Animal Mouths by Mary Holland

Ages 4-8, Grades K-3

Hardcover $17.95

Paperback $9.95

About the book: What are some things we can learn about animals from the shape of their mouths, beaks, or bills? What can we infer about animals with sharp teeth compared to large, flat teeth? Are there any animals that don’t have mouths? In this second book of her “Animal Anatomy and Adaptation” series, award-winning nature photographer and environmental educator Mary Holland shares fascinating animal mouths with readers of all ages.

My thoughts: This is a lovely book that is packed with beautiful, engaging photographs of a variety of animals, insects, and creatures showcasing how their mouths are designed and work for the way each critter uses the mouth to eat, catch prey, and simply exist. Whether for capturing, crushing, spearing, chewing, tearing, or cutting the animals, plants, opponents each mouth is specifically and wonderfully designed for what that animal needs.

Children will love the pictures. Teachers in regular schools or in homeschools will love the educational text written so these young learners can enjoy and become engaged as they learn about Animal Mouths. The additional information is very good providing opportunities for further exploration of how mouths work and opportunities to stretch the minds a little.

Animals in the book:   caterpillar, chipmunk, evening grosbeak, frog, great egret, human, luna moth, monarch, opossum, porcupine, red-shouldered hawk, robber fly, snake, turtle, weasel

Arbordale again brings engaging learning to the child in a way that each child will enjoy learning their "science" lessons. In the back of the book is the "For Creative Minds" section. Here is a link so you can see how super it is. There is also a wealth of information on the book's webpage to aid in learning.

Author/illustrator Mary Holland is a naturalist, nature photographer, columnist, and award-winning author with a life-long passion for natural history. After graduating from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources, Mary worked as a naturalist at the Museum of the Hudson Highlands in New York state, directed the state-wide Environmental Learning for the Future program for the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, worked as a resource naturalist for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and designed and presented her own “Knee-High Nature Programs” for libraries and elementary schools throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. In addition to Animal Eyes her children’s books include A Beaver’s Busy Year and Ferdinand Fox’s First Summer (NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books, Moonbeam Bronze award) with Arbordale and Milkweed Visitors, (Science Books and Films’ list for the best books of 2006 in the category Children’s Books under Zoological Sciences). Mary’s book Naturally Curious: a Photographic Field Guide and Month-by-Month Journey Through the Fields, Woods and Marshes of New England won the 2011 National Outdoor Book Award for the Nature Guidebook category. Visit Mary’s blog at naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. No compensation was received and these are my personal opinions.

"This Land Is Your Land" by Catherine Ciocchi & illustrated by Cathy Morrison

Hardcover: 9781628555578, $17.95

Paperback: 9781628555660, $9.95

About the book: Take a trip around the world to discover a wide variety of Earth’s landforms and geological features through the rhythmic verse in This Land is Your Land. On the journey encounter plains, plateaus, and rolling hills. Find out how a stream can make a canyon or lava creates an archipelago. Read aloud and discover new terrain with the flip of each page.

Review: When I saw the title of "This Land Is Your Land," I immediately thought of the wonderful song by the same title. Alas, it was not in anyway connected to the song. It was, however, a great beginning book on geographic details of this wonderful World in which you and I live. Each two page spread is illustrated with youthful animated-style by Cathy Morrison showing the featured geographic typography the text describes. In a small box off to the side of each, there is further information provided.

Catherine Ciocchi has written in rhyming cadence a sweet and simple geography lesson. Kids won't even realize that they have just had a lesson geography. This is educational entertainment done well.

At the back of the book, there are several pages of additional information geared toward the child's learning more about the subject. The child can use these additional pages for learning map skills, land masses, and the causes of movement of earth. Super good information. (rev. V.Godley)

Author: Catherine Ciocchi (pronounced “Chokey”) has a degree in geology and teaches physical and earth science. Catherine has published several short stories and this is her debut picture book. She lives in New York with her husband and three sons. Visit Catherine’s website at CatherineCiocchi.com.

