School Library Journal Gr 4-6-With the look of a tea-stained field guide, this exploration of the late Jurassic period provides general dino-related information along with a few added bits. For instance, in addition to data on the length, height, and weight of these creatures, some of their temperaments are also discussed. (The allosaurus is described as aggressive and the diplodocus hallorum as cautious.) While dinosaurs are the main course here, Jurassic plants like ginkgo trees and mammals such as the Shenshou lui (a shrewlike creature from China) are also briefly covered. Although this title has a picture book format, the language and the occasional use of a script font would likely be frustrating for most readers below fourth grade. Appended is a handy pronunciation key. VERDICT Consider for serious dinosaur aficionados.-Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Dinosaur species that lived 162145 million years ago are documented in gorgeous, detailed illustrations set on pages like a naturalist's journal. After introductions to each of the major groups or orders of the period (therapods, sauropods, ornithischians, and pterosaurs, plus a small chapter on mammals), features of each animal are highlighted through abundantly captioned action sketches and anatomical close-ups. Pronunciation key appended. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus A visual compendium of facts and figures about the animal world.The prolific Jenkins knows how to present information in ways that resonate with his child readers. He presents aspects of animal physiology that have particular appeal for their ease of understanding (size, heart rate, life span) and for their eww! factor (venom, poison, human deaths). His examples range widely, and his information reflects what young readers want to know. How many different kinds are there? Which is fastest? Who travels furthest? He even touches on endangered species and mass extinctions. This engaging title will also delight educators, who will find it a splendid source for graph- and chart-reading practice. There are pie graphs and bar charts in varying designs, histograms, proportionally scaled graphics, clusters, a timeline, and even a flow chart. There are numerous symbols and keys. The clean design places both the animal images and the connected infographics on generous white space with clear labels. Aspects such as size and biomass are presented to scale, and these comparisons always include humans. The graphical combination of cut-and-tornpaper collage, words, and numbers begins with the table of contents. In an afterword, Jenkins explains where he got his numbers and how he dealt with conflicting statistics. A special treat for all who love animal statistics. (bibliography, websites) (Informational picture book. 6-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list *Starred Review* Caldecott Honor-winner Jenkins is well-known for his paper collage artwork and for deploying fascinating animal facts in easily digestible picture book formats. This volume, composed of a series of captivating infographics, ups the ante. Each spread spotlights a different topic, such as the expected standards of size and speed, as well as more obscure features, like the spread comparing tongue lengths, both in actual measurements and relative to body size. The graphics are paired with plenty of explanatory text that defines key terms, like decibel and biomass, and snappy collage illustrations of some creatures. The pages highlighting animals that thrive in extreme temperatures features a handy thermometer chart with emperor penguins on the cold bottom and Pompeii worms at the steamy top, and special attention is given to tardigrades, microscopic creatures that can live anywhere, even in space. There's a wealth of information here, organized so cleverly that it's easy to see almost immediately what the images are communicating, and the accompanying factoids and scientific concepts are often surprising. The intriguing and engaging format of this title is stimulating on a variety of levels, and the approach should appeal to a wide range of students, especially visual learners, something for which educators will be grateful. A brilliantly executed take on a perennially high-interest topic.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 2-6-Jenkins combines cut-and-torn-paper illustrations with infographics to present highly engaging visual comparisons from the animal kingdom. Ranging from one to four pages in length, the graphic sections feature careful layouts that convey well-chosen and fascinating data. Clean lines and abundant white space lead readers to absorb the information without strain or confusion. In one example, a horizontal bar graph examines the speeds of 15 animals, each identified by name and a silhouette figure. In addition, illustrations highlight two particular examples with captions. Varied graph formats demonstrate each topic to maximum effect. Concentric circles show the surprising differences between wing speeds of hummingbirds and gnats. Cut-paper horns are neatly placed within a bar graph of horn lengths. There's even a logic tree outlining the decision-making process of an armadillo. Scales are clearly noted, even when they shift on the following page, as in the impressive four-page look at the deadliest animals that reveals the mosquito's clear dominance. Estimated data is always identified, such as numbers representing the combined biomass of species. In some cases, two graphs are used to offer different perspectives on the topic: a horizontal bar graph details tongue lengths, for example, while on the facing page a vertical depiction compares those lengths to the size of each animal (and the bars are cleverly rounded to resemble tongues). VERDICT Compelling visual presentation makes the information accessible and exciting. Highly recommended for all science collections.-Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Aston and Long follow A Butterfly Is Patient and other collaborations with a poetic examination of the vast insect order of beetles. As in the previous books, brief phrases ("A beetle is kaleidoscopic," "A beetle is colossal") introduce various characteristics, explored in crisp, accessible text that can be both general and species-specific ("[Fireflies] flash their signals to attract a mate, defend their territory, and warn away predators"). Long's watercolors capture the vibrant details of the rainbow stag beetle, dead-nettle leaf beetle, and other striking specimens in a sparkling homage to a diverse category of insect. Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Larger-than-life watercolor illustrations of colorful, gem-like beetles are framed by poetic text describing their features and behaviors. This exploration of beetle biodiversity showcases their "kaleidoscopic" colors; their range of stature ("A beetle is colossal... / or microscopic"); their lively moves as they dig, run, hop, and swim; the ways they are "helpful... / or harmful" to human endeavors; and more. An eloquent blend of science and art. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Butterflies are showcased in many beautiful books, including A Butterfly Is Patient (2011), by Aston and Long, whose latest volume celebrates a much larger and more ancient (if not so famously decorative) group of insects: beetles. With a short paragraph on almost every page, the text addresses topics such as the egg-to-adult development of beetles, the hard outer wings that make them distinct from other insects, and their varied means of locomotion, communication, and protection. Each double-page spread leads off with a large-print line such as A beetle is tasty, introducing these insects as an abundant and protein-rich food source, or A beetle is helpful . . . or harmful, leading into a discussion of species that destroy pests or, alternately, destroy gardens and crops. Any thought that beetles are drab is dispelled by the large-scale watercolor illustrations, including a striking kaleidoscopelike composition that features iridescent beetle species. From the jacket art to the concluding identification page, here's an attractive addition to the series that began with An Egg Is Quiet (2006).--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal K-Gr 4-The author/illustrator pair have created yet another colorful and intricate work. The combination of Aston's soft text and Long's watercolors provide readers with an enjoyable insight into the world of beetles. Text presented in a sweeping cursive font introduces a general statement about beetles ("A beetle is telegraphic"), while text rendered in a smaller, nonscript font expands on this trait or ability ("Most beetles send messages to each other using chemicals called pheromones.. Others `talk' to each other with squeaky, raspy sounds."). Several illustrations depict the beetle species in their natural environments (a boll weevil munching on a plant), while others juxtapose everyday items with the insect to give a sense of size perspective (the North American featherwing beetle and the eye of a needle). Each species is labeled, and the -endpapers feature an illustrated free-form list of all the beetles pictured. The only thing that could make this book better would be a glossary of the beetles with additional information for the curious child. VERDICT Children and adults will love this beautiful and fascinating book.-Gretchen Crowley, Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal PreS-Gr 1-In this visually stunning tribute to winter weather, Sayre explores the water cycle through photography and verse. In the opening lines, a freeze and a breeze combine to produce feathery snowflakes that drift down from the sky and "land on a squirrel's nose." Flowing from page to page, the alliterative rhyming text describes the characteristics and behavior of the frozen precipitation. Evocative photos of winter landscapes and wildlife quietly capture the serene beauty of a forest blanketed in snow. "Snow sails" around an orange-beaked female cardinal, and "it settles" on a scattering of fallen brown leaves. Coming full circle, a freeze and a breeze conjure a storm and it snows once again, frosting bare branches with sparkling white. Sayre's simple text and in particular her eye-catching photos celebrate the wonder and magic of the natural world. Appended back matter that explains the snowflake's cyclical journey from lakes and rivers up to the clouds and down to earth again will further pique readers' curiosity, along with the accompanying suggested reading list. VERDICT Pair this commendable companion to Sayre's Raindrops Roll with Jacqueline Briggs Martin's Snowflake Bentley as the seasons change and winter approaches.-Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book In brief, simple poetic phrases (sometimes only two words per page) and stunning photos, Sayre celebrates snow in its many forms. Forest animals make appearances, but it is the exquisite close-up pictures of frost, snowflakes, and ice that steal the show. Teachers should gladly add this companion to Raindrops Roll to their science/nature and poetry units. Further information is included at book's end. Reading list. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal PreS-Gr 1-Gorgeous photographs complement evocative and economic verse in this poetic exploration of the winter water cycle. Alliterative language flows and pulses in a rhyming progression: "Air warms./Snow softens./It drip, drip, drips./Snowmelt/forms/icicle tips." A perfect storytime or one-on-one selection; readers of all ages will want to snuggle up and settle in to appreciate this gem. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list *Starred Review* A companion volume to Raindrops Roll (2015), this exceptionally handsome picture book offers a close-up look at snow. Crisp, concise phrases point out what happens before, during, and after a snowstorm, leading children from one idea to the next (freeze, cloud, snow, wind, sun, drips, slush) and ending with a sentence that echoes the beginning phrases. In the middle section, accompanying four large photos on two double-page spreads, these words relate to sunlight after a snowfall: Air warms. / Snow softens. / It drip, / drip, / drips. / Snowmelt / forms / icicle / tips. Elements of the text are sometimes slanted, curved, or arranged in ways that underscore their meanings. While the lyrical narrative alone could be read in a minute, the variety, intricacy, and beauty of the photos give viewers many reasons to pause and look closely at each striking image. Sayre has a well-deserved reputation for exceptional nature photography and dependable science writing for young children. The appended Secrets of Snow section presents additional information related to observations made within the book. Combining eye-catching photos and a spare, poetic text, Sayre's latest informational picture book is uncommonly rewarding for one-on-one sharing and highly recommended for preschool and primary-grade units on snow.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Kirkus This striking photo essay engages curious readers as the world of snow is revealed in all of its frigid manifestations. Be it a shivering, huddled squirrel or a cardinal posing as a vermilion exclamation point within a maze of snow-laden branches, the frost-flecked forest creatures gazing forth from Sayre's compelling compositions contrast perfectly with the stark descriptions. A freeze. / A breeze. / A cloud. / It snows. The economically precise language entices and beguiles in a rhyming progression that accompanies a series of photos that range from dark gray clouds to drifting snowflakes to a brittle pane of ice fractals. The photos are stunning. Two red-winged blackbirds are captured in midair, about to land on a feeder; snowflakes on a red squirrels coat stand out in a double-pagedominating close-up; individual drops of water are captured melting from ice-encrusted fir needles. Stealthily introduced science concepts unfurl amid a visual symphony of meteorological splendor. The appended science facts perfectly accompany each line of poetry reproduced from the body of the text, harmoniously blending the authors twin disciplines of science and creative writing. A lesson-enriching bibliography is also provided. Adult companions of young explorers will find in Sayre's latest nature study an ideal vehicle for early STEAM curricula and activities at home or in school. (Informational picture book. 3-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Publishers Weekly Sayre follows Raindrops Roll with an attention-grabbing tribute to snow, pairing striking photographs with snowflake-delicate verse. Squirrels, deer, and other animals make cameos ("A freeze. A breeze./ A cloud. It snows./ Snowflakes land/ on a squirrel's nose"), but it's Sayre's images of feathery ice crystals, pine needles caked in dripping icicles, and riverscapes blanketed in white that capture the essence of winter's magic. An enlightening closing spread addresses a range of topics about snow (such as why snowflakes sometimes "plaster one side of a tree branch but leave the other side bare"), offering some scientific heft to balance the artistry and poetry of the preceding pages. Ages 3-8. Agent: Emily Mitchell, Wernick & Pratt. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Horn Book In her third book in this trilogy (Red Madness; Fatal Fever), Jarrow focuses on the nineteenth century, when the bubonic plague reared its ugly head in places like Hong Kong, Honolulu, and San Francisco. The thorough, fascinating treatment is complemented by a handsome design that includes numerous primary source artifacts. An exemplary contribution to the history of science and medicine. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list If the term bubonic plague conjures up images of medieval Europe, this disquieting book will shift your frame of reference a little closer to home: San Francisco in the early 1900s. Jarrow looks at plague throughout history and medical research into its causes, before zeroing in on its resurgence in the late nineteenth century, when it arose in Asia and reached Honolulu. She offers a detailed portrayal of its medical and social consequences when it struck in California, initially in San Francisco's Chinatown. Thoroughly researched and clearly presented, the text offers a direct window into the period. The intertwined themes of prejudice against Asian Americans, public health officials hampered by politicians, and mistrust of scientific research (which indicated that fleas carried plague from rodents to humans) make the story complex, revealing a good deal about human nature as well as the period and the disease itself. In addition to the many well-chosen period photos and prints, the illustrations include a few color photos of plague-ridden bodies. An informative book on an unusual topic.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly Jarrow concludes her Deadly Diseases trilogy (after Red Madness and Fatal Fever) with a harrowing, in-depth exploration of the reappearance of bubonic plague at the turn of the 20th century. After briefly detailing earlier outbreaks of plague, Jarrow focuses on the Third Pandemic, which began in 1880s China before spreading to India, Hawaii, San Francisco, and beyond. Augmented by archival illustrations and photographs (including some gruesome ones showing the effects of the plague), her gripping narrative balances the clock-racing work of scientists and officials attempting to understand and stop the plague with entwined themes of fear, prejudice, and anger ("San Francisco's Chinese population had been unlucky enough to live near the harbor where plague entered the city"). Extensively researched, with numerous resources for readers looking to study the topic further. Ages 10-up. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

School Library Journal Gr 5 Up-With a mesmerizing description of the suffering endured by bubonic plague victims, followed by several fascinatingly gruesome photographs depicting visible signs of the disease, Jarrow hooks readers from the start. This final installment of the author's "Deadly Disease" trilogy is as compelling as the first two titles, Red Madness: How a Medical Mystery Changed What We Eat (2014) and Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary (2015, both Boyds Mills). Before describing the chaos the plague wrought on American shores, Jarrow recounts major plague outbreaks throughout history as well as early bacteriological advances, such as the identification by French scientist Alexandre Yersin of the microbe responsible for the bubonic plague. The plague arrived in the port city of San Francisco in 1900 and claimed its first victim in Chinatown, a neighborhood near the wharves. Chinatown was quickly quarantined by the Board of Health, but with California Governor Henry T. Gage denying the existence of plague and Chinese officials bucking against perceived discrimination, tensions rose and containment efforts failed. Eventually Rupert Blue of the Marine-Hospital Service was brought in by the surgeon general to control the outbreak. When the plague returned to San Francisco in 1907 after the devastating earthquake of 1906, Blue came back. By this time scientists had determined that the fleas on rats were responsible for transmitting the plague, and the city mobilized to curtail the rat population, successfully containing the outbreak in a matter of months. Weaving in numerous photographs and newspaper clippings, Jarrow tells an absorbing story. VERDICT Nonfiction that reads like a thriller-not to be missed.-Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 5 Up-The arrival of bubonic plague in San Francisco in 1900 resulted in not only death but also fear, quarantine, and social upheaval. With the diligence of a detective, the awareness of a sociologist, and a novelist's flair for the dramatic, Jarrow investigates a terrifying period of U.S. history while also delving into the background of the disease. This compellingly designed, artfully written blend of science and history will enlighten as it entices. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly In this companion to Holland's Animal Eyes (2014), photographs and concise text examine the mouths belonging to hawks, butterflies, beavers, weasels, and other creatures. The layout is bare-bones, with white text dropped inelegantly onto the images, but Holland takes care to identify the 12 animals she photographs, while introducing pertinent vocabulary (molars, prey) and some enticing trivia (robber flies "use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to drink the [liquified] insides of their prey"). While nicely shot and framed, the photographs do a mixed job of actually showcasing the animals' mouths; supplemental images of certain animals' skulls help compensate, and back matter provides additional information, activities, and resources. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Close-up photographs accompany this discussion of a variety of animals' mouths. Different types of teeth, beaks, and mandibles are featured along with explanations of how each mouth and its unique components are best suited for each animal. Simple (but overly long in places) text makes this suitable for beginning nature enthusiasts. Back matter provides review and encourages further exploration. Glos. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Kangaroos and koalas may steal the limelight, but they aren't the only marsupials in townor the Outback.The omnivorous bilby is ratlike but both endangered and cute enough to, as the author notes, be catching on as chocolate alternatives to Easter bunnies in Australia. Here, they "canter" through painted nighttime desert scenes rendered in short-stroked brush work and scribbly orange lines. In passages of fictionalized narrative paired to factual commentary in another typeface, Wignell follows mother Bilby as she crawls down into her spiral burrow to give birth, then traces the growth and development of Young Bilby as he ventures out of the pouch to find food and to survive owls and other predators long enough to reach solitary adulthood. Though overall the story has a generic cast into which any small, furry creature could be plugged, the main subject, setting and at least some of the wild supporting cast are specific to Down Under. Also, the information about life cycle, senses, behavior and other natural detail is backed up by a rudimentary topical index. Bland and purposeful, but a close-up view of an animal likely to be new to readers in this hemisphere. (Informational picture book. 5-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book With charm and appreciation for their full range of behaviors, Wignell conveys information about bilbies through the perspective of a growing baby bilby and the nocturnal movements of its mother as she forages for food in an Australian desert filled with predators and danger. Jackson's impressionistic brushstrokes and contrasting colors of the blue-tinged bilbies in the oranges of Australia emphasize their darting and twitching movements. Ind. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus A longtime nature columnist invites young people to use their eyes, ears, hands and minds to learn about birds. More than an introduction, this is an immersion in the world of birding. Chapter by chapter, the author discusses field marks, beaks and feet, wings, eyes and nests, habitats, feeding, migration, and ways to protect and nurture birds. Each chapter also includes directions for activities: things to look and listen for, things to make and do. The author's stated aim is "to foster independent study by careful observation and hands-on activities." While many of the birds described and pictured are labeled, the focus isn't naming but what else readers might learn through close attention. Her lengthy text is full of information, presented in a chatty, conversational way that often directly addresses readers: "By now you might be confused." While the author adds interesting facts about birds from faraway places, she's mostly discussing birds that will be familiar to residents of the United States and southern Canada. (Both author and photographer live in Maine.) She even suggests observing chickens. The activities are relatively simple and could easily be done independently or as a family or class project. For older readers or adults who hope to encourage young nature watchers, a thorough and interesting exploration. (Nonfiction. 9 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list This wide-format guide to everything avian is a great starting point for burgeoning bird-watchers. Each chapter offers a dizzying wealth of information about birds and their songs, field markings, beaks, wings, diet, behavior, habitats, and more. Russo also includes helpful activities encouraging basic observation skills that range from the exceedingly easy (listen to bird calls; look at different types of feathers) to the more complicated (build a bird feeder; plant a hummingbird garden; help prevent window collisions). A closing chapter on bird banding, wildlife rehabilitation, and conservancy, moreover, encourages kids to consider the environment and civilization's effects both positive and negative on bird populations and reminds them of the many current laws protecting birds. Though the chapter organization is a bit confusing and the sheer volume of facts about myriad types of birds would have benefited from even more illustrations, there is enough information and photos of birds in these pages not to mention the emphasis on recording observations, a cornerstone of many scientific disciplines that those drawbacks are fairly minimal. Nature lovers will likely have a field day.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2014 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 4-6-One way to address today's "nature deficit" is to focus on the birds outside almost every window. Observation activities set off in color text boxes are designed to develop observation skills and cultivate an understanding of bird behavior. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of birds, such as field marks, beaks and feet, wings, eyes and nests, and more. Feathers make birds unique, and the first chapter describes the different kinds. Color photos of wing and tail feathers highlight their different shapes, and photographs of birds in flight show how the feathers function. One "Eyes Only" box explains that since picking up a wild bird feather is not only illegal but also not healthy, looking without touching is best. "Try This" boxes highlight such activities as bird feeding, walking like a heron, and building a small brush pile where birds can roost. One "Listen For" alerts novice bird observers to figure out different bird songs, calls and alarm signals, and the honking and quacking of birds in flight. An excellent glossary of "Bird Words" provides definitions, and the four-page index differentiates pictures from text with italics. Beautifully illustrated with full color photographs and sketches, this is sure to create new bird watchers.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Readers learn basic osprey information from Montana Osprey Project scientist Erick Greene's presentation to a high school group. Patent thoroughly describes the raptors' behaviors as well as field and laboratory research conducted by the scientists. The pages are filled with current and historical photographs; biographical sketches of scientists and students; and details about the region's ecological history. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 5-8-Patent's lucid prose and Muñoz's clear color photos work together to document the efforts of the Montana Osprey Project, which studies the negative effects of toxic metals released into the environment during mining operations on these raptors. The book follows three scientists-Erick Greene, Heiko Langner, and Rob Domenech-as they study established pairs during the nesting season. They band osprey chicks, take blood samples and feather clippings for chemical analysis, fit birds with electronic transmitters to follow their wanderings, scoop silt from riverbeds to check for pollutants, and focus two webcams on osprey nests to check on parenting skills and chick development. The trio also talk with wildlife biology students and cooperate with locals who are fascinated by ospreys. Sidebars abound on a wide variety of topics, many pertaining to the ospreys: their biology, food, nesting behaviors, and migration patterns. Others include biographical background on the three scientists, an article on a young student and her experiments on fish in metal-contaminated waters, and information about the use of mercury in mining operations and the dangers that baling twine poses to nest building ospreys. An extensive author's note describes Patent's experience with some very far-flung pollution. VERDICT An exciting addition to a stellar series.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list From the Scientists in the Field series, this handsome volume introduces the Montana Osprey Project, beginning with an empty nest. Awaiting the annual return of the ospreys, it sits on a platform atop a tall pole. Nearby, Patent and Muñoz watch as a roofing truck lifts two scientists up to adjust a webcam aimed at the nest. Well researched and clearly written, the text offers plenty of information about ospreys in the area and the work of the scientists who study them. They band the chicks, take blood and feather samples, and track pollutants in the local environment, where heavy metals can sometimes be traced to runoff from old mines. Sidebars tackle topics such as Superfund sites, DDT, and the hazards of plastic baling twine in osprey nests. One engaging, diarylike feature pairs written observations with photos of the adult birds, their eggs, and the chicks as they grow and prepare to fly. Illustrated with many fine color photos, this is a solid addition to science collections.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Kirkus Ospreys, severely affected by DDT in the 1960s, now serve as indicators for the success of pollution remediation on a Superfund cleanup site. Scientists from the Montana Osprey Project invite the public to share their enthusiasm for these amazing raptors, bringing young people to visit the nests and maintaining two webcams while carrying on the work of collecting and analyzing samples of blood and feathers from osprey chicks along the Clark Fork River. Patent introduces the birds and the project, explaining environmental issues resulting from mining in the Clark Fork area, various dangers for ospreys, and the research. A chapter of osprey observations done through Web cameras, watching two pairs raise their chicks, is followed by an explanation of the problem of mercury and then a description of the attachment of transmitters to these birds to research migration patterns. There's a great deal of information crammed into this title; many sidebars and special sections interrupt the exposition. Readers without a solid science background may have difficulty following the steps of data analysis. Libraries still holding Patent and Muoz's Ospreys (1993) will find that simpler title a helpful overview of the species, but this one demonstrates how studying these birds may help address some knottier scientific problems. More science than adventure, this is a challenging addition to the Science in the Field series. (Nonfiction. 12-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 6-8-This fascinating book presents a deep, multifaceted glimpse at a delectable dessert: chocolate. Engaging-even witty in places-and enlightening, it gives a history of the sweet treat, speculating about its little-known origins 1,500 years ago in the Upper Amazon Basin of South America, exploring its role in the European conquest of Central and South America, and discussing the dark side of chocolate: the use of slave labor to grow and harvest it. Frydenborg examines the development of chocolate as an industry in Europe and America in the 18th and 19th centuries. The book also goes into the science of the confection, such as why it's considered so tasty and its potential health benefits. Along the way, Frydenborg seamlessly weaves in information about relevant historical figures, including confectioner Milton S. Hershey; Russian scientist Nikolai Vavilov, who traced the origins of the cacao tree; and explorers such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizzaro. Photographs enhance readers' understanding, though the recipes and sidebars are occasionally distracting. Robert Burleigh's celebrated Chocolate: Riches from the Rainforest (Abrams, 2002), aimed at elementary school students, is better designed, but those looking for a more detailed history for an older audience would do well to consult Frydenborg's work. VERDICT An excellent and highly original addition to history collections.-Shauntee Burns-Simpson, New York Public Library, Staten Island (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Stories of ancient cultures, religion, conquest, slavery, privilege, invention, medicine, culinary experimentation, science and more are all confected together in this flavorful, richly textured historical chronicle of chocolate.Once confined to religious rituals and royalty, consumption of chocolate is now an $83 billion worldwide business, with the average European eating 24 pounds per year and the average U.S. citizen, 11 pounds per year. Frydenborg begins this fascinating history in Mesoamerica, where cocoa beans were used as currency; it was so valuable that its consumption was reserved for emperors. The conquistadors brought cocoa to Europe, where its popularity grew quickly among the privileged. With the decimation of indigenous populations thanks to European invaders, African slaves had to be imported for cocoa bean cultivation. The kind of chocolate we know today was developed through experimentation in the 19th century. We have the Swiss to thank for milk chocolate and the Dutch for the chocolate bar. The author lays it all out in a lively text punctuated by archival illustrations, photographs and sidebars, taking care to impress upon readers that even today, chocolate is more than just dessert. Its medicinal properties and applications have long been noted, as has its usefulness as a stimulant. A deliciously informative, engaging and sweeping chronicle of one of the most popular treats in the world. (timeline, bibliography, websites) (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Publishers Weekly Frydenborg (Wild Horse Scientists) examines the considerable impact, both good and bad, that chocolate and the cacao tree have had and continue to have on cultures around the globe in this wide-ranging treatment of the subject. Primarily a chronological history of the tropical plant and its deliciously addictive by-products, the fascinating, fast-moving narrative also delves into the socioeconomic, scientific, and culinary importance of the cacao bean. Recipes, from Aztec foaming chocolate to Toll House cookies, conclude many of the 13 chapters, which include "Tree of Myth and Money" and "Candy, Food, or Medicine?" A full-color insert includes photos of the tree itself and modern-day Peruvian cacao farmers, as well as reproductions of artwork depicting Mesoamerican people and events touched by chocolate. With a rise in social justice, sustainable food sourcing, and global warming, the author considers how the crop might benefit the Amazonian rainforest and its native peoples: "Could chocolate be the key to preserving this precious, threatened ecosystem and to helping people whose livelihood depends on it?" A bibliography, website list, and time line conclude this expansive chocolate primer. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)? © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Book list The history of chocolate is a troubling one, riddled as it is with slavery, exploitation, and risky environmental practices, and the food itself, particularly its health benefits, is often a source of mystery. Frydenborg sets out to untangle that mystery, beginning with chocolate's vital role in ancient Mesoamerican culture, its discovery by conquistadores, and its eventual worldwide popularity. Today, as demand for chocolate starts to outpace supply, scientists and growers are seeking out ways to adopt more sustainable cultivation practices as well as searching for wild cacao trees, which might offer clues about the plant's origin. Covering controversy over labor laws, the chemical makeup of chocolate, and recent attempts to map the cacao genome, Frydenborg offers a wealth of information that will likely encourage students to think critically about the ecological and human cost of their favorite candies and maybe even prompt them to choose sustainable alternatives. This is a great choice for school projects or chocolate fans curious about their beloved treat.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book Frydenborg explores chocolate's complex history, from the cacao tree's probable origins to today's Big Candy, without sugarcoating the sweet's "dark secrets." The book closes by covering modern-day attempts to make chocolate production more sustainable and ethical. Informative sidebars, photos and maps, and historical recipes interspersed throughout, plus a full-color photographic insert, enhance the presentation. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Library Journal Gr 6-8-This fascinating book presents a deep, multifaceted glimpse at a delectable dessert: chocolate. Engaging-even witty in places-and enlightening, it gives a history of the sweet treat, speculating about its little-known origins 1,500 years ago in the Upper Amazon Basin of South America, exploring its role in the European conquest of Central and South America, and discussing the dark side of chocolate: the use of slave labor to grow and harvest it. Frydenborg examines the development of chocolate as an industry in Europe and America in the 18th and 19th centuries. The book also goes into the science of the confection, such as why it's considered so tasty and its potential health benefits. Along the way, Frydenborg seamlessly weaves in information about relevant historical figures, including confectioner Milton S. Hershey; Russian scientist Nikolai Vavilov, who traced the origins of the cacao tree; and explorers such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizzaro. Photographs enhance readers' understanding, though the recipes and sidebars are occasionally distracting. Robert Burleigh's celebrated Chocolate: Riches from the Rainforest (Abrams, 2002), aimed at elementary school students, is better designed, but those looking for a more detailed history for an older audience would do well to consult Frydenborg's work. VERDICT An excellent and highly original addition to history collections.-Shauntee Burns-Simpson, New York Public Library, Staten Island © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Few animals are as maligned as rats, something mammal specialist Lunde knows well. "Dirty rats. Their beady eyes and naked tails make us scream. Eek! Aargh! Yikes!" he writes as a frightened woman in hair curlers tries to sweep rats off her apartment's fire escape. Lunde sets out to challenge misconceptions about these ubiquitous rodents, while introducing different rats from around the world, pointing out how they vary significantly from those seen in urban subway stations ("Not all rats have ugly, naked tails. The bushy-tailed cloud rat's tail is completely covered in fur"). Readers learn how rats scatter seeds that enable plants to grow and how laboratory rats help find cures for disease. Gustavson's typically lush oil paintings do their part to help sway opinions-his sewer rats come across as intelligent, curious, and even adorable. Ages 3-7. Illustrator's agent: Abigail Samoun, Red Fox Literary. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Rats spread disease, but there's a positive side, too: some "help plants spread their seeds," and rats are a vital part of the food chain. Double-page oil paintings introduce various species around the world; the brief text mentions physical adaptations to different habitats. The presentation lacks depth, but given the subject, that might draw in rat-phobic readers. Websites. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Lunde starts out this closer shudder look at rats just how you might expect: in grimy subway tunnels and moonlit gutters, where rats swarm and scurry in the night. Rats are hated, hunted, trapped, and feared, and we see a harried woman bashing rats from her fire escape and rats approaching a skull-labeled mousetrap. But then Lunde, rat-apologist extraordinaire, suggests a broader view. Not all rats eat garbage; some, like the long-tailed marmoset rat, eat strictly bamboo. It continues from there: not all rats live in sewer pipes; some live in rivers. Not all rats scurry; some hop like a kangaroo. In smaller type, additional scientific information fills out further details about each atypical rat mentioned. Of course, none of this is quite enough to make rats cuddly, though there is a somewhat comical hard-luck-life expression in many of Gustavson's otherwise realistic oil depictions. The colors are especially evocative: the streaky browns of a tunnel, the steel blue of a street at night, the dark purple of mountain twilight. Rats: useful! Still kinda gross, though.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Kirkus A Smithsonian mammal specialist makes a bid to clean up the rat's rotten rep.Answering the titular question with "Maybe. Maybe not," Lunde shifts readers' focus away from rats in urban environments to wild speciesfrom the bamboo-eating long-tailed marmoset rat of Southeast Asia to the Philippines' bushy-tailed cloud rat. He also notes the important roles rats play in spreading seeds, feeding snakes and other predators, and (without getting too, or actually at all, specific) medical research. Gustavson joins the rescue operation with close-ups of rats rendered in naturalistic detail but looking more inquisitive than feral, sporting large pink ears and whiskery snouts. Some of the city settings are picturesquely grimy, but there are no dead creatures or images more disturbing than, in one scene, a white lab rat and a researcher in surgical garb locking eyes. On the contrary, another illustration even features a rat leaning in from the edge of the page to peer up at viewers, and a closing portrait gallery of selected rat species is equally fetching. Not particularly convincing as a reclamation project but generally informative and easy on the eyes. (online resources) (Informational picture book. 6-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal K-Gr 3-This attractive picture book takes a look at emus, those strange-looking, flightless birds native to Australia. Byrne's sketchy, digitally created illustrations perfectly capture the essence of these scraggly birds, and the panoramic scenes of the Australian outback in the neutral tones of an arid savannah bring depth to the book. Saxby's simple text is ideal for curious readers. Each spread includes bits of a story about one particular bird, Emu, as well as basic animal facts. The narrative follows Emu as he watches over a brood of eggs, keeps them safe, and eventually raises his young (Saxby explains that emu fathers are the primary parents, as the mothers leave after laying eggs). VERDICT A strong choice for the 590s.-Dorcas Hand, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list After Emu's mate lays her final egg and departs, he keeps the eggs safe and warm in their leafy ground nest for eight weeks, rarely leaving even to eat or drink. Finally, the eggs hatch. Emu guards the curious chicks and shows them how to find food. As they grow over the next six months, he guards them from predators. In one dramatic incident, he fights off an attacking eagle with his beak and claws. In this picture book first published in Australia, the story of Emu and his young family is printed in standard type as a read-aloud story, while small-type paragraphs in a hand-lettered font provide additional information related to elements in the narrative. A short index and a page of additional emu-related information are appended. A bit darker and edgier than standard picture-book illustrations of animals, the digital artwork is distinctive and handsome in its own way. A fine companion volume to Saxby and Byrne's Big Red Kangaroo (2015).--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book The life cycle and habits of emus are told through the story of a male emu raising his young in an Australian eucalyptus forest (female emus depart after egg-laying). Spiky digital illustrations perfectly display the birds' hairlike feathering, their awkward-looking flightless movement, and the landscape's rough textures. On each spread, additional statistics and facts about emus accompany the main narrative. Ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 4-8-Blame it on Smokey the Bear and his "Only you can prevent forest fires!" campaign. We know today that the long-held U.S. Forest Service fire suppression policy led to a build-up of large amounts of dead wood and leaves, which, coupled with warmer temperatures and drier forests, has been responsible for some of the extreme fires witnessed in recent years. Adding to that information are the discoveries made by scientists studying these devastated areas, who have learned that various species flock to them and, in some cases, prefer them. In particular, Collard follows the work of Richard Hutto, a Montana ornithologist, who has been monitoring birds in charred landscapes since 1988. The book is both a look at the benefits of these potentially dangerous events of nature and an exploration of ecosystems that thrive in their wake. Wood-boring beetles that detect the infrared radiation emitted by fires arrive to lay eggs, and woodpeckers come to feast on the beetle larvae and nest. With a steady supply of food and fewer predators, avian young survive in greater numbers, and so it goes. The author also discusses private vs. public policy in response to forest fires and the questions surrounding the efficacy of salvage logging. Large print, glossy pages, and numerous full-page, up-close color photos of bird species add up to a handsome volume. VERDICT A book that will leave readers asking questions and challenging assumptions-and with a keener appreciation of our environment. A first purchase for most libraries.-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal © Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Collard explores how a forest devastated by a fire slowly recuperates, focusing on the work of biologist Richard Hutto, who studies the birds that thrive in burned forests. Photographs of birds perched atop blackened tree trunks are striking and intriguing, as is the chronicle of Hutto's meticulous field work ("Dick discovered that birds don't just use or visit burned areas. Many birds depend on them"). Individual birds like the hairy woodpecker and mountain bluebird are profiled in sidebars, and a chart lists the birds that most frequently populate new burn areas. While Collard doesn't suggest that "we should let all fires run amuck," he challenges the practice of fire suppression, pointing to how the excess dead wood and vegetation have resulted in more extreme fires. The resounding message: forest fires offer an opportunity to learn more about nature's spectacular resilience. Ages 8-up. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Beginning with a brief report lamenting wildfire danger and damage, Collard devotes the rest of the book to a contemporary, enlightened view of such fires, with specific birds as the main beneficiary of the resulting food and shelter. Salvage logging also receives thoughtful treatment as an economic boon but an ecological bust. Colorful nature photos illustrate the account. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Collard sets out to debunk the misconception that forest fires leave nothing but desolation in their wakes in this straightforward, informative book about bird life in the forest after a major burn. Opening on an ornithologist conducting field research, the text highlights numerous bird species that thrive in burned forests. Woodpeckers in particular seek out the wealth of beetle grubs in burned trees, and the cavities their nests leave behind are excellent, ready-made dwellings for other animals. Full-color photos of birds in charred trees and scientists in the field are interspersed among pages of large-print, clearly written text describing not only bird life but also the scientists' research process and the complicated ecology of managing forests after wildfires. Collard asserts that the majority of approaches to forest management everything from spending millions of dollars to prevent naturally occurring forest fires to turning swaths of forest into tree farms after a burn are not ecologically sound. Though some minor editing fumbles are irksome, the clear focus on ecology and critical-thinking skills is a plus.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Library Journal K-Gr 3-Gibbons, the author of The Vegetables We Eat (Holiday House, 2007), now turns her attention to fruit. She begins by stating the importance of incorporating it into a healthy diet, the difference between annual and perennial varieties, and various ways to consume them (fresh, juices, sauces). The author provides details about how fruits grow: on plants, bushes, trees, and vines. Each section contains an informative, eye-catching heading; succinctly presented text; and delightful, cheery watercolor illustrations. Gibbons depicts examples of fruits that grow on different kinds of vegetation (for instance, pineapple plants, cherry trees), provides labeled cutaways of their parts, and describes how they are harvested. Readers learn the differences between wild and cultivated berries and what parts of various fruits are planted to produce more. The text also briefly covers large industrial farms and small fruit growers, fruit processing and transportation, and the fresh produce available in stores and farm stands. Kids will learn some surprising facts (for instance, olives are fruits), and a trivia section at the end may encourage further research. Stoke children's enthusiasm by pairing this useful overview with April Pulley Sayre's rousing Go, Go Grapes!: A Fruit Chant (S. & S., 2012). VERDICT A charming addition to nutrition and food units.-Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus The prolific Gibbons tackles fruitshow they grow, their parts, and what portions we eat. Beginning with facts about perennial and annual fruits and how many servings children should aim for each day, the book then looks at how fruits can grow on plants, bushes, vines, and trees. Good vocabulary is introduced and defined along the waybotanist, pollination, cultivated. The middle of the book is taken up by individual looks at 13 different kinds of fruits that show cutaway views labeled with parts, the whole plant/bush/vine/tree, and some of the popular varietiesfor grapes, golden muscat, red flame, and concord. This is followed by a discussion of growing seasons and climates, large farms versus backyard ones, harvesting fruit and getting it to market, and some other fruits that were not featured in the text, including star fruits, apricots, and persimmons. A final page lists more fruit facts and two websites (one for the United States, one for Canada) about food guidelines. The text sometimes gets lost in Gibbons' busy and full pages, and while her illustrations are detailed and specific for each type of fruit, the watercolors won't make mouths water. This lacks the information of other nonfiction titles and the pizzazz of April Pulley Sayre's Go, Go, Grapes! (2012), but it may be just the ticket before a school trip to a farm. (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal K-Gr 3-Gibbons, the author of The Vegetables We Eat (Holiday House, 2007), now turns her attention to fruit. She begins by stating the importance of incorporating it into a healthy diet, the difference between annual and perennial varieties, and various ways to consume them (fresh, juices, sauces). The author provides details about how fruits grow: on plants, bushes, trees, and vines. Each section contains an informative, eye-catching heading; succinctly presented text; and delightful, cheery watercolor illustrations. Gibbons depicts examples of fruits that grow on different kinds of vegetation (for instance, pineapple plants, cherry trees), provides labeled cutaways of their parts, and describes how they are harvested. Readers learn the differences between wild and cultivated berries and what parts of various fruits are planted to produce more. The text also briefly covers large industrial farms and small fruit growers, fruit processing and transportation, and the fresh produce available in stores and farm stands. Kids will learn some surprising facts (for instance, olives are fruits), and a trivia section at the end may encourage further research. Stoke children's enthusiasm by pairing this useful overview with April Pulley Sayre's rousing Go, Go Grapes!: A Fruit Chant (S. & S., 2012). VERDICT A charming addition to nutrition and food units.-Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book With short, simple sentences, Gibbons presents an overview of fruit, discussing why we eat it; how it's grouped according to the type of plant it grows on, such as vines, trees, or bushes; and how it is grown, harvested, and shipped. The bright illustrations feature boxed diagrams, often with cross sections, that label the parts of many fruits. Websites. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Golden lion tamarins are small monkeys native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. After centuries of logging and the encroachment of agriculture, roads, and towns, the tamarins' habitat has shrunk to a few disconnected patches of suitable forested land. The book opens with a young female who is isolated because the existing family groups in her patch of forest will not accept a second breeding female and the limited habitat will not support a new family. Attention shifts to the intriguing history of a 50-year-old movement to research tamarins, reverse the trend of their dwindling population, and enable them to thrive in the wild. Markle clearly explains the work of several scientists and acknowledges the contributions of committed Brazilians and their government to save the species through reforestation. Told in an engaging manner, the tamarin rescue story is enhanced by large, brilliant photos that appear on every page. From its endearing cover image onward, the book encourages readers to learn about this little-known species and care about its future.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book Once nearly extinct in the wild due to deforestation, golden lion tamarins have made a comeback in their native Brazilian rainforest through zoos reintroducing captive-born monkeys and people planting "living bridges" of trees to help the tamarins travel from one forest patch to another. Excellent photos, interesting text, and an inspiring message will engage readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 3-6-Markle brings to life the complex, decades-long work that scientists and volunteers around the world have done to save the golden lion tamarin from extinction. As the number of monkeys dwindled due to the destruction of Brazil's Atlantic Forest, zoos implemented breeding programs. However, they were unsuccessful until researchers realized how tamarins interact in family groups. Once the numbers increased, new challenges included how to prepare zoo-raised tamarins to survive in the wild and how to provide more habitat by reclaiming pasture land to create forest corridors. Numerous photographs of the golden lion tamarins and the humans working to insure their survival introduce readers to the lives of these intriguing monkeys. VERDICT Readers gain insights into the research, hard work, and patience involved in conservation efforts while learning about a fascinating animal. A fine choice for most collections.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Markle chronicles the amazing efforts to save a tiny (and adorable) species. In 1960 there were only an estimated 200 golden lion tamarins in the wild. Their habitat along the coast of Brazil was being destroyed by logging. In 1975 there were about 122 in captivity, but they weren't breeding; when they did, the young died. After laying out this grim reality, the economical text goes on to describe how zoologist Devra Kleiman discovered that golden lion tamarins had a different family structure than chimps and other primates. When the tamarins were housed appropriately, their populations in captivity skyrocketed, reaching 500 in the '80s. Efforts then began to reintroduce them to the wild. Initial attempts failed, but mixing wild-born tamarins with zoo-born worked; then came the push to expand their available habitats. Markle does her usual excellent job presenting information in a page-turning narrative young zoologists will not be able to put down. Varied page layouts, vibrant photographs, and charming monkey mugs boost appeal. Contextual definitions of difficult or new concepts and fine backmatter, including further resources (both Web and print), a glossary, and a timeline, make this a must for nonfiction collections seeking more than just-the-facts series animal titles. An animal conservation tale with a happy ending (3,200 estimated in the wild today) and a must-read for monkey lovers. (index) (Nonfiction. 9-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 2-5-Jenkins and Page team up once again for a glimpse into the animal kingdom. The authors outline 18 behaviors step by step, addressing readers directly as they explain how whales fish, wasps build nests, and grebes dance. Though the text is quite witty ("If you are a guy, start things off by offering a female grebe a gift of water plants"), some adults might wish for precautionary notes for the literal-minded, who might attempt to reenact instructions such as "Pop the millipede in your mouth." Impressive torn-and-cut paper collage artwork on white backgrounds work well with the conversational writing style. Students will be enthralled by the descriptions of an octopus disguising itself, a crocodile hunting for a meal, and a python swallowing a pig. The book includes single-page treatments and spreads of each behavior, with numbered directions laid out clockwise. Back matter provides additional information about the animals, such as their sizes and native environments. VERDICT Jenkins and Page present another fascinating, fun, and attractive look at the natural world.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Jenkins and Page are back with a tongue-in-cheek "how to" guide to hunting, building, and protecting oneself like more than a dozen animals. Numbered instructions, accompanied by Jenkins's always excellent paper collages, demonstrate how to repel insects like a capuchin monkey, catch a meal like a crocodile ("When an egret lands nearby to pick up one of your sticks, you know what to do"), or defend oneself like an armadillo. Beneath the irreverent tone, there's ample information about the animals' traits and behavior (and even more in an appendix), adding up to a highly enjoyable mix of science and humor. Ages 6-9. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Kirkus With tongues firmly in cheeks, a pair of animal admirers offers step-by-step instructions for engaging in some surprising animal behaviors. Tailorbirds, bowerbirds, and egrets, beavers, armadillos and crocodiles, octopuses, barn spiders, and ant lionsskillful animals from around the world are the subjects of Jenkins and Page's latest collaboration. With his customary cut-and-torn-paper images set on a plain white background, Jenkins illustrates the proper procedures for trapping fish as humpback whales do (with a bubble net), for warning other vervet monkeys of danger (with special cries for eagles, leopards, or snakes), and for cracking nuts as some crows do (let a car do itbut first you should learn to fly). Other possible activities include wooing bighorn sheep ewes with head butts, building nests out of chewed-up wood like paper wasps, and dancing over the water like western grebes. Swallowing a whole wild pig (after squeezing it to death as a python does) is the culmination. In the backmatter, a paragraph about each animal includes a thumbnail image and some further information about habitat, size, and behaviors. Youngsters who glory in learning animal facts will be thrilled; for those who enjoy pretending, there are inviting opportunities for imitation. Readers and listeners alike will eat this one up. (Informational picture book. 4-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book The authors impart considerable information about certain behaviors of eighteen animals via numbered instructions for readers to duplicate, say, a python swallowing a pig. While this conceit is maintained throughout ("you'll have to do a few things that you're probably not used to"), the steps are accurate and the jaunty language catchy; Jenkins's collages are striking as always. An afterword gives additional facts. Bib. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list *Starred Review* Even if you have never wondered how to swallow a pig, one of the best ways to understand how a python accomplishes this feat is to imagine yourself doing so, following the step-by-step directions here. Similarly, readers will learn how tailorbirds sew their nests together, how beavers construct their dams, and 17 other skills that are equally intriguing or amazing. Highlights include How to Repel Insects like a Capuchin (catch a millipede, roll it around on your tongue, and rub it on your fur) and How to Crack a Nut like a Crow (fly above a busy intersection, drop the nut, wait for a car to run over it, and let the traffic light stop vehicles before retrieving the nut). Each single- or double-page presentation includes attractively laid-out instructions and a picture illustrating almost every numbered step. There's enough detail in the simply written, amusing text to make the processes interesting and informative, but an additional paragraph on each animal appears in an appended section along with an illustration miniaturized to postage-stamp size. Colorful, precise, and often striking against the white pages, the cut-paper collage illustrations fulfill their purpose beautifully. Fascinating facts presented with droll wit a winning combination.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book After explaining how hurricanes form, this volume explores the role of scientists tracking hurricanes and gives a toned-down description of conditions when a hurricane makes landfall. Although a few of the simplifications may cause confusion, the clear layout; dynamic, full-bleed, digitally enhanced watercolor illustrations; and plain, reassuring language will help readers understand this dramatic type of weather. Activities appended. Websites. Glos. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 1-3-The life cycle of a hurricane and its potential effects on a community are presented in this engaging series entry. A family hears the news of an approaching tropical storm from a TV weather person and reviews a checklist of precautions and preparations. Satellites track the storm's progress, and planes fly into it to measure its strength. Scientists on the ground give the hurricanes separate names to keep track of them. Stewart succinctly explains how hurricanes form and develop. Scientific terms are used in sentences and defined in the text. The clear, full-color illustrations amplify scientific concepts, such as how warm ocean water evaporates and spirals up, thereby allowing cooler air to rush in, replace the rising warm air, and begin the rotation of a tropical storm. One of the activities in the "Find Out More About Hurricanes" section invites children to use string, scissors, paper, and a light bulb to explore how heat causes this spiraling. VERDICT Readers and browsers will find a lot to read and see in these spreads.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list This informational picture book offers a colorfully illustrated introduction to hurricanes. The lucid text explains the nature of these storms as well as when, where, and how they form. The expressive illustrations watercolors with digitally added elements offer views of hurricanes, scientists studying them, broadcasters explaining them, and people preparing for the high winds and heavy rains they bring. The pictures sometimes incorporate arrows, labels, and diagrams to clarify concepts such as cloud formation, the earth's rotation, the Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane wind-speed categories, and the progressive weakening of a storm over land. Offering plenty of facts for kids intrigued by extreme weather as well as some practical advice and a couple of hands-on activities to try, this attractive book is the latest addition to the respected Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Book list This dual picture-book biography of how Thomas Edison inspired Henry Ford succeeds in showing the emotional side of the life of an inventor: success requires more than just one or two or even two dozen attempts. Reinhardt's soft, amiable watercolor, ink, and colored-pencil artwork provides a lot of visual detail about both Edison's and Ford's passions, while Slade's text explains each man's inspiration and the way his inventions fundamentally changed the world. Ample source notes and a comprehensive dual time line help explain some of Slade and Reinhardt's depictions of Ford and Edison, and photo-illustrated notes about each inventor's most memorable creations provide substantial information to get kids started on research projects. While there are abundant compilations for kids about inventions and inventors, Slade and Reinhardt keep the focus solidly on the human element of frustration, persistence, and the power of a mentor. It's an unusual angle and well executed, which makes it a good fit for STEM-oriented programs as well as storytimes about the benefit of good friendships.--Goldsmith, Francisca Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly "What's his secret?" That's the question dogging Henry Ford as he watches Thomas Edison's phonograph and incandescent bulb take off, while his own attempts to create steam and gas engines sputter. Slade shifts between the developing careers of both men until, while discussing engines with Edison at a dinner in 1896, Ford gets his answer: "Keep at it!" Edison shouts encouragingly. Reinhardt's mixed-media artwork includes several lighthearted moments (parallel scenes featuring Edison and Ford as children highlight the explosive results of early failed experiments). Extensive endnotes discuss Slade's and Reinhardt's processes and several of the inventions mentioned, along with a time line and source notes. It's a rewarding look at the importance of persistence, as well as the friendship that developed between these prominent inventors. Ages 6-9. Illustrator's agent: Marietta Zacker, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Two boys who "just had to see how things worked" grow into two of America's great inventors and manufacturers: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. When Henry, frustrated by repeated failure, meets Thomas, he gets simple yet critical advice: "Keep at it." A lively tale of tenacity and passion, illustrated with watercolor and pencil-and-ink illustrations that reflect the text's energy and high spirits. Timeline. Bib. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 3-6-Emphasizing the power of perseverance, this cheery picture book alternates between the lives of two inventors, beginning with Thomas Edison, who was 16 years Henry Ford's senior. Many of Edison's major inventions are touched on, and young Ford is portrayed as curious as to the secret of Edison's success. Ford continues to work on developing engines and designing cars and finally seizes the opportunity to meet Edison in person. The two go over Ford's designs, and Edison urges the younger man to "keep at it!" With that, Ford discovers that "he'd known Thomas's secret all along!"-a realization illustrated with a light bulb over Ford's head. The rest of the story focuses on Ford's work on creating a car for all Americans, which resulted in the Model-T. Fanciful watercolor sketches depict Edison and Ford dreaming, inventing, and working, with a variety of expressions on their faces. The drawings are framed on the page, providing an old-fashioned feel. Inset images provide details and information on their inventions. The front and endpapers are filled with sketches of various light bulbs and gears in muted brown tones. The early lives and activities of these men are covered briefly. The factual text emphasizes how both started as dreamers who took action. Back matter includes a section on Edison and Ford's friendship, more material about the inventions, author and illustrator notes, and extensive source notes with citations for dialogue and other facts. VERDICT A suitable addition for those seeking biographies of inventors.-Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library, WA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus What would a renowned, established inventor have to say to a hopeful young tinkerer?Slade precedes her description of a historical meeting with interwoven accounts: one of Thomas, a disaster-prone experimenter who parlays an early interest in gadgets and electricity into a pen that produces multiple copies, a phonograph, and hundreds of other popular innovations; the other of Henry, born 16 years later, whose yen to produce a practical, inexpensive motor car encounters obstacle after frustrating obstacle. At last, hoping for insight into Edison's success, Henry buttonholes the great inventor at an 1896 dinner. The two instantly fall into a technical discussion, climaxed by the excited Edison's "Keep at it!" And, of course, Ford goes on to craft his Models A through T, the "Tin Lizzy." Reinhardt's watercolor scenes, often bordered with toothed gears or antique-looking curlicues, feature two dapper but slightly rumpled figures thinking, tinkering, and showing off the iconic products of their determined efforts. Along with noting specific design changes and flaws in selected early Fords, the author and illustrator close with fuller notes on major Edison-ian inventions, the development of the Model T, and particularly the lifelong friendship that the encounter kindled between these two giants of industrial technology.Not exactly eloquent advice, perhaps, but on target. (timeline, source notes, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 8-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal K-Gr 4-Jennifer Black Reinhardt's whimsical drawings are given a touch of animation in this adaptation of Suzanne Slade's lighthearted picture book (Charlesbridge, 2015) about Thomas Edison and Henry Ford-gears turn, arms and heads move, cars glide across the landscape. Sound effects illustrate the interests of each inventor, from the fizz of Thomas's electricity to the putt and sputter of Henry's engines. The alternating stories of the two inventors unfold, as the younger man, Henry, becomes envious of Thomas's success and fame with the invention of his electric pen and the phonograph. Henry wonders what the secret of Thomas's success is. Henry's dream is to design a car that has enough room for a family and is light and affordable. When he has the opportunity to meet and speak with Thomas, he travels from his home in Detroit to New York City, where they both attend the same dinner. Thomas takes an interest in the younger inventor and offers his advice to "keep at it." Henry does just that, eventually designing the Model T, a light, fast car with a four-cylinder gas engine and enough room for a family. This entertaining offering encourages perseverance and portrays two important inventors in a lighthearted way, highlighting their foibles as well as their successes. VERDICT Students looking for biographical information will need additional resources, but for the basics, this is a winning selection.-Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 4-7-This exploration of the undersea world is divided into seven different color-coded topics that address areas of knowledge including the location and structure of oceans and the life found there. Another section examines the relationship of humans with the ocean. Numerous crisp color photographs, charts, maps, tables, and diagrams are featured. Sections topics are in a bold font while image captions are presented in italics. Throughout, fact circles labeled "WOW!" add fascinating trivia. For example, a photo displays a close-up of a shark's teeth, while the fact bubble lets readers know that a shark has 300 teeth and that it isn't uncommon for the animal to, over the course of its lifetime, go through 30,000 different teeth. The eye-catching cover will draw in students and teachers alike, and the narrative will inform readers about the hunting techniques, habitats, size, and diet of different creatures. Other ocean-related topics are covered as well. Readers will appreciate a chart explaining tsunamis, an overview of types of seaweed, and examples of watery features such as atolls and lagoons. VERDICT Ideal for general interest or to support research projects in science or geography classes supporting the Common Core State Standards.-Beth McGuire, Hempfield Area School District, Greensburg, PA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Montgomery tags along with four scientists studying the decision-making of the Pacific day octopus in the French Polynesian island region of Moorea. To do so, they first have to find the octopuses. Montgomery explains the scientists' data collection methods, along the way describing all aspects of life in the field. Abundant, stunningly clear underwater photographs highlight a range of marine species. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list *Starred Review* This color-changing, tentacled shape-shifter can pour itself through a hole the size of a thimble, drill through seashells with its tongue, squirt ink, and paralyze its prey with venom. There's nothing on the planet like an octopus, yet its high intelligence and prowess at camouflage have made this mollusk difficult to study. This beautiful entry in the award-winning Scientists in the Field series follows an expedition to the French Polynesian island of Moorea to study Pacific day octopuses not octopi in the wild and unlock some of the mystery surrounding this marine animal. With infectious enthusiasm, the team searches for octopuses with their dens, so the scientists can study their personalities and diet, of which little is known. Between dives, mind-boggling octopus facts are relayed, as well as the team members' backgrounds. Spectacular underwater photography shows octopuses standing tall and stately on their tentacles, while others lie coiled with their skin drawn up into peaks to mimic coral or displaying a range of colors and patterns (purple and gold, stripes and spots) that they can conjure in one-tenth of a second. Other marine life is also featured in breathtaking shots of sea turtles, dazzling fish, and giant clams. Ultimately, little new information is discovered, but this account of octopuses' lives remains endlessly fascinating.--Smith, Julia Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 6-9-Searching for octopuses along the coast of Moorea in French Polynesia might sound like a dream assignment. However, these elusive mollusks are master of deceptive camouflage: boneless wonders that can ooze into impossibly small spaces and that tend to change their locations abruptly, leaving merely a tidy stack of emptied shells from past meals. Montgomery and Ellenbogen join psychologist Jennifer Mather and her team as they methodically explore Moorea's fringing reefs, recording finds of octopus dens and middens on geographic grids, meeting octopods here and there that peer curiously from their hiding places. Interspersed with this logical, systematic investigation is a series of fascinating asides: discussions of the Centre de Researches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement de Polynésie Française, of the intelligence of these evasive creatures and their amazing capability to change the color and texture of their skin, and of the coral habitats they select as dwelling places. Through sharply crafted text, Montgomery shares her enthusiasm with readers, and Ellenbogen's vibrant color photos allow a crystalline window into a very special environment. This glimpse into an alien world and mind combines biology and psychology: an exciting pairing. VERDICT Another enticing entry in a series devoted to highlighting enthusiastic scientists hard at work in the fields they love.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus An international team of scientists with varied focuses work together on a remote South Pacific island to study octopus behaviors. Two weeks on Moorea, in French Polynesia, snorkeling and diving around the reefs off the coast, admiring the abundant life, and learning about octopuses. What could be nicer? In her latest observation of scientific fieldwork, Montgomery doesn't ignore the downsidethere's more searching than studying, here, and it's often physically uncomfortablebut she dwells on the joys of admiring the endless variety in the underwater world and learning about these reclusive, intelligent, surprising creatures. With ease that comes from long practice, she weaves a narrative full of fascinating detail, helpful comparisons, direct quotations, and personal reactions that bring readers into the experience. Chapters of action, with smoothly integrated explanatory background, are interspersed with informative passages about octopuses, the field station, and coral reefs. She describes the team's daily explorations in the water and their inside lab work, identifying the food remains they've collected from neat piles outside the octopuses' dens. This is an account of a successful expedition, although it raises more questions than it answers. "The field is about serendipity," expedition leader Jennifer Mather reminds readers. Amazing photographs reveal the octopuses' remarkable shape-changing abilities and help readers visualize this experience. Science in the field at its best. (Nonfiction. 10-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Kirkus A uniquely personal portrait of the United States' first woman in space, illustrated with sheaves of public and private photos. As her longtime companion, as well as co-author (of Exploring Our Solar System, 2003, etc.) and business partner, O'Shaughnessy is in an unparalleled position to illuminate Ride's inner life as much as her well-known outer one. She does so here in a frank, engagingly detailed account that tenders as much about her subject's significant friendships and loves as it does about her outstanding academic, athletic, astronautical, and post-NASA achievements. All of these are also traced in the illustrations, which begin with baby and toddler pictures, close with images of post-mortem tributes (Ride died in 2012, of pancreatic cancer), and in between mix family snapshots and posed portraits with report cards, yearbook photos, news clippings, mementos, and letters. Sue Macy's excellent Sally Ride: Life on a Mission (2014) covers much of the same territory (and broke the news to younger readers that Ride was gay), but both the visual material and the author's personal memories here add significant insights and angles of view to her subject. They describe the growth and complex character of a smart but unmotivated young "underachiever" who became anything but and stands as an exemplar for budding scientists of any sex. A perceptive, loving tribute. (timeline, index) (Biography. 10-13) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list There are plenty of biographies of Sally Ride, but few have as much insider knowledge as this one, written by Ride's partner, who was present for many of the pivotal moments in the astronaut's life. Each glossy page is plastered with photos and memorabilia, and her tone is conversational and intimate, as if sharing a beloved family story. O'Shaughnessy begins with Ride's childhood interest in science and tennis, before moving on to her study of physics and groundbreaking career at NASA. She speaks of Ride's homosexuality frankly, if a little abruptly, and writes pointedly about her frustration with gender inequality. She also emphasizes Ride's love of learning sometimes her grades weren't stellar (readers even get a peek at her report cards), but she didn't let that get in the way of pursuing her dream of space travel. Ride was notoriously private, and this glimpse into her life and background will be both eye-opening and inspiring for many young readers. The irresistible photos and appealing page layouts make it an especially good pick for reluctant readers.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Book list Featuring abundant boldly colored visuals and a wealth of information, Siy and Kunkel (Bug Shots, 2011) offer a lively introduction to spiders. The book first covers general characteristics and behaviors, from their physical makeup to how they create silk. Then they go on to discuss 10 spider types, such as black widows, tarantulas, and orb-weavers, as well as the diving bell spiders, which live underwater. Siy's clearly written text then addresses spiders' unique aspects, typical life cycles, and whether they're poisonous to humans. Siy conveys scientific concepts and terminology very well, and her text is nicely complemented by Kunkel's detailed, vivid photographs and digitally enhanced electron micrographs, all of which are accompanied by descriptive captions. Though some squeamish or bugphobic folks might balk at the large photos (and shudder to learn about common household hiding spaces for spiders), readers will come away with a fairly comprehensive understanding of spiders and spider diversity. The extensive back matter includes the typical elements as well as a guide for recognizing and identifying particular spiders by eye pattern.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book A combination of close-up photography and electron microscopy creates unforgettable, colorful visuals in this informative, almost-affectionate explanation of spider classification, anatomy, behavior, and capabilities. Venom is noted, but the emphasis is on "Friends," from fishing spiders to spitting spiders. Helpful captions are often color-coded, but some body parts are hard to identify. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 4-6-A brilliantly colorized microphotograph of a jumping spider crouches on the dust jacket like some alien nightmare, an electric lure to attract browsers to the many enlightening pages that follow. Many other Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) photos, also colorized, are strewn about, offering vivid details of spinnerets, fangs, and eye patterns; regular color photos of spiders are included as well. The writing flows well, and Siy discusses a wide selection of arachnid topics-basic physiology, behaviors, and silk, for instance-before branching into specific varieties. Some of the species examined are the diving bell spider, the daddy longlegs spider (not to be confused with the equally long-legged harvestman), the wolf spider, and, of course, the black widow. Asides on topics such as courtship, parenting, and web-building are interspersed throughout, and the book ends with Siy delving into how she and Kunkel identified an unknown spider sample. She also explains how the dramatic SEM photos so liberally lavished throughout were taken and colorized. Back matter, which features information on eye-patterns, an identification key to eight common orders, and a segment on spider classification, is sure to delight educators. Similar in scope to Seymour Simon's handsome (nonindexed) Spiders (HarperCollins, 2004, 2007) and Nic Bishop's dramatic Spiders (Scholastic, 2007), this eye-catcher will appeal to students. VERDICT Arresting photos and illuminating text weave a neat web to capture readers.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly In this companion to Bug Shots (2011), Siy explains that arachnids are worthy of fascination, not fear. Kunkel's electron micrograph photographs zoom in on the subjects, giving them an almost puppetlike appearance, even as the descriptions convey their predatory natures. "Toxic venom is delivered through an opening near the end of each fang, similar to the opening in a hypodermic needle," Siy writes of the brown recluse. Vibrant coloring makes it easy to identify the spiders' anatomical features, and after learning about bionic eyes, "ballooning" spiderlings, and other topics, readers should be impressed by the arachnids' versatility and capability, even if they aren't quite ready to cuddle up with them. Ages 6-10. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Kirkus For their latest memorable venture into microscopic worlds, two veteran collaborators bring children face to face with the original "web masters" (Bug Shots, 2011, etc.). "To know a spider you must first look into its eyes." Along with being a proposition as riveting as it is uninviting for most readers, Siy's observation is literally true, as the arrangement of their multiple eyes is often a key to spider identification. Expanding on her taxonomic topic, the author focuses on observable behaviors and physical characteristics throughout a general overview and brief introductions to 10 arachnids. She closes with specific methodology that includes both a chart of eye patterns and a set of systematic questions that will help distinguish true spiders from close relatives. As always, Kunkel's bright, sharp, close-up photographs and even closer-up electron micrographs, all with detailed production notes, are a highlightthe former artfully angled to show body parts and coloration, the latter using false colors to make spinnerets and other tiny physical features easily visible. Though the author's argument that spiders are our friends (in support of which she even enlists E.B. White's Charlotte) is vitiated by frequent images and mentions of black widows, brown recluses, some Australian spiders, and how seldom anyone actually dies from venomous bites, the mixed message will still draw both budding naturalists and readers after cheap thrills in equal numbers. An unusual approach to the creepiest of crawlies, likely to snare unwary passers-by in droves. (index, multimedia resource lists, glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-11) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Publishers Weekly A biracial family of three prepares to welcome a new baby boy while swifts nesting in the chimney of their quaint Texas country home raise their own fledglings. In calming prose, debut author Evans keeps the narrative focus on the birds ("Chittering, the fledglings jubilantly feast and frolic, consuming tons of insects"), letting the human family's story play out silently in Gsell's soft, loose watercolors, which include digitally collaged elements. Together, Evans and Gsell convey the quiet intersection of human and animal life, while an endnote offers more detailed information about the migration of chimney swifts. Ages 3-7. Illustrator's agent: Susan Cohen, Writers House. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Kirkus While a pair of swifts raises a family in their chimney, a Texas family grows as well. The straightforward text in Evans' first picture book follows a family of swifts from the pair's return to the chimney of the farmhouse where they were born through nest-building, egg-laying and hatching, and feeding their chicks, who eventually fledge, fly, and feed themselves. In fall, the birds take off, joining a swarm of swifts heading for their winter home in the Southern Hemisphere. This simple narrative focuses exclusively on the birds, but it is mirrored by the activities of the mixed-race farming family shown in artfully primitive watercolor illustrations (with collage elements). One page shows the birds building their nest inside the chimney; opposite, the human father and daughter construct a crib while the visibly pregnant mother knits. While the birds "snuggle close" on the eggs, the human father reads to his daughter on his lap. A striking double-page spread shows the chicks emerging from their eggs. On the next pages, "It's a Boy" balloons fly from the farmhouse mailbox. Throughout the summer the baby grows ever more capable, just as the chicks do. An endnote includes further information about swifts and suggestions for readers to learn more and help preserve these interesting birds. A clever connection to the natural world for young readers and listeners. (Informational picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list One spring in Texas, a chimney swift flies back from South America to the farmhouse where it was born. In the chimney, the swift and its mate build a nest, and the female lays three white eggs. Three weeks later, they hatch. Eating all the insects their parents can bring them, the young birds grow up quickly, and soon they are trying their wings and flying about the farm with their family. In early winter, the swifts join a flock flying southward. The text is simple and informative, but it tells only part of the story in this appealing offering. Created with broad brushstrokes of watercolor and including digital elements, the vivid illustrations also show people on the farm: a father, mother, little girl, and (around the time the swifts' eggs hatch) new baby brother. There's little direct interplay between the human and avian families, which is realistic. But those scenes, such as the father and daughter waving at the fledgling birds, become a rewarding part of the visual narrative. An engaging, informational picture book.