Jenkins, Steve. 2004. ACTUAL SIZE. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN # 0618375945
This is an oversized picture book which shows children, through jolting illustrations, just how small or large various animals are. Each double page spread includes an eye-opening illustration along with specific information on the featured animal. The illustrations are skillfully created through cut and torn textured paper. Many of the featured animals are so large that only a portion can be shown in the illustration. The saltwater crocodile is cleverly done by one page doubling out, which allows for a three page spread. The giant squid focuses only on the huge eye which is a foot across and the great white shark shows only a portion of the giant mouth with a page of enormous jagged teeth. The text on the pages is minimal which allows the reader to focus on the visualization of the actual size of the creatures. This book ends with a section which includes a smaller, full body illustration of the animals along with a paragraph of additional interesting information. This is a very visually shocking choice and children will be intrigued while learning about the interesting facts included in this book.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Review: BEACHCOMING: EXPLORING THE SEASHORE, Module 8, Informational Books
Arnosky, Jim. 2004. BEACHCOMING: EXPLORING THE SEASHORE. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN # 0525471049
This informational book is full of facts about many things which can be found while beachcombing at the seashore. The book begins with good advice on how to prepare and begin searching for treasures. The book is then divided into double page spreads of different categories of items which can be discovered at the beach. Some of the items which are highlighted include seashells, crabs, jellyfish, and even shark teeth. Each section includes many beautiful pastel paintings which are labeled and include specific facts and interesting information. The author states that he has gathered his information from personally beachcombing on 26 beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This is a great choice for children to learn about our beaches and to identify items which they may find or have found. The book ends with an author’s note about how the information was gathered and a list of more books for children who wish to explore this topic further.
This informational book is full of facts about many things which can be found while beachcombing at the seashore. The book begins with good advice on how to prepare and begin searching for treasures. The book is then divided into double page spreads of different categories of items which can be discovered at the beach. Some of the items which are highlighted include seashells, crabs, jellyfish, and even shark teeth. Each section includes many beautiful pastel paintings which are labeled and include specific facts and interesting information. The author states that he has gathered his information from personally beachcombing on 26 beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This is a great choice for children to learn about our beaches and to identify items which they may find or have found. The book ends with an author’s note about how the information was gathered and a list of more books for children who wish to explore this topic further.
Review: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS, Module 8, Informational Books
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS. December 2007.
National Geographic Kids is a fun magazine for boys and girls alike. The magazine is full of interesting facts, stories, games, activities, and jokes. This particular issue included articles about the rescue of a snow leopard, how science is involved in popular technological toys, behind the scenes of new hot movies, and how kids have gotten up close to dangerous animals such as sharks and rhinoceros to capture their photographs. Also included were pages of jokes, fun facts, puzzles, and a family project on making a gingerbread village. An index with pictures and a quick summary of major articles is available on the first page. All the articles include many attention grabbing photographs. The text is broken up into sections which can be easily browsed through. Children will find the reading relaxing and fun. With the variety articles and activities this magazine will surely enable most any child to find something which excites him or her.
National Geographic Kids is a fun magazine for boys and girls alike. The magazine is full of interesting facts, stories, games, activities, and jokes. This particular issue included articles about the rescue of a snow leopard, how science is involved in popular technological toys, behind the scenes of new hot movies, and how kids have gotten up close to dangerous animals such as sharks and rhinoceros to capture their photographs. Also included were pages of jokes, fun facts, puzzles, and a family project on making a gingerbread village. An index with pictures and a quick summary of major articles is available on the first page. All the articles include many attention grabbing photographs. The text is broken up into sections which can be easily browsed through. Children will find the reading relaxing and fun. With the variety articles and activities this magazine will surely enable most any child to find something which excites him or her.
Review: ODD BOY OUT: YOUNG ALBERT EINSTEIN, Module 8, Informational Books
Brown, Don. 2004. ODD BOY OUT: YOUNG ALBERT EINSTEIN. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books. ISBN # 0618492984
ODD BOY OUT is the story of the early life of Albert Einstein. This story lets readers know that even though Albert Einstein was a genius; his life was not always easy. While growing up he felt different than other children. He had different interests, he was not good at sports, and even had difficulties in school. This biography shows children that the world is made up of assorted personalities. Despite these differences young Albert grew up to become a husband, father, and very famous. The illustrations are interesting and help the reader visualize the story. They have dull tan overtones and young Albert is often shown as an outsider and/or unhappy. The book ends with an author’s note which gives further more technical information about Albert Einstein’s famous accomplishments. Finally a bibliography is included. This is an interesting story which lets the reader know about Albert Einstein from a more personal view.
ODD BOY OUT is the story of the early life of Albert Einstein. This story lets readers know that even though Albert Einstein was a genius; his life was not always easy. While growing up he felt different than other children. He had different interests, he was not good at sports, and even had difficulties in school. This biography shows children that the world is made up of assorted personalities. Despite these differences young Albert grew up to become a husband, father, and very famous. The illustrations are interesting and help the reader visualize the story. They have dull tan overtones and young Albert is often shown as an outsider and/or unhappy. The book ends with an author’s note which gives further more technical information about Albert Einstein’s famous accomplishments. Finally a bibliography is included. This is an interesting story which lets the reader know about Albert Einstein from a more personal view.
