The Pine Cone's Secret - A Life Cycle Poem review

 

Did you know a pine tree starts as a cone, turns into a gift, and can become a blanket?(goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

We have the opportunity to learn many amazing things from nature and here is the perfect book to add to your home or classroom library.  It is a mix between poetic text and a science lesson all in one.  It follows the journey of a pine tree through each stage of its life; starting from a falling pine cone and growing into a towering giant. The tree can also be many helpful things to the forest animals and people that live near it.   The beautiful illustrations are gentle and peaceful while taking you through the different seasons.  If you look closely at the forest scenes, kids will find little animals hidden in various spots. I also liked that it tells a story of a growing family, caretakers of the forest and how animals need trees for their survival.  Added at the end pages are wonderful extras such as; parts of a pine tree, where pines are found, tree trivia and a pine cone craft project.  It is an extra fun science lesson part that taught me things I didn't know.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-8.~

 

Title: The Pine Cone's Secret

Author: Hannah Barnaby, illustrated by Cedric Abt

Pub. date:  September 2025,  Sourcebooks Explore

Genre: picture book, nature

Hardcover, 40 pgs 

To See an Owl review

 

This gorgeous picture book that encourages patience and perseverance will resonate with readers of all ages who have longed to see one of these elusive creatures in the natural world.(goodreads summary)

 

 

Janie has always dreamed of seeing an owl in the wild.  But being creatures of the night they are very difficult to find.  She looks everywhere for signs of an owl but as the days and months go by she doesn't see any.  She becomes discouraged until her teacher Mr. Koji, a fellow birder himself, tells her to give it one more try. 

 

I loved this beautiful story and the patience and persistence Janie had wanting to see an owl in the wild.  The ink-and-pen watercolor illustrations are very detailed and adds to the peaceful tone of the story. There is so much to look at when you journey along with Janie in her search.  Either out in nature or in her classroom, you are always learning about the different types of owl's, their behavior and how they live in the wild. It also teaches having respect and how being quiet and still in nature can give you the magical moments you are looking for.  Janie is so dedicated and determined that readers will be excited when she finally spots one or maybe two.  You do not need to be a nature lover to enjoy this story.  

 

I have special connections to this book because there is an owl in my backyard woods that stops by from time-to-time.  I have never seen him but I hear him hooting during the late night letting me know he's there.  I was also lucky a few years ago to see one during the day. I was driving and I could see a great horned owl sitting on a branch as I passed by.  He was very large and it was definitely a sight to see!  Maybe this is why I loved this story as I do and hope it inspires new birders. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-10.~

 

Title: To See an Owl

Author: Matthew Cordell

Pub. date: January 2025, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

If you Find a Fawn review

 

When you wander in the wild, you might find . . . a baby animal. Would you know what to do?(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

While a child wanders through the wilderness, she sees various baby animals that seem to be alone.  She watches quietly from a distance and learns why giving them space is important.  Spring is the time for all the new babies to come out into the open but would you know what to do if you see one? 

This is a wonderful book that teaches how to have respect for wildlife and what you should do if you come across a baby animal in nature.  The illustrations are rich in color giving the impression of going from an early morning to an evening walk in the wilderness.  The text is gentle and simple but informative on the various baby animals she finds.  It glides easily making for a nice read aloud for either a small or large group.   The end pages give many extra ways we can help wildlife and their babies whether at home, in your community and beyond.  A follow-up discussion will ensure children that they understand the importance and the right way to interact without disturbing the animals and their habitats.  It is never to early to pass on the love of nature to the little ones for our future and the survival of wildlife.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: If you find a Fawn

Author:  Kellie DuBay Gillis, illustrated by Wazza Pink

Pub. date: February 2025, Disney Planet Possible Books

Genre: non fiction, nature

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

A Mischief of Mice review

Join the animals and follow the clues in this rollicking, rhyming, nature-inspired whodunit story full of fun collective nouns!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

A scurry of squirrels worry that a mischief of mice who used to play in the woods have suddenly disappeared.  They wonder if other animals in the forest had something to do about this mystery.  Could it have been the skulk of foxes or an unkindness of ravens lurking in a tree? Maybe the gaze of raccoons or the band of howling coyotes knew who took them?  As the squirrels keep looking no one knows where to find them.  Until they run into a sleuth a bears suggesting they follow the tracks in the freshly fallen snow. 

