Sneed B. Collard III
Prairies are more often the backdrop for children's stories rather than the main subject. Sneed B. Collard III, a biologist turned children's author, has put prairies front and center in The Prairie Builders, which features the prairie restoration efforts at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa.
The Prairie Builders won a prestigious new award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The AAAS/Subaru SB&F (Science Books and Films) Prize for Excellence in Science Books celebrates outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. Marilyn Courtot, President of CLCD Company LLC, served as a member of the AAAS selection committee. The Prairie Builders, published in 2005 by Houghton Mifflin for readers age 8 and up, has also earned a long list of additional accolades, including NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book, School Library Journal's Best Books list 2005 and Junior Library Guild selection. In addition, Collard is the Children's Book Guild's 2006 Nonfiction Award winner.
Collard has written about everything from daytime raptors to lizard science and biologists at work. The Guild award committee says Collard's books cover "critical issues of ecology, habitats and animal behavior with insight and humor, appealing to both early and middle grade readers."
Collard studied marine biology at the University of California/Berkeley and also earned a Master's degree in scientific instrumentation. He worked for a short time with California Fish and Game but now uses his science background to write full-time for children. He met Diane Debinski while writing a children's book call Butterfly Count and then learned about her efforts to re-introduce the Regal Fritillary butterfly to the Neal Smith Refuge. Collard quickly became fascinated with prairies, especially the "enormity of trying to create an ecosystem from scratch." Less than one-tenth of one percent of Iowa's original prairie remains and Pauline Drobney is out to change that. Drobney, Land Management and Research Demonstration biologist at the refuge, is leading and effort to recreate the Iowa's tallgrass prairie. Drobney and Debinski are the stars of Collard's book.
The Neal Smith Refuge hosted Collard for two weeks in July 2003 while he interviewed Debinski and even captured two male Regals. He spent several days with Drobney, learning about the details and significance of the project as well as such challenges as invasive species. The book shows red clover and Queen Anne's lace, for example, competing with native prairie plants.
The Prairie Builders carefully describes the disappointments, the thinking and re-thinking, and the accumulation of small successes that make up the daily life of a research biologist. Collard follows the prairie restoration project from the establishment of the refuge in 1989 to the reintroduction of bison and butterflies to the important role of fire in nourishing the prairie ecosystem. There is a photo of children and adults literally dancing native prairie seed into the ground during the annual Sow Your Wild Oats Day. Collard's brilliant color photography brings alive the flowers and grasses and wildlife of the prairie. Collard describes traditional tribal uses for many plants, including the coneflower, used to treat sore throats and other inflammation and known to many Americans now as Echinacea.
Believing the story of the prairie can serve as a model for American thinking about healing the earth, Collard says "an important point in the book is that a reconstructed ecosystem will never be as good as a protected/preserved one, and that's also something I wanted to emphasize with readers. We have to vigorously protect what we still have because even with heroic efforts, we will never be able to recover what we've lost or destroyed."
Karen Leggett originally wrote this article for the newsletter she edits for the National Wildlife Refuge System. There is more information about prairie restoration at http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=33670 and more information Sneed B. Collard III at http://www.author-illustr-source.com/sneedbcollard.htm.