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book This informative book follows a pair of chimney swifts as they arrive in Texas, build their nest in a farmhouse chimney, raise their chicks, and fly south for the winter. Attractive watercolor collages add extra meaning by showing the farmhouse humans (not mentioned in the narrative) engaging in parallel "nesting" activities, preparing for and welcoming a new baby. Additional facts about chimney swifts are appended. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly In this thoroughly researched biography, Bartoletti (They Called Themselves the KKK) seeks to illuminate the backstory of "Typhoid Mary," who allegedly infected nearly 50 individuals with the disease. Mary Mallon cooked for wealthy families in turn-of-the-20th-century New York City until she became the first documented "healthy carrier" of typhoid in the U.S. and was imprisoned in hospitals for most of her remaining life. Little is known about Mallon outside of one six-page letter she wrote, official documents, newspaper reports, journal articles, and other firsthand accounts of her. Though Bartoletti forms an objective portrait of Mallon's case, she often has to rely on conjecture ("Mary probably didn't understand that she could be a healthy carrier"), filling in gaps using deductive reasoning based on facts from that era. In the end, this study of Mallon's ill-fated life is as much an examination of the period in which she lived, including the public's ignorance about the spread and treatment of disease, the extreme measures health officials took to advance science, and how yellow journalism's sensationalized stories could ruin someone's reputation. Ages 10-up. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Book list *Starred Review* Little is known about Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary, apart from what can be garnered from case studies and wildly sensational newspaper articles, but Bartoletti impressively fills in the gaps with illuminating historical context and lively descriptions of events. At the turn of the twentieth century, typhoid could swiftly kill thousands, and the public health department would go to great lengths to stave off an epidemic. Once investigators identified Mallon as an unwitting spreader of the disease, she was quarantined and tested against her will, but her imprisonment raised questions. Can the health department go too far when protecting the public? Why was Mallon locked up but not scores of other healthy carriers who infected far more people? While addressing these questions, Bartoletti also explains the prejudice that led Mallon a single, lower-class, immigrant woman to be treated differently, the extent to which yellow journalism had a hand in Mallon's infamy, and the generalized suspicion of science and medicine (which is still alive and kicking today) that contributed to her demonization. Expertly weaving together both historical background and contemporary knowledge about disease and public health, Bartoletti enlivens Mallon's story with engrossing anecdotes and provocative critical inquiry while debunking misconceptions. Extensive back matter and illustrations round out this completely captivating volume.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 5 Up-This well-researched biography of Mary Mallon, also known as Typhoid Mary, begins in 1906, when Mallon was hired as a cook for a wealthy family vacationing in Oyster Bay, Long Island. The outbreak of typhoid that swept through the household a few weeks later turned out to be a pivotal event that forever changed her life. George Soper, a sanitation engineer and typhoid expert, was hired to discover the source of the disease. He eventually determined that Mallon was what was known as a healthy carrier: although she experienced no symptoms of typhoid, her body continued to produce the bacteria, which she inadvertently shed. Soper took his discovery to the New York City Board of Health, and soon thereafter, Mallon was arrested and quarantined against her will on North Brother Island. Mallon has often been described as ignorant and a menace to society due to her refusal to stop working as a cook when she was later briefly released from quarantine, but Bartoletti tells the woman's story with empathy and understanding. The author also explores the myriad violations of Mallon's civil rights and her unusually harsh treatment in comparison to other healthy typhoid carriers (nationwide 50 carriers were identified at the time, but only Mary was quarantined). Energetic, even charming prose (chapter headings include "In Which Mrs. Warren Has a Servant Problem") will easily engage readers. Pair this work with Gail Jarrow's Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary (Boyds Mills, 2015). VERDICT Middle grade biography lovers will gravitate toward this compelling title.-Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus A creative approach, strong on vivid details and words that appeal to the senses, animates this biography of Typhoid Mary. It opens like a novel, with a scene in 1906 of a wealthy woman firing her cook. In "a terrible fix" to find a new one, she hires an Irish immigrant named Mary Mallon, who, unknowingly, turns out to be a typhoid-fever carrier later dubbed Typhoid Mary. The chapter's title, "In Which Mrs. Warren Has a Servant Problem," and its final one-sentence cliffhanger, "Mary's life was about to change forever," reflect literary techniques typically found in fiction, while art nouveau typeface for chapter titles and a closing "Photo Album" create an old-fashioned tone. The chronological narrative quotes from such primary sources as contemporary newspapers and books and incorporates information about the disease and the fight to eliminate it. In trying to supplement limited personal sources about Mallon, Bartoletti bogs down her writing with language like "perhaps," "most likely," "must have," and "may have." Responsible though such introductions to supposition are, the result is a narrative that feels uncertain and may have readers wondering about unvoiced alternative scenarios. One section, meant to tie the past to the present, misinterprets a Gallup poll, incorrectly stating that most Americans don't trust their local governments. Awkward attempts to improve on an inherently interesting topic undermine this otherwise fine account. (Nonfiction. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book What was it like to be a servant, an immigrant, a woman in the early twentieth century? Bartoletti weaves the answers into the beginning of "Typhoid Mary" Mallon's story--using Mary as a lens to view a wider swath of American society--then covers epidemiologist George Soper's cat-and-mouse game of tracking Mary down. Excellent nonfiction with a novelistic trim size and narrative. Timeline. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 5-8-Bartoletti brings to life not only the story of Mary Mallon, but also both the historical context and science behind typhoid fever. Mary was a cook for a wealthy family, and when her employers' children fell ill, Mary was believed to be the problem. She was quarantined and mistreated by health and government officials. This work provides a look into the time period, the deadly disease, and the life story of someone caught in a storm of misinformation and fear. Narrator Donna Postel's voice does sound a bit robotic, but listeners may find this beneficial as the story discusses complex health terms and historical aspects. While the print book version offers a time line, pictures, and a bibliography, the audiobook does not. VERDICT This is a great option for teachers to use in class or for students interested in medical mysteries. A solid purchase for libraries looking to add nonfiction audio books with substance. ["Energetic, even charming prose...will easily engage readers": SLJ 5/15 starred review of the HMH book.]-Katie Llera, Bound Brook High School, NJ © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 4-8-Drawing on his experiences as an astronaut, Aldrin takes readers on a journey to the Red Planet. Written in the first person, Aldrin's narrative addresses his audience as though they are part of the first group to populate Mars. The history of space travel is covered-students will get a sense of just how much has been discovered over the years to make this "journey" a possibility-as well as what we know about Mars itself (the surface, gases, dust). Aldrin discusses what readers will need to do to successfully inhabit the planet, such as finding a home and growing food. Activities including making "Swiss cheese" terrain and comparing the sizes of Mars and Earth are interspersed throughout, offering potential astronauts an idea of what to expect on a voyage to Mars. Colorful images, a time line, and a map of Mars enhance the text. VERDICT A solid option for readers doing school reports or those curious about exploring a new frontier.-Denise Moore, formerly at O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book With Marianne J. Dyson. Astronaut Aldrin, drawing on his lifetime of science and space experiences, invites readers to imagine themselves among the first people to visit Mars. Detailed considerations of the technology needed for extended space travel, exploration, and colonization alternate with descriptions of and photographs from prior Mars missions. Several included activities encourage readers to explore related science concepts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Apollo 11 astronaut Aldrin welcomes young people to his crew for a journey to build the first city on Mars, while related passages fill in information about the planet and the challenges of colonizing it. Aldrin wrote the book with Dyson, a science writer, physicist, and one-time NASA flight controller. The text includes first-person narrative passages directed at the reader (It will be our job to build the first city on Mars), as well as fact-packed informational sections. Brightening almost every page of this colorful book are photos, NASA images of space objects, and digital pictures (sometimes incorporating photo elements) of imagined scenes that occasionally look stilted. A number of hands-on activities are included, with small-print directions and modest photos as illustrations. The book's text and the visuals sometimes strike a tone intended for younger kids, while at other times they seem to target an older audience. Aldrin's name will draw readers among space-exploration fans, including the many who see Mars as the next frontier.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book Morris urges budding scientists to look keenly at the world around them and keep a "nature journal" ("Since I live in New Zealand, my observations are based on...that region...each person's nature journal is unique"). The text is upbeat and encouraging, and the naturalistic mixed-media illustrations are lovely, but the mishmash of suggestions can be a little hard to follow. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list In this nature journal, Morris, a native of New Zealand, combines her love for her country's natural world with suggestions for young naturalists to create their own journals. Just as her journal reflects New Zealand's flora and fauna, children are encouraged to record the native plants and animals encountered in their own lives. In the introduction, Morris identifies parts of a bird and a flower, sketches important materials and tools for nature observers, and illustrates the creative use of fonts and color. Next she takes readers on a visual and textual trip through a garden, a beach, the sky, and more each described and sketched or painted in delicate detail. Text boxes taped to the page offer tips, such as how to arrange and sketch seed pods or do leaf rubbings. The New Zealand focus could limit appeal, but the sound journaling principles have a universal quality. As much an exercise in artistic expression as naturalistic observation, Morris' lovely guide encourages kids to explore and appreciate the world around them.--Petty, J. B. Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 3-6-A beautifully designed guide to keeping a nature journal. Morris provides examples of different activities that children might want to use their journals for, such as keeping a moon and cloud log, drawing birds from the forest and swamplands, and leaf pressing. Gentle illustrations, rendered in pen, pencil charcoal, crayon, and watercolor, take center stage, with brief bits of text describing what might be found in different locations. Directions are also simple; information on keeping tadpoles to observe their metamorphosis, for example, is limited to one paragraph, with little detail on how to find, raise, and house them. Nor is there clear guidance on how readers should draw what they see; the illustrations are more inspirational than instructive. In keeping with the hand-produced theme, there is different lettering for each of the headings. While most of the flora and fauna mentioned here are from New Zealand, there are also a number of plants and creatures common in Europe and North America. Though a title on nature journals might be a useful addition, most North American children may overlook this one because of the emphasis on New Zealand. VERDICT While this charming work is attractive and inspirational, it may not find its intended audience in every library.-Michelle Anderson, Tauranga City Libraries, New Zealand © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Wild horses were officially declared symbols of the American West in 1971, but it was a long road to get them there, and the effort to protect them is far from over. From the campaign of animal-rights activist Velma Johnston (known as Wild Horse Annie), beginning in the 1950s, to the efforts of teenagers today, a small but determined group has fought to preserve wild mustangs and to combat the unethical treatment they still face. This volume reaches back into the evolutionary history of the horse before turning a sharp eye to the herd dynamics of wild herds today and the danger mustangs are in due to rough roundups that end with many being sent to slaughterhouses. Interspersed throughout the text are various eyewitness accounts that detail the actions of activists, photographers, and advocates, both on the range and at auctions. The finished book boasts a crisp, square layout with exceptionally eye-catching photography, and a final chapter on children and teens involved in the fight to save wild horses is particularly evocative and will surely usher in a new generation of activists.--Reagan, Maggie Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 5-8-Wearing her heartfelt agenda on both sleeves, Farley focuses on the plight of feral horses in this country, which are, in her view, being brutally rounded up by the thousands and either relocated or auctioned to "kill buyers" for animal food. Along with statistics (which, she claims, are hard to pin down due to government "secrecy and disorganization"), she presents comments from researchers, uncomfortably explicit eyewitness reports from observers, and even a set of tweets that she sent during an auction as evidence of ongoing cruel treatment and poor management. In appeals to the emotions that are underscored by Farlow's lyrical photos of mustangs running free or posing in graceful stances, Farley also describes the social behavior of wild horses, their history on this continent (cogently arguing that they are still "native species" despite having died out and later reintroduced by European settlers), and the achievements of rescue workers from early champion Velma Johnston to nine young current activists. VERDICT An urgent call to action, supported with detailed endnotes and a substantial bibliography.-John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York City © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Beginning with "Wild Horse Annie," the 1950s activist who secured protections for America's wild horses, this wide-ranging volume explores horses' prehistoric ancestors, herd dynamics, the horrors of government roundups, and today's young activists fighting to make a difference. Emotional language and first-person sidebars try to recruit readers to the cause, while crisp color photos depict beautiful horses in their natural habitats. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus A sweeping introduction to the wild horses of the American West, their past, present, and possible future. Farley, well-known for her wildly popular middle-grade series Phantom Stallion, divides her subject into several parts, opening with the heartfelt story of Wild Horse Annie, one of the first activists determined to save wild horses from abuse and slaughter, and ending with the equally warm stories of several teens working for the same cause. In the middle, she covers the history of wild horses in North America, the instincts that govern horses in the wild, and why and how the horses are disappearing from the wild. While the book is nonfiction, Farley often assumes a horse's or person's fictional point of view to bring an expository section to life. Harder to follow are some of her middle chapters about conflicts between the horses and the Bureau of Land Management. Readers will struggle to make sense of the reason for the inclusion of other details, such as when a contractor legally capturing wild horses finds a small band that has been shot dead. Less emotion and more logic would have created a more compelling argument. Farley includes an author's note, glossary, chapter notes, a bibliography, and an index, but not the one thing young readers would want most: advice on how they too can help the cause of the wild horses. Extremely well-meaning but not quite as well-done. (Nonfiction. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Publishers Weekly In this companion to Holland's Animal Eyes (2014), photographs and concise text examine the mouths belonging to hawks, butterflies, beavers, weasels, and other creatures. The layout is bare-bones, with white text dropped inelegantly onto the images, but Holland takes care to identify the 12 animals she photographs, while introducing pertinent vocabulary (molars, prey) and some enticing trivia (robber flies "use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to drink the [liquified] insides of their prey"). While nicely shot and framed, the photographs do a mixed job of actually showcasing the animals' mouths; supplemental images of certain animals' skulls help compensate, and back matter provides additional information, activities, and resources. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Close-up photographs accompany this discussion of a variety of animals' mouths. Different types of teeth, beaks, and mandibles are featured along with explanations of how each mouth and its unique components are best suited for each animal. Simple (but overly long in places) text makes this suitable for beginning nature enthusiasts. Back matter provides review and encourages further exploration. Glos. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Kangaroos and koalas may steal the limelight, but they aren't the only marsupials in townor the Outback.The omnivorous bilby is ratlike but both endangered and cute enough to, as the author notes, be catching on as chocolate alternatives to Easter bunnies in Australia. Here, they "canter" through painted nighttime desert scenes rendered in short-stroked brush work and scribbly orange lines. In passages of fictionalized narrative paired to factual commentary in another typeface, Wignell follows mother Bilby as she crawls down into her spiral burrow to give birth, then traces the growth and development of Young Bilby as he ventures out of the pouch to find food and to survive owls and other predators long enough to reach solitary adulthood. Though overall the story has a generic cast into which any small, furry creature could be plugged, the main subject, setting and at least some of the wild supporting cast are specific to Down Under. Also, the information about life cycle, senses, behavior and other natural detail is backed up by a rudimentary topical index. Bland and purposeful, but a close-up view of an animal likely to be new to readers in this hemisphere. (Informational picture book. 5-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book With charm and appreciation for their full range of behaviors, Wignell conveys information about bilbies through the perspective of a growing baby bilby and the nocturnal movements of its mother as she forages for food in an Australian desert filled with predators and danger. Jackson's impressionistic brushstrokes and contrasting colors of the blue-tinged bilbies in the oranges of Australia emphasize their darting and twitching movements. Ind. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus A longtime nature columnist invites young people to use their eyes, ears, hands and minds to learn about birds. More than an introduction, this is an immersion in the world of birding. Chapter by chapter, the author discusses field marks, beaks and feet, wings, eyes and nests, habitats, feeding, migration, and ways to protect and nurture birds. Each chapter also includes directions for activities: things to look and listen for, things to make and do. The author's stated aim is "to foster independent study by careful observation and hands-on activities." While many of the birds described and pictured are labeled, the focus isn't naming but what else readers might learn through close attention. Her lengthy text is full of information, presented in a chatty, conversational way that often directly addresses readers: "By now you might be confused." While the author adds interesting facts about birds from faraway places, she's mostly discussing birds that will be familiar to residents of the United States and southern Canada. (Both author and photographer live in Maine.) She even suggests observing chickens. The activities are relatively simple and could easily be done independently or as a family or class project. For older readers or adults who hope to encourage young nature watchers, a thorough and interesting exploration. (Nonfiction. 