Review: THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS: AN ILLUMINATING HISTORY OF MR. WATERHOUSE HAWKINS, ARTIST AND LECTURER, Module 8, Informational Books
Kerley, Barbara. 2001. THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS: AN ILLUMINATING HISTORY OF MR. WATERHOUSE HAWKINS, ARTIST AND LECTURER. Ill. by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN # 0439114942
Waterhouse Hawkins lived over 150 years ago at a time when little was known about dinosaurs. This biography tells of his studies and work in first making dinosaurs come to life for all people. As a boy he was an artist who spent many hours drawing and sculpting but as an adult he actually built, for the first time, life sized models of dinosaurs. This story tells of his achievements, the great difficulties, and even failures which he encountered. The story is divided into three ages. The first tells of his beginnings in London, the second his difficulties and accomplishments in America, and finally the story ends back in England where he settled into old age and continued to broaden his knowledge. This is a large book with vibrant illustrations which utilize bold colors. The illustrations have an old fashioned look which helps the reader to get a feel for the time. At the back an extensive section on the author’s and illustrator’s notes are included. This section gives additional background and insight into this story. The book ends with pictures of Hawkins’ interpretations of how dinosaurs looked alongside pictures of what today’s scientists believe dinosaurs to have looked like. When comparing the pictures it is quite interesting to see the similarities and differences. This is a great book for dinosaur lovers. It will give readers insight on how scientists go about learning and sharing what they know about the past.
Waterhouse Hawkins lived over 150 years ago at a time when little was known about dinosaurs. This biography tells of his studies and work in first making dinosaurs come to life for all people. As a boy he was an artist who spent many hours drawing and sculpting but as an adult he actually built, for the first time, life sized models of dinosaurs. This story tells of his achievements, the great difficulties, and even failures which he encountered. The story is divided into three ages. The first tells of his beginnings in London, the second his difficulties and accomplishments in America, and finally the story ends back in England where he settled into old age and continued to broaden his knowledge. This is a large book with vibrant illustrations which utilize bold colors. The illustrations have an old fashioned look which helps the reader to get a feel for the time. At the back an extensive section on the author’s and illustrator’s notes are included. This section gives additional background and insight into this story. The book ends with pictures of Hawkins’ interpretations of how dinosaurs looked alongside pictures of what today’s scientists believe dinosaurs to have looked like. When comparing the pictures it is quite interesting to see the similarities and differences. This is a great book for dinosaur lovers. It will give readers insight on how scientists go about learning and sharing what they know about the past.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Review: FASHION KITTY, Module 7, Fantasy
Harper, Charise Mericle. 2005. FASHION KITTY. New York: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children. ISBN # 0786851341
Kiki Kitty comes from a family who encourages her to be independent and individualistic. On her birthday a pile of fashion magazines accidentally falls on her head transforming her from regular Kiki Kitty to Fashion Kitty. Fashion Kitty uses her super powers to help others with their fashion problems and, in the process, builds their self esteem and social skills. Fashion Kitty is a fun character which will help children consider relevant issues such as fitting in and bullying. The illustrations are cartoon style. They are done in grays and pinks and include dialogue and expression. The illustrations and large and the text is minimal. There is even a section where the reader can manipulate the pages to create their own fashion combinations. This selection is a fun choice with substance.
Kiki Kitty comes from a family who encourages her to be independent and individualistic. On her birthday a pile of fashion magazines accidentally falls on her head transforming her from regular Kiki Kitty to Fashion Kitty. Fashion Kitty uses her super powers to help others with their fashion problems and, in the process, builds their self esteem and social skills. Fashion Kitty is a fun character which will help children consider relevant issues such as fitting in and bullying. The illustrations are cartoon style. They are done in grays and pinks and include dialogue and expression. The illustrations and large and the text is minimal. There is even a section where the reader can manipulate the pages to create their own fashion combinations. This selection is a fun choice with substance.
Review: A WRINKLE IN TIME, Module 7, Fantasy
L’Engle, Madeleine. 1962. A WRINKLE IN TIME. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books. ISBN # 0440498058
Meg Murry is an awkward teenager who doesn’t seem to quite belong anywhere. Her father has been absent for over a year on a secret mission. One stormy night three strange old women approach Meg, Charles Wallace, her intelligent younger brother, and Calvin OKeffe, an acquaintance from school. These women send the children off on an incredible journey through the universe utilizing a tesseract, the fifth dimension. This mission reveals a black shadow that is overshadowing the Earth. The children face evil in the form of IT, a being that controls every aspect of his followers. The followers of IT have no free will or choice. Meg and the others soon learn that IT has Meg’s father in his grasp. Through hope, faith, and love Meg is able to free her father and give the human race a chance at a bright future. This is a magical story in which characters are transformed and travel is miraculous. Good triumphs over evil. Meg grows from an insecure girl to a competent and resourceful young woman. This story will entertain children as it explores the possibilities of our universe.
Meg Murry is an awkward teenager who doesn’t seem to quite belong anywhere. Her father has been absent for over a year on a secret mission. One stormy night three strange old women approach Meg, Charles Wallace, her intelligent younger brother, and Calvin OKeffe, an acquaintance from school. These women send the children off on an incredible journey through the universe utilizing a tesseract, the fifth dimension. This mission reveals a black shadow that is overshadowing the Earth. The children face evil in the form of IT, a being that controls every aspect of his followers. The followers of IT have no free will or choice. Meg and the others soon learn that IT has Meg’s father in his grasp. Through hope, faith, and love Meg is able to free her father and give the human race a chance at a bright future. This is a magical story in which characters are transformed and travel is miraculous. Good triumphs over evil. Meg grows from an insecure girl to a competent and resourceful young woman. This story will entertain children as it explores the possibilities of our universe.
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