Elem. – Travel Bucket Lists (Series NF)

Travel Bucket Lists. Core Library, 2022. $24.95 ea. $149.70 set of 6. 48 p. Grades 3-6. 

Huddleston, Emma. Animal Encounter Bucket List. 978-1-532-19522-8.
Huddleston, Emma. Historical Site Bucket List. 978-1-532-19524-2.
Huddleston, Emma. Outdoor Expedition Bucket List.  978-1-532-19526-6.
Kortemeier, Todd. Sports Venue Bucket List. 978-1-532-19527-3.
London, Martha. Archaeological Site Bucket List.  978-1-532-19523-5.
London, Martha. Natural Wonder Bucket List. 978-1-532-19525-9.

Just like animals, the places one can encounter them come in all shapes and sizes. Animal Encounter Bucket List features some of the most famous places in the world where people can visit and learn about animals. There are sanctuaries that seek to rehabilitate animals. Boon Lott’s Elephant’s Sanctuary in Thailand helps animals harmed by the country’s tourism. Zoos are also another way to encounter animals, the oldest being Vienna Zoo in Austria.The best zoos to visit are ones that are accredited with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Natural Parks like the Everglades and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are worth visiting to see not only animals but the entire habitat in which they live. For those wanting to stay a bit closer to home, camping, hiking, bird-watching, and water activities give people the chance to see animals up close right in their own backyards.

THOUGHTS: This book is easy to read with bright photographs. Some pages include special features like Perspectives and Further Evidence; however, there are not so many of these features that they distract from the text. The entire series is aligned to Common Core Standards and matched to state standards.

590.72 Animals           Danielle Corrao, Manheim Central SD

Elem. – Animals We Can’t Live Without (Series NF)

Animals We Can’t Live Without. The Child’s World. 2022. $19.95 each or $239.40 for set of 12. Grades 1-4.

Huddleston, Emma. Thank You, Ants. 978-1-503-84991-4.

Thank You, Corals. 978-1-503-85007-1.
Thank You, Earthworms. 978-1-503-84997-6.
Thank You, Frogs. 978-1-503-84994-5.
Thank You, Primates. 978-1-503-85010-1.

Erickson, Marty. Thank You, Bats. 978-1-503-84993-8.

Thank You, Bees. 978-1-503-84996-9.
Thank You, Sharks. 978-1-503-85008-8.
Thank You, Termites. 978-1-503-84992-1.
Thank You, Zooplankton. 978-1-503-84998-3.

Pearson, Marie. Thank You, Raptors. 978-1-503-84995-2.

Thank You, Rodents. 978-1-503-85009-5.

The series Animals We Can’t Live Without focuses on animal species that may not be the cutest or cuddliest animals, but rather animals that help our environment in ways we may often forget. Whether the animal flies, swims, lives on land or in the sea, there are important factors these animals have that affect the ecosystem around them. This reviewer read the titles Thank You, Raptors and Thank You, Rodents, both by Marie Pearson. Thank You, Raptors discusses the amazing raptors of our world, also known as birds of prey. With beautiful photographs, helpful charts, and vocabulary words, readers will be able to learn why these birds are so helpful to our world and how we can help keep them safe and protect them from endangerment. Thank You, Rodents, does the same, but focuses on those tiny rodents we all know (and may not always like!). Despite the fact that some people may be squeamish about tiny mice or rats, these rodents are important to their environment and help our world continue to function as a whole.

THOUGHTS: The two books reviewed are very interesting, full of great information for younger elementary students to read and learn about. The photographs are beautifully taken, and the additional information in the back to further your knowledge is a great way for readers to continue to learn about the amazing species the book presents.

590s Animals          Rachel Burkhouse, Otto-Eldred SD

Elem. – Star the Elephant

Lai, Remy. Star the Elephant. Henry Holt and Co., 2022. 978-1-250-78499-5. 112 p. $13.99. Grades 2-5.

Author/illustrator Remy Lai opens a new series, Surviving the Wild, with the tale of Star the Elephant. Five-year old Star is growing up under the watchful eyes of his mother, aunt (the matriarch), and extended herd. When food becomes scarce, Star’s mom and auntie decide to search for a new home. After a long swim they reach an island with plenty to eat but also the troubling presence of humans. While attempting to escape from two men, Star becomes separated from his family. Fortunately for Star, these humans are working diligently to make the world safer for elephants, and the story ends on a hopeful note. “The True Story Behind Star’s Adventure,” which closes out this early reader graphic novel, includes tips to help protect elephants’ habitat from deforestation. Remy Lai fills every page with colored pencil lines depicting equatorial foliage, a handful of people, and (of course) the incredible elephants!

THOUGHTS: The Surviving the Wild series continues with Rainbow the Koala and Sunny the Shark (both 2022). Between the adorable animals and their sometimes fraught adventures, readers will tear through these!

Graphic Novel          Amy V. Pickett, Ridley SD