Reviews
1,000 Years Ago on Planet Earth Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Jonathan Hunt
Each two-page spread of this oversize illustrated book peers into life a millennium ago on a different part of the globe. "1,000 Years Ago in North America" tells about the Anasazi Indians and the prosperous civilization at Chaco Canyon. "1,000 Years Ago in Northern Europe" describes the intrepid Vikings and their quests for land and wealth. Those are two of the twelve glimpses this book provides into cultures around the world at the last turn of a millennium. This handsome, informative book is just perfect for millennium readers who enjoy reflecting on where we are and where we've been. Those readers who have already tired of millennium-this and millennium-that will delight in the refreshing perspective this book presents of historical milestones of civilization and advanced culture. 1999, Houghton Mifflin Company, $15.00. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Katsh (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 2000; Texas
ISBN: 0-395-90866-3
ISBN: 978-0-395-90866-2
Animals Asleep
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Anik McGrory
Sea otters sleep in a kelp bed, wrapped in rubbery seaweed to keep them in place. Sooty terns sleep in the sky as they fly over tropical seas. Colonies of fruit bats sleep upside-down during the day. Some animals asleep on their stomachs, and some sleep on their backs. Some animals asleep together, like fruit bats, and some sleep all alone. Children, who are famous for being difficult at bedtime, will find the sleeping patterns of animals fascinating. Dreamy illustrations showcase how some of nature's creatures get their 40 winks. Readers will learn that, although sleeping habits are diverse, humans and animals all need sleep to rest their bodies and minds. Not much is known about the sleep of invertebrates--animals without backbones. Research indicates that they seem to have resting periods each day. But no one can say with certainty that clams, worms, etc. really go to sleep. The author has selected an interesting cross-section of animals to feature in this picture book. The text treats this subject with science, humor, and insight. Hopefully, the message about the importance of a good night's sleep will make its mark on the intended audience! 2004, Houghton Mifflin Co, $15.00. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Henry Bergh Children's Book Award Winner 2004 Illustration United States
ISBN: 0-618-27697-1
ISBN: 978-0-618-27697-4
Beaks!
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Robin Brickman
A very brief, simple text set in large type is supplemented by more lengthy, factual information for the older and/or more curious reader, on each bird included. Those covered are divided into groups by type of beak--small, heavy, long, diggers, prying, and so forth. Additional information, questions, and a bibliography of books and web sites conclude the volume. More than 20 birds are pictured. Brickman's innovative handling of painted and sculpted papers gives accurate representation of birds along with plants, branches, marshes, and more. Her birds are actively using their beaks. The pages are designed to entice looking while encouraging the understanding of the natural information and the appreciation of the technical skill and esthetic compositions of the art. 2002, Charlesbridge, $16.95 and $6.95. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
This is a scientific book, but it is also fun to read. The reader learns about the ways various species of birds use their very different beaks. Birds' beaks may be large or small, heavy or light, short or long. Each kind of beak has a different use, best adapted for eating a particular type of food. For example, the large toucan beak is deceptively lightweight for plucking berries and insects from the trees. The book also gives other uses for the beaks, like attracting mates. This book ends with a fun surprise as well as a list of interesting, bird-related Web sites. The colorful illustrations look like three-dimensional collages and really catch the reader's attention. The book is for younger elementary students, but older kids will also find it interesting and educational. 2002, Charlesbridge Publishing, $16.95 and $6.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Paul Mauer (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2003; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 1-57091-387-0
ISBN: 1-57091-388-9
ISBN: 978-1-57091-388-4
ISBN: 978-1-57091-387-7
Butterfly Count
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Paul Kratter
Amy joins her mother and other volunteers on the annual, nationwide Fourth of July Butterfly Count, to identify and count the surviving species of butterflies. They are searching on land that her great-great-grandmother, Nora Belle, donated as a sanctuary. Missing for years has been the regal fritillary, Nora Belle's favorite. After a day of discovering many beautiful butterflies, Amy stops at Nora Belle's grave, to find that the sanctuary has finally welcomed Nora Belle's favorite species back. After a slow start, the story builds suspense as Amy searches. Kratter's double-page, naturalistic watercolors depict the surveying with tints of blues and greens and, in the foregrounds, the details of flowers, grasses and of course, some butterflies. Low-key and attractive, bits of natural history are conveyed in a sympathetic, if fictional format. Several pages detail and describe various butterflies, and there are factual notes as well. 2002, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2003; National Science Teachers Association; United States
