Elem. – Ancient Civilizations (Series NF)

Posted on July 10, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Andrews, Elizabeth. Ancient Civilizations. ABDO Publishing, 2023. $22.95 ea. $137.70 set of 6. 32 p. Grades 2-5.

The Ancient Chinese 978-1-098-24324-1.
The Ancient Greeks. 978-1-098-24325-8.
The Ancient Romans 978-1-098-24326-5.
The Aztecs. 978-1-098-24327-2.
The Inca. 978-1-098-24328-9.
The Mesopotamians. 978-1-098-24329-6.

This reader had the opportunity to review The Ancient Romans. The Ancient Romans are one of the world’s most impressive empires that ever existed. This book takes a quick look into the Ancient Romans, and gives the reader a taste of different aspects of Roman life. There is an introduction type chapter, a chapter on Roman government, a chapter on Roman gods, and then a chapter on Roman art and architecture. There is a glossary in the back of the book, as well as an index. There are QR codes scattered throughout the book, which lead to either videos or games for the reader to learn more about Ancient Rome. There are also many color photographs as well as illustrations throughout the book.

THOUGHTS: Overall this is a nice introduction to the topic of Ancient Rome and would be nice to pair with other materials. This book would not work for an all encompassing look at the topic, but a nice way to dip in and learn some basic information.

900s Ancient Civilizations

Elem. – Understanding Idioms (Series NF)

Posted on June 26, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Amoroso, Cynthia. Understanding Idioms. Wonder Books, 2023. $22.00 ea. $264.00 set of 12. 24 p. Grades 2-5.

Break a Leg! 978-1-503-86559-4.
Don’t Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth! 978-1-503-86560-0.
The Early Bird Catches the Worm! 978-1-503-86565-5.
Go Fly a Kite! 978-1-503-86556-3.
Hold Your Horses! 978-1-503-86563-1.
I’m on Cloud Nine! 978-1-503-86566-2.
I’m Tickled Pink! 978-1-503-86561-7.
It’s Clear as a Bell! 978-1-503-86562-4.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled! 978-1-503-86564-8.
There’s a Bug in My Ear! 978-1-503-86555-6.
You Let the Cat Out of the Bag! 978-1-503-86557-0.
You’re Clean as a Whistle! 978-1-503-86558-7.

Although most people are familiar with popular phrases like “mark my words,” “hold your horses,” and “break a leg,” they do not know the history behind these phrases. This series aims to change that. Popular idioms are presented, along with paragraphs in which they are used, their meanings, and explanations about how and when they originated. The text is broken up by colorful, humorous illustrations. Each book also includes a glossary, index, list of additional resources, and ideas for extension activities.

THOUGHTS: Elementary children will be intrigued by this compelling introduction to idioms. This is a worthwhile purchase for any library looking to add to its English language collection.

428.1 Idioms

Elem. – Whose is THAT? (Series NF)

Posted on June 16, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Lunde, Darrin. Whose is THAT? Charlesbridge, 2023. $17.99 ea. Set of 3. unpaged. Grades K-2.

Whose Egg is THAT? 978-1-623-54329-7. (2023)
Whose Poop is THAT? 978-1-570-91798-1. (2017)
Whose Footprint is THAT? 978-1-580-89834-8. (2019)

This interactive book asks the question, “Whose egg is that?” giving an illustrated clue and a clear, actual size, illustration of the egg. Turn the page and find the answer along with interesting facts about each animal. Author Darrin Lunde is a mammalogist at the Smithsonian.

THOUGHTS: This interactive title makes me want to check out all three books in the series. This would be a great book to share with K-1!

Elem. – Dinosaur Graveyards (Series NF)

Posted on March 27, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Hansen, Grace. Dinosaur Graveyards. Abdo, 2022. $22.95 ea. $137.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades PreK-2.

Dinosaur Graveyards in Africa. 978-1-0982-0944-5.
Dinosaur Graveyards in Asia. 978-1-0982-0945-2.
Dinosaur Graveyards in Australia. 978-1-0982-0946-9.
Dinosaur Graveyards in Europe. 978-1-0982-0947-6.
Dinosaur Graveyards in North America. 978-1-0982-0948-3.
Dinosaur Graveyards in South America. 978-1-0982-0949-0.

Readers will travel around the world to different contents to explore dinosaur fossils in the new series Dinosaur Graveyards. Each volume explores a different continent. This reviewer had the opportunity to read Dinosaur Graveyards in Africa. The volume opened with a general overview of the concept of dinosaurs and fossils. Each two page spread then profiled a dinosaur group, identified where on the continent their fossils can be found, and gave some basic facts about the dinosaur. The information is accompanied by a digital rendering of the dinosaur, a map identifying where the dinosaur lived, and a photo showing part of the dinosaur fossil or in some cases, a photo of the complete dinosaur skeleton. Back matter includes a table identifying major dinosaur groups and a glossary.

THOUGHTS: Looking to expand your elementary dinosaur collection? Then you might want to consider adding this set to your shelves. The titles are sure to engage dinosaur (or fossil) fans who will enjoy checking out the oversize photos, close up pictures of selected fossils, and reading the dino facts. The online supplemental materials could be incorporated into classroom lessons or for additional research.

567 Fossils Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg SD

Elem. – Seasons: Summer Shine! (Series NF)

Posted on March 13, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Murray, Julie. Seasons: Summer Shine! Abdo Kids, 2022. $21.95 ea. $131.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades K-2.

Summer Adventures. 978-1-098-20930-8.
Summer Animals. 978-1-098-20931-5.
Summer Food. 978-1-098-20932-2.
Summer Holidays. 978-1-098-20933-9.
Summer Plants. 978-2-098-20934-6.
Summer Weather. 978-2-098-20935-3.

Summer Adventures is an early nonfiction book aimed at young readers. Bright photographs and bold primary colors are used throughout the book. Each two-page spread depicts a primary student enjoying a popular summer activity, including the beach, playgrounds, family barbecues, fishing, camping, and swimming and boating. Text is very simple, with only one sentence per page. Table of Contents, Index, Glossary, and suggestions for further summer adventures all are included in this nonfiction selection leveled for Kindergarten readers. A QR code at the end of the book enables teachers or parents to access free worksheets, coloring sheets, games, and more.

THOUGHTS: An excellent introduction to nonfiction text features. Photos depict diverse representations of children and families. Perfect for an early primary or preschool library or nonfiction section. Activities and lesson plans accessed through the QR code are developmentally appropriate and are a nice addition for easy lesson planning.

525.5 Natural Sciences and Mathematics Anne McKernan, Council Rock SD

Elem. – College Football Teams (Series NF)

Posted on March 1, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

College Football Teams. The Child’s World, 2022. $21.95 ea. $ $263.40 set of 12. 24 p. Grades 3-5.

Kelley, K. C. Alabama Crimson Tide. 978-1-503-85031-6.
Kelley, K. C. Army and Navy Football. 978-1-503-85034-7.
Ellenport, Craig. Auburn Tigers. 978-1-503-85041-5.
Kelley, K. C. Clemson Tigers. 978-1-503-85032-3.
Kelley, K. C. LSU Tigers. 978-1-503-85033-0.
Kelley, K. C. Michigan Wolverines. 978-1-503-85035-4.
Gigliotti, Jim. Nebraska Cornhuskers. 978-1-503-85042-2.
Clendening, Cameron. Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 978-1-503-85036-1.
Ellenport, Craig. Ohio State Buckeyes. 978-1-503-85037-8.
Gigliotti, Jim. Oklahoma Sooners. 978-1-503-85038-5.
Kelley, K. C. Texas Longhorns. 978-1-503-85040-8.
Clendening, Cameron. USC Trojans. 978-1-503-85039-2.

This reviewer had the opportunity to review Notre Dame Fighting Irish from this series. This volume combines colorful, often full-page photographs with simple text to support readers as they learn about a popular college football team. Captions that accompany the photos provide additional details and context to the content, and bolded terms can be found in a simple glossary to help readers with unfamiliar vocabulary. Occasional sidebars provide even more interesting details about individual players, coaches, and important games in Notre Dame football history.

THOUGHTS: These books provide a simple overview of each college football team in the series for readers who need reading support but still want interesting content about subjects they love. Clear text, colorful images and text features like sidebars and a glossary for bold-faced terms will help readers gain confidence. These would also be a good springboard for deeper research or a good introduction, but students who need more in-depth details will be left looking for additional information elsewhere; directing students to the “find out more” reading list and links on the Child’s World website may be necessary for those needing more details.

796.332 Football Erin Faulkner, Cumberland Valley SD

Elem. – Makerspace Trios (Series NF)

Posted on February 28, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Makerspace Trios. Abdo, 2022. $22.95 ea. $137.70 set of 6. 32 p. Grades K-3.

Felix, Rebecca. Creating with Cardboard, Crayons & Duct Tape. 978-1-532-19640-9.
Olson, Elsie. Creating with Chenille Stems, Bottles & Tissue Paper. 978-1-532-19641-6.
Olson, Elsie. Creating with Egg Cartons, String & Straws. 978-1-532-19642-3.
Felix, Rebecca. Creating with Felt, Craft Sticks & Clothespins. 978-1-532-19643-0.
Felix, Rebecca. Creating with Newspaper, Buttons & Paper Clips. 978-1-532-19644-7.
Olson, Elsie. Creating with Paper Tubes, Rubber Bands & Yarn. 978-1-532-19645-4.

Each volume in the Makerspace Trios series challenges readers to become a maker by using three common items to complete projects. The title opens with an overview of the concept of a makerspace. Next, each of the three craft items is introduced. Their characteristics and properties are presented, and various prompts are posed in order to get readers thinking about way they could use and transform the items in various projects. Readers are then encouraged to consult adults, gather maker tools, set up a makerspace area, and get to work creating and innovating. While some specific projects are presented (such as weaving plastic straws and string to create mat to use as a coaster, or making a wall hanging out of cut and painted egg cartons), readers are are also prompted to imagine and think about other ways they could use the items to create or solve problems.

THOUGHTS: This series serves as an excellent gateway into the concept of makerspaces for young readers. Many of the materials used are common items found in most households. Some projects can be completed independently, while others will require adult assistance (cutting, etc.). A worthwhile purchase for elementary libraries looking to expand their makerspace collection.

745.5 Crafts Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg SD

Elem. – Transforming Animals (Series NF)

Posted on February 28, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Gieseke, Tyler. Transforming Animals. Abdo, 2022. $21.95 ea. $131.70 set of 6. 24 p. Gr. K-2.

Turning into a Butterfly. 978-1-098-24114-8.
Turning into a Dragonfly. 978-1-098-24115-5.
Turning into a Fish. 978-1-098-24116-2.
Turning into a Frog. 978-1-098-24117-9.
Turning into a Jellyfish. 978-1-098-24118-6.
Turning into a Newt. 978-1-098-24119-3.

The ability of animals to transform and grow has been a source of fascination to people of all ages for centuries. The Transforming Animals series explores the life cycle processes of six common creatures. This reviewer had the opportunity to examine the Turning into a Butterfly volume. The text takes readers on a journey of the life cycle of the butterfly–from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult butterfly. Each spread includes high-quality close-up photos of each stage of the butterfly’s life cycle. QR codes within the book allow readers to access a video, additional information, useful links and activities. Back matter includes a Making Connections page and a glossary.

THOUGHTS: This series would be a worthwhile addition to any library serving primary age students. The life cycle of each animal is clearly and simply explained. Characteristics of each animal are also identified and explained. The supplemental material available via QR code is high-quality, and the activities easily could be incorporated into classroom science lessons. Highly recommended.

570s; 590s Insects, Animals Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg SD

Elem. – Trains (Series NF)

Posted on February 28, 2023 by pslamediaselectionreview

Murray, Julie. Trains. Abdo, 2022. $21.95 ea. $131.70 set of 6. 24 p. Grades K-3.

Disney Monorail. 978-1-098-22671-8.
Eurostar. 978-1-098-22672-5.
London Underground. 978-1-098-22673-2.
New York City Subway. 978-1-098-22674-9.
San Francisco Cable Car. 978-1-098-22675-6.
Shinkansen Bullet Train. 978-1-098-22676-3.

Author Julie Murray explores the histories of some of the world’s most popular trains in this new series intended for emerging readers. Each volume contains a brief history of the train (or train system) as well as an overview of the current operations of the train today. This reviewer had the opportunity to view the London Underground volume of the series. This volume traced the history of the Underground (or “The Tube”) from its founding in 1863 to its present day services. Numerous historical photos and drawings as well as contemporary photos were present throughout the text. Back matter in each title includes a list of facts and glossary.

THOUGHTS: This series is sure to be popular with young train enthusiasts who will enjoy learning about some of the unique and popular trains around the world. This series merits consideration for libraries serving younger readers looking to expand their transportation collection.

388.42 Transportation Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg SD

Literature Review

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Tag Archives: Series Nonfiction

Elem. – Ancient Civilizations (Series NF)

Elem. – Understanding Idioms (Series NF)

Elem. – Whose is THAT? (Series NF)

Elem. – Dinosaur Graveyards (Series NF)

Elem. – Seasons: Summer Shine! (Series NF)

Elem. – College Football Teams (Series NF)

Elem. – Makerspace Trios (Series NF)

Elem. – Transforming Animals (Series NF)

Elem. – Trains (Series NF)