Tag Archives: Series Nonfiction

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

Elem. – Interesting Animals (Series NF)

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Murray, Julie. Interesting Animals. Abdo, 2023. $21.95 ea. $131.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades PreK-2. 

African Painted Dogs. 978-1-098-26412-3.
Caracals. 978-1-098-26413-0.
Flamingos. 978-1-098-26414-7.
Honey Badgers. 978-1-098-26415-4.
Red Pandas. 978-1-098-26416-1.
Tree Kangaroos. 978-1-098-26417-8.

Early readers will have the opportunity to learn about some of nature’s unique creatures in the Interesting Animal series. Each volume incorporates high-quality photographs and simple text to share basic information (range, habitat, size, physical characteristics, diet and more) about the animal. In Caracals, readers will learn all about the wild African cat known for its tufted ears, strength, and speed. Backmatter includes an Animals Features page with close up views of some of the key physical features of the animal as well as a visual/text glossary. A QR code leads readers (or educators) to additional resources online, including a craft, word search, coloring page, and more. 

THOUGHTS: This visually appealing series is sure to fly off library shelves and is an excellent non-fiction choice for younger readers. The series would also be a great option for teachers looking for resources for a unit on animals. The online resources could be used within the classroom setting as extension activities or projects. 

599 Animals

Elem. – Amazing Animal Self-Defense (Series NF)

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Ruby, Rex. Amazing Animal Self-Defense. Bearport, 2023. $19.95 ea. $119.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades 1-4. 

Bloody Eyes. 979-8-885-09385-9.
Bubbling Drool. 979-8-885-09386-6.
Deadly Quills. 979-8-885-09387-3.
Eye-Watering Stink. 979-8-885-09388-0.
Gooey Slime. 979-8-885-09390-3.
Oozing Toxins. 979-8-885-09389-7.

The many unique defenses deployed by animals against predators are the subject of the new series Amazing Animals Self-Defense. This reviewer had the opportunity to examine the volume Gooey Slime: Gross Hagfish. Hagfish (also known as slime eels) are sea creatures that live mostly on the bottom of the ocean. Their predators include much larger animals such as sharks and seals. When one of these predators attempts to attack the hagfish, the hagfish shoots a gooey slime at the predator! The slime can clog gills, so many potential predators steer clear of the hagfish. Readers also will learn key information about the animal featured in each volume including habitat, diet, life cycle, and more. Numerous photos, including close up views of the self defense mechanism of the animal, are featured throughout the text. Each volume includes a glossary and a link to find additional resources online.

THOUGHTS: An animal that shoots slime at its predators?!? Say no more – this is certainly a topic that is sure to grab the attention of readers (As will the other self-defense mechanisms featured within the series)! A great choice for research or recreational reading, this series merits consideration for elementary libraries looking to expand their animal offerings. 

590s Animals

Elem. – Toy Mania! (Series NF)

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Hansen, Grace. Toy Mania! Abdo, 2023. $22.95 ea. $137.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades PreK-2. 

Barbie. 978-1-098-26426-0.
Hot Wheels. 978-1-098-26427-7.
Lego. 978-1-098-26428-4.
Play-Doh. 978-1-098-26429-1.
Pokemon. 978-1-098-26430-7.
Potato Head. 978-1-098-26431-4.

It’s likely that many readers have never heard of Barbara Millicent Roberts of Willows, Wisconsin. However, their eyes will light up in recognition once they find out that she is better known by her nickname–Barbie. The history of Barbie is explored in one volume of the Toy Mania! series. This series for younger readers explores the history of some of today’s most popular toys. Readers will learn a brief history of the toy, how it has evolved and changed over the years, and the role of the toy today. Barbie, for example, was developed by a parent who co-owned a toy company and realized there was a market for older looking dolls. Thus Barbie was born in 1959. As the years have passed, Barbie has changed, too. Her fashions have kept up with the times and she’s taken on many careers and hobbies. Each oversized volume features numerous photos showing the evolution of the toy over the decades, and contains a glossary, index, and link to Abdo’s extension activities and resources online.

THOUGHTS: This series would be ideal for young researchers and/or those with an interest in toys. The set spotlights some of the most popular toys of the last 50+ years, thus increasing the likelihood the titles will circulate. Libraries serving younger readers seeking resources on toys and/or popular culture topics should give this series consideration.

688 Toys

Elem. – Animals at Risk (Series NF)

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Grack, Rachel. Animals at Risk. Bellwether Media, 2023. $18.95 ea. 24 p. Grades K-2. 

Axolotls. 978-8-886-87118-0.
Rhinoceroses. 978-8-886-87119-7.
Snow Leopards. 978-8-886-87120-3.
Tasmanian Devils. 978-8-886-87121-0. 

The Animals at Risk non-fiction series continues to expand with the addition of several new titles. The purpose of the series is to inform early readers about threats facing animals that are at risk of extinction throughout the world. Each title starts with a brief chapter that presents basic information about the species. The following chapter, entitled “In Danger!” explains to readers why the species is facing potential extinction. Ways individuals and/or groups can help save the animal are also presented. This reviewer had the opportunity to view the volume on Axolotls. These amphibians, which only live in a small area in Mexico, are under threat due to loss of habitat. Ways they are currently being helped include the creation of floating gardens to filter harmful pollutants from the water as well as attempts to remove invasive predators from the axolotl habitat. All pages contain high quality, engaging photos, many of which are close up views of the unique looking axolotl. Each volume within the series contains a table of contents, an index, as well as a list of additional resources and suggested websites appropriate for student research.

