Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming

 

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic 

by Candace Fleming

Illustrated by Deena So'Oteh

Expected publication Oct. 22, 2024

Anne Schwartz Books

Nonfiction Picture Book

Hardcover

40 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher 

Goodreads Summary

Venture to the Arctic Ocean and discover real life underwater unicorns--narwhals--in this stunningly illustrated nonfiction picture book.You are a narwhal. Shy... Swift... Small... Humans call you unicorn of the Arctic.When winter ice covers the Arctic Ocean, a narwhal pokes his head through a patch of open water, his tusk--a six-foot long tooth--pointed to the sky.Join this mammal as he jousts with another narwhal, floats with his pod, and uses echolocation to find his prey. When warmer weather arrives, he will migrate towards summer ground. But he must be careful! Predators--orcas and polar bears--will be hungry and looking for a meal.... How will the narwhal escape? Will he be able to return to the winter bay? Paired with atmospheric illustrations by debut illustrator Deena So'Oteh, nonfiction master Candace Fleming delivers a picture book, uniquely told in second person, that expertly explores the mysterious and fascinating unicorn of the Arctic.

My Thoughts

I am a big fan of Candace Fleming's work. This book is just gorgeous! The facts are interwoven in poetic 2nd person narration. The pages are filled with color from edge to edge making the reader feel immersed with the narwhal. 

Trust me, you just need to add this to your collection. 

No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons

No Cats in the Library 
by Lauren Emmons

Published March 2024

Paula Wiseman Books

Hardcover

Picture Book

32 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A stray cat follows her love of books all the way to a new library home in this charming debut picture book, perfect for fans of The Library Fish and Kitten and the Night Watchman .

Clarisse is a clever cat who loves books. She may not understand the dark, squiggly lines, but she can’t get enough of the pictures. One day, she stumbles upon a magical building where people walk in empty-handed and come out with an armload of books. She has to find a way inside!

There’s just one NO CATS are allowed in the library! That’s not going to stop clever Clarisse, though. Once she sneaks in, she stumbles upon exciting new stories and even helps a little girl practice reading aloud. But when the librarian comes looking, will Clarisse be allowed to stay?

My Thoughts

Young readers will love this sweet story and will be begging for read aloud cats in the library. They will be rooting for this little kitty to find its way into the library. Initially the librarian, or "keeper of the books" shoos the cat out. But she eventually agrees to let the cat stay to be a read aloud cat to the children who visit after she sees how much it helped the readers.

The illustrations are done in a limited color palette. The people in the book represent different races and cultures.

I am always looking for new books about libraries and can't wait to share this one with my students.

Visit Laura Emmons' Website.

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants 

by Philip Bunting

Published March 2024

Crown Books for Young Readers

Nonfiction Picture Book

Hardcover

32 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Take a peek under the rock, and discover what we can learn from the world of the ant, in this delightful blend of nonfiction and inspirational humor by author-illustrator Philip Bunting!

There are ten quadrillion ants in the world, and yet I bet you never thought they could teach you anything. But these tiny creatures can do big things when they work together--just like people!

With his signature humor and graphic illustrations, Philip Bunting delivers facts, laughs, and heart all in this special book that teaches that the answers to many of life’s biggest questions can be found in your own back yard (once you’re ready to look).

My Thoughts

Did you know that there are ten quadrillion ants on the planet? I learned that fact, and so many more facts about these amazing insects from this book. It is simple and straightforward filled with engaging information and equally impressive graphics. 

Image from Amazon.com

I can't wait to share this book with my students! 

Don't Trust Cats:Life Lessons from Chip the Dog by Dev Petty & Mike Bolt

Don't Trust Cats: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog 

by Dev Petty & Mike Bolt

Published January, 2024

Double Day Books for Young Readers

Hardcover

Picture Book

32 Pages

Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads Summary

Chip the dog from Don't Eat Bees is back, with more "wisdom" to share, including some hard-won life lessons about cats. From the favorite picture book comic duo of Dev Petty and Mike Boldt.Chip has been described as very smart and also a dog. And because he's a very good boy, he's going to share his tips on how to live your best life, Don't trust cats. Not even the little, fluffy ones with big eyes. Nohow, no meow.Trust the squirrel you always chase, trust grandpa (sure, he cheats at cards but he always has treats), and trust that skunk (he seems nice. What could possibly go wrong?). Do NOT trust cats, especially not Mittens.In this fabulously funny pet story, dog AND cat lovers will enjoy seeing their own fur-friends in Chip's earnest yet ridiculous guide to life. Also Don't Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog)

My Thoughts

Super FUN! Kids will love this book. Chip is an endearing character who gets into mischief and shares a unique dog's view of the world. The illustrations and text style work well to depict the playful nature of the book. Children will enjoy discussing how Chip interprets situations versus what is really happening. 

