Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals DEFEND Themselves. Written by Erin Silver and illustrated by Hayden Maynard. Orca Book Publishers, 202. $21.95 ages 8 and up

 

"How do you fight back? 

When I get scared, pores on my body 
make slime. Tons of it. It's so strong, 
it can clog a predator's gills and 
even suffocate a shark. That's when 
I say, "Buh-bye!" Scientists think 
they can use my slime to make clothes. 
Have their people call my people."

In this quote, the hagfish is answering a set of three questions in an information box titled GET TO KNOW ME. The three questions remain the same for each of the creatures described here, due to the remarkable ways they have adapted to protect themselves. Others interviewed by Ms. Silver are the pistol shrimp, electric eels, box jellyfish, pygmy sperm whales, assassin bugs, Texas horned lizards, opossums, camels, horseflies, Japanese honeybees, Fulmar birds, and flying squirrels. Some are familiar, some are not, as happens in all good nonfiction. I was still surprised by the things that scare them and by their answers to the 'get to know me' queries. 

Books like these are what I love about sharing excellent information with kids. They provide facts that are often unknown and certainly surprising. I have mentioned in earlier posts that I start reading a book of nonfiction, thinking I will scan it to get the gist of the research shared. Often, I end up reading it front to back, and am always amazed to discover just how much I did not know. 

  

Most of us are scared of something(s). It's intriguing to know that other creatures of land and sea are also scared for a variety of reasons. The book's format first names the creature and its method of avoidance, provides three pertinent points concerning each, and then describes what it does when scared. All this before readers cross the gutter to get to the interview with the following three questions: What scares you? How do you fight back? and Any other cool facts you want to share? 

Contextual and earth-toned images allow readers to add to their knowledge through visual learning as well. After the author's encouragement to her readers to find ways to help them deal with what scares them in ways similar to what has just been mentioned, she adds a useful glossary. 

There will be 'EWS!!!', but there will also be endless fascination for the research that has been done to bring this book to publication.                                                                                      

Serengeti: Plains of Grass, written by Leslie Bulion and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. Peachtree, Penguin Random House, 2022. $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Hoofbeats thunder under blazing sun, 
a great migration toward the plain, 
grazing zebras, first to begin,
clear away taller, tougher grass. 

Plains zebras have sharp front teeth to cut through the tough stems and leaves of tall grasses. They get the nutrients they need by eating and quickly digesting lots of grass."

Using an impressive mix of carefully researched science and outstanding poetry, as she has done in earlier exemplary books, Leslie Bulion introduces her readers to the beauty and wonders of the Serengeti grasslands. What a truly complex ecosystem it is! 

In early winter as rains return to the Serengeti, a mighty migration brings vast numbers of large mammals back to feast on the plants now growing there. Each of those migrating animals has its own role to play in the complex web of life. Zebras are first, grazing on the tall grasses. Wildebeests make meals of the shorter grassy areas, while acting as transport for oxpeckers in a mutually beneficial practice. The speedy gazelle is next, grazing on the low growth 'gnu-mown grass', and any herbs they may discover. Giraffes, with their twenty-inch-long tongues are able to enjoy the leaves and buds on the tall acacia trees. 

Ms. Bulion then turns her attention to some of the smallest plants and creatures found there - butterflies, ants, and grasshoppers. A turn of the page offers clear information on boulder heaps called kopjes and furry rock rabbits called hyrax. There is so much to learn and to see. Each informative double-page spread brings an array of other residents of the grasslands. Readers will meet the dik-dik, termites, aardvarks, a black mamba, a brave secretary bird, jackals, cheetahs, vultures, hyenas, and dung beetles. 

"Dung beetles are busy recyclers
that mix air and nutrients back 
into the soil of the Serengeti Plain."

As monsoon winds shift, the mighty migration begins once more. It is late spring; new food sources and water must be found. 

Opening the book to the endpapers, you can almost feel the heat emanating from the blazing red and its touches of orange and yellow.  Wonderful horizontal spreads fully capture the vast expanse of the grasslands. Seeing through the artist's eyes, readers experience the beauty at all times of the day. Gouache and pastel illustrations bring out the spectacular colors, weather changes and continuous movement. This is a book that encourages further learning. 

In back matter, Ms. Bulion describes the poetic form utendi, a traditional Swahili form from East Africa that was originally used for 'serious subjects and shared wisdom on how to live a good life in the world'. A Serengeti Glossary is useful and enlightening. Websites are shared, as well as a list of books for further reading.                                                                          

The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable, story by Bette Midler, photographs by Michiko Kakutani, and illustrations by Joana Avillez. Penguin Random House. 2021. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"In a very short time, 
people were not the same. 

All of them were bent over 
the small screen in their hand. 
It was as if nothing else existed. 

Then one day, something happened
that changed many people in the city. 

        Maybe forever."

In her retelling of this tale, Bette Midler introduces New York City, its inhabitants, and the arrival of the cell phone. As we can all attest, it made a huge difference in everyday lives. 