 

This is a creative book that works well for the transition of autumn into winter.  It is told with collective nouns teaching readers how different groups of animals are called different things.  The rhyming text is large making it a good choice for reading aloud. The night time illustrations are in warm, soft colors with pops of fall colored leaves throughout the woods showing the different seasonal changes nicely.  Kids will follow along with the cute little mouse tracks to see where they are found in the end.  There is a glossary in the back describing the collective nouns used for each animal group.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title:  A Mischief of Mice

Author: Christie Matheson

Pub. date: August 2024, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saving the Spotted Owl - Zalea's Story review

Readers learn about saving threatened species — and meet real owls! - in this endearing true story of an owl chick’s rescue.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Zalea is a three week old Northern spotted owl that fell from her nest to the ground. Unfortunately, her owl parents were unable to get her back up to it.  But a group of Wildlife Biologists found her and took her back to a rescue center in Canada and cared for her.  Once there Zalea was placed with foster owl parents, so she could learn how to survive and thrive until she was able to be released back into the wild.

  

This very informative book teaches readers the true story of Zalea and the importance of owl conservation.  We not only learn about Zalea in this story but also various types of owls and other animals on the threatened and endangered species lists.  It also tells us about the dedication of Wildlife Biologists and how important their ongoing efforts are to protect our earth's creatures.  I learned so much about the rehabilitation of owls that I didn't realize. I do appreciate how the Centers care and ready so many different animals back for their wild release.  At the end of the book are actual photographs of Zalea's chicks and a wonderful glossary for the various bird terms found throughout.  This true story is very in depth and thoughtfully detailed. It would make a perfect addition to a research project or science unit for the older elementary grades.  It is also a wonderful story for kids who are interested in nature or wildlife conservation.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-10.~

 

Title:  Saving the Spotted Owl - Zalea's Story

Author: Nicola Jones, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey

Pub. date: October 2023, Kids Can Press

Genre: non fiction

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

Wild Wave review

 

Another WILD adventure from Rodman Philbrick, author of Wildfire and Wild River. Wild Wave is the adventure of two kids trapped in the aftermath of a tsunami.(goodreads summary)I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Middle Schoolers Nick Chase and Jess Hardy are spending a Saturday morning at an animal rescue sanctuary called the Friends of the Wild. Jess is a volunteer and Chase is gathering information for a school podcast assignment for one of his classes.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, an earthquake hits and everyone is frantic.  When they look over the bay area, the water is gone and boats are overturned on their sides. Only mud is left where the sea should be.  Nick and Jess's instinct tells them to run as a tsunami hits destroying everything in its path.  As the two kids run for high ground, they depend on each other for survival by working together and putting their courage to the test. 

 

This was a heart pounding and exciting middle grade novel. The story begins immediately by plunging readers into Nick and Jess's fight to stay alive.  As the rushing floodwaters push them deep into the forest, they begin to wonder how they will make it to safety or if they will ever see their families again.  They eventually find Mr. and Mrs. Bumper, the high school soccer coach and the science teacher at their middle school stranded in the forest.  Knowing they need to help save them as well, they decide to continue to trek out on their own, readily prepared by the Bumpers to face the dangerous elements ahead.  Remaining level headed and working together was a key part of the story for their survival. The numerous cliffhangers throughout makes you want to keep turning the pages. The chapters are fast-paced and short which would work well for reluctant readers.  We learn a lot about Nick and Jess as characters and their families.  They show their vulnerabilities and fear like any person would in a challenging situation such as this. But they also demonstrated maturity, strength, problem solving, courage and hope in finding their families alive.  Readers will relate to the pair and cheer for a positive outcome.   A great adventure story to end the summer with or pick up at the upcoming school book fair.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10-12.~

Title:  Wild Wave

Author: Rodman Philbrick

Pub. date: August 2024 Scholastic Press

Genre: middle grade fiction, adventure

Hardcover 192 pgs.

