Summertime Reading: Explore Your World

Allen, Judy and Tudor Humphries. Are You a Bee? (Illus.; from the Backyard Books Series.) NY: Kingfisher, 2001. 32pp. $9.95. ISBN 0-7534-5345-2. C.I.P. Order Are You a Dragonfly? 00-048815. ISBN 0-7534-5346-0. Order K, EP

In this series, small helpings of large print are surrounded on each double-page spread by enticing, accurate, colored illustrations. The authors suggest that the reader pretend to be a bee or a dragonfly. In both books, the insect's food, locomotion, and habitat are contrasted with those of a human, and in the dragonfly book, the need to escape predators is examined as well. The description of the life cycle is complete in the bee book, but mating is not mentioned in the dragonfly book. Either of these volumes would be delightful as a read-aloud book. The illustrations are large enough for a small-group setting.

Arnold, Katya. Let's Find It! My First Nature Guide. (Illus. by the author.) NY: Holiday House, 2002. 32pp. $16.95. 2001051788. ISBN 0-8234-1539-2. Index; C.I.P. K, EP Order

This book offers young naturalists from ages two through six opportunities to examine life via a beautifully painted assortment of flora and fauna. It could prove a delight when used by an adult reader and the young observer who want to share an adventure together. The contents of this book positively reflect diversity in plants as well as animals. Most of the life forms could be easily recognizable when also viewed in a child's natural world, given the proper setting. Study of this picture look-and-find type book will enhance a child's view of nature and encourage the artful skill of practiced good observation.

Collard, Sneed B., III. Beaks! (Illus. by Robin Brickman.) Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2002. 32pp. $16.95. ISBN 1-57091-387-0. EP-EA Order

This little book presents 32 (unpaginated) drawings of birds illustrating the many types of beaks that have evolved over time and how these various structures are useful to their owners. The concept of differing habitats for each species or group is implicit, mainly in terms of kinds of food, so the young reader can begin to associate beak shape with the bird's probable life style and environment.

Cornell, Joseph. John Muir: My Life With Nature. (Illus. by Elizabeth Ann Kelley and Christopher Canyon; from the A Sharing Nature with Children Book Series.) Nevada City, CA: Dawn, 2000. 79pp. $8.95. 00-008827. ISBN 1584690097. C.I.P. EA, JH Order

This small book does a fine job of highlighting what it means to be a naturalist by using excerpts from the life of John Muir. The author writes as though Muir himself were speaking to tell the story of his experiences with the outdoors. Muir's love of nature, his attention to small details about nature, and his ability to communicate his experiences come through very clearly. It is these aspects of Muir's life and work that the author intends to pass on to young readers, and in eight sections following the biography he encourages them to explore nature on their own with an emphasis on keeping a journal as a means of sharpening their ability to observe as well as to communicate.

Dorling Kindersley. DK Nature Encyclopedia. (Illus.) NY: DK Publishing, 1998. 304pp. $29.95 (includes CD-ROM). 98-16657. ISBN 0-7894-3411-3. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. K-YA, T, GA Order

The DK Nature Encyclopedia is an illustration-based collection of miscellaneous facts on hundreds of topics, large and small. The volume contains sections on world natural history and evolution, examines physiological and behavioral topics such as photosynthesis, the senses, and animal homes, and discusses ecology topics like nutrient cycles and biomes. The largest portion of the book describes plant and animal groups at a variety of taxonomic levels. Both adults and children will love to page through the lush photographs and sophisticated diagrams and pick up odds and ends of information. Public and school libraries should have it, and it would make a fine gift for nature lovers of any age.

Dunphy, Madeleine. The Peregrine's Journey: A Story of Migration. (Illus. by Kristen Kest.) Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2000. 32pp. $21.90. 99-054840. ISBN 0761313532. C.I.P. EP, EI Order

The Peregrine's Journey: A Story of Migration is based on the migration of a real female peregrine falcon that was tracked via satellite telemetry by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from its summer residence in Alaska to its wintering grounds in Argentina, over 8,000 miles away. The authors begin the book by describing the events in September that signal the peregrine that it is time to migrate. When the bird begins her migration, they tell how she uses instinct and her excellent eyesight to identify mountains and rivers that guide her on her way south. This well-illustrated, well-written book provides a wealth of information about peregrine falcons, bird migration, and predator-prey relationships.