"And most important, it was a camera, and you could 
photograph anything and everything - especially 
yourself. Everybody really liked that. 
It wasn't long until everyone in the city had one."

With the arrival of the phone, people stopped paying attention to each other, and what was going on around them. One bird changed that! It was 2018. The community looked up from their phones when a mandarin duck landed in Central Park. Why such a response to its arrival? Well, the mandarin duck is native to East Asia. No one living in New York had seen one. As happens in the days of the cell phone, everyone wanted a chance to take its picture. The park filled with interested and intrigued birdwatchers. 

One day a small child stood on a rock, and explained that she was not going to use a camera to 'see' the duck. She was going to look at it with her 'own two eyes'. When she put her phone down, so did the rest. They fell in love with the beautiful bird they were seeing with their own eyes. What a truly remarkable event. People began talking to each other about what they were seeing, and about other engaging topics. Their habits changed, and they liked it. When the duck disappeared, the people chose to continue with their new habits. They liked this new world they were seeing. 

A combination of a well-told fable, stunning photographs and grayscale images of the people of New York at their various undertakings make for a most enjoyable read. Michiko Kakutani's end note adds further information about the 'duck' and its stay in New York. Facing that page, she provides a number of thumbnail images.                                                                                

The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest, written by Heather Lang and illustrated by Jana Christy. Calkins Creek, Boyds Mills and Kane. Penguin Random House. 2021. $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Meg tried to climb at night,
but dangling from a rope, studying leaves, 
is difficult
and dangerous
in a dark forest 
     with deadly snakes
         and spiders 
              and ravenous biting ants.

She had to find a better way. 
She brainstormed with other scientists.
She thought and imagined ... 
What if I fly up in a balloon? 
Or work from the edges of hillsides? 
Or train a monkey?"

I've been thinking this morning that Juana Martinez-Neal's Zonia would have loved to meet and have a conversation with Meg Lowman had they had the chance. Of course, Zonia's fictional love is for her beloved Amazon rainforest, Meg Lowman's life's work has been in many rainforests. Both played an active role is standing up for the forests they loved. Both are worthy of great admiration from those who read their stories.  

It began in childhood when Meg's love for all trees consumed her thoughts, and led her through years of learning about them. She wanted to know everything she could; she realized that would only happen if she could find her way to the tops of them. There was very little to see from the ground. 

"We had already been to the moon and back and nobody had been to the top of a tree." 

She set her goals high, and moved her body higher. To do the work she wanted to do, she had to work hard at learning, discovering, and finding ingenious ways to study the canopies that no one else had studied. Following her many experiences, she wanted to teach others about the need to protect this world she so loved. 

"To insects, a tree is not just a tree,
it is a "salad bar" - 
all-you-can-eat leaves.

To birds and mammals, a tree is a buffet -
juicy fruits and plump beetles, 
salamanders, and frogs.

A tree is a sponge,
soaking up water from the forest floor,
and a recycler, 
giving water back to the clouds,
ready to quench another day's thirst." 

Along with this marvelous description, the author adds an information 'leaf' with further information: 

"When animals eat leaves and feed on dead
and weak trees, they return nutrients to the 
soil through their digestion, nourishing trees and 
future seedlings."

This is a picture book biography that exemplifies what is best about the books we are able to share with our children today. The text is inspiring and uplifting. It is filled with detailed descriptions, personal quotes from Ms. Lowman, additional learning at every turn, and compelling adventure. Jana Christy's digital illustrations constantly shift perspective, provide brilliant and useful details, and ensure that readers will want to slow down and take the time needed to observe the action, the beauty of the forests and the daring escapades of the book's inquisitive activist.   

Heather Lang shares her impetus for writing this captivating book:

"I began my work on The Leaf Detective with a deep passion for our natural world. I’m in awe of its sounds, smells, sights, mysteries, and wonders. Every time I encounter stories about how we are destroying nature, I feel a sense of dread and desperation. We’ve already lost more than half of our forests. I knew from the outset I wanted to write a book that was both a biography and a science book about the rainforest. As I researched Meg Lowman, I was struck by the depth of her connection to trees— a connection that grew from profound respect, appreciation, love."       

Please find a copy, and read it.                                                                           

Terry Fox and Me, written by Mary Beth Leatherdale and illustrated by Milan Pavlovic. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2020. $21.99 ages 6 and up

 

"The short kid is the worst player. 
His name is Terry Fox. The coach
says wrestling might be a better sport
for him. But if Terry comes to practice,
the coach won't cut him from the team. 
I shouldn't be glad that I'm better 
than Terry ... but I am."

This new book about Terry Fox is told from a different viewpoint than any others. Doug Alward, Terry's best friend, is the man who drove the van that was right there with Terry on his incredible journey to raise funds for cancer research. They had known each other from early adolescence. For a time, they were competitive with each other in sports. Terry was not good at basketball; Doug was. Terry wanted to be better and eventually convinced Doug to help him. Their friendship flourished. 

