Timely Take-aways for Life-long Learning: Bird Species

From eagles and hawks to pelicans and owls, several new works of nonfiction for adults examine the lives of specific bird species. Along the way, they discuss the importance of conservation and strategies being use to save these beloved species.

The Bald Eagle
Jack E. Davis, 2023, Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Eagles

This cultural and natural history of the bald eagle takes readers on a journey through time and across America. Of particularly note is how this comprehensive bird biography weaves the story of the eagle into our national narrative from science to politics across generations.

Take-aways: Packed with amazing anecdotes and inspirational stories, this fast-paced and often moving account of America’s beloved symbol provides endless examples teachers can use throughout the curriculum.

The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty
Sy Montgomery, 2022, Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Hawk

Combining anecdotes from his personal experiences with hawks with fascinating insights into their life and behavior, Montgomery celebrates this magnificent predator through an engaging narrative and sixteen pages of color photographs.

Take-aways: Teachers will find useful examples about falconry and raptor behavior to weave into the life science curriculum.

Brown Pelican
Rien Fertel, 2022, Louisiana State University Press, Longleaf Services
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Pelicans, Environmental Conservation

While exploring both the science and history of brown pelicans, Fertel places emphasis on on the connections between humans and this beloved bird.

Take-aways: Educators will find useful examples of effective and ineffective conservation efforts over time.

The Wise Hours: A Journal into the Wild and Secret World of Owls
Miriam Darlington, 2023, Tin House Books, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Owls

Sharing her fieldwork from around the world, this nature writer conveys her passion for owls and the natural world. Weaving together the story of her journey to understand owls with her personal challenges, the author creates a compelling narrative connecting our two worlds.

Take-aways: Science teachers will enjoy reading about the author’s encounters with a wide range of owls in the wild.

A Wing and a Prayer: The Race to Save our Vanishing Birds.
Anders Gyllenhaal & Beverly Gyllenhaal, 2023, Simon & Schuster
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds

This fast-paced nonfiction narrative examines the quest to stop the collapse of bird species. The journalists share stories of rescue missions from mountains and plains to coastal areas across America.

Take-aways: The book demonstrates a wide range of strategies for addressing birds on the brink of extinction. Use these examples to inspire young scientists.

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: Adventures in Nature

 NATURE is the contents and relationships found in the material world including all life. Humans are a tiny part of the physical universe known as nature.

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

FIND CALM IN NATURE by Jennifer Grant is a guide for mindful young people. From being rooted to being in flow, each chapter explores a different connection with nature. Quotes, questions, and facts are presented in sidebars. Readers are asked to observe nature, then look inward. Opportunities are provided for practice and reflection.  ARC courtesy of Beaming Books, an imprint of 1517 Media.

A LITTLE DOSE OF NATURE by Alison Greenwood connects outdoor fun to happiness. Picture book readers are encouraged to get outside and experience nature. This interactive guide engages readers in 25 simply activities involving observation, creation, and reflection. ARC courtesy of Ivy Kids Eco, an imprint of Quarto Group.

ONE WORLD by Nicola Davies examines 24 hours of nature on planet Earth. This richly illustrated picture book takes readers on a sweeping adventure through the time zones exploring global biodiversity. End notes discuss what people can do to address climate change. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

NO WORLD TOO BIG tells the story of twelve young people fighting global climate change. Each two page spread introduces a young activist through a poem, biographical sketch, and action tip. The book concludes with useful resources about science and poetry forms. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

NATURE SCHOOL by Lauren Giordano, Stephanie Hathaway, and Laura Stroup shares ideas for inspiring a child’s love of nature. Each chapter introduces the climate, plants, and animals of a particular ecosystem along with engaging learning activities. Packed full of interesting information, the picture book’s infographics and other scientific illustrations bring nature to life. ARC courtesy of Quarry Books, an imprint of Quarto Group.

