Bat Researcher, A Dirty Job

Bat Researcher by Michael Burgan

Series:  Dirty and Dangerous Jobs

Reading level: Grade 4+

Summary: Easy-to-read overview of bat biology and what it like to be a bat researcher.

Illustrations: Color photographs

Comments:  Useful as a quick introduction to the topic, best for upper elementary ages.

Related activities:

Compatible fiction:

For younger children, try the picture book  Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

For older children, try the middle grade Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel

Compatible nonfiction: The Bat Scientists by Mary Kay Carson

Publisher:  Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books; 1 edition (September 2010) (has view inside)

ISBN-10: 1608701700
ISBN-13: 978-1608701704

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Next title to be reviewed: The Chiru of High Tibet: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Linda Wingerter

Insect Detective

Insect Detective by Steve Voake and illustrated by Charlotte Voake

Reading level: Picture book (Ages 4-8)

Summary: “Become an insect detective and find out what the insects around you are up to. ” Children are encouraged to listen for a wasp scraping wood from a fence post, to follow ants, to lift a stone, to look closely at a leaf that is hiding a moth, and to count legs.

Illustrations: Pen-and-watercolor

Comments:  A lovely book! The text is poetic and the descriptions of different kinds of insects are enchanting. The illustrations are delicate. Underlying the beauty, however, is a solid foundation of factual information and the gentle message to learn to appreciate the wonders of nature around you.

Related activities:

Compatible fiction: Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss

Publisher:  Candlewick (February 23, 2010)

ISBN-10: 9780763644475
ISBN-13: 978-0763644475

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Next title to be reviewed: Bat Researcher by Michael Burgan

Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw

Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time:  What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott

Reading level: Middle Grade (Ages 9-12)

Summary: A history of the Hubble Telescope and overview of how the images it has captured have added to the field of astronomy.

Illustrations: Full page, color photographs from NASA and the Hubble Heritage Team, as well as a few artist’s depictions

Comments: Good summary for those interested in the Hubble Telescope and astronomy in general. Although written for middle grades, it is also useful for adults wishing to brush up on the topic.

Related activities:

Make a model of the Hubble Telescope based on the illustration on page 13 of the book or other images (for example, this simple model craft for preschoolers)

List of activity links from Growing With Science, including links to a kit to make your own telescope

Compatible fiction: A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle (as suggested by the author)

Publisher:  Clarion Books (January 24, 2011)

ISBN-10: 0547241895
ISBN-13: 978-0547241890

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Next title to be reviewed: Insect Detective by Steve Voake and illustrated by Charlotte Voake

Carrots Grow Underground

Did you know that May is Get Caught Reading month? Why not get caught reading some great science books and do some hands-on activities, too?

Carrots Grow Underground by Mari Schuh

Reading level: Beginning/Easy Reader (Ages 4-8)

Summary: Describes and illustrates the life cycle of carrots and other root vegetables using appropriate first-grade vocabulary. Contains Glossary, Read More, Internet Sites and Index.

Illustrations:  Color photographs

Comments:  The formatting is perfect for the age group. The illustrations are yummy, and are consistent with one another in composition. Makes you want to get out there and plant some seeds, or even better, eat some fresh vegetables.

Related activities:

Compatible fiction: The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

Publisher: Capstone Press; Pebble Books (January 2, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1429661852
ISBN-13: 978-1429661850

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Next title to be reviewed: Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time:  What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott

Be sure to look for more information about children’s books at today’s Book Talk Tuesday.