      Image from Amazon.com 

I will definitely be adding this book to my K-5 school library. 

School Library Journal Review

They Are Here!: How Invasive Species Are Spoiling Our Ecosystems

 

They Are Here!: How Invasive Species Are Spoiling Our Ecosystems

by Roland Smith

Published May, 2023

Henry Holt and Co. 

Nonfiction

Hardcover

160 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

From the New York Times -bestselling author, Roland Smith, comes a fascinating, fact-filled resource that explores how humans have introduced―on purpose and by accident―plants and animals to parts of the world where they were previously unknown. . .sometimes with disastrous results.

Did you know that brown rats were brought to the United States in the eighteenth century on a ship from England? Or that thousands of exotic pets were released into the Florida Everglades after a hurricane in 1992, leading to today’s booming Burmese python population? All over the country, non-native species from around the world have been introduced to our lands, irrevocably changing the natural balances of their new habitats.

This is the story of some of those newcomers, but also of human error and nature gone wild. By looking at thirty different intrusive plants and animals, They Are Here! explores invasive species, their impact on our environment, and the steps we can take to support local ecosystems under threat.

My Thoughts

I found this book really interesting. It includes definitions and describes ways that invasive species enter ecosystems. I was very surprised by how many animals are categorized as invasive species, the damage they do and the money it costs to try to control them. I do wish there was a table of contents, but the chapters are organized by type of animal. I found the chapter about how Burmese Pythons became an invasive species in Florida because of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. 

While there are very few illustrations and no photographs, the short sections with interesting information will appeal to many students. 

Gift Books From National Geographic Kids 2021 & Giveaway!

These two new books from National Geographic Kids would make perfect holiday gifts for young kids who love science!

National Geographic Kids World Atlas 6th Edition 

Published Aug. 2021

National Geographic Kids

Paperback

216 Pages 

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Learn all about the people, places, trends, and developments of our world in the sixth edition of this acclaimed atlas. All the latest, greatest geographic and political information makes this a valuable resource for using in the classroom or reading at home.

This new edition features:
A new map on global migration that introduces kids to the movement of people around the world
New graphics that present facts in an easy-to-read format
Colorful photography that shows the beauty and diversity of our world

This atlas is the perfect reference for kids to learn about lands close to home or oceans away.
Complete your atlas collection with the National Geographic Kids United States Atlas, 6th edition!
And for younger readers, don’t miss the National Geographic Kids Beginner’s World Atlas, 4th edition, and the National Geographic Kids Beginner’s United States Atlas, 3rd edition.

The Ultimate Book of African Animals

Published August 2021

by National Geographic Kids

Hardcover

192 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Join this amazing team to learn all about Africa's unique wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, gorillas, rhinos, and so many more!
With so many species showcased, this book leaves no grain of sand unturned and no jungle unexplored! Inside you'll find animals of all behaviors, shapes and sizes, from the tiny bombardier beetle to the sneaky desert viper to mischievous monkeys and elusive Ethiopian wolves.
Brimming with breathtaking and iconic National Geographic photographs on every page and loads of fascinating animal facts, readers discover how these animals live and eat, the challenges they face, and how to help protect them. Complete your collection with National Geographic Kids' TheUltimate Book of Sharks!

Enter the giveaway to win both of these books below! US Only. Winner will be randomly selected on Friday, Dec. 10. 

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If Polar Bears Disappeared by Lily Williams

If Polar Bears Disappeared 
by Lily Williams
Expected publication Aug. 28, 2018
Roaring Brook Press
40 pages
Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
The freezing ecosystem in the far north of the globe is home to many different kinds of animals. They can be

Strong, like a walrus
Tough, like a lemming
Resilient, like an arctic fox

But no arctic animal is as iconic as the polar bear.
Unfortunately, the endangered polar bear is threatened with extinction due to rapid climate change that is causing the ice where it hunts/lives to melt at an alarming rate. This book uses accessible, charming art to explore what would happen if the sea ice melts, causing the extinction of polar bears, and how it would affect environments around the globe.