 

 

 

 

Earth Day Celebrations!

Today is Earth Day and I have a few books from past reviews that I felt are worth mentioning for the celebrations!

 

 

 

This is a great book for Earth Day that is not only educational but fun! Children will explore different ecosystems that are so important to our planet.  Each page is filled with a maze to follow from one end to another with their finger.  Along the maze route, they will need to find different animals that make its home in that habitat.  Some are easy and a few are a bit more challenging. There is an answer key at the back with information that teaches about each ecosystem make up and the creatures that live there. It is a fun book with bright and bold mazes.  A "just right book" for ages 5-7.~

 

 

It is never to early to begin teaching children the importance of taking care of our planet and this book is a great start to getting the little ones thinking about what they can do to help our environment.  It offers suggestions that can be done in a simplistic way such as turning off the light when you leave the room or making sure you throw away your trash and not leave it on the ground.  It also opens up a great discussion opportunity about recycling or even my favorite thing to do such as upcycle things for other purposes.  The pages are large, vivid and bold in color while the layout includes a flap so that when you lift it you find an answer to what kids can do which also makes it fun for learning.  By the end of this book kids will think of even more ways to help keep our world beautiful not only for ourselves but for future generations.  My favorite page is the front cover which has a stamp marked that this book was made from 100% recycled material! I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~  

 

 

This book has over 52 hands-on activities with some fun and engaging seasonal ideas that will get the family out into the garden.  Not only is getting outdoors healthy for our kids but garden discovery stimulates the senses and brain.  In Spring, you can start by planting seeds and plants in a pot or recycled old handbag. Maybe you would like to make a beast habitat out of pallets and bricks for observing critters or bugs.  Summer arrives with butterflies, potato print art, outdoor games on the grass and nature hikes. In Autumn,  you can make pies with your fall harvest, plant bulbs for spring or just enjoy the beautiful colors. Winter is not left out because we can still make a compost bin or feed our bird friends with homemade feeders.  There are bound to be a few ideas to spark creativity and help find your own sense of place in the garden.  Many things in the book seem geared for the older child but activities could be tailored towards younger ones by just using your imagination to change around or use proper supervision.  I definitely feel it is never to early to get kids outdoors to learn in nature!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5 and up.~

 

 

 

Wild Places - The Life of Naturalist David AttenBorough review

 

An inspiring and accessible picture book biography of the beloved naturalist, broadcaster, and documentarian David Attenborough.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

"If we take care of nature, nature will take care of us" - David Attenborough

 

I have been a longtime fan of David Attenborough. Between his distinctive voice and beautiful documentary shows, I am captivated whenever I watch.  I was happy to see a biography picture book sharing his philosophies and all that we can learn from his life's work.  

 

It tells the story of David as a young boy, exploring the wild places of England, to adulthood where he becomes a TV host of a nature program featuring zoo animals.  But that was not enough for him so instead proposes filming animals in their natural environments to better learn about them.  Through his films, he takes viewers to different and unusual places to witnesses animals in their natural habitats rarely seen before.  As a young naturalist and televising his findings, he becomes widely popular.   But sadly as the years pass by, he notices that wild places were starting to vanish.  The animal populations are beginning to decline and our weather was becoming more extreme.  He shifted direction from naturalist to advocate on the education of environmental changes/causes and what can be done to help bring it back.  

 

The book is easy to read but very impactful.  Beautiful illustrations throughout and I liked the quotes from David on various pages.  The end has a wonderful author's note and ways we can contribute to "rewilding" our planet. It would make a great book for a project, science unit or upcoming Earth Day events.  It not only portrays David's ambitions but the changes that our planet is experiencing.  If we do not recognize what is happening, we may someday not have a planet Earth. It is a story that will have you thinking about our natural world.   My hope is that this book will inspire kids (and adults) to think about our planet, our nature and what they can do to help protect our resources. Not only for now and for the future; but for the generations to come.  I think this is a just right book for ages 7-11.~

Title:  Wild Places The Life of David Attenborough

Author: Hayley Rocco, illustrated by John Rocco

Pub. date: February 2024,  G.P. Putnam & Sons

Genre: nonfiction

Hardcover, 48  pgs.

