The noted science writer covers familiar territory with his characteristic flair, offering real specifics on: why leaves turn; the earth's rotation and angle with respect to the sun; the calendar vs. other measures of the season; a sampling of seasonal animal behavior (bison clustering around Yellowstone's hot springs; monarch butterfly migrations); sights across the nation (milkweed, pumpkins, brilliant yellow aspens in the Rockies, heavy rains in the Olympic rain forest). A lucid introduction, presented thoughtfully and with enough scientific detail to convey real understanding. The handsome color photos—by the author himself, among others—are mounted on pages in vivid autumnal colors embellished with delicate traceries of leaves: sometimes dazzling when it comes to reading, but right in the spirit of a perfect October day. (Nonfiction. 6-10)
Pub Date: Nov. 8, 1993
ISBN: 1-56282-467-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1993
Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
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