Illustrator: Cathy Morrison may have started her art career in animation but she soon fell in love with illustrating children’s books and has been doing so for 20 years. Cathy has illustrated Daisylocks, Nature Recycles: How About You?, Three Little Beavers, Animalogy: Animal Analogies, Dino Tracks, and Dino Treasures for Arbordale. Other titles Cathy has illustrated include Ig nacio’s Chair, and the Young Patriots Series including Alexander Hamilton, Young Statesman; Frederick Douglass, Young Defender of Human Rights; and Juliette Low, Girl Scout Founder. Cathy works from her home overlooking a beautiful view of the Mummy Range, on the northern side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Check out Cathy’s blog at www.cathymorrison.blogspot.com.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Primate School by Jennifer Keats Curtis

ISBN: 9781628555646, $9.95

About the book: Gorillas using iPads, lemurs finger painting, squirrel monkeys blowing bubbles...these primates are pretty smart! Could you make the grade in Primate School? Learn how diverse the primate family is, and some of the ways humans are teaching new skills to their primate cousins. Author Jennifer Keats Curtis is once again working with organizations across the country to share fun facts about primates through this photo journal.

Review: This is an interesting book packed with pictures of a plethora of primates from various parts of the World. Included in the pictures which will garner the interest of children is the story that includes bits and pieces of interesting facts about these intelligent animals.

While the pictures are excellent, the level of information and text seems a bit old for the K-3 grade child. Assuredly, with guidance, the precocious child will grasp much of the information afforded in this little book. Actually, it is a good book to have in the classroom or library at any elementary grade level because it is not a "cute" book, it is packed with information.

As usual with Arbordale books, the For Creative Minds pages at the back are packed with additional learning opportunities intended to stretch the mind and imagination of the child.

Author/illustrator: Award-winning nature author Jennifer Keats Curtis is frequently found among students and teachers, talking about literacy and conservation. In addition to Kali's Story, the Animal Helpers series, Baby Owl’s Rescue, and Turtles In My Sandbox for Arbordale, some of her other recent titles include Seahorses, Osprey Adventure and Saving Squeak: The Otter Tale. Jennifer resides in Maryland with her family and a wide variety of pets. Visit her website at www.jenniferkeatscurtis.com.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review.

Salamander Season by Jennifer Keats Curtis, J. Adam Frederick, & Shennen Bersani

About the book: One cold, rainy, spring night, a young girl and her scientist father participate in “Salamander Night” to follow hundreds of spotted salamanders as they venture into a vernal pool to mate and lay eggs. Together, the father-child team studies the salamanders through their complete amphibian metamorphosis, culminating in the adult salamanders' disappearance into the woods in late summer. In easy-to-understand text, the girl relates the tale through her illustrated, photographic journal.

Review: This is a well-done book teaching a young child in terms and pictures they can understand the scientific life-cycle of the Spotted Salamander. Father and daughter stroll through the evening and discover yellow spotted salamanders crossing the asphalt road and going to a vernal pool.

What is a vernal pool? CLICK HERE for pictures and information. "Biological description of a vernal pool - A vernal pool, because of its periodic drying, does not support breeding populations of fish. Many organisms have evolved to use a temporary wetland which will dry but where they are not eaten by fish. These organisms are the "obligate" vernal pool species, so called because they must use a vernal pool for various parts of their life cycle. If the obligate species are using a body of water, then that water is a vernal pool. In New England, the easily recognizable obligate species are the fairy shrimp, the mole salamanders and the wood frog."

The photographs are really great as they picture the various stages of the spotted salamander. Other illustrations are done with ink and crayon. I especially like the For Creative Minds pages at the back of the book which cover "Salamander Classification," "Spotted Salamander Life Cycle Sequencing," "Salamander Nights, and "An Environmental Biologist." There is top-notch information on these pages.

Although this little book is designed for the grades K-3 or age 4-8 child, I see it being useful on into the upper elementary grades. The story is easy flowing and packed with tidbits of information that will pleasantly educate the youngster.

