Themed Reviews (Earth Day, 2006)

Themed Reviews

Earth Day, 2006

The following reviews were presented in our 2006 Earth Day feature.

Reviews

All New Crafts for Earth Day
Kathy Ross
Illustrations by Sharon Lane Holm
These 48 pages are packed with creative and simple crafts that utilize common household objects, with both pictures and text listing the items needed for each activity. Colorful illustrations and brief text explain the steps in making these toys and practical items. True to Earth Day spirit, Ross uses lots of "green" ideas such as turning used dryer sheets into flower sachets, and recycling a plastic milk jug by making it an identification tag. While older children can do the activities independently, the projects make nice parent-child activities for the younger crowd. There are 22 crafts total including: a magazine file, soda bottle mouse, playing cards photo frame, finger friend, flip flop bunny board, foil fish, cardboard tube art file, head and hat vase, rubber band desk jar, cork penholder, pencil trivet, rubber ball head toy, crafting box, and candle stub pin cushion. Plus, each activity has a spin-off or variation. While the title is a bit misleading, as there is nothing in the book specific to Earth Day, the crafts are more Earth Day inspired allowing children to continue the environmental friendly spirit throughout the year. 2006, Millbrook Press, Ages 9 to 12, $7.95. Reviewer: Elizabeth Sulock (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7613-3400-2
ISBN: 0-7613-3400-9

Arbor Day
Jason Cooper
Cooper helps young readers understand the history, purpose and observance of Arbor Day, which is celebrated in the U.S. and in Canada, although the actual date varies. The word arbor comes from Latin and it means tree. As the text points out, April is generally a good month to plant trees. In the northern states, however, Arbor Day is celebrated in May and some of the southern states celebrate as early as January. The book points out that our Earth is fragile and if we don't take care of it, it will not be a good place for plants, animals or people. Tree are very import to the ecosystem, they provide cooling shade, help remove pollutants from the air, provide homes for animals and food, and their roots keep the soil in place. When Julius Sterling Morton moved to the open prairies of Nebraska, he felt that they could benefit from having some trees so he and his neighbors planted some. When he became involved at the state level, he suggested a special day to plant trees and the idea took root. Now it is a day that encourages both the planting of trees and an understanding of their role in protecting the environment. Bolded words in the text are defined in the glossary. At the end of the text there is also an index and references to a couple of related books and Internet sites as well a very brief blurb about the author. Part of the "Holidays and Celebrations" series. 2003, Rourke, Ages 4 to 7, $19.27. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-58952-217-6

Awesome Ocean Science
Cindy A. Littlefield
Illustrations by Sarah Rakitin
There is a ton of information in this book, ranging from anecdotes of how oceanographers shrink Styrofoam cups (by lowering them to the bottom of the ocean, where all the air is squeezed out) to a nifty little demonstration of how sonar works. In fact, there is enough here to occupy a middle school science class for a month. Some of the hands-on demonstrations are a bit weak, as in mixing flour (a pollutant) into a glass of water to make a cloudy liquid, showing that pollutants cloud water. But, others, equally simple are neat, like using Crisco to show how whales insulate themselves from arctic cold. There is, of course, a strong environmental subtext concerning issues like over-fishing, global-warming, and pollution. That seems appropriate. After all, the readers are the very children who will have to live with whatever those in power leave behind. All that said, the book does have weaknesses, the most important of which is organization. It has no story line. There is no particular reason to start at the beginning or anywhere else. But it isn't a reference book either, in which facts are accessible because they are organized alphabetically. The overall design is busy and, in spite of often engaging illustrations, garish. As with all children's books on science, this one follows every measurement with its metric equivalent, usually to a ridiculous accuracy. Authors would be better off to pick units, preferably metric, explain them, and stick to them. Doing so would save time, simplify the reading, and avoid such nonsense as is found here on page 63: "[in the deep sea] where water pressure is thousands of pounds (kg) per inch (cm)." All that said, there is a lot of useful information here. The book is worth having. Part of the "Kids Can" series. 2003, Williamson, Ages 10 to 12, $12.95. Reviewer: Michael Chabin
ISBN: 1-885593-71-6

