constitution are often overlooked in history textbooks. 

ARC courtesy of Roman & Littlefield Publishers.

American Visions: The United States, 1800-1860 by Edward L. Ayers

Overview: Explore 19th century voices that defied the status quo and challenged traditional practices.

Take-aways: Use these visionaries to explore the role of dissent and importance of diverse perspectives during the decades following the American Revolution.

ARC courtesy of W.W. Norton & Company.

Flee North by Scott Shane

Overview: Tells the story of abolitionist Thomas Smallwood who bought his freedom, then led hundreds of enslaved people to new lives in the North.

Take-aways: Use this lesser-known abolitionist to help students understand the role of satirical newspaper columns in documenting mass escapes and mocking slaveholders.

ARC courtesy of Celadon Books, an imprint of Macmillan

The Iron Dice of Battle: Albert Sidney Johnston and the Civil War in the West by Timothy B. Smith

Overview: Tracing the life of the highest-ranking American military officer to die in combat during the Civil War, this new biography explores both the man and the soldier.

Take-aways: Since he died early in the war, the impact of Johnston’s death on Confederate leadership is often overlooked. Use this recent scholarship to update course materials.

ARC courtesy of LSU Press.

The Last Outlaws: The Desperate Final Days of the Dalton Gang by Tom Clavin

Overview: Tells the true story of four brothers and their gang who moved from horse thieves to bank and train robbers in the late 19th century.

Take-aways: True crime is always popular with students. Use the story of the Dalton Gang as a reflection of the final years of the Wild West.

ARC courtesy of St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

The Longest Minute: The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906 by Matthew J. Davenport

Overview: Drawing on a wide range of primary source documents, learn about one of the most devastating disasters in American history.

Take-aways: Students are fascinated by natural disasters. Use this combination of history and science to build an interdisciplinary approach that shares the devastating impact of the earthquake and fire on the largest city in the American west at the time.

ARC courtesy of St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

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Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Celebrating Oceans

OCEANS are very large bodies of salt water. Examples include the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic oceans. Oceans over 70.8% of the Earth.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

FROM SHORE TO OCEAN FLOOR: THE HUMAN JOURNEY TO THE DEEP written by Gill Arbuthnott and illustrated by Christopher Nielsen dives down through each level of the ocean from the shore to the floor. Each chapter explores explorations and life at a different level. The book begins with an ocean timeline and concludes with discoveries and reasons why oceans are important. From shipwrecks and volcanoes to marine biologists, readers explore a wide range of topics through text blocks, comics, infographics and other interesting visuals. ARC courtesy of Big Picture Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

THE LAST UNEXPLORED PLACE ON EARTH: INVESTIGATING THE OCEAN FLOOR WITH ALVIN THE SUBMERSIBLE written by Aly Brown introduces middle grade readers to deep sea exploration. Readers learn about Allyn Vine’s idea for a deep-sea research submersible and the creation of the Alvin. Along the way, readers read about fascinating discoveries made by this amazing submersible. Photographs, fact boxes, and experiments ideas are woven into the narrative. ARC courtesy of Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan.

AMAZING OCTOPUS written by Michael Stavaric and illustrated by Michèle Ganser takes readers on an interactive exploration of this intelligent creature and its world. After introducing readers to history of the universe including the ocean, readers learn about the many types of octopus. Fun facts, jokes, and interesting images are woven throughout the narrative. ARC courtesy of Pushkin Children’s Books, an imprint of Steerforth Press.

