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 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.

Synergy: Exploring Animal Behavior

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR is the study of how animals interact in their environment from movement and social activity to mating behavior.

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:

LEARNING TO BE WILD: HOW ANIMALS ACHIEVE PEACE, CREATE BEAUTY, AND RAISE FAMILIES by Carl Safina is a young adult adaptation of the adult work of nonfiction. Community, culture, and belonging aren’t just human concepts, they extend to the animal world. This engaging read explores the connections among chimpanzees, macaws, whales, and humans. ARC courtesy Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan. 

BUTT OR FACE? written by Kari Lavelle presents a photograph and asks readers to guess the animal. Additional information about the creature’s physical characteristics and behaviors is presented in an engaging way. This unusual book will be popular with young readers who enjoy humor and animals. ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Explore, an imprint of Sourcebooks.

FOLLOW THE FLYWAY: THE MARVEL OF BIRD MIGRATION written by Sarah Nelson and illustrated by Maya Hanisch explores a dozen bird species that migrate along the North American Flyways. The rhyming text make this beautifully illustrated picture book an engaging read-aloud. The book concludes with fascinating flyway facts. ARC courtesy of Barefoot Books. 

FIND OUT ABOUT ANIMAL CAMOUFLAGE written by Martin Jenkins and illustrated by Jane McGuinness is a picture book exploring how animals disguise themselves. Designed for young children, learners explore clever ways creatures use camouflage to survive. Each two-page spread includes a key statement along with supplemental text. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press. 

THINK LIKE A GOAT: THE WILDLY SMART WAYS ANIMALS COMMUNICATE, COOPERATE, AND INNOVATE written by Lisa Dearest Betik and illustrated by Alexander Mostov examines animal behavior around the world. The book begins by sharing different types of intelligence, then five chapters examine how animals apply their intelligence. The combination of interesting text blocks, infographics, and other engaging information presentation styles will appeal to young readers. ARC courtesy Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

Timely Takeaways: Animal-Human Relationships

Animal-Human Relationships

From turtles and koalas to animal babies, explore several new books that examine the lives of animals and their relationships with humans around the world.

Of Times and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell
Sy Montgomery, 2023, Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollins
Themes: Nature, Animals, Reptiles

Organized into five parts, Montgomery immerses readers in the world of turtles. Combining science with storytelling, readers follow the author’s experiences helping recovering turtles.

Take-aways: Draw on the book’s engaging examples to share the need for turtle protection.

Nursery Earth: The Wondrous Lives of Baby Animals and the Extraordinary Ways They Shape our World
Danna Staaf, 2023, The Experiment, an imprint of Hachette Book Group
Themes: Nature, Animals, Baby Animals

From egg to adulthood, explore the cycles of life in the animal world. Tracing both the history and science of animal development, Staaf shares fascinating facts and insights into the lesser known aspects of animal life.

Take-aways: Explore often overlooked phases of animal development.

Koala: A Natural History and an Uncertain Future
Danielle Clode, 2023, W.W. Norton & Company
Themes: Nature, Animals, Mammals

Clode investigates the history, physiology and personalities of koalas. Along the way, she reflects on the need to protect these unique Australian marsupials.

Take-aways: Bring life science alive with information about these adorable animals.

Beastly: The 40,000-Year Story of Animals and Us
Keggie Carew, 2023, Abrams Press
Themes: Nature, Animals, Wildlife

Divided into ten parts, readers explore the relationship between humans and animals through history. Focusing on key encounters, Carew examines a wide range of creatures and the importance of biodiversity.

Take-aways: Weave the author’s anecdotes into a discussion of animal-human interactions through time.

The Creative Lives of Animals
Carol Gigliotti, 2022, NYU Press
Themes: Nature, Animals, Environmental Protection

From building shelters to seducing potential mates, explore the many ways animals apply creativity in their everyday lives.

Take-aways: Use the examples in this book to show young people the need to view animals as individuals who make important contributions in the natural world.

Sentient: How Animals Illuminate the Wonder of Our Human Senses
Jackie Higgins, 2022, Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: Nature, Animals

Told through the sensory capabilities of thirteen animals, readers learn about human perception and celebrate the connections among creatures of the world.

Take-aways: Teach senses within the context of human and animal characteristics.

Synergy: Exploring World War II

WORLD WAR II was a global conflict between two military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. From 1939-1945, many of the world’s countries fought on land, sea, and air killing an estimated 70-80 million people. Civilian populations were particularly hard hit. Many people were held in prison camps around the world.

