Nothing fishy about it: Enthusiasts can dive right in.
Here’s a colorful, factoid-filled offering about many kinds of fish.
In a sequence of topical double-page spreads, it covers what distinguishes fish from other animals (cutaway diagrams show the insides of two fish), how they evolved, where they live, what they eat, how they survive and defend themselves, how they propagate, and their relationship to humans. One spread, odd in its specificity, discusses Atlantic salmon. These subjects are explained in brief paragraphs written in a conversational tone accompanied by digital illustrations with labeled examples of well-defined fish specimens; the graphics and charts aptly flow with energy. Topic presentation is arbitrary and organizationally loose, which encourages browsing rather than strictly orderly, page-by-page perusal. Occasionally, readers must turn the book 90 degrees to read text and examine artwork. Attractive design elements include the helpful use of boldfaced type to set off names of individual fish species in captions and labels. A few spreads invite children to embark upon attention-getting “can-you-find-it?” challenges that don’t really have much to do with the subject at hand, though they are amusing; one challenge encourages youngsters to find a bristlemouth lurking somewhere inside the book. Though it won’t support report writers and there is no glossary or pronunciation guide, this will be welcome in classroom libraries.
Nothing fishy about it: Enthusiasts can dive right in. (Informational picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: May 14, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5362-0625-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Big Picture/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
Another playful imagination-stretcher.
Markle invites children to picture themselves living in the homes of 11 wild animals.
As in previous entries in the series, McWilliam’s illustrations of a diverse cast of young people fancifully imitating wild creatures are paired with close-up photos of each animal in a like natural setting. The left side of one spread includes a photo of a black bear nestling in a cozy winter den, while the right side features an image of a human one cuddled up with a bear. On another spread, opposite a photo of honeybees tending to newly hatched offspring, a human “larva” lounges at ease in a honeycomb cell, game controller in hand, as insect attendants dish up goodies. A child with an eye patch reclines on an orb weaver spider’s web, while another wearing a head scarf constructs a castle in a subterranean chamber with help from mound-building termites. Markle adds simple remarks about each type of den, nest, or burrow and basic facts about its typical residents, then closes with a reassuring reminder to readers that they don’t have to live as animals do, because they will “always live where people live.” A select gallery of traditional homes, from igloo and yurt to mudhif, follows a final view of the young cast waving from a variety of differently styled windows.
Another playful imagination-stretcher. (Informational picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9781339049052
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe.
An introduction to gravity.
The book opens with the most iconic demonstration of gravity, an apple falling. Throughout, Herz tackles both huge concepts—how gravity compresses atoms to form stars and how black holes pull all kinds of matter toward them—and more concrete ones: how gravity allows you to jump up and then come back down to the ground. Gravity narrates in spare yet lyrical verse, explaining how it creates planets and compresses atoms and comparing itself to a hug. “My embrace is tight enough that you don’t float like a balloon, but loose enough that you can run and leap and play.” Gravity personifies itself at times: “I am stubborn—the bigger things are, the harder I pull.” Beautiful illustrations depict swirling planets and black holes alongside racially diverse children playing, running, and jumping, all thanks to gravity. Thorough backmatter discusses how Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity and explains Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. While at times Herz’s explanations may be a bit too technical for some readers, burgeoning scientists will be drawn in.
An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe. (Informational picture book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 15, 2024
ISBN: 9781668936849
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tilbury House
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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