Website Review: Enchanting the Desert

ENCHANTING THE DESERT is a unique digital monograph exploring Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

Based on a historical document, this collaborative project includes the work of geographers, artists, enthusiasts, and digital humanists. The project is divided into sections focusing on toponymy, exploration, settlement, tourism, and infrastructure.

Librarians will find this fascinating project serves as a good example of interdisciplinary collaboration. Work with the art and social studies teachers to encourage creative projects that connect geography, art, and humanities.

To visit the website, go to http://enchantingthedesert.com.

Book Review: We Found a Hat

WE FOUND A HAT by Jon Klassen tells the story of two turtle friends who discover a hat.

When two turtles find a hat, they decide to leave it alone since there aren’t enough hats for both friends. This highly visual story makes it clear that at least one of the turtle is conflicted about leaving the hat.

Klassen is known for his clever use of simple illustrations to convey humor and detail.

Librarians will find this to be useful book for teaching concepts in visual literacy. Read the book a number of times asking children to retell the story using the visuals for added detail.

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

Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Hour of Bees

HOUR OF BEES by Lindsay Eagar is a poignant, multi-generational, coming-of-age story set in the New Mexican desert.

While her friends are enjoying the summer, Carolina is visiting her grandfather’s ranch in the desert. In this desolate setting, Carolina gains a new perspective on her family heritage and connections with the land through her grandfather’s stories.

Aimed at middle school youth, librarians will find an audience among children who enjoy realistic fiction along with a touch of magical realism. Fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan and Laura Resau are likely to enjoy the connections to Mexican cultural heritage. Multi-generational themes have been popular this year and this title is an outstanding example.

Published by Candlewick on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Plants

PLANTS by TinyBop is the second interactive playscapes app in The Explorer’s Library.

Designed to “spark discovery and a deeper understanding of the world”, this science app focuses on the world of plants. Geared to ages 4 and up, very few instructions are provided. Instead, users are encouraged to click and drag their way around the interactive app environment.

Users begin by creating an avatar. The app is organized into interactive dioramas that explore grasslands, forest, and desert settings that youth can explore. A crank icon reveals a menu allowing the user to turn labels on and off, change languages, control volume, and adjust other settings. Users also use the menu changes diorama and explore in-depth features.

As users explore each scene, they encounter more in-depth diagrams of plants that highlight particular features. Moving or clicking elements trigger features such as daylight or rain showers. A slide is available so users can even see a cross section underground. It’s also possible to zoom in and back out of the diorama.

A PDF version of the Plants Handbook is available to download and print. It contains lots of ideas for helping children work their way through the app.

This amazing app is highly recommended for elementary libraries and science classrooms and can be used across grade levels.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/a…/plants-by-tinybop/id872615882….

To download the handbook, go to http://tinybop.com/assets/Tinybop-EL2-Plants-Handbook-EN.pdf.

To learn about the other apps in this series, go to http://tinybop.com/apps.

Published by Tinybop.