NANOVIEW
Online Exclusive: Children's Books Galore
William Cannon, Fenella Saunders, Kristen Greenaway, Catherine Clabby, David Schoonmaker, Nancy Schoonmaker
A lot of good children's science books have come our way this year—so many that we couldn't cover all of our favorites in the print magazine. Here we present reviews of five additional children's titles, plus one book that offers a source of stories for parents to tell at bedtime or around the campfire.
To read any of these reviews, click on the phrase "
+ enlarge image
" below the corresponding illustration.
Barking Up the Right Tree
A review of
Winter Trees
, which employs verse and linoleum-block art to show readers how to identify trees by their bark and the shapes of their branches. Text by Carole Gerber, illustrations by Leslie Evans (Charlesbridge Publishing, $15.95, ages 4 to 7)
Hamster, Red in Tooth and Claw?
A review of
Is My Hamster Wild? The Secret Lives of Hamsters, Gerbils and Guinea Pigs,
which explores the origins of these common pets' behaviors and anatomy, helping children to understand why their furry friends look and act the way they do. By Rain Newcomb and Rose McLarney (Lark Books, $9.95, ages 8 to 12)
Getting an Early Start
A review of
10 Things I Can Do To Help My World,
which uses bold illustrations and simple text to suggest environmentally friendly ideas for the preschool set. By Melanie Walsh (Candlewick Press, $15.99, age 3 and up)
Environment 101
A review of
A Child's Introduction to The Environment,
which is just what its title says, giving clear, visually pleasing introductions to many aspects of environmental science and showing how they are related. By Michael and Dennis Driscoll (Dutton, $19.99, ages 9 to 12)
Robot Myths and Realities
A review of
Robots: From Everyday to Out of this World,
which provides a fairly comprehensive survey of robotics, with ample photographs arrayed in kid-friendly two-page spreads. By the editors of
Yes
magazine (Kids Can Press, $8.95, ages 8 to 12)
Family Road Trip
A review of
Hard Road West: History and Geology along the Gold Rush Trail,
a title that is written for grownups but will provide ample material for storytelling to kids. By Keith Heyer Meldahl (University of Chicago Press, $25, high school and up)
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