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It's the height of summer, with lots of children and families spending plenty of time outside. This month's books celebrate nature - from the simple joys found in a backyard garden to the indomitable spirit of a wounded raptor. And what better way to celebrate nature than to grab a little shade under a tree, and share a book about the outdoors with a child. For ages 4-8 “Holly Bloom's Garden” Written by Nancy Parent and Sarah Ashman; illustrated by Lori Mitchell (Flashlight Press; 32 pages; hardcover; $15.95) http://www.flashlightpress.com/hollybloom.html Flowers are a family thing with the Blooms. Young Holly longs to have a green thumb like her mother Iris, her sister Rosie and her brother Bud. But no matter what she plants or what tools she uses, her garden seems to come up short. Her artist dad says she just hasn't found the right tools yet. That sets her thinking, and one night she works feverishly to create flowers out of paint, crepe paper and pipe cleaners. Holly has realized there are many ways to be creative, and sometimes you just have to find your own way. The acrylic illustrations accompanying this tale of a late bloomer are cheerful and bright. “Sunshine on My Shoulders” Adapted and illustrated by Christopher Canyon (Dawn Publications; 32 pages; hardcover, $19.95) www.dawnpub.com The well-known song by the late John Denver serves as the inspiration for this lovingly illustrated book. Illustrator Christopher Canyon's soft and gentle paintings accompany the familiar words in clever ways. When looking at the words on the page, the reader is struck by their simplicity and sincerity in celebrating the joys of nature, which should resonate with children. The book includes a CD of Denver singing the song, along with the score. For ages 5-9 “Blue Sky Bluebird” Written and illustrated by Rick Chrustowski (Henry Holt and Co. 30 pages hardcover; $16.95) http://www.henryholtchildrensbooks.com/search.htm In a cozy nest inside a wooden box, 2 bluebirds work to raise the babies that have just been hatched from beautiful sky-blue eggs. We follow the family as the babies fight their fears and grow into fledglings and then, on their own, young birds. The illustrations, in colored pencil over watercolor wash, are bright and vivid. The book includes a page of bluebird news, with information about the birds' habitats and the comeback of the population. “A Packet of Seeds” Written by Deborah Hopkinson; illustrated by Bethanne Anderson (Harper Collins; 30 pages; hardcover, $15.99) In this tale of pioneer spirit and endurance, young Annie's father has decided to move the family from town to a patch of land on the prairie. Momma doesn't want to leave her family and friends behind, but does so dutifully. But the long winter is hard on her, then a new baby comes. Momma doesn't even bother to get out of bed anymore. But Annie remembers how her mother loved her old garden, and she and her brother toil to dig up a patch of tough prairie dirt near the house for Momma's garden. Their surprise makes Momma remember the packets of seeds her sister and friends gave to her before they left town. The garden and the seeds will help make this fierce and brutal land more like home for her. The story is simple and touching. The illustrations, done in gouache and oil, are lovely and expressive. “Backyard Wonders” Written by Nancy MacCoon; illustrated by Courtney Watkins (Vibatorium Publishing 38 pages hardcover $14.95) How many times have parents heard the question, "How come?" from their kids? This book repeatedly asks the question, "Have you ever wondered..." and then proceeds to answer the question. It covers queries about sow bugs, ladybugs, hummingbirds and bumblebees - creatures that kids are likely to see in their everyday surroundings. There's lots of biological information, but it's presented in an easy-to-understand way. The illustrations are bright and whimsical. For ages 6-10 “Arrowhawk” Written by Lola M. Schaefer; illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska (Henry Holt and Co.; 28 pages; hardcover; $16.96) http://www.henryholtchildrensbooks.com/search.htm Stunning acrylic paintings accompany this story of a young hawk that is shot thought the leg with a poacher's arrow. Based on a true story, the hawk miraculously survives for weeks in the wilderness before the efforts of concerned citizens, the media and a biologist unite to capture the bird and rehabilitate it. The story is told through the hawk's eyes, as it struggles to find food and rid itself of the arrow. It also initially struggles against the human hands that just want to help. The book includes an article on the real hawk, as well as information about raptors. For ages 7-10 “Andrew Lost” On the Reef Written by J.C. Greenburg (Random House 96 pages paperback $3.99) http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/andrewlost/books/title7.html In this, the continuing saga of Andrew and his scientific adventures, he, his friend Judy and their super-smart robot Thudd are caught on the Great Barrier Reef in their Water Bug vehicle. The children must find their way through the reef, which is rich in underwater creatures, both benign and treacherous. The tale includes plenty of aquatic information to please young adventurers. |
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