Birds of a Feather

 

Boyds Mills Press

Jane Yolen; Photographs by Jason Stemple 

Jane Yolen and Jason Stemple certainly know their birds, previously collaborating on Wild Wings and Fine Feathered Friends. They are back with another beautiful book of poetry.

Each page offers a thoughtful poem, a stunning photo and an informative paragraph on one bird. This is kind of a field guide for youngsters, beautifully put together. Learn about fourteen interesting birds, including some I am familiar with, like the Eagle and Sandpiper, and others slightly more exotic. I had never heard of an Oystercatcher before, but I love the rings of yellow and orange around the eye, accented with brilliant orange beaks. 

The Eastern Kingbirds's poem refers to that bird as the "flying ninja." I laughed, as the photo is of a small, unassuming brown bird who doesn't look very ninja-like. The descriptive paragraph confirms that this bird regularly attack hawks and crows in an effort to protect their nests. The photo of the Chickadee is so perfect, that you will want to reach right out and stroke those soft feathers.

Rhymes range from rhymes, to Haiku, to downright silly - something for everyone. What a beautiful way to introduce a child to the world of birding.    


Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

Inkblot

 

Boyds Mills Press

Margaret Peot

What would you say to an activity that will help you tap into your creativity, but requires no particular artistic skill? Let me add that it will be fun and you get to dabble around with art supplies. Margaret Peot explains how creating inkblots can help you overcome creative blocks, inspire ideas and open up avenues for creative expression. All that from blobs of ink and your imagination!

Simply put, just drop, brush, or swab ink on one side of a creased paper. Add a few drops of water. Fold the inked paper in half, and press firmly to make a symmetrical image. Unfold the paper to check the image and add more ink if you are not satisfied with the result. The types of paper and inks that you use will make all the difference in the quality of the finished product.

All right, so we know the steps to create a proper inkblot. Chapter 2 shows us how to add lines and colors to the blob to make it more recognizable. This is as simple as drawing around what you see in your blot and then coloring it in. It's a lot like lying on your back, looking at clouds and picking out shapes. If you having trouble getting started, try thinking of the inkblots as puzzles where you are looking for hidden images. They are there, just cleverly disguised.

I think this book is so inspiring. Before reading this, I had never known about the world of inkblots. It's so neat that the ink is just waiting on the paper for your interpretation. The final outcome is unique - what do you see? Check out Margaret's Subway Inkblog Blog to view the projects that others have made. Or visit the Inkblot Book's Channel for dozens of cool videos. What a wonderful and unique book this is!

Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

Adventure Beneath the Sea

Boyds Mills Press

Kenneth Mallory;Photographs by Brian Skerry

Boyds Mills Press routinely publishes some of the very best non-fiction books on the market, and this is yet another excellent addition to their collection. Three and a half miles offshore the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and sixty feet under the Atlantic ocean sits Aquarius, the world's only undersea research station. This pressure-resistant steel cylinder allows author Kenneth Mallory and National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry to spend seven days living in the Atlantic ocean, studying and exploring the sea life. Their findings make for this fascinating book ... a real life adventure beneath the sea.     

 
Although Aquarius is a self-contained space for living, it's a tight fit with dimensions of only 43 feet long and 9 feet in diameter. The underwater pod is attached to a large above water platform called the Life Support Buoy, which produces a steady flow of air and communicates with Mission Control on land. After extensive training, the pair pass the tests necessary to allow them to live underwater for the next seven days.

Living underwater means that they will be able to become humans living like fishes. Actually, they will use scuba equipment and a tagging system to track fish around the reef to see where they go. At a later date, conservation biologists will use this information to design better habitats to protect fish. Very cleverly, the divers devise a way to implant a tracking device inside a moray eel (who are not as easy to catch as the smaller fish): using a bologna sandwich as bait.     

The first chapter explains the station and the second chapter gives a rundown of their mission. Chapter three covers the extensive training process needed to set foot on Aquarius, and chapters four and five show what life is like for the next week. All the chapters are accompanied by magnificent underwater photography that makes the whole book come alive. The clear, straighforward writing paired with the photographs really give readers a great sense of what living on Aquarius would be like.Consequently, this book treads the fine line of being both a good learning tool and immensely interesting. 

Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

Highlights Hidden Pictures - 2011

Boyds Mills Press

Highlights for Children

Good ole Highlights. I can remember having a subscription when I was a kid  and one of our favorite features was always the hidden pictures puzzle. This is still one of the first sections we turn to when our issue arrives now and most definitely the one we spend the most time on.  What could be better than an entire book comprised of these great puzzles?

I don't know that there is an age range for this type of thing, as the adults here have been enjoying this book every bit as as much as the six year old does. Of course, some of the hidden objects jump out at you right away, but there are always a handful that remain hidden despite our best efforts. We worked together and found ourselves struggling at the end of each puzzle to find that last elusive banana or thin pencil. Thankfully, there is an answer key at the back of the book if you are absolutely stumped.

The annual set is comprised of four volumes. At forty-eight pages per book, that works out to almost 200 puzzles in all. We have had our copy for just over a week and are already halfway through. Not surprisingly, requests have already been made for the other three volumes in this series. Good, clean, completely addictive fun! 

Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

Bugs and Bugsicles

Boyds Mills Press

Amy S. Hansen; Illustrations by Robert C. Kray

The inside flap of this book begins "Every fall, insects disappear.  Where do they go?"  I have no idea.  Until this book reached my hands, I realized that I've never actually stopped to think about this.  I know birds migrate, bears hibernate and mice apparently prefer to spend the winter in our basement. But the ants, bees and others ... just seem to magically materialize each spring.  Maybe they are the sort of thing that you don't really miss until they aren't there.

I like that this book addresses a mystery of nature that many of us haven't given a second thought to.  It turns out that the insects get ready in different ways.  Some hide, some fly away, some make warm homes while others lay eggs and die.  We should have expected that there is never an easy answer with nature.
          

The praying mantis cannot survive winter's chill, but her offspring can with special protection that their mama provides.  Her egg sack hardens to a thickness of cardboard, allowing her eggs to withstand the season. Similarly, field crickets dig holes and lay their eggs safely underground, but they will not survive to meet their young.  Ladybugs fare slightly better, resting in a kind of hibernation called diapause, where their breathing slows and they don't eat or drink. They may be slowed down, but at least the adults survive the winter! Even more interesting are the honeybees, who huddle together and keep themselves alive with constant shivering.  These are just a handful of insects featured - the book also covers dragonflies, ants, monarch butterflies and woolly bear caterpillars.

I love how this book unveils a little mystery that most of us probably take for granted. Each insect has its own full page layout, with large color illustrations.  The result is an eye-catching and eye-opening book.  After you have finished reading, I think you'll find yourself noticing more of the tiny wildlife while out in the yard this summer. You may find yourself thinking "Where will they go?" Here in icy Michigan, their best bet would be to find some retirees and hop a ride to Florida, but the book doesn't mention that scenario.
            
Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

Windows With Birds

Boyds Mills Press

Karen Ritz

I was taken aback by just how much I loved this book. The only negative is that I think the front cover is a bit misleading, at isn't as great as the inside material and story. People who judge a book by the cover might very well miss out on a really great book, like I very nearly did.  But that's what they get for being book cover judgemental, right?  Nah, I always want to share the great books with as many people as possible.    
  

This is a very simple, lovely story about a cat who lived with a wonderful family in the perfect house. Their house had twenty-six stairs, twenty-nine hiding places, a mouse to bat around, and of course ... birds right outside the windows.  He also had a small boy who took very good care of him. For all these reasons, the cat was extremely happy in his home. 

One day the boy zipped the cat into his jacket and took him away from his stairs and clever hiding places and taunting birds.  They moved to a new home - this one was very high up inside a tall building, surrounded by many other similar buildings. The cat moped and shrunk behind the couch, refusing to come out to explore his new home. They boy tried everything he knew to get the cat to play, but the cat refused to be lured out from his lair. Cats are funny that way, aren't they?  I'll show you - I'd rather sit in this musty closet!

