A very fine introduction to trees for beginning and challenged readers. Gibbons, in her usual careful manner, discusses tree seeds and tree parts, including stems, bark, roots, and leaves. Each two- or three-page topic is begun “Tell Me, Tree . . .” setting up the idea that the budding scientist can learn from examining the tree itself. She provides labeled diagrams of the inside and outside of trees and explains specialized terms such as cambium, phloem, sapwood, heartwood, chlorophyll, and photosynthesis. Her trademark pen-and-watercolor drawings appear on every page, complementing and extending the text. A dozen trees are included in the “Identifying Trees” section showing leaves, bark, and the full tree outline—a terrific tool for adults, too. She concludes with directions for collecting and pressing leaves and making bark rubbings and a page of interesting facts. This is such a natural subject for Gibbons, it’s a wonder she hasn’t done it before. Sure to please. (Nonfiction. 5-9)
Pub Date: April 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-316-30903-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 20, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2002
Categories: CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Did you like this book?
Though she never says outright that he was a real person, Kurtz introduces newly emergent readers to the historical John Chapman, walking along the Ohio, planting apple seeds, and bartering seedlings to settlers for food and clothing. Haverfield supplies the legendary portions of his tale, with views of a smiling, stylishly ragged, clean-shaven young man, pot on head, wildlife on shoulder or trailing along behind. Kurtz caps her short, rhythmic text with an invitation to “Clap your hands for Johnny Chapman. / Clap your hands for Johnny Appleseed!” An appealing way to open discussions of our country’s historical or legendary past. (Easy reader/nonfiction. 5-6)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-689-85958-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2004
Categories: CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Did you like this book?
Rocket is on a mission…to get her angst-y teen brother to put down his cellphone and look up.
An aspiring astronaut, Rocket makes it a point to set up her telescope and gaze at the stars every night before bedtime. Inspired by Mae Jemison, Rocket, a supercute black girl with braids and a coiffed Afro, hopes to be “the greatest astronaut, star catcher, and space walker who has ever lived.” As the night of the Phoenix meteor shower approaches, Rocket makes fliers inviting everyone in her neighborhood to see the cosmic event at the park. Over the course of her preparations, she shares information about space-shuttle missions, what causes a meteor shower, and when is the best time to see one. Jamal, Rocket’s insufferable older brother, who sports a high-top fade and a hoodie, is completely engrossed in his phone, even as just about everybody in the neighborhood turns up. The bright, digital illustrations are an exuberant celebration of both space and black culture that will simultaneously inspire and ground readers. That the main characters are unapologetically black is made plain through myriad details. Rocket’s mother is depicted cornrowing her daughter’s hair with a wide-toothed comb and hair oil. Gap-toothed Rocket, meanwhile, makes her enthusiasm for space clear in the orange jumpsuit both she and her cat wear—and even Jamal’s excited by the end.
Outstanding—a breath of fresh air, just like Rocket herself. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: June 25, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-9848-9442-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: March 12, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Did you like this book?
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2021 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