Highly recommend this book for its scientific pack and appeal to the child and educator.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was provided for this review.

Trees: A Compare and Contrast Book by Katharine Hall

Ages 4-8, Grades K-3

Hardcover ISBN: 9781628554533, $17.95

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554618, $9.95

About the book: Trees grow in many habitats, all around the world. Some trees are short and some are tall. Some grow in hot deserts and others grow on cold mountains. Some have leaves that are broad and wide and others are short and narrow. Some trees stay green all year round while others have leaves that change color. Compare and contrast the different characteristics of trees through vibrant photographs.

Review: Trees have such an important roll in providing an atmosphere that is conducive to life here on Earth. In Trees: A Compare and Contrast Book, the author Katharine Hall provides beautiful photographic illustrations that feature the teaching points of this little children's book on Trees. She compares areas where tree roots can take hold, the difference between evergreens and deciduous, broad leaf and conifers. The reader (or listener) will even learn places where trees will grown and the one place trees do not grow. Interesting!

The "For Creative Minds" section in the back of the book provides information that further helps the reader to learn and the teacher to teach the absolute value of trees. I like this book. Well done.

DISCOLSURE: A complimentary paperback copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing  to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Animal Helpers: Raptor Centers by Jennifer Keats Curtis

Hardcover ISBN: 9781628554472, $17.95

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554557, $9.95

Ages 4-8, Grades K-3

About the book: Even powerful birds of prey can get sick or hurt. When that happens, animal helpers at raptor centers come to the rescue! Dedicated staff treats injured, sick, and orphaned animals. They return the birds to their native environment or find forever homes at education and raptor centers for those that can’t survive in the wild. Follow along in this photographic journal as staff and volunteers come together to care for these remarkable birds.

Review: This is actually a vocation book where young children can learn about the work of being an animal helper (Veterinarian) in a Raptor Center. The need for birds of prey - raptors - to have help in order to survive is presented. The recovery of raptors from situations where they are injured and transferred to a raptor center is examined with text and illustrations.

Then the young child is asked several questions - would you clean the cage of a raptor, would you weigh a new born raptor, etc. Identification of various raptors via quality photographs is good.


As usual, Arbordale has a For Creative Minds section at the end of the book that allows further exploration into the realm of raptors. This is always a highlight of these books.


DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Little Gray's Great Migration by Marta Lindsey & illustrated by Andrea Gabriel

Hardcover ISBN: 9781628554526, $17.95

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554601, $9.95

Ages 4-8, Grades K-3

About the book: Little Gray loved his lagoon and the humans who came to visit him there. One day, Mama announces that they must swim north to a far-away sea. At first he is sad to leave his home, but Little Gray soon realizes the importance of their journey.  What happens along the way and how does Little Gray help his mother? Swim along with Little Gray as he finds the way to this special, food-filled sea.

Review: People are fascinated by whales and according to the author's story-line in Little Gray's Great Migration, Gray Whales are also fascinated by people - so much so that they relish entertaining people and receiving their applause.

While entertaining, I find the story just a bit too fictional to be classified as a children's non-fiction. However, the story is cute, sweet, and will most certainly entertain and engage young children.

As usual, Arbordale Publishing has included a For Creative Minds section at the end of the book. I found this very good and informative and believe it to be this book's redeeming factor. Included are Whale Surfacing (Don't we love it when they breach?), Whale Fun Facts, A Migration Map (fascinating!), and Whale Food. This section alone is well worth the money you spend to acquire this book.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Animal Eyes by Mary Holland

Hardcover ISBN: 9781628554465, $17.95

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554540, $9.95

Ages 4-8, Grades K-3

About the book: The sense of sight helps an animal stay safe from predators, find food and shelter, defend its territory and care for its young. We can tell a lot about an animal from its eyes: whether it is predator or prey, whether it is more active during the day or night, and sometimes even its gender or age. Award-winning nature photographer and environmental educator Mary Holland shares fascinating animal eyes with readers of all ages.
 
