The Children’s Literature and Reading SIG is bringing Part 2 to our animal reviews this week. Last week we presented animals in the wild, so this week’s theme deals with pets and domestic animals. As children learn to take care of a pet or learn to deal with some of the less endearing parts of a pet these books might bring some solutions or helpful ideas. Children will also read about rescue dogs and animal shelters. At the same time, there are so many funny things about pets and appreciating their loyalty that authors have created wonderful stories, both fact and fiction, to bring to young readers.

Listen to ReadWriteThink’s podcast entitled “Unusual Pets” for other book recommendations on animals or the RWT lesson idea using Comic Creator for lots of animal possibilities or the lesson plan idea for April and Poetry Month that combines poetry and animals at “Help a Child Write a Poem.”

Plus, the Engage blog has a delightful story called "Bringing Children, Dogs, and Books Together."

Use some of the videos found at The Animal Planet website for media literacy plans and books for even more animal ideas.

GRADES K-2

Arlon, Penelope. (2013). Scholastic Discover More: Puppies and kittens. New York: Scholastic. 

Undoubtedly, there's nothing cuter than a puppy or a kitten—unless it's a litter of the adorable creatures. This book contains plentiful colorful photographs of these cuddly baby animals, sometimes alongside their equally appealing mothers. The book’s thirteen chapters provide information about the particular needs of puppies and kittens when they are newborn and then as they grow. Although some of these facts are well-known, not all of them are. For instance, while kittens can purr when they are only two days old, puppies cannot bark until they are two to four weeks old. The book also contains chapters explaining how puppies and kittens need to play and suggesting toys and games to play with them. This engaging text may encourage readers to visit their local animal shelter to offer a forever home to a new furry friend. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Breen, Steve. (2013). Pug & Doug. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Author/illustrator Steve Breen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author who has turned his talents to writing a tale of friendship. Pug and Doug are good friends though very different from each other. They share a secret “pawshake” and a love of donuts, but their personalities take different directions. Doug is artistic and creative and Pug is organized and likes things done correctly in order. It appears that Pug is starting to drift away from Doug, and Doug is worried about their friendship. When Pug realizes what has happened and a birthday surprise is in the works, the two friends reunite and find their friendship stronger than ever. Pastel watercolors, colored pencils and mixed media bring a color palette to the story that brings out the differences in color, and people, but represents how they can be blended to make a beautiful picture.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Crow, Melinda Melton. (2013). Rocky and Daisy at the Park. Illus. by Mike Brownlow. Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books/Capstone Press.

From the Stone Arch Readers series for emerging readers, Owen is a young boy with two dogs that like to do different things. One is more quiet and playful while the other is rambunctious and ready to run. This presents a problem for Owen when he is trying to take them for a walk or play with them in the yard. When his parents suggest trying the dog park, it brings a whole new experience for everyone that includes a great deal of fun, or not, in the mud. This early reader chapter book provides a story that many young children can identify with concerning their pets.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Helakoski, Leslie. (2013). Doggone feet! Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press.

A loyal dog that is quite attached to her human companion describes how her life has changed ever since she went home from a park with the person she knows as Legs. Life is pretty good, but eventually she grudgingly manages to make room for other residents, including one that insists on the dog being shampooed and one that throws meat onto the floor. As time moves on, her small family grows to encompass one, two, three, four, and even more additions. Young readers will enjoy the surprise at the end as well as the endpapers covered with the tracks of various individuals. Because readers don't see the upper half of the humans until near the end of the book, the dog's point of view is enhanced. Having the illustrations and the text originate from a dog's perspective adds to this book’s uniqueness. Learn how the book trailer was made for Doggone Feet or check out the detailed activity guide based on the Common Core State Standards at the author’s website.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Himmelman, John. (2013). Katie and the puppy next door. New York: Henry Holt/Macmillan.

Pen and watercolor illustrations bring young readers the story of Katie, the terrier, and her new neighbor, the dachshund, Ruby. Katie’s life has been very good with her owner Sara Ann and the three cats and chew toys enjoyed by all. But when Ruby dashes into their lives and chews Katie’s favorite toys and makes friends with HER cats, Katie is not overjoyed at this neighborliness. However, Sara Ann would very much like for Katie to learn to share. When a tug of war breaks out over toys and cats, Katie learns that this situation can actually be fun. Though the obvious story line is about dogs and cats, the underlying message here very definitely relates to young children and teachers will enjoy this book as a read aloud and discussion starter for young readers.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Horvath, James. (2013). Dig, dogs, dig: a construction tail. New York: HarperCollins.

Kids who love trucks and big equipment will enjoy this book. The construction crew consists of a dozen digging dogs and one black cat. They wake up early from their dormitory room and get to work. A busy day waits as they begin the task of building a playground. In rhyming text, the construction equipment and heavy-duty trucks are explained as they begin the excavation until they literally hit a snag. They have hit upon a dinosaur bone! As their work continues they get the playground finished complete with trails and a duck pond and a huge display for the dinosaur bone. The end pages display the crew with their names. Click here for an activity based on this book. Read more about this author and his new book at his website and blog.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Johnson, J. Angelique. (2012). Getting a pet, step-by-step. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Meet Maggie and her family as they decide what pet is right for their family. Told through full page photographs and text boxes readers will follow Maggie and her family as they go to the pet store looking at different animals and then looking through books to learn even more about a variety of animal choices and their care. When they decide they would like a dog they look online and the newspaper for possible places to purchase their new pet. They decide to visit an animal shelter and there find a dog named Coco. The caretaker at the shelter gives them information about caring for their new dog. They buy a crate and a leash and chew toys and water bowls and all the supplies they will need and then they are ready to bring Coco to his new home.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Kulling, Monica. (2013). Mister Dash and the cupcake calamity. Illus. by Esperanca Melo. Toronto, ON: Tundra Books.

Madame Croissant is well known for her famously delicious cupcakes. Mr. Dash, a dog with a mixed-breed background, is the dependable deliverer of the cupcakes. One day Madame’s niece, Daphne, arrives to “help” make the cupcakes only Daphne’s idea of helping is ready to drive Madame a little crazy in the kitchen. Sprinkled with delightful French phrases and the bright acrylic paintings of Melo, the fun that ensues might be identifiable to young readers who have also tried to “help” in the kitchen. Madame and Mister Dash sigh a breath of relief at the end of the day when they wave goodbye to Daphne.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Loewen, Nancy. (2012). Good-bye, Jeepers. What to expect when your pet dies. Illus. by Christopher Lyles. Mankato, MN: Picture Window Books/Capstone Press.

It is never easy to lose a loved one, and often for young children their first experience with death is the loss of their pet. In Good-bye, Jeepers, a young gender-neutral Panda is the main character. (Readers do not know if he is a boy or girl and it doesn’t matter. The book is intended to reach young children regardless if boy or girl.) As the story opens and the young Panda wakes up on a Saturday morning he discovers that his pet guinea pig has died. His parents talk to him about death and grief and say it’s okay to cry. He feels sad but goes to school and begins to think about other things. When he gets home, his family helps him plan a burial and friends and neighbors help young Panda get through this loss. Throughout the book are subtle text boxes that contain helpful tips about dealing with death and loss. This could be that just right book for that tough moment when children in your classes have lost a beloved pet.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Meisel, Paul. (2013). See me dig. New York: Holiday House.

This new companion to the author’s 2011 book, See Me Run, is another rollicking romp with this pack of digging canines. Their dig this time uncovers a bear and a pretty scary one at that. They run off to the beach and begin another digging adventure in the sand. This time they uncover a treasure chest and are certain it is full of pirate’s gold. Wrong! It is full of pirate something, but it is the ghosts of pirates that chase dogs. The dogs run off again and find a real excavation site complete with a huge clawed bulldozer. This time however, they learn that their digging sites can be shared. Cartoon-like watercolor, pen-and-ink and pencil drawings combined with very simple sentences and vocabulary make this a delightful reading adventure for primary students.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Panzieri, Lucia. (2013). The kindhearted crocodile. Illus. by AntonGionata Ferrari. New York: Holiday House.

Teachers looking for a read aloud for Children’s Book Week, El Dia, or other literacy celebrations, this is the book for you. With a storyteller’s style and often using direct nods to the reader, this is the story of a crocodile that would like to become a family pet. He conjures a plan to slip into the pages of the picture book the children are reading and hide there during the day. Each night he sneaks off the pages and into the reality of the family where he sees a multitude of ways he can be of help. He folds laundry and straightens things up around the cluttered house and before he slips back onto the pages of the book, he has breakfast ready for the family. Puzzled, the family stays up one night and hides until they see the crocodile slither out from the pages of the book and discover his secret. Now what to do? A family argument develops about whether to keep this wild toothy creature in their home. The colorful textured illustrations, especially the facial expressions of the croc, add to the humor and fun of this family story. First published in Italy in 2008.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Prevost, Jeanne. (2013). It’s raining pups and dogs! (Sit! Stay! Read!) Minneapolis: The Gryphon Press.

Young Lauren is upset when her father says her female dog will not be allowed to have a litter of pups and in fact, will be spayed. When Scout returns from her surgery, Lauren is mad at her father and sad to think she will never get to raise some puppies. Her father carefully explains to her about the overpopulation of dogs, especially unwanted dogs. To make his point even more real, he takes Lauren to a local animal shelter. The shelter attendant shows Lauren the hundreds of dogs waiting for adoption. The story itself does not go into euthanasia or describing puppy mills, but the author includes these facts at the end of the book.  There are not many books available that deal with this subject so frankly and in terms a child can understand. Learn more about the work of Gryphon Press that “exists to bring children beautifully illustrated books about the human-animal bond, books that foster empathy in children for other living beings.”

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Rissman, Rebecca. (2013). Should Wendy walk the dog? New York: Raintree.

Filled with photographs of the children and their pets, this book contains four different scenarios about choices and their consequences. While Wendy and the other children in the scenarios are free to make their own decisions about whether to do the right thing such as walking the dog or cleaning out the hamster cage, the fact that the book shows two different choices and then the results of those choices is liable to encourage youngsters to make better choices. While all of us would rather be lazy at times rather than doing our work, in the end we may be sorry and we may have created more work for ourselves. This book will prompt some good conversations between adults and children.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Stier, Catherine. (2013). Barnaby the bedbug detective. Illus. by Karen Sapp. New York: Albert Whitman.

