Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Follow Those Zebras: Solving a Migration Mystery

Follow Those Zebras: Solving a Migration Mystery
by Sandra Markle
Millbrook Press (April 7, 2020)
Nonfiction * Animals * Life Science
Audience: Grades 3 to 6
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads:
Every year in Namibia, about two thousand zebras suddenly disappear from their grazing area along the Chobe River. Months later, the herd returns. Where do they go? And why? Thanks to satellite-tracking collars, scientists were able to solve the mystery, but several questions remain. Award-winning science author Sandra Markle reveals the process scientists used to study the zebras, and she also delves into the science of migration, exploring how animals know where to go, how to get there, and when to leave.

Quick thoughts on this book:
Why are animal books so fascinating? Maybe because the combination of their beauty, strength, and wildness provide readers with a sense of curiosity? And in the hands of a talented writer, a reader can become invested in learning about the mysteries of their behaviors.

Sandra Markle’s latest book is about zebras, and as I began reading, I realized that I knew very little about them. However, it wasn’t long before I was thoroughly caught up in the migration patterns of these stripped creatures. Where did this herd of zebras disappear to each year and why? How did scientists discover the answer to this mystery is revealed as readers learn alongside the scientist.

And like with any good mystery there is a twist. How does climate change impact the migration of these zebras and also how strategies are created to ensure that the needs of these fascinating animals are protected.

The end matter includes a fun author’s note, zebra facts, a glossary, and where to find out more about zebras.

And if you ever wondered why zebras have stripes, enjoy this video…

If you love animal books, check out some of Sandra Markle’s other books. And during this time of #stayhomestaysafe, consider supporting your local indie bookstores with an order of one of Sandra’s fabulous books.

Don’t forget to link up your nonfiction reviews…

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Run, Sea Turtle, Run: A Hatchling's Journey

Run, Sea Turtle, Run: A Hatchling’s Journey
by Stephen Swinburne, Photographs by Guillaume Feuillet
Millbrook Press (March 3, 2020)
Nonfiction * Animals * Science
Audience: Ages 6 to 9
IndieBound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads:
"Can you hear me? Scritch, scratch. I'm a little sea turtle inside an egg."

Follow a hatchling's treacherous journey from nest to sea. Longtime science writer Stephen Swinburne creates an engaging first-person narrative from the sea turtle's perspective. Gorgeous photographs by Guillaume Feuillet capture the drama of the hatchlings' race to safety. Back matter includes information on the life cycle of leatherback sea turtles, tips for how readers can assist with sea turtle conservation, and recommended further reading.

Quick thoughts on the book:
If I had to pick three favorite animals, I would probably pick the following - cats (small or big, domestic or wild), sea turtles, and elephants. Of course, I was super excited to see that Swinburne had a new book about sea turtles. For long-term readers of my blog, you may remember that I did a post about Swinburne’s Sea Turtle Scientist. You can read it here.

Once I read the book, my first thought was “Where was this book when I was working with kinders and first graders and doing a series on sea turtles?” I love this page. UP! UP! UP! WE DIG! - Teachers, mark this page for writing workshop and how authors use repetition and font style to bring emphasis to their text.

In addition to Swinburne’s engaging text, I love the photographic work of Guillaume Feuillet. Don’t you just think about being “ready to go” when you see this photograph of a hatchling?

If you don’t see why I am excited about Run, Sea Turtle, Run. Check out this interactive read aloud done by the author.

Thank you to Lerner Publishing and Steve Swinburne for sharing a reading of Run, Sea Turtle, Run. Though you can currently share this video with your students during distance learning. I do hope you will still consider purchasing a copy for your classroom or encouraging your school library to add it to their orders for next school year.

Don’t miss Steve’s special video of his song “One in a Thousand”.

The book concludes with information about the sea turtle including the life cycle, how you can help sea turtles, additional readings and websites.

If you have older readers, don’t forget to check out Steve’s book - Sea Turtle Scientist: Scientist In The Field (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014).

Check out the official book trailer for Sea Turtle Scientist.

During this COVID-19 Stay Home/Stay Safe time, please consider ordering this book from your local indie bookstore. Both authors and bookstores need your support at this time.

Don’t forget to link up your nonfiction reviews…

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: In the Age of Distance Learning

Lately, I have been scouring the web for resources and other ideas to share with my Preschool and Afterschool teachers as they look for easy enrichment activities to share with students and families. I decided to share a few of my favorites along with some books to pair with the videos.

Here are a few of my favorite videos that I found and thought would be fun to share with you…

TED-ED: The Chemistry of Cookies - Check out the lesson by Stephanie Warren, here.

Pair this video with Gilbert Ford’s How the Cookie Crumbled: The True (and Not-So-True) Stories of the Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

Mystery Doug has a series of short videos that are inspired by questions from kids. Anyone up for chocolate?

Pair this video with Melissa Stewart’s No Monkeys, No Chocolate

The California Science Center have created a series of videos called Stuck at Home. Click here to see all of the current videos. Some are available in both English and Spanish.

