Talk about huge child appeal! Beco’s Big Year: A Baby Elephant Turns One by Linda Stanek has it all: an adorable baby elephant as the main character, a compelling and well-written story, behind-the-scenes peeks at zoo life, and captivating photographs. 
What a fun book!
Beco was born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on March 27, 2009. The story follows his birth and adventures during the first year. Linda Stanek deserves a lot of credit for her writing, which engages a child’s interest and is heartwarming, but never steps over the bounds into anthropomorphic. She goes back to her teacher roots and delivers a lot of educational value in a very easy to read package. Did you know female Asian elephants have tushes rather than tusks? This book is jam-packed with interesting facts about elephants and their handlers.
If you are planning a trip to a zoo, teaching a unit on elephants, know a child interested in animals or know a child who wants to be a zookeeper, Beco’s Big Year: A Baby Elephant Turns One is a perfect choice.
For more photographs, videos and ideas for science activities, see Growing With Science
Shirley at Simply Science has a review.
Jeff at NC Teacher Stuff also has a review.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (August 2010)
ISBN-10: 0984155430
ISBN-13: 978-0984155439
A big thank you to Shirley at Simply Science for sharing this wonderful book.
Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by the new Nonfiction Monday blog to see who is hosting each week.
This week’s post is at Rasco from RIF. Go see her wonderful review of a book about tulips!