Fredrick, Anthony D. In One Tidepool: Crabs, Snails and Salty Tails. (Illus. by Jennifer DiRubbio.) Nevada City, CA: Dawn, 2002. 32pp. $16.95. ISBN 1-58469-039-9. K, EP Order

This delightful "field trip between covers" takes preschool and primary children on a tour of the tide pools of America's east and west coasts. So vivid and engaging are the bold illustrations that children may well feel the sand between their toes and the sea breezes in their hair. Using the captivating devices of rhythm, rhyme, and repetition, the author weaves a tale of ever-increasing diversity in life forms, as each page adds a new species to the pool and a new couplet to the cumulative verse. Two pages of "Field Notes" provide realistic illustrations, descriptions, and ecological information on each species presented in the rhyme, along with "fun facts" that children love so much.

Greenaway, Theresa. Food Chains. (Illus.; from the Cycles in Nature Series.) Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2001. 32pp. $25.00. 00-020920. ISBN 0739827308. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. Order Plant Life. 00-020919. ISBN 0739827294. Order The Water Cycle. 00. 00-020855. ISBN 0739827286. Order EI, EA

Teaching about complexity in nature in terms of cycles is an excellent idea, and these three small volumes carry it out very well. In The Water Cycle, the properties and processes involved are defined and described. In Food Chains, the roles of herbivores and carnivores are described, accompanied by good illustrations of both types of animals. In Plant Life the life cycle of seed plants is nicely described, as are photosynthesis and mineral cycling, including recycling and decomposition. All three of these books have short glossaries, a good list of references, an index, and an excellent series of exercises.

Harrison, David L. Rivers: Nature's Wondrous Waterways. (Illus. by Cheryl Nathan.) Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 2002. 32pp. $15.95. 2001091105. ISBN 1-56397-968-3. C.I.P. K Order

This book introduces rivers to children who are at approximately a second- or third-grade reading level. It describes concepts about some roles that rivers play in landscape change and ecological values of rivers, as well as some of the many ways that humans have used and abused rivers. The central portion of the book describes the parts of a river system, how they are formed, and how they evolve. The book has a strong concluding message that suggests to readers that they can play an active role in keeping rivers healthy, and that rivers are not just scientific concepts that are of little direct importance.

Heinrichs, Ann. Ants. (Illus.; from the Nature's Friends Series.) Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books, 2002. 32pp. $15.95. ISBN 0-7565-0164-4. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. Order Bees.ISBN 0-7565-0165-2. Order Grasshoppers. ISBN 0-7565-0166-0. Order Ladybugs. ISBN 0-7565-0167-9. Order EP

These four volumes compose a beautifully produced series of books introducing children to four common types of insects. Each two-page spread includes a large color photograph of live insects and several paragraphs of clearly written text. Many of the photographs illustrate details of the insects' bodies and are quite stunning. The text for each book follows a set format that describes the basic body parts, life history, habitat, and special features of each insect group.

Hickman, Pamela. Starting with Nature Bird Book. (Illus. by Heather Collins; from the Starting with Nature Series.) Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 2000, 32pp. $12.95. C98-932029-7. ISBN 1550744712. Index; C.I.P. EA, JH Order

A small book on the general topic of birds might be expected to be too broad and diverse in content to be useful or motivating. This one, however, delivers in both text and visuals. Two-page sections address general characteristics of birds, groupings, habitats, seasonal effects on birds, migration, songs, bird-watching, seabirds and prairie birds, the importance of birds, and some endangered species. Several activities, doable at home with simple materials, help maintain interest.

Hickman, Pamela. Starting with Nature Bug Book. (Illus. by Heather Collins; from the Starting with Nature Series.) Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 1999. 32pp. $12.95. C98-932151-7. ISBN 1-55074-475-5. Index; C.I.P.
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This entry in the Starting with Nature series provides middle and upper elementary-school-aged children with an introduction to insect characteristics, life cycles, diversity, adaptation, and behavior. The author emphasizes learning about insects by making observations and has included several experiences that teach techniques for locating and observing insects in their habitat. The directions for these activities are clearly written and should guide the child to a number of insights into insect structure and behavior.

