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.

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.

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.