A IS FOR AUSTRALIAN REEFS by Frané Lessac is an alphabet book exploring the wide range of creatures living among the reefs along Australia’s coastline. Each two-page spread introduces a letter, word, and key concept along with a brightly colored image labeled with fascinating information. The book concludes with a “spot the fish” activity. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

OCTOPUS! SMARTEST IN THE SEA by Ginjer L. Clarke is a leveled, intermediate reader featuring fascinating information about octopuses. Combining outstanding underwater photography with easy-to-read informational passages, Clarke engages readers in the underwater world of the octopus. ARC courtesy of Penguin Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Synergy: Celebrating Archaeology

ARCHAEOLOGY is the study of material remains in order to understand past human life and activities. Archaeologists gain insights into human prehistory and history through the excavation of sites and analysis of physical remains including artifacts.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

DIG IT! ARCHAEOLOGY FOR KIDS written by Caitlin Sockin introduces young readers to the discipline of archaeology including the history of archaeological discoveries, steps in conducting a dig, kinds of artifacts found, and the types of archaeologists. This highly illustrated book includes amazing photographs and QR codes to learn more. Readers will particularly enjoy learning about the work of archaeologists and trying out hands-on activities. ARC courtesy of Persnickety Press.

WE DUG UP THE WORLD: UNEARTH AMAZING ARCHAEOLOGY DISCOVERIES written by Alexandra Stewart explores archaeological finds from around the world through history. This beautifully illustrated picture book features eighteen fascinating digs. Each two-page spread highlights aspects of the dig site and the key archeological findings. ARC courtesy of Laurence King Publishing, an imprint of Chronicle Books.

DIG DEEP: CONNECTING ARCHAEOLOGY, OCEANS AND US written by Nicole F. Smith shares examples of marine archaeology to middle grade readers. Of particular note are the many photographs showing archaeologists and youth scientists at work and examples connecting the discoveries to healthier oceans and the future. ARC courtesy of Orca Book Publishers.

Synergy: Exploring Lore

LORE is a collection of knowledge, traditions, beliefs, and stories held by a group of people and passed from through generations. Lore may be related to a specific subject, group, or location.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

LEGENDS OF NORSE MYTHOLOGY: ENTER A WORLD OF GODS, GIANTS, MONSTER AND HEROES written by Tom Birkett and illustrated by Isabella Mazzanti is a highly illustrated anthology of mythological characters and stories from Norse tradition. This fascinating reference includes over thirty profiles of key figures and retellings of their stories.

AN ATLAS OF AFTERLIVES: DISCOVER UNDERWORLDS, OTHERWORLDS AND HEAVENLY REALMS written by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Manasawee Rojanaphan features dozens of myths connected with life after death. Organized by continent, the book includes both well-known and lesser-known places examining both the fact and fiction of each location.

A MISCELLANY OF MISCHIEF AND MAGIC: DISCOVER HISTORY’S BEST HOAXES, HIJINKS, TRICKS, AND ILLUSIONS written by Tom Adams and illustrated by Jasmine Floyd explores the world of deception. From pranksters and magicians to con-artists, this beautifully illustrated picture book features a wide range of fascinating people. Along with learning the secrets of magic and famous hoaxes, readers also explore a wide range of themes such as disguises and conspiracies.

LORE OF THE STARS: FOLKLORE AND WISDOM FROM THE SKIES ABOVE written by Claire Cock-Starkey and illustrated by Hannah Bess Ross examines folklore from around the world. Six chapters explore lore connected with the sky, sun, moon, stars, planets, comets and shooting stars, and cosmos.

ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions, Quarto Group.

Synergy: Celebrating Birds

BIRDS are warm-blooded vertebrate covered with feathers. They have two wings, two legs, a beak, and no teeth. The young hatch from hard-shelled eggs. People who enjoy observing birds are called birders or bird watchers.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

LISTEN TO THE BIRDS written by Yoann Gueny, Donald Kroodsma, and Léna Mazilu takes readers on birding adventures in a variety of habitats across North America. Children are introduced to each bird, its call, and interesting facts. Colorful illustrations bring each bird to life. The book concludes with a glossary, notes about birdsong, and additional resources. Readers are encouraged to download the Birdie Memory app to extend the experience. ARC courtesy of Norton Young Readers, an imprint of W.W. Norton.

HOW TO BIRD by Rasha Hamid is an attractive picture book sharing the world of birding with young children. Readers learn about the tools and activities of birders. Children are encouraged to listen for common bird calls, watch for birds, record observations, and celebrate success. The book concludes with useful additional information for young birders.  ARC courtesy of Free Spirit Publishing.