Hickman, Pamela. Starting with Nature Plant Book. (Illus. by Heather Collins; from the Starting with Nature Series.) Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 2000. 32pp. $12.95. C98-932028-9. ISBN 1550744836. Index; C.I.P. EI-JH Order

Text joins with very accurate color drawings to make the book an effective motivator for young readers. Botany is not the most popular division of school biology and is often given short shrift before animals. A book like this goes a long way to help alleviate that situation. Expected activities are suggested for growing plants outdoors and indoors and for investigating an uncut lawn. Sections include plants in different habitats and seasons, plant defenses, a few endangered species, state flowers, U.S. growing zones, and a garden for wildlife. Here is a useful introductory, yet surprisingly comprehensive, little book for the young home gardener.

Hickman, Pamela. Starting with Nature Tree Book. (Illus. by Heather Collins; from the Starting with Nature Series.) Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 1999. 32pp. $12.95. C98-932152-5. ISBN 1-55074-485-2. Index; C.I.P.
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The author of this volume has written a book that will answer many questions children have about trees and will provide a number of insights into the biology of trees. These twin tasks are accomplished with a clearly written narrative, the inclusion of interesting facts, color illustrations that feature children from diverse cultural backgrounds, and several inquiry-based investigations. The book includes information on forest regions in the United States, the importance and use of trees, endangered trees, and actions one can take to protect trees.

Himmelman, John. An Earthworm's Life. (Illus. by the author; from the Nature Up Close Series.) Danbury, CT: Children's Press, 2000. 32pp. $24.00. 99-045780. ISBN 0516211641. C.I.P. Order A Hummingbird's Life. 99-054143. ISBN 0516211668. Order EP, EI

Like all the other entries in the Nature Upclose series, these two ask young readers, parents, and teachers, "Have you ever wondered how some of nature's smallest creatures spend their days?" On the verso of the title page of each book, the author provides a capsule summary of the biology and ecology of each animal, including the scientific name. Both books ought to leave young readers, teachers, and parents asking, "How can all these things be going on around me?" The author's vivid illustrations and carefully chosen words should be an invitation to find out more about earthworms and hummingbirds.

Johnson, Sylvia A. Songbirds: The Language of Song. (Illus. from the Carolrhoda Nature Watch Book Series.) Minneapolis: Carolrhoda, 2001. 48pp. $23.95. 99-050533. ISBN 1575054833. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This book is beautifully written with excellent photographs. The scientific theory of how and why birds sing is extremely well presented. Kids from 9 to 90 will enjoy this short read and will treasure the photographs. The clear, concise explanation of how birds sing makes the book easy to understand. Scientific experiments are discussed and the findings pertaining to why birds communicate are explained, allowing the layperson or the scientist to clearly understand the phenomenon. The endangerment of habitats is also discussed, giving the reader a better understanding of the needs of these beautiful creatures.

Kalz, Jill. Doves. (Illus.; from the Birds Series.) North Mankato, MN: Smart Apple Media, 2003. 24pp. $14.95. 2001049675. ISBN 1-58340-128-8. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Eagles. 2001049639. ISBN 1-58340-129-6. Order
Loons. 2001049643. ISBN 1-58340-133-4. Order
Robins. 2001049641. ISBN 1-58340-131-8. Order
Woodpeckers. 2001049642. ISBN 1-58340-132-6. Order
Hummingbirds. 2001049640. ISBN 1-58340-130-X. Order

EI

This series of books describes the physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, parenting, survival threats, food preference and life cycle of six common North American birds. The books are all well written and illustrated with engaging photographs. The information about the birds is as accurate as possible in a book written for young readers. Each of the six books has a "hands on" page, which gives the reader a simple project that is somehow related to the bird under discussion. The hands on projects can be done as a family or class adventure which may the lead to birding trips or visits to zoos and natural history museums.