Author Catherine Stier read about rescue shelter dogs that were trained to become super-sniffing, bedbug detecting dogs, and it planted the seed for the story of Barnaby. Barnaby is a shelter dog who dreams of being a hero. However, he is continually overlooked for adoption as the people who come to the shelter choose quieter dogs. Then one day, Martha chooses Barnaby for her new companion and sends him to a school where they train him, and Martha as his handler, to be a bedbug detective dog. Upon graduation, Martha and Barnaby get jobs in a movie theater and hotels and even people’s homes. Narrated by Barnaby, this tale weaves in actual facts about bedbugs and the final pages give more detailed information about infestation and facts about these invasive insects. For extra visual information, show this video from Animal Planet about these trained detective dogs.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 3-5

Funk, Joe. (2013). Mush! Sled dogs of the Iditarod. New York: Scholastic.

This photograph-filled book focuses on the 2012 Iditarod, the popular dog sled race. The opening ceremony kicked off in Anchorage, Alaska, with perfect weather for racing sleds. With 975 miles ahead, one man, Dallas Seavey, and his huskies headed off on a cold, lonely, and challenging journey to Nome, Alaska. This book starts with the story of the journey of 2012 Iditarod champion, Dallas Seavey, and provides the history of Iditarod trail sled dog race. Along the way, readers will experience vicariously the harshness of the race for both sled dogs and mushers (competitors). Readers are likely to come to admire those brave and intelligent huskies. This book shows readers how humans and dogs work together to overcome tough tasks. Dog-lovers and children will definitely enjoy reading about the bonds that develop between these humans and the dogs as they race for glory. The full-color photos of the sled dogs make the book even more appealing.

- Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Goldish, Meish. (2013). Disabled dogs. New York: Bearport Press.

Starting with the story of Faith, a young puppy born in 2002 with no front legs, and on to stories like Echo, a blind Australian shepherd, and to Angelyne, who is deaf, this book is full of information about how these brave dogs have overcome adversity of many sorts to lead healthy and happy lives. Some have gone on to become therapy dogs that help people. Beautiful but gripping photographs make these disabilities very real for young readers. Fact boxes throughout the text add to the information given for each disability. Vocabulary, glossary, index, additional reading and websites are provided at the end for further study.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Klimo, Kate. (2013). Buddy. Illus. by Tim Jessell. New York: Random House.

Based on a true story, Klimo tells the tale through the voice of German Shepherd, Kiss, being trained as a seeing-eye dog. Kiss is the first dog trained at Dorothy Eustis’s Seeing Eye Guide-Dog School for the Blind. Kiss knows she is bound for doing great things. She is being trained to take care of her trainer Jack, and when she is suddenly given away to take care of Morris, she doesn’t quite understand why her life is changing. Morris is so different from Jack, even wanting to change her name to Buddy. The author has included an ending chapter that discusses the care and training of the seeing-eye dog program and its history that also includes information about hosting guide-dog puppies.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

MacLachlan, Patricia. (2013) White fur flying. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon and Schuster.

Zoe Cassidy and her younger sister Alice are part of a loving family who takes care of Great Pyrenees rescue dogs. Zoe’s mother trains them, veterinarian father makes sure they are healthy, and then good homes are found for these white fur flying rescued dogs. This leaves behind the family pet, Kodi, also a Great Pyrenees, who misses his new friends once they are placed in new homes. One day a young boy named Phillip shows up at the home of their neighbors, and Zoe and Alice learn that Phillip has come to stay with his aunt and uncle while his parents work out some difficulties. Phillip won’t speak to anyone but slowly develops a relationship with Kodi, in addition to the other family pet, a brassy parrot named Lena. Phillip runs off one night during a terrible hailstorm chasing one of the new rescue dogs, Jack. The power of pets coupled with the power of the writing of Newbery-award winning author Patricia MacLachlan make this a quiet story of strength and survival.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 6-8

Gallico, Paul. (2013). The abandoned. New York: NYRB Classics.

First published in 1950 by Knopf and also in the UK under the title of “Jennie,” this classic cat fantasy will still capture the attention of readers today. Eight-year old Peter is lonely. His mother is quite the socialite and is frequently attending society gatherings abandoning Peter to his nanny. Peter would love to have a cat but his nanny absolutely refuses to even consider the idea. When Peter is out for a walk one evening he watches as a truck is barreling down the street right in the path of a young cat. Peter dives in front of the truck to save the cat and the truck strikes him down. When Peter regains consciousness, he immediately realizes he is different. He has paws…and fur…and a tail! He has become a cat. He learns very quickly that life on the street for a cat is not easy. Fortunately, he meets Jennie—a very street savvy feline who teaches him the ways of the world from the cat’s point of view.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Korman, Gordon. (2013). Hideout. New York: Scholastic.

As is almost always the case with this author, this fast-paced title is filled with humor and populated with interesting characters. In the fifth installment of his Swindle series, villainous S. Wendell Palomino, former owner of Luthor, a huge Doberman, is determined to get the dog back, use him in a moneymaking scheme, and then get rid of him. He claims that there is no paperwork that he actually gave up the dog to Savannah Drysdale who has adopted Luthor and taught him to embrace his inner gentleness. Savannah is understandably upset since she and Luthor share a special bond even while he still has trouble trusting anyone else. Since Griffin Bing and his five friends, including Savannah, are attending three different summer camps while Luthor is supposed to be returned to Palomino [the students call him Swindle], Griffin hatches a plan to keep the dog hidden and safe from his cruel former owner. Although things don't go according to plan, Griffin and his mates keep coming up with alternatives. Readers will enjoy how each of the youngsters takes a turn at taking the lead in this adventure. Although there are plenty of twists, turns, and coincidences and a villain with apparently no redeeming qualities, the book is filled with humorous moments that will appeal to anyone who roots for the underdog--even when he weighs 150 pounds. This would be a great read aloud.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Paulsen, Jim and Gary. (2013). Road trip. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

Veteran author Gary Paulsen has teamed up with his son, Jim, to write a book about a father and son road trip. Sounds like a writing match made in dog heaven. The story opens with Dad and 14-year-old Ben heading out to an animal shelter to rescue a border collie. Grudgingly, narrator Ben is going along as is the family dog, Atticus, who actually narrates parts of the trip at the end of Ben’s chapters. As the journey moves along and Ben has learned his father quit his job which means he can’t go to summer hockey camp, things seem to go downhill from there. They pick up quite an assortment of additional travelers including a questionable friend of Ben’s, a waitress who is running away from life but would like to become an actress, and Gus, an auto mechanic they pick up along with a school bus. From a race with the cops, a car fire, and a strange criminal chasing them and all the while trying to document it all on Facebook, this adventure has moments of family discord, canine insight and hilarity that middle school readers will enjoy. Teachers will appreciate the backstory in this interview with Gary and Jim Paulsen with Publisher’s Weekly.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 9-12

Northrop, Michael. (2013). Rotten. New York: Scholastic.

After a summer spent away from home, Jimmer (JD) Dobbs returns to his friends but still holds onto the secret behind his absence even while they seem to know where he's really been. He's desperate to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend, but since he's been incommunicado for the whole summer, that's not going to be easy. Things are a little different at home too. His mother has taken in a rescued Rottweiler who fears men due to his own mistreatment. Surprisingly, JD bonds with the dog, who he renames Johnny Rotten after one of his musical influences. Although JR has a fierce bark and can't stand to be cornered, he slowly learns to trust JD and some of the others in his life. After Mars, one of JD's friends, corners him, the dog bites him. Mars lies about what happened, and his family concocts a plot to sue JD's family and have the dog put down. Readers will worry about JR's fate for much of the book while also enjoying the way he starts to become a very good dog. Throughout the book's pages, readers will reflect on how the cruelty and mistakes of others have made JR fearful and brought him to this particular point as well as how JD’s own mistakes have led to his own particular turning point. The connections between the boy and the dog are described quite well without becoming too maudlin for the tastes of teen readers. Additionally, the author creates complex characters that force readers to reconsider how they regard Mars and Aaron, JD’s classmate who seems to have everything he could ever want, but who turns out to have a dog-related secret in his past.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.

by Judith Hayn

Baskin, R. (2013). Surfacing. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Maggie Paris is the focus of this character-driven novel. Her older sister Leah drowned in the family condo pool when she was nine years old, and Maggie only five. A few years later, her parents in a last-ditch attempt to deal with their grief used fertility drugs to add twin boys to the family. The bickering and mistrust at home gives Maggie little solace as she struggles to find her way as a sophomore in high school. She is a talented varsity swimmer, but her athletic gift is belittled in her own mind by her unwanted ability to get others to spill their deepest and darkest secrets to her which causes those who unload on her to distance themselves. Despite this, her best friend Julie sticks with her even when Maggie develops a crush on a loathsome senior wrestler and determines to have sex with him. Her self-destruction is difficult to endure as she makes one poor choice after another; these include luring a gentlemanly classmate in as her boyfriend so she can gain skills to impress her obsession.

This is a tale of trauma and what it does to one family and one girl’s spirit. Told in flashbacks from the day of the drowning and interspersed with Leah’s commentary, essential truths about relationships and secrets emerge. The book would be a terrific choice for teen girl book clubs as Maggie learns just how many forms that guilt and grief can take.

Dr. Judith A. Hayn is an associate professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

This article is part of a series from the Special Interest Group Network on Adolescent Literature (SIGNAL).

People have been fascinated with animals from time immemorial. From household pets to the extinct dinosaurs to unique and/or strange animals in the wild from other continents, each creature has its own special stage that invites study and inquiry from children to adults. Over the next two weeks, this book review column from The Children’s Literature and Reading SIG will be devoted to animals. Starting this week the books will deal with animals in the wild from animal habitats to wildlife protection and conservation. Next week will offer pets and other animals found in homes, farms, classrooms, or other habitats shared with humans.

ReadWriteThink offers a number of lesson ideas that deal with animals, for example “Investigating Animals: Using Nonfiction for Inquiry-Based Research” or “Webcams in the Classroom: Animal Inquiry and Observation” and many, many more!