HOW TO LOOK AT A BIRD: OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE JOY OF WATCHING AND KNOWING BIRDS by Clare Walker Leslie encourages readers to observe birds, look for specific features, and enjoy bird watching. Although written for a general audience, this beginning guide is highly visual approach and useful for all ages. The observation prompts and emphasis on commonly seen birds  are particularly useful for youth readers. ARC courtesy of Storey Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Group.

Synergy: Celebrating Animals

ANIMALS are living things that move, feed, and react to the world through their senses. These organisms include mammals, insects, reptiles, and birds. Animals may be wild or domestic.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

HOW OLD IS A WHALE? ANIMAL LIFE SPANS FROM THE MAYFLY TO THE IMMORTAL JELLYFISH written by Lily Murray and illustrated by Jesse Hodgson is a picture book exploring the life spans of a wide range of animals. After an introduction to time on Earth, readers explore twenty seven animals. Each two-page spread provides an introduction to the creature’s life span, then uses blocks of text and colorful illustrations to examine its life. ARC courtesy of Big Picture Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

ODD COUPLES written by Maria Birmingham and illustrated by Raz Latif is a picture book exploring creatures that share an interesting characteristic. Each two-page spread asks or answers the question “What could this odd couple have in common?” From den digging practices to methods of communication, readers learn about the commonalities between very different animals. ARC courtesy of Owlkids, Ingram Publishers.

DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME: EXPLORE THE EARTH’S HABITATS DURING THE DAY AND NIGHT written by Michael Bright and illustrated by Nic Jones is an interactive flip picture book exploring life in a variety of habitats during day and at night. From the African savanna to the Australian outback, readers examine a dozen locations including cities. In addition, readers learn about life at dawn and dusk. ARC courtesy of words & pictures, Quarto Group.

Synergy: Celebrating Invention

INVENTION is the act of creating something original such as a process or device. The term invention is also used to describe something that has been invented. Generally, an invention is considered something that hasn’t been made before. It’s totally unique and based on new ideas. It’s a product of imagination.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

COPY THAT, COPY CAT! written by Katrina Tangen and illustrated by Giulia Orecchia shares inventions inspired by animals. The author is effective in introducing concepts related to biology and biomimicry through easy to understand examples. The colorful collage illustrations and predictable format will appeal to young picture book readers. The interactive flaps encourage additional engagement. ARC courtesy of Barefoot Books.

OPEN SCIENCE: KNOWLEDGE FOR EVERYONE written by Monique Polak and illustrated by Catherine Chan introduces middle-grade readers to the concept of open science and the importance of collaboration in STEM. By tracing the benefits of sharing scientific research through history, readers learn how even young citizen scientists can have a positive impact. Useful blocks of text, photographs, diagrams, and other illustrations add to the appeal. ARC courtesy of Orca Book Publishers.

GLITTER EVERYWHERE written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat explores where glitter came from, where it’s found, and where it’s going. This attractive nonfiction picture book connects glitter with science and history uncovering fascinating facts and encouraging children to think about the pros and cons of this shiny confetti. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

OPERATION CUPCAKE by Bambi Edlund is an engaging picture book demonstrating how simple machines work. In this engaging picture book, readers follow an adorable group of critters overcoming obstacles to invent the ultimate cupcake swiping machine. Readers learn about each of the six types of simple machines and its role in solving a particular problem. The ingenious story along with the easy-to-understand explanations are perfect for the target audience. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

SPARE PARTS written by Joshua Davis and adapted by Reyna Grande tells the true story of four undocumented teenagers, one ugly robot and an impossible dream. This young reader edition of the bestselling adult book and movie shares the inspiring story of two high school science teachers who inspired four teens to build an underwater robot. ARC courtesy of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan. 

Timely Take-aways: Strong Women through History

From medieval times to the present, several new books explore strong women through history and why they are often misrepresented, overlooked, or unheard.