When night falls, the cat finally slips out and curls up into a ball on the bed next to the boy.  The next morning, he is surprised to discover there are birds outside these windows too! After some lively bird chasing through the rooms, he hunts down his dishes and starts to seek out new hiding places.  This house is different from the old one, but there are new and wonderful things to discover here, making this his new perfect home. 

The cat may think his home is perfect, but the real perfection here is the illustrations! Realistic, gorgeous - I may go as far as saying they are heartwarming. Along with a great story, they totally make this a completely wonderful book. Again, don't be put off by the cover.  Honestly, everything inside blows it away by a mile. 

Review copy provided by Boyds Mills Press.

Raf

Boyds Mills Press
Anke de Vries & Charlotte Dematons

If your children have never developed an attachment to a special blanket or stuffed animal, consider yourself lucky. There is nothing like that panic when you can't find that special item, as you are ripping the house apart room by room. We have a tattered blanket at our house that holds as many magical soothing qualities as it does patches.

Raf (it took me a minute to realize when the name originated, duh) and Ben are the very best of friends. The pair go everywhere together, until one day when Raf completely disappears. Although Ben searches every nook and cranny, his best friend is nowhere to be found. Ben is heartbroken.


The very next day a postcard addressed to Benjamin clatters into the mailbox. Raf has been found ... in Africa? It seems Raf is traveling! Five more postcards arrive, detailing the wonderful adventures he is experiencing. Ben reads of Raf floating through crowds of flamingos, bathing with a group of elephants, swinging on vines with monkeys and visiting a pack of (much taller) giraffes. The very last postcard announces that Raf is on his way home, weary from his travels.


I like how simple the set up is. Each page features a new postcard from Raf. Behind the postcard is a two page spread of his location. Although the illustrations are mostly scenery, if readers peer very closely, they may spot Raf. A nice plus is the humor injected into the postcard info - Raf's narrative of his journey is definitely appealing to kids.


At first I thought this was the smartest idea ever to wean a child from his childhood attachment. But then Raf shows up at the end, which squashes that theory. It makes me wonder about the story behind the story though. Did Ben's parents pull a switcheroo with the beloved stuffed kangaroo, or take him away for washing? In any case, if we ever have an incident with our blankie, I'll pulling out a stack of postcards and following Raf's lead.

Pet Shop Lullaby

Boyds Mills Press
Mary Ann Fraser

At the end of a long day, the pet shop owner clicks off the lights and closes up his shop. Most of the animals sigh deeply and snuggle into their respective beds. The bunnies make their nests in the sweet straw, the puppy curls into a ball in his bedding and the turtle retracts into his shell.

Only one little hamster remains wide eyed and bushy tailed. Unable to sleep, he hops on his exercise wheel. Squeak, squeak, squeak! Now all the animals are awake. They crowd around the hamster cage, curious to see who is making the commotion. Shhhhh - doesn't he know the darkness signals bedtime?

The little hamster hops off his wheel, but doesn't settle down. Instead, he runs amok in his cage, rooting around in his seed dish to find the best bits before munching and crunching as loudly as can be. The other animals have had enough! They hold a group conference to decide which actions to take.

The dog fill us up his water dish and gives the small hamster a soothing bath (complete with tiny rubber duck and a pink plastic shower cap). After the white rabbit family helps to brush his teeth, the parrot sings him a song while swinging together. Fed, clean and relaxed, the guinea pig reads him a bedtime book and the cat tucks him gently into the cedar shavings. Mission accomplished!


With very few words and a simple plot, this is a good book for young children. It's a cute little story that shows the animals pulling together as a group to get their problem solved, demonstrating that even animals have to work to live in harmony. Kids will giggle at how the animals manage human actions such as the cat propping its head on his paw, turning on the light switch, reading a book, etc. They will also likely get a kick out of how the hamster's bedtime routine closely (bath, brushing teeth, reading a story) resembles theirs.

Sunday Chutney

Front Street/Boyds Mills Press
Aaron Blabey

One of the first things you'll notice about Sunday Chutney is her slightly unusual name. The second thing you'll notice is her broad, sunny smile. Sunday admits she's a bit off the beaten path, but she's happiest that way.