Earth
Steven L. Kipp
Planet Earth is the home to a vastness of life forms that boggles the mind. Unlike any other planet in our solar system, Earth has achieved the right mix of variables to play host to this multiplicity of life. Earth, is a relatively modest-sized planet when compared to giants such as Jupiter and Saturn. Yet, because of a scientific twist of fate it rests in just the right orbital plane to receive enough resources of heat, light, and atmospheric integrity to support living beings. Author Steven L. Kipp traces some of the rudimentary elements of Earth's place in the cosmos in this volume of "The Galaxy" series. Kipp touches on topics such as Earth's pattern of rotation, its orbital pathway, and the interrelationship between the Earth and the sun. Throughout the book Kipp presents complicated scientific material in a manner that will inform and interest younger readers. This is also a book that tells Earth's story visually as numerous colorful illustrations are included. Taken as a whole, this is a creditable chapter in a science series for children that has value. 2000, Bridgestone Books, $18.60. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
ISBN: 0-7368-0521-4

Earth and the Moon
Rebecca Stefoff
Five, four, three, two, one, BLASTOFF! The adventures of space are an alluring possibility in the "Blastoff!" series, featuring this introductory volume and subsequent ones about various planets in our universe. This book is splattered with facts, brilliant photographs, computer-generated pictures and charts, which add to the reader's interest. Huge amounts of information emerge from five concise chapters beginning with the physical makeup and development of our own planet Earth. Understanding Earth from its inner core and shifting plates to its atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere summons up a basis for wanting to learn more. Earth's days, years and seasons are explained in an understandable fashion. Moon phases, tides and eclipses are covered. A discussion of previous astronomical exploration with telescopes, man-made satellites and manned space travel offers a glimpse of our planet and its moon. Future exploration of both Earth and Moon are considered. With a useful glossary and resources, this first book in a series is a must for a science curriculum. 2002, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, $27.07. Ages 10 to 16. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury
ISBN: 0-7614-1235-2

Earth Day
Jason Cooper
Cooper helps young readers understand the history, purpose and observance of Earth Day, which is celebrated in more than150 countries. Our Earth is fragile and if we don't take care of it, it will not be a good place for plants, animals or people. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was very much concerned about the lack of control regarding the environment and the problems caused by pollution and other toxic agents, started the holiday. It began in 1970 and has grown to become a day when people stop, look, clean up, plant and celebrate this beautiful planet. His efforts along with those of others helped to get laws passed to protect the environment and endangered species. Bolded words in the text are defined in the glossary. At the end of the text there is also an index and references to a couple of related books and Internet sites as well a very brief blurb about the author. Part of the "Holidays and Celebrations" series. 2003, Rourke, Ages 4 to 7, $19.27. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-58952-218-4

Earth Day
Marc Tyler Nobleman
One of the "Let's See" series of holiday books, this title introduces young readers to the holiday and encourages them to participate in caring for the environment. The book begins with short biographies of Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes, the founders of Earth Day. It then traces the holiday's history from its inaugural celebration in 1970 in America to its present worldwide recognition. It lists ways communities and individuals celebrate and care for our Earth and also introduces readers to basic environmental issues and some of the major legislation concerning them. The book ends by suggesting ways young people can attend to environmental issues and celebrate Earth Day every day. Illustrated with contemporary and historical photos of diverse communities tending to the environment in a variety of ways, it is an excellent beginner's text about Earth Day. The book includes a table of contents, a glossary, an index, and list of additional resources to help in the acquisition of research and reading skills 2005, Compass Point Books, $19.93. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Courtney Angermeier (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0645-X