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:

SEEN AND UNSEEN: WHAT DOROTHEA LANGE, TOYO MIYATAKE, AND ANSEL ADAM’S PHOTOGRAPHS REVEAL ABOUT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION by Elizabeth Partridge and illustrated by Lauren Tamaki is an award-winning work of nonfiction sharing the power of photography. Told through a mixture of original drawings and historical photos, readers explore the heartbreaking stories of Japanese Americans living in incarceration camps during World War II. The visually rich book concludes with eighteen pages of additional information and resources. ARC country of Chronicle Books.

RACE AGAINST DEATH: THE GREATEST POW RESCUE OF WORLD WAR II by Deborah Hopkinson is a middle grade nonfiction narrative telling the story of an American POW rescue mission. Part of the “True Stories in Focus” collection, this fast-paced story follows US Army Rangers and Filipino guerrillas who conduct the “Great Raid” to rescue American and Filipino prisoners. ARC courtesy of Scholastic Focus, an imprint of Scholastic.

IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE: A TRUE STORY OF SURVIVAL AND HEROISM IN NAZI EUROPE by Steve Sheinkin shares the parallel stories of two Jewish friends trying to survive the Holocaust. While Rudi is attempting to escape from Auschwitz, Gerta is in hiding and risks capture in Hungary. This engaging nonfiction narrative brings two difference Holocaust experiences to life for teens readers. ARC courtesy of Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

WE ALSO SERVED by Erin McGill shares true stories of brave animals in the military along with other heroic tales. Designed for children, the brightly colored illustrations and short blocks of engaging text highlight the efforts of dogs and other animals who served on the front lines of World War II along with other eras. Each story concludes with a key word related to their service. ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Explore, an imprint of Sourcebooks.

Synergy: Border Barrier

A BORDER BARRIER is a fence, wall, or other structure intended to stop movement between two spaces such as countries. They are designed for defense or to prevent illegal activities such as immigration and smuggling. Unintended consequences of these structures include limiting the natural movement of wildlife.  

Read the recently published nonfiction picture books for children, then learn more at the websites:

BORDER CROSSINGS written by Sneed B. Collard II and illustrated by Howard Gray shares the story of how wildlife are impacted by the US-Mexico border wall. Specifically, the powerful picture book follows endangered ocelots who attempt to cross the border. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

OCELOT from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance provides useful background information about the endangered ocelot. To read the web page, go to https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/ocelot.

THE RIVER AND THE WALL is a full-length documentary following five friends who document wildlife migration and immigration issues along the US-Mexico border. Use this video to better understand the issues as you read the suggested picture book with children. To view the documentary, go to https://youtu.be/3TK4oMtSJfI

Synergy: Eggs

EGGS are roundish objects usually containing a developing embryo. Laid by female creatures such as birds, reptiles, fish, or invertebrates, eggs may be covered with a hard or leathery shell. When the creature is ready to survive on its own, it hatches.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for children, then learn more at the websites:

WHOSE EGG IS THAT? written by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Kelsey Oseid is a picture book for young learners. Part of the Whose is That? Series, the book provides visual hints to spark inquiries into animals, eggs and their habitats. The simple text and illustrations will appeal to young learners and focus their attention on the seven interactive guessing games. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, and imprint of Penguin Random House.

KIDS LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS THAT HATCH is a short video with a game component that reviews animals that hatch.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/vq8-wqGYve0.

FROM EGG TO ANIMAL is a short, easy to read article from Time for Kids exploring animals that hatch from eggs.

To read the article, go to https://www.timeforkids.com/k1/from-egg-to-animal/?rl=en-650.

AT RISK ANIMALS AND THEIR UNUSUAL EGGS is an article from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service about different types of eggs.

To read the article, go to https://www.fws.gov/story/risk-animals-and-their-unusual-eggs.

WHICH CAME FIRST addresses the classic riddle about eggs and chickens.

To read the article, go to https://www.science.org.au/curious/earth-environment/which-came-first-chicken-or-egg.

Synergy: Nocturnal Animals

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS are creatures who are active during the night and sleep during the day. After dark, these animals hunt, eat, and mate. Adaptations to their senses such as hearing, eyesight, and smell allow them to function in the dark.

Read the recently published children’s book series, then learn more at the websites:

THE NOCTURNALS by Tracey Hecht includes both early reader (3 levels) and middle grade fiction reading adventures. Combining humor with mystery, the fiction books have recently expanded to include nonfiction works. 

New nonfiction works are intended to extend the fiction reading experience. However, they can stand alone for children who prefer informational reading and activities. ARC courtesy of Fabled Films Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

UNIQUE ADAPTATIONS OF NIGHTTIME ANIMALS is a companion to The Mysterious Abduction Books for ages 9 to 12. Focusing on both adaptations and conservation efforts, it combines narrative from the series characters along with interesting facts.

AWESOME FEATURES & SURPRISING ADAPTATIONS is a companion to the Early Reader series for ages 6 to 8. Focusing on the adaptations of nine nocturnal animals, readers connect their favorite nocturnal characters to real-world nighttime animals and their habitats.