WILD CHILD: NATURE ADVENTURES by Dara McAnulty provides information and activities for young nature explorers. From gardens to woods, each chapter explores the life in a natural area and activities to immerse young people in nature. Whether making a bird feeder and observing nature from a window or dipping for life in a pond, this picture book provides a variety of approaches and activities to connect with nature. ARC courtesy of The Experiment, an imprint of Hachette Books.

Synergy: Indigenous Wisdom

INDIGENOUS WISDOM is the knowledge, skills, and philosophies preserved by the Native people of Earth. Handed down over thousands of generations, this wisdom places emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things in nature.

Read the recently published young adult adaptation of a popular nonfiction work for adults, then learn more at the websites:

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS FOR YOUNG ADULTS by Robin Wall Kimmerer shares indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants. As an adaptation of the popular adult title, Monique Gray Smith effectively speaks to young people while maintaining Kimmerer’s message. The text uses meeting, planning, tending, picking, braiding and burning sweetgrass as a theme that weaves together anecdotes, traditional stories, engaging facts, and global understandings to introduce students to the idea that all living things are connected. Sidebars, reflective questions, and illustrations contribute to the appeal for young adult audiences. ARC courtesy of Zest Books, an imprint of Learner Publishing Group.

I MUST RETURN THE GIFT by Phoebe Lyn Pinkner connects excerpts from Braiding Sweetgrass with nature video clips to create a compelling short film.

To watch the short film, go to https://vimeo.com/639233670.

KITCHEN TABLE V2 is a video sharing the process of adapting Braiding Sweetgrass for young people.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/Jpq8ruxpqew.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learners: Insects

 

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learners: Insects

Insects are critical to healthy ecology systems. Unfortunately, these essential creatures are sometimes overlooked and often maligned. From wasps and moths to bees and beetles, several new and upcoming books explore the world of entomology and the important role of these tiny creatures. These titles invite readers to even respect cockroaches and crickets.

The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires that Run the World
Oliver Milman, Mar 2022, W.W. Norton                       
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

From bees to beetles, THE INSECT CRISIS explores the impact of collapsing insect populations around the world. Of particular note is the wide range of examples and situations used to provide evidence of the crisis.

Take-aways: Educators will find the many examples useful in discussing the consequences of insect loss.

Endless Forms: The Secret World of Wasps
Seirian Sumner, Jul 2022, HarperCollins                   
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

Exploring the world of wasps, ENDLESS FORMS provides an in-depth look at this often misunderstood insect.

Take-aways: Use wasps as an example of the importance of the insects in our increasingly fragile ecosystem. 

The Surprising Lives of Bark Beetles: Mighty Foresters of the Insect World
Jiri Hulcr & Marc Abrahams, Sep 2022, Univ of Florida Press         
Themes: Science, Nature, Entomology

Through amazing macro-photography and useful informational text, THE SURPRISING LIVES OF BARK BEETLES shares fascinating facts about beetles. While often viewed as destructive pests, the bark beetle is under appreciated in the insect world.

Take-aways: Discuss the use of macrophotography to learn more about lesser-known creatures. Involve youth in their own insect study using digital photography.

Of Cockroaches and Crickets: Learning to Love Creatures that Skitter and Jump
Frank, Nischk, February 2023, Greystone Books       
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

Combining engaging anecdotes with compelling factual information, OF COCKROACHES AND CRICKETS convinces readers that these insects are much more than their negative stereotypes.

Take-aways: Use cockroaches and crickets as examples of insects that have been maligned and need to be reconsidered as an important part of ecosystems.

What a Bee Knows:  Exploring the Thoughts, Memories, and Personalities of Bees
Stephen L. Buchmann, March 2023, Island Press     
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

Through engaging anecdotes and useful ecological connections, WHAT A BEE KNOWS invites readers to follow entomologists as they dive into the bee universe. 

Take-aways: Use the author’s exploration of the bee mind to challenge student thinking about insects. Encourage students to take the perspective of an insect.