ISBN: 0823416070
ISBN: 9780823416073
The Deep-sea Floor
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Gregory Wenzel
This fascinating and up-to-the-minute account of the sea floor and the animals that live there is sure to attract fans of the odd, weird, and cutting-edge. Collard explains clearly how the ocean floor changes and how scientists refer to various depths. Readers are informed that dwellers in the near-lightless depths can't eat the absent plants so rely on gradually and ever-sinking fecal pellets of the sea-going creatures swimming above them, and "marine snow," the bits and pieces that fall from animals and plants above. Text explains bioluminescence and its purposes in deep-sea fish, and other adaptations that bottom-crawlers must make, including those that live near deep-sea vents and cold seeps. To round out the picture, text shows the deep-sea submersibles currently in use and the depth to which they can dive. Young readers may notice that measurements are given in metric first, with English feet in parentheses, but one wonders when American readers will warm to the correct use of metric measurement in science, let alone in everyday use. This is one of the most useful and well-written survey books for this age group, well supported by a glossary, four nonfiction resource books, and three Web sites. End papers depict and label 18 deep-sea critters, which suggests that children might conduct further research beyond this book. 2003, Charlesbridge, $16.95. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Books for Junior High and Young Adults, 2003; Science Books & Films; United States
ISBN: 1-57091-402-8
ISBN: 1-57091-403-6
ISBN: 978-1-57091-402-7
Do They Scare You? Creepy Creatures
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrations by Karen Kest
By providing facts and challenging myths, the author reassures children that, under ordinary circumstances, they need not fear most animals with bad reputations. These twenty-two creatures may look fearsome but in most cases they are not. Also available in Spanish. 1992, Charlesbridge, $14.95, $15.88 and $6.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Dr. Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88106-492-0
ISBN: 0-88106-491-2
ISBN: 0-88106-490-4
ISBN: 978-0-88106-492-6
In the Deep Sea
Sneed B. Collard III
The ocean is by far one of the most fascinating and mysterious places on the planet. Ocean life has amazed, mystified, and frightened people for thousands of years. But explorers have also been fascinated by ocean life and have explored the ocean and studied life there for just as long. Only recently, however, has it been possible to truly study ocean life in its natural environment. With the advent of deep-sea submersibles, researchers have found increasingly unique and bizarre life from deep beneath the ocean's surface. Something that has truly fascinated researchers just within the last twenty years is the discovery of bioluminescent creatures. One researcher, Dr. Edith Widder, and her team, have conducted in-depth studies of these creatures both in the ocean and in their laboratories. The focus of Collard's book is on some of the discoveries that Dr. Widder and other researchers have made about bioluminescent life and how important funding is for the research they conduct. This text is part of the "Science Adventures" series. 2006, Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, $25.64. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1952-7
ISBN: 978-0-7614-1952-5
In the Rain Forest Canopy
Sneed B. Collard III
Some of the most beautiful places on earth are also the most mysterious. For dozens of years, biologists who studied the rain forest had no knowledge of the type of life that existed in rain forest canopies. That began to change when researchers first used mountain climbing equipment to reach the tree tops. At first they only studied the wildlife that lived in the canopies, but eventually one biology student, Nalini Nadkarni, began to study the epiphytes that grow on the trees in the rain forests. Several important discoveries regarding climate and native habitats were made because of the research done on epiphytes. Since then, Nadkarni and other researchers have expanded their research and have begun efforts to educate the public regarding the native species found only in the rain forest canopies and the importance of maintaining a stable climate to ensure the continued existence of plants and animals that live there. Using full-color illustrations of plants, animals, and the researchers who work in the rain forests, Collard presents a clear look at the work of Nadkarni all over the world and the importance of the research she and other biologists have conducted in rain forests. This text is part of the "Science Adventures" series. 2006, Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, $26.64. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1954-3
ISBN: 978-0-7614-1954-9
In the Wild
Sneed B. Collard III
