Synergy: Beavers

BEAVERS are semiaquatic, broad-tailed rodents found in North America and northern Eurasia. This large mammal is known to gnaw through tree trunks, feed on bark, and build dams.

Read the recently published children’s nonfiction picture book, then learn more at the websites:

THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT by Randi Sonenshine and illustrated by Anne Hunter features engaging illustrations and informative text to tell the story of a beaver and its family. Skillfully balancing scientific information with lyrical prose, this picture book is a perfect way to jumpstart an inquiry into the life cycle of a beaver and its ecosystem. Related creatures are effectively woven into the narrative to expand the appeal. The book concludes with useful background information. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

AMERICAN BEAVER is a video from National Geographic Kids featuring amazing beaver footage.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/Ic3x8OVYe80

BEAVER from National Geographic Kids provides an overview to this common mammal including text, a map, photos, and a video clip.

To read the page, go to https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/beaver.

Book Review: The Hidden Life of a Toad

THE HIDDEN LIFE OF A TOAD by Doug Wechsler traces the life cycle of a toad in photographs.

Using detailed, close-up photos and easy-to-read text, this amazing informational picture book takes readers day by day through the life of a toad. The book concludes with a glossary, science information, ideas for photographers, and additional sources.

Librarians will find this book to be useful in the primary science curriculum. Ask students to compare the life cycle of the toad with other creatures. Encourage them to build their own science book using public domain, online photos. Or, take their own nature photographs.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://dougwechsler.com/.

Published on March 14, 2017 by Charlesbridge, an imprint of Random House. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Green Bean! Green Bean!

GREEN BEAN! GREEN BEAN! by Patricia Thomas tells the story of a young girl who grows green beans in her garden.

This informative story takes readers through the steps in planting and caring for bean plants. Readers follow the child and her dog through the growing season and into the winter.

Although the illustrations are basic, they effectively convey the story. Cross-sections show what’s happening under the ground.

The book concludes with information about the life cycle of plants, growing beans, and the growing season. It also contains vocabulary, suggested activities, and additional resources.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with primary grade students who are learning about and likely planting bean seeds in their classrooms. Both the story and the science are easy to follow. Use this book in a display focusing on the science of gardening.

Published by Dawn Publications on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.