by Caroline Arnold & illustrated by Cathy Trachok ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 2001
Bats, mice, moles, dogs, caterpillars, and dolphins use super high sounds—ultrasound—to find their young, avoid their enemies, and communicate over long distances. Other animals, like elephants, arctic terns, alligators, and prairie dogs use super-low sounds—infrasounds—to communicate. Arnold, author of many outstanding science titles (Giant Shark, 2000, etc.), introduces a dozen animals with super hearing in this appealing offering. It serves as a clear and accessible introduction to animal communications, with enough unusual facts to intrigue the more experienced reader as well. For example, Arnold explains arctic terns can hear very low sounds, like distant thunder. “They may be able to use this information to avoid storms.” And “Crickets, katydids, and cicadas make sounds by rapidly rubbing their front wings together. Other insects vibrate special membranes or squirt fluids from their bodies to make ultrasounds.” The brief text is complemented by dozens of full-color illustrations that extend it, often with boxes to highlight specific details. The author concludes with some Web sites for more information on animal communication and a brief glossary. A welcome addition to the science section. (Nonfiction. 5-9)
Pub Date: July 1, 2001
ISBN: 1-57091-404-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2001
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by Caroline Arnold ; illustrated by Rachell Sumpter
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by Caroline Arnold ; photographed by Caroline Arnold
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by Alex Vern & illustrated by Alex Vern ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2001
The lifecycle of the frog is succinctly summarized in this easy reader for children reading at the late first-grade level. In just one or two sentences per page, Vern details the amazing metamorphosis of the frog from egg to tadpole to adult, even injecting a little humor despite the tight word count. (“Watch out fly! Mmmm!) Large, full-color photographs on white backgrounds clearly illustrate each phase of development. Without any mention of laying eggs or fertilization, the title might be a bit misleading, but the development from black dot egg to full-grown frog is fascinating. A simple chart of the three main lifecycle steps is also included. Lifecycles are part of the standard curriculum in the early elementary grades, and this will be a welcome addition to school and public libraries, both for its informational value and as an easy reader. (Nonfiction/easy reader. 5-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-15-216304-2
Page Count: 20
Publisher: Green Light/Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2001
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by Kwame Alexander & illustrated by Tim Bowers ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2011
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look...
Winning actually isn’t everything, as jazz-happy Rooster learns when he goes up against the legendary likes of Mules Davis and Ella Finchgerald at the barnyard talent show.
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look good—particularly after his “ ‘Hen from Ipanema’ [makes] / the barnyard chickies swoon.”—but in the end the competition is just too stiff. No matter: A compliment from cool Mules and the conviction that he still has the world’s best band soon puts the strut back in his stride. Alexander’s versifying isn’t always in tune (“So, he went to see his cousin, / a pianist of great fame…”), and despite his moniker Rooster plays an electric bass in Bower’s canted country scenes. Children are unlikely to get most of the jokes liberally sprinkled through the text, of course, so the adults sharing it with them should be ready to consult the backmatter, which consists of closing notes on jazz’s instruments, history and best-known musicians.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58536-688-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011
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by Kwame Alexander & Deanna Nikaido ; illustrated by Melissa Sweet
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