Wild animals have always fascinated humans. For centuries, people would capture animals and hold them in cages for display and to entertain others. The first public zoos were designed in the same manner and were constructed in such a way so as to display the animals but not to study or care for the animals. That began to change in the early 1980s when researchers attempting to return animals to the wild realized that animals held in captivity had no idea how to survive on their own. One of the first zoos to undertake extensive research on how animals act upon return to their natural habitat was Zoo Atlanta, run by Terry Maple. Collard's text discusses the attempts of Zoo Atlanta, and other researchers working with the Zoo, to study animals in the wild and animals released back into the wild. Zoo Atlanta, and several other zoos across the country, have taken steps to ensure that animals born and reared in the zoo possess the necessary survival skills when they are returned to the wild. This text is part of the "Science Adventures" series. 2006, Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, $25.64. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1955-1
ISBN: 978-0-7614-1955-6
Leaving Home
Sneed B. Collard, III
Illustrated by Joan Dunning
As in his previous Animal Dads and Making Animal Babies, Collard has double strands of text. Beginning with "Sooner or later, we all leave home," the text may be read as a simple exploration of various ways of becoming independent of parents. But each top strip also has a paragraph at page bottom which extends the information provided in a picture so that interested readers may read about crab life in a bromiliad, coral larvae carried by ocean currents to other parts of the reef, single male rabbits searching for new turf, or gnus in herds migrating from their birth places. By using the "we," Collard implies that we humans, too, leave--a scary thought for the implied reader--but humans aren't pictured. And the last page reminds us that sometimes those who leave come home--like migrating swallows. The richly colored watercolors present dramatic renditions, images frequently break the border of the pictures, and Collard's choices of animals represent a variety of species and worldwide locations. It's an attractive and informative concept book and one that manages to convey plenty of information effortlessly. 2002, Houghton Mifflin, $15.00. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-618-11454-8
ISBN: 978-0-618-11454-2
Lizard Island: Science and Scientists on Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Sneed B. Collard III
Anyone over eight years old should be intrigued by this book. While some books allow dynamite illustrations to do most of the job, this one relies on its skilled author to convey the stories of many ground-breaking marine scientists on Lizard Island, just off Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR), a chain of 2,800 separate reefs, stretching 1,200 miles along the eastern coastline. (The illustrations are fine, just not dominant.) Here at the GBR, 2,200 different fishes (a term indicating multiple species of fish), 340 coral species, tens of thousands of other invertebrates, six of the seven kinds of known sea turtles, hundreds of sea birds, manatees and dugongs grazing on seagrass meadows, plus humpback whales and porpoises out in the Coral Sea--phew!--provide scientists with rich territory for study. No book can cover all that happens at the Lizard Island Research Station (LIRS), so the author focuses on the scientists and reef studies most apt to interest young people--the makeup of the Reef itself; parrotfish munching on the reef and all defecating in a communal toilet area; survival of the coral fish larvae (amazing swimmers); the part algae plays in the makeup of the reef (basically holding the reef together); fish that mimic other fish to avoid predators; and the current crises in reefs worldwide due to global warming and human impacts. This title features highly interesting commentary by the LIRS scientists as they conduct research, along with "Coral Reef Briefs" that explore smaller, yet fascinating topics. An outstanding glossary, book list and eight Internet sites complete the book--a winner in all respects. 2000, Franklin Watts, $26.00 and $12.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Joan Carris (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-531-11719-7
ISBN: 978-0-531-11719-4
Making Animal Babies
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Steve Jenkins
This informative book takes readers through the animal kingdom and explains the myriad ways in which animal babies are created. It starts with simple water organisms that bud or split from the parent, or simply break off on their own. Collard then explains that most animals procreate by sexual reproduction and discusses how the sperm and egg are brought together to make the next generation. The book discusses the mating process, explaining that chameleons show bright colors to attract a partner, walruses fight with their tusks, birds build elaborate structures to impress a partner, and fireflies light up the sky. Spectacular three-dimensional collage illustrations bring the book to life. Especially noteworthy are pictures of a developing chimpanzee embryo and of a cat giving birth. There is a helpful glossary at the end of the book. Making Animal Babies is a follow-up to the acclaimed Animal Dads. 2000, Houghton Mifflin Co., $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Julie Steinberg, J.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Capitol Choices, 2000; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001; Children's Literature; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2000; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-395-95317-0
ISBN: 978-0-395-95317-4
On the Coral Reefs
Sneed B. Collard III