The Earth in Space
Peter Riley
Stating that space begins 621 miles above your head, but nobody knows where it ends, Peter Riley orients us. A tiny red dot locates the sun in a spiral galaxy. Terms are introduced in order, defined and built upon. Bright drawings and photographs, which stand out against white space, show the unique orbits of each planet in our solar system. "Straightforward science" (series title) makes it clear how the movements of the Earth and our moon bring seasons and eclipses. Asteroids, comets, meteors and meteorites complete the discussion. Well-chosen photographs make the adventure of people in space real and exciting. Captions in italics separate information about pictures from that in the text. Blue dots enclose boxes that contain suggestions that will challenge the young reader to investigate! 1999, Watts, $19.00 and $6.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Margarette Reid
ISBN: 0-531-14504-2
ISBN: 0-531-15370-3

Earthdance
Lynn Reiser
Combining simple poetry and prose with an unusual blend of child-like watercolors and strikingly beautiful NASA space photographs, this futuristic picture book shows us young Terra playing the part of a personified earth in a school performance that illustrates earth's role in the Universe. As Terra and her classmates enthusiastically portray the dance of the planets around the sun, her astronaut Mom is speeding back home from exploring space and arrives just in time to contribute a dramatic photo of the earth from space, for the show finale. A final page provides captions for the NASA photos used throughout the book. This creative book is truly both entertaining and educational. 1999, Greenwillow, $16.00. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
ISBN: 0-688-16326-2
ISBN: 0-688-16327-0

Earth Magic
Dionne Brand
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
The brilliantly colored warmth of the Caribbean flows across each page as delicious collections of words make the earth come alive: "The sky blinked,/woke up,/ and might have changed its mind, /but day had come." Is there a child afraid of the dark? How comforting to think instead of day finishing, pulling "a black sheet about her./She sits in the west corner,/lights an old pipe - it is the moon." The ordinary becomes fantastic when the river meets the sea and the "current is strong and foamy/'Cause river wants to go to sea/but sea won't be her boat." The poetry and the illustrations are alive. Read "Rain" aloud and you will feel the drops all around you. See the old woman, quickly sketched, sitting on a newspaper, and you will sigh and feel her anguish. There are wonderful first poems to read aloud to young children and stronger images for older students or adults, who can attempt to put their own world into words or just savor the world Brand and Fernandes have created. 2006, KCP Poetry, Ages 6 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-55337-706-1
ISBN: 1-55337-706-0

Earth Science: The People Behind the Science
Dr. Katherine Cullen
Earth science encompasses four primary disciplines: meteorology, astronomy, oceanography, and geology. Since three of these four branches of earth science are dealt with in depth in other titles of the illustrated "Pioneers in Science" series, this particular book primarily focuses on geology-the study of the basic elements of the world we know. Readers are introduced to ten of the leading geologists in recorded history. Each of these ten scientists made a significant contribution to their chosen field of study. In some cases the names of the featured scientists are relatively novel. In others, they may be fairly familiar to the reader. However, in each instance Katherine Cullen uses a deft author's hand to draw a workable portrait of the life, times, and contributions of these leading geologists. In the end this book is a fine teaching and learning tool that can do nothing but augment a science curriculum. This is also a well written scientific text that brings life to the geologists whose work has meant so much to the betterment of science. 2006, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 12 up, $29.95. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8160-5464-9

Eco-Wolf and the Three Pigs
Laurence Anholt
Illustrated by Arthur Robins
Think of Henry David Thoreau on Walden Pond meshed with industrial expansion and you have the basis for this work in the "Seriously Silly Stories" series. Eco-Wolf lives at peace with the trees and wild animals in a teepee in a beautiful valley. Greedypig, Grabbit and Megadad are three sinister pigs out to make money at everyone's expense. First the three evil pigs construct homes, disrupting the balance of nature, and displacing animals. Eco-Wolf and his friends peacefully dislodge the three pigs from these houses, but not by huffing, puffing or blowing them down. The house of straw is carried away one piece at a time by wild birds. The house made of wood collapses from tunnels dug by the underground animals. The third structure--a giant power station isn't so easily removed. Eco-Wolf has a plan, and succeeds in getting rid of that, too. At last, the three bad pigs learn to respect nature, help replenish the valley they destroyed, but then drive far, far away from the valley, leaving it a peaceful place once again. The story is playfully illustrated using black ink only, and creating characters reminiscent of 1960's and 1970's style cartoons. Eco-Wolf is still wearing a smiley-face button, a T-shirt with a peace symbol and love beads with his cargo pants and sheepskin vest. A true nature lover! This is not only a clever story, but also one that fits well in a unit for Earth Day, recycling, or anything about environmental protection. 2004 (orig. 1999), Compass Point Books, $13.26. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0630-1