9 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list This wide-format guide to everything avian is a great starting point for burgeoning bird-watchers. Each chapter offers a dizzying wealth of information about birds and their songs, field markings, beaks, wings, diet, behavior, habitats, and more. Russo also includes helpful activities encouraging basic observation skills that range from the exceedingly easy (listen to bird calls; look at different types of feathers) to the more complicated (build a bird feeder; plant a hummingbird garden; help prevent window collisions). A closing chapter on bird banding, wildlife rehabilitation, and conservancy, moreover, encourages kids to consider the environment and civilization's effects both positive and negative on bird populations and reminds them of the many current laws protecting birds. Though the chapter organization is a bit confusing and the sheer volume of facts about myriad types of birds would have benefited from even more illustrations, there is enough information and photos of birds in these pages not to mention the emphasis on recording observations, a cornerstone of many scientific disciplines that those drawbacks are fairly minimal. Nature lovers will likely have a field day.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2014 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 4-6-One way to address today's "nature deficit" is to focus on the birds outside almost every window. Observation activities set off in color text boxes are designed to develop observation skills and cultivate an understanding of bird behavior. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of birds, such as field marks, beaks and feet, wings, eyes and nests, and more. Feathers make birds unique, and the first chapter describes the different kinds. Color photos of wing and tail feathers highlight their different shapes, and photographs of birds in flight show how the feathers function. One "Eyes Only" box explains that since picking up a wild bird feather is not only illegal but also not healthy, looking without touching is best. "Try This" boxes highlight such activities as bird feeding, walking like a heron, and building a small brush pile where birds can roost. One "Listen For" alerts novice bird observers to figure out different bird songs, calls and alarm signals, and the honking and quacking of birds in flight. An excellent glossary of "Bird Words" provides definitions, and the four-page index differentiates pictures from text with italics. Beautifully illustrated with full color photographs and sketches, this is sure to create new bird watchers.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Readers learn basic osprey information from Montana Osprey Project scientist Erick Greene's presentation to a high school group. Patent thoroughly describes the raptors' behaviors as well as field and laboratory research conducted by the scientists. The pages are filled with current and historical photographs; biographical sketches of scientists and students; and details about the region's ecological history. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 5-8-Patent's lucid prose and Muñoz's clear color photos work together to document the efforts of the Montana Osprey Project, which studies the negative effects of toxic metals released into the environment during mining operations on these raptors. The book follows three scientists-Erick Greene, Heiko Langner, and Rob Domenech-as they study established pairs during the nesting season. They band osprey chicks, take blood samples and feather clippings for chemical analysis, fit birds with electronic transmitters to follow their wanderings, scoop silt from riverbeds to check for pollutants, and focus two webcams on osprey nests to check on parenting skills and chick development. The trio also talk with wildlife biology students and cooperate with locals who are fascinated by ospreys. Sidebars abound on a wide variety of topics, many pertaining to the ospreys: their biology, food, nesting behaviors, and migration patterns. Others include biographical background on the three scientists, an article on a young student and her experiments on fish in metal-contaminated waters, and information about the use of mercury in mining operations and the dangers that baling twine poses to nest building ospreys. An extensive author's note describes Patent's experience with some very far-flung pollution. VERDICT An exciting addition to a stellar series.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list From the Scientists in the Field series, this handsome volume introduces the Montana Osprey Project, beginning with an empty nest. Awaiting the annual return of the ospreys, it sits on a platform atop a tall pole. Nearby, Patent and Muñoz watch as a roofing truck lifts two scientists up to adjust a webcam aimed at the nest. Well researched and clearly written, the text offers plenty of information about ospreys in the area and the work of the scientists who study them. They band the chicks, take blood and feather samples, and track pollutants in the local environment, where heavy metals can sometimes be traced to runoff from old mines. Sidebars tackle topics such as Superfund sites, DDT, and the hazards of plastic baling twine in osprey nests. One engaging, diarylike feature pairs written observations with photos of the adult birds, their eggs, and the chicks as they grow and prepare to fly. Illustrated with many fine color photos, this is a solid addition to science collections.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Kirkus Ospreys, severely affected by DDT in the 1960s, now serve as indicators for the success of pollution remediation on a Superfund cleanup site. Scientists from the Montana Osprey Project invite the public to share their enthusiasm for these amazing raptors, bringing young people to visit the nests and maintaining two webcams while carrying on the work of collecting and analyzing samples of blood and feathers from osprey chicks along the Clark Fork River. Patent introduces the birds and the project, explaining environmental issues resulting from mining in the Clark Fork area, various dangers for ospreys, and the research. A chapter of osprey observations done through Web cameras, watching two pairs raise their chicks, is followed by an explanation of the problem of mercury and then a description of the attachment of transmitters to these birds to research migration patterns. There's a great deal of information crammed into this title; many sidebars and special sections interrupt the exposition. Readers without a solid science background may have difficulty following the steps of data analysis. Libraries still holding Patent and Muoz's Ospreys (1993) will find that simpler title a helpful overview of the species, but this one demonstrates how studying these birds may help address some knottier scientific problems. More science than adventure, this is a challenging addition to the Science in the Field series. (Nonfiction. 12-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 6-8-This fascinating book presents a deep, multifaceted glimpse at a delectable dessert: chocolate. Engaging-even witty in places-and enlightening, it gives a history of the sweet treat, speculating about its little-known origins 1,500 years ago in the Upper Amazon Basin of South America, exploring its role in the European conquest of Central and South America, and discussing the dark side of chocolate: the use of slave labor to grow and harvest it. Frydenborg examines the development of chocolate as an industry in Europe and America in the 18th and 19th centuries. The book also goes into the science of the confection, such as why it's considered so tasty and its potential health benefits. Along the way, Frydenborg seamlessly weaves in information about relevant historical figures, including confectioner Milton S. Hershey; Russian scientist Nikolai Vavilov, who traced the origins of the cacao tree; and explorers such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizzaro. Photographs enhance readers' understanding, though the recipes and sidebars are occasionally distracting. Robert Burleigh's celebrated Chocolate: Riches from the Rainforest (Abrams, 2002), aimed at elementary school students, is better designed, but those looking for a more detailed history for an older audience would do well to consult Frydenborg's work. VERDICT An excellent and highly original addition to history collections.-Shauntee Burns-Simpson, New York Public Library, Staten Island (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Stories of ancient cultures, religion, conquest, slavery, privilege, invention, medicine, culinary experimentation, science and more are all confected together in this flavorful, richly textured historical chronicle of chocolate.Once confined to religious rituals and royalty, consumption of chocolate is now an $83 billion worldwide business, with the average European eating 24 pounds per year and the average U.S. citizen, 11 pounds per year. Frydenborg begins this fascinating history in Mesoamerica, where cocoa beans were used as currency; it was so valuable that its consumption was reserved for emperors. The conquistadors brought cocoa to Europe, where its popularity grew quickly among the privileged. With the decimation of indigenous populations thanks to European invaders, African slaves had to be imported for cocoa bean cultivation. The kind of chocolate we know today was developed through experimentation in the 19th century. We have the Swiss to thank for milk chocolate and the Dutch for the chocolate bar. The author lays it all out in a lively text punctuated by archival illustrations, photographs and sidebars, taking care to impress upon readers that even today, chocolate is more than just dessert. Its medicinal properties and applications have long been noted, as has its usefulness as a stimulant. A deliciously informative, engaging and sweeping chronicle of one of the most popular treats in the world. (timeline, bibliography, websites) (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Publishers Weekly Frydenborg (Wild Horse Scientists) examines the considerable impact, both good and bad, that chocolate and the cacao tree have had and continue to have on cultures around the globe in this wide-ranging treatment of the subject. Primarily a chronological history of the tropical plant and its deliciously addictive by-products, the fascinating, fast-moving narrative also delves into the socioeconomic, scientific, and culinary importance of the cacao bean. Recipes, from Aztec foaming chocolate to Toll House cookies, conclude many of the 13 chapters, which include "Tree of Myth and Money" and "Candy, Food, or Medicine?" A full-color insert includes photos of the tree itself and modern-day Peruvian cacao farmers, as well as reproductions of artwork depicting Mesoamerican people and events touched by chocolate. With a rise in social justice, sustainable food sourcing, and global warming, the author considers how the crop might benefit the Amazonian rainforest and its native peoples: "Could chocolate be the key to preserving this precious, threatened ecosystem and to helping people whose livelihood depends on it?" A bibliography, website list, and time line conclude this expansive chocolate primer. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)? © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Book list The history of chocolate is a troubling one, riddled as it is with slavery, exploitation, and risky environmental practices, and the food itself, particularly its health benefits, is often a source of mystery. Frydenborg sets out to untangle that mystery, beginning with chocolate's vital role in ancient Mesoamerican culture, its discovery by conquistadores, and its eventual worldwide popularity. Today, as demand for chocolate starts to outpace supply, scientists and growers are seeking out ways to adopt more sustainable cultivation practices as well as searching for wild cacao trees, which might offer clues about the plant's origin. Covering controversy over labor laws, the chemical makeup of chocolate, and recent attempts to map the cacao genome, Frydenborg offers a wealth of information that will likely encourage students to think critically about the ecological and human cost of their favorite candies and maybe even prompt them to choose sustainable alternatives. This is a great choice for school projects or chocolate fans curious about their beloved treat.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book Frydenborg explores chocolate's complex history, from the cacao tree's probable origins to today's Big Candy, without sugarcoating the sweet's "dark secrets." The book closes by covering modern-day attempts to make chocolate production more sustainable and ethical. Informative sidebars, photos and maps, and historical recipes interspersed throughout, plus a full-color photographic insert, enhance the presentation. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Library Journal Gr 6-8-This fascinating book presents a deep, multifaceted glimpse at a delectable dessert: chocolate. Engaging-even witty in places-and enlightening, it gives a history of the sweet treat, speculating about its little-known origins 1,500 years ago in the Upper Amazon Basin of South America, exploring its role in the European conquest of Central and South America, and discussing the dark side of chocolate: the use of slave labor to grow and harvest it. Frydenborg examines the development of chocolate as an industry in Europe and America in the 18th and 19th centuries. The book also goes into the science of the confection, such as why it's considered so tasty and its potential health benefits. Along the way, Frydenborg seamlessly weaves in information about relevant historical figures, including confectioner Milton S. Hershey; Russian scientist Nikolai Vavilov, who traced the origins of the cacao tree; and explorers such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizzaro. Photographs enhance readers' understanding, though the recipes and sidebars are occasionally distracting. Robert Burleigh's celebrated Chocolate: Riches from the Rainforest (Abrams, 2002), aimed at elementary school students, is better designed, but those looking for a more detailed history for an older audience would do well to consult Frydenborg's work. VERDICT An excellent and highly original addition to history collections.-Shauntee Burns-Simpson, New York Public Library, Staten Island © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Few animals are as maligned as rats, something mammal specialist Lunde knows well. "Dirty rats. Their beady eyes and naked tails make us scream. Eek! Aargh! Yikes!" he writes as a frightened woman in hair curlers tries to sweep rats off her apartment's fire escape. Lunde sets out to challenge misconceptions about these ubiquitous rodents, while introducing different rats from around the world, pointing out how they vary significantly from those seen in urban subway stations ("Not all rats have ugly, naked tails. The bushy-tailed cloud rat's tail is completely covered in fur"). Readers learn how rats scatter seeds that enable plants to grow and how laboratory rats help find cures for disease. Gustavson's typically lush oil paintings do their part to help sway opinions-his sewer rats come across as intelligent, curious, and even adorable. Ages 3-7. Illustrator's agent: Abigail Samoun, Red Fox Literary. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Rats spread disease, but there's a positive side, too: some "help plants spread their seeds," and rats are a vital part of the food chain. Double-page oil paintings introduce various species around the world; the brief text mentions physical adaptations to different habitats. The presentation lacks depth, but given the subject, that might draw in rat-phobic readers. Websites. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Lunde starts out this closer shudder look at rats just how you might expect: in grimy subway tunnels and moonlit gutters, where rats swarm and scurry in the night. Rats are hated, hunted, trapped, and feared, and we see a harried woman bashing rats from her fire escape and rats approaching a skull-labeled mousetrap. But then Lunde, rat-apologist extraordinaire, suggests a broader view. Not all rats eat garbage; some, like the long-tailed marmoset rat, eat strictly bamboo. It continues from there: not all rats live in sewer pipes; some live in rivers. Not all rats scurry; some hop like a kangaroo. In smaller type, additional scientific information fills out further details about each atypical rat mentioned. Of course, none of this is quite enough to make rats cuddly, though there is a somewhat comical hard-luck-life expression in many of Gustavson's otherwise realistic oil depictions. The colors are especially evocative: the streaky browns of a tunnel, the steel blue of a street at night, the dark purple of mountain twilight. Rats: useful! Still kinda gross, though.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Kirkus A Smithsonian mammal specialist makes a bid to clean up the rat's rotten rep.Answering the titular question with "Maybe. Maybe not," Lunde shifts readers' focus away from rats in urban environments to wild speciesfrom the bamboo-eating long-tailed marmoset rat of Southeast Asia to the Philippines' bushy-tailed cloud rat. He also notes the important roles rats play in spreading seeds, feeding snakes and other predators, and (without getting too, or actually at all, specific) medical research. Gustavson joins the rescue operation with close-ups of rats rendered in naturalistic detail but looking more inquisitive than feral, sporting large pink ears and whiskery snouts. Some of the city settings are picturesquely grimy, but there are no dead creatures or images more disturbing than, in one scene, a white lab rat and a researcher in surgical garb locking eyes. On the contrary, another illustration even features a rat leaning in from the edge of the page to peer up at viewers, and a closing portrait gallery of selected rat species is equally fetching. Not particularly convincing as a reclamation project but generally informative and easy on the eyes. (online resources) (Informational picture book. 6-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal K-Gr 3-This attractive picture book takes a look at emus, those strange-looking, flightless birds native to Australia. Byrne's sketchy, digitally created illustrations perfectly capture the essence of these scraggly birds, and the panoramic scenes of the Australian outback in the neutral tones of an arid savannah bring depth to the book. Saxby's simple text is ideal for curious readers. Each spread includes bits of a story about one particular bird, Emu, as well as basic animal facts. The narrative follows Emu as he watches over a brood of eggs, keeps them safe, and eventually raises his young (Saxby explains that emu fathers are the primary parents, as the mothers leave after laying eggs). VERDICT A strong choice for the 590s.-Dorcas Hand, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list After Emu's mate lays her final egg and departs, he keeps the eggs safe and warm in their leafy ground nest for eight weeks, rarely leaving even to eat or drink. Finally, the eggs hatch. Emu guards the curious chicks and shows them how to find food. As they grow over the next six months, he guards them from predators. In one dramatic incident, he fights off an attacking eagle with his beak and claws. In this picture book first published in Australia, the story of Emu and his young family is printed in standard type as a read-aloud story, while small-type paragraphs in a hand-lettered font provide additional information related to elements in the narrative. A short index and a page of additional emu-related information are appended. A bit darker and edgier than standard picture-book illustrations of animals, the digital artwork is distinctive and handsome in its own way. A fine companion volume to Saxby and Byrne's Big Red Kangaroo (2015).--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book The life cycle and habits of emus are told through the story of a male emu raising his young in an Australian eucalyptus forest (female emus depart after egg-laying). Spiky digital illustrations perfectly display the birds' hairlike feathering, their awkward-looking flightless movement, and the landscape's rough textures. On each spread, additional statistics and facts about emus accompany the main narrative. Ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 4-8-Blame it on Smokey the Bear and his "Only you can prevent forest fires!" campaign. We know today that the long-held U.S. Forest Service fire suppression policy led to a build-up of large amounts of dead wood and leaves, which, coupled with warmer temperatures and drier forests, has been responsible for some of the extreme fires witnessed in recent years. Adding to that information are the discoveries made by scientists studying these devastated areas, who have learned that various species flock to them and, in some cases, prefer them. In particular, Collard follows the work of Richard Hutto, a Montana ornithologist, who has been monitoring birds in charred landscapes since 1988. The book is both a look at the benefits of these potentially dangerous events of nature and an exploration of ecosystems that thrive in their wake. Wood-boring beetles that detect the infrared radiation emitted by fires arrive to lay eggs, and woodpeckers come to feast on the beetle larvae and nest. With a steady supply of food and fewer predators, avian young survive in greater numbers, and so it goes. The author also discusses private vs. public policy in response to forest fires and the questions surrounding the efficacy of salvage logging. Large print, glossy pages, and numerous full-page, up-close color photos of bird species add up to a handsome volume. VERDICT A book that will leave readers asking questions and challenging assumptions-and with a keener appreciation of our environment. A first purchase for most libraries.-Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal © Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Collard explores how a forest devastated by a fire slowly recuperates, focusing on the work of biologist Richard Hutto, who studies the birds that thrive in burned forests. Photographs of birds perched atop blackened tree trunks are striking and intriguing, as is the chronicle of Hutto's meticulous field work ("Dick discovered that birds don't just use or visit burned areas. Many birds depend on them"). Individual birds like the hairy woodpecker and mountain bluebird are profiled in sidebars, and a chart lists the birds that most frequently populate new burn areas. While Collard doesn't suggest that "we should let all fires run amuck," he challenges the practice of fire suppression, pointing to how the excess dead wood and vegetation have resulted in more extreme fires. The resounding message: forest fires offer an opportunity to learn more about nature's spectacular resilience. Ages 8-up. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Beginning with a brief report lamenting wildfire danger and damage, Collard devotes the rest of the book to a contemporary, enlightened view of such fires, with specific birds as the main beneficiary of the resulting food and shelter. Salvage logging also receives thoughtful treatment as an economic boon but an ecological bust. Colorful nature photos illustrate the account. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Collard sets out to debunk the misconception that forest fires leave nothing but desolation in their wakes in this straightforward, informative book about bird life in the forest after a major burn. Opening on an ornithologist conducting field research, the text highlights numerous bird species that thrive in burned forests. Woodpeckers in particular seek out the wealth of beetle grubs in burned trees, and the cavities their nests leave behind are excellent, ready-made dwellings for other animals. Full-color photos of birds in charred trees and scientists in the field are interspersed among pages of large-print, clearly written text describing not only bird life but also the scientists' research process and the complicated ecology of managing forests after wildfires. Collard asserts that the majority of approaches to forest management everything from spending millions of dollars to prevent naturally occurring forest fires to turning swaths of forest into tree farms after a burn are not ecologically sound. Though some minor editing fumbles are irksome, the clear focus on ecology and critical-thinking skills is a plus.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Library Journal K-Gr 3-Gibbons, the author of The Vegetables We Eat (Holiday House, 2007), now turns her attention to fruit. She begins by stating the importance of incorporating it into a healthy diet, the difference between annual and perennial varieties, and various ways to consume them (fresh, juices, sauces). The author provides details about how fruits grow: on plants, bushes, trees, and vines. Each section contains an informative, eye-catching heading; succinctly presented text; and delightful, cheery watercolor illustrations. Gibbons depicts examples of fruits that grow on different kinds of vegetation (for instance, pineapple plants, cherry trees), provides labeled cutaways of their parts, and describes how they are harvested. Readers learn the differences between wild and cultivated berries and what parts of various fruits are planted to produce more. The text also briefly covers large industrial farms and small fruit growers, fruit processing and transportation, and the fresh produce available in stores and farm stands. Kids will learn some surprising facts (for instance, olives are fruits), and a trivia section at the end may encourage further research. Stoke children's enthusiasm by pairing this useful overview with April Pulley Sayre's rousing Go, Go Grapes!: A Fruit Chant (S. & S., 2012). VERDICT A charming addition to nutrition and food units.-Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus The prolific Gibbons tackles fruitshow they grow, their parts, and what portions we eat. Beginning with facts about perennial and annual fruits and how many servings children should aim for each day, the book then looks at how fruits can grow on plants, bushes, vines, and trees. Good vocabulary is introduced and defined along the waybotanist, pollination, cultivated. The middle of the book is taken up by individual looks at 13 different kinds of fruits that show cutaway views labeled with parts, the whole plant/bush/vine/tree, and some of the popular varietiesfor grapes, golden muscat, red flame, and concord. This is followed by a discussion of growing seasons and climates, large farms versus backyard ones, harvesting fruit and getting it to market, and some other fruits that were not featured in the text, including star fruits, apricots, and persimmons. A final page lists more fruit facts and two websites (one for the United States, one for Canada) about food guidelines. The text sometimes gets lost in Gibbons' busy and full pages, and while her illustrations are detailed and specific for each type of fruit, the watercolors won't make mouths water. This lacks the information of other nonfiction titles and the pizzazz of April Pulley Sayre's Go, Go, Grapes! (2012), but it may be just the ticket before a school trip to a farm. (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal K-Gr 3-Gibbons, the author of The Vegetables We Eat (Holiday House, 2007), now turns her attention to fruit. She begins by stating the importance of incorporating it into a healthy diet, the difference between annual and perennial varieties, and various ways to consume them (fresh, juices, sauces). The author provides details about how fruits grow: on plants, bushes, trees, and vines. Each section contains an informative, eye-catching heading; succinctly presented text; and delightful, cheery watercolor illustrations. Gibbons depicts examples of fruits that grow on different kinds of vegetation (for instance, pineapple plants, cherry trees), provides labeled cutaways of their parts, and describes how they are harvested. Readers learn the differences between wild and cultivated berries and what parts of various fruits are planted to produce more. The text also briefly covers large industrial farms and small fruit growers, fruit processing and transportation, and the fresh produce available in stores and farm stands. Kids will learn some surprising facts (for instance, olives are fruits), and a trivia section at the end may encourage further research. Stoke children's enthusiasm by pairing this useful overview with April Pulley Sayre's rousing Go, Go Grapes!: A Fruit Chant (S. & S., 2012). VERDICT A charming addition to nutrition and food units.-Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book With short, simple sentences, Gibbons presents an overview of fruit, discussing why we eat it; how it's grouped according to the type of plant it grows on, such as vines, trees, or bushes; and how it is grown, harvested, and shipped. The bright illustrations feature boxed diagrams, often with cross sections, that label the parts of many fruits. Websites. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list Golden lion tamarins are small monkeys native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. After centuries of logging and the encroachment of agriculture, roads, and towns, the tamarins' habitat has shrunk to a few disconnected patches of suitable forested land. The book opens with a young female who is isolated because the existing family groups in her patch of forest will not accept a second breeding female and the limited habitat will not support a new family. Attention shifts to the intriguing history of a 50-year-old movement to research tamarins, reverse the trend of their dwindling population, and enable them to thrive in the wild. Markle clearly explains the work of several scientists and acknowledges the contributions of committed Brazilians and their government to save the species through reforestation. Told in an engaging manner, the tamarin rescue story is enhanced by large, brilliant photos that appear on every page. From its endearing cover image onward, the book encourages readers to learn about this little-known species and care about its future.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book Once nearly extinct in the wild due to deforestation, golden lion tamarins have made a comeback in their native Brazilian rainforest through zoos reintroducing captive-born monkeys and people planting "living bridges" of trees to help the tamarins travel from one forest patch to another. Excellent photos, interesting text, and an inspiring message will engage readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 3-6-Markle brings to life the complex, decades-long work that scientists and volunteers around the world have done to save the golden lion tamarin from extinction. As the number of monkeys dwindled due to the destruction of Brazil's Atlantic Forest, zoos implemented breeding programs. However, they were unsuccessful until researchers realized how tamarins interact in family groups. Once the numbers increased, new challenges included how to prepare zoo-raised tamarins to survive in the wild and how to provide more habitat by reclaiming pasture land to create forest corridors. Numerous photographs of the golden lion tamarins and the humans working to insure their survival introduce readers to the lives of these intriguing monkeys. VERDICT Readers gain insights into the research, hard work, and patience involved in conservation efforts while learning about a fascinating animal. A fine choice for most collections.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Markle chronicles the amazing efforts to save a tiny (and adorable) species. In 1960 there were only an estimated 200 golden lion tamarins in the wild. Their habitat along the coast of Brazil was being destroyed by logging. In 1975 there were about 122 in captivity, but they weren't breeding; when they did, the young died. After laying out this grim reality, the economical text goes on to describe how zoologist Devra Kleiman discovered that golden lion tamarins had a different family structure than chimps and other primates. When the tamarins were housed appropriately, their populations in captivity skyrocketed, reaching 500 in the '80s. Efforts then began to reintroduce them to the wild. Initial attempts failed, but mixing wild-born tamarins with zoo-born worked; then came the push to expand their available habitats. Markle does her usual excellent job presenting information in a page-turning narrative young zoologists will not be able to put down. Varied page layouts, vibrant photographs, and charming monkey mugs boost appeal. Contextual definitions of difficult or new concepts and fine backmatter, including further resources (both Web and print), a glossary, and a timeline, make this a must for nonfiction collections seeking more than just-the-facts series animal titles. An animal conservation tale with a happy ending (3,200 estimated in the wild today) and a must-read for monkey lovers. (index) (Nonfiction. 9-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 2-5-Jenkins and Page team up once again for a glimpse into the animal kingdom. The authors outline 18 behaviors step by step, addressing readers directly as they explain how whales fish, wasps build nests, and grebes dance. Though the text is quite witty ("If you are a guy, start things off by offering a female grebe a gift of water plants"), some adults might wish for precautionary notes for the literal-minded, who might attempt to reenact instructions such as "Pop the millipede in your mouth." Impressive torn-and-cut paper collage artwork on white backgrounds work well with the conversational writing style. Students will be enthralled by the descriptions of an octopus disguising itself, a crocodile hunting for a meal, and a python swallowing a pig. The book includes single-page treatments and spreads of each behavior, with numbered directions laid out clockwise. Back matter provides additional information about the animals, such as their sizes and native environments. VERDICT Jenkins and Page present another fascinating, fun, and attractive look at the natural world.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Jenkins and Page are back with a tongue-in-cheek "how to" guide to hunting, building, and protecting oneself like more than a dozen animals. Numbered instructions, accompanied by Jenkins's always excellent paper collages, demonstrate how to repel insects like a capuchin monkey, catch a meal like a crocodile ("When an egret lands nearby to pick up one of your sticks, you know what to do"), or defend oneself like an armadillo. Beneath the irreverent tone, there's ample information about the animals' traits and behavior (and even more in an appendix), adding up to a highly enjoyable mix of science and humor. Ages 6-9. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Kirkus With tongues firmly in cheeks, a pair of animal admirers offers step-by-step instructions for engaging in some surprising animal behaviors. Tailorbirds, bowerbirds, and egrets, beavers, armadillos and crocodiles, octopuses, barn spiders, and ant lionsskillful animals from around the world are the subjects of Jenkins and Page's latest collaboration. With his customary cut-and-torn-paper images set on a plain white background, Jenkins illustrates the proper procedures for trapping fish as humpback whales do (with a bubble net), for warning other vervet monkeys of danger (with special cries for eagles, leopards, or snakes), and for cracking nuts as some crows do (let a car do itbut first you should learn to fly). Other possible activities include wooing bighorn sheep ewes with head butts, building nests out of chewed-up wood like paper wasps, and dancing over the water like western grebes. Swallowing a whole wild pig (after squeezing it to death as a python does) is the culmination. In the backmatter, a paragraph about each animal includes a thumbnail image and some further information about habitat, size, and behaviors. Youngsters who glory in learning animal facts will be thrilled; for those who enjoy pretending, there are inviting opportunities for imitation. Readers and listeners alike will eat this one up. (Informational picture book. 4-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book The authors impart considerable information about certain behaviors of eighteen animals via numbered instructions for readers to duplicate, say, a python swallowing a pig. While this conceit is maintained throughout ("you'll have to do a few things that you're probably not used to"), the steps are accurate and the jaunty language catchy; Jenkins's collages are striking as always. An afterword gives additional facts. Bib. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list *Starred Review* Even if you have never wondered how to swallow a pig, one of the best ways to understand how a python accomplishes this feat is to imagine yourself doing so, following the step-by-step directions here. Similarly, readers will learn how tailorbirds sew their nests together, how beavers construct their dams, and 17 other skills that are equally intriguing or amazing. Highlights include How to Repel Insects like a Capuchin (catch a millipede, roll it around on your tongue, and rub it on your fur) and How to Crack a Nut like a Crow (fly above a busy intersection, drop the nut, wait for a car to run over it, and let the traffic light stop vehicles before retrieving the nut). Each single- or double-page presentation includes attractively laid-out instructions and a picture illustrating almost every numbered step. There's enough detail in the simply written, amusing text to make the processes interesting and informative, but an additional paragraph on each animal appears in an appended section along with an illustration miniaturized to postage-stamp size. Colorful, precise, and often striking against the white pages, the cut-paper collage illustrations fulfill their purpose beautifully. Fascinating facts presented with droll wit a winning combination.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book After explaining how hurricanes form, this volume explores the role of scientists tracking hurricanes and gives a toned-down description of conditions when a hurricane makes landfall. Although a few of the simplifications may cause confusion, the clear layout; dynamic, full-bleed, digitally enhanced watercolor illustrations; and plain, reassuring language will help readers understand this dramatic type of weather. Activities appended. Websites. Glos. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 1-3-The life cycle of a hurricane and its potential effects on a community are presented in this engaging series entry. A family hears the news of an approaching tropical storm from a TV weather person and reviews a checklist of precautions and preparations. Satellites track the storm's progress, and planes fly into it to measure its strength. Scientists on the ground give the hurricanes separate names to keep track of them. Stewart succinctly explains how hurricanes form and develop. Scientific terms are used in sentences and defined in the text. The clear, full-color illustrations amplify scientific concepts, such as how warm ocean water evaporates and spirals up, thereby allowing cooler air to rush in, replace the rising warm air, and begin the rotation of a tropical storm. One of the activities in the "Find Out More About Hurricanes" section invites children to use string, scissors, paper, and a light bulb to explore how heat causes this spiraling. VERDICT Readers and browsers will find a lot to read and see in these spreads.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list This informational picture book offers a colorfully illustrated introduction to hurricanes. The lucid text explains the nature of these storms as well as when, where, and how they form. The expressive illustrations watercolors with digitally added elements offer views of hurricanes, scientists studying them, broadcasters explaining them, and people preparing for the high winds and heavy rains they bring. The pictures sometimes incorporate arrows, labels, and diagrams to clarify concepts such as cloud formation, the earth's rotation, the Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane wind-speed categories, and the progressive weakening of a storm over land. Offering plenty of facts for kids intrigued by extreme weather as well as some practical advice and a couple of hands-on activities to try, this attractive book is the latest addition to the respected Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Book list This dual picture-book biography of how Thomas Edison inspired Henry Ford succeeds in showing the emotional side of the life of an inventor: success requires more than just one or two or even two dozen attempts. Reinhardt's soft, amiable watercolor, ink, and colored-pencil artwork provides a lot of visual detail about both Edison's and Ford's passions, while Slade's text explains each man's inspiration and the way his inventions fundamentally changed the world. Ample source notes and a comprehensive dual time line help explain some of Slade and Reinhardt's depictions of Ford and Edison, and photo-illustrated notes about each inventor's most memorable creations provide substantial information to get kids started on research projects. While there are abundant compilations for kids about inventions and inventors, Slade and Reinhardt keep the focus solidly on the human element of frustration, persistence, and the power of a mentor. It's an unusual angle and well executed, which makes it a good fit for STEM-oriented programs as well as storytimes about the benefit of good friendships.--Goldsmith, Francisca Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly "What's his secret?" That's the question dogging Henry Ford as he watches Thomas Edison's phonograph and incandescent bulb take off, while his own attempts to create steam and gas engines sputter. Slade shifts between the developing careers of both men until, while discussing engines with Edison at a dinner in 1896, Ford gets his answer: "Keep at it!" Edison shouts encouragingly. Reinhardt's mixed-media artwork includes several lighthearted moments (parallel scenes featuring Edison and Ford as children highlight the explosive results of early failed experiments). Extensive endnotes discuss Slade's and Reinhardt's processes and several of the inventions mentioned, along with a time line and source notes. It's a rewarding look at the importance of persistence, as well as the friendship that developed between these prominent inventors. Ages 6-9. Illustrator's agent: Marietta Zacker, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Horn Book Two boys who "just had to see how things worked" grow into two of America's great inventors and manufacturers: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. When Henry, frustrated by repeated failure, meets Thomas, he gets simple yet critical advice: "Keep at it." A lively tale of tenacity and passion, illustrated with watercolor and pencil-and-ink illustrations that reflect the text's energy and high spirits. Timeline. Bib. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 3-6-Emphasizing the power of perseverance, this cheery picture book alternates between the lives of two inventors, beginning with Thomas Edison, who was 16 years Henry Ford's senior. Many of Edison's major inventions are touched on, and young Ford is portrayed as curious as to the secret of Edison's success. Ford continues to work on developing engines and designing cars and finally seizes the opportunity to meet Edison in person. The two go over Ford's designs, and Edison urges the younger man to "keep at it!" With that, Ford discovers that "he'd known Thomas's secret all along!"-a realization illustrated with a light bulb over Ford's head. The rest of the story focuses on Ford's work on creating a car for all Americans, which resulted in the Model-T. Fanciful watercolor sketches depict Edison and Ford dreaming, inventing, and working, with a variety of expressions on their faces. The drawings are framed on the page, providing an old-fashioned feel. Inset images provide details and information on their inventions. The front and endpapers are filled with sketches of various light bulbs and gears in muted brown tones. The early lives and activities of these men are covered briefly. The factual text emphasizes how both started as dreamers who took action. Back matter includes a section on Edison and Ford's friendship, more material about the inventions, author and illustrator notes, and extensive source notes with citations for dialogue and other facts. VERDICT A suitable addition for those seeking biographies of inventors.-Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library, WA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus What would a renowned, established inventor have to say to a hopeful young tinkerer?Slade precedes her description of a historical meeting with interwoven accounts: one of Thomas, a disaster-prone experimenter who parlays an early interest in gadgets and electricity into a pen that produces multiple copies, a phonograph, and hundreds of other popular innovations; the other of Henry, born 16 years later, whose yen to produce a practical, inexpensive motor car encounters obstacle after frustrating obstacle. At last, hoping for insight into Edison's success, Henry buttonholes the great inventor at an 1896 dinner. The two instantly fall into a technical discussion, climaxed by the excited Edison's "Keep at it!" And, of course, Ford goes on to craft his Models A through T, the "Tin Lizzy." Reinhardt's watercolor scenes, often bordered with toothed gears or antique-looking curlicues, feature two dapper but slightly rumpled figures thinking, tinkering, and showing off the iconic products of their determined efforts. Along with noting specific design changes and flaws in selected early Fords, the author and illustrator close with fuller notes on major Edison-ian inventions, the development of the Model T, and particularly the lifelong friendship that the encounter kindled between these two giants of industrial technology.Not exactly eloquent advice, perhaps, but on target. (timeline, source notes, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 8-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal K-Gr 4-Jennifer Black Reinhardt's whimsical drawings are given a touch of animation in this adaptation of Suzanne Slade's lighthearted picture book (Charlesbridge, 2015) about Thomas Edison and Henry Ford-gears turn, arms and heads move, cars glide across the landscape. Sound effects illustrate the interests of each inventor, from the fizz of Thomas's electricity to the putt and sputter of Henry's engines. The alternating stories of the two inventors unfold, as the younger man, Henry, becomes envious of Thomas's success and fame with the invention of his electric pen and the phonograph. Henry wonders what the secret of Thomas's success is. Henry's dream is to design a car that has enough room for a family and is light and affordable. When he has the opportunity to meet and speak with Thomas, he travels from his home in Detroit to New York City, where they both attend the same dinner. Thomas takes an interest in the younger inventor and offers his advice to "keep at it." Henry does just that, eventually designing the Model T, a light, fast car with a four-cylinder gas engine and enough room for a family. This entertaining offering encourages perseverance and portrays two important inventors in a lighthearted way, highlighting their foibles as well as their successes. VERDICT Students looking for biographical information will need additional resources, but for the basics, this is a winning selection.-Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Little Puffin is born on a cliffside and cared for by his parents until the time comes for him to strike out on his own. In a lyrical text, London traces the life cycle of a horned puffin, from mating to nesting to first flight; Van Zyle's somewhat fuzzy paintings alternate close-up views of the birds with sweeping landscapes. An author's note provides more information. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus A horned puffin hatches, grows and flies for the first time on the Alaskan coast.London's characteristically lyrical, clipped free verse describes the meeting of two puffins, followed by nesting, tending their single egg and the hatching of their "hungry gray fuzz-ball." Taking turns to guard the chick and hunt, Mother and Father Puffin raise Little Puffin to fledging. One night, spectacularly foregrounded against the rising moon by Van Zyle in three successive spreads, Little Puffin makes his way to the edge of the cliff and then jumps, first falling and then flyingto find his own mate four years later. With the exception of naming his puffin family, London largely avoids anthropomorphizing his subjects even as he uses figurative language his preschool audience will understand: "Dressed in her life jacket / of carefully fluffed feathers, / Mother Puffin bobs like a cork / in the icy cold ocean." Scientific facts (puffins have heavy bones; their predators include gulls) are woven neatly into the brief, just-dramatic-enough narrative. Van Zyle keeps his palette realistically limited to cold grays and blues except for that tremendous yellow moon and the puffins' beaks, relying on shifts in perspective and scale to maintain visual interest. In one humorous image, three herrings droop comically from Father Puffin's beak. A two-page author's note provides further information. A bracing nature adventure for animal-loving preschoolers. (Informational picture book. 2-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

School Library Journal PreS-Gr 3-After 42 days of caring for their egg in the nest, mother and father puffin are about to meet their "hungry, gray fuzzball"of a chick as he taps his way out. It is spring on the coast of Alaska and the baby puffin is hungry. The parents take turns bringing fish back to the rocky ledge where little puffin waits. It isn't always easy, as there are many predators (gulls, eagles, falcons) trying to grab the puffins for themselves. For six weeks the adult puffins care for the baby. One night, when little puffin's wing feathers have grown in, he leaps into the air and tumbles over the cliff. "Just as he's about to crash into the sea, Little Puffin spreads his wings and takes off!" At four years old, Little Puffin will choose a mate for himself, and they will raise a chick of their own. London's captivating prose appears at various places on the page and utilizes size changes and text shaping to add drama to the fact-infused narrative. Van Zyle's beautiful, full-bleed paintings use a palette of mostly blacks, blues, and grays, while a bright yellow moon illuminates Little Puffin's first flight. An author's note provides more information. VERDICT A recommended purchase for most collections.-Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY © Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Montgomery tags along with four scientists studying the decision-making of the Pacific day octopus in the French Polynesian island region of Moorea. To do so, they first have to find the octopuses. Montgomery explains the scientists' data collection methods, along the way describing all aspects of life in the field. Abundant, stunningly clear underwater photographs highlight a range of marine species. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list *Starred Review* This color-changing, tentacled shape-shifter can pour itself through a hole the size of a thimble, drill through seashells with its tongue, squirt ink, and paralyze its prey with venom. There's nothing on the planet like an octopus, yet its high intelligence and prowess at camouflage have made this mollusk difficult to study. This beautiful entry in the award-winning Scientists in the Field series follows an expedition to the French Polynesian island of Moorea to study Pacific day octopuses not octopi in the wild and unlock some of the mystery surrounding this marine animal. With infectious enthusiasm, the team searches for octopuses with their dens, so the scientists can study their personalities and diet, of which little is known. Between dives, mind-boggling octopus facts are relayed, as well as the team members' backgrounds. Spectacular underwater photography shows octopuses standing tall and stately on their tentacles, while others lie coiled with their skin drawn up into peaks to mimic coral or displaying a range of colors and patterns (purple and gold, stripes and spots) that they can conjure in one-tenth of a second. Other marine life is also featured in breathtaking shots of sea turtles, dazzling fish, and giant clams. Ultimately, little new information is discovered, but this account of octopuses' lives remains endlessly fascinating.--Smith, Julia Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

School Library Journal Gr 6-9-Searching for octopuses along the coast of Moorea in French Polynesia might sound like a dream assignment. However, these elusive mollusks are master of deceptive camouflage: boneless wonders that can ooze into impossibly small spaces and that tend to change their locations abruptly, leaving merely a tidy stack of emptied shells from past meals. Montgomery and Ellenbogen join psychologist Jennifer Mather and her team as they methodically explore Moorea's fringing reefs, recording finds of octopus dens and middens on geographic grids, meeting octopods here and there that peer curiously from their hiding places. Interspersed with this logical, systematic investigation is a series of fascinating asides: discussions of the Centre de Researches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement de Polynésie Française, of the intelligence of these evasive creatures and their amazing capability to change the color and texture of their skin, and of the coral habitats they select as dwelling places. Through sharply crafted text, Montgomery shares her enthusiasm with readers, and Ellenbogen's vibrant color photos allow a crystalline window into a very special environment. This glimpse into an alien world and mind combines biology and psychology: an exciting pairing. VERDICT Another enticing entry in a series devoted to highlighting enthusiastic scientists hard at work in the fields they love.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus An international team of scientists with varied focuses work together on a remote South Pacific island to study octopus behaviors. Two weeks on Moorea, in French Polynesia, snorkeling and diving around the reefs off the coast, admiring the abundant life, and learning about octopuses. What could be nicer? In her latest observation of scientific fieldwork, Montgomery doesn't ignore the downsidethere's more searching than studying, here, and it's often physically uncomfortablebut she dwells on the joys of admiring the endless variety in the underwater world and learning about these reclusive, intelligent, surprising creatures. With ease that comes from long practice, she weaves a narrative full of fascinating detail, helpful comparisons, direct quotations, and personal reactions that bring readers into the experience. Chapters of action, with smoothly integrated explanatory background, are interspersed with informative passages about octopuses, the field station, and coral reefs. She describes the team's daily explorations in the water and their inside lab work, identifying the food remains they've collected from neat piles outside the octopuses' dens. This is an account of a successful expedition, although it raises more questions than it answers. "The field is about serendipity," expedition leader Jennifer Mather reminds readers. Amazing photographs reveal the octopuses' remarkable shape-changing abilities and help readers visualize this experience. Science in the field at its best. (Nonfiction. 10-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Kirkus A uniquely personal portrait of the United States' first woman in space, illustrated with sheaves of public and private photos. As her longtime companion, as well as co-author (of Exploring Our Solar System, 2003, etc.) and business partner, O'Shaughnessy is in an unparalleled position to illuminate Ride's inner life as much as her well-known outer one. She does so here in a frank, engagingly detailed account that tenders as much about her subject's significant friendships and loves as it does about her outstanding academic, athletic, astronautical, and post-NASA achievements. All of these are also traced in the illustrations, which begin with baby and toddler pictures, close with images of post-mortem tributes (Ride died in 2012, of pancreatic cancer), and in between mix family snapshots and posed portraits with report cards, yearbook photos, news clippings, mementos, and letters. Sue Macy's excellent Sally Ride: Life on a Mission (2014) covers much of the same territory (and broke the news to younger readers that Ride was gay), but both the visual material and the author's personal memories here add significant insights and angles of view to her subject. They describe the growth and complex character of a smart but unmotivated young "underachiever" who became anything but and stands as an exemplar for budding scientists of any sex. A perceptive, loving tribute. (timeline, index) (Biography. 10-13) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list There are plenty of biographies of Sally Ride, but few have as much insider knowledge as this one, written by Ride's partner, who was present for many of the pivotal moments in the astronaut's life. Each glossy page is plastered with photos and memorabilia, and her tone is conversational and intimate, as if sharing a beloved family story. O'Shaughnessy begins with Ride's childhood interest in science and tennis, before moving on to her study of physics and groundbreaking career at NASA. She speaks of Ride's homosexuality frankly, if a little abruptly, and writes pointedly about her frustration with gender inequality. She also emphasizes Ride's love of learning sometimes her grades weren't stellar (readers even get a peek at her report cards), but she didn't let that get in the way of pursuing her dream of space travel. Ride was notoriously private, and this glimpse into her life and background will be both eye-opening and inspiring for many young readers. The irresistible photos and appealing page layouts make it an especially good pick for reluctant readers.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Book list Featuring abundant boldly colored visuals and a wealth of information, Siy and Kunkel (Bug Shots, 2011) offer a lively introduction to spiders. The book first covers general characteristics and behaviors, from their physical makeup to how they create silk. Then they go on to discuss 10 spider types, such as black widows, tarantulas, and orb-weavers, as well as the diving bell spiders, which live underwater. Siy's clearly written text then addresses spiders' unique aspects, typical life cycles, and whether they're poisonous to humans. Siy conveys scientific concepts and terminology very well, and her text is nicely complemented by Kunkel's detailed, vivid photographs and digitally enhanced electron micrographs, all of which are accompanied by descriptive captions. Though some squeamish or bugphobic folks might balk at the large photos (and shudder to learn about common household hiding spaces for spiders), readers will come away with a fairly comprehensive understanding of spiders and spider diversity. The extensive back matter includes the typical elements as well as a guide for recognizing and identifying particular spiders by eye pattern.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book A combination of close-up photography and electron microscopy creates unforgettable, colorful visuals in this informative, almost-affectionate explanation of spider classification, anatomy, behavior, and capabilities. Venom is noted, but the emphasis is on "Friends," from fishing spiders to spitting spiders. Helpful captions are often color-coded, but some body parts are hard to identify. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Gr 4-6-A brilliantly colorized microphotograph of a jumping spider crouches on the dust jacket like some alien nightmare, an electric lure to attract browsers to the many enlightening pages that follow. Many other Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) photos, also colorized, are strewn about, offering vivid details of spinnerets, fangs, and eye patterns; regular color photos of spiders are included as well. The writing flows well, and Siy discusses a wide selection of arachnid topics-basic physiology, behaviors, and silk, for instance-before branching into specific varieties. Some of the species examined are the diving bell spider, the daddy longlegs spider (not to be confused with the equally long-legged harvestman), the wolf spider, and, of course, the black widow. Asides on topics such as courtship, parenting, and web-building are interspersed throughout, and the book ends with Siy delving into how she and Kunkel identified an unknown spider sample. She also explains how the dramatic SEM photos so liberally lavished throughout were taken and colorized. Back matter, which features information on eye-patterns, an identification key to eight common orders, and a segment on spider classification, is sure to delight educators. Similar in scope to Seymour Simon's handsome (nonindexed) Spiders (HarperCollins, 2004, 2007) and Nic Bishop's dramatic Spiders (Scholastic, 2007), this eye-catcher will appeal to students. VERDICT Arresting photos and illuminating text weave a neat web to capture readers.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly In this companion to Bug Shots (2011), Siy explains that arachnids are worthy of fascination, not fear. Kunkel's electron micrograph photographs zoom in on the subjects, giving them an almost puppetlike appearance, even as the descriptions convey their predatory natures. "Toxic venom is delivered through an opening near the end of each fang, similar to the opening in a hypodermic needle," Siy writes of the brown recluse. Vibrant coloring makes it easy to identify the spiders' anatomical features, and after learning about bionic eyes, "ballooning" spiderlings, and other topics, readers should be impressed by the arachnids' versatility and capability, even if they aren't quite ready to cuddle up with them. Ages 6-10. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Kirkus For their latest memorable venture into microscopic worlds, two veteran collaborators bring children face to face with the original "web masters" (Bug Shots, 2011, etc.). "To know a spider you must first look into its eyes." Along with being a proposition as riveting as it is uninviting for most readers, Siy's observation is literally true, as the arrangement of their multiple eyes is often a key to spider identification. Expanding on her taxonomic topic, the author focuses on observable behaviors and physical characteristics throughout a general overview and brief introductions to 10 arachnids. She closes with specific methodology that includes both a chart of eye patterns and a set of systematic questions that will help distinguish true spiders from close relatives. As always, Kunkel's bright, sharp, close-up photographs and even closer-up electron micrographs, all with detailed production notes, are a highlightthe former artfully angled to show body parts and coloration, the latter using false colors to make spinnerets and other tiny physical features easily visible. Though the author's argument that spiders are our friends (in support of which she even enlists E.B. White's Charlotte) is vitiated by frequent images and mentions of black widows, brown recluses, some Australian spiders, and how seldom anyone actually dies from venomous bites, the mixed message will still draw both budding naturalists and readers after cheap thrills in equal numbers. An unusual approach to the creepiest of crawlies, likely to snare unwary passers-by in droves. (index, multimedia resource lists, glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-11) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Publishers Weekly A biracial family of three prepares to welcome a new baby boy while swifts nesting in the chimney of their quaint Texas country home raise their own fledglings. In calming prose, debut author Evans keeps the narrative focus on the birds ("Chittering, the fledglings jubilantly feast and frolic, consuming tons of insects"), letting the human family's story play out silently in Gsell's soft, loose watercolors, which include digitally collaged elements. Together, Evans and Gsell convey the quiet intersection of human and animal life, while an endnote offers more detailed information about the migration of chimney swifts. Ages 3-7. Illustrator's agent: Susan Cohen, Writers House. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Kirkus While a pair of swifts raises a family in their chimney, a Texas family grows as well. The straightforward text in Evans' first picture book follows a family of swifts from the pair's return to the chimney of the farmhouse where they were born through nest-building, egg-laying and hatching, and feeding their chicks, who eventually fledge, fly, and feed themselves. In fall, the birds take off, joining a swarm of swifts heading for their winter home in the Southern Hemisphere. This simple narrative focuses exclusively on the birds, but it is mirrored by the activities of the mixed-race farming family shown in artfully primitive watercolor illustrations (with collage elements). One page shows the birds building their nest inside the chimney; opposite, the human father and daughter construct a crib while the visibly pregnant mother knits. While the birds "snuggle close" on the eggs, the human father reads to his daughter on his lap. A striking double-page spread shows the chicks emerging from their eggs. On the next pages, "It's a Boy" balloons fly from the farmhouse mailbox. Throughout the summer the baby grows ever more capable, just as the chicks do. An endnote includes further information about swifts and suggestions for readers to learn more and help preserve these interesting birds. A clever connection to the natural world for young readers and listeners. (Informational picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list One spring in Texas, a chimney swift flies back from South America to the farmhouse where it was born. In the chimney, the swift and its mate build a nest, and the female lays three white eggs. Three weeks later, they hatch. Eating all the insects their parents can bring them, the young birds grow up quickly, and soon they are trying their wings and flying about the farm with their family. In early winter, the swifts join a flock flying southward. The text is simple and informative, but it tells only part of the story in this appealing offering. Created with broad brushstrokes of watercolor and including digital elements, the vivid illustrations also show people on the farm: a father, mother, little girl, and (around the time the swifts' eggs hatch) new baby brother. There's little direct interplay between the human and avian families, which is realistic. But those scenes, such as the father and daughter waving at the fledgling birds, become a rewarding part of the visual narrative. An engaging, informational picture book.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Horn Book This informative book follows a pair of chimney swifts as they arrive in Texas, build their nest in a farmhouse chimney, raise their chicks, and fly south for the winter. Attractive watercolor collages add extra meaning by showing the farmhouse humans (not mentioned in the narrative) engaging in parallel "nesting" activities, preparing for and welcoming a new baby. Additional facts about chimney swifts are appended. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.