My Thoughts

There is a lot of talk about "climate change" and "global warming" in the news. These terms can be hard for kids (and some adults) to understand. This book takes a look at what could happen if enough polar ice melted so polar bears would become extinct. Readers will learn about the ripple effect of too much melted ice including the impact on other species and the land. The information is not glossed over, but is presented honestly using the appropriate scientific terminology. 
The text is long enough to provide information, but is not too wordy and is accompanied by illustrations of polar animals and polar ecosystems. Diagrams and cross sections of the land showing where animals live, help readers to understand the information. 
The back matter includes a glossary, more information about the arctic and ways to help save polar bears. 
I think kids will enjoy learning about what could happen if one species became extinct. I would recommend If Polar Bears Disappeared for ages 7-10. 

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

Absolute Expert Series from National Geographic

National Geographic Books has an excellent new series. Each book is dedicated to presenting information on a single topic including animals, sports and other things in science. Each book is chocked full of interesting facts, stats, diagrams, flow charts and other text features. These features accompany the amazing photographs and illustrations. This series has something for every reader. Here are the first 4 titles. 

Absolute Expert: Soccer

by Eric Zweig

Published May, 2018

National Geographic

112 Pages

Goodreads Summary

Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about soccer in an eye-catching, page-turning book for aspiring experts, featuring exclusive content from a real Major League Soccer referee, Mark Geiger!
Score! Can't get enough of your favorite super sport? This action-packed book is chock-full of awesome facts and fun for soccer fans! Join real-life Major League Soccer and Olympic referee Mark Geiger to get the latest, most up-to-date soccer intel around, plus fun facts and awesome trivia. Out just in time for the World Cup!

Absolute Expert: Dolphins

by Jennifer Swanson

Published May, 2018

National Geographic

112 Pages

Goodreads Summary

Kids who have a laser focus on dolphins will learn everything they've ever wanted to know about them in an eye-catching, page-turning book for aspiring experts, featuring exclusive content from a National Geographic explorer currently in the field.
Hey, dolphin fin-atics! Get ready to dive into the world of your favorite fabulous marine mammals in this action-packed book chock-full of awesome facts, photos, and fun! Join National Geographic explorer and dolphin expert Justine Jackson-Ricketts to get the latest, most up-to-date dolphin intel straight from the field, plus fun facts, in-depth info, and awesome trivia about every kind of dolphin under the sun (and beneath the waves). It's the ultimate book to help YOU become an absolute expert on one of your favorite topics.

Absolute Expert: Dinosaurs

by Lela Nargi

Expected Publication August 21, 2018

National Geographic

112 Pages

Goodreads Summary

Tear through tons of facts, figures, timelines, and the most up-to-date intel straight from the field, with National Geographic explorer and paleontologist Steve Brusatte as your expert guide, in this cool book all about dinosaurs.
Have you met Pinocchio rex? Meet this fascinating dino along with favorites, such as Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Velociraptor, Apatosaurus, Ankylosaurus, and Giganotosaurus. Plus, check out some weird or newly discovered dinos you may not know about. See how fossils are formed. Learn about the epic, earth-shaking extinctions that paved the way for life today. Find out whether dinosaurs really had feathers, and so much more! All this, along with special features, awesome illustrations, sidebars, wacky trivia, and facts from experts in the field, make this the ultimate book to help YOU become an absolute expert on one of your favorite subjects.

Absolute Expert: Volcanoes

by Lela Nargi

Expected Publication August 21, 2018

National Geographic

112 Pages

Goodreads Summary

Get expert insights from National Geographic explorer and volcanologist Arianna Soldati in this lava-hot book, exploding with the most up-to-date geological intel straight from the field.

Plunge deep beneath Earth's crust to find out how volcanoes form. Get up close to clouds of ash and molten lava. Learn about the biggest, most extreme volcanic eruptions to date. On the hunt for incredible volcanoes, you'll travel around the globe, dive into the depths of the oceans, journey into space...and so much more!
History's most famous volcanic eruptions are all included: Mount Vesuvus, Mauna Loa, Stromboli, Mount Etna, Olympus Mons, and more. With special features, sidebars, wacky trivia, and more, it's the ultimate book to help YOU become an absolute expert on one of your favorite subjects.

