Tag Archives: Informational

Elem. – Animal Battles (Series NF)

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Sommer, Nathan. Animal Battles. Bellwether Media, 2024. $19.95 ea. $79.80 set of 4. 24 p. Grades 2-4. 

Arctic Fox vs. Snowy Owl. 979-8-886-87456-3.
Burmese Python vs. Sun Bear. 979-8-886-87457-0.
Crocodile Monitor vs. Southern Cassowary. 979-8-886-87458-7.
Harpy Eagle vs. Ocelot. 979-8-886-87459-4.

Young readers will have the opportunity to learn more about fierce animal predators in Bellether’s ever expanding Animal Battles series. This reviewer had the opportunity to read the volume entitled Arctic Fox vs. Snowy Owl. An introductory chapter provides basic information about each animal including physical characteristics, habitat, etc. Next, readers are introduced to each animal’s secret weapons. The arctic fox counts exceptional senses of smell and hearing as well as the ability to run fast among their secret weapons. The snowy owl has large wings with comb shaped feathers that enable them to fly silently. They also have excellent eyesight. Each animal’s secret weapons serve as advantages when hunting prey. The attack moves, and tactics of each animal are also profiled. The title concludes with a narrative style chapter in which the profiled animals do battle. Backmatter includes a glossary as well as directions to web resources.

THOUGHTS: This series is sure to hold appeal for fans of animal stories or action-related tales. Fans of fact-style books will also find much to appreciate. The text is enhanced by the inclusion of numerous high-quality photos. Recommended.

598 Animals

Elem. – Labrador Retrievers (Series NF)

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Andrews, Elizabeth. Dogs. Abdo, 2023. 24 p. $21.95 ea. $132.00 Set of 6. Grades K-3.

Labrador Retrievers. 978-1-098-24322-7.
Boston Terriers. 978-1-098-24317-3.
Dachshunds.  978-1-098-24318-0.
French Bulldogs.  978-1-098-24319-7.
Golden Retrievers.  978-1-098-24320-3.
Great Danes.  978-1-098-24321-0.

Labrador Retrievers is one of six books in Abdo’s 4-D series, Dogs. In addition to the text and images on each page, books in this series feature several QR codes that readers can scan to access videos, websites, and activities. Includes a table of contents, reading strategies, glossary, and index. The information presented on Labradors is basic, as expected for the target audience. Information includes facts about the breed, personality and uses, care, and puppies. The majority of the images fill the page opposite the text and prominently feature the dog or dog/human interaction.

THOUGHTS: Young readers will enjoy browsing this book for its pictures and accessible text. The layout is clean, with chapter titles that make sense, larger text, and callouts that share fun information. The QR codes that link to additional content are thoughtfully sized and placed so readers can find them without disrupting the flow of the page. The QR coded videos, activities, and information via website is a nice addition to the book, but should be considered a supplement, as the youngest members of the target audience may need parent help to navigate the links and comprehend their content. A worthwhile addition to libraries looking to update their pet dog collection, particularly in the E section.

636.7 Dogs

Elem. – Spot the Sight Words: What Can I Make? (Series NF)

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Davis, Bela. Spot the Sight Words: What Can I Make? Abdo, 2023.  9781098261634.  24 p.  $21.95 Grades PK-2.

I Am Little. 9781098261603.
I Can Read. 9781098261610.
It is a Good Day. 9781098261627.
What Day is it? 9781098261641.
Where is my Ball? 9781098261658.

Each Spot the Sight Words book is written at a guided reading level A, featuring a simple sentence on the leading page and a related photograph on the trailing page. What makes this series unique is that the sight words in the sentence are hidden in the photograph, encouraging the reader to work with the sight words and re-read as they search the photo. Features a Table of Contents, an illustration that demonstrates how to use the book, glossary, index, and a code to access additional activities.

THOUGHTS: Spot the Sight Words offers beginning readers an opportunity to read simple text and to practice their words in a novel manner. The words in Spot the Sight Words are cleverly hidden in each picture to provide an appropriate challenge for the target audience. A worthwhile addition to library and classroom collections serving young readers.

