Monday, December 10, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


Nature photographer Mary Holland introduces young readers to the many variations and adaptations of ANIMAL EARS in this new addition to her award-winning Animal Anatomy series.




Stunning full-color closeups fill most of the double page spreads and are underscored by age appropriate text that offers insights into the many ways in which animals use their ears to survive. Although written with children in mind, adults will learn new facts as well.  Did you know that not all ears are located on the head? Katydid ears are on their legs. And while most animals have a pair of ears, the Praying Mantis has only one which is located in a groove on the underside of its body between its front legs. Fascinating!

The book identifies an audience of ages 4-9. Younger readers will enjoy the strong visual impact of the images and benefit from reading with an adult or older sibling. Experienced readers will find the text engaging and will discover more information in the final section titled For Creative Minds where additional discussions review the many specific ways in which animals utilize their ears. A “Mix and Match” page challenges readers to pair photos of animals with the correct set of ears. “How Do Ears Hear?” provides a more detailed look at the mechanism of hearing and also alerts readers to the fact that not every person is able to utilize this important sense. “Ear Questions” answers three important questions: Why do some animals have very small ears? – How do owls hear so well? – Can ears do anything but hear?

The publisher, Arbordale, has aligned this book to NGSS, Core, and state standards in science, math, and social studies. An extensive teaching activities guide is available on Arbordalepublishing.com.

An excellent STEM resource. Recommended for home, school, and library.

Monday, November 26, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


Yodel the Yearling by Mary Holland relates the true story of a black bear cub from his waking in the spring with his mother and siblings through the year when he will strike out on his own and live an independent life.



Written for ages 4-9, this narrative nonfiction story is richly imagined and well supported with lovely close-up photography. The story offers readers a detailed look at how Yodel plays and learns the many important skills he will need to survive.

Young readers will enjoy discovering additional important information about black bears in a follow-up section titled: For Creative Minds. For instance, bears aren’t true hibernators. They actually spend their winters is a deep sleep called torpor.  How can bears go so long without eating? You’ll find that answer, too.  “What Do Bears Eat?” carefully illustrates many of the black bears’ favorite foods.  A final section details “Black Bear Signs” with explanations and photographs that provide a guide to the many ways to discover the presence of black bears.

A 30-page cross curricular Teaching Activity Guide is available online. The book is also available in Spanish.

Monday, November 19, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


Matter: Physical Science for Kids by Andi Diehn acquaints young readers, ages 5-8, with the concept of matter.

The book opens by identifying some of the familiar ways in which the word “matter” is used in everyday life: “What’s the matter” “It doesn’t matter.” and so on. But matter is much more than those phrases would suggest.
Charming illustrations and reader-friendly text explore the science of matter by introducing the definition: “Matter is anything that takes up space and can be weighed.” Continuing on, readers will discover that matter makes up everything from our clothes, to our pets, to the air we breathe. Matter exists in various forms such as solid, liquid, and gas and can have many shapes, colors, and sizes.
Finally, the book examines some of the things that are not matter – light and heat.
Examples are pulled from everyday experiences and are both entertaining and thought provoking. A pair of Hands-0n experiments and a basic glossary reinforce the content.
A fun introduction to basic science concepts.  Recommended for STEM.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


The Lizard Lady written by Jennifer Keats Curtis and Dr. Nicole F. Angeli, with illustrations by Veronica V. Jones is a lovely introduction into the work of a woman scientist as she conducts her research.


The text is written in a warm narrative voice that immediately draws the reader into the story. At the same time, Curtis weaves in important facts about the history of the lizards and interesting details about of how they survive. Readers will discover the ways in which Dr. Nicole F. Angeli, the Lizard Lady, works to find and protect the endangered lizards that were once prominent on St. Croix, but now, can only be found on neighboring islands.
 
Lovely illustrations coupled with maps and graphics provide an additional layer of richness.

