"Fun Science Fact #5: Dental Differences
A narwhal only has two teeth, and one of
them is a horn-like tusk. Lamprey eels can
have 100 or more hooked teeth ringed in
their tubular mouths. But a special deep
sea dental award goes to bull sharks, who
can have more than 350 teeth lined in 50
separate ROWS! And you thought flossing
was a pain!"
Kids who met Rover and Speck in their first graphic novel will be very happy to see them again in Book #2! This time they agree to volunteer for a dangerous mission on a potentially hazardous planet. What are they thinking? Their destination is an unexplored planet dubbed K2-18b.
The first problem for Speck is the small, dark tunnel they use to launch their rocket. The two splash down in water, and all seems to be happening as it should. A sudden glitch has Speck hanging upside down in the water, and being able to hear a very loud sound that he is sure is far away. Once upright and aboard Rover's life raft, the two seek safety on an island. Or is it an island?
In reality, the island is a humongous blubber beast ... and it appears to be hungry! Chancing upon another island, they seek shelter in a cave where they meet two tiny spikey-spikes whose brother has been eaten by the Beast.
"The Beast used to leave us in peace,
but now it's angry and always baring
its teeth.
Chomping anything in its path."
Can the space rovers help? There is enough drama here to keep readers wondering what is to become of them, and plenty of silliness to really appeal to a child's funny bone. The artwork is filled with action and bright colors. Interspersed throughout, there are info boxes that provide interesting facts about water worlds, underwater sound waves and sea creatures, deep sea defenses, dental differences, stomach acid, blowholes, and symbiosis.
The solution to the Beast's anger and threats proves that cooperation can solve many problems, once they have been uncovered. Bonus pages add further engagement with three activities and a bonus science fact.
No comments:
Post a Comment