In high school things changed. Terry was always with his basketball buds, and Doug was training in earnest for cross-country. Just before a big race, Terry called to wish Doug luck. His support was encouraging. At university Terry revealed that he had cancer and would lose his leg. As he recovered, Terry mentioned his idea for running across Canada. Doug knew how tenacious Terry had always been; he believed him. 

His rehabilitation in hospital went well. Soon Terry raced against Doug in his wheelchair. They trained together, encouraging each other to do their best. Once again, Terry broached the subject of running across Canada to raise research money. A new leg, a new gait and Terry trained, trained, trained ... despite extreme pain. Soon, the two were ready to begin their journey together. 

"The 28-kilometre race is gruelling. The course 
is steep and along a busy highway. I finish eighth - 
one of my best times. Terry comes in last, grinning
from ear to ear. 

The crowd cheers. 

"That's my best friend!" I shout. 
(If it's the truth, it's not really bragging.)"

The run was planned, the hard training continued; nothing stopped Terry. They agreed to do the trip together 'one step at a time'. Spring arrived. They gathered everything they needed for success. The run began in Newfoundland. 

Told with love and admiration in first person voice, Doug Alward allows readers to see the young man Terry was, and the relentless runner he became. 

Memorable illustrations created in pencil, crayon and inks use an appealing color palette. They bring an understanding to the long-standing relationship that led to Terry's run. They focus attention on the two friends from start to finish. A map of their route is telling, and daunting.   

Back matter includes a note from Terry's brother Darrell, archival photographs, a note from Doug Alward, a look at the training regimen that led the two to begin their Marathon of Hope, and a timeline of Terry's too-short life. 

"Even if I don't finish,
we need others to continue. 
It's got to keep going without me."
                             -Terry Fox

Into the Forest: Wander through our woodland world, written by Christiane Dorion and illustrated by Jane McGuinness. Bloomsbury, Raincoast. 2020. $32.50

 

"While some creatures make their home
high up in the trees, others prefer
the damp, dark forest floor. Fallen leaves
and branches shelter an abundance of small 
creatures, from shiny beetles to slimy slugs,
snails, and shy toads."

The table of contents offers welcome help for readers wanting to know what they might find within the pages of this very attractive book. Each of the chosen references cover two pages, and offer a look at the forests found in our natural world: coniferous, deciduous, and tropical rainforest. The first two pages show a map of the six continents where these forests are located. A legend places each in its appropriate area on those continents. Readers are also invited to trek through the forest areas to discover the creatures living in them. 

Each two-page entry provides relevant information concerning the topic presented. The first entry, From seed to tree, concerns a dense forest teeming with life. The life of a tree is described in stages from small seed to fully grown, as well as the ways seeds are spread to sustain growth within the forest itself. The writing is informative, accessible, and clear. The outstanding, full-of-detail illustrations will encourage readers to stop to examine the natural environments. And, so it goes ... from one double-page spread to the next. Beautifully designed and filled with scenes meant to attract and intrigue those who read and share it, this book deserves attention. Perfect for reading in classrooms one spread at a time, or placed in a classroom library for browsing, you will not be sorry to have this book in your collection. 

Interactive invitations for careful observation, suggested follow-ups, a glossary and a list of websites add to its usefulness and enjoyment. Perfect nonfiction fare ... many treasures to be found here.                                                                                           

Poo! Is That You? Written by Clare Helen Welsh and illustrated by Nicola O'Byrne. Macmillan Children's Books. Publishers Group Canada, 2020. $10.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Lenny gave both the anteater 
and the skunk a big sniff. 
But neither was the whiff 
he could sniff. 

He settled down in his sunny 
spot to try and snooze, but it
was no good. 

Whatever it was, the nasty
niff was getting right up 
his nose."

Poor Lenny the Lemur is on vacation in South America. Finally finding a comfortable spot for a snooze, he is just settling in when his nose is assaulted by a nasty smell that almost knocks him off his perch. He blames a nearby millipede. The millipede admits to a bit of a stink, and lets Lenny have it. Yep, it's powerful; it is not the smell that has Lenny so upset. 

Lenny goes on to blame the stinkbird, an anteater, a skunk, a stink bug, a sloth, and finally, a giant pelican flower. All smell terrible, but none as bad as the odor he is trying to find. After all the moving about and searching, the animals of the rainforest offer their help. They ask Lenny to describe the bothersome odor. As he tells them, they share a giggle and make the point that the odiferous smell is coming from ... Lenny himself! 

Just as he is settling once again, Lenny's nose is assaulted by a smell he cannot describe ... and he turns to the reader!  

What an imaginative way to write a nonfiction book for young readers! Animals of the rainforest are introduced, as is their habitat, in colorful, appealing artwork created by Nicola O'Byrne. The facts are clear, the setting lovely, and the story is a hoot. You can hear the guffawing, can't you?   

