Showing posts with label animal stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animal stories. Show all posts

Ready, Set . . . WAIT: What Animals Do Before a Hurricane Review

Ready, Set . . . WAIT: What Animals Do Before a Hurricane
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Ready, Set . . . WAIT: What Animals Do Before a Hurricane ReviewAuthor Patti R. Zelch and artist Connie McLennan have brought us another wonderful learning tool through Sylvan Dell Publishing. As with all the books offered by this company, this one is something rather special.
This work begins with a family preparing for a hurricane which will arrive shortly. As the family makes all the necessary preparations and precautions, the little boy of the family looks into a tree and wonders, "what do wild animals do before and during a hurricane?" And so our story really starts.
The book now take a look at twelve different animals; fish, lobsters, crocodiles, dolphins, manatees, butterflies, sharks, birds and rabbits, and briefly tells us just what preparations these creatures who surround us take when a big storm is about to hit. Over and over again the author stresses that the animals "know," and indeed, those of you that are familiar with the wildlife in your local area will understand perfectly what the author is talking about. The animals most certainly do know when a storm is about to hit or when the weather is in for a drastic change.
The story text in this work is straight forward and is geared toward the 4 through 9 year old age group. There is plenty in the story that will keep a child's interest and as a matter of fact should bring on a plethora of questions as you read! (Better do your homework). The words the author has chosen are easily read by this age group but the author has thrown vocabulary building words in here and there such as "instinctively," "antennae," and more. Each word could be used to develop a story within a story if the reader or teacher chooses to do so. This is something I like.
The illustrator, Connie McLennan has given us some amazing paintings of creatures in their natural habitat. I took a close look at the various animals represented here and could find absolutely nothing anatomically incorrect. The artist has use bold lines and colors yet has kept the integrity of the creature she has drawn along with a beautiful background in each and every frame. The text goes perfectly with the illustrations, all of which are in a double page format.
The last seven pages of this book are for the parent or teacher. We are given a rather close-up look at just what a hurricane is, it seasons, what cyclones, tropical cyclones and typhoons are. The designated strength number given to storms at different stages is discussed at length and there is a very nice summation of actions that need to be taken by us humans when a storm approaches. The author then goes on to discuss in more detail each of the critters covered in the book and gives a short discussion on animal behavior during storms.
This entire work is quite well researched by both author and artist. It is of course an ideal book to add to your child's library and it is also ideal for use in the public or private classroom and most certainly would be useful for home schoolers.
There is a tremendous amount of information packed into this small book and it has been professionally presented. This is certainly one you will want to put on your list.
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
Ready, Set . . . WAIT: What Animals Do Before a Hurricane Overview

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Mama, Will It Snow Tonight? Review

Mama, Will It Snow Tonight
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Mama, Will It Snow Tonight ReviewThe mother fox lovingly looked down at her kit when he asked, "Mama, will it snow?" A bunny asked the same thing of his Mama as did a little girl. "No. No. No snow tonight," they answered. The season was changing and the colorful leaves began to leave their branches and fall to the ground and a chill began to set in. It's an exciting time when critters and little girls wait for the first snow, especially when weather signs point to the change.
"Mama, will it snow?
Mama, will it snow?
Mama, will it snow tonight?
The wind is brrrr.
The bushes bare.
The berries picked."
This was a beautiful, graceful book that captures the essence of the change of season from autumn to winter. The simple repetitive dialogue meshes perfectly with the watercolors. The artwork captures those subtle signs that snow will arrive soon, something that can be discussed with the young child. For example, "That night they all looked up at the hazy-lazy, fuzzy moon." On the following page you can see small snowflakes swirling in the moonlight. If you have a little one who loves to play outside and is awaiting the first arrival of snow, you'll love this gentle read!Mama, Will It Snow Tonight OverviewThe last leaves of autumn are falling. The wind is blowing and the bushes are bare. The earth is ready for winter, and so are three mothers - a fox, a hare, and a human - whose young ones anxiously await the first snow of winter. Each evening they ask their mothers the same question: "Mama, will it snow tonight?" The snow may not come this night, but soon, when the moon looks right, the mothers know the snow will fall.