 

 

 

 

Angela's Glacier review

 

Award-winning author Jordan Scott’s luminously-illustrated love story of a girl growing up in the shadow of a glacier that’s always there to listen.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the day of Angela's birth, her father introduces her to the magnificent glacier Snaefellsjokull (a glacier found in Iceland).  As he carries her on his back she listens to the sounds.  As time goes by, she visits it on her own and learns how to become one with the glacier. She teaches herself how to listen and feel nature around her. Angela whispers her own thoughts and feelings about life to it. But as she grows older, her life becomes busier with school, friends, music and sports.  One night she notices her heart is feeling strange. Her father reminds her that it has been a while since she visited the glacier and is missing its' sound.  

 

This beautiful and moving story was inspired by the author's friend, Angela Rawlings.  She taught him how to be still and listen with his body while in nature.  The words are very descriptive and along with the stunning illustrations, I could feel myself climbing a glacier in Iceland wanting to hear the sounds for myself.   In a busy world of demands and structure, nature will allow us to find peace and calm.  This story is a reminder of the importance of connecting with our natural world and all that it has to offer; if we just take a moment to be still and listen.  What a wonderful experience to share with children at a young age.  They will grow up to respect nature and help preserve it for generations to come.  There is also an  afterword at the end of the book from the author and Angela Rawlings that is worth the reading.  We are in danger of loosing so much from global warming and her words are inspirational.  I think this is a "just right book" for family time together and ages 3-7.~ 

 

Title: Angela's Glacier

Author: Jordan Scott, illustrated by Diana Sudyka

Pub. date: January 2024, Neal Porter Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Hello, Fall!! review

A grandfather and his granddaughter welcome fall in this sweet, whimsical story about finding beauty and wonder in every moment.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

As the first leaves begin to turn in color, this book will remind us of the special moments we may encounter during the fall season change.  A grandfather and granddaughter are taking a walk together and sharing memories of a previous fall outing.  As they take a stroll through the beauty of the countryside, they recall the sights, sounds, smells and tastes they experienced.  The touching words along with the sweet and vivid illustrations capture the spirit of welcoming Autumn.  This would be a nice book to read just before an outdoor fall family activity or hike. Taking the time to explore the beauty of nature offers us wonderful memories for the young and old.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:Hello, Fall!

Author: Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Lucy Fleming

Pub. date: July 2018, Farrar Straus Firoux Books

Genre: picture book, fall season

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

The Camping Trip review

 

Ernestine has never been camping before, but she’s sure it will be lots of fun . . . won’t it? An endearing story about a girl’s first experience with the great outdoors.(goodreads summary)
 

 

 

 

 

Ernestine is excited to go on her first camp out with her Aunt and Cousin. She has a list of all the things she will need to pack for the trip.  After a long drive to Cedar Tree Campground, she finds camping is harder than she thought. Setting up her tent is not as easy as making blanket forts at home.  Swimming in the lake with fish is not like swimming in the pool at her neighborhood Y.   Falling asleep is different when you are outdoors in a tent and you really start to miss home. What did Ernestine get herself into?

August is here and there is still time for this fun book.  It is the perfect story for a first time camper or camping trip.   It starts with the excitement of a camping trip, preparing, setting up and the anxious feelings a child may have being away from home for the first time.   The story did a nice job problem solving Ernestine's worries with love and kindness.  The illustrations are cute and so fun to see the transition from beginning to end of the camping trip.  Ernestine learns that trying something new for the first time can be hard but if you give it a chance it just might turn out to be wonderful.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title:  The Camping Trip

Author:  Jennifer K. Mann 

Pub. date:  April 2020

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 56 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

Over and Under the Waves review

 

Explore the wonders and beauties of the ocean's kelp forests in this latest addition to the acclaimed Over and Under series.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A family paddle their kayaks over the waves to explore the ocean as we learn about another one of our most diverse ecosystems.  This beautifully written story takes you along on the journey as they glide silently, discovering the ocean above and the hidden forest below them.  Over the waves they paddle through the wind, view pelicans soaring, hear the sea lions bark and watch an otter mom and her pup cuddle.  But under the waves, there are just as many diverse things.  It is a hidden home with sea kelp, various fish, squid, sea anemones and whales.  

