Let's Clear the Air: 10 Reasons Not to Start Smoking

Today for Nonfiction Monday, I'm happy to present the first review from our newest contributor, Mary Rowe, "The Library Queen."


Let's Clear the Air: 10 Reasons Not to Start Smoking is probably the most readable book on the subject I have seen. There are ten chapters. Each chapter is devoted to one reason not to start smoking. Within each chapter, the reader is introduced to pre-teens and teens who think no one should start to smoke. After the introduction. the reader is allowed to peek into the mind of person by reading his/her original essay dealing with the topic of smoking

The ten reasons given for not smoking are the ones you would expect: cancer, other health issues, relationships, addiction, performance, appearance, the entertainment trap, false advertising, and money.

What you might not expect is the honesty of these young people as they tell how family members suffered because someone in the family smoked. They tell of the pain they felt when their parent or grandparent died from cancer. They tell of cousins addicted to cigarettes who have told them NEVER to start smoking because they themselves can't quit. In the chapter about how tobacco affects athletic performance oral cancer and smokeless tobacco were also addressed.

Included in each chapter are interesting facts which highlight the dangers of tobacco in brief sentences inside gray boxes. Lighter gray boxes have the student essays. This layout helps the reader to focus on specific aspects that interest them. Other features that will keep students reading are black and white pencil drawings. For students who want to take action facts relating to how they can become active in spreading the message about the dangers of tobacco are included.

I believe this book would be a wonderful addition to a school or public library. Students will not feel someone is preaching to them as they read this book. The teens included in the book speak with words that are convincing and not overly edited to sound less than authentic.

Adrienne Joy Lowry was seven when her dad died of cancer. The book includes Adrienne's story in her own words.

"My dad died on November 2, 2002. I wrote this in my journal on the day that he died.

'Today my daddy died. It was really sad. I will miss him. He took his last breath and poof he was gone. His spirit went to heaven. He is special.' "

She concludes her essay with this statement of firm resolve:

"I will never smoke because I don't want my kids someday to have to go through what I went through" (p 15).

Another essay I liked was by Brenna on page 107. She writes,

"If you think you want to start smoking, you should think again! Because if you like the way you look now, that can all change when you start smoking. When you smoke the tar in the cigarettes will stain your teeth and fingers yellow. Smokers also have really bad breath!"

How much more honest can you get?

This book was published in Canada and includes photos of Canadian cigarette package warnings. It is interesting to note that these warnings include photos of the disease along with the warning. I think it would be much harder to pick up a pack of cigarettes that had a photo of diseased lung or a clogged heart valve along with the words "smoking causes lung cancer or doubles your risk of stroke."


What Other Bloggers are Saying:

A Patchwork of Books: "The parts that will really hit home to kids are the personal accounts written by real kids for the teens and older children reading the book. Those written accounts are what make the book go by so quickly and actually make it an enjoyable read." (read more...)


More Info:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Lobster Press (October 31, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897073666
• ISBN-13: 978-1897073667
• Source: Review copy from publisher
  

Animals at the Edge: Saving the World's Rarest Creatures by Jonathan and Marilyn Baillie

Animals at the EDGE: Saving the World's Rarest Creatures by Jonathan and Marilyn Baillie

Happy Nonfiction Monday! Be sure to visit Anastasia Suen's Picture Book of the Day for lots of nonfiction choices.

This week, I'm serving up a brand new book that introduces children to 11 of the world's rarest and endangered creatures and the scientists that study them. The featured animals in the book are all part of the Zoological Society of London's EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered) project.

The book is organized into spreads that provide interesting facts about an endangered animal, a narrative from the scientist who studies it, and a notebook with the scientist's field notes.

Image courtesy Maple Tree Press

In the featured spread above, the endangered animal is the long-eared Jerboa, a mouse-sized animal that lives in the desert of China and Mongolia. Little is known about this mysterious animal, including reasons why it's disappearing. That's what scientists like Uuganbadrakh Oyunkhishig, the scientist in this particular spread, are trying to find out so they can save it from extinction.

The content in the book is written in digestible chunks in "kid-friendly," "you-centered" language. The scientists write their narratives in first person as if they are talking to the reader, and the inclusion of the field notes section adds a nice touch.

The end of the book contains a colorful map of Earth showing where all of the featured animals can be found, a glossary, and more information about the EDGE project.

Not only do children learn interesting information about some of Earth's endangered animals, but they get a glimpse into what it's like to be a scientist, a more "unconventional" career that may interest them. Unlike other books that "preach" about conservation, this book shows kids WHY it's important to take care of the Earth.

