Have you spotted the gorgeous new picture book Rare and Blue: Finding Nature’s Treasures by Constance Van Hoven and illustrated by Alan Marks? It is both a celebration of a color and our planet.
Although we are used to seeing blue skies and bodies of water every day, blue plants and animals are less usual, and some are extremely uncommon. Most of us may have seen a blue jay, but what about a cerulean warbler? Take a trip around the world to find eight rare or endangered species that are shades of blue, then learn about why their numbers may be dwindling and what can be done. End with a trip that is out of our world.
The layered text works well. In bold print is a challenge for the reader to find a blue plant or animal:
To find electric blue,
hike into a tall forest,
Listen for…
with the answer appropriately in blue font. The secondary text gives more details about the organism and why they are in decline.
Educators will love the extensive back matter, with the categories of species occurrence (rare to extinct), more facts about each species, a glossary of terms, and a bibliography.
Alan Marks” watercolors make use of every hue and value of blue found in nature. The way he captures the iridescent shine of the male pupfish is particularly outstanding.
Rare and Blue is a visual treat that will intrigue young scientists and artists alike. Tour a copy today!
Blue Morpho Butterfly (Morpho peleides)
Activity suggestions:
- Visit Charlesbridge for a learning guide and activity kit (under the downloadable tab)
- Do an art or craft project featuring the color blue inspired by the illustrations in the book.
- Learn more about one of the plants or animals in the book.
For example, the caterpillars of the Karner blue butterfly grow faster and survive better when they are tended by ants. In exchange, they provide the ants with sweets.
A Karner blue butterfly caterpillar tended by ants:
Age Range: 7 – 10 years
Publisher: Charlesbridge (September 1, 2020)
ISBN-10: 1623540976
ISBN-13: 978-1623540975
Disclosure: The book was provided by the publisher 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.
Looking for more children’s nonfiction books? Try the Nonfiction Monday blog.
This looks gorgeous and such an important book, too. Thanks for sharing.
It is a treat. I keep seeing something new each time I open it.