 

I always love how each Over and Under series books express a feeling of calmness during reading.  The illustrations are peaceful and the text is gentle, flows easily and is always informative.  I found myself wanting to paddle along in the ocean or go exploring on the beach throughout.  Included at the end is a wonderful author's note about her kayaking trip in Monterey Bay and that experience led her to writing this book. There are also details about the animals you will find over and under the waves that just might open up more questions from little ones.  Sharing books like these with our children help teach about the importance and preservation of these amazing ecosystems for not only themselves but future generations as well.   I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4 and up.~ 

 

Title: Over and Under the Waves

Author: Kate Messner

Pub. date: September 2022, Chronicle Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 56 pgs.
 

Home Away from Home review

From Newbery Honor Winner Cynthia Lord, a brilliant story about how to find home when everything around us is changing.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eleven year old Mia is going through too many changes all at once.  Her parents are divorced and her dad has a new wife and baby.  Besides that, her mom and boyfriend Scott want to move to a new home and she has a difficult time when they need to get the house ready to sell.  To help with all the mixed feelings, Mia will be staying with her Grandma in Stone Harbor, Maine for a month.  Grandma calls it "a home away from home" and Mia is looking forward to spending alone time with her.  But when she arrives, a new neighbor boy named Cayman seems to have made himself quite comfortable there. Mia now feels jealous and competitive for her attention.  Her Grandma encourages her to make friends with him and the two go in search of the eagle's nest down by the lake.  While there, an unexpected large white bird is seen fighting with the eagles.  Never having seen a bird like this, Mia decides to post a picture of it online for information about what type of bird it could be.  It is a rare bird sighting and she stirs up unwanted attention from several outsiders that she really didn't intend to. This ends up putting the bird in danger and her friendship with Cayman falling apart.

Here is a wonderful story from one of my many favorite middle grade authors, Cynthia Lord.   It is heart felt and makes a great summer vacation read.  It is fast paced and short enough to keep kids attention throughout. Readers will find themselves connecting with Mia's feelings easily about change, making mistakes and understanding she needs to find a way to fix them.   Knowing that her actions caused unwanted consequences is a great learning opportunity for kids of this age.  Mia's friendship with Cayman is tested numerous times and we also find out that his mom is battling substance abuse.  The care and concern her grandmother expresses for Cayman and his mom shows what being a good neighbor means.  There is plenty of information about birds throughout the story which is perfect for the bird enthusiast.  Kids may pay more attention to the bird songs in their area from Mia's knowledge she shares.  I found myself visualizing the small Maine town of Stone Harbor and the locals that lived there.  What a beautiful "home away from home" place to be.  This is a gentle story about accepting change, normal feelings kids feel, following rules, learning from our mistakes and correcting them, empathy and being part of a community.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 9-11.

 

Title:  Home away from Home

Author:  Cynthia Lord

Pub. date: April 2023, Scholastic Press

Genre: middle grade

Hardcover, 224 pgs.

The Nature Journal - A Backyard Adventure review

 

A charming and nature-filled picture book about a young boy who connects with his busy dad over their love of nature.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Tim and his dad share the love of nature and exploring in their own backyard.  On a day when Tim's dad is busy with work and chores, he goes to the attic and discovers his father's old journals and some pictures.  Reading after reading all the things he has found, Tim gently drifts off to sleep and dreams of his own adventures. After he wakes up, he does not want to forget them so he draws everything out so he can share it with his dad.

What better way to connect with each other than though nature. This is a charming and sweet book about togetherness, imagination, and the love of exploring all the things nature has to offer.  Whether in the backyard or out on an adventure elsewhere, nature is an important thing we can share with children.  They learn so much by just observing and exploring but it is up to us adults to pass on that love.  Tim and his dad have a special bond that is heartwarming through their own love of nature.  It has bold pictures and simple text.   This would be a wonderful book to read on Father's Day and then take in a nature activity and journal together.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:  The Nature Journal-A Backyard Adventure

Author:  Savannah Allen

Pub. date:  May 2023, Viking Books for Young Readers

genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

What's Inside a Flower review

 

From the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science, comes a nonfiction picture book series ready to grow young scientists by nurturing their curiosity about the natural world(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

April showers bring May flowers!  Here is a great nonfiction science book that teaches about the plant life cycle and flowers.   