Following the story, the author provides 'Super Stinky Facts!' about each of the creatures Lenny meets in his quest to find the origin of the smell that is so bothering him. She adds a quick, and slightly worrisome, fact about her readers, too. Poo!                                                                                      

Teatime Around the World, written by Denyse Waissbluth and illustrated by Chelsea O'Bryne. Greystone Kids. 2020. $22.95 ages 6 and up

 

"With berries 

Indigenous cultures in North America 
prepare tea from berries, plants, and 
and roots. These can be used to treat
fevers, colds, and sore backs, or even 
to help people sleep."

Those who know me know how much I love to drink tea. It is, for me, the perfect accompaniment to the book that I am reading at the time. A warm blanket, a comfy chair ... and I am set for a happy hour.

High tea parties trace back to Victorian times when people loved to sit and sip, eat dainty treats, and share the local gossip. Children love to have tea parties in celebration of birthdays with their stuffies, siblings and friends, imagining that they are sharing the custom of days so long ago. There remains a culture around tea; it is both a solitary pursuit and a time shared with others.  

Denyse Waissbluth was a student of tea culture in China. It is there that people began drinking tea thousands of years ago. She shares what she has learned in this lovely new picture book. By doing so, a younger audience is exposed to many cultures, many traditions, and excellent information. It taught me a lot about teas throughout the world. The trip around the world invites readers to observe tea culture from beaches in Argentina, tea ceremonies in Japan, with good friends in the Caribbean, hibiscus tea in South Sudan, and at many other stops along the way. Most tea times are shared with family and friends. 

The text is accompanied by warm and telling scenes created by Chelsea O'Byrne using mixed media. Each spread shows variety is setting and presentation. Young children will explore places and people of the world, while the explanations for the tea types and how they are prepared will hold the attention of older students and the adults who read this book. 

In back matter the author describes her own relationship with tea throughout her life in "My Tea Story". Because of her love for tea, she has connected with people around the world, and has learned much about their lives and cultures. Hospitality is at the heart of sharing a 'cuppa' with friends, family and new acquaintances. 

Looking for something new to do on these brisk winter days? Why not try a new tea ... and add a tasty treat?
                                                                                  

Your Place in the Universe, written and illustrated by Jason Chin. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2020. $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"The tallest living things are trees. 

The tallest trees on Earth are 
California redwoods, and the 
tallest redwood is 380 feet tall.
It's 20 times taller than the 
tallest giraffe, and it's still 
growing, but even it is not 
as tall as ... "

Seeing a new book by Jason Chin is a sure invitation to learning more than you already know. In this one, he takes his readers from the planet they call home out into the far reaches of space. In illustrations that provide perspective and understanding for just how big the universe is, he captures attention and offers points for discussion for everyone who reads this amazing book.   

The four 8-year-olds who are present on the book's opening page are sky watchers, as seen by the telescope they are using to make observations. He shows readers that it would take five copies of this book to be as tall as they are. A note at the bottom of the verso says that their average size is 50 inches (127 centimeters) tall. An interloper arrives at the edge of the recto with a statement that notes the children are only 'half as tall ... ' 

As an ostrich! One of the children standing on the shoulders of another is not quite as tall as the huge bird. The ostrich is only half as tall as ... a giraffe. Compared to an ever-taller line of trees, the giraffe seems like a shrimp! Those trees have nothing on the tallest buildings in the world (from the Eiffel Tower at 324 meters to the under-construction Jeddah Tower which will be 1 full kilometer tall!) Attention is then drawn to mountains, to space, to the far reaches of the exosphere. Wow! 

Earth is compared to the moon, the sun, the other planets, and beyond. 

"Our galaxy. 

The Milky Way galaxy is 100,000 light-years 
across and contains more than 100 billion 
stars. There are so many stars that from a 
distance they blend together and look like
swirling clouds of light. We are 27,000 
light-years from the center of the galaxy,
which means that even if you could travel
at the speed of light, it would take you 
27,000 years to get there!"

And there is more! Pages more, moving readers to a place where scientists can see the edge of the 'observable universe'.  At the end of the book, Jason Chin reviews all that he has revealed to readers with short paragraphs that make the journey one more time. Finally, he provides a note from the author, a note on the age of the universe, and a note about the illustrations. These notes are followed by a list of selected sources, and websites where interested readers can find even more information. 

We are so small in the grand scheme of things. Amazing? Indeed! And worthy of attention for every home, classroom and library.                                                                                      

Packs: Strength in Numbers, written and illustrated by Hannah Salyer. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2020. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"When we ants head underground, 
we are known as a nest. We march
miles across the forest floor, gathering 
green leaves as we go. Once we return 
to our colony, we store the leaves in our 
cellar to help grow food that we will eat
later. 

Together, we harvest!"

I am so thankful to Fernanda, Publicist at Raincoast, for taking the time to ensure that I was able to see a copy of this fascinating book! 

