Summer is a great time to be outdoors exploring.

Even when you're just hanging out in the backyard, there are interesting critters to be found. If your children are avid insect collectors, you might want to check out Bug Zoo: How to Capture, Keep, and Care for Creepy Crawlies, written by naturalist, Nick Baker. You'll find a review today at A Year of Reading.

Many a future scientist began collecting, bugs, leaves, rocks, etc. Despite the progress made in science instruction in school, there are still a great many students who are intimidated by the subject. You'll find an interesting post about student perceptions regarding scientists at Oz and Ends.

Mark your calendars, all you kid lit bloggers: Kidlitosphere 2010 Conference is Saturday, October 23rd. at Open Book - Minneapolis, MN. The conference is hosted this year by Andrew Karre (Carolrhoda), Ben Barnhart (Milkweed Editions) and Brian Farrey (Flux). If you blog about children or YA books, this will be the place for you.

Here is the answer to Friday's Famous First: "Officer Buckle knew more safety tips than anyone else in Napville," is from the Caldecott Medal Book - Officer Buckle and Gloria, written and illustrated by Peggy Rathmann.