Coral reefs are home to some of the most beautiful creatures on the plant, but very little is known about the plants and animals that live there. It has only been in recent years that research has been conducted to learn more about coral reefs. One researcher in particular has devoted most of her time to the study of cleaner fish and their importance to the other fish on the reef. Alexandra Grutter began studying the life on coral reefs as a young woman and since receiving her doctorate, has led the way in the study of cleaner fish. Research into the relationship between cleaner fish and client fish opened up a new field of study into different mutualistic relationships between other plants and animals that live on coral reefs. The focus of Collard's book is an in-depth look at Grutter's life and interest in animals that live on coral reefs. Included at the back of the book is a brief warning about the endangerment of the coral reefs and what children can do to stop the damage done due to global warming. Full-color photographs of fish and plants that inhabit coral reefs add tremendously to the text. This text is part of the "Science Adventures" series. 2005, Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, $25.64. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
Coral reefs are among the most beautiful of nature's creations. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the largest and perhaps the most spectacular. Explaining the beauty and everyday life of a coral reef to young readers is a remarkable achievement; the book skillfully presents the dazzling, colorful marine inhabitants, their behaviors and habitats. Then writer and illustrator go beyond everyday to describe a phenomenon. Once a year-- in late spring and a few days past full moon--something wondrous happens: a mass spawning event, in which 135 of the reef's 340 species of coral all release eggs at the same time. Trillions of colorful egg packets release dozens--perhaps hundreds--of eggs. Once fertilized, they develop into larvae, then go about the business of growing into corals. The book details this event, which scientists did not even know about until the 1980s. Many books have been written about coral reefs, but this is one of the few that features the mass spawning. Brickman's collage illustrations are lush and breathtaking; no wonder she is an award-winning illustrator. This is an invaluable book for students of art as well as marine life. If a trip to the Great Reef is not in your future, this is the next best thing. The reader can find more information about the mass spawning, plus a glossary, bibliography and an index at the back of the book. 2005, Charlesbridge, $15.95 and $23.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Crowder (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-76141-953-5
ISBN: 978-0-76141-953-2
One Night in the Coral Sea
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Robin Brickman
Coral reefs are among the most beautiful of nature's creations. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the largest and perhaps the most spectacular. Explaining the beauty and everyday life of a coral reef to young readers is a remarkable achievement; the book skillfully presents the dazzling, colorful marine inhabitants, their behaviors and habitats. Then writer and illustrator go beyond everyday to describe a phenomenon. Once a year-- in late spring and a few days past full moon--something wondrous happens: a mass spawning event, in which 135 of the reef's 340 species of coral all release eggs at the same time. Trillions of colorful egg packets release dozens--perhaps hundreds--of eggs. Once fertilized, they develop into larvae, then go about the business of growing into corals. The book details this event, which scientists did not even know about until the 1980s. Many books have been written about coral reefs, but this is one of the few that features the mass spawning. Brickman's collage illustrations are lush and breathtaking; no wonder she is an award-winning illustrator. This is an invaluable book for students of art as well as marine life. If a trip to the Great Reef is not in your future, this is the next best thing. The reader can find more information about the mass spawning, plus a glossary, bibliography and an index at the back of the book. 2005, Charlesbridge, $15.95 and $23.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Crowder (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2006; National Science Teachers Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
The John Burroughs List of Nature Books for Young Readers Winner 2005 United States
ISBN: 1-57091-389-7
ISBN: 978-1-57091-389-1
Our Natural Homes: Exploring Terrestrial Biomes of North and South America
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by James M. Needham
Take a tour through the earth's biomes with beautiful full color illustrations that show the terrain, plants and animals. This is a useful introduction that may spur readers into other books that delve more deeply into the subject. The final spread shows six continents and their distinctive vegetation and climatic conditions. A minor quibble, the color key appears to be a little off for the tropical rainforest. The final page includes a glossary. 1996, Charlesbridge, $15.88, $14.95 and $6.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88106-929-9
ISBN: 0-88106-928-0
ISBN: 0-88106-930-2
ISBN: 978-0-88106-929-7
Our Wet World: Exploring Earth's Aquatic Ecosystems
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by James M. Needham