For more award-winning animal books, check out the Animal Behavior Society Book Children’s Book Award.

GRADES K-2

Bingham, Kelly. (2012). Z is for moose. Illus. by Paul O. Zelinksky. New York: HarperCollins/Greenwillow Books.

All the animals are set to take their places in Zebra’s ABC book. Eager to show off their best sides, the animals are carefully following Zebra's directions—well, everyone, that is, except the over-eager Moose. Prematurely bursting on the scene during the letter d, he causes all sorts of mayhem as he accidentally jabs Elephant in the side. After lurking around the other letters as he impatiently waits for his turn to come, Moose’s anticipation builds as time for the letter M draws near. But to his dismay and disappointment, there is no M is for moose in the line-up; instead, Zebra has decided to use another animal to represent the letter, making it M is for mouse and not moose. Moose understandably throws a fit and squashes the pie represented by P all over the next few letters. Eventually, Zebra relents and finds him a place in the alphabet line-up. Young readers will enjoy this cleverly written and illustrated title, and older readers certainly won’t mind reading it repeatedly while smiling at the colorful mixed media illustrations.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Cohn, Scotti. (2013). On the move: mass migrations. Mount Pleasant, DC: Sylvan Dell Publishers.

The concept of animal groups that include hundreds and/or thousands of a species that move together seasonally is explained in the opening pages as migration. With the recurring phrase of “on the move” the author describes the gathering of various species and continues the explanation with how they are moving and why. Often the reason is the mating season or getting ready for colder or warmer weather. Written in a narrative style this book is appropriate to introduce the concept of migration for early learners. Additional details and fact boxes are included at the end of the book. Educators will find a detailed and helpful resource and lesson guide at the publisher’s website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Curtis, Jennifer Keats. (2013). Animal helpers: Sanctuaries. Mount Pleasant, SC: Sylvan Dell.

Many animals were never meant to be domesticated, but once they have been, they often cannot be released into the wild to fend for themselves. Six animal sanctuaries in the United States provide the material for this book’s stories about exotic animals that need a place to live out the rest of their lives after they have grown up. Often, their owners can no longer take care of them properly because of their size. Adorable baby animals often grow up to be more than a handful. The photographs and text offer ready testimony to the good work of these sanctuaries that provide a safe place for the animals left behind or surrendered to authorities for the animals’ own well-being. Readers will encounter brief stories about a Canadian lynx, bobcats, tigers, a bear, and a jaguar, among others. Additionally, the book shows the hard work that is required of the animals' caretakers try to keep them occupied and healthy. Truly, this must be a labor of love. Also see "5 Questions With... Wendy Henrichs (When Anju Loved Being an Elephant)" on the Engage blog.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Formento, Alison. (2012). These bees count. Illus. by Sarah Snow. Park Ridge, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.

When Mr. Tate’s class visits a farm on a school field trip, the students learn all about busy bee work that goes into creating honey. The children even have the chance to don the gear beekeepers use, complete with nets to cover their faces. The farmer, a woman named Ellen, shows them the beehives, explains how bees collect pollen from flowers, and demonstrates how she uses smoke to send them out of the hive. Although the book title is a play on words since the bees count when it comes to making honey, it also allows readers to count the number of elements on the pages; for instance, there are five poppies reaching for the sun on one page and nine peapods whose vines cling to stakes. Back matter includes information on bees and even a brief discussion about colony collapse disorder. The vivid illustrations and honeycombed endpapers add immensely to the pleasures of reading this short text. Without bees, life would lose much of its sweetness.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Holland, Mary. (2013). Ferdinand Fox’s first summer.  Mount Pleasant, SC: Sylvan Dell Publishers.

Nature photographer Mary Holland has captured the first few months in the life of a young fox through her camera. Mary named him Ferdinand, and young readers will follow this young kit and his four brothers and sisters from the underground den where they were born to the world of the forest and their lessons in how to survive. Double page photographs on every page give a close-up feel as readers observe how these young kits use their senses to learn about their environment. The kits’ playful antics are also captured in these beautiful nature photographs. Not a detailed introduction but one for early learners, the information about Ferdinand Fox is told as a nonfiction narrative easily understood by primary age students. Teachers will find a detailed lesson guide at the publisher’s website. Learn more about the author, her photography and the background for this book at her blog and website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Kaner, Etta. (2013). And the winner is…Amazing animal athletes. Illus. by David Anderson. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press.

With illustrations and information about various types of habitats, this text features an imaginary World Animal Games in which animals compete against each other to prove their prowess in various events. Walrus and Cockatoo banter while introducing the competition. The events include the high jump, sprinting, weight lifting, swimming, the long jump, aerobatics, and the marathon. Several competitors are described, and then guesses are made about who might win. Each time the winner of the event is revealed, and then his/her time is compared to the most accomplished human athlete’s. Some of the winners are surprising while others are predictable. While the other animals watch the competitors, their observations about what they are seeing add to the fun. Thumbnail sketches provide additional information such as food and habitat about the animals in the completion. Human athletes simply can’t compare to these athletic animals. Readers will love the cartoonlike illustrations and shake their heads at these amazing feats by animals.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Loxton, Daniel. (2013). Tales of prehistoric life: Pterosaur trouble. Illus. by Daniel Loxton with Jim W. W. Smith. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press.

This book filled with luminous illustrations of Earth’s prehistoric period will captivate young readers fascinated by the age of the dinosaurs. Inspired by the discovery of a fossil of a large flying reptile with bite marks from a smaller creature, the author imagines the outcome of a battle between two fierce competitors. Unconcerned with the dinosaurs below him, Quetzalcoatlus, a pterosaur, flies through the air and surveys his domain before landing to hunt for food. As he fishes and considers whether a diminutive feathered dinosaur could be his next meal, he suddenly finds that the predator has become the prey of several of those Saurornitholestes who have surrounded him. The fact that the battle is hard fought and its result is not certain will keep readers turning the pages. This is an excellent way to engage readers while giving them a glimpse into a world that no longer exists. The back matter provides information about the pterosaur, a huge flying reptile. The blend of speculative fiction and nonfiction is quite appealing.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Lynette, Rachel. (2013). Pink River Dolphins. New York: Bearport Press.

The unusual pink river dolphins have only been “found in the lakes and rivers of South America’s rain forests.” (p.8) With a photograph on one page and a map inset on the other, primary age readers will begin their journey to discover information about these unique dolphins. Using a small format for little hands but larger font size, this early reader science book introduces the life of the pink river dolphin. Boldface words indicate vocabulary emphasis to describe various aspects of the life and environment of these mammals and a glossary with photographs further explain the words at the back of the book. Topics include special skills like echolocation, giving birth, time to eat, playtime, and growing up. Use this short video from National Geographic to give students a real live look at these unusual creatures.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Markle, Sandra. (2013). What if you had animal teeth!? Illus. by Howard McWilliam. New York: Scholastic.

In this funny book sure to be a hit with young readers, the author imagines that the book’s reader has lost his/her front teeth. Instead of the permanent teeth that will replace those choppers, she wonders what might happen if various animals’ teeth grew in the mouth instead. The lively text, photographs, and quirky illustrations charmingly tell a great tooth story. By turns, the children in the illustrations have mouths filled with the teeth of a beaver, a great white shark, a narwhal, an elephant, a rattlesnake, a naked mole rat, a vampire bat, a hippopotamus, a Bengal tiger, a crocodile, and a camel. After taking readers on this informative flight of fancy, the author explains the origin of teeth and discusses proper tooth care. This short title is guaranteed to prompt readers to flash their pearly whites in delight.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Sebe, Masayuki. (2013). 100 animals on parade! Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press.

While this counting book features almost more animals than a reader can bear to count, it’s also an activity book and inquiry text designed to sharpen readers’ visual literacy skills as well as their critical thinking skills. For instance, there are clever quips and questions above some of the animals and readers are asked to find certain bears such as the last one or the one whose strength allows him to hoist a piano. The book begins with 100 musically inclined bears at the front of a parade. They are followed by 11 pig chefs hauling scrumptious foods, 100 carpenter beetles carrying heavy objects, 100 circus rabbits doing tricks, and 100 flower birds zipping through the sky. The final double-page spread shows where all those animals are heading, revealing a crowded, animal-filled place. Readers are encouraged to return to the earlier pages to find three animals that appear in every scene as well as to locate 22 additional items in the final scene.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Shields, Amy. (2013). National Geographic Kids: Saving animal babies. Washington, DC: National Geographic.

In simple but engaging text this book provides glimpses into how humans are working hard to take care of baby animals. From feeding milk shakes concocted from meat to tiger cubs whose mothers are unable to care properly for their first litter to rewiring a starving seal lion’s broken jaw before releasing him back to his ocean home, this book is filled with heart-warming stories and photographs showing men and women making a difference in the lives of wild animals. A section in the back of the book offers a list of simple do’s and don’ts that readers can follow to help save animal babies in their own way.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University

Stockdale, Susan. (2013). Stripes of all types. Atlanta: Peachtree Publications.

“Stripes found in water/ sliding through weeds/Drinking from rivers/ and darting through reeds.” (p.1-4) Rhyming narrative coupled with colorful illustrations, often as double-page spreads, introduce the concept of nature’s camouflage in animals around the world. This science concept book is appropriate for early readers not only to look at the stripes themselves but how patterns work in nature as well. Placed in their natural habitats, Stockdale has created captivating illustrations. Read more about how she created these beautiful illustrations at the publisher’s website/blog. The end of the book includes thumbnail illustrations with further background information and the final pages have a matching game for young readers, or teachers with an electronic whiteboard. Enjoy the other books by award-winning author, Susan Stockdale, through this Voice of America video.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Thomas, Isabel. (2013). Brilliant Birds. Mankato, MN: Raintree Publishers.

From the Extreme Animals series, this bright pink cover advertises the contents of this book about the colorful birds from around the world that are described on the inside pages. Colorful photography, “Did you know” fact boxes, new vocabulary in bold print, miscellaneous factoid boxes in addition to opening paragraphs describe each of the birds and species. Regal Eagles, Helicopter Hummingbirds, Outsized Ostriches, Tough Penguins, Fearless Flamingo, Soaring Albatrosses, Clever Crows, Tongue-Twisting Woodpeckers, Noisy Kakapos and Revolting Vultures are a few of the chapter headings about specific bird types.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Townsend, John. (2013). Amazing Animal Helpers. Mankato, MN: Raintree.

