Tag Archives: Life Science

Elem. – Animal Battles (Series NF)

Posted on by
Reply

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. – Thank You, Moon: Celebrating Nature’s Nightlight

Posted on by
Reply

Stewart, Melissa. Thank You, Moon: Celebrating Nature’s Nightlight. Illustrated by Jessica Lanan. Alfred A. Knopf, 2023. 978-0-593-43507-6. 40 p. 18.99. Grades K-3. 

This homage to the moon is part poem, part science text. Lyrical lines honor the moon’s constant presence in the night sky and highlight the many ways it benefits life on planet Earth. The moon’s gravity keeps Earth stable, and its light helps all kinds of nocturnal animals thrive. Baby leatherback turtles use the moon’s bright light to crawl towards the ocean, while prides of lions take advantage of a waning crescent moon’s sliver to creep up on unsuspecting prey. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations in dusky blues, greens, and purples showcase several of nature’s nocturnal creatures under the luminous moonlit sky. Backmatter includes information about how the moon lights up the night sky and descriptions and diagrams of the phases of the moon. The scientific name, size, habitat, range, diet, predators, lifespan, and field notes about each featured animal are also included. 

THOUGHTS: This informative title describes the ways animals adapt their nighttime behaviors to match the way the moon cycles through the sky. Students will be fascinated by the ways different animals behave based on the amount of light that appears each evening. This will be a good addition to STEM collections for the youngest readers and for units about nocturnal animals. 

591.5 Animal Behavior

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

Posted on by
Reply

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)

Posted on by
Reply

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

Elem. – Travel Bucket Lists (Series NF)

Posted on by
Reply

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. – Science Questions (Series NF)

Posted on by
Reply

Andrews, Elizabeth. Science Questions (Set 2). Abdo Kids, 2022. $21.95 ea. $131.70 set of 6. 24 p. Gr. K-3. 

How Do Fish Breathe? 978-1-098-24107-0.
How Do Puppies Get Their Colors? 978-1-098-24108-7.
How Does a Body Heal? 978-1-098-24109-4.
How Does Plumbing Work? 978-1-098-24110-0.
Why Do Volcanoes Erupt? 978-1-098-24111-7.
Why Does a Boat Float? 978-1-098-24112-4.

The Science Questions series from Abdo Publishing is back with another six volumes answering common student questions regarding science. Each volume examines a science-related question, explaining the answer using age-appropriate language and terminology. This reviewer had the opportunity to examine How Do Fish Breathe?, a question that many children undoubtedly have wondered when watching fish in a tank or in the wild. The volume explains how oxygen is present in water and how fish use their gills to help distribute oxygen throughout their bodies. The volume closes with a brief chapter mentioning how climate change is causing falling oxygen levels in the ocean. Each volume features numerous high quality photographs, diagrams, a glossary, and making connections questions. In addition, a QR code is present where readers can access online resources such as videos, links, and activities (word search, coloring page, etc.). 

THOUGHTS: Children naturally are curious and questioning–this series is a great option to hand students with science related interests or questions. The series (and the online supplemental material) also would be useful in elementary classroom science lessons. Recommended. 

500s Science                Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg SD

Elem. – Looking at Layers (Series NF)

Posted on by
Reply

Looking at Layers. The Child’s World, 2020. $20.00 ea. 24 p. Grades 3-6. 

London, Martha. Looking Inside Earth. 978-1-503-83518-4.
Huddleston, Emma. Looking Inside the Human Body. 978-1-503-83519-1.
—. Looking Into Caves. 978-1-503-83522-1.
—. Looking Into Soil. 978-1-503-83520-7.
London, Martha. Looking Into the Atmosphere. 978-1-503-83516-0.
—. Looking Into the Grand Canyon. 978-1-503-83517-7.
—. Looking Into the Ocean. 978-1-503-83515-3.
Huddleton, Emma. Looking Into the Rain Forest. 978-1-503-83521-4.

An attractive nonfiction series exploring various layers of natural things, from the human body to soil to the rainforest. Straightforward text clearly explains concepts with a natural projection from outward layers in. Words from the glossary are highlighted in red which is a nice feature for readers. Sidebars focus on timely topics, such as “Creating Mountains” when text discusses tectonic plates in Looking Inside Earth. Visuals are both illustrations and photographs. Looking Inside the Human Body has fascinating illustrations of many body systems that will keep little readers absorbed. Back matter includes a helpful Fast Facts section that covers main points from the text, a glossary, “To Learn More” section, and index.

THOUGHTS: Nice collection additions if nonfiction is hot.

500s-600s          Lindsey Long, Lower Dauphin SD

Elem. – The Superpower Field Guide

Posted on by
Reply

Poliquin, Rachel. The Superpower Field Guide. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018-2020. $13.76 ea. $55.04 set of 4. 95 p. Grades 3-6.

Beavers. 978-1-725-48225-8.
Eels. 978-1-725-48226-5.
Moles. 978-1-725-48227-2.
Ostriches. 978-1-725-48228-9.

What the average reader does not know about freshwater eels could fill volumes, and luckily there exists just the volume to educate us all. At a scant 96 pages, Eels, part of The Superpower Field Guide series, uses illustrations by Nicholas John Frith, diagrams, timelines, and more to accompany the story of Olenka, a freshwater eel living in a river in Russia. Readers will learn of the eel’s 10 superpowers, including wall crawling, double invisibility, and globe-spanning grit. Sections are short but high-interest and fact-filled, and the entire book could easily be read in one sitting.

THOUGHTS: A great addition to an elementary or middle school library where nonfiction circulates well.

597  Cold Blooded Vertebrates, Fishes          Melissa Johnston, North Allegheny SD

YA – Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family

Posted on by
Reply

Kolker, Robert. Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family. Doubleday, 2020. 978-0-385-54376-7. 377 pp. $29.99. Gr. 10+.

From the outside looking in, the Galvin family embodied the American Dream. After serving in World War II, Don Galvin took a job at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. There he and his wife Mimi began a family that would grow to include ten boys and two girls, spanning the Baby Boom generation. But deep within the minds of six of their children, something was terribly wrong. One by one, six of the boys fell ill with schizophrenia, most late in adolescence; they suffered from hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and an array of debilitating symptoms. As the boys cycled between mental institutions and the family home on Hidden Valley Road, Don and especially Mimi did their best to both care for their sick children and maintain outward appearances. The life of every child, well and sick alike, was touched by mental illness, particularly the two youngest, Margaret and Mary. Author Robert Kolker deftly blends the heart-wrenching story of the Galvin family with chapters on the medical side of the story: could a “multiplex” family like the Galvins, with so many cases of the disease, help scientists resolve the nature versus nurture debate that had always dominated schizophrenia research?

THOUGHTS: This is not a quick or easy read, but it is a propulsive one. Kolker’s ability to stitch extensive research into such a personal story, complete with details cementing the Galvins’ lives in a distinctive place and time, is a master class in nonfiction writing. Note the presence of scenes of abuse and trauma, which are very sensitively depicted.

616.89 Schizophrenia          Amy V. Pickett, Ridley SD