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It's Snowing Review

It's Snowing
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It's Snowing Review"It's a dark dark, cold cold night. Mama rocks the cradle. The cradle rocks Baby. Baby softly sleeps. Mama sighs and nods her head. Baby sighs and sucks his thumb..." And then Mama notices the first flakes dancing down from the sky. "It's snowing!" Mama sings. Baby wakes and blinks. "Baby, it's snowing!" She bundles him up, scrunches into her coat, scarf, and mittens, and "trundles" outside to revel in her baby's first snowfall. She wants her son to experience it all, see the snow, hear it, taste it, feel it, and even smell it. They build a snow troll, sled together down the big hill, and ride their big ice bear. But now it's time to go back inside their warm house and back to sleep..... Olivier Dunrea's simple, spare, poetic text is heartwarming and engaging. But it's his evocative and expressive illustrations that really bring this endearing story to life, and children will be mesmerized by his beautiful and playful winter wonderland scenes. Perfect for preschoolers, It's Snowing is a joyful treasure the whole family can share, that captures the wonder and excitement of a first snowfall.It's Snowing Overview

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The Curious Garden Review

The Curious Garden
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The Curious Garden ReviewThe "curious garden" is absolutely beautiful as it wends it's way around a drab, brown city. My 4 year old son (who also happens to be named Liam), loves pouring over the full spread illustrations of the garden. And I love the message of spreading a little green in the world.The Curious Garden OverviewOne boy's quest for a greener world... one garden at a time.While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world. This is an enchanting tale with environmental themes and breathtaking illustrations that become more vibrant as the garden blooms. Red-headed Liam can also be spotted on every page, adding a clever seek-and-find element to this captivating picture book.

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Snook Alone Review

Snook Alone
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Snook Alone ReviewThis is it--this librarian's pick for the Caldecott Medal. This is not a book for really young children--it has lots of text, and the language is beautiful and poetic and challenging. The illustrations (especially of the dog Snook in motion, and close-ups of his face full of longing for his friend the monk) are breathtaking.Snook Alone Overview

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One Day in the Desert (Trophy Chapter Book) Review

One Day in the Desert (Trophy Chapter Book)
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One Day in the Desert (Trophy Chapter Book) ReviewNaturalist Jean Craighead George introduces us to the world of the mountain lion, the road runner, the cactus, the kangaroo rat, the ringtailed cat, the swift fox, the elf owl, the coyote, and the bombadier beetle in this book as she did wolves and caribou in JULIE OF THE WOLVES and peregrine falcons in MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN. A young Papago Indian girl named Bird Wing and her mother live in Arizona's Sonoran Desert. This usually arid place is about to fall victim to a terrible thunderstorm and a flash flood. Bird Wing and all the animals of the desert struggle to find shelter before the flood. Some will survive--and some will not. This is a beautiful story about the close connection between human beings and all living things, and the unpredictable ways of nature. Other books in the ONE DAY series that include exciting natural disasters are ONE DAY IN THE ALPINE TUNDRA and ONE DAY IN THE PRAIRIE. There is also the fascinating ONE DAY IN THE WOODS and ONE DAY IN THE TROPICAL RAIN FOREST. And don't forget Jean Craighead George's 80+ stories about nature, like The Thirteen Moons series and THERE'S AN OWL IN THE SHOWER.One Day in the Desert (Trophy Chapter Book) Overview‘A wounded mountain lion moves from his mountain habitat to a Papago Indian hut in Arizona's Sonoran desert during a record-breaking July day. All creation adapts to the blistering heat until a cloudburst causes a flash flood. With a measured yet vivid style, this introduction to desert ecology makes a memorable impact." -SLJ.

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Stormy, Misty's Foal Review

Stormy, Misty's Foal
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Stormy, Misty's Foal ReviewI first read "Misty of Chincoteague" when I was a child in the 1950s. I loved the story so much that I ended up memorizing it so that I could tell it to myself after lights-out. My parents took me to Pony Penning Day in the late 1950s, when Chincoteague was still very much like the town Marguerite Henry described and the bridge to Assateague was way, way in the future.
Pony Penning Day was very exciting, but even more exciting was the fact that Misty was still alive and living at the Beebe ranch! I still have a picture of me petting her. Marguerite Henry was there, too -- a wonderful woman, with a genuine love for children. So was Grandpa Beebe, looking very much like Wesley Dennis drew him.
I will always treasure the memory of that vacation, and judging by the other reviews of this book, there are many, many people out there for whom this book occupies a special place in their hearts.
Even though times have changed since this book was written (Maureen would probably not play so much of a second fiddle to Paul these days), the story itself is timeless: the love of the children for the Phantom; their yearning to own her; their willingness to do whatever it took to buy her; Paul's eventual triumph; and, once again, the love of the children for the Phantom that compels them to do what it best for her: these things make up a story that will continue to captivate children for many generations to come.
I would also like to add that the Wesley Dennis illustrations in all of Marguerite Henry's books are simply wonderful. That was a very serendipituous partnership, because his drawings add so much to Mrs. Henry's spledid stories.
Stormy, Misty's Foal OverviewA foal, born in the aftermath of a great storm, and her famous mother help raise money to repair the storm damage on Chincoteague Island and restore the herds of wild ponies on Assateague Island.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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African Savanna Review

