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WOOF! THE TRUTH ABOUT DOGS

A pleasing introduction to the worlds of science and animal behavior that captures the wonder and mystery of dogs.

Why do dogs do the things they do?

Presented in a Q&A format and illustrated primarily with stock photographs, this colorful selection presents a fact-filled overview of the beloved species by answering such child-friendly questions as, “Why are puppies born with closed eyes?” “Do dogs have feelings?” “How do dogs communicate?” “Do dogs sweat?” “Why do dogs smell butts?” “How do dogs help people?” “How can I help?” (Spaying, neutering, and adoption are also briefly mentioned.) Text boxes provide straightforward and satisfying answers to each question posed while sidebars include interesting, associated detail in thought bubbles accompanied by Oliver’s small paintings or more stock photos. The appealing, accessible, websitelike design makes this a good choice for classroom or personal research. While the information itself is widely available, the presentation here is solid and effective; the tone is humorous and full of enthusiasm; the accessible design and language will appeal to reluctant readers; the Q&A format may lead children to inquire further; and the plethora of photographs will delight anyone who is canine curious. Includes a comparison of different breeds, how to behave around dogs, and how to make a dog toy, as well as a helpful glossary. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A pleasing introduction to the worlds of science and animal behavior that captures the wonder and mystery of dogs. (Informational picture book. 5-10)

Pub Date: June 30, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-4788-7380-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Reycraft Books

Review Posted Online: May 4, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2021

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1001 BEES

Friends of these pollinators will be best served elsewhere.

This book is buzzing with trivia.

Follow a swarm of bees as they leave a beekeeper’s apiary in search of a new home. As the scout bees traverse the fields, readers are provided with a potpourri of facts and statements about bees. The information is scattered—much like the scout bees—and as a result, both the nominal plot and informational content are tissue-thin. There are some interesting facts throughout the book, but many pieces of trivia are too, well trivial, to prove useful. For example, as the bees travel, readers learn that “onion flowers are round and fluffy” and “fennel is a plant that is used in cooking.” Other facts are oversimplified and as a result are not accurate. For example, monofloral honey is defined as “made by bees who visit just one kind of flower” with no acknowledgment of the fact that bees may range widely, and swarm activity is described as a springtime event, when it can also occur in summer and early fall. The information in the book, such as species identification and measurement units, is directed toward British readers. The flat, thin-lined artwork does little to enhance the story, but an “I spy” game challenging readers to find a specific bee throughout is amusing.

Friends of these pollinators will be best served elsewhere. (Informational picture book. 8-10)

Pub Date: May 18, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-500-65265-7

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Review Posted Online: April 13, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021

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HUMMINGBIRD

A sweet and endearing feathered migration.

A relationship between a Latina grandmother and her mixed-race granddaughter serves as the frame to depict the ruby-throated hummingbird migration pattern.

In Granny’s lap, a girl is encouraged to “keep still” as the intergenerational pair awaits the ruby-throated hummingbirds with bowls of water in their hands. But like the granddaughter, the tz’unun—“the word for hummingbird in several [Latin American] languages”—must soon fly north. Over the next several double-page spreads, readers follow the ruby-throated hummingbird’s migration pattern from Central America and Mexico through the United States all the way to Canada. Davies metaphorically reunites the granddaughter and grandmother when “a visitor from Granny’s garden” crosses paths with the girl in New York City. Ray provides delicately hashed lines in the illustrations that bring the hummingbirds’ erratic flight pattern to life as they travel north. The watercolor palette is injected with vibrancy by the addition of gold ink, mirroring the hummingbirds’ flashing feathers in the slants of light. The story is supplemented by notes on different pages with facts about the birds such as their nest size, diet, and flight schedule. In addition, a note about ruby-throated hummingbirds supplies readers with detailed information on how ornithologists study and keep track of these birds.

A sweet and endearing feathered migration. (bibliography, index) (Picture book. 5-8)

Pub Date: May 7, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-5362-0538-1

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: March 26, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2019

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