Environmental Issues
Ron Fridell
The past century and a half has seen an alteration in the environment that has never before been seen in recorded history. The industrial age not only ushered in a higher standard of living for Europe and the United States, but also helped to show how fragile the environment is. For millennia, people believed that the planet was sturdy enough to overcome anything that humans could possibly do to it. That began to change dramatically during the mid-twentieth century when effects from industrial pollution began to be felt in heavily industrialized countries. Fridell presents a comprehensive look at the history of pollution on a global scale and pinpoints some of the instances when pollution and overuse of natural resources began to overtax, until then, dependable natural resources. Fridell uses examples throughout the history to back up his at times alarming look at the damage humans have caused to the environment. The author catalogues a great many examples of where industry has gone wrong and how politics has failed to correct the problem, but rarely gives examples of what has been done right or offers solutions to the problems. But the examples and historical look at the alteration to the environment make this a suitable reference for beginning research about pollution. Part of the "Open for Debate" series. 2006, Benchmark/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 10 to 15, $25.95. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1885-7

Erosion: How Land Forms, How It Changes
Darlene R. Stille
Part of the "Exploring Science series" from Compass Point Books, this title takes on the format of expository text. It contains conventional elements of nonfiction text, such as a table of contents, graphs, an index, and a glossary, but also adds a wide variety of pictures to illustrate concepts. It also takes a novel approach to captioning by entering the caption at the bottom of each page, not necessarily at the bottom of the photograph. The publisher indicates this is intentional to help students see a consistent place for captions within the text, as well as to make connections between text and pictures. Not only are the internal photographs noteworthy and appealing, but the cover illustration is designed to draw in the student and to exemplify what they will find inside. The combination of a thorough index and the use of headings also makes this a good research tool in which the student can target particular areas of erosion they wish to explore without searching the entire text. Its organization is logical, which also aids in the use of the book as a research tool. 2005, Compass Point Books, Ages 10 to 12, $25.27. Reviewer: Cathy Puett Miller (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0854-1

Everglades
Janice Leotti-Bachem
Clear, inviting photographs that accompany a large typeface text and brief sentences create a welcoming format for newly independent readers. The first sentence, in the form of a question, brings the reader into the book as well. Within these thirty pages students will learn where the Everglades National Park is located. Some of the plants, birds, and animals that inhabit the area are named. Two people who have been instrumental in preserving the Everglades, Ernest F. Coe and Marjory Stoneman Douglas, are introduced. The problem of pollution is mentioned. A map shows the geographic location. The color photographs show the variety of vegetation as well as the animals of the area. At the end of the book there is a section called "Words You Know" in which the words are captions for small photographs. It is a good way for students with limited reading skills to recognize words. Part of the "Rookie read-about geography" series, this is a good overview for younger readers and is certainly appropriate for older students learning to read in English. 2005, Children's Press/Scholastic, Ages 6 to 8, $19.50. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-516-22750-5
ISBN: 0-516-25929-6