The front endpapers show a herd of elephants moving forward into the page turn that heralds the title page which shows a part of a colony of ants munching on a found leaf. Turn the page again to a double page spread (in a mostly gray tone) of a 'pack' of wolves moving from verso to recto. On to a 'huddle' of bold and colorful penguins, and finally to a 'pod' of dolphins. Absolutely captivating for all who will be lucky enough to share this book. Did I call it fascinating? It is that ... and so much more. 

Along the way we are reminded by Ms. Salyer that 'Together, we are better.'  

The format then changes to show a variety of species, illustrated and accompanied by informative text that names each collective noun and one of the things that make it unique. I love the following one because of the collective noun itself. I don't remember hearing it previously. 

"We are wildebeest, also know as gnus, and our herd is 
called an implausibility - often a million strong. We are the 
largest species of antelope to roam the Serengeti. Every year
we migrate and cover lots of ground; we follow the rain and 
use our numbers as a shield to keep predators at bay.

Together, we travel!"

Following those spreads, the author returns the earlier format for the final three, ending with a detailed and beautiful reminder that humans are also one of the 'packs'. In back matter, Ms. Salyer reminds readers that all species help each other survive - and thrive. Many animals need our help. These are actions that can only be taken by humans. We need to step up. A numbered display identifies each of the species included, and a list for further reading encourages additional research. 

In a Kirkus Profile published in January 2020, Hannah Salyer said this: 

As a children’s book writer and illustrator, especially, I feel it’s my duty to acknowledge what’s going on in our environment. Kids are growing up and, in different ways, witnessing these effects, whether it’s via shows and news, whether it’s in their own backyard. It is really important to me to end Packs with a note acknowledging climate change and habitat loss. We’re also living in a time where people like to draw lines in the sand and put up walls, and that’s not what this book is about at all. I wanted to make that clear. The more we find out about our Earth, the more it becomes evident how interdependent we are in every way.

If You Take Away the Otter, written by Susannah Buhrman-Deever and illustrated by Matthew Trueman. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2020.$22.99 ages 5 and up

 

"But the king of these forests, the hungriest
hunter, is the sea otter. Otters dive into the 
deep and fill their bellies with fish and clams, 
snails and crabs, abalones and octopuses, and 
the prickly, spiny sea urchins.

A sea otter needs to eat a lot to help it keep 
warm - about a quarter of its own weight each
day. If you ate like an otter, you would need to eat 
about twenty-four hamburgers every day."

Looking at the whiskered swimmers on the book's cover is a reminder of how endearing these ocean animals are. It turns out that cuteness is NOT their many claim to fame. Of course, it is one of the things we love about them. What scientists love about them is that they are a keystone animal on the Pacific coast of North America, where they ensure the good health of the kelp forests that grow there. 

The text is written in two fonts - one offers a story-like and informative look at the creatures themselves and their habitat; the other is much smaller and adds pertinent further information. Readers are told that the kelp forests are home to many creatures. When the forests are healthy, there is balance. It has not always been this way. 

At one time, hunting created an alarming loss. Indigenous people had always hunted for otter and ensured balance within the ocean's ecology. When 'new people' arrived, the explorers developed an international fur trade. In doing so, they took too many otters. As a result of the over-hiunting, the habitat was no longer in balance. Sea urchins flourished; the seaweed and kelp disappeared. Without the otter, there were no checks and balances. 

Eventually, recognizing the dearth of otter life, a treaty was signed to end non-indigenous hunting and selling of otter pelts. 

"And slowly, slowly, the otters began to come back.
 
And the otters, those hungry hunters, attacked and 
ate the urchin armies. With fewer urchins creeping
about, new kelp could once again grow tall, dancing
in the waves."

If you didn't love otters prior to reading this worthy book, seeing Matthew Trueman's captivating views of the ocean and its many creatures will have readers checking out the backmatter to see where they can learn more.                                                                              

Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera. Written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2020. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Not yet ... nursing. 

The grub-like larvae get all her attention. 

She checks them. 

     Inspects them. 

Feeds them a milky-sweet 

liquid made with those glands. 

On Apis's eighth day of life, 

she leaves the nursery. 

For flying?" 

I have seen few such beautiful books this year. Following up on Giant Squid (2016) this exceptional team invites readers to take a close look at the biology of the worker honeybee. The long, incredibly detailed poem begins in front matter as the bee emerges from its nest into a world that trembles with activity, and moves on to follow one small bee from birth until death. 

"Tongues lick.

Antennae touch. 

Bodies clamber and scramble over thin wax comb. 

The new bee rests. 

Soft, fuzzy and female - like all newly emerged worker bees - 

her scientific name is Apis mellifera, 

or Apis for short."  

Ms. Fleming then shares, in precise text, the life of a worker honeybee. The roles played seem endless;  there are many, many tasks that must be completed before Apis is ready to venture beyond the hive. Those jobs include preparing the cells, nursing, taking care of the queen, building the comb, receiving the nectar ... the list fills each and every day. Always Apis is wanting to fly; always there is an important job yet to be done. 

