Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings
Posing the question, ‘Do ghosts really exit?, ‘Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings’ contains six gripping mysteries to investigate. Challenging the reader to consider the evidence and come to their own conclusions, this book is every bit as engaging as ‘Tales of Scary Beasts’ by the same author/ illustrator team, both excellent for promoting non-fiction’s role in reading for pleasure.
Each mystery is presented in an engaging and accessible manner, with key vocabulary clearly explained to support the reader’s comprehension. Eye witness quotes are included and the dates of events are clearly indicated as the evidence in each case is gathered. This is followed by a ‘Let’s Investigate’ section which gathers the key points together to support the reader in coming to their own conclusion.
The range of mysteries included ensures that there is something here to pique the curiosity of everyone. ‘Palace Phantoms’ investigates strange happenings at Hampton Court Palace. Other mysteries are included such as ghosts at the Tower of London, the Scheffler Palace in Stockholm and Himeji Castle in Japan as well as creepy rumours at Houska Castle in the Czech Republic. Historic details surrounding these events are given, with maps and plans to clarify and support understanding. ‘Demon Dogs’ investigates the many folklore stories which include strange dogs- Black Shuck is the focus story here, but other stories from the UK and around the world are included.
Perfect for the Hallowe’en season, ‘Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings’ is sure to entice readers and inspire them to investigate these stories - and any others which they might encounter!
Tales of Ghosts and Hauntings
Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
b small publishing ISBN: 978-1916851207
You can read my review of ‘Tales of Scary Beasts’ here.
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!
‘Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!’ is the latest title from the brilliant team of Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker. Full of fascinating facts, this is the perfect book for every entomophile- and even those less keen on our insect friends!
Children are fascinated by ‘creepy crawlies’ and studying them is often a popular topic in schools, capturing curiosity and enthusiasm, and allowing them to ‘work scientifically’ by observing these incredible creatures for themselves. This book is perfect for supporting and developing this interest both at home and at school.
Beautiful illustrations, including labelled diagrams and sequenced pictures, accompany the text, supporting comprehension and developing understanding. The spread about ‘water bugs’, for example, could be used to aid identification of bugs in a garden pond, perhaps leading to children drawing and labelling their own.
Covering everything from feeding habits to life cycles, there are so many fascinating facts here. The information is written in a very accessible style with plenty of humour, whilst using the correct terminology to explain processes. Concluding with a section which explains why bugs are so important and what we can do to help them, there is so much to learn here.
Whether fascinated- or horrified - by spiders, intrigued by gastropods or annoyed by mosquitoes, ‘Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!’ is the book you need!
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!
Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
bsmall publishing ISBN: 978-1916851252
You can read my review of ‘Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!’ here and ‘Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!’ here.
Tales of Scary Beasts
A selection of terrifying tales have been gathered into six sections, enabling readers to study the stories and consider the evidence to help them investigate these real-life mysteries.
‘Tales of Scary Beasts’ is the latest in the ‘Real-Life’ series from Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker and is a treasure trove of intriguing mysteries. From lake-lurking monsters to flying horrors, sightings of mysterious and terrifying creatures have been reported all over the world and readers are introduced to some of these stories, including eye-witness accounts.
Relevant vocabulary is carefully explained throughout. Terms like ‘allegedly’ and ‘sceptical’ are used in context with little glossary boxes offering definitions as well as a full glossary at the end. Information is clearly and logically presented with supporting illustrations and diagrams to clarify understanding. Once the evidence has been put forward including a map of the world locating where sightings have taken place, a ‘Let’s Investigate’ section encourages readers to reflect on the information and draw their own conclusions.
The stories here are fascinating, making the book an excellent and enjoyable read, but importantly, readers are encouraged to question and evaluate information rather than accepting everything at face value. A brilliant addition to any book shelf!
Tales of Scary Beasts
Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
bsmall publishing ISBN: 978-1916851214
You can read my review of ‘Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!’ here , ‘Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!’ here, ‘Real-Life Mysteries’ here and ‘Real-Life Disasters’ here.
Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!
My son, like many young children, was completely fascinated by dinosaurs and we had an extensive collection of books on the subject! However, I am sure that had this book been around then, it would quickly have become one of his favourites.
A clear contents page allows the reader to quickly locate information which interests them, but the book is perfect for browsing and discovering pages of interest. Each spread is well presented with illustrations and facts working together to make the information as accessible as possible.
Starting with an explanation of what dinosaurs were and when they lived, the book defines the different periods clearly before moving on to answering questions about their size and diet before honing in on specific dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Deinonychus. Dinosaurs which lived in the sea and those which flew are also covered.
The book explains how fossils developed and how palaeontologists work like detectives to learn more about these fascinating creatures. The book concludes with theories about how the dinosaurs died out and a glossary of ‘special dinosaur words’.
A brilliant addition to any dinosaur-lover’s collection, Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! is also sure to tempt new fans to the topic!
Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!
Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
bsmall ISBN: 978-1913918897
You can read my review of ‘Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!’ here.
NNFN2023: Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!
Day 8 of NNFN2023 and we’re back with the ‘Wonderful Water’ theme!
Bright, attractive and eye-catching, ‘Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!’ is sure to be a hit with readers young and old! Starting by defining what is meant by a shark, a carefully labelled diagram identifies the different body parts, offering information in easily-digested chunks.
Different types of sharks, their ‘superpowers’, feeding habits habitats and life cycle are all explored, offering plenty of fascinating facts, all very attractively presented and clearly explained. Myths about these incredible creatures are dispelled as the author seeks to deepen the readers understanding of their behaviour.
A glossary of ‘special shark words’ both supports and develops understanding of some of the technical vocabulary found in the book. Although the text is perfect for dipping in and out of as it offers plenty of eye-catching, tantalising facts to pause over, the book is sure to be absorbed from cover to cover by the shark-loving - and returned to repeatedly!
Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!
Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
bsmall ISBN: 978-1913918729