From the Animal Superpowers series, extraordinary capabilities of a wide variety of animals fill the pages of this book. Photographs of these animals in their habitats explain what their special talents are. Pigeons that were used to carry messages during World War II or Mila, the Beluga whale that saved a diver from drowning in Chine, or the gorilla living in a zoo near Chicago that saved a three-year-old boy when he fell into her pen and rushed to save him are just a few of the feats these animals accomplished. From tiny insect “mini superheroes” (p.12) to tsunami-warning elephants in Thailand, amazing facts and accomplishments of wonderful animal acts of kindness, compassion, strength, or friendship are described about these animal helpers. For more, read about Dorothy Hinshaw Patent (author of Dogs on Duty) on the Engage blog.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 3-5

Alderfer, Jonathan. (2013). National Geographic Kids Bird Guide of North America. Washington, DC: National Geographic.

Divided into eleven sections based on geographic parts of the United States such as “Eastern Backyard Birds” and specific types of habitat such as “City Streets and Parks,” “Farms and Fields,” “Beach and Bay,” “River and Marsh,” and “Deserts,” among others, this is the definitive field guide for young birders. Its slim size makes it easy to tote, and its color-coded sections allow birders to quickly refer to a section and identify a bird. Each section features a double-page photo spread showing a bird in its typical habitat. The rest of the section provides vital statistics such as voice, food, habitat and range, about the birds commonly found in that area as well a closer look at the bird’s physical features. Readers are sure to enjoy the section entitled “Rock Star Birds” featuring birds that are considered rather flashy. Among them can be found the Whooping Crane, the Roseate Spoonbill, the California Condor, the Snowy Owl, the Trumpeter Swan, and the Atlantic Puffin, gorgeous winged wonders that every birder longs to spot.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Allen, Kathy. (2013). Polar Bears. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

From the Endangered and Threatened Animals series, this introduction to the polar bear is well developed. Beginning with a description of the species and its habitat, complete with an aerial view of the Arctic Circle, the life of the polar bear is discussed including how they hunt to acquire food and how their bodies and fur are designed to maximize hunting techniques as well as surviving arctic temperatures. Vocabulary used to describe  aspects of the life of the polar bear appear in bold face print in addition to vocabulary boxes placed throughout the books. Captioned color photographs add to the background information about this endangered species. The final chapter discusses the reasons the polar bear is being threatened and how people, including kids, can help in the efforts to preserve this beautiful white bear. Catch “The Animal Planet” TV show that features the endangered polar bear now.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Arlon, Penelope and Tory Gordon-Harris. (2013). Scholastic Discover More: Rainforest. New York: Scholastic.

As the earth’s lungs, the rainforest takes care of all lives on the planet. The rainforest is a most incredible habitat in which more than half of the Earth’s species dwell. The hot-sun-and-heavy-rain weather cycle of the rainforest breeds giant plants that almost seem cunning as well as colorful animals capable of camouflaging themselves in their surroundings. The rainforest is also the place from which many of our favorite foods and products come. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows at a cold winter night? Can’t wait to put on a pair of colorful and stylish rain boots in a drizzling day? Prefer a banana as a snack during the afternoon break? Without the rainforest, there would be no chocolate, no rain boots, and no bananas. Deforestation and global warming have raised our concern about the conservation of the rainforest. This introductory text explains what the rainforest is and why it matters, heightening the awareness of young readers about their environment. While reading this book, readers will relish many fun and amazing facts about the rainforest.

- Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Berger, Melvin & Gilda. (2013). 101 animal records. New York: Scholastic.

Nature lovers will certainly enjoy this fascinating look at animals. Starting with the number 1 and moving all the way to 101, the title provides interesting facts and records held by animals. For instance, one represents Lonesome George, the Abington tortoise who was the last of his kind. After his death in 2012, there were no others of his species left on the Earth. Number ten represents the basilisk lizard, whose webbed hind feet make it able almost to skim across the water. With more time spent asleep than awake, the koala holds down the sixtieth spot as the sleepiest mammal, slumbering away 18 hours of each day. The book concludes with the wolverine at the 101st spot, earning it because of its strength for its size. The enticing text and photographs guarantee that readers will be reluctant to look up from this book’s pages.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University

Burnie, David. (2013). Scholastic Discover More: Sharks. New York: Scholastic.

Not only do sharks have sharp teeth, streamlined bodies, but they are one of the most powerful predators swimming in the ocean. Swimming with stealth and speed when they attack, they swim even when they sleep. Humans both loathe and love them. They are feared for the well-publicized attacks on surfers when surfers paddle like turtles. But some humans love them for their fins, used in soups. Sharks are old, having been around more than 420 million years. They are good swimmers who travel from ocean to ocean. The photos in this engaging book are clear enough that readers may feel excited or scared as the pages are turned and sharks in all their glory are revealed. Readers will find descriptions and explanations of characteristics of sharks that are informative and easy to digest. The inclusion of myths and legends surrounding sharks adds to the reading pleasure. This is a good book for youngsters to read before visiting an aquarium or simply to know more about the importance of sharks. There’s much more to the story of sharks than what is shown in movies.

- Ying-Hsuan Lee, Washington State University Pullman

Cerullo, Mary M. with Clyde F. E. Roper.(2012). Giant squid: searching for a sea monster. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

The scientific work of Dr. Clyde Roper is featured in this fascinating look at the mysterious deep-sea creature, the giant squid. Found to be 50 feet long with eyes the size of a man’s head, these cephalopods have eluded man for years and also have a strange trail of lore and mystery in sea stories and novels. Dr. Roper’s study of the giant squid reveals much about them and author Mary Cerullo has narrated his work for young readers. Illustrated with a mix of actual photographs, charts, diagrams and illustrations this narrative provides an enormous amount of factual information about this little-known subject in addition to pieces of some of the sea lore that surrounds them. Sightings of these rare animals are few partly because they live in the freezing depths of the ocean usually from 1,600 to 3,300 feet below sea level. How scientists have used photography to search and study these elusive creatures combined with the fact that a giant squid has never been captured or observed within their own environment makes fascinating account. This text was selected as an Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2013. Watch this short and rare video on the giant squid from The Discovery Channel as a companion for the book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Guillain, Charlotte. (2013). Jobs if you like … animals. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Library/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Starting with the chapter heading “Why Do Animals Matter” and on to “Do you love animals?” (p.4) the scene is set for readers to learn about jobs relating to many aspects of animals. Typically, the first thought is becoming a vet and the first chapter deals with just that and discusses how vets care for sick or injured animals. Next, readers are introduced to the work that farmers do with animals, even the less familiar farm animals like ostriches or llamas. Other introductory information about careers such as entomologist, zookeeper, police dog handler, wildlife biologist, animal welfare inspector, animal care assistant, riding instructor, and dog trainer are included. An Animal Job Chart is available at the end of the book to give young readers some things to think about as they consider jobs working with animals. Meant to be an introduction to jobs, this book does not go in depth for the careers mentioned.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Laidlaw, Rob. (2013). Saving lives & changing hearts: animal sanctuaries and rescue centres. Markham, Ontario, CA: Fitzhenry & Whiteside.

“An animal sanctuary is a place of refuge for unwanted, neglected, abused, injured or abandoned animals.” (p.6) This opening statement defines and answers the chapter title: “What is an animal sanctuary?” The author continues to explain about farmed animal sanctuaries for domestic farm animals, equine sanctuaries for horses, donkeys, and mules and wild animal sanctuaries for a wide range of wild animals. Differences between sanctuaries and rescue centers are explained. The author continues with chapters on specific centers around the world including the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary in Ontario, Canada, the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in California, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, Animals Asia Foundation in China, Tam Dao Sanctuary in Viet Nam, Bear with Us in Canada, Black Bear Education Center (WBBEC) in Wisconsin, the Born Free Foundation (BFF) in the United Kingdom, the Ethiopian Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre, Jane Goodall’s Tchimpounga Sanctuary in Africa, and many, many more. The design format of the book is impressive in addition to the tremendous amount of information about each sanctuary and rescue center and the work done there. Notebook pages, snapshots, color photographs, and explanatory captions provide well-done text features. The book concludes with detailed information on how to get involved with rescue organizations in addition to a lengthy list of actual organizations and website or contact information. Read more from the Born Free website and blog. See this interview with Jill Robinson, co-author of the Jasper's Story book about mistreated moon bears, on the Engage blog.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Mason, Adrienne. (2013). Planet Ark: Preserving Earth’s biodiversity. Illus. by Margot Thompson. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press.

Another winning title from the CitizenKid collection of books published to foster global awareness, this book describes Earth’s biodiversity while explaining the effects of the loss of one species on other living things. Reminding readers that only a small portion of Earth’s species have been identified by scientists, the title celebrates the planet’s bounties while also sounding cautionary notes about the effects of alien species on native species, overexploitation of natural resources, global warming against a backdrop of acrylic illustrations depicting beautiful scenes from the planet. Young readers can also learn about modern-day Noahs intent on preserving Earth’s diversity as well as ways that they can become activists, taking actions to change the world and make sure to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle as well as Rethink, Refuse, and Rejoice. The book makes it clear that attitude adjustments can go a long way toward changing the world for the better.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman.

McCurry, Kristen. (2013). How to draw amazing animals. Illus. by Leonardo Meschini. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Giving fairly simple step-by-step instructions, readers can use these directions to recreate the drawings of exotic animals from around the globe. Arranged in alphabetical order by animal, each double page spread offers 4 steps to accomplish the basic drawing ending with a colorized picture with a slight background ecosystem included for the backdrop setting of the animal. This will be a fun addition to other drawing books usually enjoyed by students, especially those who need help getting started in their artistic endeavors. Enjoy this video on drawing animals that might prove interesting for students.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Montgomery, Heather L. (2013). Wild discoveries: Wacky new animals. New York: Scholastic.