The Jewel Box: How Moths Illuminate Nature’s Hidden Rules
Tim Blackburn, May 2023, Island Press                     
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

Through engaging anecdotes and useful ecological connections, THE JEWEL BOX introduces readers to a wide variety of moths and their unseen world.

Take-aways: Use the moth to discuss the essential role of insects in ecology.

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: Nature Crafts

Nature Crafts are activities that combine natural materials with interesting projects. For example, children might use twigs and string to build their own toy raft or paint rocks to create animal figures. While not all the materials may come from outdoors, nature crafts primarily focus on activities that involve observing nature, gathering natural materials, and creating crafts that reflect the joy of nature.

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

MY BIG BOOK OF OUTDOORS written by Tim Hopgood encourages readers to explore nature through the four seasons. From building a bug hotel to creating a leaf mobile and making paper snowflakes, the book combines factual information with fun and easy craft projects. The simply, colorful illustrations with engaging blocks of text will attract young readers. 

FIREFLIES & MUDPIES is a website encouraging children to create crafts. Their Nature Crafts section includes a wide range of hands-on activities using natural materials. Most of the activities involve easy to gather materials.

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

To learn more about outdoor arts and crafts, go to https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/category/kids-crafts/nature-crafts/

ARC courtesy of Candlewick.

Synergy: Observing Nature

Observing nature is the act of going outdoors and exploring the natural world. By using our senses and paying attention to details and patterns, observers are able to gather a wide range of information.

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

THE SECRET SIGNS OF NATURE written by Craig Caudill and illustrated by Carrie Shryock explores hidden clues that help children understand the sky, water, plants, animals, and weather. Readers follow two young navigators as they explore forests, oceans, and meadows. Children learn observation skills while exploring nature and developing life and science skills. Each engaging, two-page spread explores a different location and element of nature observation. 

OBSERVING NATURE from PBS KIDS for Parents provides ideas for getting children outdoors playing in nature. The website includes nature crafts and activities along with activities and games for families.

To visit the website, go to https://www.pbs.org/parents/observing-nature .

ARC courtesy of Magic Cat Publishing, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Synergy: Color Theory

Color theory involves concepts and design guidance connected with color combinations and aesthetics. For instance, a color wheel is a circle containing colored sections showing the relationships among colors such as primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Color harmony refers to combinations that are aesthetically pleasing together.

Read the three recently published informational picture books for children then learn more at the website.

The NATURE’S WONDERFUL COLORS series written by Jana Sedláčková and Štěpánka Sekaninová is designed for readers interested in how color is reflected the natural world. Illustrated by Magdalena Konečná, each two-page spread features hand-painted watercolor illustrations that are likely to inspire both nature and art lovers. 

COLORS IN NATURE explores a dozen colors and how they are reflected in the natural world. Readers also explore the color wheel and mixing colors.

COLORS OF HABITATS shares the rich colors found in biomes from around the world. Color names and swatches found on each page encourage artists to explore color harmony in nature.

SHAPES AND PATTERNS IN NATURE presents readers with examples of how patterns and shapes are found in plants, animals, and minerals. Whether examining fish scales, flower petals, or fruit cross-sections, the author reveals a fascinating world of forms in nature.

UX PLANET’s website shares four master artists who used nature-inspired color palettes. Use the resources and paintings on this page to inspire young artists to think about applying nature’s colors to their artwork.

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

The article 9 AMAZING ARTISTS by Wynita Harmon shares works of art that inspire nature-related art projects for children.

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

ARC courtesy of Albatros Media, an imprint of Ingram Publisher Services.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Marine Life

The Brilliant Abyss: Exploring the Majestic Hidden Life of the Deep Ocean, and the Looming Threat That Imperils It
Helen Scales, Jul 2021, Grove/Atlantic
Themes: nature, ecosystems, marine life, oceans, deep seas

Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher’s Extraordinary World
Craig Foster & Ross Frylinck, Nov 2021, Mariner-Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Themes: nature, marine life, ecology

Whether exploring the deepest oceans or learning about life from sea creatures, new works of nonfiction are examining the natural world in new ways.

