Hansen / KOMODO DRAGONS By Grace Hansen (Grades: K-2) The books written by Ms Hansen have the same terrifically detailed pictures as the other series reviewed. Labeling added to more information available with the listed Internet Code make these books worth having in all libraries. These 4 books are highly recommended. This is yet another beginning research series for the early grades. Highly recommended by Elaine Hayes
BUSH VIPERS By Davy Sweazey. (Grades 2-3) This EPIC book is another with valuable information with detailed glossary and a site to use in unison to tell even more of these highly venomous snakes in the rain forest of Africa. Vivid pictures show their varied abilities, different colors and the differences in their scales and where they are located. Highly recommended by Elaine Hayes
MOTH OR BUTTERFLY? By Susan Kralovanssky / WHALE OR FISH? By Susan Kralovansky (Grades 2-3) This series also has 6 books in it and I read the two listed. Excellent introduction as to what the difference is in animas or insects that live in the same environment yet are different from one another in specific ways. There is a question and then an answer giving first one animal then the other. There is a page entitled ‘at a glance’ that gives the specifics in a list under the given name. One extra and wonderful idea is that the author put in an art activity using just a few materials to make the two animals/insects compared. HIghly recommended by Elaine Hayes
WONTON AND THE CHOPSTICK by Lee Wardlaw (Grades 2-3) Here lies a typical "old cat meets new dog" tale but with a twist. It is written in senryu, similar to Japanese haiku, and follows the saga of a cat who must deal with the new puppy in his household. It is a follow-up to Won Ton: a cat tale told in haiku (2011). Won Ton resents the new puppy who has joined the family. He dislikes the fact that he is put outside and that the puppy eats his tuna, so he encourages puppy to gnaw shoes and dig up the flowerbeds. One rainy day when both pets are left alone, Won Ton finds he likes the new puppy, who by the way, makes a great pillow. Looks like a long-lasting friendship will ensue and perhaps another title will follow in this series. The artist used graphite andgouache on watercolor paper for the lovely and vibrant illustrations. Recommended by Martha Rico
TEAM SPIRIT (BASKETBALL SERIES) By Mark Stewart(Grades 3-8) Here is a series of titles which covers 12 NBA teams. Each book has 17 chapters that are titled alike in each book and also include a glossary, index and website access. Students in elementary to middle school will learn about their favorite team and enjoy the attractive photographs of the team and its star players. Most are written at a high fifth grade level. They are a fresh look at the NBA. Recommended by Martha Rico
HAWKS By: Kari Schuetz / WILD TURKEYS By Kristin Schuetz (Grades K-2)The facts are there for the children to gain information and the pictures show what they have just read about. The information given lets the reader see the bird in the wild and natural habitat. These books also have the webpage to go to listed and very good glossaries and indexes. Recommended by Elaine Hayes
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