Brave Hearted: The Women of the American West 
Katie Hickman, 2022, Spiegel & Grau             
Themes: US History, American West, Women

Through a wide range of primary source documents, explore the little-known world of diverse women who survived harsh landscapes and circumstances.

Take-aways: Update the curriculum to include first-hand accounts of diverse women of Native American, African, and Chinese descent.

The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World
Shelley Puhak, 2022, Bloomsbury, Macmillan       
Themes: World History, Medieval, Women

During 6th century, two powerful women of the Merovingian Empire ruled for decades while balancing statecraft and family life.

Take-aways: Use these queens to show how history often misrepresents women’s contributions.

Poor Richard’s Women: Deborah Read Franklin and the Other Women Behind the Founding Father
Nancy Rubin Stuart, 2022, Beacon Press, Penguin Random House       
Themes: US History

Readers are introduced to the many women who impacted the life of Benjamin Franklin.

Take-aways: Update the Colonial Period curriculum to include the women who surrounded the men who are often the focus on US history courses. Discuss the use of personal correspondence in historical research.

Women Healers: Gender, Authority, and Medicine in Early Philadelphia 
Susan H. Brandt, 2022, University of Pennsylvania Press         
Themes: US History, Women

Explore the role of women in medical science through the works of Elizabeth Coates Paschall and the accomplishments of other practitioners of European, African and Native American descent.

Take-aways: Share the authoritative medical work of diverse women during the mid-19th century.

Off with Her Head: Three Thousand Years of Demonizing Women of Power
Eleanor Herman, 2022, William Morrow: HarperCollins                   
Themes: History, Women

From the ancient world to the politics of today, trace the history of misogyny against women.

Take-aways: Use the book’s humorous examples to discuss with students the different ways women of power have been portrayed through history.

Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries
Kate Mosse, 2023, Mantle: Macmillan                                             
Themes: History, Women

Through a diverse cast of women from around the world along with personal connections, Mosse addresses why the achievements of women are often overlooked or under-represented.

Take-aways: Explore Mosse’s book for unique women that will bring history alive for students.

Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power

Leah Redmond, 2023, Farrar, Straus & Giroux                   
Themes: History, Europe, Women

In the sixteenth-century, Catherine de’ Medici, Elisabeth de Valois, and Mary, Queen of Scots transformed Europe.

Take-aways: Use the intertwining lives of these three women to demonstrate the different ways women were able to survive and thrive in male dominated societies.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Exploring Earth Science

EARTH SCIENCE is the branch of science that studies the physical makeup of the Earth and its atmosphere. It includes the areas of geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology. 

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

FIRE SHAPES THE WORLD written by Joanna Cooke and illustrated by Cornelia Li explores the connection between fire and life on earth. While exploring key concepts related to fire ecology, readers learn about how fire shaped earth and its inhabitants and continues to have an impact on the environment. With so many people impacted each year by wildfires, this beautifully illustrated picture book is timely. An author’s note provides additional depth and detail. ARC courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy, Ingram Publisher Services.

WATER: HOW WE CAN PROTECT OUR FRESHWATER written by Catherine Barr and illustrated by Christiane Engel examines the history of water on earth, the importance of freshwater, and the need to advocate for water security. Each two-page spreads explores a key concept presenting facts and examples along with useful illustrations. The picture book concludes with ideas for using water wisely. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

KABOOM! A VOLCANO ERUPTS written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Zoe Si takes young readers through the experience of a volcanic eruption. Told from the volcano’s viewpoint, young volcanologists learn key concepts, facts, and terminology. The comic approach will appeal to young readers. The picture book concludes with useful back matter including a volcano anatomy diagram and volcano types. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette.

EXPLORE UNDER THE EARTH written by Carly Madden and illustrated by Neil Clark takes readers on an adventure inside the Earth. This innovative, layered board book introduces young children to earthquakes, volcanoes, and other aspects of earth science. Check out other books in the Adventures of Evie and Juno series for more science fun. ARC courtesy of Happy Yak, Quarto Group.