Scientists conjecture that despite the diversity of Earth’s living things, six million different animals may still be undiscovered and unknown to humans. Organized according to locations [rain forests, oceans, islands, mountains, and wacky places] and then concluding with a chapter dedicated to how young scientists are adding to what is known about the Earth’s inhabitants, this book introduces readers to some of the most recently identified animals found between 2007 and 2012. Readers will be intrigued by the photographs and descriptions of the gray-faced sengi, found only in the Udzungwa Mountains, the psychedelic frogfish whose swirls of colors are meant as camouflage, and the wattled smoky honeyeater that blushes when it becomes excited or angry. In addition to nifty animals such as the snot flower that resembles exactly that, the book discusses a handful of discoveries that aren’t animals at all. Perfect for browsing and sharing with others, this title provides proof that there are still scientific mysteries to unravel.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Spilsbury, Louise. (2013). A mob of meerkats and other mammal groups. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Library/ Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Scattered throughout the south of Africa are communities of meerkats. Author Louise Spilsbury has written a thorough description of life among a colony of meerkats. Each page has a photograph and fact box. Included within the double page spreads is a fact box labeled, “Did You Know?” Other labeled facts boxes that appear regularly throughout the book are “Human Interaction” and “Habitat in Danger.” The final chapters of the book discuss other African mammal communities as a means to compare with the meerkats. Lions, elephants and naked mole rats are the other groups mentioned. Introduce meerkats with this short video from National Geographic.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.

Nonfiction is in the spotlight and especially in the focus of the Common Core State Standards. However, in recent years nonfiction has also enjoyed popularity with readers as these informational books bring high quality photography and illustration techniques, primary documents, scientific photographs, narrative and poetic writing styles, and other writing features to the nonfiction arena. Wonderful writers that do extensive research are being honored through nonfiction awards like the Sibert Award from ALA or the Orbis Pictus Award from NCTE. Bloggers are helping to bring news about noteworthy nonfiction books through blogs like Nonfiction Monday, I.N.K. (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids), and the Nerdy Book Club Book Awards, to name just a few. Any school librarian can tell you that nonfiction has always been at the top of library circulation statistics. This week’s column from the International Reading Association's Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group presents some of the newly published nonfiction titles for 2013. 

ReadWriteThink offers literally hundreds of lesson ideas for using nonfiction in every grade level classroom, and Reading Today Online features articles, discussions, and book reviews for nonfiction titles. Anita Silvey has written on the IRA Engage blog about her “picks” for award winning nonfiction.

GRADES K-3

Ajmera, Maya, Victoria Dunning, and Cynthia Pon. (2013). Healthy kids. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.

Through beautiful photographs, Ajmera has presented children from all over the world using the theme of being healthy. Cleary written for the preschool and primary age child, these photos and the accompanying text provide not only the global perspective of health related issues but present them in a double-page spread format to reinforce the importance and recognition of healthy lifestyles.
Using the themes of exercise and medical care, cleanliness and sanitation, protection from weather extremes, or clean water and healthy food, each picture portrays a different country, a different culture where family and community work together to keep their children healthy through an awareness of good health habits. Read more about this author and founder of the Global Fund for Children at her website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Arlon, Penelope and Tony Gordon Harris. (2013). Emergency vehicles. New York: Scholastic.

The cover and opening pages of this book begin with emergency vehicles that young children have probably seen like a fire engine or police car. Photographs, text, and fact boxes continue this picturesque look at other kinds of emergency vehicles like motorcycles, helicopters, and fireboats. After the first few pages young readers will see less familiar emergency transportation like the Superscooper that flies over forest fires, the lifeboat that rescues people from the ocean, the harness used to lift people from the water into the rescue helicopter and then on to ambulances, flying doctors and hospitals, and finally the search and rescue teams that go out and look for victims of disaster. Small charts that accompany each vehicle provide information as to how many crew members it takes to operate the vehicle and the entire book represents a tremendous amount of team work to the save lives of people in need.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Arnold, Caroline. (2013). Too hot? Too cold? keeping body temperature just right. Illus. by Annie Patterson. Charlesbridge.

Looking at both humans and animals the author talks about how creatures stay warm. Many science books for early readers present topics on hot and cold, but this book is really discussing how bodies work at keeping a safe temperature not only for comfort but also survival. Arnold presents facts about sweating as a heating and cooling activity, how blood expands and contracts within our veins to keep blood pulsing and bodies warm. She goes on to explains the facts about body fat, hair, fur and other body coverings, shelter, the use of water and other liquids, and even behavior and activity levels that create heat to stay warm or cool. The discussion of a variety of animals and their migration or hibernation patterns are presented and each animal is labeled and easily identified. A glossary and author notes are found at the end of this very informative book. Teachers will find several temperature related activities that go along with this book at the publisher’s blog, Unabridged.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Berne, Jennifer. (2013). On a beam of light: A story of Albert Einstein. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Filled with illustrations created through gouache and pen and ink, this picture book biography somehow manages to make the almost ineffable personality and ponderings of Albert Einstein accessible to a young audience. The deftly chosen words and illustrations on the book’s pages bring to mind the famous physicist. Briefly covering Einstein’s formative years during which he quietly observed the world and became curious about its mysteries—"hidden and silent, unknown and unseen" (unpaged)—the book also provides a glimpse into the adult he became. Einstein’s initial curiosity with the world around him never faded, eventually morphing into a fascination with light, sound, and numbers. His interest in those particular topics eventually led to paradigm-shifting theories about the way we view the world. Children will enjoy reading about this great man's eccentricities such as his dislike for socks and his predilection for wandering barefoot around town while licking an ice cream cone. In the sure hands of this author and illustrator team, Einstein's strangeness is celebrated rather than mocked. Back matter includes author notes about Einstein. From start to finish this quirky title is a delight, especially since it encourages young readers to ask and find answers to the seemingly insoluble questions that puzzle them.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Gonzales, Doreen. (2013). The huge Pacific Ocean. Berkeley Heights, New Jersey: Enslow Publishers.

The largest ocean on Earth, the Pacific Ocean occupies almost a third of the Earth’s surface. Its vast waters hold many seas: the Bering Sea, the South China Sea, and the Sea of Japan. Highlighting the Pacific, this book is divided into six chapters that allow exploration of the content in greater detail. The first chapter introduces ocean-related phenomenon such as tides, waves, and climate. The second chapter details the ocean’s resources such as food, energy, and the ocean’s other gifts. The ocean floor chapter deals with the ring of fire, hydrothermal vents, trenches, and mountains. The chapter on the ocean of life describes animal life in the oceans. The penultimate chapter summarizes the exploration of the ocean throughout history, even mentioning modern explorations. The final chapter deals with the health of the oceans by addressing topics such as conservation, endangered species, and pollution. This book is well written for its age group and will be a great resource for any classroom or library.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Guiberson, Brenda Z. (2013). Frog song. Illus. by Gennady Spirin. New York: Henry Holt.

“CROAK! RIBBIT! Plonk! BRACK! Thrum-rum! Frogs have a song for trees, bogs, burrows and logs.” These are some of the opening lines to Frog Song, aptly named for the wonderful sounds and songs that emanate from this book. Teachers looking for a mentor text to teach onomatopoeia, look no further! Spirin’s beautiful double-page spread illustrations of frogs in their natural habitats around the globe provide the artistic backdrop for Guiberson’s poetic text about the music and sounds of frogs. From the strawberry poison dart frogs in Costa Rica to the tarantula-eating narrow-mouthed toad of Oklahoma to the Surinam toad with no tongue from Ecuador, each worldly frog is more interesting than the next. The author also sends out a strong environmental message at the end when she writes that frogs are in trouble: forests and plants are drying up and disappearing so the habitats for the frogs are gone and their songs will be silenced if we do not take care of the planet. This book is a science treasure, and the teaching guide that goes with it will be ever so helpful to teachers. The author and illustrator have worked together to create a beautiful resource guide with activities to accompany their book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Smith, Danna. (2013). Balloon trees. Illus. by Laurie Allen Klein. Mount Pleasant, SC: Sylvan Dell Publishing.

Told in rhyming text, this story of how a balloon begins first as rubber in a tree that must be tapped to release the sap is sure to interest curious young readers. The book describes all the steps in the balloon-making process, including singling out some balloons to be tested for quality. Few readers will have any idea of all the work that goes into producing the balloons that make a party festive. The colorful illustrations add to the book's interest, and make the subject even more interesting. Reading this book is bound to give readers a newfound appreciation for the story behind those short-lived rubber products that are so much fun to blow up, tie in a knot, and then bounce across a room or outside.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

GRADES 4-6

Doak, Robin S. (2012). Eleanor Roosevelt. Chicago: Heinemann Educational Books.

This short but informative biography about First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt covers her formative years and the causes that she came to champion, including rights for women and African-Americans. Unwilling to remain a figurehead by the side of her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, while he served as the nation's president, her example changed the role played by future First Ladies. It is no surprise that she was voted in polls as the most admired woman in the world 11 consecutive times. Independent and willing to speak her mind, Eleanor was also the object of ridicule and personal attacks. Accompanied by archival photographs showing this fierce advocate for social justice hard at work, the book contains several “Fact vs. Fiction” and “Did You Know” sections that demystify this ever-intriguing woman. Readers are likely to wonder about the factors that caused someone born to such wealth and privilege to care so deeply about making the world fair for others.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Doyle, Oliver. (2012). Strange mysteries of the unexplained. New York: Scholastic.

The four chapters in this book try to solve mysteries that have intrigued humans for decades and in some cases centuries. The mysteries concern the existence of cryptids, legendary creatures such as Bigfoot about whose existence there is no scientific proof, although there have been accounts and photographs purported to “prove” the existence of this taller than normal man. The second chapter explores the possibility of alien life forms and contact with creatures from beyond the Earth. Chapter three examines strange phenomena such as crop circles, the Bermuda triangle, the Nazca lines in Peru, Easter Island, and Stonehenge, among others. The last chapter looks into humans’ fascination with the so-called “lost” worlds of Atlantis, Lemuria, and Teotihuacan. Albeit brief, this is interesting reading that will inspire several spirited discussions about the possibilities of what might be out there, unknown to humans. The text is printed across colorful backgrounds and next to several photographs or drawings. While all the mysteries of the universe may not be explained in the book, the author offers several explanations.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Furgang, Kathy with Fred Hiebert. (2013). Everything money. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.