372.4 Reading

Elem. – The Power of Energy (Series NF)

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The Power of Energy. Child’s World, 2023. $25.00 ea. $200.00 Set of 8. 32 p. Grades 2-5.

Harkrader, Lisa. Nuclear Power.978-1-503-86498-6.
—.  Wind Power. 978-1-503-86398-6.
Mihaly, Christy. Biomass Power. 978-1-503-86499-3.
Perdew, Laura. Hydroelectric Power. 978-1-503-86497-9.
—. Solar Power.  978-1-503-86495-5.
Rea, Amy C. Coal Power. 978-1-503-86501-3.
—. Natural Gas Power. 978-1-503-86500-6.
Richards, Patti.  Oil Power.  978-1-503-86502-0.

One of 8 books in The Child’s World’s The Power of Energy series, Nuclear Power offers young readers a balanced introduction to the ins and outs of nuclear energy. Written in a manner that is accessible to the target audience, the book explores what nuclear energy is, its benefits and drawbacks, and its future. The book acknowledges nuclear energy’s history in war as well as its high-profile accidents (Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima).  It is up-to-date with advances in nuclear energy technology and waste management. Solar Power offers young readers a well-rounded perspective on solar power. The book is organized into five chapters: “Capturing the Sun,” “How Solar Energy Works,” “Benefits of Solar Energy,” “Drawbacks to Solar Energy,” and “Into the Future.” Sidebars in several chapters provide glimpses into novel uses for solar power, such as for airplanes. The images and figures chosen compliment and often expand upon the text. Includes a glossary, fast facts, extension questions, suggested reading list, and an index, as well as access to a curated page with web links.   

THOUGHTS: These titles offer updated information to any library looking to add or refresh the information they have available on the topic. The weakest component of the Nuclear Power book was the curated page of web links, whose offerings were only OK, while Solar Power offered three solid options for further investigation. The entire Power of Energy series seems to offers a strong option for libraries looking to update, augment, or create their energy section.  

333 Economics of Land and Energy

Elem. – Happy Holidays! (Series NF)

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Happy Holidays! Bellwether Media, 2024. $17.95. $107.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades PreK-2. 

Rathburn, Betsy. Cinco de Mayo. 979-8-886-87398-6.
Rathburn, Betsy. Groundhog Day. 979-8-886-87399-3.
Rathburn, Betsy. Holi. 979-8-886-87400-6.
Sabelko, Rebecca. Memorial Day. 979-8-886-87401-3.
Sabelko, Rebecca. Presidents’ Day. 979-8-886-87402-0.
Sabelko, Rebecca. Valentine’s Day. 979-8-886-87403-7. 

Bellwether Media is back with six new titles in their existing Happy Holidays! non-fiction series for early readers. Each volume introduces readers to a major holiday from around the world via basic facts communicated in large text, accompanied by high quality photographs. This reviewer had the opportunity to examine the volume on Groundhog Day. Simple text introduced facts about the holiday, including how and why the holiday is celebrated, as well as locations where the holiday is observed. Punxsutawney Phil was prominently featured in the volume (of course!). Backmatter includes a re-statement of holiday facts, a visual/text glossary, and links to additional resources. 

THOUGHTS: An excellent choice for libraries serving beginning readers looking to update or expand their cultural and/or religious holiday collections. Recommended.

394 Holidays

Elem. – World of Mythical Beings (Series NF)

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Hansen, Grade. World of Mythical Beings. Abdo, 2023. $22.95 ea. $137.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades PreK-2.

Dragons. 978-1-098-26188-7.
Elves. 978-1-098-26189-4.
Trolls. 978-1-098-26190-0.
Unicorns. 978-1-098-26191-7.
Werewolves. 978-1-098-26192-4.
Wizards. 978-1-098-26193-1.

