This engaging history of the bicycle is sure to pique young riders’ interest while it enriches their knowledge.
A concise, inclusive history of the evolution of the bicycle.
The bicycle, the story begins, may have been invented because of a volcanic eruption in Indonesia in 1815. The ash that spewed into the atmosphere changed the weather worldwide; crops didn’t grow, and it cost so much to feed their horses that people gave them up—and the only other option for getting around was walking. In Germany, Karl Drais invented a two-wheeled “running machine” that was pushed along by its rider’s feet (no pedals), and from this idea, the germ of today’s bicycle was formed. It took several other innovations, developed in different countries, to perfect a bicycle that was easy to ride and safe. The multicountry perspective (Germany, England, France, America, Ireland, and China are all mentioned) is a refreshing angle; also welcome is the information on ways bicycles were and are used, their efficiency, and the etymology of bicycle names and terms. The illustrations are full color, mostly double-page spreads, and are notable for their well-thought-out design placement that allows one picture to effectively illustrate the different texts on the verso and recto pages. Racially diverse people, a person in a wheelchair (mounted on a bike pedaled by another person), a person using an arm-pedaled bike, and a recumbent cyclist are included in the illustrations. Simultaneously publishing in the Eureka! The Biography of an Idea series are companion titles Camera, by Laura Driscoll and illustrated by Hector Borlasca; Glasses, by Houran and illustrated by John Joven; and Light Bulb, by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
This engaging history of the bicycle is sure to pique young riders’ interest while it enriches their knowledge. (Informational picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-63592-393-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kane Press
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
A solid addition to Rotner’s seasonal series. Bring on summer.
Rotner follows up her celebrations of spring and autumn with this look at all things winter.
Beginning with the signs that winter is coming—bare trees, shorter days, colder temperatures—Rotner eases readers into the season. People light fires and sing songs on the solstice, trees and plants stop growing, and shadows grow long. Ice starts to form on bodies of water and windows. When the snow flies, the fun begins—bundle up and then build forts, make snowballs and snowmen (with eyebrows!), sled, ski (nordic is pictured), skate, snowshoe, snowboard, drink hot chocolate. Animals adapt to the cold as well. “Birds grow more feathers” (there’s nothing about fluffing and air insulation) and mammals, more hair. They have to search for food, and Rotner discusses how many make or find shelter, slow down, hibernate, or go underground or underwater to stay warm. One page talks about celebrating holidays with lights and decorations. The photos show a lit menorah, an outdoor deciduous tree covered in huge Christmas bulbs, a girl next to a Chinese dragon head, a boy with lit luminarias, and some fireworks. The final spread shows signs of the season’s shift to spring. Rotner’s photos, as always, are a big draw. The children are a marvelous mix of cultures and races, and all show their clear delight with winter.
A solid addition to Rotner’s seasonal series. Bring on summer. (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Oct. 16, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-8234-3976-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Aug. 13, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2018
Colorful, upbeat, and just for Swifties.
What is being a Swiftie all about? Finding joy in the things you love!
For Taylor Swift and her fans, love comes from baking tasty desserts, snuggling with pets, enjoying fireworks with friends, and attending concerts. Vibrant illustrations that evoke bright pop music are scattered with references to Taylor’s life, such as a red sports jersey (a nod to her high-profile relationship with a certain Kansas City Chiefs tight end) or a stack of friendship bracelets (which devotees know are commonly made by hand and traded at Swift’s concerts). Without this prior knowledge of Swift lore, this peppy picture book may feel like a somewhat superficial, though positive, list of ways to find happiness; some readers may wish the author had included messages about acceptance and self-love, commonly found in Swift’s lyrics. Still, the intended audience will welcome it as a joyful love letter to her fans. Pops of color splash across scenes of Taylor and a racially diverse set of friends doing their favorite things atop a stark white background. The star’s recognizable fashion style and facial features are spot-on, while most other featured characters feel more generic.
Colorful, upbeat, and just for Swifties. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2025
ISBN: 9781665973519
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
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