THE BRILLIANT ABYSS takes readers on a voyage of discovery revealing the mysteries of the deep ocean. Scales’ rich narrative shares fascinating information about the bizarre creatures and diverse ecology increasingly threatened by pollution, mining, and climate change.

UNDERWATER WILD examines the marine science and incredible adventures that led to the award-winning documentary MY OCTOPUS TEACHER. Through stunning photos and engaging narrative, readers learn about the authors, their personal relationships, and the sea creatures that inspire them.

Let’s explore seven timely take-aways for life-long learners:


1) Deep-diving submersibles and other new technologies have opened up a “golden era for deep-sea exploration”. While scientists have detailed maps of the moon, much of the world’s deep seabed mountain ranges remain a mystery. A 2019 study suggests that large areas of the deep seafloor aren’t rocky. Instead, they’re covered with mud that’s one to six or more miles deep.
2) Recently, photographers captured 347,000 deep sea creatures and only 1 in 5 was previously known. These creatures thrive in extreme conditions. The diversity of life in the Pacific deep sea is immense.
3) Animal illuminations have led to some surprising adaptations among life in the deep. While some creatures have adapted by making light, others have evolved ultra-black skin packed with melanin.
4) The sea is warming much more rapidly than anticipated. This heat is flowing much deeper than anticipated. The melting ice caps are reducing the salinity of the seawater.
5) Every ocean has hydrothermal vents containing endemic creatures that thrive only near these vents. These ecosystems flourish because of chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis.
6) In addition to climate change, plastic pollution and deep sea mining are other concerns. Deep sea sediments are filled with micro plastics that are consumed by marine life. Of particular note is the long range impact of tailings from mines.
7) From observing pyjama catshark reproduction to tracking otters, each individual creature plays an important role in the ecology of the sea. No creatures are insignificant. Simple observation shows the complexity of marine life.

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: Seasons

Seasons are a way to divide a year on Earth based on changes in daylight, weather, and living organisms. The seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere are different because of the Earth’s axial tilt. Although traditionally divided into four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, some areas of the world recognize fewer or more seasons.

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

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY with poems by Rachel Piercy and illustrated by Freya Hartas is an engaging picture book exploring the woodland habitat through the seasons. Each two-page spread includes a descriptive poem and over a dozen things to find on the page. Primary grade teachers will find this book to be a fun read-aloud or engaging learning station option. Use it to jumpstart a discussion about the fact and fiction of woodland life. The book concludes with a nature trail revisiting the book’s content and encouraging children to get outside and explore nature.

50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU’RE 11-3/4 is an activity list from UK’s National Trust. This handy resource describes dozens of ideas for encouraging young adventurers to explore nature through the seasons. Users can read the guide online, then download a wall chart as a PDF.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3i50B2C.

ARC courtesy of Magic Cat Publishing, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Geology

How the Mountains Grew: A New Geological History of North America John Dvorak August 2021 Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Themes: Science, Nature, Ecosystems, Geology, Geologic History, Mountains

Tracing the geologic history of Earth, HOW THE MOUNTAINS GREW by John Dvorak skillfully weaves common knowledge and established theories with new research findings. The well-established theory of plate tectonics changed our perception of how our continent was formed. However, recently uncovered evidence demonstrates that scientists are just beginning to understand the complexity of our changing landscapes.

This epic story of the geological history of North America celebrates our rapidly changing knowledge of Earth’s past. Of particular note to Earth Science teachers and geology buffs, this engaging narrative also appeals to readers interested in broader areas of science from astrophysics to climate change. From young adults to seniors, Dvorak’s conversational style will be popular with leisure readers.