In a slightly oversize format, National Geographic Explorer Fred Hiebert and author Kathy Furgang present the concept of money. Beginning with a double-page spread photograph of shiny Euro coins, chapter one presents the history of bartering and the development of different kinds of money including currency, coins and paper from different corners of the world. Chapter 2, “From Rocks to Stocks,” has a timeline starting in the Stone Age up to present day depicting articles of value that have been used for money. Loaded with facts, figures and photos almost every imaginable aspect of money is covered in this book for young readers. A few different topics include why money matters, how money is made, how money is “retired,” how to become a billionaire, spending and saving money, crimes, heists and scams and finally some fun activities with money like origami and coin collecting. An interactive glossary is included at the end with index and further reading options.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Gonzales, Doreen. (2013). What are the 7 wonders of the natural world? Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow.

The ancient Greeks and Romans once listed the Seven Wonders of the World, all of which were man-made, and celebrated the ingenuity and brilliance of mankind. Among those were the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Colossus of Rhodes. In the same way that earlier humans paid tribute to wonders, this book pays homage to seven natural wonders. It's hard to argue with the choices of Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Lights, the Paricutin Volcano, and the harbor of Rio de Janeiro. Each of these areas is beautiful and awe-inspiring in its own way, and the author's inclusion of information about how pollution and modern life are chipping away at some of these beautiful natural wonders strikes a cautionary note. Even though there are bits of information about how some of the wonders got their Anglo names, young readers will close the book wanting to know and see more of these special places. All in all, though, they’ll surely be struck with wonder at Nature’s infinite variety.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Hague, Bradley. (2012). Alien deep; revealing the mysterious living world at the bottom of the ocean. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.

The companion to the five-part National Geographic TV special with the same name, Alien Deep is about the exciting discovery and exploration of the hydrothermal vents spewing into the ocean near the Galapagos Reef in the Pacific Ocean. With the characteristic and outstanding photography that National Geographic is noted for, this book travels with marine explorers detailing the events of the original expedition in 1977 to study plate tectonics on the ocean floor but leads to the discovery of these vents and the plant and animal life that thrive in the vicinity. Text features using small water bubbles provide definitions for some of the special vocabulary of oceanographers along with splashes of water that provide additional marine facts. Charts, diagrams, and photographs of the vehicles and monitoring equipment used to study these hydrothermals and the effects of the plant and animal surrounding them are explained as the 2011 return expedition probed further into this geological phenomenon. Named 2013 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12 by the National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Krieger, Emily. (2013). Myths busted!: Just when you thought you knew what you knew. Illus. by Tom Nick Cocotos. Washington, DC: National Geographic Children’s Books.

Urban legends seem to have longer shelf lives than just about any sort of story being spread. Just about everyone has heard, told, or believed an urban legend or myth about the origin of French fries or the fact that alligators live in the sewers of New York. There are plenty of myths or untruths swirling around bats, spiders, and even the dentures of George Washington. It’s nigh near impossible to trace the origins of these urban legends, but the author has plenty of fun telling the truth about them. Just as it is not true that the nation's first president wore dentures made from wood, none of the myths described in this book, often held as truths, has any credibility to them. Young readers will enjoy thumbing through the book in search of interesting facts and photographs they can share with others. As the adage would have it: The truth really is often stranger than fiction. This book offers plenty of examples why that is so.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Micklos, John. (2013). Washington’s crossing the Delaware and the winter at Valley Forge through primary sources. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers.

Relying on primary sources such as a cannon used during the colonial period, a map showing George Washington's military plans, a letter from the then-general asking Congress for money and supplies for his troops, and a jaw harp, this book describes vividly the challenges faced by the Patriot troops during the early years of the Revolutionary War. Because of the inclusion of stories of the hardships the Patriots faced and their fortune in snatching victories from the jaws of defeat, readers are likely to consider what might have been if the advantage had gone to the British or those hardy Americans had been unable to survive the winter and the lack of food and shelter. What if those volunteers in the army had decided to leave their posts? As is customary in books in this series, there are several photographs to bring the period to life. Especially impressive is how the book contains information about daily life in the military encampments and not only details about battles. Micklos spent many years working at the International Reading Association and was integral in the creation and development of Reading Today. Go to his website to schedule a visit to yiour school, library, or event.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Sandler, Martin. (2013). Why did the whole world go to war? … and other questions about World War II. Illus. by Robert Barrett. Sterling Children’s Books.

For early students of history, this question and answer format on the topic of World War II is a starting place to look for basic answers that emerging readers might have about the War. Brightly colored illustrations that include maps add to the informational answers that are usually just a few paragraphs in length. Answers are brief but provide enough detail to give young readers a satisfying answer to their questions. A few of the questions that are easy to identify with younger readers include things like: What started the war? Why did the whole world go to war? Why was Anne Frank hiding? Who were the Tuskegee Airmen? and more. This will offer a beginning reference book to answer those very difficult questions.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Simon, Seymour. (2013). Seymour Simon’s Extreme oceans. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

The text and photographs in this engaging nonfiction title are sure to appeal to middle grade readers, especially those attracted to anything extreme, in this case, ocean extremes. The book contains twelve short chapters that explore oceans that are extremely warm and those that are extremely cold as well as the life-threatening enormous waves and tides that sweep in from the ocean’s depths so swiftly. In his usual straightforward style replete with interesting details, this nonfiction maven also covers tsunamis, hurricanes, and sea creatures so incredibly dangerous that no diver wants to encounter them, even briefly. Even those who know plenty about the world's oceans will still be able to add to that knowledge after reading this photograph-filled book. It has an ocean of interesting facts for readers to share with others.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

GRADES 5-8

Bolden, Tonya. (2013). Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln and the dawn of liberty. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Award-winning author Tonya Bolden brings another aspect of African American/American history to young readers that include viewpoints not often found in history textbooks. Using archival photographs, letters, documents, maps, newspaper articles, engravings, and posters, the visual impact along with her well-written narrative truly bring an accurate atmosphere of the time to this book. The debates and controversies, the proponents and abolitionists, the politicians and military all waited to hear the outcome of the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation as the book opens on January 1, 1863. Written in three parts: “The Agonizing Prayers of Centuries; A Fit and Necessary Military Measure; and The Trump of Jubilee,” Bolden uses a third-person viewpoint told by many people truly vested in the passage of this important history-making document. Part 2 is a narrative of the events and happenings. An extensive timeline is included in the book. Learn more about this author and her contribution to African American history at her website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Burgan, Michael. (2012). Breaker boys: how a photograph helped end child labor. Mankato, MN: Compass Point Books/Capstone Press.

The use of photography to document history is the guiding theme of this series from Compass Point. In this particular volume the photos of Lewis Hines from the early 1900s and his visual witness to the child labor atrocities drove the movement to change these horrible conditions for children. Beginning with the heart-stopping oversized photo on the cover of the book, the story of child labor in the United States unfolds. Four chapters focus the content: Coal was King; Coal and Kids; Changing the World; and Ending Child Labor. Seeing small children covered in coal dust or standing on dangerous looms and frames in mills or climbing a cable high in the sky as the Empire State Building is constructed, these photographs speak volumes about the exploitive use of children in the labor market and how it was finally legislated and put to an end.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Burnie, David. (2013). Disasters. New York: Scholastic.

Brimming with large pages filled with colorful photographs of disasters, this informative text highlights disastrous weather including tornadoes, hurricanes, avalanches, and extremely cold temperatures as well as those caused by unstable earth, and even water-caused disasters. There is even a chapter devoted to how humans cause disasters and possible disasters from space. The graphic features are the stars here as the book contains timelines, cutaways, and visuals that make readers feel as though they are right in the middle of the disasters being described. Many of the photographs will stay with readers long after the book has been closed, forcing them to see the damage caused to a Philippine highway by an earthquake in 2012 or a Romanian house almost engulfed by snow during a cold spell in the same year. Infinitely worth browsing, this book will prompt questions about Earth’s future while highlighting small and large acts of heroism.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Callery, Sean. (2013). World War II. New York: Scholastic.

"A visual history of the world’s darkest days” is the statement written across the bottom of the cover of this book, and it is certainly accurate in the visual impact of this book. Providing a barrage of information in the form of text, charts, diagrams, illustrations, newspapers, and sharp historic photography gives this book the feel of a webpage with the enormous amount of information on each page. Starting with the rise of Nazi Germany and the road to war this visual history continues with information on the Blitzkreig, the Holocaust, the Resistance, the London Blitz, the eastern front, and the Pacific Theater and so much more. In addition, photos of tanks, u-boats, airplanes, guns, and artillery are portrayed as well as small I.D. portrait photos of important leaders during the war. Students will enjoy looking at this book as it offers a plethora of World War II information.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Friedman, Mark. (2012). Human rights. Chicago: Heinemann Library.

There is often quite a lot of talk about human rights in general, but sometimes it may not be clear, especially to young readers, what human rights are and who has them. Intended for teens, this book not only defines and explores human rights but also details how those rights have evolved over time and how they are interpreted in different ways in various countries. For instance, religious freedom is not a right in some nations, and historically, women and gays have struggled for basic rights in many countries. Interestingly, the author also includes a section on the digital divide and how lack of access to the Internet now puts many individuals at a disadvantage. The book also contains case studies that use real-life experiences to highlight the importance of basic rights. Appropriately, it also contains the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 30 Articles that spell out the basic rights that all humans have. This is a thoughtful, useful title on an important topic. Including more photographs and a more design would have attracted more readers to what is arguably an important topic for these times.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Green, Jen. (2013). The impact of environmentalism: Conservation. Chicago, Illinois: Raintree.

The “green” or environmental movement includes various groups across the globe, all united with a singular purpose—to protect all aspects of the living world, including the land, air, and oceans. This book introduces readers to deeper aspects of ecological conservation through eight chapters: What is conservation? What is environmentalism? Why conserve nature? Why conserve wildlife? Nature conservation, Wildlife conservation, What is the future of conservation? and What have we learned? Extended case studies, snapshot biographies of famous environmentalists, species profiles, and the special habitats on the Earth are all included in this book. Given the growth of environmentalism all over the world, it is difficult to cover the issues in all the continents in this slim volume. The volume focuses mostly on North America, Europe, with a few examples from Africa. The major gaps in the book are consumerism and the effect of growth of human population on natural resources. Still, this is a useful book for a class or school library.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Heos, Bridget. (2013). Stronger than steel: spider silk DNA and the quest for better bulletproof vests, sutures, and parachute rope. Photographs by Andy Comins. Houghton Mifflin.

