"Some amphibians rest inside another
animal's home ...
As the days heat up, a California tiger
salamander scouts out an empty rodent
hole and falls asleep. The cool, comfy
burrow is the perfect place to spend the
summer."
Oh Melissa Stewart, you are so good at this! You do make science appealing and informative beyond belief. I started out having some brief knowledge of estivation and very little else. I had no idea how many animals sleep in the summer, where they lived, or how they did it. I know much more now. Thanks to you for another brilliant book sure to interest many new fans.
Most children know about hibernation; it is a guess that there are not many who know about estivation. The author's eagerness to share her research into those animals that also interest her is a boon for young readers learning more about the animal world. Those animals that sleep in the summer are the stars of this excellent nonfiction book. The design of its double-page spreads is inviting, and provides just the right amount of information for young readers.
Hibernators are happy to show themselves as the weather warms, and spring bursts forth. As that happens, the estivators move to their summer sleep. Each spread begins with the way in which a group of summertime sleepers finds shelter from the heat. The following spread shows another animal that spends its estivation in the opposite way from the first: in groups or alone, up high or below ground, quickly or with more deliberation, in another's home or in their own, travel to a perfect spot or stay at home, for a few days or a much longer period of time, Come autumn, they are into coming out and enjoying the cool ... the hibernators take their cue from the weather to find their perfect spot for sleeping.
A journal page, drawn by Sarah Brannen in pencil, is included on each spread. It names the estivator, provides its scientific name, length, home territory, and a clear,detailed illustration. They are found around the world, and each moves into dormancy in its own distinctive way.
End matter provides further facts for each animal included, the difference between hibernation and estivation, and books that will add to the wealth of information already shared. Also there are an author's note, a note from the illustrator, and a list of selected resources. Engaging, accessible, and sure to please those wanting to know more about these twelve animals and their sleeping habits.
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