Young readers are sure to love these fact-filled volumes as they become "experts"!

A Round of Robins by Katie Hesterman and Sergio Ruzzier

A Round of Robins 
by Katie Hesterman 
Illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier 
Published March, 2018
Nancy Paulsen Books
Hardcover
Poetry
40 pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Sixteen fresh and funny poems welcome a new batch of robins to the world!
Food Fight
Jumble, jostle, rumble, squirm;
Dad has landed with a worm.
Game of tug-of-war begins--
Biggest bossy baby wins.

Mama's a skillful architect, constructing a sturdy nest, while Dad's a champion turf defender. And those hatchlings! Such fluffs of plump perfection!
Katie Hesterman's vibrant verse celebrates this awesome circle of bird life, as we follow a pair of robin parents from nest-building and egg-laying, to raising their hungry hatchlings, and finally sending off their flying fledglings. Sergio Ruzzier's brilliant, candy-colored art pays tribute to all these stages of a robin's life cycle, reminding us that while robins may be common, they are also extraordinary!

My Thoughts
This book chronicles Mama and Papa bird's journey to raise their little brood from nest construction to becoming empty nesters.  The book is written mostly in rhyming quatrains that are fun to read aloud. They are set in a variety of formats around the pages surrounded by the excellent illustrations.  Some pages contain wide landscapes full of color from edge to edge. Others show more of a close up view of isolated illustrations. The birds are adorable and kids get to watch their development from inside the egg to their first flight. What a great way to learn about the life cycle of robins!

Image from: https://www.amazon.com/Round-Robins-Katie-Hesterman/dp/0399547789

I would highly recommend A Round of Robins for your classroom, school or public library. It would be an fabulous addition to a poetry collection, part of a life cycle or bird unit. 

Pair with other fiction and nonfiction about robins. 

  

See what others have to say about this book:
Kirkus
Publishers Weekly

A Perfect Summer Trip Book: National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2019
Published May, 2018
by National Geographic Society
Nonfiction
Paperback
352 pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
The world's best-selling almanac for kids is back and in demand! This year's includes the latest information about what's new and newsy in our world, special dates to anticipate, and fresh topics, and much more.

Have fun keeping up with our quickly changing world with the New York Times best-selling almanac, curated and created just for kids. It's packed with incredible photos; tons of fun facts, crafts, and activities; and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more. New features include an updated "Fun and Games" chapter filled with all-new games, jokes, and comics; all new weird-but-true facts; "19 Facts for 2019" feature in every chapter; updated reference material; and cool stuff on topics today's curious kids care about.

My Thoughts

As usual, this almanac is packed full of interesting information. It is organized into 11 sections like Your World 2019, Amazing Animals, Going Green, Wonders of Nature and Fun and Games. There is something for everyone. Information is presented in narratives, captions, stats, lists, charts and tables. Most sections have a quiz at the end so kids can test their knowledge. There are fun mazes, fill-ins, comics, jokes and puzzles as well. National Geographic has provided online resources such as downloads, games, and videos to accompany the almanac (I did not examine these resources). Of course, with over 500 pictures, this almanac is a visual feast for the eyes! 
I can see this book going on car trips and kids spouting off facts they learn or a funny joke they find. I would recommend this book for ages 8+. 

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs by Melissa Stewart and Stephanie Laberis

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs 
by Melissa Stewart 
Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
Expected publication Sept. 1, 2018
Peachtree Publishers
Nonfiction
32 pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Puny? Poky? Clumsy? Shy? A lighthearted look at the surprising traits that help some animals survive.
Written with a lively, playful voice, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers introduces young readers to a variety of "animal underdogs" and explains how characteristics that might seem like weaknesses are critical for finding food and staying safe in an eat-or-be-eaten world.
Award-winning author Melissa Stewart offers readers a humorous and informative nonfiction picture book with a gentle message of understanding and celebrating differences. Stephanie Laberis's bright, bold--and scientifically accurate--illustrations add to the fun.

