A gorgeously rendered set of photographs and captions that will delight the family’s littlest naturalists.
An introduction to some of North America’s weird and wonderful wildlife.
Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest is the largest remaining temperate rainforest on the planet. Every spring, this diverse ecosystem becomes home to a fascinating array of baby animals, birds, and other wildlife. From the adorably inquisitive Kermode bear cub through the ridiculously fuzzy glaucous-winged gull chick to the shimmering, squishy baby opalescent squid, the youngest inhabitants of the Great Bear Rainforest are all wonderful in their own, unique ways. Nature photographer McAllister’s stunning images are paired with colorful, simple, thoughtfully designed captions stating the names of the wildlife pictured. Since the book includes land mammals, birds, and marine life, the photographs also provide an introduction to the habitats that form the rainforest’s ground, canopy, and waters as well as a glimpse into the creatures’ homes and, at times, dietary habits. The book is visually stimulating without being overwhelming, making it perfect for very young readers who are more engaged with pictures than with text. The careful selection of unusual creatures also makes it more interesting than the typical baby-animal book. Older children will enjoy the photographs but may wish for more information than the book contains; McAllister’s collaborations with Nicholas Read (A Whale’s World, 2018, etc.), while aimed at early-elementary children, may be a better bet.
A gorgeously rendered set of photographs and captions that will delight the family’s littlest naturalists. (Board book. 6 mos.-2)Pub Date: Feb. 26, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4598-2166-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2019
Simple, encouraging text, charming photographs, straightforward, unpretentious diversity, and adorable animals—what’s not to...
This entry-level early reader/picture book pairs children with farm animals.
Using a simple, effective template—a full-page photograph on the recto page and a bordered spot photo above the text on the verso—Rotner delivers an amiable picture book that presents racially and ethnically diverse kids interacting (mostly in the cuddling department) with the adult and baby animals typically found on a farm. Chickens, chicks, cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, pigs, piglets, cows, and calves are all represented. While a couple of double-page spreads show the larger adult animals—pigs and cows—without a child, most of the rest portray a delighted child hugging a compliant critter. The text, simple and repetitive, changes only the name for the animal depicted in the photo on that spread: “I like the cat”; “I like the piglet.” In this way, reading comprehension for new readers is supported in an enjoyable, appealing way, since the photo of the animal reinforces the new word. It’s hard to go wrong combining cute kids with adorable animals, but special kudos must be given for the very natural way Rotner has included diversity—it’s especially gratifying to see diversity normalized and validated early, at the same time that reading comprehension is taught.
Simple, encouraging text, charming photographs, straightforward, unpretentious diversity, and adorable animals—what’s not to like? (Picture book/early reader. 2-6)Pub Date: Aug. 15, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-8234-3833-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 14, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2017
A good introduction to observation, data, and trying again.
Cece loves asking “why” and “what if.”
Her parents encourage her, as does her science teacher, Ms. Curie (a wink to adult readers). When Cece and her best friend, Isaac, pair up for a science project, they choose zoology, brainstorming questions they might research. They decide to investigate whether dogs eat vegetables, using Cece’s schnauzer, Einstein, and the next day they head to Cece’s lab (inside her treehouse). Wearing white lab coats, the two observe their subject and then offer him different kinds of vegetables, alone and with toppings. Cece is discouraged when Einstein won’t eat them. She complains to her parents, “Maybe I’m not a real scientist after all….Our project was boring.” Just then, Einstein sniffs Cece’s dessert, leading her to try a new way to get Einstein to eat vegetables. Cece learns that “real scientists have fun finding answers too.” Harrison’s clean, bright illustrations add expression and personality to the story. Science report inserts are reminiscent of The Magic Schoolbus books, with less detail. Biracial Cece is a brown, freckled girl with curly hair; her father is white, and her mother has brown skin and long, black hair; Isaac and Ms. Curie both have pale skin and dark hair. While the book doesn’t pack a particularly strong emotional or educational punch, this endearing protagonist earns a place on the children’s STEM shelf.
A good introduction to observation, data, and trying again. (glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: June 19, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-06-249960-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2018
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