Maynard, Chris, with David Burnie, consultant. Bugs: A Close-up View of the Insect World. (Illus.; from the Secret Worlds Series.) NY: DK Publishing, 2001. 96pp. $7.95. ISBN 0-7894-7970-2. Glossary; Index. EI-JH Order

This book is well written and superbly illustrated. In just 96 pages, the reader gets a comprehensive survey of the insect world in terms of all the characteristics that form the basis for insects' strategies for survival and success. Even though the book is intended primarily for children at the elementary school level, it will appeal to more mature students and teachers as well. They will find an abundance of facts not usually presented in entomological textbooks. Appropriately, half a dozen Web sites that contain further information are listed at the end of the text.

Meyer, Mary L. Fall. (Illus.; from the Seasons Series.) North Mankato, MN: Smart Apple Media, 2003. 24pp. $14.95. 2001049974. ISBN 158340-141-5. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Spring. ISBN 1-58340-143-1. Order
Summer. ISBN 1-58340-140-7. Order
Winter. ISBN 1-58340-142-3. Order

EP-EA, T, GA

These four books are an attractive series about the seasons for young readers. Most children enter school with a basic understanding of the seasons from observation and holiday celebrations. These books place their experiences in a scientific context. Each book is short enough for a teacher to read out loud in 20 minutes. There are about a dozen beautiful photographs and four or five interesting and unusual sidebar facts throughout each book to hold the attention of a group. Following the main text, a "Hands On" section outlines a simple experiment or activity to illustrate one of the topics discussed in the text.

Morgan, Sally. Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds. (Illus.; from the Looking at Plants Series.) North Mankato, MN: Smart Apple Media, 2002. 32pp. $16.95. 2002141335. ISBN 1-931983-10-0. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds is a well-illustrated and labeled book that elementary school students may use to learn about basic plant anatomy. Morgan goes the extra mile to show examples of unusual flowers and the interactions of animals and fruits. She accurately illustrates all the types of fleshy and dry fruits, helping to break the misconceptions that many children have concerning fruits and vegetables. The "Investigate!" section includes complete and easy-to-follow instructions on how to grow and make observations on plants and fruits.

Morgan, Sally. From Caterpillar to Butterfly. (Illus.; from the How Things Grow Series.) Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 2002. 32pp. ISBN 1-930643-88-8. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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From Egg to Duck. ISBN 1-930643-86-1.
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Each of these books includes a brief glossary, a detailed table of contents, and vibrant pictures--at least one close-up per page. As noted, ever so accurately, on the back cover of each book, "questions are explored in this colorful and informative book designed to help young readers understand the life cycle." Both books are printed in an appropriate font size, a welcome treat for both very young readers and senior adults volunteering to read to a child. Also, these beautiful books contain the use of bold print for introduced vocabulary, an overview series of pictures on the cover, and "you are there" style of photography throughout.

Morgan, Sally. Plants and Life. (Illus.; from the Looking at Plants Series.) North Mankato, MN: Smart Apple Media, 2002. 32pp. $16.95. 2002141334. ISBN 1-93198-12-7. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Plants and Life is a great introduction to the diversity of the plant kingdom. This book would make an excellent addition to any preschool or elementary school library. In it, Morgan gives a general overview of the role plants play in ecosystems by covering topics like breathing air and rotting plants. Her use of terminology is clear and easy to understand even for emergent readers. The glossary and "Investigate!" sections are complete and allow students to further explore the world of plants.

Olmstead, Adrienne. My Nature Journal. (Illus. by the author.) Lafayette, CA: Pajaro, 2000. 176pp. $17.95. ISBN 0967245915. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. EI, EA Order

This hands-on reference book for younger children is filled with activities that help them explore their neighborhoods and the living things they find there. Along with the exploration activities, other references help children develop greater understandings and insights into the organisms they observe and how these organisms interact together. Finally, other activities help children reflect on their experiences and encourage them to express the meanings those experiences leave for them.

Ross, Michael Elsohn. Cricketology. (Illus.; from the Backyard Buddies Series.) Minneapolis: Lerner, 2002. 48pp. $19.93. ISBN 0-87614-985-9. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Rolypolyology. ISBN 0-87614-862-3.
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EI, EA

Rolypolies, or potato bugs, and crickets are available, small, and safe for children to touch and explore. The organisms represent two distinct classes of arthropods that cost nothing to care for and have few needs. In fact, they are perfect critters to use to teach science, math, art, and reading. These two engaging books are highly readable and meld stimulating science content with real research. Children learn how to use the process of science to study both groups of organisms with a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to find answers to their questions. The books are very easy to read and capture young children's innate fascination with the organisms that share their environment.