"At last, on the twenty-fifth day of her life - with 

the sun just rising and the dew still drying - 

she leaps from the nest and ... "

A gorgeous gatefold opens to Apis in full flight over flower-filled fields, ready at last to forage for sweet nectar and fly back to the hive. Her stomach weighing as much at the bee itself, she returns to give up the nectar to another worker, and to dance. Her dance leads other bees on a trip she will make nine more times before she rests that day. At thirty-five days old, she has covered five hundred miles in her quest for the nectar 'to make one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey'. Her life's work done, she drops to the ground and dies. In the nest, another tiny worker emerges and life begins once more. 

A captioned image of a worker honeybee's body follows. The book concludes with ways to help bees, further details about this remarkable tiny wonder, and places to find even more information than has already been shared. 

WAIT!

There has not yet been mention made Eric Rohmann's stunning and dramatic oil paintings. Using brown, black and yellow, he creates the detailed interior reaches of their home and the tiny creatures that inhabit the honeycomb, before bursting forth into sunshine and flowering fields. Extreme close-up details within and the glorious beauty on the outside, along with ever-changing perspectives, hold attention from start to finish. 

What an impressive collaboration this is! We are left to hope for more from this noteworthy team.                                                                              

King of the Birds, by Elise Gravel. Harper, 2020. $9.99 ages 6 and up

 

"See? It's not that easy for a bird. I can count because I have a big brain. 

*Crows have bigger brains than most birds. Some scientists say that they are as intelligent as seven-year-old humans."

This is a grand start to a new series, written in graphic format. It introduces two avian characters: Arlo is an overconfident crow, and Pips is s tiny yellow bird. Pips likes to get under Arlo's skin. Arlo doesn't mind answering any question posed or reacting to any comment offered as it allows him to do what he does best ... show-off. 

Arlo is skillful, smart and not afraid to let Pips see how talented he is. Their banter and genuine affection for each other drives their story, while teaching young readers a lot about what crows CAN do. They learn what crows eat, how they behave, and the many skills they have. 

"Look! There's something shiny over there! 

What is it? What is it? What is it?

It's a fork. 

Oh my god. It's so beautiful it hurts my eyes. 

And it's so SHINY! I've never seen anything prettier in my entire life."

Pertinent facts about crows are woven onto the pages in footnotes that are quickly and easily read by the intended audience. The book's humorous tone, the simple sentences and the appealing visual jokes will attract fans to this series, and leave them wanting to have another visit with Arlo and Pips.  

Beccoming a Good Creature, words by Sy Montgomery and pictures by Rebecca Green. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2020. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"DON'T BE AFRAID

In India, I met tigers. 

In Africa, lions. 

In the rivers of South America, 

I swam with piranhas and electric eels. 

In the ocean, I met sharks. 

None of them ever hurt me."

I truly enjoyed reading How to Be a Good Creature (2018), Sy Montgomery's memoir concerning animals that had impacted her life. I am a fan of her books in the Scientists in the Field series and have great admiration for her in-depth research and her genuine love of the world's creatures. 

I am thrilled to be able to share this adaptation of that earlier work. This time, it is reimagined as a set of lessons she has learned from her travels and interactions with the creatures she has met throughout her life. Its message is clear: we are not the only creatures living here on Earth. There are so many more. It is our duty to show love and offer protection for their future, as well as for our own.

Ms. Montgomery offers advice from those that have taught her meaningful lessons. First up is Molly, a small puppy who taught her patience and to pay attention to the world. Three emus in Australia came next, then gorillas in Africa, and on and on. From her experiences with all the creatures she met, she learned. In this beautifully illustrated guide, she shares those lessons with her young readers: school is not the only place to find a teacher, find good teachers, discover your passions, respect others, don't be afraid, wait patiently, make your own family, see for yourself, love little lives, learn forgiveness, find common ground, and trust tomorrow. 

Lessons for each of us to live by? Yes, indeed. All learned by observing, being patient, celebratiing the actions of others. The organization is perfect for young readers, the stories appealing, and the message accessible to their understanding. The tender artwork appeals with a warm, earthy palette. The connection between creatures and humans apparent. By using our senses and opening our hearts, the world will be a better place for all.                                                                          

https://youtu.be/bAGm3DA81tA

Nature All Around: BIRDS, written by Pamela Hickman and illustrated by Carolyn Gavin. Kids Can Press, 2020. $19.99 ages 8 and up

 

"A northern shrike is a robin-sized songbird, but it feeds on small mammals and other birds. It has a sharp, hooked beak, like a bird of prey does, but a shrike's small feet are too weak to hold its food. Instead, shrikes stick their prey on large thorns in trees or shrubs, or on barbed wire, to hold the food steady while they eat."