Review: This non-fiction picture book for young school age children is "spot-on" with age-appropriate information, beautifully detailed photographs, and educational appeal. It is sure to captivate the young mind as they learn of the variety of eyes in insects, animals, and people.

Written in straight-forward prose, the child will absorb facts tucked away that teach the difference in the eyes of predators and prey animals. They will learn just what a predator and what a prey animal is. They will learn that different eyes have more eyelids than human eyes have and the purpose of these extra eyelids.

They will learn about the number of eyes creatures have and why they have more than two. Also, the positioning of the eyes and the purpose behind the positioning.

As with other publications from Arbordale, there is a For Creative Minds section in at the end of the book. This will stretch the mind of the young child and be interesting to the older reader.

This book is a real winner!

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer.

Dino Treasures by Rhonda Lucas Donald and illustrated by Cathy Morrison

ISBN: 9781628554588

About the book: Just as some people dig and look for pirate treasure, some scientists dig and look for treasures, too. These treasures may not be gold or jewels but fossils. Following in the footsteps of Dino Tracks, this sequel takes young readers into the field with paleontologists as they uncover treasured clues left by dinosaurs. Readers will follow what and how scientists have learned about dinosaurs: what they ate; how they raised their young; how they slept, fought, or even if they ever got sick. True to fashion, the tale is told through a rhythmic, fun read-aloud that can even be sung to the tune of Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Review: The illustrations are striking and interesting. The artist has taken an imaginative tour of prehistoric time and fleshed it out. Perhaps too much liberty for a line of books such as Arbordale which tends to educate as well as entertain. I really like the illustrations but consider them flights of one's imagination.

The author has taken the findings of archaeological discoveries and attempted to translate them for the mind of the young child. Children do seem to be fascinated with dinosaurs and this book will certain feed that imagination.

Each two page spread focuses on a rhyme that beats well to Itsy Bitsy Spider song of the nursery. There is a lot of text in each of these. Example - "Skin Samples":

"Say, can you describe what dino skin was like?

If you said, "it's scaly," you'd be in the right.

But finding dino skin is not an easy task.

Most fossils are of bone, as skin just doesn't last.

Can you now imagine how great it must have been

to find a duckbill fossil complete with dino skin?

Plain as you can see are scales of different size,

which makes this fossil find a rare and special prize." 

At the back of the book there is a section For Creative Minds. The difference between a Biologist and Palentologist is examined. Ways to read clues in body and trace fossils are presented.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

The Ghost of Donley Farm Written by Jaime Gardner Johnson Illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554595, $9.95

About the book: Rebecca, the red-tailed hawk, is not afraid of ghosts! One night, she bravely ventures into the barn to meet the famous ghost of Donley Farm. But when she finally meets him, Rebecca is surprised to discover that this “ghost” is much more familiar than she’d expected.  Join Rebecca as she stays up late to talk with her new friend and find out what they have in common and how they are different.

Review: When I first opened the book and saw the amount of text on the pages of this picture book, I thought it was going to be a loser. However, as I read through the story I realized that it flowed beautifully and with grace to tell the story of the Red Hawk raptor comparing himself to the Barn Owl.

There is a nice story here that presents a variety of learning opportunities. Overcoming fear of the unknown. Comparing oneself to others in a favorable light. Understanding the differences in physical attributes of each of these raptors and what makes them particularly suited for either day or night.


I found the story a delightful read and believe it suitable as a read aloud for the young child or early elementary, or even for the middle elementary grade child to read to themselves. As the reader peruses the pages, one can find a variety of critters for which the raptors would be looking. Well done illustrations that convey the spirit of the story.

As with other books in this series, in the back of the book there are four pages of learning activities focused on raptors and free online activities that further enhance the reader's experience.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Animal Partners by Scotti Cohn and illustrated by Shennen Bersani

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554564, $9.95

Arbordale Publishing brings entertainment and education to children and classrooms in an approachable format. Author Scotti Cohn and illustrator Shennen Bersani have teamed to bring a colorful, entertaining book about animals and other critters that partner to keep one another clean, fed, or pest free.