Sill, Cathryn. About Amphibians: A Guide for Children. (Illus. by John Sill; from the About...Series.) Atlanta: Peachtree, 2001. 40pp. $14.95. 00-051034. ISBN 1561452343. C.I.P. EP Order

This is an outstanding book for very young readers who might just be starting to think about nature. The text is easy to read and, at the same time, informative. The outstanding illustrations are in brilliant color. The book covers basic amphibian characteristics and provides a view into the several types of amphibian: salamanders, frogs and toads. Perhaps the adult would accompany the reader to a zoo or museum or, better yet, on a field trip to learn more about amphibians. This wonderful book could be used at home by a parent exploring nature issues with a child or in a more formal classroom setting.

Szeto, Sandy. Take an Ecowalk to Explore Science Concepts, Grades 1-5. (Illus.) Toronto, Canada: Trifolium Inc., 2002. v+90pp. $18.95. C2001-903229-3. ISBN 1-55244-027-3. C.I.P.
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This book makes a huge amount of progress in knocking down difficulties that elementary teachers may have when delivering science instruction. Each Ecowalk activity includes a short, but relevant, reading; a preparation guide for the Ecowalk; sequential instructions for the activity; worksheets; suggestions and tips; extensions of the activity; and assessment guides. The book is written in an easy-to-understand format, and the quality of the science is at a high level. Every activity provides numerous ideas for using the scientific method and gives students opportunities to undertake projects that help them realize interrelationships.

Thompson, Gare. Kids Care for the Earth. (Illus.; from the Kids Make a Difference Series.) Washington, DC: National Geographic Society, 2002. 32pp. $41.95 (pack of 6); $202.50 (classroom set). ISBN 0792286758. Glossary; Index.
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Kids Care for the Earth is one of five books in the Kids Make a Difference Series. This series is a component of the National Geographic's Reading Expeditions which combines social studies with reading development. The writers have succeeded in combining the big words and ideas of environmental science in a manner that renders the text both highly readable and interesting. Teachers interested in engaging students in an environmental project may find this to be an excellent resource to introduce some ideas and to guide students toward engagement in reading and environmental action.

VanCleave, Janice. Janice VanCleave's Play and Find Out about Nature: Easy Experiments for Young Children. (Illus.) NY: Wiley, 1997. 122pp. $12.95. 96-2865. ISBN 0-471-12940-2. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. K, EP Order

Science can be simple and fun. Play and Find Out about Nature provides young learners with an introduction to science and nature. The 50-plus activities allow children to investigate and discover on their own. The work is nicely illustrated with line drawings. The book is divided into seven sections, each devoted to a topic related to basic plant and animal science.

Walker, Sally M. Fireflies. (Illus.; from the Early Bird Nature Books Series.) Minneapolis: Lerner, 2001. 48pp. $22.60. 00-008275. ISBN 0822530473. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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The photographs in this book are lovely. One can expect young readers to respond, as the author anticipates that they will, with questions about the clusters of fireflies in a tree, a woodland, a jar, and a cave. Readers will also inquire about the body parts and structure of the individual fireflies shown in many pictures and illustrations. Adults who are sharing their first book with a child will appreciate the how-to advice provided. The chemistry of bioluminescence gets a reasonable treatment, although ATP would have been best described as the energy source it is, instead of a mysterious "chemical."

Winckler, Suzanne. Planting the Seed: A Guide to Gardening. (Illus.) Minneapolis: Lerner, 2002. 64pp. $25.26. 2001002018. ISBN 0-8225-0081-7. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. EA-YA Order

This book provides very basic information about how to plant a garden. It is extremely thorough, and I believe that someone who has never done any planting will be successful if he or she follows the advice given in this book. The text covers most of the relevant details and methodically explains exactly how to plant a garden. Special sections in color boxes are included to explain relevant topics such as composting, seed germination, growing native plants, and even the origin of the Food Bank. This would be a good book for middle school students interested in getting started with gardening. It provides an earth-friendly view, with a perspective toward working within your community and sharing the surplus.