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.

Synergy: Celebrating Graphic Nonfiction

GRAPHIC NONFICTION are works of nonfiction expressed in a graphic-novel style. Sharing information and true stories, these books use sequential art and other highly visual approaches to communicate factual content.

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:

DRAWN TO CHANGE THE WORLD written by Emma Reynolds and illustrated by Emma Reynolds and Ann Maulana is a middle grade graphic biography exploring the experiences of a diverse group of sixteen youth climate activists. The book begins with an overview of climate change. Then, sixteen different artists use a graphic novel style to exploring the experiences of a diverse group of sixteen youth climate activists. Each story includes updated information about each activist. The book concludes with ideas for making a difference along with additional factual information about climate change. ARC courtesy of HarperAlley, an imprint of HarperCollins.

RUN AND HIDE: HOW JEWISH YOUTH ESCAPED THE HOLOCAUST by Don Brown is a compelling, graphic history exploring the harrowing stories of children surviving the horrors of World War II. Told through Brown’s deeply moving visuals, these stories bring the plight of these children to life. ARC courtesy of Clarion Book, an imprint of HarperCollins.

I ESCAPED A CHINESE INTERNMENT CAMP written by Anthony Del Col and illustrated by Fahmida Azim received the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for illustrated reporting. Although written for an adult audience, young adults will find this work of graphic journalism thought-provoking. Based on interviews and testimony, readers explore the life of a woman arrested for simply being a Muslim. Enduring horrific atrocities, she ultimately escaped to America. ARC courtesy of Lev Gleason, an imprint of Diamond Books.

Synergy: Vegetarian

A VEGETARIAN is a person who chooses not to eat meat such as fish, beef, pork, and chicken. Some vegetarians don’t eat animal products such as dairy or eggs. The term is also used to describe meals or places that exclude animal products.

Working in pairs, ask children to create two menus for the day, one traditional and one vegetarian.

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

BAKE, MAKE & LEARN TO COOK VEGETARIAN written by David Atherton and illustrated by Alice Bowsher features healthy, green recipes for children. After an introduction, readers explore recipes for  meals, snacks, sweets, and showstoppers. Each recipe includes an overview, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions with useful visuals and useful text. Most of the ingredients are commonly found in grocery stories. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

VEGETARIANISM from Britannica for Kids introduces the concept, diet, and history.

To read the article, go to https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/vegetarianism/609722.

WHAT IS A VEGETARIAN? is a page from the Vegetarian Society that explains the basics of a vegetarian diet.

To read the article, go to https://vegsoc.org/info-hub/definition/.

VEGETARIANISM: THE BASIC FACTS is short article discussing the reasons why people choose a vegetarian diet.

To read the article, go to https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/vegetarian-and-special-diets/vegetarianism-the-basic-facts.

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.

Synergy: Camouflage

Camouflage is a defense mechanism used by creatures to blend into their environment. Also called cryptic coloration, these organisms are able to disguise their appearance, location, and even movement.

Read the informational picture book for youth, then learn more at the websites:

MASTERS OF DISGUISE: CAMOUFLAGING CREATURES & MAGNIFICENT MIMICS by Marc Martin uses brightly colored watercolor and cut-outs to explore the world of biomimicry in nature. Featuring a dozen animals from around the world, readers learn about how each creature is able to blend into its natural habitat. Of particular note are the seek-and-find activities woven throughout the book to get students thinking about the importance of observation in the natural world.

CAN YOU FIND THE CAMOUFLAGED ANIMALS? from Earth Rangers shows viewers an image and asks them to identify the creature. After revealing the answers, viewers learn facts about the creature. This video would be effective as a whole class, small group, or individual activity.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/kGZX1_Zy-74.

32 EXAMPLES OF CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE is an online article containing lots ideas educators can use to teach about how predators and prey animals use camouflage.

To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/34FJXiJ.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Animals Using Tools

From birds and fish to insects and cephalopods, mammals including humans aren’t the only animals who use tools for work and play. Animals use tools to achieve specific goals such as grooming, defense, communication, and food gathering. Primates are particularly known for their use of tools in hunting, gathering, shelter, and self-defense.

Read the informational picture book for youth, then learn more at the websites:

ORANGUTAN HATS AND OTHER TOOLS ANIMALS USE by Richard Haynes and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis is an informational picture book sharing the many ingenious ways that creatures use tools for a wide range of activities. The book is divided into chapters exploring tools for hygiene, health, defense, gathering food, comfort, and fun. The author concludes with a useful glossary and index. This well-organized work of nonfiction would be useful to teaching about the parts of an informational book. Use this engaging picture book to jumpstart an inquiry-based experience focusing on an animal and its use of tools.

INCREDIBLE TOOL USE IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM is an online article from the BBC that includes text, images, and video sharing the many ways animals use tools.

To read the article, go to https://bbc.in/3uEsYYq.

