Just in time for National Poetry Month and Earth Day in April, National Geographic Kids Books is thrilled to debut Animal Ark: Celebrating Our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures (February 2017, ages 4-8, $15.99) by Newbery Medal-winning author Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess and Deanna Nikaido, featuring photos by National Geographic Fellow and photographer Joel Sartore.
My thoughts: These photographs are absolutely fantastic. The photographer's talent (and patience) involved in capturing the images is superb. True to National Geographic quality, the book presents a child's view of animals that National Geographic is capturing in their photographic animal ark where they are storing images of as many critters as possible. Some may in the future become extinct and these images will have historic and naturalistic value. Children and adults alike will enjoy looking and learning from this delightful picture book. The sparse text invites the reader to "look into their eyes" and "sing our names." And lyric lines such as.....
"wings like a cape, ready for flight into the sweet, dark night."
"how many feathers.... does it take to make a wing to fly, share sky"
About the book: A howling wolf, a stalking tiger, a playful panda, a dancing bird - pairing the stunning photography of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore with the delicate poetry of Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander, this lush picture book celebrates the beauty, diversity, and fragility of the animal world.
Featuring more than 40 unique animal portraits, the pages invite kids to explore each creature's markings, textures, and attributes in stunning detail, while calling on all of us to help protect each and every one. Three picture-packed gatefolds inside showcase even more familiar and exotic species. These images are part of Sartore's lifelong project to photograph every animal in the world, with special attention given to disappearing and endangered species. Animal Ark pairs Alexander’s mix of playful and powerful poetry with more than 100 of Sartore’s most compelling images of the world’s species to create a photographic ark for children that highlights the importance of conservation and celebrates the beauty, diversity and fragility of the animal world. Animal Ark is inspired by the National Geographic Photo Ark, a multiyear effort with Sartore and the National Geographic Society to document every species in captivity—inspiring people not just to care, but also to help protect these animals for future generations.
This picture book is a fantastic and unique selection for National Poetry Month and contains a message that is pitch perfect for Earth Day (April 22nd).
And those adorable photographs don't "just happen." It takes hard work and a fair amount "those won't work" snaps.
GIVEAWAY
Open to USA Addresses Only
Begins April 13
Ends April 30 @ 12:01 a.m EDT Open to USA addresses only.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own alone and are freely given. Prize is provided by and shipped to winner by MM Publicity on behalf of National Geographic.
Talk about the new movie Beauty and the Beast just releasing is seemingly on all fronts. Adults, teens, and kiddies alike are talking. So here we go on Chat With Vera - a bit of fairy tale wonder for the small ones. Board books designed with push, pull, and slide features to engage the young hands and mind and traipse a bit into the different world that is "the fairy tale."
ISBN: 9781626868977
First Stories: Beauty and the Beast by Dan Taylor (Illustrations)
"Do you love me, Beauty? Will you marry me?" First Stories: Beauty and the Beast is a perfect introduction to this classic fairytale. Push, pull, and turn mechanisms bring the story to life and introduce all the main characters: Beauty, her father, and of course the Beast! This well-loved fairytale is beautifully imagined for a new generation by children's illustrator Dan Taylor.
My thoughts: Now I don't know, but I think I would be a bit fearful if I was taken by my father to a huge house (think castle) and left with a beast. A big, furry, scary beast! But not young Beauty. She relished the fancy feast and saw his kindness. Beast fell in love with Beauty because of her happiness and laughter. Then the magical kiss that changed him from Beast to Handsome Prince.
A real fairy tale ending of happy-ever-after. An unrealistic story - but then most fairy tales are. I absolutely love the push, pull, slide, turn features. The books is bright and very sturdy. Silver Dolphin Books and artist Dan Taylor have done a grand job with this little book.
ISBN: 9781626868984
First Stories: Cinderella by Dan Taylor (Illustrations)
"Cinderella, you shall go to the ball!" First Stories: Cinderella is a perfect introduction to this classic fairytale. Push, pull, and turn mechanisms bring the story to life and introduce all the main characters: Cinderella, her stepsisters, the handsome prince, and of course the fairy godmother. This well-loved fairytale is beautifully imagined for a new generation by children's illustrator Dan Taylor.
My thoughts: Ah, we all know the sweet story of Cinderella and how she was rescued from her laborious life of drudgery by the magical abilities of the Fairy Godmother and the Prince who fell in love with her. All little girls want to be beautifully dressed for the magical ball and so they can relate to Cinderella.
Beautifully done in bright, energetic colors and illustrations, this little board book will entice once again young readers into the world that was Cinderella's.
Another fairy tale well done by Silver Dolphin Books and Dan Taylor and just right for little hands.