From the Scientists in the Field series that gave readers The Mighty Mars Rover and The Elephant Scientists, this fascinating book looks at the experiments scientists are doing with the golden orb weaver spider’s silk and its almost indestructible capabilities. Featuring the work and laboratory of scientist Randy Lewis he explains how he has spent a lifetime trying to find a way to create more of this super fiber that will possibly be used in making stronger medical sutures, for use with human ligaments, parachute ropes, body armor and more! Interestingly, the need for goats, and alfalfa that feeds the goats, and the goat milk that feeds the spiders is all part of the cycle being studied. The author explains how the DNA aspects of these materials are at the heart of recreating these elements of nature in the laboratory and genetic procedures used to create the transgenic plants and animals in this study. The small book with beautiful photographs is actually quite detailed in the scientific explanations provided for this fascinating look at the cycles of life that can be adapted for 21st century ideas.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Perritano, John. (2013). National Geographic Kids: Everything Battles: Arm yourself with fierce photos and fascinating facts. Washington, DC: National Geographic Children’s Books.

Divided into four sections, “Get Ready for Battle,” “The Battlefield,” “Weapons, Gadgets and Gear,” and “Military Exercises,” this title is packed with colorful photographs and interesting information about warfare, including the five battles considered to be the ultimate battles, an explanation of the military chain of command, facts about spies, and predictions of how wars will be fought in the future. Readers even have a chance to test their military savvy by answering strategy questions about what they might do if faced with military strategy questions. While the book's focus is war, the author has been careful to discuss the impact war has on civilians and the need for peace rather than war. Notes from a former war correspondent and colorful, large photographs add to the book's authenticity and appeal.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

GRADES 9-12

McConaghy, Lorraine and Judy Bentley. (2013). Free Boy--a true story of slave and master. Seattle: University of Washington.

These two authors have researched a little known incident of the pre-Civil War history from the state of Washington. As the story goes based on a few scant records from the time, Charlie Mitchell is a slave that comes west with his master, James Tilton. James is a surveyor-general who settles in Olympia, Washington, in 1855. Five years later in 1860, Charlie escapes his slave master and begins his journey toward Canada and becomes the only known escaped slave to travel this Underground Railroad path aided by free blacks on his way to Canada. The authors have created a story and a possible life for Charlie in their novel but it definitely reflects the attitudes and mores of the time in our western most state that is not often included in African American historical annals.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Miller, Brandon Marie. (2013). Women of the frontier; 16 tales of trailblazing homesteaders, entrereneurs and rabble-rousers. Chicago: Chicago Review Press.

The author has used actual letters and journals to recreate sixteen first-hand accounts of the brave women who lived and pioneered the Old West. During the 1880s, as women journeyed west, they experienced unbelievable hardships, but their strength and courage left a legacy that is retold in their accounts of triumph in the American westward movement. Women from many walks of life have stories here including army wives, entertainers, an escaped slave, a survivor of the Donner Party disaster, and women who made a difference and got involved as political activists. New photographs add to this revised volume and the narrative writing style provides an engaging and compelling history of women. Note from the publisher: “Parts of this work were originally published as Buffalo gals: women of the Old West (Minneapolis, MN : Lerner Publishing, 1995). They have been substantially revised, updated, and expanded."

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.

Spring is only days away and thoughts turn to new growth and looking for the green signs of the new season. This week’s column from the International Reading Association's Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group presents books on the environment and “green” issues in children’s and YA books. Many of these titles will provide ideas for Earth Day next month on April 22 or for literature-related STEM activities. From looking at animal conservation to recycling and trash, this list of books will help classrooms and libraries build an awareness of our earth and how to preserve it.

Check out ReadWriteThink for the lesson idea "Persuasive Essays: Environmental Issues" (Grades 6-8) or a K-3 lesson called “Protecting Our Precious Planet: Sharing the Message of Earth Day.”

From IRA’s Engage blog, read Jill Robinson’s animal welfare story about “Jasper’s Story.” Another resource from Engage is Jennifer Altieri’s article on “Where’s the L in STEM?”

2013 Green Earth Book Award Winners

• Picture Book: The Family Tree, written and illustrated by David McPhail, published by Henry Holt and Co.
• Children’s Fiction: One White Dolphin, by Gill Lewis, published by Simon & Schuster/Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Children’s Nonfiction: Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard, by Loree  Griffin Burns and photographed by Ellen Harasimowicz, published by Henry Holt and Co.
• Young Adult Fiction: Endangered, by Eliot Schrefer, published by Scholastic
• Young Adult Nonfiction: Moonbird:  A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95, by Phillip Hoose, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

GRADES K-3

Bently, Peter. (2013).  National Geographic Wild tales: Look out, cub! A lift-the-flap story about lions. Washington, DC: National Geographic.

Like most youngsters, this adorable but determined lion cub persists in getting what he wants—some attention. All the curious cub wants is someone to play with, and he won’t stop until someone does exactly that. He tugs, pulls, and flops around, but no one seems to have time for him. When all his efforts are for naught, he entertains himself, and ends up getting in trouble. Young readers will love turning the pages to see what mischief this cub will cause next, and they'll also lifting and pulling the book’s flaps to reveal more about his adventures. It’s safe to say that he’s had more than a lion’s share of them.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Cella, Clara. (2013). Earth Day. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Written for our earliest readers, this celebration of Earth Day explains the concept of taking care of the earth. Using full page photographs opposite the page of text, the history of Earth Day is explained with simple facts highlighting people like Denis Hayes and Gaylord Nelson who worked to establish this special day of awareness for the earth. The concluding pages offer actual suggestions for youngsters as to what they can do every day to help conserve and become more involved in environmental awareness. Suggestions to start a recycling program at home are offered at the end of the book. (p.22)

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Dudley, Rebecca. (2013). Hank finds an egg. White Plains, NY: Peter Pauper Press.

Debut author/illustrator Rebecca Dudley has created an unusual but beautiful wordless picture book about a true act of kindness. Dudley has created collage scenes with ferns, cutout leaves and branches to give the feeling of a forest floor. She has photographed these collages after she placed the main character, a small bear-like forest creature in the center. As Hank is walking through the forest he finds an egg on the forest floor. Looking up, he realizes it has fallen from the nest above. Hank makes several attempts trying to return the egg, first rolling a tree stump under the tree and then building a ladder of twigs, but he just can’t get high enough to return the egg. As the sun sets, Hank is still pondering how to return the egg. He builds a small fire and then crawls into his bed made of leaves, taking the egg with him to keep it warm through the night. The next morning he returns to the nest with a new idea. The mother hummingbird is watching as Hank rolls the egg in moss and carefully ties it with grass and places it on the mother’s beak. She returns it to the nest and the next panel shows the eggs beginning to crack and then hatch. In a very short time, three baby hummingbirds take flight as Hank watches them with great satisfaction on a job well done.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Hoena, Blake A. (2013). If an egg hatches … and other animal predictions. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Teachers looking for books with ways to introduce the concept of predicting what lies ahead in a story will find this a useful mentor text to think about that reading concept. Starting with the question, “When an egg hatches, what kind of animal might you find?” (p.3), the following page answers the question with several kinds of animal answers including birds, chicks, reptiles like snakes, turtles, insects, and amphibians. This question pattern continues through the book to predict the color of a desert chameleon, what a dolphin does when it needs air, what geese do when their Canadian rivers and lakes freeze over, what kind of feet otters have, how a mouse keeps its teeth trimmed, how a jellyfish moves, what happens when snow turns the tundra white, and more questions and predictions about animals. The question and answer format will make this an enjoyable read aloud.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Katz, Susan. (2012). My Mama Earth. Illus. by Melissa Launay. Cambridge, MA: Barefoot Books.

In rhymed couplets against gouache double-page background illustrations, the author has created a journey for a small child to view the earth in a visually artistic way. This poetic writing uses both Mother Nature and the young child’s mother to present the world, the earth, in an endearing style. The story opens as “My mama wakes the eastern sun/ And weaves her magic till day’s done.” (p.2) From there the oceans, birds, seeds, animals, trees, and back to the sun setting and the stars coming out take the young child around the world to enjoy the beauty of the world until he/she is safely back in the arms of his own mother.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Lawler, Janet. (2013). Ocean counting. Illus. by Brian Skerry. Washington, DC: National Geographic Books.

An enticing blend of science and math, this counting book encourages young readers to count the number of creatures visible in each double-page spread. Because the pages are filled with luminous photographs of sea life, readers won’t grow easily bored with it and will enjoy counting the inhabitants of the sea repeatedly. Not only does the title provide counting practice, but it also features engaging descriptive text and interesting facts about the one green sea turtle, the two harp seals, and the nine hammerhead sharks, and other sea life in a "Did You Know?" section at the bottom of the appropriate page. Additionally, after readers have reached the number ten, there is a page containing images of all the animals next to each number, one to ten, and then from ten to one on the facing page, allowing readers to count in reverse order. Back matter also includes brief animal facts about all ten species and a map from which even more counting activities can ensue. This is a worthy addition to any classroom library. Also see Janet Lawler's "Beyond the Notebook: Sparking Ideas for Student Stories" on the Engage blog.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Lepetit, Angie. (2013). Three cheers for trees! A book about our carbon footprint. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

From the Earth Matters series, opening pages of this book show footprints in the sand on a beach providing the analogy to begin a discussion of what a carbon footprint is for young readers. The working definition on page 4 says, “A carbon footprint measures how much you change Earth by using its fossil fuel energy.” It goes on to explain fossil fuels and how humans are using up these energy supplies and they will be gone forever. Beautiful photographs continue the message in this book suggesting ways to conserve and reuse/recycle all kinds of things. Riding a bike instead of using pollution-producing transportation, eating less meat and growing your own vegetables and ending with information about shade and oxygen producing trees are just a few of the suggestions for young citizens. An activity for reusing a glass bottle provided at the end of the book could become a class project. A glossary, suggested reading, Internet sites and an index are included at the end.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Manushkin, Fran. (2013). Katie saves the earth. Illus. by Tammie Lyon. North Mankato, MN: Picture Window Books.