African Savanna
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African Savanna ReviewThis book is so much fun and educational. Great for multiple ages and learning styles. It has beautiful pictures and easy to do projects with little preparation, but a lifetime worth of learning!
We have the cave, backyard, and Pond!!African Savanna OverviewThe African grasslands stretch across the continent below the Sahara. In a swuare of land about the size of a living room, children will see animals they might have encountered only at the zoo. . .discover the rewards and dangers of their natural home. . .and observe how these creatures live with each other in a changing, endangered environment. It's an exciting journey of discovery, coming to you from the One Small Square series of interactive science and nature books. . .where the next stop could be as near as your backyard or as far as half a world away.

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Tigers In Red Weather: A Quest for the Last Wild Tigers Review

Tigers In Red Weather: A Quest for the Last Wild Tigers
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Tigers In Red Weather: A Quest for the Last Wild Tigers ReviewPadel's book is certainly interesting and informative but, if you're concerned about the future of Asia's wildlife (not only tigers), you come away with the melancholy, somewhat depressing impression that population growth and habitat destruction do not bode well for the wild creatures of our largest continent.
I agree with another reviewer that the story would certainly be better without the inclusion of details from the author's personal life, particularly the angst over the break-up with a lover. Consisting of chapters pieced together after numerous trips to south, east and southeast Asia, "Tigers in Red Weather" covers a lot of ground, assessing from Padel's own treks and interaction with wildlife conservationists, the state of wilderness preservation in such far-flung locales as India, Bangladesh, Russia, China and Indonesia. Each time she's back in England, however, we're subjected to awkward meetings, meals and cocktail party banter with the ex-boyfriend. Sorry but as a reader I couldn't care less and that's certainly not why I bought the book.
There is some charm in Padel's descriptions of walks in tropical rainforest and I could certainly relate, as a neophyte outdoorsman, to the "creeped out" factor of running across pythons, spiders and scorpions which, as is often the case, appear when least expected. Admittedly an amateur trekker at best, the author manages to convey what these exotic trips would be like for the average Westerner reading from a cushy armchair. The most valuable contributions of "Tiger's in Red Weather," however, are the tales about the dedicated, incredibly hard-working, isolated scientists, conservationists, rangers and others who devote their lives to saving not only "charsimatic megafauna" such as tigers, leopards, bears and elephants but the trees that harbor them and the deer, pigs and other prey they feed upon. One can only admire the sense of stewardship that drives these people. Often underfunded and performing thankless tasks (especially concerning local inhabitants who are sometimes downright violent), the work of Padel's heroes is truly worthy of commendation. This goes for the native rangers and forest wardens as well. Unfortunately too many succumb to bribes, threats and the lure of materialism but a large enough percentage hang in there despite low (or zero) pay, violent death courtesy of heavily armed poachers, primitive living conditions and isolation from their families.
The stars of the book, the tigers, are predictably rarely seen. I won't give away how many of these magnificent creatures Padel manages to spot on her far-ranging adventure but suffice it to say that the reduction in numbers is very disheartening. Far more often scat, pugmarks and other signs of their presence are the only clues that particular forests and preserves harbor any beasts at all. In many ways the appendix sums up the situation as it devolves a year or so after the author's journeys and it's worse than ever. One wonders how much further down the path of extinction we've gone since the publication of the book.
A theme that permeates this book is the short-sightedness of humankind and the frustrating, almost hopeless task that confronts those who dedicate their lives to fighting rapacious, self-serving greed. The fact that China is largely responsible for the vast majority of illegal tiger products (skin, bones and other parts) is particularly enraging. One wonders, if the demand is so "essential," what on Earth do they think will happen once the tigers are all gone? Will human beings cease to exist? Hardly. Will sexual behavior disappear for lack of aphrodisiacs made from tigers and other endangered animals? I think we all know the answer. This mentality is hard to fathom but it goes on and on. The same goes for the last old-growth forests in the world. Only 4% of India is set aside for the preservation of wildlife but even that seems too much for some. Helpfully, Padel provides a list of organizations and contact information at the end of the book where readers can contribute to honest and reliable groups that actually do some good.
Overall, however, this is a much needed book, shedding light on a subject that too often is given short shrift in mainstream media. It forces one to think about the future of the planet and contemplate where we'll be in the next century. What with the current focus on global warming and all the environmental consequences that entails, we're not left with a good feeling at all. I'm glad to say that I lived when wild tigers still roamed the Earth. How much longer they'll do so is anyone's guess.Tigers In Red Weather: A Quest for the Last Wild Tigers Overview

