Showing posts with label informational book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label informational book. Show all posts

Monday, September 04, 2023

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.




Monday, December 26, 2022

Synergy: Butterflies


BUTTERFLIES are insects with a four-stage life cycle. Part of the Lepidoptera order, some butterflies like the painted lady migrate over long distances. Butterfly gardens contain plants that provide nectar for adult butterflies and a habitat that nurtures the stages of their development.


Encourage students to learn about the butterflies common to your area, then involve them in designing a butterfly garden to attract these creatures.


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


THE STORY OF A BUTTERFLY by Margaret Rose Reed explores the life cycle and habitat of the Painted Lady butterfly. Two friends take a field trip to a butterfly garden along with their class and decide to make their own community garden. The storybook approach introduces young readers to the science of butterflies along with the joy of learning. The picture book concludes with additional information about the Painted Lady butterfly and a comparison of moths and butterflies. ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks eXplore.


BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS OF NORTH AMERICA is a database providing information about the wide range of Lepidoptera found in North America. Readers are encouraged to participate in their online project.


To search the database, go to https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org.

To read about the Painted Lady, go to https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Vanessa-cardui.


BASICS OF BUTTERFLY GARDENING from the North American Butterfly Association provides the basics of starting a butterfly garden.


To read the article, go to https://nababutterfly.com/start-butterfly-garden/.





Monday, November 07, 2022

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.




Monday, October 04, 2021

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.


Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Synergy: DNA


DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a material found in the cells of all living things. It determines what a living thing looks like and how it functions. Sections of DNA information are called genes.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

GROW: SECRETS OF OUR DNA by Nicola Davies is an informational picture book describing how living things grow. It describes DNA as a set of instructions used to create a human body as well as other living beings.

YOURGENOME is a website where students can learn about DNA, genes, genomes, and the implications for our health and society. Designed by the Wellcome Genome Campus, users can explore videos, activities, interactives and a glossary. Sections of the website focus on the cell, methods and technology, targeting disease, society and behavior, and animals and animals.

To visit this online project, go to https://www.yourgenome.org/.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick.

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Book Review: Flying Deep

FLYING DEEP by Michelle Cusolito is an informational picture book exploring a deep-sea submersible.
In this engaging picture book, readers follow a pilot and scientists as they climb into their submersible and journey underwater for a day of scientific investigation. Young readers will be attracted to the realistic artwork and lyrical narration. Questions are woven throughout the story keeping readers active throughout.
The experience concludes with the story behind the book, an illustrator’s note, facts about the submersible, a glossary, organism list, and additional resources.
Librarians will find this book popular with children who enjoy sea exploration, science, and adventure. Integrate the book into the science curriculum and associate it with oceanography careers.
Published by Charlesbridge on May 22, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Book Review: The Hawk of the Castle

THE HAWK OF THE CASTLE by Danna Smith is an informational picture book story revolving around medieval falconry.
Set in medieval times, the story follows a day in the life of a girl and her falconer father as who live in a castle. Along with the engaging narrative, the author provides boxes of information about birds of prey and the activity of falconry. The book concludes with author’s notes, an index, and resources.
Librarians will find this book to be useful for children learning about medieval times or those interested in falconry. Teachers will enjoy the connects to the social studies curriculum.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.dannasmithbooks.com/.
Published by Candlewick on April 11, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Book Review: Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep

SQUIRRELS LEAP, SQUIRRELS SLEEP by April Pulley Sayre is an informational book focusing on common squirrel species.
Easy-to-read text along with descriptive collages provide accurate information for young readers about the lives of squirrels. In addition to the full-page illustrations, many pages also contain close-up images showing common squirrel activities such as sleeping or wrestling. The book concludes with more detailed information about squirrels and their trees.
Librarians will find this book popular among animal lovers and children who enjoy nature. Use the text to jumpstart a citizen science project. To learn more, go to http://projectsquirrel.org/.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.aprilsayre.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/.
Published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan by November 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Book Review: Fly Guy Presents the White House