THE ANIMAL’S TOOL BOX from the Davidson Institute of Science Education is an online article that defines tool and provides many examples of tool use among animals around the world. Many video examples are embedded.

To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/3fVqyiZ.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Book Review: Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers

PIPSQUEAKS, SLOWPOKES, AND STINKERS by Melissa Stewart celebrates animal underdogs.

This humorous, nonfiction picture book features often overlooked animals like frogs, lizards, and rats. Using an appealing, conversational style, the author draws attention to lesser-known creatures from around the world. Questions and fascinating examples maintain reader interest throughout. The book concludes with additional information about each creature.

Librarians will find this informational picture book to be an unusual way to jumpstart animal inquiries. Ask youth to select an “unsung underdog” to explore. What special characteristic can we celebrate?

Published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Do Doodlebugs Doodle?

DO DOODLEBUGS DOODLE by Corinne Demas and Artemis Roehrig is a humorous information book exploring the names of insects.

This attractive picture book asks silly questions about bugs with funny names such as dragonflies, horseflies, and stink bugs. Although the questions are humorous, the answers are rooted in accurate and fascinating scientific fact. The book concludes with a review of the insects discussed.

Librarians will find this book to be a popular addition to the science collection. The predictable format makes the book a fun read-aloud for preschool and primary grade children. Create a game asking children to identify real and fake insect names.

Published on April 5, 2018 by Persnickety Press. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Disappearing Spoon

THE DISAPPEARING SPOON by Sam Kean is the young reader’s edition of the popular science book.

After a brief introduction, the work of nonfiction is divided into five parts exploring different aspects of the periodic table and its history. Within each section are a series of chapters exploring specific topics associated with the section’s theme. The book concludes with the periodic table of elements, a glossary, bibliography, and index.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent addition to the nonfiction collection. While it will be a useful resource for students writing reports connected with the periodic table, it will be most popular among children who enjoy reading nonfiction for fun. Use the book as part of a nonfiction literature circle focusing on science. The text would also be helpful for high school students who find the adult version of the book too difficult.

Published on April 3, 2018 by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Astronaut Aquanaut

ASTRONAUT AQUANAUT by Jennifer Swanson explores the similarities and differences between deep space and deep sea exploration.

This visually appealing informational text includes an introduction and five chapters along with a people page, space-sea comparison, glossary, and index. Bright colored photographs, illustrations, and page layout add to the appeal.

Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of space or sea exploration. Readers are invited to read facts, conduct experiments, try activities, and explore the lives of scientists.

Librarians will find this book provides an unusual and fascinating way to think about deep space and deep sea exploration. Weave the title into the science curriculum and work with science teachers to use the space-sea comparison as the basis of class projects. Create a display with books about both environments placing this title in the center.

Published on April 1, 2018 by National Geographic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Plant, Cook, Eat!

PLANT, COOK, EAT! is a practical and appealing children’s cookbook by Joe Archer and Caroline Craig.

This outstanding informational book explores the process of planting, harvesting, and preparing a wide variety of vegetables. Each short chapter focuses on a different question, activity, tool, plant, or preparation. The colorful pages, illustrations, and photographs add to the appeal. The short chunks of informational text provide depth without overwhelming the pages. The cookbook concludes with further information, a glossary, and index.

Librarians will find that this interesting book provides practical garden techniques along with realistic recipes that appeal to children. Students will find the first section of the book useful for general science and research projects. The second half of the book focuses on growing and consuming specific vegetables. Include this book in a display focusing on gardening and healthy eating.

Published on March 1, 2018 by Charlesbridge. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Reviews: Germs

GERMS by Lesa Cline-Ransome is an informational picture book exploring the world of germs.

This colorfully illustrated text describes the history of germs, the scientists who learned about them and the different types of germs. It stresses both the good and bad that germs do. The author’s conversational style and the illustrator engaging visuals will appeal to young readers. The book concludes with additional information and a glossary.

Librarians will find this informational picture book to be a useful resource to the science collection. It could also serve as a read-aloud book to introduce students to the science of germs. Ask students to learn about one of the diseases introduced in the book.

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

Published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan on January 10, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Clothesline Clues to Sports People Play

CLOTHESLINE CLUES TO SPORTS PEOPLE PLAY by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook is a rhyming picture book that engages young readers in a sports guessing game.

Each two-page spread shows clothes and equipment along with text information. Readers are asked about the sport the items represents. The next page reveals the answer. The sports players represent a mixture of genders and races. Although a variety of body shapes are represented, no noticeably disabled players are included.

A companion to Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do, librarians will find that this series of informational books provides endless possibilities for classroom activities. Consider connecting this story with nonfiction books exploring each sport represented.

While some children may never have seen a clothesline, they’ll quickly understand the premise and enjoy the learning experience. The clothesline approach could be turned into an engaging hands-on, flannelboard activity.

Published by Charlesbridge on August 4, 2015. Review copy courtesy of Charlesbridge.