My Thoughts

Melissa Stewart has done it again! This nonfiction picture book is just wonderful. It is informative, interesting and witty. 
I learned a ton!
For example, did you know that sleeping a lot, is a survival behavior? Animals like koalas and armadillos need much less food because they are not as active. I also learned about a really stinky bird called a hoatzin who uses its stench to deter predators. 

Stewart effectively uses a variety of structures to present information. She often utilizes a question/answer structure to share information. I think students will find this format very appealing. 

The illustrations help to support the information. Stephanie Laberis has created critters that are animated, but seem real at the same time. They have a cuteness that will draw children in. 

I would definitely add this book to your nonfiction collection. I would recommend it most for ages 5-9

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

Celebrate Science

Amazing Animal Friendships: Odd Couples in Nature by Pavla Hanackova and Linh Dao

Amazing Animal Friendships: Odd Couples in Nature 
by Pavla Hanackova
Illustrated by Linh Dao
Published 2017
Book House
Nonfiction
36 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher





My Thoughts
Talk about cooperation! This book is chocked full of examples of ways that plants and animals rely on each other. 
Did you know...
Baboons and antelopes live help keep each other safe from predators? 
Aphids suck nectar from plants and often cannot absorb it all. The excess is released from their bodies and gobbled up by ants. 

The information in this book is presented in bite-sized chunks with accompanying adorable illustrations of animals and plants. Some animals are quite silly and speak in speech bubbles. 
Readers will learn content vocabulary such as mutualism, symbiosis, bacteria and many more. The book's organizational structure includes 2-page spreads depicting two animals or animal/plant combinations. The back matter consists of a short glossary and an index. 

Image from: https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Animal-Friendships-Couples-Nature/dp/1912006480

This book would make a nice addition to any library. I think students ages 7-10 would enjoy it most. 

See what others have to say about this book: Kirkus
Through the Looking Glass

It's a Puppy's Life by Seth Casteel

It's a Puppy's Life 
by Seth Casteel 
Published March, 2018
National Geographic
32 pages
Review copy provided by publisher









This book is just cuteness overload! With sparse, rhyming text, the author shows young readers a bit of what life is like for puppies. From taking walks, making messes, sniffing, bathing and napping, these adorable pups are very busy. Each of Seth Casteel's photos are clear, colorful and make you want to reach in and snuggle these cuties. Kids (and grown ups) will "ooh" and "awww" for sure. 

Image from National Geographic site

The back matter contains an author's note and a breed guide so kids can match the photos to the breed. 
I would recommend this book for ages 2-6. 
See what others have to say about this book: 
Christy's Cozy Corners
Kristi's Book Nook

Somebunny Loves Me by Perry Gripp

Somebunny Loves Me 
by Perry Gripp
Published December 2017
National Geographic Kids
Hardcover
Poetry

Goodreads Summary
This adorable new title from Emmy Award-winning singer-songwriter (and animal lover) Parry Gripp shows us the magical world of furry friendship and teaches young readers to be kind to animals of all shapes and sizes.

Through adorable, uplifting photographs, and sweet, silly text, kids will learn not only how to interact with animals, but also just what makes you a good friend for your fuzzy, feathered, or scaly new bud. This fun book will inspire young animal lovers to understand their perfect new pal, giving kids lessons on being gentle with pets, making sure to care and love them, how to be patient, and more. Lyrical text illustrates the fun and companionship that dogs, cats, lizards, fish, rabbits, and all sorts of animal friends can offer. Parents and families considering or who've just gotten a new pet will have fun sharing and learning all about animals together. Plus, turn each page and sing along with Parry with an original song and music video!

My Thoughts
Oh my cuteness! This book is beyond adorable. With a variety of animals from turtles to fish to bunnies (of course) there is an animal for everyone here. Each gorgeous photograph is accompanied by a simple rhyming poem on a solid brightly colored background. 
I think my favorite picture was the guinea pig eating a cucumber, or maybe the little brown bunny snacking on lettuce oh forget it, it's too hard to choose. I can see this book being read over and over again with with lots of "awww's". 

               Picture taken by me. 

Watch the trailer.

Somebunny Loves Me would make a great gift for Valentines Day or Easter or just to give your favorite animal lover. Ages preschool-age 7. 

Scanorama Books by Anna Claybourne

Silver Dolphin presents 3 new interactive books about science and animals. 