Synergy: Exploring Hands-on Science

HANDS-ON SCIENCE is an approach to learning that actively involves children in inquiry-based learning and problem-solving. Using real-world contexts, children apply critical and creative thinking to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

HANDS-ON SCIENCE is a new nonfiction series for young readers focusing on a wide range of popular science themes. Written by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Druscilla Santiago, each book uses simple illustrations, engaging text, and creative interactive elements to explain key scientific concepts. Along the way, children are encouraged to have fun conducting their own experiments. Whether tilting the book, blowing on the page, or pressing an image, readers are actively involved in learning. Each title immerses children in a different STEM science laboratory where they use the book along with step-by-step instructions to conduct experiments.

GEOLOGY examines concepts connected with rocks, minerals, and Earth science. From earthquakes to volcanoes, children will enjoy connecting science to exciting, real-world situations.

MATTER introduces young scientists to solids, liquids, and gases. From molding clay and making cherry juice to experimenting with bubbles, readers immerse themselves in an engaging chemistry laboratory.

MOTION explores topics such as gravity and wind to explain force and motion. Young scientists will enjoy actively learning in the physic laboratory.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Synergy: Celebrating trivia

Synergy: Celebrating trivia

TRIVIA are facts that are not well-known. These pieces of information may be of little importance, yet they sometimes promote curiosity and wonder. Trivia is often viewed as amusing, entertaining and interesting.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

STUFF KIDS SHOULD KNOW: THE MIND-BLOWING HISTORIES OF (ALMOST) EVERYTHING by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant with Nils Parker is a middle grade work of nonfiction based on the popular podcast Stuff You Should Know. This illustrated guide addresses a wide range of questions with humor and a sense of curiosity. Each of the fourteen chapters explores a different topic from toys and trillionaires to facial hair. The interesting tables and timelines add to the appeal. ARC courtesy of Henry Holt and Co., an imprint of Macmillan.

HOW DOES CHOCOLATE TASTE ON EVEREST? written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and illustrated by Aaron Cushey explores the world’s extreme places through the five senses. Readers are encouraged to think about their sense of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste as they travel to hot, dark, high, and magical places. Along the way, readers learn fascinating facts about each location. The book concludes with a useful glossary. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

WELCOME TO THE MYSTERYVERSE written by Clive Gifford and illustrated by Good Wives and Warriors examines the world’s unsolved wonders. Exploring science’s unanswered questions, this work of nonfiction features chapters on the topics of people, Earth, nature, space, and other mysteries. Key questions, colorful illustrations and fact boxes encourage readers to solve problems and wonder about the world around them. ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions, an imprint of Quarto Group.

Synergy: Celebrating Wild Animals

WILD ANIMALS are creatures that have not been domesticated. They live on their own in nature without direct human intervention. These animals find food, shelter, and water in their natural habitat. 

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

The EVERYWHERE animal series features a ride range of creatures within a particular category including reptiles, bugs, mammals, and birds. 

For instance, BIRDS EVERYWHERE written by Camilla de la Bedoyere and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup is the fourth book in this popular picture book series. This title uses colorful illustrations and blocks of text to highlight key topics connected with birds such as water birds and feeding birds. ARC courtesy of Big Picture Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

The ORCA WILD series for middle grade readers combines color photographs with engaging text to tell the story of a wild animal such as killer whales, birds, grizzly bears and sharks.

 

For instance, WILD HORSES: RUNNING FREE explores the lives of horses in the wild. The book provides an overview of these animals along with specific examples including how young people protect wild horses. Readers learn the history, biology and ecology on wild horses. ARC courtesy of Orca Book Publishers.

The QUIRKY CREATURES series features the strange and sometimes creepy animals found in the natural world. Current titles explore the categories atrocious, ridiculous, and pointless animals.

For instance, THE WORLD’S MOST ATROCIOUS ANIMALS by Philip Bunting uses simple illustrations of bizarre creatures to engage young readers. From scary to shocking, the creatures are humorously presented through basic text, labelled diagrams, and fun facts. ARC courtesy of Happy Yak, an imprint of Quarto Group.