Finding a great children's book is like unwrapping a perfect sweet.
This is such a lovely group. I was so honored to be part of the SCBWI Summer 2021 PAL Showcase in July.
My interview starts about 9:50, but if you are interested in finding out about some wonderful children’s book authors, I encourage you to watch the whole thing.
I love finding nonfiction picture book biographies about people I’ve never heard of before and Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith and illustrated by Joanie Stone is a perfect example.
The story reveals the life of a remarkable woman.
Jeanne Power was born in France, but moved to Sicily with her husband in 1818 when she was 23. Formerly a busy seamstress, she was likely not used to staying at home. To pass the time, she began to study the animals and plants of her new surroundings. The ocean intrigued her the most, but how could she observe what was going on in the water? Build one of the first glass-sided aquariums of course!
During her studies, Jeanne Power concentrated on the paper nautilus, which is a type of octopus. At the time, no one was sure whether the nautilus borrowed the delicate shells they carried from other creatures or whether they grew them. Jeanne Power figured out the answer. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but she was able to publish her findings.
Matching the compelling story, Joanie Stone’s beautiful digital illustrations, from the bubbling water of the end papers to last pages of the text, reflect the vibrant blue palette of the ocean Jeanne Power loved so much. Gorgeous!
The back matter is extensive, including notes about “Jeanne’s Life and Legacy,” “The Paper Nautilus,” information about “Marine Biology and Conservation,” a “Note on Historical Research,” and a “Bibliography.”
Secrets of the Sea would be a great choice for a science unit on oceans or for Women’s History Month. Explore a copy today!
See more information about the paper nautilus in this video (preview for appropriateness before showing to children).
For budding marine scientists, Monterey Bay Aquarium has a wide selection of lessons for learning at home.
For more children’s books about female scientists, check our growing list at Science Books for Kids.
Reading age : 6 – 9 years
Publisher : Clarion Books (March 9, 2021)
ISBN-10 : 0358244323
ISBN-13 : 978-0358244325
Disclosure: The book was provided by our local library. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Looking for more children’s nonfiction books? Try the Nonfiction Monday blog.
Today we are thrilled to feature a picture book for young birdwatchers, Who Is Singing? by Janet Halfmann and illustrated by Chrissy Chabot.
Have you ever heard a bird saying Meow or Caw? Did you know what kind of bird it was from the sound it made?
Who is Singing? presents the sounds made by twelve common birds, from cardinals to robins in a fun Q and A format.
For each bird, the first page asks who is making the particular sound?
The answer is on the next page.
The format “Take a bow (name)” and the words for the song repeats for each bird species. Repetition like this helps young readers figure out letters and words — eventually leading them to read fluently — while at the same time they are learning the names and songs of local birds.
In the back, Janet Halfmann has a list of “Birdsong Fun Facts and Notes” for readers who want to learn more. For example, she mentions birds often sing more than one type of song. She also has an activity suggestion to come up with your own words for bird songs you hear.
Who Is Singing? is a perfect introduction to birding that begs to be read aloud. Pick up a copy and before long your budding ornithologist will be talking to the birds.
Find out more about the inspiration for the book at Janet Halfmann’s website.
Activity: Take a bird-listening hike.
Go for a walk around your neighborhood or local park, and keep an ear open for birds. Just listen or you can try to identify the different kinds. Besides gaining an appreciation for your local wildlife, a recent study has shown that listening to bird songs can be good for your health (US News and World Report).
Can’t get outside? Try listening to this video of bird songs of common birds from around the world. You can use it for Janet Halfmann’s suggestion to make up your own words for how bird songs sound.
(I love that they give the common names in many languages. )
For many other bird-related activities, check out the bird activity category at Growing with Science. And, be sure to check out our growing list of books for young birdwatchers at Science Books for Kids.
Ages: 3-6
Publisher : Pen It! Publications, LLC (July 21, 2021)
ISBN-10 : 1954868375
ISBN-13 : 978-1954868373
Disclosure: The book was provided as an electronic ARC for review purposes. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Have you visited the Reading Through the States website lately? Started as a way to supplement a driving trip across the United States with a children’s book from every state visited, it has grown into a catalog of books with strong settings.
My wonderful website guru and I have been upgrading the lists and the look over the summer. We decided on red, white, and blue as our color theme. It was a long process, but we’re ready for the big reveal!
Please let us know if you have any difficulties clicking through or viewing the lists.
We would always love to hear any additions or recommendations you may have.