Learning Opportunities:

• Use as a supplemental resource in science and social studies classrooms in units on species, conservation, geography, and endangered species
• Visit the EDGE project's website to view more rare and endangered animals. For a project idea, kids can research and develop their own presentation about one of the animals found on the site.
  
  

More Info:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Maple Tree Press (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897349335
• ISBN-13: 978-1897349335
• Source of book: Review copy from publisher
  

Elizabeth Leads the Way by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote
by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

"What would you do
if someone told you
you can't be what you want to be
because you're a girl?

What would you do
if someone told you
your vote doesn't count,
your voice doesn't matter
because you're a girl?

Would you ask why?
Would you talk back?
Would you fight...
for your rights?

Elizabeth did. "

This is the intro to Tanya Lee Stone's thought-provoking biography for younger readers that highlights Elizabeth Cady Stanton's life story and focuses on her pivotal role in the Women's Suffrage Movement. What is most impressive about this biography is that Stone effectively conveys a clear picture of Cady Stanton's personality and spirit AND gives a great overview of the beginning of the movement using clear and concise language. Rebecca Gibbon's illustrations are rendered in gouache and colored-pencil on paper and compliment the story's vibrant and fast-paced tone.

Readers are not overwhelmed with facts and leave with this message: Cady Stanton was a courageous, determined, and well-respected person whose efforts and persistence inspired others to continue in her footsteps and ultimately win the right to vote for women. It's a very inspiring and engaging story.



Learning Opportunities:

• This would work well in both social studies' and language arts classrooms with lessons on biography, women's suffrage, famous women in history, equality, and more
  
• Pair the book with Jennifer Fosberry's My Name is Not Isabella to give children a glimpse of influential women in history
  
• Download a teacher's guide with a variety of questions and activities from Henry Holt's website
  

What Other Bloggers are Saying:

Picture Book of the Day: "This book begins with a series of questions and then shows how ONE person answered those questions. Use this pattern as a model as students write about what they think needs to change." (read more...)


Shelf-Employed: "It has minimal text that is easy to understand but captures the essence of Cady Stanton's role in the Women's Suffrage movement, along with the more mundane details of her daily life." (read more...)


More info:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (April 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805079033
• ISBN-13: 978-0805079036
• Source: Library
  

Other books of interest:
The Hope Chest by Karen Schwabach
With Courage and Cloth: Winning the Fight for a Woman's Right to Vote by Ann Bausum
You Want Women to Vote, Lizzie Stanton? by Jean Fritz

Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World

Note: Starting today, and for the rest of the week, I'm going to be sharing a variety of nonfiction children's books that would make excellent classroom resources. All of the books, aside from today's selection, have been published this year.

Now, with today's selection:



Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World by Maya Ajmera and Anna Rhesa Versola

Even though this book has been around for a while, it's chock full of learning opportunities for children. Brought to us by The Global Fund for Children, the book introduces children to 25 countries around the world and one imaginary land, Xanadu. Starting with Australia, the book presents a different country for each letter of the alphabet. For each country, children can read fun and interesting facts, information about the children in the country, and even how to say and pronounce that country's world for hello. In addition to the narrative about the country, each spread also contains a section that lists the country's flag, capital, languages spoken, population, number of children, favorite sports, an environmental fact, and names of other countries that begin with the same letter. Each spread also includes a map of the country, showing where it is in the world along with its neighbors.

In addition to all of the information you can learn, each spread includes beautiful full-color photographs of children in that particular country. For example, in the Philippines spread, we see smiling children on the beach covered in black sand, girls dancing to the music of gongs and bamboo flutes, boys playing basketball, and a young girl weaving colorful fabric on a loom.

The information in the book is well-organized and presented in an easy-to-read, conversational tone. Unlike similar books in this genre, kids are not overwhelmed with facts. In fact, the authors selected information that really appeals to children.

Most importantly, the book introduces children to diverse cultures and demonstrates the similarities among children regardless of where they're from, what they look like, and what language they speak.

This would make an excellent addition to any home, school, or classroom library.

Research Project Ideas:
Have children create their own alphabet books featuring countries from the "other countries" list on each page. For a classroom book, assign a different country to each child, each one being responsible for creating a spread for the book. For teachers with the resources and access to a computer lab, you could even create a template with something as simple as Microsoft Word and have students drop in their own information. Children could even take home their own copies of the book if resources allow.

Variations:

• Assign children to create posters for their assigned country
• For language arts, have children write a short article or essay about their assigned country
• For the creative types, children can write a story or create a piece of art representing their assigned country
• If children know someone who is from their assigned country, they could even conduct an interview with that person
  
• Invite community members who are from the countries you're covering to come speak to the class
  

More information about the book:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing; 2 Revised edition (July 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570914788
• ISBN-13: 978-1570914782
• Source: Review copy from The Global Fund for Children
  

Learn more about The Global Fund for Children!