FLY GUY PRESENTS THE WHITE HOUSE by Tedd Arnold introduces young readers to the home of the President of the United States along with the basic of US government.
Designed for second grade readers, this engaging, informational book takes children on a tour of the White House. As Buzz and his pet fly explore the building and grounds, they learn about the president, presidential family, staff, and the history of the building.
The eclectic mix of typography and illustration types are likely to appeal to young readers. However, they could be distracting for very beginning readers.
Librarians will find this book appropriate for K-3 learners exploring the basics of government and the presidency. The simple story and field trip format will appeal to young readers.
Other books in the popular Fly Guy Presents series include bats, insects, sharks, space, dinosaurs, firefighters, and snakes.
Published by Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Book Review: Will's Words

WILL’S WORDS: HOW WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE CHANGED THE WAY YOU TALK by Jane Sutcliffe is an informational picture book explore the impact of Shakespeare on the English language.
Designed for intermediate grade students, the book begins with a letter from the author explaining that the focus of the book is on Shakespeare’s fascinating words and phrases. This beautifully illustrated picture book immerses readers in the time period, while weaving Shakespeare’s famous words into the narrative. Phrases like “too much of a good thing” and “wild-goose chase” are a couple examples of the many words made famous by this famous playwright. The book features sidebars containing Shakespeare’s words, their meaning, and where they can be found in his work. The book concludes with a second letter from the author, a timeline, and a bibliography.
Librarians will find this book to be a fun and engaging way to introduce young readers to Shakespeare’s world and his love of wordplay. Place the book in a learning center along with other books about Shakespeare, online resources, and a hands-on activity involving his famous phrases.
Learn more about the author at http://www.janesutcliffe.com/.
Learn more about the illustrator at http://www.jshelley.com/.
Published by Charlesbridge on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Book Review: We Dig Worms!

WE DIG WORMS! by Kevin McCloskey is an adorable informational book for beginning readers. From sea worms to earthworms, the simple narrative follows a child’s exploration of the world of worms.
Designed for children 3 and older, this highly illustrated book is designed for kindergarten and first grade readers. While some of the all-caps sentences may be difficult for beginning readers, the mixture of traditional picture book and comic presentation formats will appeal to young children.
The appealing illustrations created on recycled paper bags and printed on brown paper pages make the look and feel of the book distinct. The compelling visuals encourage youth get down on the ground an observe nature closeup. Important science facts are seamlessly woven into the short narrative. The different perspectives of birds, children, and earthworms all add to the appeal of the informational text. Scientifically correct diagrams add information of interest to older readers as well as younger children.
The back endpages explain how to read comics with children and the book website provides Common Core connections and a student activity sheet.
Go to the publisher’s book website at http://www.toon-books.com/we-dig-worms.html
To find other Level One books, go to http://www.toon-books.com/.
Published by Toon Books, Spring 2015.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Book Review: Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World

EYE TO EYE: HOW ANIMALS SEE THE WORLD by Steve Jenkins applies astounding collage techniques to produce an informational picture book that will fly off the shelves.

Fans of Steve Jenkins of WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TAIL LIKE THIS? will enjoy his focus on eye sight in animals. While younger readers will be drawn to the appealing images, older children will enjoy the informational aspects of this book. The accurate, detailed focus on the special features of each animal will be useful to both students working on reports and teachers seeking interesting examples for class. Additional details about each animal are found at the end of the book.

Of particular interest is the way Jenkins traces the evolution of the eye. Look for the chart showing the evolutionary process.

Although the collage illustrations are amazing, design an activity that asks children to compare the collage images with photographs of each creature. The book along with close-up eye photographs would be fun for a library display.

Go to the author’s website to learn more about the books. Be sure to check out the section on making books. Go to http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

App Review: Smithsonian's Prehistoric Pals

SMITHSONIAN’S PREHISTORIC PALS is a series of engaging interactive book apps exploring dinosaurs and the prehistoric world.

While these e-books are short and lack some of the interaction of some other apps, they provide excellent reading experiences for young children. Designed for ages 3-8, users choose from the standard read-to-me, read-it-myself, and autoplay modes. Each screen contains a colorful picture along with a couple sentences of text. New vocabulary and pictures are clickable and provide additional information. An option is provided for students to record and share their own voice reading.

The books are all based on traditional paper books published by Smithsonian. Titles include It’s Tyrannosaurus Rex, Saber-Tooth Trap, Mosasaurus, Pteranodon Soars, and others.

Oceanhouse Media is known for their high-quality apps for youth. A collection of 10 books is available in a bundle.

For a complete list, go to http://www.oceanhousemedia.com/products/smithsonian/.