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: Comparative Adjectives

Comparative adjectives are words that share differences between the two objects they modify such as faster, colder, messier, or happier.

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

COMPARROTIVES by Janik Coat is the latest book in the Grammar Zoo series geared to a preschool audience. Featuring seventeen, two-page spreads, this oversized board book is an engaging way to teach children about comparative adjectives. Although designed for young children, the book is also useful with older children reviewing grammar rules. Other books in the series include HIPPOPPOSITES, RHYMOCEROS, and LLAMAPHONES.

COMPARATIVES GRAMMAR is a short animation that uses humor to introduce grammar concepts.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/2fQb7_KUs3A.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Appleseed, an imprint of Abrams.

Synergy: Collections

A collection is a group of things someone has gathered. A person is a collector when they bring things together into a group. People collect many different types of things. Collecting is a popular hobby.

Read the recently published children's book on the topic of collecting, then learn more at the website:

FINDING TREASURES written by Michelle Schaub and illustrated by Carmen Saldaña is a picture book about collections and collecting. When the class is given the assignment of sharing their personal collection, one student goes on a quest to learn about the collections of friends and family. From teapots and coins to baseball cards, the exploration leads to the discovery of her own passion.

THE LEARNING LAB from the Smithsonian invites youth to discover, creative, share, and learn using the Smithsonian collections.

THE LEARNING LAB
https://learninglab.si.edu/

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Website: The Great American Read

THE GREAT AMERICAN READ is a reading and video project from PBS.

This eight-part video series explores reading through America’s 100 best-loved novels. In addition to the videos, the website includes information about each book, details about the episodes, additional resources, blog postings, and stories submitted by readers.

Librarians will find the project to be a fun way to explore popular books with teens. Collaborate with the English department to build a unit revolving around the books, videos, and resources. Or, create your own library-based program to celebrate the books.

To visit the website, go to https://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/home/.

Book: Belle's Journey

BELLE’S JOURNEY: AN OSPREY TAKES FLIGHT by Rob Bierregaard tells the true story of an Osprey’s first migration experience.

When scientist Dr. B places a tracking device on an osprey he names Belle, he’s able to follow her migration to South America and back. Reminiscent of Rachel Carson’s creative nonfiction, the story explores what Belle may have experienced on her long journey. Dr. B’s connection with two young naturalists will appeal to young readers. While the illustrations meet the basic needs of the book, the photographs at the end of the book really bring Belle to life.

Librarians will find an audience for this book among animal lovers and the growing number of nonfiction narrative fans. Share this title on creative nonfiction lists otherwise it might easily get lost among the informational bird books. Encourage science teachers to offer this title as an optional assignment.

Published by Charlesbridge on May 15, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website: ReadTheory

ReadTheory is a free reading comprehension website for students of all ages and ability levels.

The program’s adaptive approach helps students learn at their own pace as they work their way through thousands of skill building exercises. The quizzes span reading levels from elementary through college levels and are aligned with standards. Teachers can use the program to track individual student progress.

Youth begin with a short quiz that involves reading a passage, answering a question, and receiving feedback. After a longer pre-test, students are assigned exercises matched to their reading comprehension needs.

Librarians will find this to be a useful resource for students, teachers, and parents.

The program is available for both desktop and mobile devices.

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

Book: Alpha - Abidjan to Paris

ALPHA: ABIDJAN TO PARIS by Bessora is a heart-wrenching graphic novel tracing a migrant’s experience from Africa to Europe.

The stark, simple illustrations and informal typography reflect the painful plight of a West African refugee struggling to reach Paris. In hopes of connecting with his wife and child, this poor cabinetmaker sells everything and navigates the underworld of fake passports, refugee camps, and smugglers in hopes of a better life. The author’s first-person perspective places readers at the center of this troubling, yet realistic story.

Librarians will find young adults drawn to this powerful graphic novel. Use the book as an opportunity to talk with youth about the work of Amnesty International. Connect readers to works of nonfiction and websites focusing on the challenges of the migrant crisis.

Published by Bellevue Literary Press. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book: Absolute Expert

ABSOLUTE EXPERT is a new, high interest series from National Geographic Kids.

From animals to sports, each title in the ABSOLUTE EXPERT series explores tips, tricks, and fascinating facts straight from experts in the field.