Reaching Out to Reluctant Readers with Nonfiction

Some children don't like to read.

While that seems like a pretty obvious and simplistic statement, the reasons for WHY they don't like to read are complex and unique to individual children. Some may have a learning disability and may find reading to be a painful, frustrating, and even embarrassing process, especially when asked to read aloud in class. Some kids are involved in so many activities that they simply can't find the time to sit down with a book. And some find reading to be excruciatingly boring, given all of the other high-tech visually stimulating forms of entertainment out there.


Regardless of the reason, there's no arguing that knowing HOW to read is a crucial life skill, and the more you read, the more well-rounded and successful you'll be in many aspects of life.

If you find that your child is struggling with reading, talk to him or her about it, and try to get to the heart of the matter. If you suspect a learning disability, talk to a reading specialist, your child's teacher or principal, or another professional who can help assess the situation and provide services if necessary. But even if your child does require help from experts, there are still things you can do to help him or her develop a love for books or reading, and one of these is introducing your child to nonfiction.

Why nonfiction?
According to Dr. Susan B. Neuman, "Some children prefer nonfiction. They enjoy learning about how things work — spaceships, machines, scientific phenomena. You’ll find that these children ask lots of questions when you read them nonfiction, and they develop a rich vocabulary on these topics. Nonfiction books are filled with wonderful real-life pictures and clear illustrations that will fascinate your child." **

Another great thing about nonfiction is that many books are broken up into chunks with accompanying illustrations or photographs. This is great for kids who are either hesitant or unable to read long stories. They can flip through the book and choose to read what interests them the most.

Perhaps the best benefit of nonfiction is that it demonstrates to reluctant readers that you can find a lot of great information in books and that reading can actually be enjoyable.


Choosing nonfiction
With all of the material available out there, how do you go about finding reading materials for your child?

Here a few quick pointers:

1. Go straight to the source and ASK your child.
   What topic would he/she like to learn more about? What interests him/her? Perhaps it's insects, a sports figure, dinosaurs, or cooking.
   
   
2. Once you get an idea about what your child likes, seek help from a librarian, teacher, other parents, etc.
   Don't take it all on yourself to find reading material for your child. Your local children's librarian can help you find books on the topic that interests your child, and because he/she is around books all day, he/she can quickly point you in the right direction.
   
   
3. Don't worry too much about the book's suggested reading level.
   Sometimes we want to make sure that our children are reading at the appropriate level, and we may pass up books that are either above or below our child's reading level. With reluctant readers, the goal is really to get books into your child's hands, and good nonfiction has compelling pictures that your child will enjoy even if he/she can't read the text. If your child has difficulty reading the text, reading with him/her is a great bonding opportunity. Plus, you'll be around to answer questions and discuss the book's subject matter. If the book is below your child's reading level, that's still okay. It doesn't mean he/she is not learning. I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned from the nonfiction children's books I've read.
   
   
4. Don't limit yourself to books.
   Because books can sometimes be overwhelming, try audio books or magazines. Even look for information on the Web. If a nearby museum has an exhibit on the topic of interest, plan a visit. In real life, we don't get all of our information from books, yet we're surrounded by words.
   
   
5. Most importantly, make it fun.
   Forcing your child to read or learn information that's not interesting to him/her will backfire on your efforts to instill the joy of reading in your child.
   

Nonfiction Suggestions
Here are just a few wonderful nonfiction books I've recently read and highly recommend. Check out the left sidebar of this blog to find more of my nonfiction book reviews.

Guess What Is Growing Inside This Egg by Mia Posada
Designed for younger children, this beautifully illustrated book features rhyming clues that invite children to guess the animal that is growing inside the egg. (read my full review here)








Sisters and Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
This book presents all kinds of interesting information about animal sibling relationships. For example, did you know that nine-banded armadillos are ALWAYS born as identical quadruplets? Did you know that cheetah brothers hunt together throughout their lives while the sisters separate from their families when they're two years old to start their own. (read my full review here)


Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia of the World's Best Kept Secrets by John Farndon
Do Not Open comes in its own silver vault that begs readers to open it, and the book itself is chock full of fascinating facts from ships and aircraft that have disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle to the eerie similarities between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. (read my full review here)




Nonfiction Blogs
I.N.K. (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids): A blog authored by current authors of nonfiction who strive to provide children with interesting and compelling nonfiction.