NOCTURNALS WORLD is the web portal for The Nocturnals series. Readers are invited to join the “Nocturnal Brigade”. The website includes information about the authors, books, educational resources, and activities.

To visit the website, go to https://nocturnalsworld.com/.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS from DK Findout! provides information about night creatures.

To explore the web project, go to https://www.dkfindout.com/us/animals-and-nature/nocturnal-animals/.

LIST OF NOCTURNAL ANIMALS from Wikipedia provides links to dozens of nocturnal creatures.

To visit the list, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nocturnal_animals.

Synergy: Beavers

BEAVERS are semiaquatic, broad-tailed rodents found in North America and northern Eurasia. This large mammal is known to gnaw through tree trunks, feed on bark, and build dams.

Read the recently published children’s nonfiction picture book, then learn more at the websites:

THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT by Randi Sonenshine and illustrated by Anne Hunter features engaging illustrations and informative text to tell the story of a beaver and its family. Skillfully balancing scientific information with lyrical prose, this picture book is a perfect way to jumpstart an inquiry into the life cycle of a beaver and its ecosystem. Related creatures are effectively woven into the narrative to expand the appeal. The book concludes with useful background information. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

AMERICAN BEAVER is a video from National Geographic Kids featuring amazing beaver footage.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/Ic3x8OVYe80

BEAVER from National Geographic Kids provides an overview to this common mammal including text, a map, photos, and a video clip.

To read the page, go to https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/beaver.

Synergy: Giraffes

GIRAFFES are African hoofed mammals. Their extremely long neck and legs along with their spotted coat makes them easy to recognize. Giraffes are a vulnerable species and some subspecies are critically endangered.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book, then extend the experience through websites:

ANNE AND HER TOWER OF GIRAFFES written by Karlin Gray and illustrated by Aparna Varma shares the true story of the first giraffologist, Dr. Anne Innis Dagg. Picture book readers will enjoy following the successes and challenges faced by Anne on her quest to learn about and save the giraffes. The book concludes with additional information and an interview with Dr. Dagg. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

JUNIOR GIRAFFE CLUB provides information about Dr. Dagg and facts about giraffes. The website encourages children to get involved in special events.

To visit the website, go to https://www.juniorgiraffeclub.org/.

THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES is a documentary about the life and work of Dr. Dagg.

To learn more, go to https://thewomanwholovesgiraffes.com/.

Synergy: Zoology

ZOOLOGY is the study of animals including their behavior, structure, classification, and distribution. This branch of biology studies the entire animal kingdom.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for children, then extend the experience by viewing a video series:

5,000 AWESOME FACTS (ABOUT ANIMALS) from National Geographic Kids features thousands of fascinating facts along with hundreds of amazing animal photographs. This fact book is designed for readers who enjoy browsing, as well as those who prefer to deep dive into specific animals or creature categories. Visually stunning, this large format book will be popular with young zoologists and trivia nerds alike.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

WHAT IS AN ANIMAL? is the first in a series of Crash Course Zoology videos. This short video provides an introduction to zoology. The fourteen-episode series is perfect for young people interested in the biology of animals.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/zgM0F6UmC70.

To watch the entire Crash Course Zoology playlist, go to https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNRgJI4gHRLFtOD_r4hfJaF.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning

Several new works of nonfiction explore the long history of planet Earth including the relatively recent impact of humans and other animals. Each provides a unique perspective and context for investigation.

A Brief History of Earth

Andrew H. Knoll, Apr 2021, Custom House, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: Natural history, Science, Earth science

A BRIEF HISTORY OF EARTH takes readers on a 4.6 billion-year journey through the science of our planet with chapters exploring the chemical, physical, biological, oxygen, animal, green, catastrophic, and human Earth. Of particular note are the excellent illustrations, conversational writing style, and balance of anecdotes with facts.

Take-aways: Educators will find the connections to climate change useful within the larger context of earth history. This book would be a good choice for an AP content-area reading assignment.

A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth

Henry Gee, Nov 2021, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan

Themes: Natural history, Life science, Evolution

A (VERY) SHORT HISTORY OF LIFE ON EARTH provides a quick overview of how life evolved on Earth in a dozen short chapters. The first seven chapters explore early life, to dinosaurs leaving five chapters for mammals, primates and human evolution.

Take-aways: This primer on evolution would be of particular interest to science students and teachers seeking an engaging work of nonfiction for leisure reading.

A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us About the Destiny of the Human Species

Rob Dunn, Nov 2021, Basic Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group

Themes: Natural history, Nature, Ecology

A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FUTURE explains how Earth has become a human ecosystem. Focusing on ecology and evolution, the author skillfully explains the history of humans and their impact, climate change, and the need for action.

