National Rivers Month    Flowing from the heights to the oceans of the world, rivers are the life lines of all of the earth's continents (with the exception of Antarctica). Often starting from a tiny spring, rivers gather strength as they make their journey to the lower land masses changing the landscape as they carve out valleys and canyons and building land where none had been before by depositing silt collected in their headlong trip. Some are punctuated with falls and rapids and others meander through marshy swamps; but no matter the type of river, it always serves as a concentration of life forms. Humans and all of nature depend on rivers for life, recreation, transportation, power, and the simple pleasure of the beauty they provide.    The following books reflect a sampling of books that give the history, influences (geographical and political), science, and a wealth of stories engendered by the rivers of the world. Also, visit this website for more insights and information about rivers. Contributor: Sheilah Egan Reviews The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Retold from the Mark Twain Original Abridged by Oliver Ho Illustrated by Dan Andreasen    This title in the "Classic Starts" series is an abridged, rewritten version of Mark Twain's original novel. Huckleberry's adventure begins when the Widow Douglas takes him into her home and tries to civilize him. Huckleberry's pap kidnaps his son after discovering that he is rich and educated. Huckleberry escapes and sets out on a rafting adventure down the mighty Mississippi. While on the lam, Huckleberry runs into his friends Jim, a runaway slave, and Tom Sawyer, as well as a few unsavory characters. Huckleberry and Tom eventually arrive at the home of Tom's Aunt Sally and Uncle Silas. Aunt Sally wants to adopt and civilize the free spirited Huckleberry but he will not go through that again. Ho's abridged version of Huckleberry Finn's adventures is a fun and fast-paced story for children. It is easy to read and comprehend. Following the story there are questions for the reader to discuss with their parents or teacher. An educational afterword is included for adults who have a child in their life. This latest version will create a whole new generation of fans. Long live Huckleberry Finn. 2006, Sterling Publishing, $4.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Mary Jo Edwards (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-4027-2499-3 ISBN: 978-1-4027-2499-2 Amazing Animal Adventures in Rivers Brian Keating    Naturalist Brian Keating expands on his fascination for running water as he explores some of the greatest rivers around the world and the wildlife inhabiting the shores. He begins these explorations not far from his Calgary, Alberta home, backpacking in the Canadian Rockies, photographing elk, big horn sheep and even small water birds found by the chilly alpine lakes and streams. Then a rafting trip on the wild Tatshenshini River, flowing through the Yukon to Alaska, yields grizzly bear sightings and a study of salmon spawning grounds. Much further a field, the Zambia River, in Zimbabwe and Zambia, offers an exciting environment with an intriguing variety of wildlife. One incident -- while canoeing silently through “Hippo Alley”, a narrow part of the river, the author’s canoe is suddenly bitten and flipped by a startled hippo! Managing to escape unscathed, a lesson in respect for wild creatures is quickly learned. Elephants, baboons, lions and leopards, among others, also abound along this vast river. Ecotourism through the tropical rainforest of Guyana is also discussed, including the many birds and animals, for example, giant river otters and anteaters, along the Rupununi River. The text also includes the Black Volta River in Ghana, West Africa, and concludes with studies in southern British Columbia, centred around the Creston Wildlife Centre on the Kootenay River. A wealth of information, each fascinating adventure will spark the reader’s interest and imagination. Large, colourful photographs enhance each page. Pertinent facts are highlighted in coloured circles and a square box in each chapter lists new vocabulary with definitions. “Brian’s Notes” are also inserted, adding further information. An excellent ‘table of contents’ page includes a world map showing the location of the rivers mentioned. There is also an index and a list of conservation organizations. This appealing nature book is part of Brian Keating’s Going Wild Series, and a recommended addition to an elementary school library resource centre. It will be a great research tool for any wildlife enthusiast. (Going Wild Series) Category: Non-Fiction Preschool - Grade 6. Thematic Links: Rivers; Wildlife; Conservation; Ecology. Resource Links Rating: G (Good, great at times, generally useful!), Gr. 4-6. 2006, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 48p. Illus., Pbk. $12.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Carolyn Cutt (Resource Links, October 2006 (Vol. 12, No. 1)). ISBN: 1-894856-89-9 ISBN: 978-1-894856-89-8 ISBN: 1-894856-88-0 ISBN: 978-1-894856-88-1 Amazon Journey: Cruising the Rain Forest Gare Thompson    Amazon Journey: Cruising the Rain Forest by Gare Thompson is part of the “National Geographic Science Chapters” books. The text was “revised from Up the Amazon in the National Geographic Windows on Literacy program.” This book starts at the mouth of the great Amazon River, and takes readers on a journey through much of the Northern parts of South America until readers find the source of one of the world’s biggest rivers. National Geographic does not disappoint, and dozens of brilliant photographs are peppered throughout the text. However, sometimes the photographs are not placed as well as they could be. On page 32, the text describes how sloths “[hang] upside down by their three toes.” Readers must then turn to page 34 to see the photograph of a sloth. Unfortunately, there is only one small map of South America and the Amazon River. Seeing how the book is a journey on the Amazon, it would have been helpful to have maps scattered throughout the text to illustrate the places the text was describing. This is a nice book for early readers who are interested in the cultures, animals, and plant life associated with the great Amazon River. 