Showing posts with label amphibians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amphibians. Show all posts

Monday, July 17, 2023

Synergy: Exploring Life Science


LIFE SCIENCE studies living organisms and processes. It includes the areas of biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry and related areas.


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:


VERSATILE VERTEBRATES by Tom Velcovsky and Marie Kotasova and illustrated by Babora Idesova is an informational picture book examining nature’s largest animal groups. From amphibians and reptiles to mammals and birds, readers learn about the characteristics of the vertebrate family. ARC courtesy of Albatros Media, an imprint of Ingram Publisher Services.


THEY ARE HERE! HOW INVASIVE SPECIES ARE SPOILING OUR ECOSYSTEM by Roland Smith is an informational book examining the negative impact of invasive species. From rats and birds to snakes and insects, each chapter explores a different type of invasive. Humorous anecdotes, scientific information, and useful tips contribute to the appeal of this fascinating middle grade book. ARC courtesy of Godwin Book, an imprint of Macmillan.


DISCOVERING LIFE’S STORY: BIOLOGY’S BEGINNINGS by Joy Hakim is the first book in a four-part series exploring the history of life science. Designed for young adults, this engaging work of nonfiction examines key people, places, and scientific discoveries from around the globe. Primary source materials and other visual elements contribute to the appeal. Back matter extends the experience. ARC courtesy of MITeen Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.


NOT A MONSTER by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez and illustrated by Laura Gonzalez is a nonfiction picture book exploring the life cycle of the axolotl. Of particular note is the book’s use of Spanish vocabulary woven throughout the narrative. This fascinating amphibian is well-known to children because of its appearance in Aztec mythology and Minecraft. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.




Monday, August 10, 2020

Synergy: Amphibians


From frogs and toads to salamanders and caecilians, amphibians are found around the world. However, they require specific moisture and temperature conditions. They are vertebrates who typically start out as larvae living in water, but become air-breathing as adults. They’re often used as ecological indicators and have experienced a dramatic decline around the globe.
Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth, then learn more at the websites:
AMPHIBIAN ACROBATS written by Leslie Bulion provides an engaging combination of poetry with scientific facts. Featuring twenty poems, each two-page layout includes an illustrated poem along with background information about frogs, salamanders, or caecilians. The book concludes with a glossary, notes about each poem’s form, a world map, and an illustration comparing the size of amphibians.
AmphibiaWeb includes over eight thousand amphibian species and provides a searchable database, educational resources, and information about amphibian declines. Involve youth in learning about a creature and writing their own poems.
To learn more, go to https://amphibiaweb.org/.
ARC courtesy of Peachtree.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Book Review: Now You See Them, Now You Don't

NOW YOU SEE THEM, NOW YOU DON’T by David L. Harrison is an amazing informational picture book featuring poems about animal camouflage.
Featuring nineteen different creatures organized into five categories, each poem highlights interesting facts about the behavior and habitat of a sea creature, reptile, amphibian, mammal, insect or bird. Laroche’s fascinating cut-paper illustrations bring the habitats to life for young readers.
Librarians will appreciate the endnotes that include details about the creatures featured in each poem. Great as a read-aloud activity, this book is excellent for STEAM projects that combine science and art. Involve you in learning about a creature and creating their own poem and artwork.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.davidlharrison.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.gileslaroche.com/.
Published by Charlesbridge on February 16, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.