Archive for March 20, 2019

Beware of the Crocodile

Written by Martin Jenkins
Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura

Don’t be fooled by the lively illustrations in this great new book. It’s surprisingly informative and still a lot of fun. It’s not some outlandish tale about an anthropomorphic crocodile-like creature. The actions taken are real actions a crocodile might take. The focus is on two things – how a crocodile hunts and how a crocodile is born and grows.

Crocodiles are smart enough to know the places that animals come to drink water. They will lie motionless, with just the top of their heads above water, until an animal gets close enough to grab. They only need to feed again when they’ve digested the meat available on the caught animal. The mother crocodile lays her eggs in the sand and tends them, adjusting the number of leaves covering them to regulate the temperature. She then protects the small babies as best she can.

Of course, crocodiles really are scary, but the scariness in this book comes from real crocodiles, not cartoons. Recommended for classroom units on nature.

  • Beware of the CrocodileTitle: Beware of the Crocodile
  • Author: Martin Jenkins
  • Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
  • Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2019
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
  • Grade Level: K to 3
  • Genre: Nature
  • ISBN: 978-0-7636-7538-7
  • Extras: About Crocodiles, More Information, Index

A Place for Turtles

Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Higgins Bond

First released in 2008, this highly informative and entertaining book has been revised and updated for a new audience and for new data. Each informative two-page spread includes a problem that turtles currently face and possible solutions and ways readers can help turtles. Much of the background and information is revealed in sidebar fashion, making it more accessible to teachers and parents. This is truly for a family and schoolroom discussion. Beautifully realistic illustrations help readers relate to the turtles.

Introduction of exotic plants has destroyed much of the turtles’ landscape. When people add fish to lakes and ponds, they may be squeezing out turtles. Some fishing equipment is harmful to turtles. Plastic shopping bags can be ingested, causing death. People have eaten too many of the beautiful creatures. Dogs often harm turtles. Turtles used for amusement causes many problems. Turtles often get killed on roadways. Humans often encroach on turtle habitat. The key is to leave them alone as much as possible and help where necessary.

Highly recommended for home and classroom.

  • A Place for TurtlesTitle: A Place for Turtles
  • Author: Melissa Stewart
  • Illustrator: Higgins Bond
  • Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company Inc., April 1, 2019
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska                                                                                                                                             
  • Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
  • Grade Level: 2 to 3
  • Genre: Nature, Turtles
  • ISBN: 978-1-68263-096-9
  • Extras: Turtle Facts, Selected Sources, Recommended for Young Readers

Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog

Written and Illustrated by Lisa Papp

Adorably detailed illustrations are the added touch that makes this cute new book delightful for early readers. Of course, the use of fuzzy dogs doesn’t hurt the readablility either. The variety of pets shown and their toys and equipment help make this a book kids will want to read.

Madeline is waiting for her new puppy to get old enough to live at her home. Meanwhile, through connections to a local shelter, she becomes attached to some of the shelter’s dogs too. She soon realizes that just speaking to the shelter dogs seems to make them happier. She invites her friends to come with her and read to the dogs. She wants to make sure every dog gets a little extra attention. The idea is such a hit that the library is overwhelmed by check outs. And Madeline’s favorite shelter pup finds his forever home.

This could be an inspiration for kids to read at the shelter or just become a favorite bedtime book.

  • Madeline Finn and the Shelter DogTitle: Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog
  • Author/Illustrator: Lisa Papp
  • Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company Inc., 2019
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska                                                                                                                                             
  • Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
  • Grade Level: 1 to 3
  • Genre: Shelter animals/Rescue
  • ISBN: 978-1-68263-075-4