ABSOLUTE EXPERT SOCCER focuses on playing the game, origins of soccer, soccer around the world, and soccer in North America. Each colorful and highly illustrated chapter features expert information, suggestions, terminology, and quizzes to engage readers. Filled with photos, maps, charts, diagrams, and other visuals along with short text passages, this book is sure to connect with young soccer fans.

ABSOLUTE EXPERT DOLPHINS examines the world of dolphins, their habitat, and their connection with humans. Featuring expert advise from a marine biologist, the book uses short text passages, photographs, maps, diagrams, and infographics to convey facts about these popular sea creatures.

Other titles include ABSOLUTE EXPERT: DINOSAURS and ABSOLUTE EXPERT: VOLCANOES.

Librarians will find a high demand for this new series. National Geographic Kids knows what topics will be popular with young readers. Feature this series in a display promoting career exploration. Each book contains four chapters that would work well for a nonfiction book discussion.

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

Book: Hello Lighthouse

HELLO LIGHTHOUSE by Sophie Blackall tells the story of life in a lighthouse.

Told through full page illustrations, this fascinating picture book tells the story of a dedicated lighthouse keeper and his growing family. The precise text and repeated Hello phase make the book effective as a quick read-aloud to introduce children to this unusual lifestyle.

Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall brings the history of lighthouses to life through her detailed illustrations. Of particular note are Blackall’s use of cross-sections and interesting viewpoints. The book concludes with a discussion of lighthouse history.

Librarians will find many uses for this beautifully illustrated picture book. Connect it with the many websites featuring primary sources such as lighthouse postcards, photographs, and log books. Use this fictional story to jumpstart an investigation of true stories connected with lighthouses. Involve youth in tracing the history of a specific lighthouse.

Look for this title on “best picture books” lists for 2018.

Published by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette on April 10, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website: Read.Gov

READ.GOV is website from the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress.

The web resource links to key Library of Congress resources connected with reading. In addition to materials related to books and authors, users will also find many ways to participate with Library of Congress activities such as contests, events, and awards.

Students will particularly enjoy learning about the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and watching author webcasts.

Librarians will find this website to be a great way to weave literature, author, and reading activities into the classroom.

To learn more, go to http://www.read.gov/.

Book: Crash: The Great Depression...

CRASH: THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND THE FALL AND RISE OF AMERICA by Marc Favreau is a work of nonfiction telling the story of life in the United States during the 1930s.

Told through short, engaging narratives, Favreau draws readers into the events surrounding the stock market crash, depression, and recovery. The author uses the stories of both ordinary people along with well-known figures to help readers understand the challenges of life during the Great Depression. By featuring the stories of people across racial, ethic, gender, and geographic lines, the book is effective in demonstrating the widespread impact of the crash. From the New Deal to the dust bowl and labor strikes, the key events are also addressed.

The book is divided into four parts with short chapters. A wide range of primary source documents including photographs, letters, banners, and other materials keep readers interested. The book concludes with source notes, a bibliography, primary sources, a timeline, and glossary.

Librarians will find this book to be a welcome addition to the nonfiction collection. Use it in a nonfiction literature circle featuring other works from the same time period.

Look for this title on the “best of nonfiction” lists for 2018.

Published by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette on April 10, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website: National Book Festival

The LIBRARY OF CONGRESS NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL is held each Fall to celebrate books and reading.

The event includes a wide range of programs including dozens of author events.

The National Book Festival website allows people from around the world to participate live through video, audio, and social media activities. Videos and podcasts are also available from past events.

In addition to festival information, the website also links to a book festival blog and kids and teacher’s guide.

Librarians will find this website to be a fun way to kick off the school year or to weaving author and book activities throughout the year.

To visit the website, go to https://loc.gov/bookfest/.

Website Review: HarperCollins 200

HARPERCOLLINS is celebrating it’s 200th anniversary in book publishing.

This web project explores the history of HarperCollins as a publisher along with providing insights into the history of great books. Users can explore a timeline, stories, collection of titles, information about reading and writing, and a look inside the archives.

Librarians will find that this website provides a fascinating exploration of book history.

To visit the website, go to https://200.hc.com/.

Website Review: Pottermore's Hogwarts

POTTERMORE’S HOGWARTS is a section of the website that immerses users in the world of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.

Users are able to explore Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including the castle’s exterior, Forbidden Forest, and Quidditch pitch. Users click one of the 100 hotspots to learn more about a particular area. Many of the hotspots contain excerpts from specific books connected with the location, while others provide new insights into the series.