ISBN: 9781626869004
First Stories: Rapunzel by Dan Taylor (Illustrations)
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair!" First Stories: Rapunzel is the perfect introduction for young children to this classic fairytale. Push, pull, and turn mechanisms bring the story to life and introduce all the main characters: Rapunzel, the handsome prince, and of course the wicked witch! This well-loved fairytale is beautifully imagined for a new generation by children's illustrator Dan Taylor.
My thoughts: This board book is beautifully executed with engaging push, pull, slide tabs that reveal additional action and images. The size is a seven inch square just right for young hands. Colors are bright. Illustrations detailed and lively. The story is told in a sort of rhyme and is a retelling of an old fairy tale.
Being an old fairy tale, it begins with a harshness that I find unsuitable for the youth for which this board book is intended. Hence, particular care should be exercised in reading it to young children. My reasoning?
A baby named Rapunzel, with hair so fair and bright, Was taken by a wicked witch, one dark and stormy night. (pictured are the parents looking on as the witch snatches the baby from the crib).
Now I realize that fairy tales involve witches, bad things happening, and happy-ever-after. But I am troubled (hmmmm... a troubled tale troubles me) that a young child be worried about their own safety and the ability of their parents to protect and care for him or her.
Otherwise, an adorable book and I truly love the push, pull, slide features.
For nearly 20 years, Silver Dolphin Books has published award-winning activity, novelty, and educational nonfiction books for preschoolers to 12-year-olds. Our focus is to create books that engage and inspire children to learn more about the world around them while fostering a love of reading, exploration, and creative expression. From adorably-illustrated board books for toddlers, to interactive play and building sets, to sound books made for story time, we develop innovative books that both enlighten and entertain.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of each of these books from the publicist on behalf of author and publisher, Silver Dolphin Books, to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.
The fabulous team work of Paul Czajak, author, and Wendy Grieb, illustrator, has now brought book 6 in The Monster & Me™ series to stores and libraries all over the place. My experience with The Monster & Me™ books is pure joy and entertainment. Great lessons for kids to learn and positive attitudes about life.
Recently "Monster" learned about getting the vote out. That was highly entertaining and highly educational. Great timing since the United States is in full election year mode right now. But school opens for the 2016-2017 school year in just a few months and Monster Needs To Go To School.
Some kids seem to experience back-to-school jitters and some have difficulty dealing with bullies—especially when they're friends.
Monster is dreading his first day of school. His classroom is full of old and new friends and so many fun things to learn that Monster forgets his fears in no time… until he catches his friends bullying. What will Monster do?
"I know I have a lot to learn, but school is strange and scary.
What if I get bullied since I'm blue and very hairy?"
This sweetly addresses the fear of being or looking different from the others in school.
Being afraid of school as a first-time student can be pretty stressful. Also, if returning to school (and we all NEED to go to school!) and you already know there are bullies lurking around the corner, in the next seat, on the playground, well..... it can be pretty intimidating. Learning to deal with these issues can be smooth or fraught with stumbling blocks (rocks, tears, punches, whatever). But when you've a friend like MONSTER then things go much better.
"I know we're friends, but teasing's wrong. It's something I despise. No one should be ridiculed. There is no compromise."
Paul Czajak lives up to his already established reputation for great text that hits the nail on the head. And working with him with super bright and vivid characters, emotions, and details is Wendy Grieb who has worked with Paul on The Monster & Me™ series.
The Monster & Me™ series has sold 100,000 copies to date, and is a 2015 Silver Moonbeam Children's Book Award winner for Best Picture Book Series. These are books for the library. For the classroom. For the home shelves. Can't you just picture grand-mama bringing in the ENTIRE set for the kiddies. What a fun time they would have! These would be books the kids pull from the shelf time after time for re-reads.
This would be a great book to have for first-day-of-school reads. Or possibly late summer reads leading up to the start of school.
About the author & illustrator: Author Paul Czajak is a Huffington Post contributor and New York Journal of Books reviewer. Illustrator Wendy Grieb is an Annie Award-winning storyboard artist, whose use of bright colors and inclusive representation in each spread has brought Monster and his world to life in a cinematic way!
Many thanks to Mighty Media Press for a review copy. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
About the book: Being a teenager is never easy. Especially when you can talk to sharks! Tristan Hunt has enough to worry about with girl troubles, his parents, and trying to keep his extraordinary abilities a secret. But when Tristan and his friends are called upon to investigate the disappearance of stingrays and other ocean life in the waters off Grand Cayman, the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been before. Can Tristan solve the mystery of the missing stingrays and save them from a horrible fate? Or will he and his friends become the stingray-napper’s next victims?
Join Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardian on their most dangerous adventure yet.
Let's chat with Ellen Prager....
Other than the conservation themes in your books, what is one thing you would want kids to take away from reading Tristan Hunt?