Written in rhyming prose the educational information is delivered with a touch of humor. The bird in the crocodile’s mouth doing his bit of “dentistry” and the barnacles atop the back of the sea turtle are just a couple of the delightful illustrations.

As with other books in the Arbordale series, there is a “For Creative Minds” section at the back of the book with more in depth information and activities. Example:

Commensalism: One partner rides on the other partner without hurting the ride-giver.

• “Fake scorpions” (pseudoscorpions) catch a lift from flies and other insects by holding onto legs or abdomens.
• Remoras cling to sharks and a few barnacles hitch rides on sea turtles or whales.

More free learning activities are location online at http://ArbordalePublishing.com.

I can recommend this as a fun learning book.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Clouds: A Compare and Contrast Book by Katherine Hall

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554571, $9.95

About the book: There are many different kinds of clouds all around us. Clouds come in diverse shapes and colors. Some clouds are fluffy and others are wispy.  Some clouds float high in the sky and others sit low on the ground. Some clouds warn of storms and other clouds tell of fair weather.  Compare and contrast the characteristics of different types of clouds through vibrant photographs.

Review: This is a lovely picture book filled with photographs of the variety of clouds. Each cloud and picture spread has a single sentence giving a single statement about the type of cloud depicted. It is a descriptive statement and not a definitive one. I would have like to have seen the actual type of cloud pictured named. If not in the actual text, then in a little side box.

The back of the book contains a variety of information about vapor and condensation and the creation of clouds. This is the “For Creative Minds” section and will generate some activity to explore evaporation and condensation.

The four major categories of clouds are identified and there is a matching activity to facilitate learning.

All in all, this is a basic and nicely done book. At first it comes across a bit flat to the reader, but upon further in-depth reading and exploration one can find much to learn.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Mother Osprey Nursery Rhymes for Buoys & Gulls By Lucy Nolan Illustrated by Connie McLennan

Hardcover ISBN: 9781934359969, $16.95

About the book: What if Jack and Jill had been playing on a nice soft sand dune instead of that treacherous hill? And suppose Mary's pet wasn't really a lamb. What if Mary had a little...clam? Those questions - and more - are gleefully answered in Mother Osprey: Nursery Rhymes for Buoys & Gulls. This collection retells Mother Goose rhymes and celebrates America's coastlines and waterways - from sea to shining sea. Young readers will meet playful pelicans, seagulls, and otters. They'll ride wild island ponies, meet pirates, and hopefully, they'll learn the important difference between "orca" and "okra." With clever twists on old standards, Mother Osprey is a salute to sea breezes, sand, and just plain silliness.

Review: This is the cutest book! I love how the author took traditional nursery rhymes  and rewrote them into rhymes about the ocean. This book isn't just for very young children but for any age. The rhyme and meter are pretty true to the original Mother Goose nursery rhymes and for that reason will engage the mind and attention of the child.

Sing a song of sixpence,
a pocket full of hay;
four and twenty pelicans
fixed a luncheon tray.

When the tray was finished,
the birds knew what to do;
they set this very dainty dish
before the trawler crew.......

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One flamingo, two flamingo, three flamingo, four.
A flamboyance of flamingoes is a group of three or more.

First a goose, and then some geese--a gaggle in the lane.
But if the geese are flying, then the gaggle is a skein.....

The illustrations are great also and fit the rhymes very nicely. In the back of the book, there is a section "For Creative Minds." Nuggets of factual information connected to each of the rhymes is featured. And then there is a map that shows the location of various features of the book. This provides a nice study tool for young children engaged in early map reading. There are also Map Activity Questions and Poem-related Questions. This educational material can be further enhanced by visiting http://www.arbordalepublishing.com/documents/TeachingActivities/Osprey_TA.pdf providing an added bonus to this great book.