Footprints On The Roof: Poems About The Earth
Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by Meilo So
Nineteen poems comprise this tall, slim volume. Marilyn Singer and Meilo So take us on a tour of our home--the earth. They open with a view of our planet set in a vast dark sky--not a realistic representation by So, but rather an image that a child might draw on a blackboard. Singer celebrates those who live in burrows below our feet, rain, trees, and natural disasters such as a volcano. The latter is cleverly depicted by So as a dormant dragon. Singer even writes poems about modern civilization and how we cover the earth with asphalt, tarmac, concrete and brick. From ocean to deserts, squishy mud and ice, she closes by noting that "No place on earth is ever undiscovered...all have been crossed/and crossed again/by wings whirring or silent/feet furred or scaled/hoofed or bare/By adventurers we will never know..." 2002, Knopf, $14.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-375-81094-3
Best Books:
Children's Books of Distinction, 2003 ; Riverbank Review; United States

Forest Bright, Forest Night
Jennifer Ward
Illustrated by Jamichael Henterly
Jennifer Ward and Jamichael Henterly team up to provide two poetry books in one with Forest Bright, Forest Night. Ward's rhyming text takes kids through a day in the woods when "deer splash" and "bear cubs tumble" while Henterly's pictures show their actions as well as the shut-eyed, curled-up stance of a snoozing owl, porcupine and other nocturnals. Midway, the Forest Bright section ends and readers can turn the book upside down to discover what those day-dozing animals actually do at night. While the deer and bear cubs sleep, the wide-eyed owl searches for dinner and the porcupines climb moonlit logs. Budding naturalists will love returning often to this book for its intriguing design, specificity of day-and-night behavior and detailed illustrations, which convey the beauty of flora and fauna without sentimentalizing Nature. A wonderful read-aloud for Earth Day. 2005, Dawn, $16.95 and $8.95. Ages 2 to 7. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).

If you have ever wanted a great nature book for children, this is it. It is filled with beautiful, vivid color photos of our favorite furry animals portrayed in their natural habitat, scurrying, feeding, and nesting. Also, it is two books in one. Forest Bright features diurnal animals such as deer leaping, bear cubs playing, squirrels dashing about, bees buzzing, and snakes slithering around the trees and grass. While these animals are wandering about, their nocturnal counterparts nest inside the trees and logs on which they are playing. Turn the book over for Forest Night, and you will see these night-seeking animals, such as frogs flopping, beavers swimming, salamanders sliding under rocks, and skunks ambling under the moonlight while their daytime counterparts sleep and hide from prey. Bright colors adorn each page, and rhyming sentences complete this entrancing book, bringing the animals to life. Any child will feel as if he is in the forest with the animals, watching them in their natural habitat. This book would be an excellent addition to the elementary science curriculum. 2005, Dawn Publications, $8.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Debbie West (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58469-066-6
ISBN: 1-58469-067-4

From Lava to Life, Book Two: The Universe Tells Our Earth Story
Jennifer Morgan
Illustrated by Dana Lynne Andersen
The story of Earth begins here where the author's Born With a Bang left off, as our "disk of dust" spins and is bombarded by meteors. The tale is told by the Universe itself, which lyrically describes the earth as "most imaginative," but also uses technical terms. The narrative continues describing the changes in the earth, as bacteria develop and struggle, then oxygen begins to poison them, mitochondria survive inside eukaryotes, and other forms of life begin to emerge. Dinosaurs develop, then die out. Mammals are taking over as this chapter of life ends and another is about to begin. The lyricism of the text is accompanied by Andersen's full-page paintings that supply suggestions of the evolutionary process in emotionally charged scenes. There is a sense of a primal force to her imaginative interpretations of the life forms. Although not scientifically accurate renderings, for the purposes of this overview they serve well to stimulate curiosity and a sense of wonder. Large type, with the major points set even larger and in color, makes the reading more appealing. A few photos are also used. A visual time line across the tops of the pages helps the reader trace the passage of time. For the older and/or more interested student, three pages of more details in time order, a glossary, a list of resources, and added notes add a wealth of further information. 2003, Dawn Publications, Ages 8 to 12, $9.95 and $16.95. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 1-58469-042-9
ISBN: 1-58469-043-7