Mythical creatures have fascinated both adults and children for hundreds of years. Abdo’s new six book series World of Mythical Beings introduces young readers to some of the world’s most popular mythical creatures. Readers will learn about how the myth(s) around the creatures developed, how the creatures are viewed in various parts of the word and in various cultures, and how the myth has carried forward to the present day. This reviewer had the opportunity to read the volume on Dragons. The volume presented possible theories as to how dragon myths started. Readers also learned about the differences between dragon legends in western and eastern cultures. For example, dragons in western cultures are depicted as fire-breathing winged creatures that are often deadly, while in eastern cultures, are wingless, snake-like creatures often associated as symbols of goodness. The volume concluded with a brief look at how dragons are depicted in popular culture in present day. Accompanying the text were drawings, paintings, and digital illustrations of various dragons. 

THOUGHTS: Early reader fans of mythical creatures are the target audience for this series. With simple text and engaging illustrations, they will find much to enjoy. A worthwhile additional purchase for libraries serving young readers looking to add to or expand their folklore/mythical creature collections. 

398 Folklore

Elem. – South American Animals (Series NF)

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Hansen, Grade. South American Animals. Abdo, 2023. $22.95 ea. $137.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades PreK-2. 

Anaconda. 978-1-098-26181-8.
Llama. 978-1-098-26182-5.
Ocelot. 978-1-098-26183-2.
Poison Dart Frog. 978-1-098-26184-9.
Sloth. 978-1-098-26185-6.
Toucan.  978-1-098-26186-3.

South America contains many unique habitats and is home to a diverse collection of animals, some of which are examined in Abdo’s South American Animals series. Each oversize volume introduces readers to an animal that calls South America home. The volume opens with a brief overview of the South American continent. Then, readers are introduced to an animal. Topics covered include the animal’s habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and reproduction. This reviewer had the opportunity to view the volume on Sloths, which discussed two-toed and three-toed sloths, the slow moving (or at some times, stationary) lifestyle of the sloth, and baby sloths, among other topics. Back matter present in the volume included a page of additional facts, glossary, and link to Abdo’s extension activities and resources online.

THOUGHTS: This series is a nice option for young researchers as well as animal fans. The large, simple text makes the series an excellent non-fiction selection for beginning readers. All readers will appreciate the large, high-quality photos that accompany the text. 

597-599, 636 Animals

Elem./MG – Party Time!

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Neuenfeldt, Elizabeth. Party Time! Bellwether Media, 2023. $19.95 ea. $119.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades 3-7. 

Throw a Halloween Party. 979-8-88687-182-1.
Throw a Lunar New Year Party. 979-8-88687-183-8.
Throw a St. Patrick’s Day Party. 979-8-88687-184-5.
Throw a Valentine’s Day Party. 979-8-88687-185-2.
Throw an Earth Day Party. 979-8-88687-186-9.
Throw an Independence Day Party. 979-8-88687-187-6.

The Party Time! series offers readers tips and suggestions for celebrating six holidays. Each volume offers instructions on creating crafts, games, decorations, snacks, and drinks to celebrate a holiday. This reviewer had the opportunity to read Throw a Halloween Party. Some of the items readers learned to create included spooky bat bunting, eyeball cake pops, a ghouslish party punch, and a witch hat ring toss. Each craft included a paragraph that offered readers insight into the history and symbols of the holiday. A materials list (or ingredients list for recipes) and step by step visual instructions were provided with all projects. Basic art supplies (paper, glue, scissors, etc) were all that was needed to create the craft projects. Adult assistance would be needed for the cooking-related projects. For those looking to go the “extra mile” when throwing their party, tips accompanied all projects that offered ways to vary or enhance the craft.

THOUGHTS: A great choice for party planners, this series could also be used by educators looking for seasonal projects/activities for their classrooms. Several volumes of the series focus on holidays that do not often receive coverage in party-planning related books available to students. Librarians looking to re-fresh or add to their party/event planning collections should consider this series.

745.594 Crafts and Activities

Elem. – Baby Animals in the Wild (Series NF)

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Baby Animals in the Wild. Bullfrog Books, 2023. $18.95 ea. $265.30 set of 14. 24 p. Grades K-2. 

