Synergy: Giraffes

GIRAFFES are African hoofed mammals. Their extremely long neck and legs along with their spotted coat makes them easy to recognize. Giraffes are a vulnerable species and some subspecies are critically endangered.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book, then extend the experience through websites:

ANNE AND HER TOWER OF GIRAFFES written by Karlin Gray and illustrated by Aparna Varma shares the true story of the first giraffologist, Dr. Anne Innis Dagg. Picture book readers will enjoy following the successes and challenges faced by Anne on her quest to learn about and save the giraffes. The book concludes with additional information and an interview with Dr. Dagg. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

JUNIOR GIRAFFE CLUB provides information about Dr. Dagg and facts about giraffes. The website encourages children to get involved in special events.

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

THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES is a documentary about the life and work of Dr. Dagg.

To learn more, go to https://thewomanwholovesgiraffes.com/.

Synergy: Zoology

ZOOLOGY is the study of animals including their behavior, structure, classification, and distribution. This branch of biology studies the entire animal kingdom.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for children, then extend the experience by viewing a video series:

5,000 AWESOME FACTS (ABOUT ANIMALS) from National Geographic Kids features thousands of fascinating facts along with hundreds of amazing animal photographs. This fact book is designed for readers who enjoy browsing, as well as those who prefer to deep dive into specific animals or creature categories. Visually stunning, this large format book will be popular with young zoologists and trivia nerds alike.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

WHAT IS AN ANIMAL? is the first in a series of Crash Course Zoology videos. This short video provides an introduction to zoology. The fourteen-episode series is perfect for young people interested in the biology of animals.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/zgM0F6UmC70.

To watch the entire Crash Course Zoology playlist, go to https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNRgJI4gHRLFtOD_r4hfJaF.

Book Review: Gorillas Up Close

GORILLAS UP CLOSE by Christena Nippert-Eng is an amazing, informational book exploring all aspects of the gorilla world.

Designed for middle grade readers, the book contains dozens of short chapters examining the lives of gorillas both in the wild and living in zoos. While learning facts about these creatures, readers will also enjoy getting to know individual gorillas by name. The book concludes with tips, additional resources, an author’s note, and index.

From the adorable cover photograph to the attractive layout, librarians will find readers immediately engaged in this impressive work of nonfiction. Photos, maps, diagrams, and fact boxes will also draw in readers. The book will be of interest to readers who enjoy nonfiction narrative as well as those who are seeking a title useful in research projects.

Published by Henry Holt and Company, an imprint of Macmillan on April 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Ology

The OLOGY website has been providing engaging science activities for youth for over 15 years.

Sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History, the web-based learning environment explores fourteen different topics including anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biodiversity, brain, climate change, earth, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, paleontology, physics, water, and zoology.

Users can complete dozens of activities including games, stories, hands-on activities, and videos. By registering at the website, students can collect Ology cards hidden throughout the project.

The Ology for Educators section provides free, research based curriculum materials connected with Earth, life, and physical science content for K-12 students.

Librarians will find this amazing website to be an excellent opportunity to immerse youth in science. Use the website in a learning center focusing on one of the ology topics. Include books and materials in the station to support the hands-on activities. Change topics every couple weeks for a year-long science experience in your library.

To visit the website, go to http://www.amnh.org/explore/ology.

Book Review: Zoology for Kids

ZOOLOGY FOR KIDS: UNDERSTANDING AND WORKING WITH ANIMALS by Josh Hestermann and Bethanie Hestermann is an engaging introduction to the science of animals.

The book is divided into two parts: Zoology for Beginners and Working on the Wild Side - Zoology in Real Life. The first section explores animal form and function, behavior, and habitats. In the second part of the book, readers examine the various careers associated with animals including zookeepers and aquarists, veterinarians, researchers, and conservationists.

The writing is geared to middle grade readers with appealing examples and interesting descriptions. While it includes scientific vocabulary, key words are bold-faced and a glossary provides definitions of these terms. In-depth side-bars and special pages feature interesting facts, background information, and career spotlights. The attractive cover, inviting layout, colorful photos, and inviting illustrations will appeal to student readers. Additional resources and a bibliography are designed to extend the experience.

Twenty-one, hands-on activities are woven throughout the book. From baking edible animal cells to testing your sense of direction, these fun experiences involve readers in meaningful projects that require both creative and critical thinking related to animal life. Teachers will find these activities to be an effective way to address science standards and children will simply enjoy the hands-on experiences.

Readers who enjoy Zoology for Kids will also want to look for other books in the Young Naturalist series including Awesome Snake Science!, Birdology, and Insectigations.

This work of nonfiction will be popular with youth who want to learn more about the science and care of animals. Librarians will find Zoology for Kids as well as the other books in the Young Naturalist series to be outstanding additions to the science collection.

The book is available in both paper and ebook editions.

Published by Chicago Review Press (Available March 1, 2015). Publisher e-ARC used for review.