This copy will be placed in the school's library and I encourage families to purchase their own for the sheer fun of reading nursery rhymes.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided for the purpose of this review. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Turtle Summer By Mary Alice Monroe Photography by Barbara J. Bergwerf

Hardcover $16.95

ISBN: 9780977742356

About the book: This is a companion book to Mary Alice Monroe's novel, Swimming Lessons, the sequel to The Beach House. In the novel, the readers witness a young mother, Toy, writing a journal for her daughter, Little Lovie. This is the journal Toy is writing. Using original photographs, this scrapbook journal explains the nesting cycle of sea turtles and the natural life along the southeastern coast, including local shore birds, shells, and the sea turtle hospital. Adults and children will enjoy the images, information and the journal with or without the novel.

Review: This is an amazingly informative book about sea turtles. I loved the photography and explanations for each photograph. I learned a lot from this book and that it will be a great book for all ages. The excellent photography will help to keep the reader engaged while learning all about sea turtles.

Identification of other sea life and shells creates a multipurpose read or study for children to learn about the seacoast. The back of the book has a special section, "For Creative Minds," which helps the reader (and the adult to guide the child) in learning about the wonderful cycle of sea turtles and shell identification. This would be a wonderfully engaging book for families to read prior to a trip to the coast and to take with them.

Author: Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of The Beach House, Swimming Lessons, Beach House Memories, Skyward, Sweetgrass, Time is a River, Last Light Over Carolina, and The Butterfly’s Daughter among other novels. Her first children’s book, Turtle Summer: A Journal for my Daughter (ASPCA Henry Bergh award-winner) was released to great acclaim in 2007 as a picture book companion to her adult novel, Swimming Lessons.

Illustrator: Barbara J. Bergwerf photo journals her nature-related volunteer involvement at the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital, the Island Turtle Team on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, and the South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale to facilitate this review. No compensation was received and opinions expressed are those of the reviewer.

Ready, Set... WAIT! What Animals Do Before a Hurricane by Patti R. Zelch & Illustrated by Connie McLennan

ISBN: 9781607180722
 Hardcover $16.95

About the book: Hurricane . . . just the word brings to mind the power of these natural disasters. Humans watch the news and know of impending arrival. We board up windows and gather supplies. We might huddle in our homes or go inland. Then we wait for the storm to arrive. But what do wild animals do? Do they know when a storm is coming? If so, how do they prepare? This book explains how nine animals sense, react, and prepare for a hurricane. Based on research or observations, the brief portraits are explained in simple, poetic language for children of all ages.

Review: What do animals do when a hurricane is coming? That is what this book discusses. It talks about people and how they get prepared as well as many animals in and out of the ocean.

This book is best for younger children. Although, there is a lot of informative information that would be helpful to adults even at the end of the story.

I recommend this book for younger children. It is a great book that describes hurricanes in a "not so scary" way.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

If a Dolphin Were a Fish By Loran Wlodarski & Illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein

Hardcover ISBN: 9780976882329, $15.95

About the book:  "If a Dolphin Were a Fish" is the clever story of a dolphin who imagines that she is a fish, a turtle, a bird, an octopus, or even a shark or manatee. She (and the readers) learn just how special she really is and how special each of her other sea animal friends are too. The Creative Minds section has teaching trivia, crafts and games related to dolphins and some of her sea-creature friends.

Review: Delfina is a dolphin who wonders what it might be like to be another animal. The reader learns about other animals and how they live compared to Delfina, the dolphin.

The illustrations are wonderful and help to keep the reader engaged. They flow (like water) with a gentle artistry and the use of watercolors is beautifully executed. This is a beautifully written story - simply stated but engaging and educational. I recommend this book to everyone especially elementary children.  There is a section in the back called "For Creative Minds". This is an educational section for further learning.

Loran Wlodarski, author,   is a science writer for SeaWorld and has written six books for them in addition to his many normal daily responsibilities. He has been published in sources such as Grolier’s Encyclopedia for Children and The Marine Mammal Encyclopedia. 

Laurie Allen Klein, illustrator,  has been a freelance artist for nearly 25 years. Over the last several years, she has worked as the on-staff artist for a marine park, where she does everything from painting life-size sea animal murals to illustrating children’s activity books.

