Humorously told, an interesting merging of history and STEM and a decent introduction to the scientific method. The pages are highly illustrated like Humorously told, an interesting merging of history and STEM and a decent introduction to the scientific method. The pages are highly illustrated like a field guide or nature journal. The backmatter is essential -- especially if you're going to share this with children....more
Very interesting introduction to a lesser-known figure -- a woman who was one of the first bird photographers in America who took pictures to share heVery interesting introduction to a lesser-known figure -- a woman who was one of the first bird photographers in America who took pictures to share her love of birds. Would be really interesting in conjunction with books about photography/photographers or other women who loved nature. The childlike illustrations are joyful and a good match for the story. Back matter has lots more information and one of Gene Stratton-Porter's photographs....more
A lovely picture book about the interconnectedness of nature. The illustrations are beautiful and really lift-up the book which is emotional and lovelA lovely picture book about the interconnectedness of nature. The illustrations are beautiful and really lift-up the book which is emotional and lovely....more
This is a delightful French import of a family who loves their well-tamed garden. They are proud to have a pristine and tidy garden where everything iThis is a delightful French import of a family who loves their well-tamed garden. They are proud to have a pristine and tidy garden where everything is exactly the right shape and size. But when their gardener quits -- fed up with their rules -- they realize it isn't all that easy to control nature. And, more than that, nature in it's wildest and freest form is beautiful. The artwork in this book -- contrasting tidy black and white geometric patterns with lush, organic colors and shapes -- are delightful. Probably my favorite import this year so far....more
A quiet, curious little picture book of a child becoming a gardener. The tone and vibe of this book matches the activity of gardening pretty well. TheA quiet, curious little picture book of a child becoming a gardener. The tone and vibe of this book matches the activity of gardening pretty well. The illustrations are lovely. I want more books done with pastels, and it works especially nicely here. ...more
Mushrooms are so dang aesthetic and nowhere is that more clear than in this foresty picture book of a young child and their parent hunting for mushrooMushrooms are so dang aesthetic and nowhere is that more clear than in this foresty picture book of a young child and their parent hunting for mushrooms. Information is scattered through the text, and significant back matter provides more information about mushrooms and mushroom hunting....more
Lovely and effective, this book is a quiet call to action. Everyone, meaning all things in nature, starts small. And then they grow. Like a tree that Lovely and effective, this book is a quiet call to action. Everyone, meaning all things in nature, starts small. And then they grow. Like a tree that grows from a tiny seed into a big tall tree before being threatened by a ravaging fire. The interconnectedness of nature has never been quite so clearly illustrated for young audiences. Digitally rendered illustrations undulate with color and shape that are stylized....more
I like this book, but I think it's trying to do too much. Mindfulness, plus gentle read aloud, plus lots of information about what kids see in nature.I like this book, but I think it's trying to do too much. Mindfulness, plus gentle read aloud, plus lots of information about what kids see in nature. I need it to do a little less and I think that would help. ...more
Gorgeous nature photographs with basic information about how different natural processes work to create the crazy landscapes. Lots of photographs fromGorgeous nature photographs with basic information about how different natural processes work to create the crazy landscapes. Lots of photographs from Utah are special for me. The text is good to read aloud....more
This is one of the most enjoyable children's books I've read in quite a while. Exciting, humorous, informative - this book truly as it all. Acclaimed This is one of the most enjoyable children's books I've read in quite a while. Exciting, humorous, informative - this book truly as it all. Acclaimed children's author G. Neri shares this scrapbook/diary of his trip to visit Antarctica as part of the National Science Foundation. He shares his day-to-day life in Antarctic, chronicles Antarctic life (human, animal, and mineral), and answers the burning questions kids back home might have. Infectiously readable and enhanced by photographs and drawings -- children who dream of exploration will cling to this book....more
This book was absolutely fascinating. Covers an extensive swath of wildfires in America, and the mismanagement of natural resources that have led to mThis book was absolutely fascinating. Covers an extensive swath of wildfires in America, and the mismanagement of natural resources that have led to many of those wildfires. Offering an impressive amount of background information on different subjects, as well as visceral depictions of catastrophic fires. This is an informational book for kids who love disasters and can't turn away, but also want to know how to prevent them. A call to action both timely and poignant....more
This is a stand-out, whimsical picture book that is simultaneously imaginative and whimsical. The illustrations are gentle and show the differences beThis is a stand-out, whimsical picture book that is simultaneously imaginative and whimsical. The illustrations are gentle and show the differences between types of clouds. The text is easy to read aloud with asides to share more information -- mostly about the types of clouds. An impressive amount of back matter explains clouds and the water cycle. This is an excellent early elementary read aloud....more
I love the Daniel series. They are so young child friendly with bold, colorful illustrations and situations that will feel familiar to kids. In this iI love the Daniel series. They are so young child friendly with bold, colorful illustrations and situations that will feel familiar to kids. In this installment, Daniel's Grandpa asks him what's new and so Daniel goes to find out -- examining the park all around him. The illustrations are vibrant acrylic paint layered over paper collage and bring this world to life. A great Spring picture book about being curious about the natural world. Really wonderful....more
Both a fun introduction to haiku and also to outdoor exploration. The illustrations are simple, but work for the child's perspective of the book. The Both a fun introduction to haiku and also to outdoor exploration. The illustrations are simple, but work for the child's perspective of the book. The haiku form works really nicely here, in my opinion. I like the panel type images and text that could be read aloud....more
This is a sweet little picture book that uses rhyming text to encourage little readers to explore their connection to the natural world. It's gentle aThis is a sweet little picture book that uses rhyming text to encourage little readers to explore their connection to the natural world. It's gentle and cozy and warm and perfect for spring, though it works year-round. The illustrations are filled with wonderful color. A great picture book....more
There are several books about the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone, and I don't think that this is the best one. I really like Jennifer ThermThere are several books about the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone, and I don't think that this is the best one. I really like Jennifer Thermes and her pen and ink illustrations are really nice. And I like the random asides in the text, but I wasn't a fan of the paintful AB AB rhyming scheme and I felt like it kind of got in the way of conveying good information. It's nice to have another book on this topic, but I don't know if this would be my first recommendation....more
Since I live nowhere near the Great Lakes, I struggle to understand their sheer size -- and their importance. This book does an exceptional job of shoSince I live nowhere near the Great Lakes, I struggle to understand their sheer size -- and their importance. This book does an exceptional job of showing the importance of the Great Lakes, no matter where you live. A lot of information is conveyed in an easy-to-read conversational text that talks about how the lakes were formed, how much water is contained in them, and the importance of environmental protection for them....more
Lovely watercolor illustrations with well presented information about shells and all their purposes in the natural world. Beautiful -- end pages and aLovely watercolor illustrations with well presented information about shells and all their purposes in the natural world. Beautiful -- end pages and all....more
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