2006, National Geographic, $17.90. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7922-5951-3 ISBN: 978-0-7922-5951-0 Big Brown Bear's Birthday Surprise David McPhail    Lovable Big Brown Bear is back in a series of simply told, lively chapters. At a picnic with his friend Rat, Bear is reminded that it is his birthday. When Rat goes to retrieve his present, which he says has four letters and begins with B, Big Brown Bear spots a boat and thinks that is his present. Although told it is not, Bear decides to take Rat with him for a ride before they return it to the owner. The two manage to pick up a hat and a fishing pole from the water before they encounter and rescue the boat’s owner, unfortunately also sinking the boat. Finally, Rat delivers the present, and the friends enjoy a birthday cake as well. Bear carries his pink blanket on the half-title page, unfurling it across the title page spread, while Rat totes the relatively enormous picnic basket on the dedication page. McPhail’s pen deftly depicts this unlikely anthropomorphic friendship, setting the watercolor scene in a bucolic park with leafy greenery and a smoothly flowing river. It’s a charmingly peaceful adventure. 2007, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-15-206098-5 ISBN: 0-15-206098-7 Chinese River Dolphins Kristin Petrie    They are the only species in their family. The first part of their name, Lipotes vexillifer, means “one who is left behind” because they are separated from the rest of the dolphin species. Commonly called baiji, these freshwater mammals only live in China’s Yangtze River. They find their favorite prey, small fish, by echolocation and eat them head first so sharp spines will not damage their throats. Although their melon shaped heads and long snouts make them distinctive, they are very shy animals and little is known about them. Scientists estimate that fewer than one hundred still exist, so baiji are endangered. Ironically, their one enemy is humankind, who pollute their habitat, overcrowd the Yangtze River with boats, and build dams that limit fish stocks. This book, part of the “Dolphin Set II” series, includes easy-to-understand text and captivating illustrations, mostly photographs. The book includes a page of Chinese River Dolphin facts, a glossary, web sites, and an index. Hand this book to a young reader who may never see baiji for real. 2006, ABDO Publishing Company, $21.35. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Crowder (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1596793015 ISBN: 9781596793019 Down a River Carole Telford and Rod Theodorou    This children’s book describes the characteristics of a large river from its northernmost beginnings until it joins the sea. The focus is on the changes that occur in water flow, surrounding habitat, and local wildlife as the river grows larger. One section is devoted to the importance of conserving rivers in their natural state. Drawings and photographs cover every page, and vocabulary words are set in boldface type and are found in the glossary. The end of the book also contains a short list of conservation organizations and further readings on that topic. This book adequately highlights the changes that occur as a river grows; unfortunately, it focuses mainly on terrestrial vertebrates associated with the river and ignores the myriad of aquatic invertebrates that live in the river ecosystem. (part of the “Amazing Journeys Series.”) Glossary; Index; C.I.P. Acceptable, Grades 1-4. 2006, Heinemann, 32pp., $19.75. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Janet R. Mihuc (Science Books and Films (Vol. 42, No. 6)). ISBN: 1403487898 ISBN: 1403487960 ISBN: 9781403487896 ISBN: 9781403487964 Erosion: Changing the Earth's Surface Robin Koontz Illustrated by Matthew Harrad    An informative look at the effects of erosion, this text, which is a part of the “Amazing Science” series, blends video game--stylized illustrations with scientific facts. The table of contents divides the information into the following sections: “The Forces of Change,” “Dripping Rain,” “Roaring Rivers,” “Crashing Waves,” “Frozen Erosion,” “Carving Caves,” “Whipping Winds,” “Fast Erosion,” “Living with Erosion,” “Make a River,” and “Erosion Extras.” All sections, beginning with “The Forces of Change” and ending with “Living with Erosion,” provide a fun fact. One fun fact states “Painters use strong blasts of air filled with sand to remove old paint and dirt from stone walls. This process is called sandblasting.” In the “Make a River” portion, directions to create an experimental river are supplied. Erosion Extras lists extra definitions, such as bioerosion, pollution and erosion, acid rain, and rivers of ice, and includes a glossary defining dunes, landscapes, passages, stalactites, and stalagmites. A reference page entitled “To Learn More” offers suggestions for further reading, a helpful Internet site, an index, and recommends other books in the series. 2007, Picture Window Books, $23.93. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Jamaica Johnson Conner (Children's Literature). ISBN: 9781404821958 ISBN: 1404821953 The Grand Canyon Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by John Wallace    How was this geographic marvel formed? Author Bauer explains how water and plate tectonics combined to make such a deep canyon. She also tells readers that more than 5 million people a year visit the Grand Canyon and that some ride the river in rafts, while others take mule trips and some (like me) just gaze at the glorious sight from the rim. The illustrations give a sense of the size and the area around the Grand Canyon. Having visited the Canyon recently it is hard for these watercolors to do justice to one of America’s true marvels. The closing page in this “Wonders of America” series book presents a half a dozen interesting facts about the Canyon, one of which names the types of rocks found there--limestone, sandstone, and shale. Part of the “Ready-to-Read” series--a level one book which is aimed at kids starting to read. 2006, Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster, $3.99. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-689-86947-9 ISBN: 0-689-86946-0 ISBN: 978-0-689-86947-1 ISBN: 978-0-689-86946-4 Limpopo Lullaby Jane Jolly Illustrated by Dee Huxley    Limpopo Lullaby is the debut for Australian author Jane Jolly, who has crafted a beautiful story from a true event. In March, 2000 a cyclone hit southern Africa, causing the Limpopo River to flood and hitting Mozambique particularly hard. During this natural disaster, a pregnant mother and her young family were forced to cling to a tree for three days. Jolly’s gift is demonstrated in the rhythmic, descriptive language she uses: “Leroy looked up at the heavy sky and a drop of rain splashed on to his face. His smile was as bright as a starburst? He opened his mouth wide, like a hungry hippopotamus, and let the cool droplets tickle his tongue and trickle down his throat.” This is a book that was written to be listened to--the phrasing, musicality and increasing suspense are irresistible. Imagine the courage of a mother who can only pray for the rain to stop as she listens to her little ones cry from hunger. Imagine the fear of that mother as she realizes that her new baby is coming. Finally, through the clouds, comes deliverance - a helicopter that saves the survivors. “Again and again, people were plucked from the tree, like berries from a bush.” Dee Huxley, an award-winning illustrator, also from Australia, has chosen pastels and coloured pencils to produce vivid, powerful paintings that set off the graceful text. Huxley captures the full range of emotions felt by the children and their mother - enjoyment as the first gentle rain falls, fear as they race to the shelter of the tree, anguish as their mother is in labour, and finally love and relief when the family is home safely. This book is an excellent addition to a collection at home, in the classroom, or for a library. Category: Picture Books. Thematic Links: Limpopo River; Mozambique; Bravery; Family. Resource Links Rating: E (Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!), Gr. Preschool - 6. 2006, Simply Read Books, 32p. Illus., Hdbk. $19.95. Ages 2 to 12. Reviewer: Kathryn McNaughton (Resource Links, December 2006 (Vol. 12, No. 2)). ISBN: 1-894965-58-2 ISBN: 978-1-894965-58-3 River Wild: An Activity Guide to North American Rivers for Ages 7 To 9 Nancy F. Castaldo    It is obvious that the author of this book is passionate about the importance of rivers. She shares with the reader her joy about the beauty and overwhelming number of rivers in North America. This activity guide starts out with an evaporation experiment to help children understand the idea of the water cycle. The technical terms headwater, precipitation, condensation, evaporation, amphibian, watershed, and river keepers are in italics and are explained within the text as well as in the glossary. Throughout the rest of the book, the chapters are divided into the main geographical areas: western rivers, northwestern rivers, Mexico and the southwestern rivers, Midwestern rivers, southeastern rivers, northeastern rivers, and northern rivers. In each of these regions, the author shows interesting characteristics of the rivers and gives the reader a chance to experiment and explore using clever projects. In the western rivers chapter, readers can try a salt water experiment, build their own dam, and try to pan for gold. At the same time, they are learning about the Colorado River, the Sacramento River, and the San Joaquin River. In the northeastern rivers chapter, readers can try a nature painting, play a “Solve the Spill” game, check out cattails, and learn to hunt for fossils. At the same time, they are learning more about the Hudson River, the Delaware River, the Connecticut River, and the Kennebec River. Each river featured in this book has a few pages devoted to its history and includes a fact box of statistical information, including its major tributaries, a list of cities served by the town, and its watershed area. The black-and-white wash illustrations, charts, diagrams, and maps are clear and legible. The back matter is an extensive resource and contains a bibliography, a list of Web sites, a selection of video/DVD resources, a list of river keepers and other watershed organizations listed by state, a list of places to visit organized by state, a monthly calendar of events, a glossary, an index, and list of Nancy Castaldo’s other titles. This book is part of Chicago Review Press’ series of activity guides about the natural world. This series includes the titles Deserts: An Activity Guide for Ages 6-9, Oceans: An Activity Guide for Ages 6-9, Rainforests: An Activity Guide for Ages 6-9, and River Wild: An Activity Guide to North American Rivers. 