Just when you thought you knew a lot about birds, you open a new book in the Nature All Around series and find out about shrikes. I know others will know what I did not, but I am betting their will be children out there who did not know about them. That is what has happened with each of the previous books in this exemplary series, Bugs and Trees (2019), then Plants (2020). Each new publishing season brings another exemplary book! 

Kids who love birds will be thrilled to take a look at this book that encourages new learning, and an appreciation of the world of birds that surround them. This summer, as we dealt with the effects of the world-wide shutdown, I noticed a number of birds rarely seen in my backyard. It was lovely to sit out in the porch with my bird guide close by. It will be the same for those who read this book, and discover how fascinating birds are. 

The book is a friendly guide for all who are interested in knowing more about species, their unique features including feathers, eggs and nests. A yearlong journey allows readers to think about birds through the seasons, and encourages them to watch for clues in all weather. A bird-watcher section is included, as well as a welcome glossary and index. Realistic images are presented in watercolor and gouache artwork by Carolyn Gavin that is sure to please. 

Did you know that a herring gull has a bright red spot near its beak tip? Did you further know that it is a target for a baby gull? A chick pecks that red spot to remind the parent to open its mouth and regurgitate the food that is there for the young ones. If not, now you do! 

Do Lizards Eat Ice Cream? Written by Etta Kaner and illustrated by Jenna Piechota. Owlkids, 2020. $19.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Do elephants use fans? 

YES! (Sort of)

Elephants have huge ears with lots of blood vessels. 

When they flap their ears, they create a breeze. This 

cools the blood in the ears. The cooler blood then 

returns to the rest of the body. Ahh, now that feels better!"

In a companion book to Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? (2018), where interested readers learned how certain animals keep warm, Ms. Kaner shifts the focus to ask questions about how animals keep cool. The format remains the same. Question asked; question answered, and then explained. Kids will find this one equally fascinating. 

Questions are presented on the verso, accompanied by an appealing illustration of the featured animal doing its best to keep cool. The recto gives the answer (YES! NO! (SORT OF)), and a short paragraph that explains what each animal does to 'be cool'. 

Most animals will be familiar to the target audience, with a very few exceptions. It is always fun for young readers to get answers to questions they may not think to ask. Information about adaptations can be answered through careful research and accessible text. Ms. Kaner provides these answers in a format that is sure to please. 

13 animals find a place in this new book, and they are situated around the world. The design is familiar and welcome, helping young readers easily navigate its pages. If you are keeping a classroom focus on nonfiction and how it is presented, this would be a welcome read-aloud for your students. It also acts as a mentor text for student presentations of their own research. On the final spread we meet a child who shows a few of the ways we humans manage the summer heat ... not always an easy task.  

"Do oxen get haircuts? 

NO!

Musk oxen have long, shaggy outer hair with a layer

of soft, warm wool underneath. This undercoat is 

great for winter but too hot for summer. So every 

spring, musk oxen shed their cozy undercoat. No 

need to go to a barber!"

Nesting, written and illustrated by Henry Cole. Harper. 2020. $22.99 ages 4 and up

"They begin to build a nest.

The nest is finished. 

It is perfect. 

It is just the right size and shape. 

The mother robin settles into it and sits quietly. 

She lays an egg. 

It is smooth and blue." 

I fear I have seen my last robin for this year. As the weather has cooled over the past few weeks, only a very few have visited the backyard. I will miss them. But, come spring, they will be back and ready to rebuild their nest as they do every year. 

This informative story of a returning robin begins with a spring song. The song attracts a mate; the two find an ideal spot for a nest, and their work begins. It isn't long until hard work and diligent attention to detail has created a welcome home for four smooth, blue eggs. Patient nesting begins to keep the eggs warm, and the baby birds growing. 

The constant care doesn't end until those babies hatch, are fed and protected, grow and leave the nest, each in its own time. Soon, they can fly to any chosen destination. They note the changing weather, and instinctively know they are ready to survive winter together in warmer climes. They will be back! 

Using Micron pens and acrylic paints, Henry Cole adds little color (save the striking blue of the eggs) to illustrate this fine story of one robin pair and their eventful summer. These detailed images bring his simple story to life for young readers and will be much appreciated by those who share his book. Changes in perspective hold a child's interest, and an author's note presents further facts about the American robin.  

                                                                              

All the Birds in the World, by David Opie. Peter Pauper Press, 2020. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"All birds come from eggs.
Birds' eggs come in assorted
sizes and colors just like birds.
Eggs can be speckled brown
or sky blue
and many colors in between.

Hummingbird eggs
are about the size of a jelly bean,
while ostrich eggs
are as big as a cantaloupe."

Forever fascinated by birds, it seems appropriate that David Opie would choose them as the subject for his first picture book. He says it took him some time to determine the purpose for the book, and to then decide on its design. He chose diversity, and included more than 100 images of birds from around the world. It is obvious to every one who sees this book that he spends a good deal of his time birdwatching and learning about birds, and honing his artistic skills. His illustrations are beautifully done, opening page to ending.