Nonfiction Matters: A School-Library Journal blog, that is "a place for lovers (haters, doubters, and creators) of nonfiction for younger readers to gather and think together about how to make it better."




** Neuman, Susan B. "Enticing a Restless Reader." Scholastic, Inc.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1505

When I Grow Up: A Young Person's Guide to Interesting and Unusual Occupations by Jessica Loy

When I Grow Up: A Young Person's Guide to Interesting and Unusual Occupations by Jessica Loy

Choosing a career path is quite a daunting task. Some people know from childhood what they want to do, but I think most people really don't know until later in life. Regardless of whether you know "what you want to be when you grow up" or not, it's always very interesting to learn about different jobs. Look at the success of Deadliest Catch and Dirty Jobs, two shows that fascinate me. I'm a little too squeamish to actually be a crab fisherman or one of the professionals on Dirty Jobs, but I'm interested in learning more about them, nonetheless.

Now, Jessica Loy has written a book that features people who have very interesting and unusual occupations. We meet the following people:

• Entomologist
• Alpaca Farmer
• Archaeologist
  
• Master Cheese Maker
• Research Biologist
• Game Designer
• Chocolatier
• Percussionist
• Lobsterman (who is a woman)
  
• Guitar Makers
• Kite Designer
• Pet Photographer
• Set Designer
• Robotics Engineer
  

Each career gets its own two-page spread that features quotes from a professional in the field, full-color photographs, and lots of interesting information about the career. For example, we meet Jamie Miller, a master cheese maker. He works on a farm in Vermont that produces cheddar cheese, and the book covers the 12 steps in the cheese-making process, from cow to packaging.

We also meet Andrea Lain, an archaeologist, who knew at the age of eight that she wanted to dedicate her life to studying the past. Her spread features a number of photographs of artifacts, including a deer jaw, a fragment from a 17th century chamber pot, and burned bone fragments found in a fireplace site.

I like this book because it introduces careers that appeal to kids who are creative, and it may inspire them to nurture that creativity within them. The language in the book is easy to read and would make a good choice for reluctant readers. It's a definite must-have for libraries.



More information:

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805077170
• ISBN-13: 978-0805077179
• Source of book: Review copy from publisher
  

Visit Picture Book of the Day for more great nonfiction selections.

Rest in Peace: A History of America's Cemeteries

Rest in Peace: A History of American Cemeteries by Meg Greene
Reading Level: Grade 7
Library Binding: 112 pages
Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books (CT) (December 15, 2007)
Amazon Price: $24.48
Genre: Nonfiction
ISBN-13: 978-0822534143
Source of book: Review copy from publisher



Growing up in a small town in Southwestern Virginia, there seemed to be a church on nearly every corner. Many of those churches had their own cemeteries, and I remember always being both a little scared and a little fascinated with them. I would look at the graves, the names, the ages of the deceased, the families buried together and would imagine what their story was, how they died, what untold secrets were buried with them. The headstones themselves revealed a bit of their stories and were very intriguing: the statues, the epitaphs, the varying colors, sizes, and designs. As you can imagine, I was very excited to receive a copy of Rest in Peace: A History of American Cemeteries.

The book gives readers a history of cemeteries from the Native American burial grounds in 3000 B.C. to today's "green burials." Along the way, we learn about burial practices, traditions, and customs, along with the evolution of cemeteries from the unsanitary swampy churchyards to the well-groomed lawns we see today. We even learn about pet cemeteries, ethnic cemeteries, and New Orleans' struggle with burying people underground. And if readers are yearning for more information, the back of the book contains a time line, a source notes, a list of places to visits, and recommendations for more books and websites. The sepia-toned photographs throughout the book offer engaging visual support and give the book a somber tone appropriate for the discussion of cemeteries.

While the subject matter may not appeal to all kids, this throughly-researched book provides a comprehensive discussion of American cemeteries and tons of fascinating facts that make it a perfect choice a kid who's into history. It would also make an excellent resource for a history classroom.




What Other Bloggers are Saying:

If you've reviewed this book, please leave a comment with your link, and I'll post it here.

Pompeii: Unearthing Ancient Worlds by Liz Sonneborn

Pompeii: Unearthing Ancient Worlds by Liz Sonneborn

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Library Binding: 80 pages
Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books (CT) (December 15, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0822575051
ISBN-13: 978-0822575054
Source: Review copy from publisher


This week's nonfiction selection is part of the new "Unearthing Ancient Worlds" series.

In 79 A.D. Mt. Vesuvius erupted destroying three cities in the Ancient Roman Empire: Naples, Herculaneum, and the most famous of the three, Pompeii.