2006, Chicago Review Press, $14.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1556525850 ISBN: 9781556525858 Rivers Kay Jackson Consultant, John D. Vitek    Written at a second or third grade reading level, and providing solid information about rivers, this book is a good choice for the beginning researcher. The book is organized into nine spreads, with a new topic introduced on each spread. Topics covered include: what are rivers, how do rivers form, river plants, river animals, how weather changes rivers, how people change rivers, the Mississippi River, the Amazon River, and rivers on the map. The text is written using a simple sentence structure and a carefully controlled vocabulary. Each topic is covered in two or three short paragraphs. The large print size and consistent placement of text on the page make this title nice for beginning or reluctant readers. The book is visually appealing as well. Blue topic headings introduce the information on each spread. Full color photos accompany each spread, and a bar of color traverses the bottom of each page of text. Photos are accompanied by a caption to help students understand the connection between the photo and text. Harder words, such as glacier, and pollute, are bolded and defined in the glossary. Also included are a table of contents and an index to aid in quickly locating information, and suggested books and Internet sites for further information. Part of the “Earthforms” series from Bridgestone Books, this book has great curriculum tie-in potential. An Accelerated Reader quiz is also available. 2006, Capstone Press/Bridgestone Press, $21.26. Ages 5 to 12. Reviewer: Pat Trattles (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7368-5407-8 ISBN: 0-7368-5407-X Rivers and Streams Fran Howard    Several animals that live near rivers are the stars in this book that is part of the series entitled “Habitats.” A few animals that live in the rivers are also described, and one plant from the Amazon is shown. While it is not clear that the animals and plants highlighted are not to be found in all rivers, it is clear that rivers and the living creatures that depend on them are beautiful and varied. The book uses vivid photographs and an uncluttered layout to tell its story. The information is organized with a table of contents, chapters, glossary, resource pages, and an index. In concert with other books about rivers and streams, this one could add to the resources on habitats. 2007, ABDO Publishing Co, $22.78. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Diane Carver Sekeres, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1596797827 ISBN: 9781596797826 Sail Away, Little Boat Janet Buell Illustrations by Jui Ishida    The adventures and experiences of a little sail boat: from the beginning where it is launched into a brook by two children, and sails past minnows, beetles, and many different animals, into wider water where two men are rowing a canoe past bears, heron, and frogs, and finally into the big open ocean where it makes its way to the ocean shore and finds its new home with new friends. In the end we see the back of the boat and its name--Friendship. This book has beautiful, colorful, and consistent illustrations. It takes the reader on a very beautiful, well-written rhyming journey. This book is perfect to read to small children or to give to an early reader. The sweet words and inspiring, bright illustrations will maintain the early reader’s interest. The last illustration on the copyright page--a little boat in a bathtub with bubbles--is a nice touch. 2006, Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Vanessa Richardson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 9781575058214 ISBN: 1575058219 Tomorrow, the River Dianne E. Gray Illustrations by Stephanie Cooper    Gray’s matter-of-fact voice, dry humor, and knack for telling a page-turning story combine to make a captivating novel even for those readers not usually engaged by historical fiction. Megan Barnett is a very real fourteen year old, and an independent, strong willed young woman. All of the characters are engaging and well developed, and the dialog is as crisp, fresh, and believable as if the reader were sitting in the paddleboat with Megan, her sister and brother-in-law and their son, or walking in the river towns of the 1890s. The story speeds along like the mighty Mississippi itself and is just as full of snags, foul weather, and accidents, which serves to make the events all that much more exciting. The fictional and folksy newspaper stories interspersed between chapters reveal to the reader information about which Megan is not aware. By the end, it becomes clear that the newspaper articles are laying a trail for Megan. This book combines adventure and mystery with a lot of historical knowledge that will be painlessly, even unwittingly, absorbed, such as the history of photography, boating, trains, medicine, social attitudes towards women, along with paddleboat life, and the river people, whether clammers or boaters, and even the occasional fugitive. A must read, not just for those interested in the history of that time and place, but anyone looking for a wonderful ride. 2006, Houghton Mifflin, $16.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Kathryn Erskine (Children's Literature). Best Books: Kirkus Book Review Stars, October 1, 2006; United States ISBN: 978-0-618-56329-6 ISBN: 0-618-56329-6 To stay up to date on new books by these authors, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Added May 21, 2007