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Windswept: The Story of Wind and Weather Review

Windswept: The Story of Wind and Weather
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Windswept: The Story of Wind and Weather ReviewAs another reviewer wrote, I too would suggest you look elsewhere for an introduction to weather, probably by a meterologist. Villiers isn't really that strong on science and a few howlers have crept into the book that rather show it (p. 44 mentions -1000 degrees C!). Otherwise, it's a bit of a tedious fact dump rather than a synthesis of a wide acquaintanceship with the subject matter. I gave up after a hundred pages.Windswept: The Story of Wind and Weather Overview

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Groundhog Weather School Review

Groundhog Weather School
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Groundhog Weather School ReviewThe little white rabbit was all curled up in his bed. He had his night cap on, his yellow striped jammies and even had his slippers on. It was February 2nd and he turned on his television to watch the "Groundhog Day Forecast." The reporter wished everyone a happy holiday and said, "I do not see my shadow. That means spring is here." YES! Bunny hopped out of bed, threw on his Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flip flops and was ready for some nice weather. Just for good measure he put his sunnies one so the glare wouldn't bother his eyes. When he stuck his head out of his burrow . . . WHOA! Snowflakes were whirling around. So much for spring and that hog's forecast.
Rabbit, pig and monkey wrote letters of disappointment to the groundhog weather forecaster at HOG TV. Rabbit wanted to know if he "Could get more groundhogs to help" in the following year. Groundhog agreed. Something had to be done and done fast. He sent out invitations to Groundhog Weather School. If the applicant was a mammal, furry, lived in burrow, was a rodent, a herbivore and hibernated they were in! Everyone was checking off the list. "Check no no no no no." Mule wasn't going. "Check check check check rats! rats!" No rats in that school, but wait, there was one fellow who checked all the boxes. It was a little groundhog and he was headed to school to learn about the weather!
This is a unique and wonderful way for young children to learn about the fascinating world of weather forecasting. My favorite little "scene" was when the little groundhogs were seated at their desks waiting to learn when they discover Skunk was in their midst. He claimed he was a "foreign exchange student." In this book youngsters can painlessly learn a bit about the groundhog family, famous "Hognosticators" like Punxsutawney Phil, animal weather predictors, famous weather men, how groundhogs build a burrow, and many more interesting factual materials. The art work, needless to say, is very appealing and meshes perfectly with the text. If you are anxious for spring to arrive and have a little time on your hands, now is the time to really learn what Groundhog Day is all about!
This book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.Groundhog Weather School Overview

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Stormy Weather Review

Stormy Weather
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Stormy Weather Review"Stormy Weather" is a beautiful illustrated children's bedtime rhyming storybook, about a mother fox and her child kit who is getting sleepy but needs a reassuring bedtime story to drift off. In a world of "frogs and kings and gingerbread," in many beds, "a million bedtime stories" are read. The wonderful multidirectional illustrations take the sleepy child to far and exotic places where other mothers are putting their beloved children to sleep and protecting them from danger or harm from storms, thunder, wind, rain, or snow. "Stormy Weather" ends with a lovely starry sky shining down on mother and child foxes, saying "Sweet dreams beneath our sheltering sky, the tides and winds our lullaby, the stars our light, the whole night through/shine down so bright on me and you." "Stormy Weather" is perfect bedtime reading for children ages 2 and up.
Stormy Weather Overview

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