Book Review: Over on a Desert

OVER ON A DESERT: SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD by Marianne Berkes is a picture book exploration of the driest places on Earth and the animals who live there.

A short description, map, and illustration are provided for each of the ten featured deserts. Each scene shows creatures in their native habitats and are depicted using high-quality collage techniques. In addition to introducing the deserts, the book can also be used as a counting and number book with younger children. The very short narratives will appeal to young readers. The book concludes with additional background information, activity ideas, and even a song.

Librarians will find this book to be a useful read-aloud book for a desert themed unit. Young children and primary-aged youth alike will enjoy both the short narratives and the predictable counting theme. Use this book to kickstart a unit on desert habitats.

Published by Dawn Publications on September 1, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: A Thousand Nights

A THOUSAND NIGHTS by E.K. Johnston is a fascinating adaptation of the famous Arabian Nights story.

Set in the ancient Middle East, a desert girl is forced to marry a king who has been possessed by a mythic demon. Although the king has killed hundreds of wives before her, he is intrigued by his latest conquest and decides to let her live one day at a time. Slowly, the desert girl is transformed through the power of mind, magic, and a will to survive.

Blending elements of fantasy with traditional storytelling, Johnston skillfully weaves a story of power, belief, and family love. Readers will be captivated by the setting and entranced by the beautifully written prose.

Librarians will find a broad audience for this unusual young adult novel. Those who enjoy both fantasy and historical novels will enjoy the intersection of traditional storytelling, ancient mythology, and fantasy.

To learn more about this award-winning author, go to http://ekjohnston.ca/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on October 6, 2015. ARC from the publisher.

Book Review: Extreme Planet

EXTREME PLANET by National Geographic Kids follows Carsten Peter’s adventures exploring intense environments around the world.

In each exciting chapter, author Carsten Peter explores a different amazing landscape including volcanoes, glaciers and ice sheets, deserts, caves, canyons, and other extreme places. The topics feature maps, diagrams, and full color photographs. In addition to an interesting narrative, each chapter also includes expert tips, notes from the field, necessary gear and gadgets, and sidebars containing related facts.

Activities are woven throughout the book. Youth learn to make a tornado in a bottle, use a topographical map, and grow stalactites. The book also includes a glossary, resources, activity ideas, and an index.

Librarians will find that youth enjoy following an explorer visiting exciting destinations around the work. Connect the book with nonfiction works focusing on the science of each destination such as volcanoes and caves.

Published by National Geographic Kids on October 13, 2015.