Book Review: LEGO ADVENTURE Nonfiction series

A LEGO ADVENTURE IN THE REAL WORLD series by Scholastic are adventures exploring topics such as history, science, and nature.

These short works of nonfiction feature LEGO minifigure character explorers. In addition to providing factual information about the setting, the books also provide LEGO building ideas and tips. Each book includes photos, LEGO drawings, and other color illustrations. Lots of speech bubbles and sidebar are sure to keep young readers interested.

DINO SAFARI and DEEP DIVE are two new Level 2 reader adventures. These thirty-two page books contain short chapters featuring fascinating facts. They conclude with LEGO building ideas, a vocabulary list, and index.

PLANETS and KNIGHTS & CASTLES are designed for fluent readers. These sixty-four page books contain short chapters with detailed information. The book concludes with a glossary and index.

Librarians will find titles available for both beginning readers as well as fluent readers, so children have options as they grow as readers. The LEGO minfigure adventures are sure to ignite the imagination of young builders. Create a LEGO display in the library’s makerspace featuring building ideas along with the books.

Librarians should be aware that the beginner readers titles include 30 stickers.

Published by Scholastic June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Build with Chrome

The BUILD WITH CHROME website provides users skills and tools for building exciting digital LEGO projects.

The LEGO Master Builder Academy section takes users through a series of challenges to help develop LEGO construction skills. Users are provided with tools and directions for creating basic projects. Completion of projects leads to new levels.

The WORLD OF BUILD area provides a map showing LEGO projects that have been created around the world. Users can pick a spot and add their own work.

The LEGO Build section displays a plate and bricks. Users can build their own projects. Users can share their work with others by copying the URLs provided.

Librarians can use this website as part of a display featuring LEGO books, bricks, and other materials related to the LEGO theme.

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

Book Review: Lost in NYC: Subway Adventure

LOST IN NYC: A SUBWAY ADVENTURE written by Nagja Spiegelman and illustrated by Sergio García Sánchez combines an exciting urban adventure with a fascinating informational reading experience for young learners.

A TOON Graphics book, the story features a school field trip that goes awry for a member of the class when he gets lost in the subway on his way to the Empire State Building in New York City.

This beautifully illustrated book features subway maps, collages with historical photos, subway symbols, and visually stunning graphic story elements.

Spiegelman’s carefully researched children’s book contains both a realistic fiction element along with carefully researched information about the history and geography of New York City and it’s unique subway system.

Available in both English and Spanish versions, this is a must-have book for elementary libraries. Both urban dwellers and those longing to visit the city will find the authentic story and background information appealing.

This outstanding graphic work is excellent for both visual and verbal literacy activities. It’s likely to be on lots of “best of 2015” lists this year.

Download an outstanding teacher’s guide to go with the book at http://goo.gl/AKedTQ.

Published by Toon Books on April 7, 2015. ARC courtesy of Edelweiss.