Reviews
A noteworthy review of Long and Short Vowels from Booklist on October 1, 2015
Part of the Long and Short Vowels series, this teaches kids different words that produce this titular sound by integrating them into a single, simple sentence: for example, ‘I smile when I ride my bike.’ Implementing the philosophy that children learn better through pattern recognition than… View →
A noteworthy review of Pet Care from Booklist on October 1, 2015
This cuddly entry in the Pet Care series will elicit plenty of happy squeaks with its high-quality photos of snuggling and nibbling hamsters. The basic needs and habits of these creatures are addressed, as are best practices for new hamster owners. Accessible, easy-to-read text describes… View →
A noteworthy review of Classic Stories from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
These short stories from famous authors deal with positive role models and relationships. Two of the books, Raymond’s Run and Thank You, M’am, take place in the city, are realistic stories, and involve black main characters. The other two books involve fantasy. The Monster That Grew Small… View →
A noteworthy review of Life in Water Biomes from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
This series on life in the water world is a great introduction to habitats which connects to the elementary science curriculum. Each book is laid out in a simple and clean fashion with uniquely beautiful and vividly colorful captioned photographs. Short chapters use easily accessible… View →
A noteworthy review of The Human Body from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
This introductory series provides easy-to-understand information about body systems for young students. Each book details how the body system works in a familiar scenario. Short chapters and simple text allow students to access the information at a developmentally appropriate level. Text… View →
A noteworthy review of Rev Up Your Writing from Children's Bookwatch on September 1, 2015
Each title focuses on a specific writing, including its purpose, traits, and means of expression. Colorful illustrations, reader-friendly guidelines, tips for young writers and much more enhance the series. For example, one tip for writing fiction is, ’ Practice describing settings… View →
A noteworthy review of Science Around Us from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
Each book in this series is a great introductory science text. Students are first presented with an introductory passage stimulating prior knowledge; the text is very accessible. Further information is presented simply and understandably for a wide range of young readers and will certainly… View →
A noteworthy review of The Smart Kid's Guide to Everyday Life from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
Each title in this series contains four chapters on the subject, with captioned color multicultural photographs spread throughout the book. The back of each book contains a list of Top Ten Things to Know. Some books feature an example to start the first chapter. This series is a good… View →
A noteworthy review of Service Dogs from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
When doing a project on community helpers or introducing nonfiction text features to your younger students, this series is valuable. Each book’s layout is simple, with beautiful, up-close photographs of the dogs and their human counterparts. Short chapters are easily accessible to the young… View →
A noteworthy review of Roman Mythology from Booklist on May 1, 2015
The Roman Mythology series uses graphic-novel-style art and stories to introduce the individual gods and goddesses, along with other deities in the pantheon. Each book begins with a description of Rome and the relationship between the Roman and Greek gods, and is followed by a visual of the… View →
A noteworthy review of Jess and Jaylen from Library Media Connection on May 1, 2015
Readers join Jess and Jaylen as they experience common urban childhood situations. The titles feature characters of both genders and various races while not falling into the pitfall of making that element the main focus. Both the characters and situations are believable and relevant to… View →
A noteworthy review of Ancient Warriors from Children's Bookwatch on April 1, 2015
Filled with detailed illustrations from the Codex Mendoza and other authentic sources about Aztec life, ‘Aztec Warriors’ provides a discerning overview of the role and attributes of a classic Aztec warrior, within the context of Aztec historical background from 1325 to 1521, displayed upon… View →