Globalization and the Physical Environment
Ho-Won Jeong
This densely written mini-textbook examines the effects of globalization on the environment. Generally, from an environmental perspective, globalization is shown as having a typically negative impact, including pollution, global warming, loss of biodiversity, etc. From the very first example titled "Paradise Lost," which examines how industrial pollution has negatively changed both the economics (in the form of loss of fishing and income) and the biodiversity of a small Mexican fishing village, the author's point of view is very clearly established as pro-environment. Other examples illustrate how global environmental health affects all countries, but negative effects can especially hurt poorer countries. The author also explicates the linkage between economic concerns and their resulting effects on the environment. Finally, the author does examine some possible solutions to these environmental issues, such as finding ways to maintain sustainable development, reducing a city's (or country's) ecological footprint, and the importance of global environmental agreements. This compelling, well-researched study argues for a change in environmental policy and recognition of the effects of pollution. 2006, Chelsea House Publishers/Haights Cross Communications, Ages 15 to 18, $30.00. Reviewer: Laura Ruttig (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7910-8191-5

I Love Our Earth
Bill Martin, Jr. and Michael Sampson
Photographs by Dan Lipow
The text is a single poem of praise for our earth that threads its way through splendid photographs of people and places around the world. The message of taking pleasure in observing the beauty that surrounds us is as clear and sharp as the images captured by the talented Lipow. This title does more than double duty as an appropriate title for any Earth Day celebration and a suitable entry for National Poetry Month; it is also a wonderful look at other cultures and earth science discoveries, stimulating questions about the where and whys of the pictures. Universally appealing, this title gives us common experiences of appreciating the world around us and, possibly, prompting readers to want to explore the various geographic regions or to think about how we can all strive together to preserve this beautifully depicted earth. Teachers, parents, or anyone sharing this book can also use it to teach about colors, seasons, counting, locating patterns as well as training the observant eye to spot similar moments they would want to capture forever. 2006, Charlesbridge, All ages, $14.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-58089-106-6
ISBN: 1-58089-106-3

Midnight Forests: A Story of Gifford Pinchot and Our National Forests
Gary Hines
Illustrated by Robert Casilla
As a young man in the 1880s, Gifford Pinchot made a decision that affected his destiny--and ours. Instead of joining his wealthy father's successful business, Gifford decided to study forestry. After graduating from Yale, he attended France's L'Ecole Nationale Forestiere. Europeans were bringing their forests back from the brink of destruction and taught surveying, mapping, silviculture, and the importance of forest habitat for wildlife. When Pinchot returned home, the U.S. was ravaging its forest capital. Pinchot's advice on conservation was unwelcome until he was hired by George Vanderbilt to husband the Biltmore Estate forest. Pinchot's success there garnered him an appointment to head the federal government's forestry department. But his career really took off when he decked New York's governor in a friendly boxing match. They became friends who shared a love and respect for the outdoors. And that friend, Teddy Roosevelt, was instrumental in establishing the Forest Service in 1905. The Roosevelt-Pinchot duo worked together to set aside and protect national forests. Then, Congress passed a bill to stop this conservation. But before that bill took effect, Roosevelt, Pinchot, and others worked feverishly to set aside an additional 16 million acres--the midnight forests. Subtitled A Story of Gifford Pinchot and Our National Forests, this book is laid out in spreads with text on one page and beautiful paintings on the other. Author Hines once worked for the Forest Service and occasionally performs a one-man show as Pinchot. My only disappointment with this book is the lack of a map or listing of the midnight forests. 2005, Boyds Mills Press, $16.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Chris Gill (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5639-7148-8