Chanez, Katie. Beaver Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24403-9.
Brandle, Marie. Elephants in the Wild. 979-8-885-24062-8.
Chanez, Katie. Fox Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24406-0.
Brandle, Marie. Giraffe Calves in the Wild. 979-8-885-24065-9.
Brandle, Marie. Gorilla Infants in the Wild. 979-8-885-24068-0.
Brandle, Marie. Hippopotamus Calves in the Wild. 979-8-885-24071-0.
Brandle, Marie. Lion Cubs in the Wild. 979-8-885-24074-1.
Brandle, Marie. Monkey Infants in the Wild. 979-8-885-24077-2.
Chanez, Katie. Rabbit Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24409-1.
Chanez, Katie. Racoon Cubs in the Wild. 979-8-885-24412-1.
Chanez, Katie. Skunk Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24415-2.
Chanez, Katie. Squirrel Kits in the Wild. 979-8-885-24418-3.
Brandle, Marie. Tiger Cubs in the Wild. 979-8-885-24080-2.
Brandle, Marie. Zebra Foals in the Wild. 979-8-885-24083-3.

The only thing cuter than a fully grown animal is a baby animal, of course! In the new series Baby Animals in the Wild, young readers will have the opportunity to learn more about some common baby animals. Each volume follows a species of baby animal from its earliest hours, through formative experiences like bonding with family, playing, learning to hunt and fend for themselves, and more. The volume ends with the baby animal now fully grown and with a family of its own. This reviewer had the opportunity to read Fox Kits in the Wild. Simple text introduced early readers to fox kits only a few hours old. Readers learned how fox fur changes color as it grows, that foxes have bushy tails, and that their mother teaches them to hunt, among other facts. Numerous photographs are included throughout each volume and photo labels identify key words mentioned within the text. Each volume contains a picture glossary; a labeled photo identifying parts of the animal; an index; and tips for parents and educators how how they can support young readers before, during, and after reading the book.

THOUGHTS: This series does an excellent job of introducing young readers to the amazing world of baby animals. Familiar words, repetition, and photo labels will assist emerging readers as they read. A worthwhile addition for elementary libraries looking to expand their animal collections for young readers.

590s Animals

Elem. – Dino Discovery (Series NF)

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Anderson, Josh. Dino Discovery. The Child’s World, 2023. $22.95 ea. $275.40 set of 12. 24 p. Grades 2-5. 

Armored Dinos. 978-1-503-86521-1.
Dino Relatives. 978-1-503-86523-5.
Duck-Billed Dinos. 978-1-503-86522-8.
Fierce Dinos. 978-1-503-86524-2.
Horned Dinos. 978-1-503-86525-9.
Huge Dinos. 978-1-503-86526-6.
Little Dinos. 978-1-503-86527-3.
Long-Necked Dinos. 978-1-503-86528-0.
Long-Tailed Dinos. 978-1-503-86529-7.
Plated Dinos. 978-1-503-86530-3.
Speedy Dinos. 978-1-503-86531-0.
Toothy Dinos. 978-1-503-86532-7.

The Dino Discovery series features twelve volumes exploring various types of dinosaurs. This reviewer had the opportunity to peruse the volumes on Little Dinos and Long-Tailed Dinos. Each volume primarily focuses on one dinosaur. For example Little Dinos features the dinosaur Compsognathus. The opening chapter of the volume discusses the work of paleontologists and how their examination of fossils has revealed what we know about dinosaurs. The middle chapter of the volume discusses what facts are known about the dinosaur, while the concluding chapter discusses the ongoing search for new information related to dinosaurs. Included within each volume are infographics, photos and illustrations (mostly digital renderings of dinosaurs), a historical timeline, and fun facts. A glossary, sources for additional research (both in print and online), and critical thinking style questions are also included. 

THOUGHTS: Dinosaur non-fiction is perennially popular in many school libraries. Elementary libraries looking to expand their dinosaur shelf may wish to consider this series for purchase. 

567 Dinosaurs