An outstanding introduction for preschoolers who are already starting to ask a lot of questions about reproduction. A brief text and stunning full-color photographs provide just enough information to satisfy young questioners. Royston (Rabbit, 1992, etc.) begins by stating that babies come from eggs, and then writes a simple study of plant development, using the sunflower as her example. Next she presents duck reproduction in very basic language: ``It takes a mother duck and a father duck to make a duckling. Inside the father duck there are tiny sperm. Inside the mother duck there are tiny eggs.'' The ducks and subsequent ducklings are displayed in full-color photographs, but eggs and sperm are drawn. For fetal development in both cats and humans, a drawing is superimposed on the photo of the mother to show the fetus in the womb. The human mother is shown with a fetus at 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 38 weeks, and finally holding a newborn. Royston concludes, ``Babies grow up into children. Children grow up into adults. Adults become mothers or fathers.'' Well, not always. But the point is made and the smiling people of different races and sizes in colorful clothes are especially appealing. (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-9)
Pub Date: May 21, 1996
ISBN: 0-7894-0579-2
Page Count: 38
Publisher: DK Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1996
A simple yet effective introduction to green spaces for young readers.
Bridgewater, a digital creator who shares videos on gardening and personal growth, tells the story of a curious Black child who discovers “a playground for nature.”
One day, after Marcus speeds over on his scooter, Grandma invites him to explore her green world. And just like that, before Marcus can even take off his bright red helmet, he’s caught up in the garden that Grandma cares for, all illustrated in digital artwork with textured brush strokes. Mango seeds, tomato seedlings, and squirming worms comprise a delicate ecosystem that Marcus is eager to learn more about. Grandma clearly draws connections between plant and human growth as she patiently explains that both children and seedlings need “water and air and sunshine. And space to grow.” Vibrant details, such as Grandma’s curly hair and large, round, red glasses, enhance a green space already packed with diverse life ranging from a prickly pineapple plant to a small snail. “I can see why you’re always here!” Marcus eventually exclaims, and as the story transitions from the garden to the kitchen, its themes of nourishment and care remain potent, supported well by an author’s note that dedicates the book to Bridgewater’s grandmother and the invaluable lessons she espoused.
A simple yet effective introduction to green spaces for young readers. (Picture book. 4-9)Pub Date: May 6, 2025
ISBN: 9780593406076
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025
A delightful story of a cross-racial friendship between two kids who realize how much they need each other and the passions...
STEM becomes STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) as Melia, an inventor, and Jo, a dancer, discover that they’re a dynamic team.
Melia loves to invent things and tinker all day long in her backyard. Then Jo moves in next door and dances her way into Melia’s inventing space. With total disregard for the sanctity of Melia’s creations, Jo flips Melia’s cereal-bowl radio onto her head to wear it as a hat, sticks a rope of black licorice into the neck of an unfinished robot, and chucks a paper airplane—that Melia is still designing—into the air. Although she’s miffed at Jo’s invasion of her space, Melia realizes that Jo has inadvertently solved some puzzling conundrums. When Melia shows Jo what a difference she has made, Jo refuses to partner with Melia…until one of Melia’s inventions saves her. Their contrasting personalities are effectively delineated in the retro-styled illustrations: Brown-skinned Jo wears a pinky-purple tutu, a pearl necklace, and feathers in her hair; blonde-haired, peachy-skinned Melia wears shorts and an orange cape and boots. The backmatter provides instructions for how to make Melia’s paper airplane and explains the benefits of turning STEM into STEAM.
A delightful story of a cross-racial friendship between two kids who realize how much they need each other and the passions that each brings to the friendship. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Aug. 21, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-328-91626-6
Page Count: 48
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: April 24, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2018
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