THOUGHTS: Early readers are sure to find this series engaging and informative. Appropriate for young researchers or animal fans, these titles will be in regular demand. They would also be excellent resources for classroom units on endangered species. A worthwhile purchase for elementary libraries serving primary aged students looking to expand or refresh their animal collections.

599 Animals

Elem. – Animal Fact Files (Series NF)

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McHale, Brenda. Animal Fact Files. Bearport, 2023. $19.95 ea. $79.80 set of 4. 24 p. Grades 1-3.

Animals in the Air. 978-8-885-09353-8.
Animals in the Sand. 978-8-885-09354-5.
Animals on Land. 978-8-885-09355-2.
Animals Under Water. 978-8-885-09356-9.

Animal non-fiction titles are a popular choice for many readers, who will likely gobble up the new series Animal Fact Files. Featuring engaging text and numerous photos, this series aims to share interesting and unique facts about various categories of animals. This reviewer had the opportunity to read Animals in the Sand, which featured facts on eight animals (meerkats, honeypot ant, shovel-snouted lizard, etc.) that make the desert their home. A brief introductory passage discusses what types of animals live in sandy habitats, before transitioning to two page spreads on each of the spotlighted spotlighted animals. Each spread features a fact file box to identify the type of animal, range, and diet. The remainder of the spread features 4-5 facts about the animal as well as 2-4 photographs. A closing chapter briefly introduces some additional creatures that reside in the desert. Each volume contains a glossary and index. 

THOUGHTS: Best suited for recreational reading as opposed to research, this series merits consideration for elementary libraries looking for engaging animal titles. Readers will enjoy the mix of animals featured, from the common to the less well-known. Sure to be popular with fans of fact-style books as well as animal fans. 

591 Animals

MG/YA – Our Solar System (Series NF)

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Our Solar System. BrightPoint Press, 2023. $33.05 ea. $198.30 set of 6, 64 p. Grades 6-12. 

Fraiser, Carolyn Bennett. Moons. 978-1-678-20406-8.
LaPierre, Yvette. The Asteroid Belt. 978-1-678-20402-0.
Mitchell, KS. The Gas Giants: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. 978-1-678-20404-4.
Terp, Gail. Pluto and the Dwarf Planets. 978-1-678-20408-2.
Thacher, Meg. The Terrestrial Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. 978-1-678-20412-9.
Wolny, Philip. The Sun. 978-1-678-20410-5.

This reviewer evaluated the titles The Sun and Moons. Each of the series titles is organized in a similar fashion, with a two-page ‘at a glance’ summary preceding the books’ longer introduction and chapters. An index, source notes, and a bibliography is included for students to use in further research of the topic. In The Sun, Wolny includes information about the Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018 to gather new information about Earth’s relationship with the Sun. The book also contains information about heliocentric and geocentric models, and it covers civilization’s historical understanding of the Sun. Moons contains a multitude of information about not just Earth’s moon but the many other moons present in the solar system. In each book, the authors take care to place vocabulary words in bold font, and they include clear text features with extra information on missions and locations. Pictures are varied and contain captions that do not distract from the chapters’ text.

THOUGHTS: These new hi-lo solar system nonfiction titles will be great primers in all things outer space for interested students in both middle and high school. The up-to-date information offered in this collection will be a welcome addition for libraries that may be living with an otherwise aged natural science nonfiction collection. One thing I particularly liked about this series is its inclusion of carefully curated source notes and bibliography. The authors include credible online sources (as well as books), so students easily can look up additional bits of information as needed. These series books are short but mighty at 64 pages each, and this series makes great resource material for young scientists!

500 Science

Elem. – Reading Rocks!

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Reading Rocks! Child’s World, 2023. 32 p. $32.08 each. Grades 3-5.

Gigliotti, James.  Knight Life. 978-1-503-85823-7.
Teitelbaum, Michael. Pirate Life. 978-1-503-85821-3.

These titles are the most recent entries to the Reading Rocks! series of high interest books on a variety of topics. Knight Life and Pirate Life appear to be updated versions of previous editions from 2009 and 2007, respectively. Told in simple but engaging text, the authors go beyond the myth and legend to present honest, yet age appropriate, assessments of the lives of these figures from history. In Knight Life, Gigliotti describes the origins of knighthood, their training, weaponry, armor, and modern day knights. Working from the premise that pirates were “pretty awful” people, Teitelbaum discusses their history and crimes, life aboard ship, pirate lingo, and superstitions. He also takes a quick look at notorious pirates from both film and history. Each book contains a table of contents, an index, and suggested readings. Subject specific vocabulary is highlighted in the text and defined in the glossary. The “Think About It” section features a few thought provoking questions (e.g. “Do you think the idea of chivalry was good? Would it be useful today?”). There are attention grabbing drawings and photographs throughout the text.

THOUGHTS: Elementary libraries in need of high interest nonfiction books that students will enjoy reading will want to consider these.

940.1 Knights
972.9 Pirates