In 1738, a farmer was digging a well near the town of Resina and dug up marble objects from the ground. Charles of Bourbon, the son of the king of Spain, heard of these finds and sent a member of his army, Joachin de Alcubierre to Resina to find out more about these objects. Pompeii: Unearthing Ancient Worlds details Alcubierre's discovery and excavation of Herculaneum and later of Pompeii.

Through full-color photographs and a detailed and engaging narrative, the book describes many of the treasures that were found as well as the things that went wrong with the excavation under Alcubierre's command. His lack of knowledge of proper excavation techniques, unfamiliarity with art, and desire to win favor with the king resulted in a rushed job, hazardous working conditions, and overlooked artifacts. After decades of backbreaking work and various setbacks, Alcubierre and his crew managed to unearth an abundance of priceless artifacts.

Readers can see many of the treasures that were unearthed, including beautiful frescoes, marble statues, mosaic floors, paved streets, and public fountains. Maps, a time line, a pronunciation guide, a glossary, and a "Who's Who" section in the back of the book add to the richness of the narrative and give readers a wealth of information about these ancient cities buried under the ash. There's even a list of books and online resources where readers can go to find more information.

This would make an excellent resource for lessons about Ancient Rome, archeology, Pompeii, art, volcanic eruptions, and more. Kids who are interested in any of these subjects will find the content easily digestible and the photos and illustrations interesting.

I'm eager to read the other books in the series:




Emperor Qin's Terra Cotta Army by Michael Capek

From the publisher: "A dead emperor guarded by his army for 2,000 years… One day in 1974, a group of farmers in rural China found a life-size clay statue of a man’s head buried deep in a field. When government archaeologists inspected the area, they discovered that beneath the ground were more than eight thousand life-size clay soldiers, each one with a unique face. In nearby chambers, they unearthed clay horses, carefully preserved swords, bronze statues, and other astonishing things." (Read more...)


Palenque by Deborah Kops

From the publisher: "Mysterious ancient ruins, hidden deep in the jungle of southern Mexico… In May 1840, explorers John Stephens and Frederick Catherwood road their mules along a steep, muddy jungle path. They were hoping to find the ruins of an ancient, deserted site in Mexico they knew only from visitors’ accounts. Through the trees, they spied the remains of a crumbling stone palace. Palenque!" (read more...)



The Tomb of King Tutankhamen by Michael Woods and Mary B. Woods

From the publisher: "A royal treasure buried for 3,000 years … On November 4, 1922, a British archaeologist named Howard Carter unearthed a buried staircase in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. At the bottom of the staircase was a door bearing the name Tutankhamen..." (read more...)






What Other Bloggers are Saying:

A Patchwork of Books: (on the series) "These are great books for visual learning, as well as text reading. They are written in a very flowing manner, rather than dry like a lot of non-fiction books, and read almost like a story. The photographs and paintings depicted in the books are amazing and the huge amount of facts offered is astounding." (read more...)


If you've reviewed any books in the Unearthing Ancient Worlds Series, leave a comment with the link, and I'll post it here.

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku by Ellie Crow, illustrated by Richard Waldrep

Reading level: Grades 3-4
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (October 31, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1584302763
ISBN-13: 978-1584302766
Source of book: Review copy from publisher


Duke Kahanamoku was born in Hawaii in 1890 and learned how to swim when he was four years old. He could be found in the ocean swimming and surfing nearly every day from that point forward. Though he struggled in school, his swimming talent was extraordinary. So much so that he went onto win Olympic gold and became a hero and role model to people all over the world.

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku chronicles Duke's story in a manner approachable to children. Through a chronological account of his life, Ellie Crow presents Duke as a talented, courageous, kind, and humble person. His courage and determination especially shine through as he is faced with racism when he travels to different US cities to qualify for the Olympics. The main focus of the book, however, celebrates the life of Duke Kahanamoku and introduces him to young readers who may have never heard of him before.

Richard Waldrep's brilliantly-colored "art-deco like" illustrations perfectly compliment the story, giving it a nostalgic feel. A time line and world map in the back highlight key events in Duke's life.

This would make a great choice for children who are interested in biographies, swimming, and surfing, and for boys who are looking for strong male role models. Social studies and language arts teachers can also use it as a supplemental resource in lessons about the Olympics, notable Asian/American figures, WWI, and discrimination.

Visit the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Picture Book of the Day.

What Other Bloggers are Saying:

Papertigers.org: "At a time in American history when racism was widely acceptable, Duke Kahanamoku overcame the dual stigmas of being both poor and dark-skinned to achieve athletic excellence and to earn the respect and admiration of people all over the world. Ellie Crowe's lovingly crafted biography should inspire many readers to follow his example." (Read more...)