The book concludes with a section titled: For Creative Minds, which provides additional reading on St. Croix and the Surrounding  Islands, St. Croix Ground Lizards, Adaptations, Dr. Nicole F. Angeli, Herpetologist, and Invasive Species. A 30-page cross curricular Teaching Activity Guide is available online. The book is also available in Spanish.

Recommended for children 4-9. A wonderful edition for school and home libraries.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


Waves: Physical Science for Kids by Andi Diehn introduces young readers, ages 5-8, to the wonderful world of waves in their multiple forms --
Waves in water, waves in wheat.
Waves at a game: “Stand up! Take a seat!”
Waves in your hair, waves with your hand,
Powerful waves under the land.
Makes wave in a string
then stretch it taut.
Waves are everywhere, whether
We see them or not!

Clear, simple language and colorful illustrations invite youngster to explore wave energy from the powerful waves that surge onto the beach to the invisible waves of light and sound.
Examples are pulled from everyday life and are both entertaining and thought provoking. A pair of Hands-0n experiments and a basic glossary reinforce the content.
A fun introduction to simple science concepts.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

GoodReads Giveaway


October 

is 

National Pit Bull Awareness Month!


To celebrate, I'm offering a GOODREADS Giveaway 

for my book -- 

MONTY The Courageous Survival Of A Rescue Dog.

Entry information is available in the sidebar.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


 In Explore the Ice Age! with 25 Projects by Cindy Blobaum, readers ages 7-10 have an opportunity to delve into the history, causes, and effects of the most recent ice age that ended on planet earth about 10,000 years ago and discover how that ice age influenced the lives of stone age humans as well as later civilizations.

Students are encouraged to step into the role of the scientists who are still studying the ice age climate, people, mammals, and natural environment associated with this amazing time in earth’s history.
A thoughtful introduction sets the tone by explaining how ice ages occur and laying out the basic steps to scientific research -- from asking a question, to creating and testing a hypothesis, and then evaluating the results. The first project is creating an Ice Age Journal where readers will make notations regarding what they learn and keep track of their observations as they attempt the various other projects.
Topics include:
An overview with a look at the physical world that acquaints students with tundra, permafrost, the water cycle, glaciers and other important features of the ice age world.
The work of scientists such as paleontologists, archaeologists, anthropologists, geologists, and climate scientist, and the geological evidence for ice ages.
The animals that lived during the ice age, their unique adaptations and how changing climate worked for and against the survival of various animals.
How humans found shelter, hunted and gathered food, made clothing and tools like spears and needles, and created art.
In addition, sidebars define “Words To Know” and text boxes highlight important events, concepts, and facts to enrich the reading experience. Each chapter offers a variety of hands-on activities to focus attention and reinforce specific content by digging deeper into individual topics

Timelines, colorful maps, charts, illustrations, and examples of Ice Age sites around the U.S.,  together with a glossary and additional resources, provide plenty of visual interest and support the content.

Highly recommended for STEM classrooms and after-school programs, home and school libraries.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


Forces: Physical Science for Kids by Andi Diehn introduces young readers, ages 5-8, to this science concept.

The book opens by illustrating some of the many ways in which the word “force” is used in everyday life. From there, the text continues to on to the topics of gravity, magnetism, and friction and explores the idea of force as expressed through the opposing forces of pushing and pulling.

Examples are pulled from everyday experiences and are both entertaining and thought provoking. A pair of Hands-0n experiments and a basic glossary reinforce the content.

A fun introduction to simple science concepts.


Thursday, August 30, 2018

Frankenstein Day


August 30 is Frankenstein Day celebrating English author Mary Shelley who wrote one of the world’s most read monster novel, Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus.
Mary Shelly was born on August 30, 1797. She began writing hr novel when she was 18, and the first edition was published anonymously in London on 1 January 1818, when she was 20. A second addition, carrying her name, was published in 1823 in France.
With that thought in mind, I’m sharing this earlier post.