Kids will learn the steps it takes for a seed to flourish into a beautiful flower. The text is simple to understand without being overwhelming.  It also has very detailed illustrations about seeds, soil, the role of decomposers, water/minerals, sun and pollinators.  All the many important things needed that make a flower bloom.  The artwork is captivating and in beautiful, earthy hues with so much information to view on every page.  Whether it is read in a large group, small group or one-on-one, there are numerous things to learn and discuss from beginning to end.  It makes a wonderful accompaniment for a plant unit or even planting your own flower or vegetable seeds to watch them grow.  Kids would be excited to document their findings.   It encourages them to think about science, nature and the importance of flowers to our planet.  This is the first book in a new series from this author and I am really looking forward to reading many more from her.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-9.~

Title:  What's Inside a Flower

Author:  Rachel Ignotofsky

Pub. date: February 2021, Crown Books for Young Readers 

Genre: nonfiction

Hardcover, 48 pgs.

 

 

The Little Rabbit review

 

From beloved author/illustrator Nicola Killen comes an enchanting spring story about a magical friendship between a little girl and her stuffed rabbit who comes to life.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

Ollie and bunny are waiting for the rain to stop so they can venture outside.  It finally clears and the two head outdoors for a very magical afternoon.  Suddenly the breeze blows and bunny seems to come to life.  He runs with some rabbits but finds himself in a dangerous situation. But Ollie has an idea of how she can help him.  

This sweet story has imagination, adventure and a little bit of springtime magic.   The pages are beautifully illustrated.  The simple color palette of grey, green and yellow is soothing and some pages have surprise cut outs and shimmers of gold.  The story is gentle and calm making it a wonderful quiet read for bedtime.  It inspires getting outdoors and letting your imagination flow.  Perfect book for the spring season and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  The Little Rabbit

Author:  Nicola Killen

Pub. date:  February 2019, Simon & Schuster

Genre:  picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

Vivi Loves Science review

 

Vivi loves science! In this STEM-themed picture book, part of a series about girls who love science, Vivi and her classmates go on a field trip to the ocean to investigate tide pools. (goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vivi loves science and today she is so excited because her class is taking a field trip to the beach.  She made a wish list of all the things she is hoping to see while there.  The kids worked in groups making aquascopes and found various tide pools so they could observe under the water.  With a lab partner, they did a scavenger hunt and found many fascinating sea creatures.  They learned about a large fish and its eggs they saw in a tide pool and a jellyfish on the beach.  As the class heads back to the bus at the end of their busy day, Vivi  spies something jumping out of the water that helps make her beach day list complete.  

This is a great book series for elementary kids who have an interest in science.  This story is filled with interesting and detailed information about marine life and I felt like I was along with the class learning at the beach too.  The illustrations are bold and lively showing the children enjoying and learning about the ocean and ecosystem.  Included are a couple of activities with instructions that you can do such as; making your own aquascope or a tide pool experiment with discussion questions to ponder.  The back has a detailed glossary of terms used in the book adding to the wonderful educational value this series has to offer. I loved how the book reminds us how important it is to only look at animals and not to touch.  A wonderful message to teach while being out in nature.  This is the first book of three so far and I hope many more will follow.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-10.~

Title:  Vivi Loves Science

Author:  Kimberly Derting and Shelli Johannes

Illustrated by: Joelle Murray

Pub date: July 2021, Greenwillow Books

Genre:  picture book, science

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

Sunday Fun Day review

 

Make every Sunday a fun day with an amazing activity for every weekend of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter the season or the weather, this fabulous activity book will have something for the whole family.  Filled with 52 creative and fun things to do, there is an activity to choose from for each weekend of the year.  It has a wide variety of ideas on crafting, cooking, gardening or easy games which can all be done either indoors or outdoors.  Most activities are nature based and connected to the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  