BookMoot: "Duke's Creed of Aloha is a fitting ending to an excellent biography of a man who always exhibited good sportsmanship and Olympic ideals. Richard Waldrep perfectly illustrates the story with wonderous full color illustrations that evoke vintage art deco travel posters." (Read more...)

If you have a review of Surfer of the Century, leave a comment with the link, and I'll post it here.

This is My Planet: The Kids' Guide to Global Warming

This Is My Planet: The Kids' Guide to Global Warming by Jan Thornhill

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Maple Tree Press (September 28, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1897349076
ISBN-13: 978-1897349076


It's Nonfiction Monday, and in honor of Earth Day on Tuesday, here's a book that gives children a comprehensive look at global warming.

Did you know that sea levels are rising at a rate that's three times faster than a hundred years ago? That climate changes are causing Adelie penguins to travel so far that they're arriving too late at their nesting grounds to rear their young? That native peoples of the far north are having a more difficult and dangerous time hunting due to the warming climate? You'll learn more about this and much much more in This Is My Planet: The Kids' Guide to Global Warming.

Using simple, straightforward language Jan Thornhill shows how the world is interconnected and the cascading effects caused by global warming. The book reminds me of a scrapbook with color photographs and illustrations scattered throughout that will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers.

*image courtesy of Maple Tree Press

Presenting basic information like the carbon cycle and different climate types and more complex concepts such as greenhouse gases, Ms. Thornhill never comes across as preachy or accusatory. Instead, she presents straight facts and gives readers solid recommendations for what they can do to help protect the earth.

The back of the book includes additional online resources where readers can go to find more information. This would make an excellent resource for a science class. Highly recommended.

Visit the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Picture Book of the Day.

Pier 21: Stories from Near and Far by Anne Renaud, illustrated by Ares Cheung

Pier 21: Stories from Near and Far written by Anne Renaud, illustrated by Ares Cheung

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Lobster Press (April 15, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1897073704
ISBN-13: 978-1897073704


Pier 21: Stories from Near and Far is the second book in Lobster Press' Canadian Immigration Series. The first book also written by Anne Renaud, Island of Hope and Sorrow: The Story of Grosse Île, was released in 2007. (see my review here)

Organized into different time periods, Pier 21: Stories from Near and Far tells the story of a shed-like building in Halifax Harbor that welcomed more than 1 million immigrants and refugees to Canada between 1928 and 1971. In addition to taking in newcomers, Pier 21 was the departure point of more than 500,000 service members on their way to fight in World War II.

Rather than give straight, boring facts, Renaud details interesting information through compelling accounts of the people who arrived at Pier 21. Children will especially find the stories of "home children" and "guest children" interesting. "Home children" were British children who were orphaned or whose parents could not care for them. In the 1930's, these children were sent to Canada to work for families in hopes of a better life. While many of the families these children were sent to treated them well, some did not. "Guest children," were evacuee children from war-torn Europe who were sent to Canada as part of the Children's Overseas Reception Board (CORB). Children will be surprised to learn why this program ended.

Other accounts in the book include those of war brides, European immigrants who came to Canada after WWII in hopes of a better life, and Hungarian "56ers", Hungarian refugees who arrived in Canada in 1956.

In addition to the main narrative, each page contains more information about the stories including real photographs, stories, and quotes; a "History Note" sidebar that expands on the narrative; and illustrations reflecting the period.

Like Island of Hope and Sorrow, Pier 21 puts a human face to immigration and war. The content and visuals make this book accessible to children of many ages, including "browsers" who may be reluctant to read books from cover to cover. It would also make a great supplement to any middle-grade history or social studies classroom.

Visit the rest of the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Picture Book of the Day.

How Artists See by Colleen Carroll

How Artists See Series by Colleen Carroll

Publisher: Abbeville Press
Age Range: 9-12

Colleen Carroll's How Artists See series is a series of inquiry- based books that teach children about art. For example, How Artists See America: East West South Midwest, explores the four different regions of the United States through 16 works of art. Some notable pieces include, Thomas Cole's "Niagara Falls", Winslow Homer's "Breezing Up (A Fair Wind)", and Grant Wood's "American Gothic." Each work of art is presented in full color with a brief narrative about the piece and the region it represents. In addition, Ms. Carroll includes thought-provoking questions with each narrative to encourage children to look deeper into the technical aspects of the art.

For instance, in "American Gothic," Ms. Carroll discusses foreground and background and shows how Grant Wood brought the two together through the same pattern of the curtain hanging in the window and the woman's apron. She then asks, "What other repeated shapes and patterns can you find?" Earlier on, she asks readers what they think the woman is looking at and whether or not they think she's comfortable having her picture taken.