Let’s explore seven timely take-aways for life-long learners:

1. In the 1960s, the theory of plate tectonics became widely accepted. However, it was not able to explain the existence of the Black Hills or the diamonds of Arkansas. The intertwining of geology with other traditional and emerging sciences is needed to trace the entire span of geological history.
2. On August 17, 2017, the first gravitational waves were detected in the direction of the constellation Hydra. This confirmed the collision of neutron stars. These collisions are responsible for most of the heavier elements in the universe such as gold and silver. Prior to this discovery, these collisions were purely theoretical.
3. In 2015, the International Commission on Stratigraphy determined that the 4.030 billion year old Acasta Gneiss found in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada represents a major milestone in geologic history marking the beginning of the Archean Eon. It’s considered to be the oldest known rock on Earth.
4. Luis and Walter Alvarez published a paper in 1980 hypothesizing that an extraterrestrial body caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs. In 2016, a scientific drilling project penetrated the seafloor identifying the Chicxulub impact crater.
5. In geodynamics, delamination is the loss of the lowermost lithosphere from its tectonic plate. Asthenosphere rises to replace the sinking lithosphere. This process causes uplifts and sometimes volcanism playing an important role in the continuing “growth spurt” of mountains such as the Sierra Nevada. Seismic tomography allows geoscientists to generate images from the crust to the core. 5) In 2019, delamination was found through seismic tomography in the Appalachian Mountains.
6. In 2019, a fossilized forest containing palm-like trees was found near Cairo, New York demonstrating that complex forests existed at least as early as 388 million years ago.
7. Although working groups at the major geological societies have not yet recognized the Anthropocene as the current geological epoch, the term as been used informally for a couple decades. The benchmarks for this new epoch include the impact by humans on the natural world. From human-made rock such as concrete and bricks to plastic fragments, human have already made profound changes in the rock record.

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: Mindfulness in Nature

Mindfulness in nature encourages individuals to engage in fulfilling relationships with the natural world. With the constant distractions of social media and modern society, it’s important that children have opportunities to spend time relaxing and connecting outdoors.

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

SLOW DOWN: 50 MINDFUL MOMENTS IN NATURE written by Rachel Williams and illustrated by Freya Hartas features dozens of two-page spreads exploring natural wonders that are often overlooked in today’s hectic world such as a spider spinning a web. The book concludes with an exercise in mindfulness for young readers.

CHILDHOOD BY NATURE is a website encouraging a reunion of children with nature. It includes a blog, learning center, activity finder, and ideas for armchair naturalists. The resource is filled with ideas for librarians, educators and parents.

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

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Outdoor Adventures

Children are increasingly disconnected from nature. Immersing children in nature is essential in nurturing physical and mental well-being as well as encouraging environmental stewardship.

Read the recently published children's book, then learn more through the websites:

THE NOT-SO GREAT OUTDOORS by Madeline Kloepper tells the story of a city dweller who reluctantly learns the joys of adventures in nature. Featuring a diverse family, this colorful and visually rich story will feel familiar to many city and rural dwellers alike.

KIDS IN THE PARK from the National Park Service introduces young people to the national parks. Help a child become a Junior Ranger. Go to https://www.nps.gov/kids.

PARKS CANADA XPLORERS has a program that encourages young adventures visiting Parks Canada locations. Go to https://bit.ly/36ETw0w.

ARC courtesy of Tundra an imprint of Penguin/Random House.

Book: The Nature Craft Book

THE NATURE CRAFT BOOK by Clare Beaton is an arts and crafts book for nature lovers.

Part of the Read, Learn & Create series, this nature book contains fifteen crafts and two recipes. Colorful collage illustrations help users learn about birds, insects, plants, and animals while providing easy-to-follow directions for engaging projects. After an introduction to nature and the format of activities, users explore over a dozen topics. From birds to twigs, children read about the topic. Then, follow directions to create finger puppets, apple chips, leaf prints, and other fun activities.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with children who enjoy nature crafts. Teachers will find useful activities for the classroom. Several of the projects will be new too librarians and worth a look.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Book: Leaf It to Dot

LEAF IT TO DOT by Randi Zuckerberg is part of a developing reader series.

