The Children’s Book Review | July 7, 2009
What to expect: Science, Animal conservation, Environmental awareness
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!
Writteny 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
Outback Odyssey
Written 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
Tigers in Terai
Written 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
Written 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
Project Panda
Written 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
South pole Penguins
Written 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