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.

Website Review: A Digital Volcano

A DIGITAL VOLCANO is an interactive website exploring an active volcano in Nicaragua.

Sponsored by General Electric, this immersive online volcanic expedition tells the story of how GE scientists learn about extreme environments and apply the data to real-world projects. Users scroll through a series of interactive screens containing amazing images and video footage. Along the way, users learn about how scientists are using big machines and data to identify issues related to power and our planet. The project explores the first steps in designing predictive systems for the natural world.

Librarians will find this interactive website to be useful in helping students bridge the science curriculum with real-world science projects.

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

Book Review: On Bird Hill

ON BIRD HILL by Jane Yolen is an imaginative picture book taking readers on a walk through a fantasy landscape.

The endearing story follows a child and his dog as they stroll through a valley and zoom into the natural world. Loosely based on a century-old nursery rhyme, Jane Yolen has created an enchanting world for today’s children to explore. Bob Marstall’s illustrations bring the story’s surreal landscape to life with intriguing plants, animals, and human elements.

Librarians will find Yolen’s lyrical prose to be useful in storytelling activities. The whimsical, imaginary world sets the stage for a wide range of classroom activities. While some teachers may see opportunities for children to create their own imaginary worlds, others may see chances to talk about local plants and animals.

Learn more about the author at http://janeyolen.com/.
Learn more about the illustrator at http://bobmarstall.com/. Download a free teacher’s guide.

Published by Cornell Lab Publishing Group on May 10, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Wild Robot

THE WILD ROBOT by Peter Brown tells the thought-provoking story of a robot trying to survive and thrive in the wilderness.

When a ship carrying crates of robots sinks, one surviving robot is marooned on a remote island. Roz the robot soon finds a place in the unpredictable, outdoor world. Experiencing the seasons, making animal friends, and learning about nature, Roz gradually becomes part of the island’s animal community. When intruders come for Roz, the island creatures band together in support of their friend.

Young readers will be attracted to the many illustrations woven throughout the story. Peter Brown’s fascinating characters, fast-paced plot, and short, easy-to-read chapters will draw a large audience.

Librarians will find this book to be an engaging read-aloud option. The story’s unique premise combining the worlds of science fiction and the great outdoors makes for an unforgettable reading experience. Look for this title on many “best of 2016” lists.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.peterbrownstudio.com/.

Published by Little, Brown for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.