Obviously, I want kids to come away with an interest in the ocean and marine life, but equally I want them to simply enjoy reading and books! Reading is a critical skill for all students and by engaging them with a fun, easy, and entertaining read I hope to the way for a life-long love of and interest in reading.
How has writing for children augmented your career in ocean science? And vice versa?
Writing for children allows me to consider ocean science subjects from a new and very fun perspective, to do research on topics and locales I may not have previously studied, and it enables me to bring so much of what I have learned as a scientist to a new generation of learners and make it entertaining as well as understandable.
You are a recognized name and authority on "things of the sea" and have achieved much in your chosen career. What moved or directed you toward the oceans as your point of interest and career choice?
As a child I loved nature and swimming. I used to run around in the woods, climb trees, and spent hours in the neighborhood pool. Another big influence was watching Jacque Cousteau specials on television back then. But really my career dove headfirst into the ocean when two things happened. I was offered the opportunity to try scuba diving. I fell in love with it and got certified when I was in high school. And in college, I took a semester away from Wesleyan University to study tropical marine science at a marine laboratory in St. Croix. That was it for me, I was "hooked."
Once you began working in that direction, you moved into the realm of authoring books for young readers. Was there an "ah ha!" moment that you decided this was a good direction to pursue and why?
There were many "ah ha" moments along the way! One was when I started visiting classrooms and speaking to kids. I saw their eyes light up when I made science understandable and fun. I then tried my hand at writing popular science and children books. I discovered it came naturally and very much enjoyed it, actually more than writing technical science. Then, a few years ago, people began asking me if I had books specifically for young readers (middle grade). I didn't, so I decided that needed to change. Middle grade is a very influential time in a child's life and can have a big impact on their life-long interests and the lives of those around them. And one of the things I love about writing fiction for young readers is that I get to combine adventure and humor with ocean science (three of my favorite things).
Fortunately, the "ah ha" moments continue. My favorites are when I get a wonderful reaction from readers. Just the other day, after a discussion with a class of middle school students reading my Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardian series, I took lots of selfies with the kids, but on the way out, one young boy raced over, grabbed my legs, and gave me a huge hug for the books. Almost brought me to tears, it was so heart warming and inspiring. That's what it is all about!
What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?
I don't have a single, specific greatest achievement in my career. I'm proud of many of the things I've accomplished. Right now though, I am most proud of the impact I'm having on both young and older readers alike in inspiring an interest in and caring for the ocean and marine life, as well in helping to get kids reading and enjoying it.
What piece of advice would you offer to 1) parents and 2) children?
Encourage your kids to follow their dreams, work hard, don't be afraid to try new things, share your love of reading with them. and give them experiences in nature. So many kids today do not have an opportunity to experience nature firsthand and it is truly worrisome.
As for children, much of the same. Follow your dreams, you can be and do anything. Work hard and be pro-active, go after the things you want, and don't be afraid to take risks. And of course read, read, read and get out into nature – especially the ocean!
Read an excerpted graphic novel that lives in the back of Stingray City. Click this link to read - www.teamtristan.com
About the book: Election season is here and Monster is ready to vote! But why cast your ballot when you can run for president instead? With speeches, debates, and a soapbox or two, Monster’s newest tale is a campaign encouraging kids to take a stand and fight for what they believe in.
My thoughts: The opportunity presented during presidential election year affords elementary, middle and high school teachers a golden opportunity to teach the election process. Granted, the manner it is presented to each level and the manner of involvement of students will be necessarily varied. However, I have seen the creativity of teachers inspire students to get so much into the mood and spirit that halls, doors, and classrooms are literally covered with election promotional materials. Are they actually voting on the leading real-life candidates that their moms and dads will vote on? Sometimes. However, the idea is to get them so involved in learning about the process that they are campaigning and voting. Perhaps on better libraries, shorter school days, or longer summer vacations, the idea is to teach them the electoral process, qualifications for being a candidate, and that every vote counts.
In Monster Needs Your Vote, we again have a delightful elementary picture book about “boy” and his side-kick friend, “Monster.” Monster isn’t scary. He is just Monster, boy’s friend.
It is election time and Monster decides to run. His platform is for longer summer vacation. Frankly, it doesn't carry much weight with the voters.
He and boy discuss matters an Monster learns about how he has to qualify to run for president, and Monster simply doesn’t qualify. He learns that even though he isn’t qualified to run, he is qualified to push for a platform and to vote.
“I’m confused with politics and what it’s all about.
No seems to like me, so I guess I’ll just drop out.”
Monster looked discouraged. He was ready to resign.
But he became inspired when he saw a CLOSING sign.
“The library is closing. That’s a crime that can’t take place!
To fail on education is a national disgrace!”
He gears up to get out the vote for better libraries and books. Monster learns that every vote counts and that being involved by helping to get the vote out is important.