Take-aways: Educators will find the timely topics useful in curriculum updates.

A History of the World in 100 Animals

Simon Barnes, May 2022, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Themes: World history, Animals

A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 100 ANIMALS explores dozens of animals that have had a close relationship with humans across the millennia. From the honeybee to the giant squid, Barnes examines the connection between humans and the other creatures that inhabit the Earth. Each animal is presented through a short, conversational essay.

Take-aways: This interdisciplinary work blends history, culture, art, and life science. Of particular note are the outstanding full-color illustrations, short quotes from literature, and engaging anecdotes that bring the animals to life. Students of all ages enjoy learning about animals. Educators will find fascinating examples to engage students across the curriculum. Use an animal essay as a springboard to inquiry or writing.

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: Giant Panda

Giant Pandas are a black and white bear native to South Central China. They eat bamboo shoots and leaves. Governments and organizations have worked together to ensure this vulnerable species is able to survive in the wild and in captivity.

Read the recently published picture book then learn more at the website.

BEI BEI GOES HOME: A PANDA STORY by Cheryl Bardoe tells the true story of a rare giant panda born at the National Zoo in Washington DC. The fast-paced narrative incorporates full-color photos and side-bar panda facts to engage readers. The picture book concludes with additional information about pandas.

The GIANT PANDA CAM page from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo provides feeds from two video cameras. In addition, still and video images are also available.

To visit the live cams, go to https://s.si.edu/3CBHwwX.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Entertainment, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Popular Science Topics

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning
Popular Science Topics

New works of popular science nonfiction are examining fascinating scientific themes through entertaining stories. Educators will find these useful in identifying timely examples for their classrooms.

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law
Mary Roach, Sep 2021, W.W. Norton & Company
Themes: science, social science, nature, biology, philosophy, wildlife

FUZZ explores the science of human-wildlife interaction and conflict. Combining the disciplines of human behavior and wildlife biology, Roach shares fascinating and often humorous examples of the challenges of human-nature coexistence.

Take-aways: Roach’s conversational style is always popular with young adults and educators alike. From connections with bears and elephants to monkeys and trees, each chapter shares a short, engaging narrative that helps readers understand the complex relationships between nature and humans.

Blue: In Search of Nature’s Rarest Color
Kai Kupferschmidt, Jul 2021, The Experiment, an imprint of Workman
Themes: science, physics, optics, light, color

BLUE take readers on an adventure around to globe to identify examples of this rare color in minerals, animals, and plants. It also examines the science behind the color blue and its impact on human life.

Take-aways: Occurring less frequently in nature than other colors, blue is a color associated with both science and social science topics.

Pump: A Natural History of the Heart
Bill Schutt, Sep 2021, Algonquin Books, an imprint of Workman
Themes: science, life science, biology, circulation, heart

PUMP shares the evolutionary history of circulation and specifically the heart. Weaving together scientific observations with cultural connections, Schutt examines the history of this organ through amazing stories and examples.

Take-aways: Use examples from PUMP to help youth see how our understanding of the circulatory system has evolved over time.

Weirdness!: What Fake Science and the Paranormal Tell Us About the Nature of Science
Taner Edis, Nov 2021, Pitchstone Publishing, Independent Publishers Group
Themes: science, scientific theory, pseudo-science, paranormal


WEIRDNESS! celebrates the importance of science in a world of fake news, social media, and conspiracy theories. Edis describes the critical role of science, while exploring the bizarre beliefs that have become prevalent in today’s society.

Take-aways: Use Edis’ examples to jumpstart meaningful discussions about the importance of science and need to understand the “weirdness” in our world.

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: Hemispheres and Seasons

Earth is divided into the Northern and Southern Hemisphere by an imaginary line at the equator. The Earth’s tilt causes the seasons. During different months of the year, different part of the Earth receive more or less of the Sun’s direct rays depending on the Earth’s tilted axis.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for youth, then learn more at the websites.

NORTH AND SOUTH: A TALE OF TWO HEMISPHERES by Sandra Morris explores how animals have adapted to the seasons in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Combining engaging illustrations with informational text, two-page spreads explore animals from each hemisphere through the months of the year. Mini-maps of animal habitats and information about conservation status is also provided on each page. The end pages provide additional information about each animal.

NASA’s SPACEPLACE provides a page that answers the question “What Causes the Seasons?” In addition to explaining the seasons, it also discusses the hemispheres. The page includes useful illustrations along with links to additional resources.

To visit SpacePlace, go to https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/seasons/en/

THE SEASONS AND HEMISPHERES is a short YouTube video from Happy Learning English exploring both the seasons and the hemispheres.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/qHgs8dcmB4M.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Random House.