There is plenty of spooky fun in this collection of poems about monsters facing their fears and dealing with everyday situations that become weirdly complicated. The Invisible Man gets a haircut, the Phantom of the Opera has the song, "It's a Small World," stuck in his head, The Creature from the Black Lagoon forgets to wait an hour before swimming. Wolfman, Bigfoot, Dracula...they're all here and demanding to be read aloud.

Rex followed this 2006 success with more monster inspired fun in the 2008 Frankenstein Takes the Cake, detailing Frankenstein's wacky Wedding. The monster cast includes Dracula, the Sphinx, The Headless Horseman and even an alien encounter to produce plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


Maggie: Alaska’s Last Elephant by Jennifer Keats Curtis relates this true story for ages 4-9 in a narrative nonfiction story that is rich with sensory imagery.



Beginning with Maggie’s arrival at the Alaska Zoo as a baby, the story focuses on her life following the loss of her friend, Annabelle, an Asian elephant. With Maggie’s only companion gone, she adopts a tire for company. Despite the zoo keepers’ best efforts, loneliness and the pervasive cold eventually take a toll and her health declines.

 Fortunately, the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in California already had two groups of elephants and were ready and willing to give this lonesome elephant a new home. How do you move and 8,000-pound animal? Slowly and carefully as it turns out and with a lot of help.

Young readers will enjoy discovering important information about elephants, and the remarkable details of Maggie’s rescue in this child-friendly and beautifully illustrated text.
Curtis does an excellent job of describing the sequence of events that result in Maggie finding a happy new life with her own special friends. And there are plenty of elephant-related facts to absorb along the way.

 The book concludes with a section titled: For Creative Minds, which provides additional reading on Elephant Herds, Zoos, and A Question and Answer section with Maggie’s keeper Michelle Harvey.

A 30-page cross curricular Teaching Activity Guide is available online. The book is also available in Spanish.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Nonfiction Monday

I'm a day late, but here's another book to add to your STEM collection for home and school libraries.

Energy: Physical Science for Kids by Andi Diehn introduces young readers, ages 5-8, to the amazing world of energy with a look at the many ways in which energy is used, stored, and replenished.





Beginning with a look at children utilizing energy in their active day, the book identifies what occurs when energy levels drop, and continues on to explore the ways in which humans and familiar animals restore their energy through nutrition and rest.
Of course, animals aren’t the only lifeforms that utilize energy and an examination of basic photosynthesis (without actually using the term) reveals that plants also use energy to grow.
The latter portion of the book focuses attention on chemical energy, heat energy, electrical energy, and light energy and the ways we incorporate those forms of energy in daily life.
Clear, simple language and colorful illustrations invite youngster to explore the many types of energy that surround them every day.
Examples are pulled from everyday experiences and are both entertaining and thought provoking. A pair of Hands-0n experiments and a basic glossary reinforce the content.
A fun introduction to simple science concepts.

Monday, July 16, 2018

Nonfiction Monday



The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Countryfrom Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad by Karen Bush Gibson offers readers ages 9 to 12 an interactive exploration of American’s Westward expansion. 



An introduction plus six chapters build a rich chronological picture of the major stages of growth beginning with the early 1800s. Chapters include primary sources and QR codes to augment the 120 page text.  The end of each chapter checks understanding by asking readers to answer the “Essential Question” addressed in the chapter. In addition, sidebars define “Words To Know” and text boxes highlight important events, concepts, facts, and biographies to enrich the reading experience. The end of each chapter offers a variety of hands-on activities to focus attention and reinforce specific content by digging deeper into individual topics such as: preserving plants, writing treaties, planning for a cross-country trip, or building a fort. Multiple perspectives offer glimpses of life as African American slaves & settlers, immigrants, Native Americans, and homesteaders.


Timelines, colorful maps, illustrations, and photographs together with a glossary and additional resources provide plenty of visual interest and support the content.

Monday, July 2, 2018

Nonfiction Monday


Innovators: The Stories Behind the People Who Shaped the World with 25 Projects by Marcia Amidon Lusted, introduces readers, ages 9 to 12, to a comprehensive selection of inventions from the delicious Toll House chocolate chip cookie to life-saving cancer detection.


