A thoughtful nature book that asks sharp questions.
Former elementary school teacher Baker presents a nonfiction children’s book about reptiles that encourages critical thinking.
In a series of comparisons Baker presents seemingly conflicting opinions about such creatures as alligators, lizards, and snakes, and then asks readers to analyze arguments on each side—both of which are backed up by scientific fact. On a two-page spread titled “Alligators Are Excellent Parents,” for instance, readers learn how alligator mothers build camouflaged nests to protect their eggs from predators; this is juxtaposed with “Alligators Are Terrible Parents,” which presents a less-positive portrait of alligator fathers, who sometimes inadvertently eat their offspring. Turtle shells could be considered lifesaving, because slow turtles can’t outrun many predators; however, if they didn’t have heavy shells, they would be faster and more easily escape. In support of the statement that snakes aren’t dangerous, the author offers statistics: The reptiles kill about five people per year in the United States, but it pales in comparison to dogs, who cause 43 deaths. Baker then points out that venomous snakes are extremely dangerous, biting millions of people each year and causing long-term health problems. Another comparison asks if lizards are pests or helpful insect eaters. Tortoises are shown to be high-maintenance pets, but also quiet, calm alternatives to cats or dogs. After presenting all these opinions, Baker asks readers to write their own, using prompts such as “Do you think it is fair to expect an alligator mom to keep all of her eggs alive?” The author presents readers with many fun and thought-provoking reptile facts, and the colorful design and stock reptile photos will engage young readers’ attention. The final assertion that “you do not have to agree with every opinion you read—even if the facts are true!” is a lesson that may be difficult for youngsters to parse. Still, Baker repeatedly encourages readers to think for themselves with pointed queries, such as “What does the author think is important? Do you agree?” and “Is the author trying to influence your emotions by making you sad, angry, or disgusted?”
A thoughtful nature book that asks sharp questions.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Jan. 6, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones.
Not even the arrival of autumn can cool down this impetuous squirrel.
Although Squirrel is skeptical about Bird’s vegetable patch (“Nothing is HAPPENING!”), Bird does produce five (count them) lovely pumpkins. Squirrel picks out a favorite: “The enormous orange one.” Bird hints that Squirrel might want to help out; Squirrel sets out to fetch some work gloves and returns to find only four pumpkins. The frequently distracted Squirrel notices more gourds disappearing and leaps to the conclusion that a thief is near. And where’s Bird?! Has Squirrel’s pal also been taken? Diligently detecting, Squirrel finds clues—peck marks, footprints, and more—and produces a sketch of the suspect. As readers will guess, each clue turns out to point to one of Squirrel and Bird’s friends. Turns out Bird was delivering pumpkins to their pals while saving the big one to give to “my very best friend,” Squirrel. But why does Squirrel haul it up a tree? “So the Pumpkin Thief can’t find it, of course!” A page of pumpkin facts provides the learning component common to all titles in this series. Once more, readers will enjoy the pleasure of prediction and repetition, Squirrel’s silly persistence, Bird’s generosity, and the vibrant color illustrations, balancing orange with green.
More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 28, 2026
ISBN: 9781464268076
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2026
Pete’s fans might find it groovy; anyone else has plenty of other “12 Days of Christmas” variants to choose among
Pete, the cat who couldn’t care less, celebrates Christmas with his inimitable lassitude.
If it weren’t part of the title and repeated on every other page, readers unfamiliar with Pete’s shtick might have a hard time arriving at “groovy” to describe his Christmas celebration, as the expressionless cat displays not a hint of groove in Dean’s now-trademark illustrations. Nor does Pete have a great sense of scansion: “On the first day of Christmas, / Pete gave to me… / A road trip to the sea. / GROOVY!” The cat is shown at the wheel of a yellow microbus strung with garland and lights and with a star-topped tree tied to its roof. On the second day of Christmas Pete gives “me” (here depicted as a gray squirrel who gets on the bus) “2 fuzzy gloves, and a road trip to the sea. / GROOVY!” On the third day, he gives “me” (now a white cat who joins Pete and the squirrel) “3 yummy cupcakes,” etc. The “me” mentioned in the lyrics changes from day to day and gift to gift, with “4 far-out surfboards” (a frog), “5 onion rings” (crocodile), and “6 skateboards rolling” (a yellow bird that shares its skateboards with the white cat, the squirrel, the frog, and the crocodile while Pete drives on). Gifts and animals pile on until the microbus finally arrives at the seaside and readers are told yet again that it’s all “GROOVY!”
Pete’s fans might find it groovy; anyone else has plenty of other “12 Days of Christmas” variants to choose among . (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-06-267527-9
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 19, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
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.
