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During last July’s 5.8 earthquake, 3-year-old Bronwyn told her 1-year-old sister, “We’re going for a wiggle.” READ MORE
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Nothing captivates children more than the world around them. Whether it’s a fascination with wildlife or an interest in space travel or the weather, this month’s books cover our home and beyond. And making the environment more understandable to even the youngest of children can only pique their interest in further discoveries. In celebration of Earth Day, first held March 21, 1970, in San Francisco, we review this month’s selections. (Earth Day 2005 will be celebrated April 22; for a good website for more information, go to The Wilderness Society at earthday.wilderness.org/ and click on Links). For ages 2-7 Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef Written by Marianne Berkes; illustrated by Jeanette Canyon (Dawn Publications, paperback, 32 pages, $8.95) Author Marianne Berkes has taken the old counting song “Over in the Meadow” and transformed it by setting it in a coral reef and populating it with the creatures who live there. The art in the book is quite compelling; the sea creatures and backgrounds are crafted completely from bright polymer clay. The result is a vivid-looking book that is practically a tactile experience and will engage the attention of even the youngest children. Color, Color, Where Are You, Color? Written by Mary Koski; illustrated by Janeen Mason (Trellis Publishing, hardcover, 28 pages, $14.95) The animals and scenery created by nature are a treasure trove of spectacular colors. This book, created for the youngest of readers, shows them in all their beauty, from the red of cardinals and apples to the yellow of lemons and seahorses. The book has rhyming text geared for the young ones. Motherlove Written by Virginia Kroll; illustrated by Lucia Washburn (Dawn Publications, paperback, 30 pages, $7.95) Some mothers are furry, like llamas. Some are purry, like lions. Virginia Kroll explores motherhood in the animal kingdom in her gentle book. The easy-to-read text about each animal is accompanied by more scientific insight into different species, such as how orangutans and other large primates use giant leaves as umbrellas to shield their children, while human mothers also try to shield their youngsters from danger or emotional pain. The illustrations are colorful and cozy. Earth & Me: Our Family Tree Written by J. Patrick Lewis; illustrated by Christopher Canyon (Dawn Publications, paperback, 32 pages, $7.95) No man is an island, and even more so, no creature is an island. They are all dependent on each other for survival and their place in nature’s scheme of things. From the crane and the hummingbird that share the sky, to the giant blue whale and octopus that occupy the sea, every creature has a place and purpose in nature, the author writes. The illustrations are colorful and finely detailed. For ages 8-10 Space Travelers By Seymour Simon (Chronicle Books, paperback, 44 pages, $3.95) Noted children’s science writer Seymour Simon explores the history of space travel, from 1961, when the first human was launched into space by a rocket, to today’s International Space Station, populated by an ever-changing cast of scientists from Russia and America. The book contains great information, clearly written, with some great space photographs, perfect to satisfy the curiosity of budding young astronauts. Night Wonders By Jane Ann Peddicord (Charlesbridge Publishing, paperback, 32 pages, $6.95) A child looks at the night sky and his mind is set to wondering: What is out that far? This book answers, in language and images children can understand, just what is out there. From the craggy moon, which has hardly changed in 3 billion years, to the enormity of the Milky Way, this book is filled with information about the universe. The artwork includes both space photographs and paintings. For ages 10 and older Weather: A Visual Guide By Bruce Buckley, Edward J. Hopkins and Richard Whitaker (Firefly Books, hardcover, 304 pages, $29.95) Everyone talks about the weather. But this book takes the mystery out of all that meteorological talk on TV and puts it into plain language. It explains just what a jet stream is, and why hurricanes form. It discusses weather detection methods and contemplates the future with climate changes. Much of the full-color photography is quite stunning. How Things Work: Everyday Technology Explained By John Langone (National Geographic Books, hardcover, 272 pages, $35) How does a refrigerator work? What keeps an airplane in the sky? And how does a clock keep time? We’ve all heard the never-ending questions of how and why things work the way they do from our children. The next time they ask such a question, parents can pull this comprehensive volume out. In clear, concise language with some stunning photographs, this book covers topics including home, transportation, agriculture, medicine and communication. |
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