Scanorama Amazing Animals
Expected publication Sept. 2017
Silver Dolphin Books
32 pages
Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Slide the scanner across the page to discover what lies under the skin of the world’s most fascinating creatures! In Scanorama: Amazing Animals, readers will meet a variety of species from across the animal kingdom and learn about their astounding feats of strength, speed, and endurance. The five movable sliders transform the illustrated animals—including an anaconda, a thorny devil, and a blue whale—to reveal their skeletons, creating a virtual X-ray on the page. Captivating facts, photographs, and illustrations provide even more details on each animal, and interactive flaps to lift enhance the scan-tastic educational experience.

Scanorama Deadly Predators
Expected publication Sept. 2017
Silver Dolphin Books
32 pages
Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
On the pages of Scanorama: Deadly Predators, kids are treated to a virtual X-ray tour featuring some of the world's most dangerous animals. Five movable sliders transform illustrated animals into full-body scans that reveal their skeletons and show how they have come to rule their habitats. Featured animals include a tiger, a scorpion, and a great white shark; each animal is covered in detail through informative text, photographs, and illustrations. To learn about even more deadly creatures, readers can lift the flaps and discover what is hiding in wait, ready to pounce on its next victim!

Scanorama Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures
Expected publication Sept. 2017
Silver Dolphin Books
32 pages
Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Scanorama: Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures gives young readers the feel of working as a lab technician as they study dinosaurs and other amazing prehistoric animals. Five movable sliders transform illustrated creatures—such as the deadly T. rex, the armored Ankylosaurus, and the massive Argentinosaurus—into virtual X-ray scans, revealing their fossilized skeletons. Detailed text, photographs, and illustrations provide insights into how each animal survived in the prehistoric world, and even more facts can be found under the interactive flaps throughout the book.

My Thoughts

These books are packed with information! Each one is filled with facts, maps, diagrams, and amazing photographs. 
A unique table of contents shows the organization of the book.
An index helps readers navigate to find specific information. Sturdy pages will hold up after multiple readings. 

A highlight in each volume is the "scanorama" where the reader can scan a panel over an image of an animal to see its skeleton. 

Check out this video.

Listen to what this boy loves about the Scanorama books!

The Scanorama series would be great for any child who is interested in animals grades 2+.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2018
Published May 2017 
National Geographic Children's Books
352 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher.


Goodreads Summary
The Globe and Mail best seller is packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, crafts, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more. New features include three chapters on engineering, space, and life sciences; new technology scientists are using to learn more about animals like sloths and snow leopards; an updated Fun and Games chapter filled with all-new games, jokes, and comics; all new weird-but-true facts, crafts, and activities; 18 Facts for 2018 feature in every chapter; updated reference material, and much more.

My Thoughts

The tagline on the cover reads, "Everything you always wanted to know about everything!" and boy it sure seems like it. Organized into 12 chapters including: Your World 2018, Going Green, Wonders of Nature and Culture Connection there is something for everyone. Chapters have color coded pages for easy navigation. there is also an extensive index to help readers find exactly what they are looking for. 

There are lists, cartoons, maps, diagrams, quizzes, fill-ins, and of course, amazing photos by National Geographic and others. 

Did you know that applesauce was the first food eaten in space by an American?

And it takes a plastic bag up to 20 years to breakdown in a landfill?! This book is full of information! 

This is the kind of book I can see getting tattered from reread after reread. I would recommend it for grades 3+. 

See what others have to say about this book:

Randomly Reading
Always in the Middle

Pug and Pig trick or Treat by Sue Lowell Gallion and Joyce Wan

Pug and Pig trick or Treat 
by Sue Lowell Gallion 
Illustrated by Joyce Wan
Published July 2017
Beach Lane Books
Hardcover
40 pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Pug and Pig are back for a heartwarming Halloween adventure in this adorable picture book that’s perfect for pet lovers of all ages.
Halloween night has come to Pug and Pig’s house, and the darling duo is sporting matching costumes. The costumes are cozy. They glow in the dark. And they have masks! There’s only one problem—Pug hates wearing his. So he decides to rip it up and stay home. But Halloween just isn’t any fun for Pig without Pug! Can Pug find a way to be a good friend and get back into the Halloween spirit?