Because of her dad's job, Sunday Chutney has lived all over the world. She's quite accustomed to being new in school. So everyone thinks the new girl is weird - who cares? Sunday enjoys her own company and has learned to create her own fun. She has a vivid imagination and tons of interests.


Among others, Sunday loves big breakfasts with her parents, drum solos, marine biology and sticking up for a good cause. She does not love grumpy people, creamed corn (eh, can't blame her there) or bullies. Even though Sunday really enjoys making new friends and finds traveling to be wonderfully glamorous, she does sometimes wish her family would settle down and stay in one town. But she has big dreams and a great big imagination to rely on until that happens!


It's very enjoyable to read a book centered around a female character with a lot of self confidence. Sunday wears glasses, enjoys athletics and never tries to downplay her intelligence. She has loads of interests and doesn't seem to care what people think of her. Sunday Chutney is being her own person and having a great time doing it. Consequently, this is an awesome book for helping children appreciate their own talents and gifts. Fun and interesting people stand up for what they like, even if that means they stand out from the crowd.

This is Aaron Blabey's second book. Check out his first: Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley.

Aunt Matilda's Almost Boring Party

Front Street/Boyds Mills Press
Jane Morris Udovic; Illustrations by David Udovic

Aunt Matilda throws the most perfect parties ... for adults, that is. Grown-ups are the only people who could enjoy dressing up in uncomfortable clothes, eating fancy foods and standing around talking, talking, talking. For children, Aunt Matilda's parties are perfectly boring!

But when Aunt Matilda requests you stay for her party, there is no choice but to slip into your stiff blue suit and fasten that red bow tie around your neck, like a tiny noose. Aunt Matilda wants to introduce you to her friends and show off what wonderful manners her little nephew has. You know you're in for a long night. Just grin and bear it, then find a comfy armchair in which to slouch down into. Just be careful not to choose an armchair that's too comfy, or you'll be snoozing before you know it ....


The dull party suddenly picks up some speed. Through a series of mishaps, lemon custard pie is flying through the air - right at Auntie! Not being the sort of person who takes things lying down, Auntie fires back a missive. She misses her target, but draws in more participants. Soon, all the party guests are wearing big smiles and cream pies are zooming through the air. Now this is a party!

There's no such thing as a dull get together when you put your mind to making it a wild affair. This is a story that capitalizes on the power of a child's imagination. The realistic illustrations are beautiful, easily bringing life to the party. Children and adults alike (hey, we've all been to a stuffy event or two, right?) can relate to being stuck in this type of a situation and will enjoy the crazy turn of events.

A Splendid Friend Indeed

Boyds Mills Press
Suzanne Bloom

Have you ever been happily engrossed in your book, only to be rudely interrupted by the outside world? Bear is in this unenviable position. He desperately wants to read, but his friend Goose just won't let him. She peppers him with questions about his activities, even going as far as standing on his head and plucking the book right out of his paws.

Sigh. Although Bear looks very cross, he gently abandons the book and decides to write in his journal instead. Not so fast - Goose simply won't be ignored! She continues to ask questions, sticking her bill where it doesn't belong and just being just generally all around annoying. Poor Bear. He looks more exasperated with the turn of each page.


Goose may be a non-stop talker and a big annoyance, but she is also a very sweet friend. While Bear is thinking angry thoughts, Goose is doing nice things. She prepares a snack for them to share and produces a lovely note that reads "I like you. Indeed I do. You are my splendid friend." Bear's heart melts and the two friends share a big hug before setting down together with their picnic.

This is a sweet story that we can all relate to. Sometimes we may need to be reminded that our friends deserve some extra love and attention. The large font and expressive illustrations make this an ideal read for young children. Not to mention that Goose's actions and Bear's reactions make for a pretty funny read. Everyone enjoys a nuisance now and then, right?

Winner of the following awards:

• ALA Notable Children's Book
• One Hundred Books for Reading and Sharing —New York Public Library
• PA One Book, Every Young Child sponsored by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education
• Texas 2x2 Reading List—Texas Library Association
• Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
• 2008 NY State Reading Association's Charlotte Award Nominee

Insects Biggest! Littlest!