The first bird introduced is small, squatty, with an unremarkable brown color, and a long, pointed beak. Some readers will recognize it immediately; others will not. Mr. Opie provides the bird's name as the book moves forward. We do occasionally hear the little guy ask questions concerning his place in the bird world.

"But what about me?"
asked Kiwi."

The text begins with what birds have in common: feathers, wings, beaks. The author then moves on to mention some of their differences: color, shape, size, leg length, homes, egg size, feet and number of toes. Kiwi plays a prominent role on each page, always observant and inquisitive. None of the characterisics seem to match those of the small bird.

Following that, readers are made aware of the great variety in beak structure, and finally 'the most amazing thing birds can do'. They can fly! Poor Kiwi cannot. Mr. Opie goes on to show water birds, nocturnal birds, the songs birds sing. Finally ... the author gives the tiny bird from New Zealand it's due.

" ... It lays very large eggs
compared to its body size,
and lives in an underground burrow,
instead of nesting in trees.
The kiwi has no tail,
but has whiskers like a cat,
and has soft, fur-like feathers,
nostrils at the tip of a long, skinny beak,
tiny, hidden wings,
and does not fly."

Kiwi humorously admits to knowing all that, and now fully understands that it is certainly part of the bird family!

Back matter includes an author's note, sketches for each numbered and labelled bird that appears in the book, and a further short note that offers even more information about the kiwi.

This is perfect fare for budding ornithologists who want clear, straightforward information, with a touch of humor, and a little twist at the end.
                                                                     

I Am A Capybara, written and illustrated by Michela Fabbri. Princeton Architectural Press, Raincoast. 2020. $24.95 ages 5 and up

"But I was talking about me.
I'm a capybara, and I love
living simply.

I like to observe things and
their poetry. Yes, I love poetry,
even without writing or
reading it.

I like to share.
I like to see the world go by ... "


Who better to describe the capybara than said creature itself?

So, this one does just that. First, he lets readers know what he is not: a mouse, beaver, bear or marmot. He is a rodent ... and by the way, the biggest one in the world. That is not all ...

While mistaken for a dog, at times, he most assuredly is not a dog. There are many breeds of dogs, capybaras do not differ in looks. They are all the same. A pair of carefully captioned images follow to show exactly how the two differ.

He then proceeds to tell readers the many other traits that make him the individual that he is. He presents his own perspective on many aspects of his personality in a clearly-stated, conversational tone that may lead to quiet giggles.

"Have I told you about my love for water?
Bathing, plunging, swimming underwater!

Capybaras are excellent swimmers. We can
spend hours and hours in the water and we
are able to fall asleep floating."

Using this book as a mentor text for voice and description would work well with middle graders. They will be able to separate the facts from fiction, and may find in it a successful way to present research of their own. Hopefully, it will also encourage further learning about an unusual creature.

Colored-pencil drawings, accentuated by thin textural lines done in ink, keep the star of the show front and center. This is a witty and endearing look at a South American rodent that few readers will know.

 https://youtu.be/DYGz3xqiR2U
                                                                         

Go For The Moon: A Rocket, A Boy, And the First Moon Landing. Written and illustrated by Chris Gall. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2019. $25.99 ages 8 and up

"The Saturn V astronauts have their own breakfast early in the morning. Then they are sent to a special room to get into their space suits. They need help. The special suitcases they carry will give them oxygen to breathe until their capsule is safely in space. Three hours before liftoff ... "

I posted a number of books about the 1969 moon landing a few weeks ago, and somehow missed this one. Don't know how I do those things. Anyway ...

The child narrator of this grand story is obviously obsessed with rockets, space and this very auspicious moment in history. His own rocket is built. His family clearly shares his interest.

In double-page spreads, Chris Gall places each stage of the rocket's preparation and journey alongside inset views of the child's readiness for liftoff. Each step along the way is presented in astonishing clarity with detailed images as the full drama unfolds. His explanatory scientific text is accessible to his intended audience and matched by these images. He also provides context through the young boy's eyes with his own rocket launch. The two blast off together!

Gall's comparison of trying to hit a soccer ball with a rock as it is kicked through the air shows just how hard it is to assure a safe landing in space. The boy knows exactly what is happening as the rocket hurtles through space, moving out of Earth's gravity and into that of the moon. Settled in his own spaceship at home, he simulates what is happening in space.

"I eat my snacks from a plastic bag, and
I sip my Tang through a straw. I make sure
I don't spill anything, because in space
there is no gravity. Any spills will float
around the inside of the ship and cause trouble
for the spacecraft and the astronauts."

The excitement is apparent as the entire family waits with bated breath for the astronauts to step onto the moon's surface, and to hear Neil Armstrong's enduring first words: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Both imaginative and clearly set in space history, this is a book that will be appreciated by many, and is worthy of attention.

In an author's note, Mr. Gall shares his memories of that very memorable event for a boy obsessed with astronomy and space travel. He also adds a page of fun facts, a glossary and a list of resources, print and virtual.