 

Starting with Spring you could make a collage from leaves, twigs, flowers or shells or put on a noisy nature concert using rocks, empty bottles or sticks.  In Summer you can inspect insects, paint a pet rock or make leaf boats that float.  Autumn has many ideas such as fairy homes, outdoor obstacle courses and a pine cone bird feeder. Winter suggests stamping fruity wrapping paper, making a wildlife tree or a pretty colored tree sweater.  Several recipes are included for cooking in the kitchen and making some yummy meals.  There is carrot cake, cheesy pasta or soothing soup.  These are just a sample of all the wonderful things your family can do over the year.  Best of all, it brings everyone together and enjoying the beauty of nature and each other.  The activities seem simple and at the end of the book there is a tools and materials needed list to help.  This is a wonderful concept with so many fun ideas to try!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3 and up.~

 

Title:  Sunday Fun Day

Author:  Katherine Halligan illustrated by Jesus Verona

Pub. date:  October 2021, Nosy Crow

Genre: non fiction picture book

Hardcover, 104 pgs.

  

Ten Ways to Hear Snow review

A snowy day, a trip to Grandma's, time spent cooking with one another, and space to pause and discover the world around you come together in this perfect book for reading and sharing on a cozy winter day.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

One winter morning, Lina wakes up and everything seems silent.  The blizzard from the night before left the town blanketed with fresh snow.  It was grape leaf day at her Sitti's (grandmas) which is a special Lebanese dish they make together.  She is looking forward to cooking with her and also wants to check in because of the storm. She bundles up to head over and along the way Lina takes notice of the world around her.  She realizes that snow can have different ways to sound.  From the shovels scraping on the sidewalk to the crunching of boots walking, she counts nine different ways she hears snow.  When Lina arrives, the two spend time together cooking and having fun moments but Sitti also shows Lina a tenth way to hear snow. 

This is a nice book for a cold and snowy winter day.  The descriptive words like scraaape, swish-wish or scritch, scratch had me hearing the sounds of snow in my mind.  The illustrations are calming and quiet, giving you a sense of how it felt after a snowfall in Lina's town.   It was nice to see the special relationship Lina had with her Sitti cooking and being silly.  She also learned that even though Sitti is loosing her vision, another sense is heightened and was able to have Sitti show her a tenth way to hear snow.  Slowing down and taking in the moments of nature after a snowstorm is an activity that will get the kids and family together outdoors.  This story could also work for a winter themed school activity as well for a break in the day. The sights and sounds of people skiing and kids building a snowman makes me wish for a snowstorm.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:  Ten Ways to Hear Snow

Author:  Cathy Camper, illustrated by Kenard Pak

Pub. date: October 2020 Kokila

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

My Leaf Book review

When the seasons change, a young girl visits the arboretum to collect fallen leaves and make a book with them. (goodreads summary)






Here is one more fun book for the Autumn season before that last final leaf falls to the ground.  A cheerful little girl goes exploring at an Arboretum and finds many leaves of colors, shapes and sizes to place in her leaf book. She uses a tree guide as a reference to match them up before gluing and describing each one on her page. 

Young readers will enjoy learning about the many different types of trees and leaves after reading this charming and informative book.  Kids are familiar with the usual oak and maple leaf but what I liked was that it mentioned other different types of tree leaves such as the ginkgo, sweet gum and sassafras. If these are not in your specific area, here is an opportunity for learning where these trees are located.  The short and simple text is a quick and easy read aloud for little ones. The pages also stand out with bright and bold Autumn colors. Side notes on the opposite pages give added facts about leaves as well.  This is the perfect book for fall story time and a great companion before a nature walk, picking up leaves along the way and doing many fun projects afterwards. You don't just have to be limited to a leaf book. The back of the book suggests leaf crayon rubbings and prints. When my kids were little, we would make colorful wreaths by gluing leaves and acorns on paper plates.   They sure grew up fast on me!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  My Leaf Book
Author: Monica Wellington
Pub. Date: September 2015, Dial Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.