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.
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.
Blog Tour: All Brains are Wonderful
Today it’s my stop on the Blog Tour for ‘All Brains are Wonderful’, a very accessible and enjoyable book which shows just how amazing you- and your brain- are!
Written by Scott Evans, with expert advice from Dr Rachel S H Williams, and bursting with lively illustrations by The Boy Fitz Hammond, ‘All Brains are Wonderful’ is a wonderful celebration of the brain and how it makes you unique. The book is presented in three sections: Science, Society and Taking Action.
Having started with a spread called ‘Brainy Beings’ which compares the human brain to others in the animal kingdom, the ‘Science’ section quickly moves to how the brain is formed. Full of fascinating facts supported by labelled diagrams and illustrations, this offers a detailed, carefully structured explanation. The ‘correct’ terminology is used, with precise explanations and use of a glossary to support comprehension. Speaking as a teacher for a moment, there are also pages here which make excellent model explanation texts to use with a class!
The science section continues with how important the brain is in shaping how we think and act before looking at some of the challenges which can affect the brain such as dementia and spina bifida. These conditions are sensitively explained with a positive message about understanding and support.
This sense of positivity and empathy is continued in the second section which looks at neurodiversity. Looking at attitudes in the past, the present and considering the future, there is a real real emphasis on the importance of inclusivity and understanding whilst acknowledging the challenges people have- and still do- face. Ways of offering support, such as the use of language, are also included, challenging readers to really think about their actions.
There is so much packed into this book; however, the authors have managed to present a very complex subject in a very accessible and entertaining manner, making it perfect for primary children and an excellent resource for classrooms and libraries. Appealing illustrations, concise chunks of text and clear explanations all combine to make this a most enjoyable and informative read.
All Brains are Wonderful
Scott Evans and Dr Rachel S.H. Williams, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond
bsmall publishing ISBN: 978-1916851245
Many thanks to Naomi from bsmall for inviting me to take part in this blog tour. Make sure you look at all the other brilliant reviews about ‘All Brains are Wonderful!’
Eurek-her! Stories of Inspirational Women in STEM
‘Eurek-her!’ is a truly inspiring book. Featuring the stories and achievements of twenty amazing women, it is an engrossing read which also offers some hands-on experiments to further engage and inspire readers.
The contents page also acts as a time line, setting these women into chronological order. Their country of origin and life dates are also given along with a small drawing of each. At the end of the book, a comprehensive glossary supports understanding of terms used throughout the text and the final page gives a list of periodic elements.
The book contains a fascinating and varied range of women whose achievements, discoveries and inventions are still valued today. For example, Tapputi Belatekallim is often called the ‘world’s first chemist’ as she used distillation to create her perfumes whilst Omowunmi Sadik invented biosensors to help with a variety of issues. A great deal of information is presented in manageable chunks, attractively displayed and supported by illustrations and diagrams.
The final section of the book contains twelve activities, each related to one of the stories in the book, and designed to encourage readers to understand, investigate and experiment for themselves. From designing and making a perfume to building a recycled toy house, there is something to inspire everyone. This is very much a book to be enjoyed by everyone and will make an excellent addition to bookshelves and libraries everywhere!
Eurek-her! Stories of Inspirational Women in STEM
Frances Durkin, illustrated by Nur Ventura
bsmall ISBN: 978-1913918941
Publishing 2nd September 2024
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
