Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Seeing Is Believing
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 19, 2009
Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Seeing Is Believing
Reading Level: Ages 9-99
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Ripley Publishing; Ill edition (August 4, 2009)
Language: English
What do you want to know? What don’t you want to know? What interests you? What doesn’t interest you? Not sure? Here’s a list of topics to get you started:
101 Animal Secrets: Melvin + Gilda Berger
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 20, 2009
by Gilda + Melvin Berger
Reading level: Ages 7 – 10
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Reference (March 1, 2009)
What to expect: Animals, Facts, Non-fiction
Shhh, if you won’t tell anyone, I have some secrets to share. Did you know that giraffes clean their ears with their tongues, and rhinoceroses use sunscreen (mud). These are just two interesting facts that I learned from reading 101 Animal Secrets.
Adventures of Riley: Amanda Lumry & Laura Hurwitz
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 7, 2009
The wonderful Adventures of Riley series is a smooth combination of fiction and non-fiction that is perfect for curious minds, young or old. Riley, who is perhaps 8- or 10-years-old, visits unique locations around the world with extended family members: Uncle Max, Aunt Martha, and his cousin Alice. At the beginning of each book Riley receives a letter from his Uncle Max; a scientist that studies animals, their habitats, and the environmental issues that impact them. The letter is always an invitation to study a particular animal and experience a different culture or way of living — an adventure that most young boys would jump at the chance for!
Like all good series, Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz follow a great format. For each story, they combine a believable fictitious story-line with real scientific facts. The likable characters are a wonderful medium to share and create a learning experience for the reader. Every book contains fascinating fact boxes, a glossary of terms, additional information at the back of the book, and a smart blend of illustration and “real-life” photography. The intelligent layout of this series means that it can be read and enjoyed by children with varied reading skills: younger readers can enjoy the adventure with a simple reading of the story with out being overwhelmed by too many facts, while older readers can enjoy the full experience with all of the additional facts and information. The books can be read over-and-over again and you’ll learn something new each time. This is a series that can only have admirable impact on our children.
Fun, educational, and environmentally aware — a must for all schools
and libraries, including your home library!
Below you will find the publisher’s synopsis of Riddle of the Reef, the latest edition to the series, and a few others:
by Amanda Lumry (Author and Photographer), Laura Hurwitz (Author)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (July 1, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: Journey to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with Riley and his family as they see what’s up down under! Large areas of the coral reef are dying and they need to find out why. Joined by world-renowned marine artist and conservationist, Wyland, the crew faces giant starfish, great white sharks, and even poachers in their search for answers.
Add this book to your collection: Riddle of the Reef
by Amanda Lumry (Author and Photographer), Laura Hurwitz (Author)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (May 1, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: Riley, Cousin Alice, Aunt Martha, and Uncle Max visit the Australian Outback where they research the local koala population, which has scattered and shrunk due to increased drought, brush fires, and farming in the Outback. While staying at a working sheep station, they see kangaroos, a platypus, Ayers Rock, and much more. Riley becomes an official Jackaroo (Australian cowboy) and helps save the sheep from a wild dingo, but can he find a way to save the koalas and the Outback?
Add this book to your collection: Outback Odyssey
by Amanda Lumry (Author and Photographer), Laura Hurwitz (Author)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (April 1, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: Riley journeys to the Terai Arc region of India and Nepal in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Riley’s research leads to exciting encounters with some weird and wild indigenous animals (an Asian rhino, a king cobra, langur monkeys and more!) as well as a better understanding of the local culture.
Add this book to your collection: Tigers in Terai
by Amanda Lumry (Author and Photographer), Laura Hurwitz (Author)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (February 1, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: Riley travels to the South Pacific island of Moorea with his Uncle Max, Aunt Martha, and Cousin Alice. Their mission is to study spinner dolphins while basking in the warmth and charm of Polynesian culture. However, things take a turn for the worse when several dolphins become trapped in a local lagoon! Riley holds the key to their survival, but between surfing lessons and close encounters with humpback whales, will he realize it in time?
Add this book to your collection: Dolphins in Danger
by Amanda Lumry (Author and Photographer), Laura Hurwitz (Author)
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (July 1, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: It’s “Panda-monium” in China when a rare giant panda mysteriously disappears from the world’s largest panda reserve! Riley and family must face remote mountain forests, snow leopards, red pandas, and more in their desperate search for clues. When disaster strikes, Riley must act fast to save the day, and the missing panda.
Add this book to your collection: Project Panda
by Amanda Lumry (Author and Photographer), Laura Hurwitz (Author)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (September 1, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: Are the penguins of Antarctica getting their fill of krill, or has climate change reshaped the Antarctic food web? Riley joins Uncle Max on a voyage to the South Pole to find out! Home to whales, seals, penguins, and 90% of the world’s ice, Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. Will Riley be trapped by the fierce Antarctic winds? It’s an adventure like no other as Riley learns valuable lessons about survival and cooperation.
Add this book to your collection: South pole Penguins
Little Skink’s Tail: Janet Halfmann
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 8, 2009
by Janet Halfmann (Author), Laurie Allen Klein (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages (Also available in English and Spanish eBooks)
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (August 10, 2007)
Mom’s Choice Award, Teacher’s Choice Award, and the President’s Book Award, are three notable achievements to have plastered on the cover of a book. Little Skink’s Tail did not dissapoint. It’s an endearing tale of animal physiology that is perfect for science and nature lovers — Sylvan Dell Publishing pride themselves on the fact that all of their books and activities are aligned to National Science and Math Standards, North American Association for Environmental Education standards, and all state standards. Concepts such as animal survival techniques are aproached in a wonderful child-friendly way, kids are fascinated not only by the text but also by the delightfuly clever illustrations. For kids who are left wanting more, there are a couple of fun and educational activities at the end of the book that are perfect for further exploration and allow for additional discussion.
Extra teaching and comprehension resources can be found on the publisher’s website: www.SylvanDellPublishing.com, as well as English and Spanish readings — all for free!
Add this book to your collection: Little Skink’s Tail
Author Interview: Doug E. Richards
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 28, 2009
Doug E. Richards with his two kids, Ryan and Regan
Douglas E. Richards, a biotechnology executive who has degrees in both genetic engineering and business, is the author of the science-fiction mystery series titled The Prometheus Project. We reviewed the first two books in the series earlier this year and had this to say, “The Prometheus Project books are simple, intelligent, fast reads that
even a reluctant reader should have no problems getting into.” You can read the reviews here. We are very happy to share the following interview with you: Read more
Earth Day Book Picks, 2009
Earth Day, April 22, is a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness of our world and the environment to our children. In preparation for this great day, I have selected some newly released books that I believe will help spread the word about ways in which we can work together to make our world a better place.
by Thom Wiley (author), Kate Endle (illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 3 – 8
Paperback: 16 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books (April 1, 2009)
BIG EARTH, Little Me had me at the cover. The title is a great representation of what is inside, the illustrations are “earthy”, and the words printed with soy ink bring home the message that this truly is an earth conscience book.
The text is loud and clear:
Reading level: Ages 3 – 8
Paperback:
Publisher: Freckle box
Jennifer Saves the Planet, and Maya, or anybody for that matter, because this book comes personalized from www.frecklebox.com. If ever there was a book that could encourage your child to take action in “saving the planet”, this is it. What child can resist a book in which they have the leading role? I know my daughter can’t. We received a copy of this book about a week ago, Maya Saves the Planet, and it has been read every single day, at her request. The very young will enjoy hearing the sound of their name. Children a little bit older and recognizing the letters of their name will be astonished by the clever images — every page contains your child’s name. Early readers will be excited to read their own name, and will undoubtedly enjoy this environmental rhyming treat.
just do what Maya did…
Make changes in your habits
and be a real live super kid!
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press (February 1, 2009)
I can’t resist saying that this charming book titled Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring Earth to Life is heart-warming! Who knew that learning about how life works, including photosynthesis, could be so moving. The authors, Bang and Chisholm, have created this book with the purpose of bringing attention to the cycle of life and how everything and everyone is connected — “unity of all life”. The simplicity in which they explain this cycle makes the book a great introduction for little scientists and harvests an awareness that every child should be exposed to. I would go as far as saying that all elementary and middle school classrooms should have this book shelved for easy access. I’m impressed and I haven’t even mentioned that this book was printed on paper containing 55% recycled content and 25% post-consumer waste.
Inside front cover jacket:
we would have no oxygen.
Without plants,
we would have no food.
Without plants,
we could not live.
Without plants,
there would be no life on Earth.
Read this book –
and find out why.
For more environmentally aware books check out our Environment & Ecology: Earth conscience category.
Honk, Honk, Goose! Canada Geese Start a Family: April Pulley Sayre
By Amanda Lynch, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 14, 2009
Honk, Honk, Goose! Canada Geese Start a Family
by April Pulley Sayre (Author) and Huy Voun Lee (Illustrator)
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (April 14, 2009)
What to Expect: Geese, Animals, Science
With charming cut-paper collage illustrations, Honk, Honk, Goose! Canada Geese Start a Family is an adorable picture book which takes us from the mating of two geese to the birth of their six babies, and chronicles the perils they encounter along the way. The two geese must remain ever-vigilant, to protect their eggs from muskrats, turtles, and raccoons. This is sure to be a fun read aloud book, with the all of the “honking” done by the male goose: he honks to attract a female, he honks to protect his eggs, and at the end of the book he honks to guard the baby geese and their mother as they rest.
The illustrations, which are simple and elegant, really complement the text well. Because there is so much going on in the story, I think the temptation would have been to make them more busy. Instead, the understated, more muted colors tell the story without making it overwhelming.
At the end of the book, there are a couple pages detailing the science behind the book, describing the mating patterns of the geese as well as providing some history. This book is another great selection for Earth Month, as it talks about how people took action to save the disappearing Canada Geese population about 100 years ago.
I think my favorite part was the charge at the end of the book to Young Scientists, encouraging young ornithologists to study the behavior of the geese, as there has never been a long term study of them. What a great way to encourage taking an interest in nature!
Earth Hour 2009 & Green Sugar Press
Vote Earth For Earth Hour
With the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote, Vote Earth is a global call to action for every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. You can participate by turning your lights out for one hour at 8.30pm on March 28.
In December 2009 world leaders meet in Copenhagen to agree on a post-Kyoto policy for tackling climate change. One billion people voting with their light switch during Earth Hour will create a powerful mandate for our leaders to take strong and decisive action on climate change in Copenhagen.
Participating in Earth Hour is really a no-brainer, but finding books to raise environmentally aware children can be a little more difficult. That’s where Green Sugar Press comes in. Their mission is to provide books to grow green minds for a better today and a stronger tomorrow.
An Environmental Guide from A to Z
by Tim Magner (author) and Aubri Vincent-Barwood (illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 8 – 13
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Green Sugar Press
What to expect: Nature, Natural History, Ecology, Earth Sciences, and Alphabet
Using a simple alphabetical format, Tim Magner delivers very detailed facts about the environment and how they all link together, in a very informative and easy to digest way. Every page contains important information — G is for Greenhouse Gases — and is then followed with a Did you Know? component which explains things such a composting. There are also open ended questions to allow for exploration, experimentation, and thoughtful or contemplative reflection — “How many different types of insects can you count exploring your backyard or nearby park?”