An introduction provides an overview of the engineering design process, explains the differences between inventors and innovators, and discusses diversity in innovation and its effect on the perception of women and minorities in this important work.


Each of the six chapters pose an important question to keep in mind throughout the reading. Activities at the end create opportunities for readers to apply what they have learned.

Chapter One, The Medical World, acknowledges the well-known scientists like Edward Jenner and Louis Pasteur. It also shines a light on less familiar individuals such as Dr. Daniel Hale Williams who performed the first open-heart surgery, Dr. Virginia Apgar who saved many infant lives by creating a test that enables physicians to assess a newborn baby’s health, and Dr. Charles Drew who developed a method of preserving plasma for use in transfusions during surgery. Building on that legacy are people like Stanford student, Jack Andraka who is focusing on using nanobots to fight cancer, and Harvard University’s Angela Zhang who is part of a research team exploring ways to use nanoparticles to target cancer cells.

Chapter Two, Solving Problems With Science, looks at the varied ways in which scientists have advanced human knowledge beginning with Galileo’s work in astronomy. African American, Benjamin Banneker’s skill in engineering and mathematics brought him to the attention of President Thomas Jefferson, who relied on Banneker to help design the layout of Washington, D.C. Mary Anning advanced our knowledge of prehistoric animals, Eliza Pinckney’s experiments with selective breeding created new plant varieties, and Rachel Carson exposed the environmental dangers of pesticides.
  
Chapter Three, Happiest at Home, focuses on a wide range of inventors who developed the electric light, windshield wipers, paper bags, disposable diapers, microwave ovens, and dishwashers. Attention is also give to innovators such as Lillian Gilbreth whose attention to efficiency led to better designs for appliances, Madame C.J. Walker who invented hair care products for African-American Women, and George Washington Carver’s many innovative uses for peanuts from printer’s ink to cooking oil. What would home life be without delicious snacks? Let’s not forget Ruth Graves Wakefield’s Toll House chocolate chip cookies, the legendary George Crum’s potato chips, and Arnold Fornachou’s ice cream cones.

Chapter Four, Engineering New Solutions, highlights the advances that began with the Industrial Age from Eli Whitney’s cotton gin and Alfred Noble’s dynamite to Stephanie Kwolek’s Kevlar and Elon Musk’s Space X. A variety of inventions are discussed including World War I gas masks, steam-driven boats, locomotives and cable cars, elevators and escalators, , steam engines, reusable rockets and Maglev trains.

Chapter Five, Hands-On Technology, covers topics from Gutenberg’s printing press to cell phones and computers with some interesting stops in between. Did you know that an almost all-female  team of codebreakers broke the secret of Germany’s Enigma machine during World War II or that Hedy Lamarr, a famous Hollywood actress, invented an anti-jamming device for torpedoes and that her “spread-Spectrum” technology is used in modern Wi-Fi?

Chapter Six, Innovative Accidents, explores Silly Putty, Play-Doh, Slinkys, Mr. Potato Head, Legos, and Super Soakers that all were developed for other purposes ranging from cleaning wall-paper to holding astronaut’s tools.

Chapters include primary sources and QR codes to augment the 122 page text.  In addition, sidebars define “Words To Know” and text boxes highlight important events, concepts, facts, and biographies to enrich the reading experience. The end of each chapter offers a variety of hands-on activities to focus attention and reinforce specific content by digging deeper into individual topics.

Timelines, colorful maps, illustrations, and photographs together with a glossary and additional resources provide plenty of visual interest and support the content.

Highly recommended for STEM classrooms and programs.

Monday, June 25, 2018

Nonfiction Monday



Architecture: Cool Women Who Design Structures by Elizabeth Schmermund with illustrations by Lena Chandhok offers readers an overview of architectural history that is paired with a look at the careers of three women who are modern working architects.
A brief introduction highlights the book’s topics for readers ages 9 – 12. 