Natural Resources: Using and Protecting Earth's Supplies
Darlene R. Stille
Part of the "Exploring Science" series, this book should perhaps be the first in the series to be introduced, since it addresses broader terms and concepts, exploring what natural resources are and their "renewability". It uses the same appealing format as the other titles in the series: colorful illustrations, both photographs and graphs; a readable design, different than encyclopedia presentations; and an in-depth index. Its glossary is complete on one page, highlighting only the most important terms in the text. "Fast facts" appear on nearly every page to target important information. Although definitely not for the novice reader of expository text in terms of formatting or readability, this book contains all the essential elements of that type of nonfiction. Not only can this be used for primary resources when researching a topic, but this book and the others in the series could also be used to teach remedial students "the ins and outs" of expository text, knowing that the colorful illustrations and limited text will encourage them to explore with support what it has to offer. 2005, Compass Point Books, Ages 10 to 12, $25.27. Reviewer: Cathy Puett Miller (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0856-8

Planet Earth
Robin Kerrod
Earth, our home planet, is the third planet from the sun. Compared in size to other planets, Earth is much smaller than Jupiter, but much larger than Pluto. Earth is believed to be the only planet in our solar system that will support life, and it is home to a half million different species. Most of the Earth's surface is covered by water which impacts the Earth's weather which changes from day to day, place to place, and season to season. Charts and pictures supporting this text are bright and colorful. An index and a glossary make this an excellent reference source. One of ten volumes in the series "Planet Library" The series is excellent and would be a desirable addition to an elementary or middle school collection, as well as science classrooms. 2000, Lerner Books, $22.60. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Joyce Rice
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 0822539020

Soil: Digging into Earth's Vital Resource
Darlene R. Stille
Another in the series "Exploring Science" by science author Darlene Stille, this title addresses key issues such as soil properties and conservation. It provides an appealing presentation of facts using photographs, graphs, and "fast facts" to spread the text for easier comprehension. It contains the same elements of expository text available in several of the other titles in the series, as well as a "Did You Know" and "Further Resources" section at the back of the book for extended learning. It even contains practical applications of the information, such as how to make your own soil/compost. The format of this particular title is the same as the others in the series, offering consistently appealing and user-friendly elements for exploring scientific subjects. The publisher tells me that this book and the associated series are also designed specifically to provide information for upper elementary school students in areas where many library collections may be thin. Their staff includes librarians who recommend subjects for expository text in areas where additional resources are needed. 2005, Compass Point Books, Ages 10 to 12, $25.27. Reviewer: Cathy Puett Miller (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0857-6

The Sun in Me: Poems About the Planet
Compiled by Judith Nicholls
Illustrations by Beth Krommes
What do Charlotte Zolotow, John Updike, and Emily Dickinson all have in common? They are but a few of the wonderful authors whose poems grace the pages of this book, which calls to children of varying ages to seek and celebrate nature. The enticing poems not only give children a chance to "hear" the softness of our planet but invite them also to think of such things as monkeys, and mountains, and horses of the sea. Some of the soothing poems may lull little ones to sleep and others may offer them glimpses of the wind, stars, and clouds like they have never seen before. Most of the poems are short thereby gaining the attention of all who come to listen to them. Poem types range from a Pasamaquoddy Indian song to a traditional Albanian Riddle. Vibrant scratchboard and watercolor illustrations are enough to cause pause for reflection on their own. The illustrator captures the essence of the tale told in each poem. Add this book to classroom and home libraries to give youngsters the opportunity to embrace poetry as a form of literature. 2003, Barefoot Books, $16.99. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury ISBN: 1-84148-058-4

What is a Forest?
Bobbie Kalman and Kathryn Smithyman
It is a great walk through different kinds of forests for elementary school children. The book is good for science and for pleasure reading. It also includes the importance of forests to the rest of the earth. All kinds of forests are included as an introduction for children. It should stimulate more research in depth for some. There's much information and that is supported by highlighted vocabulary words and a Glossary. The layout of pictures, photos, drawings and other illustrations is well done. The cover picture is great as is the back of the book. The listing of other books in the series is included. 2003, The Science of Living Things/Crabtree Publishing Company, $6.95. Reviewer: Naomi Butler
ISBN: 0-86505-969-1

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Updated 03/30/06

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