My Thoughts

So, so cute!! I first met and fell in love with Pug and Pig in their first book, Pug Meets Pig. See my review here. 

This book is just as sweet as the twosome try to dress up for Halloween. Pug hates his mask and Pig doesn't want to trick-or-treat without his buddy. Finally, Pug comes up with a clever idea that works for both of them. 

This book encourages little ones to examine friendships and what happens when one friend wants something and the other does not. What does it mean to compromise? These are issues that arise continually throughout childhood (and life) and this book provides a platform for discussion.

As I said in my last review, the illustrations are just perfect! These chunky little characters are beyond adorable. Each page is filled with simple colors and illustrations that kids will love.

Image from Simonandschuster.com

I would highly recommend this book (and its prequel) for ages 2-6.  I hope there are more Pug and Pig books to come!

Pug and Pig Trick-or-Treat has earned starred reviews from:

Publishers Weekly
Kirkus

Visit Sue Lowell Gallion's website
Visit Joyce Wan's website

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Hoot and Honk Just Can't Sleep by Leslie Helakowski

Hoot and Honk Just Can't Sleep 
by Leslie Helakoski
Published by Sterling Children's
March, 2017
40 Pages
Hardcover
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Some chicks like day, others like night. Some sleep in the dark, and some in the light. Hoot, an adorable owlet, and Honk, a fuzzy gosling, have just hatched—but their eggs got switched and now they’re in the wrong nests. Will they find their way home? Leslie Helakoski’s gentle, lilting verse and irresistible illustrations make the perfect bedtime story as they capture two adorable babies exploring the world for the first time.

My Thoughts
This story is so sweet. The baby owl and baby goose wake up in the wrong nests and notice that they are different from the other baby birds in their family. When the other birds want to sleep, the baby owl and baby goose are wide awake. They go exploring when they can't sleep and find other babies that are like them and discover a family where they belong. 
The illustrations are exceptional. Pastels are used over sanded paper to create colorful, textured pictures. The pages are thick enough for little hands to turn again and again. 

Picture of book taken by me.

The rhyming text is simple and filled with creative language and the font size and style are great for young readers.

I would recommend Hoot and Honk Just Can't Sleep for ages 2-6.  

See what others have to say about this book:
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Jill Bennett

Duck and Hippo Lost and Found by Jonathan London Review and Giveaway!

Duck and Hippo Lost and Found 
by Jonathan London
Illustrated by Andrew Joyner
Published August 15, 2017
Two Lions
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Duck and Hippo invite their friends Turtle, Elephant, and Pig to a picnic at their favorite pond. Yippee! It’s time to dance and sing, swim and eat. Everyone brings goodies to share…except Hippo. He didn’t bring ANYTHING. So Hippo sets off into the forest to find some berries. But he is gone a long time, and Duck begins to worry that Hippo is lost. What should his friends do to find him? Join Duck and Hippo on another fun adventure!

My Thoughts
You likely know Jonathan London's work with his widely popular Froggy books. My daughter particularly liked Froggy Eats Out. London and Joyner have teamed up again to bring us more Duck and Hippo. 
I really enjoyed the first Duck and Hippo book, Duck and Hippo in the Rainstorm (see my review here).  In Lost and Found, Duck and Hippo are back and they have brought some friends. Hippo feels bad that he did not bring something to the picnic and leaves to look for some berries. He searches high and low, but doesn't find any berries even as night falls. His friends are concerned and go looking for him. 
I think this story lends itself to many themes and discussion topics. 
Friendship
Responsibility
Cooperation
Safety
Perseverance
Problem solving

The illustrations are excellent and the characters are adorable.  The color palate is subdued with pops of bright red in Duck's coat and Hippo's bowtie. A variety of text fonts, sizes and colors adds another element of interest to the book. 

Kids will be excited to see if Hippo's friends ever find and if they finally get to have their picnic. 
I would recommend Duck and Hippo Lost and Found for ages 3-8. 

See what others have to say about this book:
Kirkus

Visit Jonathan London's website
Visit Andrew Joyner's website

Find some activities to use with this book here. 

Enter the giveaway! 
Two Lions and Blueslip Media are generously offering a copy of Duck and Hippo Lost and Found AND a copy of the first book, Duck Hippo in the Rainstorm. Enter in the rafflecopter below. 

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