In the author's note in the back of the book, Ms. Carroll gives more suggestions for activities including researching and visiting historic sites, writing short skits, creating their own painting, and more. She also includes artist biographies, suggestions for further reading, and a list of places where you can go to see the artists' work.

Classroom and home school teachers can also find additional ideas for activities in the 25-page How Artists See Teacher's Guide.

This series would be an excellent supplement to a language arts, history, or art classroom and would be a great way to introduce children to art.


Other books in the series include:

• How Artists See Animals: Mammal, Fish, Bird, Reptile
• How Artists See Artists: Painter, Actor, Dancer, Musician
• How Artists See Cities: Streets Buildings Shops Transportation
• How Artists See Families: Mother Father Sister Brother
• How Artists See Feelings: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Love
• How Artists See Heroes: Myth, History, War, Everyday
• How Artists See People: Boy, Girl, Man, Woman
• How Artists See Play: Sports Games Toys Imagination
• How Artists See The Elements: Earth Air Fire Water
• How Artists See the Weather: Sun, Wind, Snow, Rain
• How Artists See Work: Farm, Factory, Home, Office

You may also purchase any of these books, including boxed sets directly from Abbeville Press's website.

Check out the rest of the Nonfiction Monday Roundup at Picture Book of the Day.

*Picture of American Gothic from wikipedia.com.

Do Not Open by John Farndon

Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia of the World's Best Kept Secrets

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: DK CHILDREN (November 7, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0756632056
ISBN-13: 978-0756632052


It's Nonfiction Monday, and today I'm featuring a book I absolutely love!

Parents, if you’re struggling to find books that interest your reluctant readers, I think I’ve found THE PERFECT BOOK for you! I won a copy of Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia fo the World's Best Kept Secrets by John Farndon from Breeni Books over the winter holidays, and I can’t even begin to tell you the numerous times I’ve picked this up and read pieces of it since.

Do Not Open comes in its own silver vault that begs readers to open it, and the book itself is chock full of fascinating facts from ships and aircraft that have disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle to the eerie similarities between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.

The book is divided into eight sections:

• Unexplained
• Unthinkable
• Freaky Facts
• Unknowable
• Spine-Chilling
• Spooky
• Strange Coincidences
• Classified

Each section features colorful two-to-four page spreads that examine mysteries, hoaxes, optical illusions, bizarre facts, and more. Many spreads are interactive and feature flaps or pull out pages.

My personal favorites include:

• “Magic Tricks Revealed:” This four-page feature shows how three of the most famous magic tricks are performed: pulling a rabbit out of a hat, sawing a lady in half, and disappearing into thin air
• “The Code That Trapped Mary Queen of Scots:” This two-page spread tells the story of the trap that was set, using coded letters, to catch Mary plotting against Queen Elizabeth
• “Conspiracy Theories:” This four-page feature discusses some of the most well-known conspiracy theories, including the theory that the US staged the 1969 moon landing in the Nevada desert, the rumor that Marilyn Monroe was murdered, and that Mozart was poisoned.

Readers can choose to read the book from front to back or flip through and read what interests them—a great choice for kids who may not like to read long stories. I tend to open it up and read whatever comes to me. In addition, there is such a variety of stories that anyone who picks it up will find something that interests them.

This book would make a perfect gift for kids of all ages!!!

Visit the rest of the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Picture Book of the Day.

Sisters & Brothers by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Sisters and Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (April 14, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0618375961
ISBN-13: 978-0618375967


My friend Jay was just telling me how his daughter Amelia loves going to the zoo and seeing all of the animals. Amelia also loves books, and I think I've found a book that she'll love.

Sisters and Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World presents all kinds of information and fun facts about animal siblings. For example, did you know that nine-banded armadillos are ALWAYS born as identical quadruplets? Well, did ya? I bet you didn't know that there are no male New Mexico whiptail lizards or that cheetah brothers hunt together throughout their lives while the sisters separate from their families when they're two years old to start their own. Pretty cool, huh?

The book features 19 different species of animals from elephants and beavers to European shrews and giant anteaters. Splendid cut-and-torn paper collage illustrations compliment each paragraph of intriguing information, and a fun caption accompanies each illustration. I especially love the caption by the black widow spider's egg sac: "I'm having my family for dinner..." Eeeeek!

It's a challenge to write engaging nonfiction for young children, and Jenkins and Page have definitely risen to the challenge and created a book that children of all ages will enjoy. Even very young children who may not understand the text will be fascinated by the illustrations. I highly recommend this for any child who loves animals.