Chapter one examines the history of architecture from one of the earliest towns, Jericho on the Jordan river in Palestine and traces changes from Stonehenge in England, the Egyptian pyramids, Roman and Greek advances, through the Renaissance and on to the Art Nouveau trend of the 1900s. The movement toward Modernism that developed during the two world wars receives it’s share of attention as well, with a look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and the Freedom Tower in New York City. The chapter concludes with a discussion of women in architecture, focusing on Zaha Hadid, and Sophia Hayden Bennett, and the obstacles they’ve faced in a male dominated profession. The chapter notes that “While 42 percent of graduates in architecture are now women, only 25 percent of professional architects are women.”

Chapters two “Patricia Galván”, three “Farida Abu-Bakare”, and four “Maia Small” highlight each woman with a thoughtful biography of their early years, education, and professional careers with an emphasis on how their backgrounds, talents, and determination enabled them to face their individual obstacles to career success. Patricia Galván focuses her career on commercial and interior architecture. Farida Abu-Bakare is well-known for the science labs she designs for universities. Maia Small is an urban designer.

Throughout the book, text boxes explain important concepts such as The Golden Mean, Linear Perspective, and Architectural Styles, highlight career options for Civil Engineers, Product Designers, and Construction Managers, and draw the reader’s attention to significant facts or individuals.  

Primary sources and QR codes appear throughout and a timeline, glossary, and further resources for readers complete the book.


Monday, February 12, 2018

Nonfiction Monday

The 2018 Boston Marathon is on Monday, April 16th. If you’re looking for some inspiration, then I have just the story for you.

DREAM BIG A True Story of Courage and Determination by Dave McGillivray, race director of the Boston Marathon, is an autobiographical picture book that captures Dave’s physical and mental struggle to realize his dream of being a successful athlete.


Too small to be the popular choice for team sports and always picked last, he discovers running at the age of 12. Encouraged by his beloved grandpa, Dave adds a mile to his run on every birthday. At 17, with no training or experience, he sets his sights on completing in the Boston Marathon, only to collapse at mile 18 and end up in a hospital instead of the finish line. Dave puts his feelings of failure aside and begins a serious training regimen, but more disappointments and challenges await.
His grandpa dies just a couple of months into training. Despite the loss, Dave perseveres, but when the big day finally arrives, Dave wakes up sick. Determined to race in memory of his grandpa, Dave soon falters and partway through mile 21 he fears he go another step. Slumped on the sidewalk, he discovers he’s at his grandfather’s cemetery. Memories of his grandpa inspire Dave as he struggles to his feet and finishes the race…a failure no longer.
Young readers will discover an inspiring story that carries a strong message of courage, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges. Better yet is Dave’s closing remarks as he explains that his dream of becoming an athlete was transformed into an opportunity to provide other athletes with the chance to realize their running goals by his willingness to explore alternate paths to success. 
Award-winning artist, Ron Himler’s illustrations create a lovely visual journey that serves the text well without overpowering the narrative.
An illustrated map of the Boston Marathon route and a final page of related activities completes the book.
Recommended for school and home libraries.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Are You Ready For Groundhog's Day?


Check out the ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS page on my website: Janet Squires Books http://www.janetsquiresbooks.com/home.html . You'll find literature, science, and math activities inspired by my book, JUST LIKE GULLIVER, that you can download or print.
Share the story of a groundhog who is afraid of his shadow until a fun-filled adventure helps him find his courage on Groundhog Day. An author's note provides facts about groundhogs and you'll discover curriculum connections to shadows, groundhogs, folklore, and Groundhog's Day.
"...Thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end, “Just Like Gulliver” is especially recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.”
 Midwest Book Review December 2016


Save the Date!

I'm going to be at the Simi Valley Library on February 3rd 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM for READING ROUNDUP AT THE LIBRARY Family Book Festival 2018. If you're in the neighborhood be sure to come by and check out the many great activities. I'll be reading, giving a presentation about my life as an author and signing books which will be available for purchase.

The Gingerbread Cowboy Book Trailer