Synergy: Celebrating Trees

TREES are a woody perennial plant consisting of a single tall stem or trunk and bearing lateral branches. A root system anchors the tree and stores nutrients. These long living plants often serve as keystone species supporting a variety of other life.

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

COOL GREEN written and illustrated by Lulu Delacre is a picture book exploring thirteen of the world’s most amazing trees. Told through the eyes of a landscaper and his grand daughter, the narrative celebrates the world of trees. Of particular note is the use of mixed media including natural elements such as tree needles woven into the illustrations. The book concludes with an author’s note, glossary, and additional information about the highlighted trees. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

TREES: HAIKU FROM ROOTS TO LEAVES by Sally M. Walker and illustrated by Angela Mckay combines science, history, and haiku to tell the story of trees. This richly illustrated picture book concludes with background information, an author’s note, a glossary, and suggested readings. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

THE TREE AND THE RIVER written and illustrated by Aaron Becker is a magnificent, wordless picture book visualizing ecology and civilization through the lens of nature and humankind. Although set in an alternative world, the relationships in this imagined universe are thought-provoking for readers of all ages. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

THE BIG TREE by Laura Knetzger is a comic for beginning readers. While mourning the loss of a tree, friends learn about new beginnings in nature. ARC courtesy of Holliday House, Pixel Ink, and Peachtree.

BIG TREE written and illustrated by Brian Selznick tells the epic story of two Sycamore seeds. While demonstrating the power of life across time and space, this imaginative adventure is at its literal roots a story of hope. ARC courtesy of Scholastic Press.

Synergy: Invasive Species

INVASIVE SPECIES are living things that are not native to a particular location. They often thrive in their introduced area pushing out other flora and fauna. These out-of-place plants and animals cause harm to the environment and economy causing a wide range of problems.

Ask students to learn about an invasive species and debate possible solutions to the problem.

Read the recently published graphic nonfiction for youth, then learn more at the websites:

BEWARE THE BURMESE PYTHONS written by Etta Kaner with illustrations by Phil Nicholls uses a comic format to share information about invasive animal species. This attractive work of graphic nonfiction successfully introduces youth to the destruction of invasive animal species and the question of how to address the problem. Each two-page, newspaper-type spread introduces a different animal and its impact. The book concludes with a glossary, sources, and additional information. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES? from the National Part Service provides a short video and information about native species, non-native species, and invasive species.

To learn more, go to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/invasive/what-are-invasive-species.htm.

The NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION CENTER at the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides information about invasive species and the US government response to these plants, animals, and other living organisms.

To visit the website, go to https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species.

INVASIVE SPECIES from National Geographic provides an introduction and examples of invasive species and their impact.

To read the article, go to https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/invasive-species.

Book Review: The Witch Boy

THE WITCH BOY by Molly Ostertag is a middle-grade graphic fantasy about magic and individual differences.

Aster has grown up in a world where girls learn magic and boys become shape-shifters. As he reaches maturity, Aster realizes that he wants to learn magic even though it’s forbidden in his society. Encouragement from an outsider, helps him gain the courage to trust himself and face his fears.

Librarians will be drawn to messages of inclusion and courage. Middle-grade children will enjoy the high-quality color illustrations and fast-paced story. Use the absorbing story, world-building, and well-developed characters to draw in new graphic novel readers.

Published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic on October 31, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Hocus Focus

HOCUS FOCUS by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold is the fourth comic adventure of Knight and her horse Edward.

When Knight sells the wizard’s magic wand, she accidentally turns Edward into a giant worm. The bright colored comic pages and goofy story will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.

Part of the Adventures in Cartooning series, the book includes step-by-step instructions for drawing key characters.

Librarians will find this latest addition to the series to be popular with children who like drawing and cartoons.

Published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan on January 24, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Gary's Garden

GARY’S GARDEN by Gary Northfield is a humorous graphic book for children featuring the fascinating creatures that live in the backyard.

From worms and caterpillars to birds and spiders, Gary’s backyard is filled with interesting animals, insects, and other critters. Each short chapter tells an engaging short story featuring new and different creatures.

The book’s sequential art and comic format will appeal to both younger as well as older children. The silly stories and goofy characters will keep even reluctant readers engaged.

Librarians will find this book to be very popular with a broad spectrum of children. The book concludes with dozens of character cards featuring the book’s characters. Use these cards to encourage children to write their own short, illustrated stories.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.garynorthfield.com/.

Published by David Fickling Books, an imprint of Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Shout Science!

SHOUT SCIENCE! by Scott Dubois is an amazing comic storybook app exploring scientists and scientific discovery.

Designed for ages 7 through 11, the app contains three narrative biographies featuring Anton Van Leeuwenhoek, Maria Sibylla Merian, and James Hutton. Set during the Scientific Revolution in Europe, readers learn about both science and history connected with the scientist. Students scroll down a timeline or explore a map, then make a selection. For each person, the student can read the story or access additional information about the person including background information, an image and timeline.

Rather than reading across pages, users scroll down a series of screens to read the story. To enhance engagement and reading comprehension, the app incorporates animation, diagrams, sound, and interactive elements.

Use this engaging comic storybook app to jumpstart a biography project. Connect the app with the graphic biographies in your library collection.

Go to Shout Science to learn more about the author and the app at http://www.shoutscience.com/.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shout-science!/id672884678….