Paul Czajak again has given the world a delightful book in easy-to-read rhyming story form that is a real treat to read. Monster Needs Your Vote is again illustrated by Wendy Grieb in her delightful “monster” style with strong colors and vibrant characters.
A super book (a super series) to have in all types of libraries - home, school, and public.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the publisher, Mighty Media Press, to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review. Pictures were provided to me by the publisher and used with their permission.
About the book: Wheel and axle, wedge, and screw. Lever and pulley and inclined plane, too! Learning about the six simple machines has never been more fun! Through exciting science projects and activities kids can easily do at home or school, tomorrow’s scientists and engineers will have a blast learning about simple machines and how they make daily life easier. This book is the perfect STEM companion for curious minds at home or in the classroom.
Book includes: biographical spotlights on famous scientists and inventors; introduction to each simple machine, including real-world examples & history; materials & tools list; infographics; step-by-step instructions and photos; safety information; timeline; glossary; and index My thoughts: I remember when my children were in school they learned about simple machines in school during science lessons. It would have been absolutely fantastic to have had The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines available for them to thoroughly explore the basics of machine concepts.
In this super little book, the six basic machines are introduced in understandable terms and then spotlights are on the history of their discovery and use as well. The six are: lever, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, wheel and axle, and screw. Included are activities using simple, everyday items to make these or use them to create engineering marvels of their very own.
Illustrations include sketches as well as photographs and simple to understand text.
I like that the author brings a bit of history lesson into the mix as well - introducing Archimedes, Galileo, and on to the Wright brothers and Rube Goldberg. I like that there is a separate chapter for each “machine” after the initial introductory chapter. Again, the author has placed a spotlight in each chapter that captures the reader’s attention with history or more detail. Wonderful! Then at the back, finding or identifying machines in everyday things. And then the wonderful concept of true engineering – putting together several “machines” to create one.
And like all good educational books, there is a glossary of words and terms that might need a bit of defining. Then for hunting and finding a bit of special information, there is an index at the back and a table of contents in the front. Truly a book that will prove entertaining (for boys and girls alike), educational (for kids of all ages – yep, Mom & Dad will enjoy discovering with the kids), and enjoyable.
Author/illustrator: Kelly Doudna Kelly Doudna is a graphic designer and writer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She spends her free time biking, inventing soup recipes, taking photos of food and downtown Minneapolis, and blogging about it all. She thinks of London, England, as her geographical soul mate and would like to live there some day. Writing about herself in the third person makes her feel weird.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Mighty Media Kids to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed herein are my own and given freely without compensation.
I'm looking forward to another of the "Monster Needs..." books. Coming VERY SOON is Monster Needs Your Vote.
In case you're not yet familiar with these books, run to your favorite store or library and snag a copy of any or all of the "Monster Needs..." books and start enjoying.
The Monster Needs Your Vote story will help parents and teachers teach young readers about the voting and election process here in America. In addition to this really fun book, the creators, Paul Czajak and Wendy Grieb, along with the publisher, Mighty Media Press, have provided lots of goodies for you to download and use in the learning process.
There are Presidential Facts and First Lady Facts, vocabulary words, qualifications for being president (some great information), and activity sheets. CLICK HERE to get this FREE fun stuff. And be sure to watch Chat With Vera for a review.
About the book: Would an elephant learn the ABCs if she went to school? No way! She would learn to use her trunk as a nose, a straw, a hand, and a hose!
Through a series of questions and answers, readers learn about animals and their unique behaviors. And in the end, you might find yourself asking just what would you learn.
My thoughts: I previously reviewed Ellen Fischer’s If An Armadillo Went to a Restaurant and found it to be fun to look at just what various animals and critters would eat at restaurants. Ms. Fischer has just released a second in this series and it is just in time for those little ones going to school – either for the first time or returning – If An Elephant Went to School. Frankly, I enjoyed this one even more than the Armadillo story. This is just plain fun.
Laura Woods is again illustrating this book just as she did the Armadillo book. These animals are full of life, expression, and just down right cute. I like that she uses different tones of color in her illustrations than we normally find in kiddie books. She deviates a bit from basic primary colors and incorporates teals, russets, and variations of browns, greens and oranges. The colors literally pop.
There are lessons to be learned for these critters going to school. Each learns what is best for that type of critter. Would the bee learn to read? No, the bee would learn to make honey.
The story is great as a read-aloud book for group settings such as library groups, classrooms, etc. as well as reading it individually to a child. It can also be read by early readers, though the vocabulary right be beyond really early readers.
At the end, the question is raised, “If I went to school what would I learn?” Then the comparison of learning what critters learn and what a child learns is brought about ending on a happy note where the child is brought into the story himself.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the Mighty Media Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