Boyds Mills Press
Sandra Markle; Photographs by Dr. Simon Pollard

Now that the weather is warming up here in Michigan, we can get outside and inspect the wildlife. With young children, "wildlife" to us primarily means insects. The newest in the Sandra Markle Biggest! Littest! series is our new favorite insightful guide to aphids, butterflies, weevils, dragonflies, moths and more.

I have never been much of a non-fiction reader myself, but seeing my children soak up this information in an amazing fashion makes me a convert. It's amazing to me how intently they listen, their brains absorbing each tiny detail, tucking away the facts, only to regurgitate them at some later date. And oh, the details given here! Like the title implies, this book affords us a close look at some of the biggest and smallest insects on Earth.


Twenty different insects of all shapes and sizes are showcased. They range greatly in size from the Minute Pirate Bug at 2 millimeters, up to the Giant Stick Insect, which can grow to be 22 inches. Why the size variance? Simply put, some bugs need to be big and some fare better with smaller bodies. The Raja Brooke Birdwing Butterfly pictured below has a wing span of nearly a foot. Scientists believe the big wings help mates find each other. On the flip side, small stature works for the Western Pygmy Blue Butterfly, who at 1/2 inch wide are less likely to be seen by predators.


Readers learn about how smaller sized insects can team up to form a larger. more powerful group, such as Carpenter Ants and Honeybees. We get a detailed description of how insects grow larger via life stages, and a great explanation on molting. This is a wonderfully informative, fascinating book for any child interested in the business of insects. Dr. Simon Pollard does his part by providing amazing photos - a great show of color and tiny details.

Sandra Markle is no stranger to non-fiction animal books. Others in her Biggest! Littlest! series include:

For You and No One Else

Boyds Mills Press/Lemniscaat
Edward van de Vendel & Martijn van der Linden


While cavorting blissfully through the forest one day, Buck makes a wonderful discovery - a seven leaf clover. Finding a seven leaf clover is an unbelievable feat! Filled with joy, he leaps into the air and prances about. Instantly, Buck knows who should receive this amazing find. Why, his best friend Sparklehart, of course, and no one else.

To Buck's dismay, his best friend takes a closer look at the ground and discovers his gift isn't that special after all. This particular field is filled with clover, all of which is the seven leafed variety. While Buck is disappointed, Sparklehart is elated. He picks a mouthful and doles them out to his lady friends, telling each recipient "There was only one, and I thought: This is for you and no one else." Gasp! Sparkle is a ladies' deer! He is also a little bit of a poetic thief, stealing Buck's delivery line.

Understandably, Buck is crushed and trots off into the forest to have a good pout. In the middle of his sulk, he lifts his head and finds ... a twelve leaf clover. A twelve leaf clover is the most amazing find of all. He pauses for a moment, evaluates, and decides that this was meant for his friend Sparklehart and no one else.

I'm not totally sure what the message here is. Maybe stay true to your friends even when they let you down? Bros before does? Be very clear with your intentions? Whatever the intended meaning, this little book really nails that combination of being lovely and comedic at the same time. Simple black and white illustrations are paired with bright lime green text, hitting the lovely mark. For humor, all the deer wear jaunty outfits and have human-like characteristics and mannerisms. In total, a slightly odd, but completely enjoyable read.

Alligators and Crocodiles!

Laurence Pringle, Illustrations by Meryl Henderson
Boyds Mills Press

Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles? Nor did I, until this book came along. Now I know that a crocodile's head is more narrow and its snout is more pointed that an alligator's. When crocodiles close their mouths, both upper and lower teeth are visible. In contrast, only the upper teeth show on an alligator's tightly closed mouth. And that's not all I learned ...

Crocodilians are a reptile group made up of crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials. The members of this group are alike in that they all have short legs, clawed feet, powerful tails and tough skin for protection. This book provides wonderful drawings and a short summary of twenty-one different crocodilians, so that the readers may note and compare the variations in size and shape.

Our foray into the reptile world begins with the behavior demonstrated by baby alligators. It is fascinating that the babies can communicate with their mother and mimic each other, even while inside their shells. Mother crocodilians help the babies hatch and then guard over them, providing loving care until they can become fierce crocodilians of their own right.