Katie Woo’s teacher, Miss Winkle, asks the class “How can we keep the earth green?” (p.5), as they prepare for Earth Day. As the class brainstorms ideas, both good and bad, about what to do for Earth Day, Katie comments she would like to do something really great. Her idea is to have a yard sale and ask for donations from her classmates and friends to bring items for people to reuse. Katie contributes some of her toys and stuffed animals, JoJo brings a teapot and a broken lamp, and Pedro donates his old jeans and some books he had read. As neighborhood customers and Miss Winkle visit the yard sale, Katie observes how people plan to reuse the items in the yard sale. An appropriate first book for independent young readers to think about how “one man’s junk can be another man’s treasure.”

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Middleton, Julie. (2013). Are the dinosaurs dead, Dad? Illus. by Russell Ayto. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers.

Dave’s father is eager to show off his knowledge about dinosaurs as he and Dave wander through a dinosaur exhibit. While his father points out various features of the dinosaurs on display, Dave keeps seeking reassurance that the prehistoric creatures are, indeed, no longer living. In vividly authentic exchanges between parent and child, Dave repeatedly asks the same questions about the dinosaurs, and his father casually reassures him, paying no mind to his concerns. But as it turns out, like many other parents, Dave's father should have listened to his son. It's never a good idea to ignore a child because sometimes that child has very important information to impart. Readers will enjoy watching what happens to Dad's hat throughout the story and noting the differences between the text and the illustrations, formed with pen and ink, watercolor, pencil crayon, and collage. Teachers might want to pair this one with Toni Buzzeo’s One Cool Friend (Dial, 2012).

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Oxlade, Chris. (2013). Garbage and recycling. Chicago: Heinemann Library/Capstone Press.

From the series, How Does My Home Work, in simple text and sharp photographs the concepts of what is garbage and what can we do with it is discussed. Garbage is actually defined for young readers in the opening pages and information about the problems that have been created around the world by not disposing of it properly continues the explanation. The design of the book takes a question and answer double-page spread format. Boldface vocabulary words relating to garbage will make word collecting on this theme an easy task. Recycling takes over as the main focus of the latter half of the book with explanations, charts and diagrams and concludes with a task that asks readers “How much garbage does your family recycle in a week?” (p.22) It goes on to ask that readers tally each time they put an object into their recycling bins. Moving beyond just laying out basic facts, this book goes one step further to get readers actively involved in environmental awareness within their own homes.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Porter, Esther. (2013). What’s sprouting in my trash?: A book about composting. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Part of the Earth Matters series, this simple introductory text provides basic information about composting and how it can be a great way to “grow” soil for plants or gardens. Readers learn how to start a compost pile, including what materials to use and what not to include—meat—unless they want to invite animals to forage for food in the compost. The book also contains a simple demonstration that allows readers to create their own small compost pile in a jar, and then use the resulting soil for a plant. This easy-to-do activity offers them a small-scale example of how composting works and might provide support for trying it on a larger scale. The text is complemented with large, colorful photographs. Having explicit directions about how to take a simple action that will keep the Earth green and growing is exactly what young readers need if they are going to change their habits.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Stewart, Melissa. (2013). A place for turtles. Illus. by Higgins Bond. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers.

The world is filled with wonderful natural delights, some of which rarely cross the minds of humans. The Earth is not intended simply for humans but for small creatures as well. Filled with acrylic illustrations that almost fool readers into thinking they are out on a nature hike, this title lists many reasons to save a spot in our world for turtles. As the engaging, informative text and illustrations highlight different types of turtles, information is provided about the problems caused by the intrusion of humans or the introduction of non-native plants and species to the turtles' habitat. Adding to reader’s enjoyment of this wonderful book is the author's constant insistence about how humans can help the turtles by creating new wetlands, no longer using plastic shopping bags, refusing to collect reptiles, or keeping their dogs on leashes. She even describes several reasons why turtles are an important part of the ecosystem. This is a worthy addition to the other titles in the "A Place for..." series. After exploring this title, readers will certainly want to insure that turtles have safe places to live and grow.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

GRADES 4-6

Burchett, J. and S. Vogler. (2012). Poacher panic. Illus. by Diane Le Feyer. North Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books/Capstone Publisher.

Book #1 in the Wild Rescue series, Ben and Zoe Woodward are not happy when their parents leave for Africa to put their veterinary skills to good use on an adventure without their kids. However, while they are gone, their uncle, Dr. Stephen Fisher, a noted zoologist, convinces Ben and Zoe he needs their help with his secret organization WILD to assist with a problem that deals with endangered animals. Very quickly, they are heading to Sumatra to help Dr. Fisher rescue a tiger and two cubs that are in danger from poachers. Dr. Fisher is sure that by traveling with kids, no one will be the wiser that they are all working together in WILD. Dr. Fisher has some rather ingenious devices and inventions of his own creation to assist with their adventure handling wild animals and unscrupulous villains. Seven more titles in the series allow for more globe-trotting adventures that include other environmental issues involving oceans, earthquakes, avalanches, deserts,
rainforests and safaris.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Lewis, Gill. (2012). One white dolphin. Illus. by Raquel Aparicio. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Growing up often means learning to accept unpleasant truths and taking risks. While Kara Wood waits for her long-missing scientist mother to return home, she faces bullying from Jake, son of Dougie Evans, an influential fisherman in her small seaside town. Disappointed in her father, she spends a lot of time running, running in anger, running to escape reality, and running so she doesn't have to face the consequences of her actions. Surprisingly, she and new boy Felix bond over his new love for sailing and their determination to save Angel, a young white dolphin that has been trapped in nets and washed to shore. They also work together to try to save the town's reef. As Kara finds her own voice, she gains the confidence to confront her demons while embracing the good things around her. When Dougie realizes what he has almost lost but has regained, thanks to Kara, he changes his attitude about depleting the area’s abundant resources. Readers are sure to enjoy the eco-friendly theme woven around familiar familial concerns.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Parker, Victoria. (2013). Saving the environment. Chicago: Heinemann Library/Capstone Publishers.

From the Kids Making a Difference series, this book opens posing the question, "Why save the environment?” (p.4) Full of text features like quotations in colorful text boxes, charts, diagrams, bulleted lists, photographs, factoid boxes and informational text, author Victoria Parker has written a comprehensive look at environmental issues around the globe and what people, especially kids, are doing to aid in saving the earth. Felix Finkbeiner and his worldwide efforts to save trees and forests and Bindi Irwin, daughter of Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter, and her promotion of wildlife efforts are special features. The story of 14-year-old Tom Youngman from Bath, England, and his work with Green Vision are explained. From Indonesia, Adeline Suwana learned about the helpful effects of Mangrove trees for her flooded home region or 10-year-old Alexander Zerphy from Annapolis, Maryland who is trying to protect the young horseshow crabs on the East Coast of the U.S. Other young people and their environmental protection efforts are mentioned in the book which concludes with a map entitled “Making a Difference” (p.42-43) that pinpoints the world-wide locations and work of these kids and ends with ideas that kids everywhere can put into practice to make a better world.
Teachers will appreciate the tips for using the text features given on the Contents page guiding students to look for the special boxed information inserted throughout the book.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

GRADES 7-12

Senker, Cath. (2013). A teen guide to being eco in your community. Chicago: Heinemann Educational Books.

Filled with suggestions about how teenagers can become green-friendly and help the environment, this book is sure to inspire changes in individual actions, possibly motivating those individuals to push for larger systemic changes. The author’s suggestions about how to become an eco-warrior through simple but effective steps are sound and easy to incorporate. For instance, she reminds readers to reuse materials, buy clothing made from recyclable materials, and switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Since the book contains short quotes from teens that are already making a difference in their schools and community, anyone contemplating starting an eco-project can find inspiration and directions here. On a smaller scale, the book even offers instructions for building a birdhouse and planting gardens and trees.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Solway, Andrew. (2012). The impact of environmentalism: Transportation. Chicago: Heinemann.

Not only does this book contain many familiar facts about global warming and the depletion of fossil fuel, but it also examines the effects the green movement is having on transportation. The author describes traffic jams and subsequent polluted air, and then discusses the environment became a hot topic. Interestingly, it wasn't the green movement that forced a reconsideration of humans’ dependence on cars and fossil fuels, but an oil crisis back in the 1970s. While providing examples of how different types of cars are being designed that can rely on alternative types of fuels, the author makes it clear that electric or hybrid cars aren't the sole answer either since cars that depend on batteries also need to be charged frequently. The inclusion of two cities that have tried to address transportation problems, Curitiba, Brazil, and Boston, Massachusetts, provide different approaches, one successful, and the other a failure. There are several questions to ponder as one reads this book since the solutions to the world's population and transportation problems are not as clear as might be expected.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Tanaka, Shelly. (2012). Nobody knows. Toronto, ON: Groundwood Books.

Written in a minimalist style that requires readers to read between the lines, this story describes how four siblings manage to survive after eventually being abandoned by their mother in an apartment in Tokyo. Readers realize there is something wrong as the two youngest children are smuggled into the apartment in suitcases so the landlord won't know about them. Appearance seems to be everything to this woman, who buys expensive presents for her four children, but then expects them to fend for themselves for long periods, leaving only a note and money when she takes off. The children aren't allowed to attend school, and they stick to her rules about being quiet and unseen for as long as they possibly can. But Akira is, after all, only twelve, and he finds the responsibility of taking care of his siblings and paying the bills challenging, especially when there is no more money in the bank account. In many respects, this book prods at readers’ social conscience, reminding them to pay attention to others similar to the Fukushimas, the ones that nobody seems to notice. While some passages in the book evoke pity and empathy and tear at the heart's strings, others prompt amazement at the resiliency of humans and the daily acts that spell survival for a family. Somehow, Akira finds a way to endure, relying on donations of day-old sushi, and even in the midst of the worst possible tragedy, his younger brother Shige finds reason for hope in the smallest piece of luck. This moving story will leave readers reconsidering their own actions, the thoughtlessness of others, and what lies ahead for these children.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.