Librarians will find this website a fun way to extend the Harry Potter series reading experience. Explore the project as part of an after-school reading club.

To visit the website, go to https://my.pottermore.com/hogwarts.

Website Review: Storytime from Space

STORYTIME FROM SPACE is a a project connecting children with astronauts for reading and science activities.

This nonprofit educational project provides cross-content curriculum materials related to space science. The website contains science demonstrations and a video library. Astronauts at the International Space Station have recorded themselves reading children’s books about space.

Librarians will find this website a motivating way to engage reluctant readers. The videos are an excellent way to help children connect the science they learn in the classroom with the real-word of space travel.

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

Website Review: Fancy Nancy

FANCY NANCY is a website featuring the popular children’s book character.

Sponsored by HarperCollins Children’s Books, the website features information about the books, author, and illustrator along with activities. The party tips and activities section contains endless ideas for hosting library events. The reading tips articles focus on ways to build vocabulary and make reading fun. Dozens of printable activities are available for download. Five online games and three mobile apps are currently available.

Librarians will find lots of ideas for library events and promotions featuring Fancy Nancy. Build a display containing books, printouts, apps, and online games.

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

Website Review: Scholastic Student Activities

STUDENT ACTIVITIES from Scholastic has been providing high-quality web and whiteboard activities for decades.

Hundreds of activities are available across disciplines. Activities are organized by grade level (PreK-K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8). Categories include games, computer lab, interactive whiteboard, listen and read, and writing activities. While many of the activities are associated with Scholastic products such as books, most can be used without special supplies.

Librarians will find endless ideas for the K-8 curriculum. Mine this website for classroom connections. Of particular note are the “listen and read” activities.

To visit the website, go to https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/student-activities/.

Digital Spotlight: Discovering Literature: Shakespeare

DISCOVERING LITERATURE: SHAKESPEARE from the British Library is a digital collection and educational resource focusing on Shakespeare’s plays.

Contents: This resource features digital objects from the British Library. Users can explore the materials by works, articles, collection items, themes, teaching resources, and a person area. The works section features 15 plays. The articles area provides nearly 100 articles written by scholars, performers, curators, and journalists focusing different aspects of Shakespeare and his works. The collection section provides easy access to collection items. The themes area explores themes such as comedies, tragedies, histories, and more. The Shakespeare biography page includes links to many collection resources. The teacher resources contains a couple dozen lesson plans and resources.

Classroom Connections: Librarians and English teachers will find that these high quality digital objects and supplemental materials are useful additions to the English curriculum. Use the themes section to immerse students in a variety of works related to topics of interest from ethnicity to interpretations of madness.

Featured Digital Objects:
Comedies https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/themes/comedies
Tragedies https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/themes/tragedies
Deception https://www.bl.uk/…/th…/deception-drama-and-misunderstanding

To visit the collection, go to https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare.

Digital Spotlight: Reading: Harvard Views

READING: HARVARD VIEWS OF READERS, READERSHIP, and READING HISTORY is an online source for exploring the intellectual, cultural, and political history of reading.

Contents: Sharing historical holdings of the Harvard Libraries, this unique collection includes annotated books by authors like John Keats and Herman Melville. Library records show what people like Emerson, Longfellow, and Thoreau were reading. Sections include learning to read, reading collectively, reading on one’s own, and collection highlights.

Classroom Connections: Librarians will find this collection of professional interest. However, it would also be useful to teens and teachers in the area of history and English.

Featured Digital Objects:
Missions to Native North Americans http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/readi…/highlights/highlight3.html
Charging Records of Thoreau http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/readi…/highlights/highlight8.html
Commonplace Book: John Hancock http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/readi…/highlights/highlight9.html

To visit the collection, go to http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/reading/.

Book Review: A Child of Books

A CHILD OF BOOKS by Oliver Jeffers is a uniquely illustrated picture book about the power of reading.

In this visually rich tale, a young girl invites a friend on an adventure into the world of words, books, and imagination. The illustrator uses words as a visual tool that moves reader from page to page.

Librarians will find this fascinating story to be a useful tool in talking with children about their feelings about books and reading. Although the narrator’s font may make this book difficult for young children to read themselves, it’s a useful book for read-aloud activities.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.oliverjeffers.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.samwinston.com/.

Published by Candlewick on September 6, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.