All crocodilians also have powerful jaw muscles, and a valve at the back of their mouth that closes underwater. This renders them airtight and able to remain underwater for more than an hour. This feature is particularly useful for feeding, as their practice is to drag their prey underwater to drown them.

This is just a an amazing source of information on these massive reptiles. Well organized information is teamed with full color illustrations, that make this a very attractive number. The only down side is it is just a little bit embarrassing for adults who discover how much they didn't know about these animals.

Artichoke Boy

Scott Mickelson
Boyds Mills Press

If you are one of those people that judge a book by its cover (guilty as charged here) you would probably assume this is going to be a fairly odd book. It most certainly is. What would you expect from a book written entirely about artichokes? I also need to say that this book is fantastic. In addition to being strange, it also manages to be clever, humorous and downright delightful.

This is the story of Artichoke Boy, whose life was filled with artichoke joy. Each page contains just a single line of text describing one thing in this strange boy's life that is, you guessed it, made of artichokes. A wonderful full-page illustration supports each claim, so we get the inside view on his artichoke elbows and artichoke hair, an artichoke toothbrush and artichoke derriere!

I love that Scott Mickelson came up with this crazy idea, added some strange but wonderful illustrations and produced one heck of a children's book. It's a simple concept, but one that is completely and totally out of left field. The adults in our group were every bit as smitten with this book as the kids were. We laughed and laughed and wondered what exactly goes on in the author's head.

This is extremely clever and a wonderful departure from the ordinary. My absolute favorite type of children's book! This is Scott Mickelson's first picture book. We shall certainly look forward to seeing what other projects he has up his sleeve.

Ophelia

Ingrid & Dieter Schubert
Lemniscaat/Boyds Mills Press

Ophelia's friend Kevin is experiencing some discomfort. While Ophelia is rushing to soothe him, she runs into Meerkat, who then turns to Frog. As the friends meet, their misunderstanding of Kevin's problem continues to escalate! This is the forest version of the game "telephone," with each animal upping the ante by adding a new ailment.

A stomachache turns into terrible cramps with a sore throat, which leads to Kevin breaking his leg by falling out of a tree ... and so on. What began as butterflies in Kevin's tummy quickly snowballs into a deadly disease.

The children in our reading group were giggling wildly each time a new animal appeared on the scene, speculating what each fresh interpretation would be.The kids were energized by the ongoing action, their eyes wide with anticipation. It's wonderful finding a book that can grab the attention of an entire group.

Aside from being entertaining, this is also beautifully illustrated. Each animal is drawn to appear perfectly charming in his or her own way. Meerkat has somehow managed to lay his paws on a penguin shaped hot water bottle, which he tightly clutches for Kevin, while Frog lugs a teapot about.

This is a sweet read about a group of animals properly concerned about their friend and yet terribly misguided. And how does Kevin fare? It turns out his tummy trouble stemmed from being a bit nervous about being in love! All that fuss about .. well, love usually is a bit of a fuss, isn't it?

I Feel a Foot!

Maranke Rinck; Illustrations by Martijn van der Linden
Lemniiscaat/Boyds Mills Press

This book is absolutely stunning! Brilliant illustrations radiate from backgrounds of solid black. It's unusual to find a children's book printed in all black, which is a shame, because this one is downright gorgeous. The illustrator relies on both bright colors and beautiful patterns to create drawings that command the readers' attention.

Five friends are fast asleep in their hammock when they are awakened by a strange sound. One by one, the animals investigate by feeling their way in the darkness, but cannot agree on what animal is making the noise. Turtle feels a giant foot and thinks it must be a turtle. Bat insists it is a huge bat after he touches an oversized wing. Octopus feels an enormous tentacle, Bird claims a large beak, and Goat discovers an enormous goatee. What could this possibly be?

Aside from being a really beautiful book, this is also a darn fun read. Children will enjoy the excitement that builds with the turn of each page, offering up their own theories on the unknown animal that stands in the darkness. After the group manages to solve their mystery, six friends pile back into the hammock to finish their nap.

Also from Maranke Rinck: