Lydia Loves Bugs review

 

Discover the wonderful world of insects as Lydia collects bugs for show-and-tell in this picture book perfect for little entomologists (goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Lydia is a lover of bugs! She loves big bugs and little bugs, bouncy bugs and even stinky ones.  She is lucky because her mom is an Entomologist, a person who studies bugs for a living.  Together they collect various insects for a special show-and-tell day at school and Lydia cannot wait to share with her classmates what they find.  

 

There is still time before school starts to get outside and explore nature.  If you know a child that loves bugs, this will be the perfect book for them.  The text is simple and short but the illustrations are large, bold and colorful making this a great read aloud to a large or small group.  There are so many different insects throughout the story that kids will either recognize a few or learn about a new one. All the bugs shown in the story are real and the author has added a wonderful back page description to help understand them more. After reading about Lydia's love and seeing her enthusiasm, it may spark interest in having their own bug hunt at a nature area or their own backyard. Collecting and observing bugs is a fun activity that will keep kids occupied for hours.  Another part of learning is to make sure they release them back to nature when they are done.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title: Lydia Loves Bugs

Author: Heidi E.Y. Stemple & Yuliya Pankratova

Pub. date: May 2026, Familius

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

A Field Guide to Winter review

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This kid friendly Field Guide to Winter shows us the wonder of the outdoors and all that it has to offer during the cold, snowy months.  By using your senses, scientific explanations of nature, writing poems and stories, making crafts or animal hibernation, this book has everything needed for a fun way to learn about our winter season.  It suggests how kids can help birds with food and water, star gaze in the clear night skies or even start a nature journal to log observations of animal tracks and findings.  Geared towards the lower elementary kids, it would work for a science unit in the classroom or a family day out together exploring if you are looking for something fun to do on a weekend.   The illustrations are in pretty winter colors and the snowy pages add to the feeling of being outdoors.  The book cover is eye-pleasing as well.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-8.~

Title:  A Field Guide to Winter

Author: Gabby Dawnay, illustrated by Dorien Brouwers

Pub date: October 2025, Thames & Hudson

Genre: non fiction

Hardcover, 64 pgs. 

  

 Other books in series to check out:

          

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Stephen Hawking - You and the Universe review

We are all time travelers journeying together into the future. But let us work together to make that future a place we want to visit.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

I have always been fascinated with Stephen Hawking and his philosophies.  I think of nonstop questions and seeking answers.  This book was adapted from his 2020 Earth Day message and is his first picture book for kids.  It shares a simplistic but meaningful approach to questions other than about our vast universe and outer space.  It asks readers how can we take care of each other, our planet and can we make the future a place we want to be?   Very deep indeed but he suggests that the answers can come from inside each one of us. The text is short and simple but the artwork of the illustrations is beautiful and calming, showing diverse children working together for a cause. Stephen Hawking reminds us that we are "One planet, one big family" and it is up to everyone of us to help create a better future for the earth and all of human kind.  The back matter offers some of his questions and answers about black holes, stars and aliens which are interesting and something to ponder.  This wonderful book keeps his spirit alive. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-9.~

 

Title: Stephen Hawking You and the Universe

Author: Stephen and Lucy Hawking, illustrated by Xin Li

Pub. date: March 2024, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40n 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.~

 

 

 

Partly Cloudy review

 

 What do you see when you look at clouds?(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Two bunnies are looking at the clouds together but each one sees them with very different perspectives.  One bunny views it with his imagination and the other bunny is all about the science behind the cloud.  

 

This is a very informative book about the various types of clouds but it also teaches us that our imagination is an important part of cloud watching too.  It is whimsical and cute how each bunny tries to get their point across to the other.  There is a lot of cloud science in this story and kids will learn many things about them and the water cycle.  The watercolor illustrations are in delicate hues of blues, green and white giving the feeling of fluffy soft clouds. When the stormy clouds come rolling in the colors changed and depicted another feeling of ominous weather.  The back of the story has even more information about cloud forming, more types of clouds and the water cycle.  The bunnies learn that each others point-of-view can be fun when they bring science and imagination together. This is a great book for a science unit with a fun art project for the younger ones.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-7.~

Title: Partly Cloudy

Author: Deborah Freedman

Pub. date: March 2024, Viking Books for Young Readers

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

A Rover's Story review

 

 Meet Resilience, a Mars rover determined to live up to his name.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resilience (Res) is a robot that was built for a mission. He is learning about his anticipated journey to Mars as he collects and processes information from the NASA Scientists.  After landing on Mars he will explore the planet, take samples, send back photos and locate a missing Rover named Courage. It is very important that Res finds Courage so he can bring it back online to retrieve its collected data.  But in the meantime, Res is also learning about human emotions and storing that information into his system as well.  But having human-like feelings is not suppose to be a part of Resilience's mission or a part of being a robot.  Res is determined to live up to his name and make his humans proud of him by completing his mission and being the first robot to return to Earth.

This is definitely one of my favorite books that I have read this year!  The story is told in alternating viewpoints between Resilience and a 12 year old girl named Sophie.  Sophie is the daughter of Rania who is one of the Scientists that created Res.  She writes letters to him while he is on Mars and the time spans over 21 years. Res will never know about the letters but they are an important part of Sophie's character.  As Res navigates the Red Planet, he runs into many obstacles and adventures where his emotions and human-like feelings take hold.  His interactions with Fly, a drone along for the mission and Guardian, an orbiting satellite, have humor and tender moments of friendship that I forgot they were machines.  I found myself wanting to keep reading his adventure as Res meets danger and many perils during his exploration. He problem solves sometimes without the command center sending information making him seem to be thinking on his own.  The author did a wonderful job giving Res emotion, feelings and a unique personality that you can't help but fall in love with.  At one point he questions his purpose and existence and I felt the sadness. This is what great writing does and how it gives us that certain connection to our reading.   This would have been a great summer read to my kids when they were younger.  They would have loved the concept of the book! It is a beautiful middle grade story about strength, hope, perseverance, friendship, love, family and of course, outer space and the exploration of Mars.   I think this is a "just right book" for ages 9-12.~

Title:  A Rover's Story

Author: Jasmine Warga

Pub. date: October 2022, Balzer & Bray

Genre: fiction, middle grade

Hardcover, 294 pgs

 

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish review

In this strikingly illustrated debut with a quirky, surreal sensibility, the tale of an Arctic expedition invites readers to discover an elusive creature.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Is the giant Arctic jellyfish real or just a myth.  Dr. Morley is determined to set out with her crew on an Arctic expedition to find the answer.  Once there they find narwhals, beluga and orca whales, a polar bear and frozen landscapes; but no sign of the elusive giant creature.  Should they continue on exploring or consider it a failed adventure and return home?

I absolutely loved this debut story written and illustrated by Chloe Savage!  With determination and teamwork, Dr. Morely and her crew travel through the frozen Arctic as we experience their days on the research vessel through wonderful illustrations.  Throughout the book, there are pages with cutaways of the ship where we get to observe the crew going about their daily life.  Kids will enjoy hearing about the expedition and love looking at all the details. The jellyfish seems to be following along, staying just close enough to keep an eye on the crew but still hiding out of site. There is a bit of humor when you really pay notice to the different scenes. After all the hope and hard work of trying to find the giant and coming up with nothing, Dr. Morley is ready to leave for home. But not without a possible surprise at the end.  This was a fun read and afterwards I decided to look up if there was such a thing as the giant Arctic jellyfish. I learn so many new things everyday.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7. 

Title: The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish

Author: Chloe Savage

Pub. date: June 2023, Candlewick Press

Genre: picture book, science

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Astrid the Astronaut - The Astronomically Grand Plan review

 

In this first book of a brand new-chapter book series, a young girl is determined to be the first astronaut with hearing aids in space!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third grader Astrid can't wait for the after school program to begin!  Shooting Stars is a super cool Space Club and she is excited to attend with her best friend Hallie.  Astrid also dreams of being an Astronaut one day and will not let her hearing aids stop her from having that dream. There is also a space camp the two friends can attend at the end!  All these things are part of Astrid's astronomically grand plan she has taped above her desk at home.  But her grand plans fall apart when Hallie wants to join Art Club instead of the Shooting Stars.  At her first club meeting, Astrid is not sure how she will be able to stick to her plan without Hallie by her side.  

 

This is a wonderful new chapter book series for the second and third grade reader.  It flows easily and will keep kids interest to the end.  The chapters are short and includes illustrations throughout adding good imagery to the story.  Astrid is devastated when Hallie chooses Art Club over the Space Club.  She doesn't understand why she wants to switch and this makes Astrid feel alone.  When it comes to this age group, this is a realistic scenario about friendships and the story does well handling changes among friends.  It also has problem solving skills, finding and making new friends, teamwork, accepting that others have different interests and not letting anything stand in the way of your dreams.   Astrid's determination through the many ups and downs of third grade to still reach her plan shows resilience.  There are many character developments for her and messages throughout.  This would be a great series for the summer reading list and for kids who have an interest in space.   I am looking forward to reading the other books soon.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-8.~

Title:  Astrid the Astronaut

Author: Rie Neal, illustrated by Talitha Shipman

Pub. date: July 2022, Aladdin Books

Genre: middle grade

Hardcover, 97 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.

 

 

VIvi Loves Science - Wind and Water review

 

Vivi loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi helps her community clean up the beach after a storm and learns about how wind and water shape the landscape.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

This is the third book in the science series but this time Vivi learns about the forces of wind and water.  One night a storm moves through and Vivi, with the help of her friend Graeme, volunteer to clean up the beach debris.  But they notice that the tide pools and sand dunes have changed?  This question opens up another great opportunity for a chance to learn about natural forces and the impact it can have.

 

This story will introduce readers to wind and water and how the two can cause erosion which changes the shape of the land. There are many familiar faces like Ranger Earle and Ms. Cousteau answering Vivi's questions in detail.  What I really like about this series is that it is simple for kids to understand but yet very informative that they will learn so much. Vivi and Graeme helping to clean up the beach is a great way to show kids the importance of taking care of our environment. The end has a wonderful hands on erosion experiment for kids to perform in the classroom or on their own.  This is a great book for the independent reader who loves science.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-10.~

Title:  Vivi Loves Science - Wind and Water

Author: Kimberly Derting

Pub. date: January 2023, Greenwillow Books

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Build a Leprechaun Trap review

 

Catching leprechauns is no easy task-you need more than dandelion tea and four-leaf clovers! You'll need the perfect trap(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and here is a fun step-by-step book that will help kids catch that tricky little Leprechaun.  It gives you all the details you need to build 15 different types of traps using items found around the house or craft stores such as; a shoe box, paper plates, acrylic paint, cotton balls, construction paper, popsicle sticks or paper cups for example. Kids will use STEM to create easy and fun traps for the holiday celebration.  Materials and complete instructions are included on every page but you can interchange items if something is not available.  Creativity and imagination is the key.  There is a guide for difficulty ranging from 1-5 clovers for each build and even a few recipes to make with adult help.  Best of all, it will have the kids thinking and working on some clever, constructive ideas while having  plenty of fun!  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

 

Title:  How to Build a Leprechaun Trap

Author: Larissa Juliano 

 Pub. date: March 2018, Sourcebooks Wonderland 

Genre: non fiction 

Hardcover, 96 pgs. 

 

The Indestructible Tom Crean review

At the turn of the twentieth century, Antarctica is the last unexplored continent. The ice is unforgiving. It can break the human spirit. It takes many men willing to face hardship, danger, and years away from home to journey to this uncharted end of the earth. This is the story of one. His name is Tom Crean.

 

 

 

 Born on the West Coast of Ireland,  Tom Crean grew up on a large family farm.  But, as others have done from his countryside before him, he joined the British Navy at 16 and took to the seas. After ten years of working his way up the ranks, the ship Discovery is ready to leave for Antarctica and Tom is ready to step up for the adventure.  Soon to follow are two more harrowing explorations, one on the Terra Nova and the second on the Endurance, putting Tom's courage and strength to the test.

 

I love when I find new historical figures to share that I myself never knew about. This is a fascinating book about the early explorations of the Antarctic and one incredible hero, Tom Crean.  The expeditions take place from 1901- 1917 and details the crews perilous journeys through the unforgiving snow and ice.  What these men endured in the name of discovery and science is unbelievable.  I cannot imagine how anyone could survive the harsh environment but Tom is one of those heroes who persevered to save others.  Filled with many facts and details, it would make a wonderful addition to an explorers unit for the classroom or a project for grades 4-5.  The illustrations are done in soft water colors and pencil with plenty of detail and maps of the explored areas.  This book is Tom's story that needed to be told.   I  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-9.~  

 

Title: The Indestructible Tom Crean

Author:  Jennifer Thermes

Pub. date:  Januray 2023, Viking Books

Genre: nonfiction

Hardcover, 52 pgs.  

 

 

ViviLoves Science - Sink or Float review

Vivi loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi and her friends visit the aquarium and are introduced to the concepts of density and buoyancy.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We get to come along with Vivi and her class again on another field trip and this time to the aquarium!  She loves marine biology and has her list of questions all ready.

This is the second book in the science series and definitely worth adding to the reading library collection.  This story introduces readers to different marine animal life and answers Vivi's top question, "why do fish float"?    The class works in the lab making their own swim bladder experiments to see how they work.  These books have interactive opportunities for kids to take on their own science experiments with the instructions included.  The detailed information and illustrations together helps keep kids engaged to learn more without seeming overwhelming.  The end has a glossary and another sink or float experiment suggestion to try.  This is a wonderful book for kids who are interested in marine biology and enjoy doing science projects.  I think this is a "just right book"  for ages 6-10.~

Title:  Vivi Loves Science - Sink or Float

Author:  Kimberly Derting, Shelli Johannes 

Illustrated by: Joelle Murray

Pub. date:  February 2022

Genre:  picture book

Hardcover, 40 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.

 

Ty's Travels review

Ty and Corey love to visit the museum. When they step through the doors, they become scientists. They study bugs and hunt for fossils. When Ty can't participate in a lab activity because of his age, he uses his big imagination at home.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

Here is a great book for the beginning reader who loves science.  Another adventure in the Ty's Travels series with simple text along with fun and bold illustrations that will keep emergent readers engaged.  When Ty and Corey see the museum lab scientists at work their eyes light up!  Ty is too young to enter the lab so they  check out all the other wonderful activities the museum has to offer instead.  When Ty gets an idea to be a scientist at home, along with mom and dad's help, the brothers let their imaginations flow.  This wonderful easy reader series is a must have for the home or classroom library. It will not only encourage reading but will spark imagination, play and learning about different things.  Reading Lab Magic together and then follow up with your own science activities is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-6.~ 

 

Other Ty's Travel's in the Series:

 

All Aboard

Zip! Zoom!

Beach Day

Winter Wonderland

Camp Out

Title:  Ty's Travels - Lab Magic

Author:  Kelly Starling Lyons  illustrated by Nina Mata

Pub date: March 2022, Harper Collins

Genre: easy reader, picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin review

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"How many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Mr. Tiffin asks his class as they gather around the big, medium, and small pumpkins on his desk. Robert, the biggest kid, guesses that the largest one has a million seeds; Elinor, sounding like she knows what she's talking about, guesses the medium one has 500 seeds; and Anna, who likes even numbers better than odd ones, guesses that the little one has 22. Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, doesn't have a guess. (goodreads summary)


This will make a wonderful addition to the Fall Harvest parties this upcoming week. It is just the kind of book that is great for the math or science unit!  Mr. Tifflin has three different sized pumpkins and asks his class to guess "how many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Naturally, the kids think the biggest one will have the most. When they open each one and count the seeds, they discover a scientific surprise!

This book will reinforce concepts on size and prediction, as well as estimating and counting in various ways such as by 2's, 5's and 10's.  To add further to the teaching moment, the kids could weigh and measure their pumpkins as well.  Pumpkins also offer a great opportunity for sensory input with their funny shaped exterior, unusual smell and mushy insides. There is even a nice lesson for Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, who learns that it is not so bad being small. The story does read aloud easily with colorful and bold pictures that add to the fun. With the interesting facts included at the back, I managed to learn several things from this educational book that I didn't know.  Hope the kids have some fun this fall experimenting with pumpkins! I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin
Author:  Margaret McNamara
Pub. Date: July 2007, Schwartz & Wade Books
genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.