“Our objective was to create a reading experience to inspire young explorers to open their minds to the wonders of the world and to the amazing nature right out their backdoor,” says Tim Magner. “If we can only get kids to unplug their electronics long enough to give nature a chance. Nature provides all the answers we need.”
by Tim Magner (author) and Mike Nudleman (illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5 – 9
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Green Sugar Press
What to expect: Nature, Natural History, Ecology, and Alphabet
Just like in An Environmental Guide from A to Z, Tim Magner manages to spread the news about our environment and its animals using the alphabet in a clear and concise manner, however, more simplified for its intended younger audience. The illustrations by Mike Nudelman are very clever and provide a very stimulating effect — each page is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet and is inspired by the topic, making the information more appealing to our younger more visual readers.
Earl the Earthworm Digs for His Life
by Tim Magner (author) and Lindsay Knapp (illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5 – 9
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Green Sugar Press
What to expect: Earthworms, Nature, Natural History, and Earth Sciences
Who knew that an earthworm’s purpose was connected to the health and survival of trees, plants, and many animals? Learning about earthworms was never something I pondered, but it was fun and interesting when the earthworm had a name, Earl. This is a credible fiction book with real fun facts which add depth to the story. This book is educational like the two books mentioned above, but is more specific to one area of learning. There is a glossary of words included which will certainly prove to be useful — Oligochaetologists: Scientists who study worms.
The Prometheus Project: Douglas E. Richards
This science-fiction mystery series certainly keeps you turning the pages. It had me hooked by page two of the first book. The stars of the books are a brother sister duo who find themselves in some sticky situations that require a lot of team work and serious problem solving . The books kind of remind me of the Magic Tree House series, only a little more grown up. The Prometheus Project books are simple, intelligent, fast reads that even a reluctant reader should have no problems getting into.
The author, Douglas E. Richards, is a biotechnology executive who has degrees in both genetic engineering and business. So when I tell you that the series is based around scientists who have stumbled across an Alien city … you will probably not be so surprised. Here is a quick list of what you can expect to get from the series: mystery, adventure, action, suspense, team work, determination, problem solving, scientific facts, aliens and their well imagined city, no sibling rivalry, and last but not least, some humor. I recommend giving this book a whirl!
The Prometheus Project: Trapped
by Douglas E. Richards
Reading level: Ages 9-13
Paperback: Trapped: 140 pages
Publisher: Trapped: Dna Press (February 2005)
Publishers Synopsis: Ryan and Regan Resnick are certain they have just moved to the most boring place on Earth. But when they discover their parents are part of an ultra-secret project called Prometheus they are plunged into a nonstop adventure: one that will be the ultimate test of their wit, courage, and determination.
Soon the children are under attack and facing hostile alien worlds, alien technology, and unimaginable dangers at every turn. Now, with their mother facing certain death, they must race to solve a seemingly impossible mystery to have any hope of saving her. But if they save their mom, they will have no way to save themselves …
The Prometheus Project: Captured
by Douglas E. Richards
Reading level: Ages 9-13
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Dna Press (July 19, 2007)
Publisher’s Synopsis: Included in The California Department of Education’s Recommended Literature for Science and Math and in Missouri State University’s Best New Books to Engage Students in Math and Science This fast-paced, science fiction adventure is a stand-alone sequel to The Prometheus Project: Trapped. Along with their scientist parents, the brother-sister duo of Ryan and Regan continue their exploration of a fantastic alien city built deep underground. When the city is captured by a ruthless alien—with unknown capabilities and diabolical plans—and his band of mercenaries, the adult members of the team are taken hostage, and the siblings remain the team’s only hope. To save the adults, Ryan and Regan must outwit the brilliant alien and his well-trained force, free the prisoners, and thwart a seemingly unstoppable invasion. Crammed with cliffhangers, nonstop action, and unexpected twists and turns, this novel introduces scientific topics—sound and hearing, ultrasonic sound, experimental methodologies, flashpowder, human memory, and superconductivity—to children while engaging their imaginations.
Add this series to your collection: The Prometheus Project