When Dot, Hal, and Dad go on a scavenger hunt, they find using a tablet useful but also a distraction. This engaging short chapter book provides a timely lesson about the importance of balancing screen time and nature exploration.

Librarians will find this short book to be a great way to talk with youth about enjoying nature. Weave it into the information literacy curriculum when discussing screen time and limiting device use. Children may recognize the characters from the television series.

ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Fly with Me

FLY WITH ME by Jane Yolen along with Heidi, Adam, and Jason Stemple is a celebration of birds through pictures, poems, and stories.

Filled with the colorful photographs and illustrations you would expect from National Geographic Kids, this large, attractive book examines all aspects of the world of birds. Sections include the topics of birds, bird history, state birds, bird song, bird viewing, bird migration, endangered birds, bird records, birds in art, birds in story, and citizen science.

Libraries will find bird lovers fascinated by the breadth and depth of this beautifully illustrated work of nonfiction. The book is equally effective when browsed or read cover to cover. Of particular note are the unusually perspectives such as birds in art, music, and stories.

Published by National Geographic Kids in October 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website: Nature Works Everywhere

NATURE WORKS EVERYWHERE from The Nature Conservancy provides educational resources associated with nature.

The resources section of the website contains lesson plans, videos, virtual field trips, webinars, teacher resources, tip sheets, and other types of resources. Users can search by grade, resource type, standards, themes, or tags.

Use the Nature Works Gardens map to explore over a thousand gardens around the world. The planning tools allows users to design, measure, and track garden activities.

Librarians will find that this website provides useful classroom as well as community connections to nature. Be sure to check out their grant program.

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

Website Review: Deep Look

DEEP LOOK is an online PBS series exploring science and nature up close.

With episodes published twice per month, this short video series features stories from the edge of the visible world. Macro photography and microscopy are used to present short science videos connected with wildlife, biology, chemistry, and nature. Available as a YouTube channel, playlists include plants, deep look, marine life, creepy crawly, insects, things with wings, come on up to the lab, and behind the scenes.

Librarians will find that both students and teachers enjoy the three-five minute video format. Closed captioning is available. Use the videos to jumpstart discussions or provide a starting point for more in-depth inquiries.

To visit the YouTube channel, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/kqeddeeplook.

Website Review: Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature

FRANKENSTEIN: PENETRATING THE SECRETS OF NATURE explores the history of individual and societal responsibility for other people.

Produced by the National Library of Medicine, the online project is divided into three sections: exhibition, education, and digital gallery. Each of the six areas of the exhibition includes a short narrative and fascinating primary source materials. The educational section features lesson plans, online activities, and other resources. Finally, the digital gallery provides access to a wealth of interested historical texts and images.

Librarians will find that students are attracted to the ethical and societal issues addressed in this online exhibition.

To visit the project, go tohttps://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/frankenstein/index.html.

Book Review: The Tree: A Fable

THE TREE: A FABLE by Neal Layton is a heartwarming story about animals and people living together in nature.

Although this picture book contains few words, it tells a powerful story of empathy and compassion. When a couple decides to build a house, they discover their land is already populated by animals. The couple decides to find a way to live with their new neighbors.

Librarians will find this timeless book provides an excellent springboard for creative writing activities focusing on empathy and nature. It would also be a refreshing way to introduce the idea of fables.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.neallayton.co.uk.

Published by Candlewick on February 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Nature Fix

THE NATURE FIX: WHY NATURE MAKES US HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CREATIVE by Florence Williams examines why humans need to experience nature.

Written by a journalist, this appealing work of nonfiction weaves together scientific findings with interesting observations about life in nature. With stories from Asia and Scotland to the United States, readers will be drawn to the universal need for time with nature.

Librarians will find this book appeals to a number of audiences including those who enjoy books about science, psychology, creativity, nature, health, and the outdoors, so it would be useful to include it on reading lists across genres. Although written for adults, it is likely to appeal to young adults as well.

Published by W.W. Norton and Company on January 31, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.