Sisters and Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World won't be available until April 14, but it's definitely one to keep on your radar.

This is not the first collaboration of the talented husband and wife team, Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Their other books include:

• What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? (Caldecott Honor Book)
• Move!
• I See a Kookaburra!: Discovering Animal Habitats Around the World
  
• Animals in Flight

The Discovery and Mystery of a Dinosaur Named Jane by Judith Williams

Nonfiction Monday:
The Discovery and Mystery of a Dinosaur Named Jane by Judith Williams

Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc. (March 1, 2007)

Ever since I was a child, I was fascinated with dinosaurs and paleontology. I often wondered what it would feel like to be the scientist who discovered a dinosaur after grueling work. Well, The Discovery and Mystery of a Dinosaur Named Jane finally gives me some insight.

The book begins with paleontologists and volunteers from the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois discovering a toe bone while digging in Montana. It was unfortunately, the end of their season, so they covered up the site where they were digging, hoping that no one else found the rest of the dinosaur until they could come back the NEXT YEAR!

Luckily, the site was untouched, and they were able to dig up the bones of a magnificent dinosaur who they named Jane. But what kind of Dinosaur is Jane? They believe she’s a tyrannosaur, but is she a nanotyrannus or an infamous T-Rex? Or is she a new species altogether? One thing is clear—this is an amazing discovery and the biggest one yet for the small museum.

Judith Williams gives a detailed description of the laborious work the paleontologists performed to successfully dig up the dinosaur bones. Readers even get a glimpse of the common tools paleontologists use. Once the bones are removed and transported back to the museum, readers learn all of the work that was involved with cleaning, repairing, and putting the bones together and all of the research required to determine what type of dinosaur Jane is.

What’s refreshing about this book is that it’s different than the typical kid’s book that features glorious images of dinosaurs and awe-inspiring facts. Instead, it’s a book that really focuses on the discovery of a dinosaur and gives readers insight into the hard work that’s involved in getting a magnificent dinosaur on display in a museum. Children will learn to respect this work along with the creature that one roamed the earth.

With interesting pictures and photographs of the dig site and of the work in progress, this is a great find for a kid who is interested in dinosaurs and paleontology. Heavier on text than pictures, it’s more suitable for a proficient reader.

Check out the rest of Nonfiction Monday submissions at Picture Book of the Day.

Nonfiction Monday: Let's Go! The Story of Getting From There to Here by Lizann Flatt, illustrated by Scot Ritchie

Let's Go!: The Story of Getting from There to Here by Lizann Flatt, illustrated by Scot Ritchie

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Maple Tree Press (September 28, 2007)

Sometimes when traffic is heavily jammed on the highway during my morning commute, I take an alternate route to my Alexandria, VA office past George Washington's Mt. Vernon Estate. That leg of my route is only eight miles long and takes about 15 minutes, but I often wonder how long it took Washington to travel the same distance to do business in Alexandria. Certainly, the roads weren't paved and he didn't have a car. Did he encounter danger along the way? Who traveled with him? It makes me appreciate the fact that technology has enabled us for the most part to travel great distances quickly and safely. But it took quite a while and numerous inventions and innovations to get us where we are today.

Let's Go!: The Story of Getting from There to Here by Lizann Flatt and illustrated by Scot Ritchie tells the story of transportation from the Ice Age to today and beyond. Through the book we see the first travelers who migrate to North America on foot carrying backpacks and pulling their possessions in travois. We see European ships arriving carrying horses which become a major mode of transportation for quite some time. We see the invention of the steam engine, trains, streetcars, cars, and airplanes. How will we get around in the future? Flatt poses this question in the end. Will space travel become as common as automobile travel?

Without overwhelming readers in detail, Let's Go!: The Story of Getting from There to Here gives a fantastic introduction to all of the different modes of transportation. Readers get just enough information in the text to learn the basics about the featured mode of transportation.

For example:

"A noise up above! Machines in the air! Propeller planes skipped through the skies. Landing on lonely lakes like giant geese, bushplanes buzzed in with supplies and the mail. "

With details down to the type of clothing people wore during the time period, children will enjoy all of Scot Ritchie's vibrant illustrations that provide an even clearer picture of the different types of transportation and the people who used it. Children will also have fun finding the dog that appears in each spread.

The back of the book features a "Did You Know" section with even more information.

Let's Go!: The Story of Getting from There to Here would be an excellent resource for a social studies classroom and a great book to spark discussion.

Other Blog Reviews:
Miss Rumphius Effect

Be sure to check out the rest of Nonfiction Monday at Picture Book of the Day.