Water is by far the most abundant and valuable liquid on earth. Not only do all plants and animals need water to live and grow; it is also home to many living things. In this fact-filled book, Collard explores thirteen different acquatic eco-systems from gentle streams and mighty rivers to the rich continental shelf. In an age where environmental issues are in the forefront of public debate, this book with its lucid explanations about the value of the acquatic eco-systems is a worthy read. A glossary at the end of the book provides useful explanations of key terms. The illustrations are realistic and support the text nicely. 1998, Charlesbridge Publishing, $6.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Shalini Murthy (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 1999; National Science Teachers Association; United States
ISBN: 0-88106-267-7
ISBN: 0-88106-268-5
ISBN: 978-0-88106-267-0
Platypus, Probably
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Andrew Plant
Discover one of Australia's most distinguished creatures--the platypus. Follow Sneed Collard's lyrical text and Andrew Plant's rich illustrations as they capture the solitary lifestyle and lush home of these unique monotremes. One follows the female as she hunts for food, finds a mate, builds a shelter, and cares for her pups. There is a detailed sidebar information about the platypus's unusual bill, its habitat, and other fascinating facts. The first page of the text asks, "What is that strange creature, paddling down an Australian stream? With its legs straight out, and its eyes and ears closed tight, half lizard, half beaver, What could it be?" What child or adult could not be interested in this text and the magnificent illustrated page? The next page answers, "A platypus, probably." A glossary explains any unfamiliar words and facts. Another section in the back, "Nature's Improbable Wonder," explains everything that is not covered elsewhere in the book and more besides. This is an extremely nice book that may get overlooked because of unfamiliarity with the animal and the paperback format. It is not to be missed. 2005, Charlesbridge, $16.95 and $6.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Naomi Butler (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2006; National Science Teachers Association; United States
ISBN: 1-57091-583-0
ISBN: 1-57091-584-9
ISBN: 978-1-57091-583-3
Sea Snakes
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by John Rice
Mention snakes and chances are youngsters will think only of the land variety--until they read this fascinating introduction to the reptiles that spend their entire lives at sea. 1993, Boyds Mills, $7.95. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Dr. Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1563976900
ISBN: 9781563976902
Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog
Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrated by Joanna Yardley
If you read the stories about Hachiko a year or two ago, you will now meet an American version of this loyal Japanese dog. Shep worked with his master herding sheep. They apparently had a very close relationship and when the shepherd fell ill and went into the hospital, he did not recover. His body was taken to the Great Northern railway depot and shipped home. Shep waited and waited, meeting every passenger train that arrived in Fort Benton. As time passed the station master was able to gain Shep's trust and stories about this faithful dog began to spread. Money, correspondence, and offers to care for Shep poured in. Shep finally died--killed by a train--because he was old and deaf and was not aware of the danger. However, Shep is not forgotten; and if you visit Fort Benton, you will see his concrete tombstone and a bronze statue. A smart teacher or librarian will pair this book with Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog and Hachiko Waits. All three will surely warm the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. 2006, Sleeping Bear Press/Thomson Gale, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58536-259-X
ISBN: 978-1-58536-259-2
A Whale Biologist at Work
Sneed B. Collard III
The blue whale is the world's largest animal. Each whale may grow to more than 80 feet long, five times longer than the boat used by the biologist who is studying and photographing whales in this story. Although the book includes too much detail about the grants needed to pursue such studies, it is a unique and valuable approach for young people to see how one can fashion a career around a love of whale watching. In this case, biologist John Calambokidis has been an animal-lover since childhood. After college, he and several other scientists started an organization to learn more about how to protect marine mammals. Today, he photographs whales off the coast of California, using identifying marks to record how often he sees the same whales. Calambokidis has determined that 2000 of the world's 5,000 blue whales swim off the coast of California. The photographs are stunning, and also give readers a chance to test their newly learned whale identification skills by comparing photos of several whale flukes. The book is excellent for career or animal studies and includes a short glossary, bibliography and appropriate websites. 2000, Franklin Watts, $24.50. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-531-11786-3
ISBN: 0-531-16521-4
ISBN: 978-0-531-11786-6
Updated 09/29/06
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