Pair this video with National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Things That Go (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books) by Karen De Seve

Don’t forget to link up your nonfiction reviews here…

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Play Like An Animal Review & Giveaway

Play Like An Animal! Why Critters Splash, Race, Twirl, and Chase
by Maria Gianferrari, Illustrated by Mia Powell
Millbrook Press (April 7, 2020)
Nonfiction * Animals
Audience: Ages 4 to 8
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description of the book from GoodReads: Dash! Hide! Splash! Ride! Exuberant text celebrates all the different ways animals play, from rhinos taking mud baths and parrots somersaulting through the air to kangaroos boxing and dolphins diving through the surf. Additional text explains how playing benefits animals. Fascinating back matter gives more information about the featured animals in the book and encourages readers to make time to play every day!

Quick thoughts about the book:
First, I just want to wish Maria and Mia a Happy Book Birthday! Yesterday (Tuesday, 4/7/20) was the officially book release for Play Like An Animal! Why Critters Splash, Race, Twirl, and Chase. I am excited that this book is finally out in the world and can be shared with young readers.

Play Like An Animal! is definitely a fun read aloud and I am bit sad that I can’t read it aloud in person to a group of children right now, but I am certainly going to keep it in my pile of books to share when school re-opens.

In addition to be an entertaining read aloud, I enjoy finding books that have layers of text. Gianferrari includes fabulous action words to describe how all of the animals in the book play. This is a great way to introduce new vocabulary to children and get up and get moving by acting out the various actions.

The book also includes simple text that when added to action words provide a sense of rhythm to the book. The final element of the Play Like An Animal! is the orange boxes that introduce children to facts about the animals on the pages of the book. These different layers allow the book to be read in different ways. Pull each layer apart for three separate reads or focus on just the flowing text or spend some time with each of the animal facts. However, you choose to read this delightful book, don’t forget to engage in some of your own spirited play.

Gianferrari concludes with several pages of endnotes and back matter, including information about “why play is important” and further information about all of the animals included in the book. There are also several recommendations for further reading.

In this time of “stay home, stay safe”, consider supporting an indie bookstore and purchasing a copy or enter below for a chance to win a copy.

About the author: Maria Gianferrari’s childhood playground was nature: climbing trees, playing hide and seek in the cornfield and slapping cow patties for fun! Nowadays she tries to keep the spirit of play alive in her writing. She enjoys playing Dominion with her family sans the curse cards, and her late dog, Becca, was always ready for a game of “catch the flying biscuit.” Find Maria online at mariagianferrari.com

About the illustrator: Mia Powell is a mixed media illustrator based in the United Kingdom. She draws digitally but likes to incorporate handmade textures and elements into her artwork as well. Mia loves to play with her dog, and she has drawn him in the pages of this book. He is black-and-white and loves to chase, especially squirrels. Find Mia online at mia-powell.co.uk

Don’t forget to link up your nonfiction reviews…

Here is a chance to win a copy of Play Like An Animal by Maria Gianferrari, Illustrated by Mia Powell. You must be 13 years old or older and have a US mailing address to enter.

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Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: New Releases Coming in April

It’s time for my favorite post of the month - sharing upcoming new releases. There are so many wonderful books coming out in April. Here is just a few of the books that will begin releasing in several days.

If you missed the previous posts, you will find them here: 2020 Preview | January/February Post | March Post

March 2020

The Fabled Life of Aesop: The extraordinary journey and collected tales of the world’s greatest storyteller by Ian Lendler, Illustrated by Pamela Zargarenski (HMH Books for Young Readers)

The Voice that Won the Vote: How One Woman’s Words Made History by Elisa Boxer, Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger (Sleeping Bear Press)

April 7, 2020

Dads by John Coy, Photos by Wing Young Huie (Carolrhoda Books)

Dive In: Swim With Sea Creatures At Their Actual Size by Roxie Munro (Holiday House)

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade, Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera (Abrams Books for Young Readers)

Follow Those Zebras: Solving a Migration Mystery by Sandra Markle (Millbrook Press)

Lost Cities by Giles Laroche (HMH Books for Young Readers)

Play Like an Animal!: Why Critters Splash, Race, Twirl, and Chase by Maria Gianferrari, Illustrated by Mia Powell (Millbrook Press)

Small Matters: The Hidden Power of the Unseen by Heather Ferranti Kinser (Millbrook Press)

A Sporting Chance: How Ludwig Guttmann Created the Paralympic Games by Lori Alexander, Illustrated by Allan Drummond (HMH Books for Young Readers)

You’re Invited to a Moth Ball: A Nighttime Insect Collection by Loree Griffin Burns, Illustrated by Ellen Harasimowicz (Charlesbridge)

April 14, 2020

Alphamaniacs: Builders of 26 Wonders of the World by Paul Fleischman, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Candlewick Studio)

Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Michele Wood (Candlewick)

The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity: A Tale of Genius Ramanujan by Amy Alznauer, Illustrated by Daniel Miyares (Candlewick)

In the Woods by David Elliott, Illustrated by Rob Dunlavey (Candlewick)

Rescuing the Declaration of Independence: How We Almost Lost the Words That Built America by Anna Crowley Redding, Illustrated by Edward Fotheringham (HarperCollins)

Seagulls Soar by April Pulley Sayre, Illustrated by Kasia Bogdańska (Boyds Mills Press)

April 28, 2020

What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page (HMH Books for Young Readers)

Don’t forget to link up your nonfiction reviews…