Book Review: Nimona

NIMONA by Noelle Stevenson is a quirky new graphic novel fantasy based on the popular web comic.

A young shapeshifter teams up with a super villain to wreak havoc on the Institute of Law Enforcement. Set in a world reminiscent of a Renaissance faire, the story combines kingdoms, dragons, and sword fights with videophones and modern hospitals. The addition of sharks, countdowns, and explosions add to the irreverent atmosphere. Filled with witty humor and symbolism, sophisticated teen readers will enjoy the subversive tone from beginning to end.

The beautifully rendered, full-color graphics will immediately attract graphic novel fans, while the wicked humor and well-paced plot will keep them reading. The complex character development and memorable approach to world building make this graphic novel special.

The unconventional blend of old with new is sure to attract young adult readers. Librarians will find a broad audience for this book that includes lovers of both bizarre superheroes and unusual medieval kingdoms. Look for this book on the YA graphic novel “best of” lists for 2015.

To learn more about the author, go to http://gingerhaze.com/.

Published by HarperTeen on May 12, 2015.

Book Review: Before Tomorrowland

BEFORE TOMORROWLAND is a prequel to the upcoming Disney film, Tomorrowland.

Written by Jeff Jensen, Jonathan Case, Brad Bird, and Damon Lindelof, this fast-paced science fiction novel introduces readers to a secret society led by scientific geniuses. Set in 1939, the group is about to reveal an amazing new world. However an evil scientist and a confused robot-human hybrid have other plans. Caught in the middle are a mother and son in New York for a science fiction convention.

Although younger readers may be confused by the wide spectrum of characters and historical references, science fiction fans will easily become immersed in the fantasy. The retro-superhero comic illustrations add to the appeal. The book also includes the 20 page comic featured in the story adding an additional dimension to the experience.

With the popularity of Disney films, this book is likely to be popular. Consider a summer library program based on the Tomorrowland theme. There are lots of social media resources ready to use. Youth who enjoy this aspect of books and movies will love these connections. To get started, go to the Tomorrowland Times website at http://www.tomorrowlandtimes.com/.

For more information about the movie, go to http://movies.disney.com/tomorrowland.

Published by Disney Press and available April 7, 2015.

Book Review: Sleepless Knight

Children love humor, comics, and drawing books. SLEEPLESS KNIGHT (2015) by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost has it all. Even the pun in the book’s title will make elementary children giggle.

Many young readers will be familiar with the characters from Adventures in Cartooning. In this hilarious episode, the Knight along with Edward the horse embark on a camping adventure. Everything goes as planned untilit’s bedtime and a beloved teddy bear goes missing.

From the well-drawn panels to the easy-to-read speech bubbles, the book models outstanding sequential art writing. Many children want to make their own cartoons. Unfortunately some youth, particularly boys, have trouble with fine-motor control and quickly become frustrated. Sturm, Arnold, and Frederick-Frost make drawing fun and easy. Whether following the step-by-step visual instructions for drawing a knight or a bear, all children will be successful creating their own stories that extend the fun of Sleepless Knight.

Graphic novels for young readers fly off the shelves. Sleepless Knight is an outstanding example of a quality comic for youth.

NetGalley ARC used for review

App Review: American Museum of Natural History

The AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (AMNH) is known for their great website, however they also have a growing number of quality, free apps.

THE POWER OF POISON: BE A DETECTIVE is a 2014 Webby Award Nominee. The app involves students in exploring three different cases of accidental poisoning in animals. Through a series of animations, participants must determine which of the 18 suspects is to blame.

PTEROSAURS: FLIGHT IN THE AGE OF DINOSAURS is an app that provides an in-depth look at flying reptiles and the latest fossil discoveries. Animations, interactives, video interviews, and exciting activities immerse youth in the world of dinosaurs. PTEROSAURS: THE CARD GAME and DINOSAURS are two other apps based on the AMNH special exhibit.

The CREATURES OF LIGHT app provides animations, photo galleries, and videos related to bioluminescence.

The BERNARD FAMILY HALL OF NORTH AMERICAN MAMMALS app provides information about the museum’s mammal collection including interviews, photos, and commentary from the curator.

COSMIC DISCOVERIES is an app containing 1000 astronomical images from the AMNH’s image collection.

These free apps are a wonderful way to expose youth to the wonders of science and the importance of museums.

Go to the AMNH Apps page at http://www.amnh.org/apps.

Or, go directly to iTurns at https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/american-museum-natural-history/id351849240.

Book Review: Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch

MADDY KETTLE: THE ADVENTURE OF THE THIMBLEWITCH is the first book in an exciting new graphic novel series by Eric Orchard. 

When her parents are turned into kangaroo rats and kidnapped by evil spider goblins, Maddy goes in search of the Thimblewitch to rescue them. A one-of-a-kind floating spadefoot toad named Ralph is just one of the many unique creatures Maddy encounters on her quest. This fantasy adventure has just the right balance of exciting and creepy segments to maintain the attention of young readers without causing nightmares. Even the scariest characters turn out to simply be misunderstood.

The beautiful illustrations will be a hit with readers of all ages. Orchard’s use of vivid colors, interesting characters, and engaging, imaginary settings bring the story to life. The illustrations reflect the fast-paced plot and ongoing action.

This quirky new series is guaranteed to become a popular choice of young readers along with works by Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman.

To learn more about Eric Orchard and his books, go to http://www.ericorchard.com/.

NetGalley ARC used for review