If a dolphin were a manatee,
Delfina would only eat plants.

If a dolphin were a fish,
Delphina could spend all of her time
underwater.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Oceans Seasons By Ron Hirschi Illustrated by Kirsten Carlson

Hardcover ISBN: 9780977742325, $15.95

About the book: Seasons change in the ocean much as they do on land. Spring brings new plants and baby animals, while summer oceans are aglow with sparkly plankton lights, and autumn winds blow across the open water. In winter the humpback whales migrate to warmer waters, just as some land animals move to warmer climates. In fun, fanciful form, children learn about plants and animals that are joined through the mix of seasons, food webs and habitats beneath the waves. While set in the Pacific, similar changes occur in all the world's ocean.

Review: This book discusses the seasons of the sea - just as the land surface of the Earth has seasons, so does the sea. Plants and animals throughout this book are presented with interesting facts about the ocean. This would be a great book for ages preschool through elementary.  The incorporation of math in the story line adds interest and depth to the value of this lovely book.

The illustrations are colorful with gently flowing lines and coloration and will keep the reader intrigued. The text is engaging and lyrical.

The back of the book contains information to help with educational pursuit of ocean ecology in the way of little tear-out cards (which can be copied or also downloaded from the website). Information on the seasons of life, food chain of life, and also yearly seasons is fleshed out for use as an add-in for curriculum, great for libraries, super for pre-beach trips. Further value is afforded by Arbordale with the reading and math quizzes provided on the website here and also here.

I recommend this book for any younger child who loves the ocean and wants to learn more about what is under the sea.

Author Ron Hirschi (Ocean Seasons) lives on a small island in western Washington and walks the beach most days of the year. As a biologist, he also spends much time on the water, learning about and helping salmon and other aquatic fish and wildlife. As an author, he brings the excitement of what he learns onto the pages of books for young readers. Ron has written over 50 children’s books. His books have been listed as Best Science Trade Books of the year, and won the John Burroughs Nature Book among other awards. 

Illustrator Kirsten Carlson is fascinated by animals and nature. Her background in biology, scientific illustration and design has given her the tools to share stories about the natural world through illustration. She believes illustrating children's books are a wonderful way to connect others to nature. 

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are our own.

"Ten For Me" Written by Barbara Mariconda Illustrated by Sherry Rogers ~ Review & Giveaway

My thoughts:  Children love to be entertained and part of that is being read to from cute picture books. Couple fun entertainment with learning and you have a deliciously grand win-win situation. In Ten For Me, we have two children catching and releasing butterflies. They are involved in a competition to see who can catch the most butterflies.

On day one, Ed catches 10 and Rose catches only 1. But that still adds up to 10. As the days progress, they each capture a different number of butterflies but the total is still 10. The story of their little contest is told in delightful rhyme that flows beautifully. Now don’t count on this being classic, Robert Louis Stevenson, poetry; but it is very well done. The words and cadence are good.

Being such, it enables the story to capture the attention of the child to whom it is being read more readily. It also teaches, by example, the beautiful use of words, rhyme, rhythm, and cadence.

There are two primary focuses in this little children’s book.  Addition up to 10, and butterflies and that which pertains to butterflies.  Each two-page spread presents a salient bit of information about butterflies, especially pertinent to those butterflies on that page. And then at the end of the book there are several pages of information about butterflies and some number fact pages, too. All in all, a very entertaining and educational book replete with bright, funny, and colorful illustrations.

I can heartily recommend this for the home, school, and public libraries.

* Who Will Win Their Own Copy? *

Begins June 25 & ENDS July 17
@ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open USA addresses only.

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Author:  Barbara Mariconda (Ten for Me and Sort it Out!) is one of those people who has done it all! An educator (K-6), a mentor teacher, an adjunct professor of Children's Literature and Process Writing, Barbara has also written a wide variety of musicals, songs, and books. She has worked with Children's Television Workshop and Cherry Lane music on the creative staff of the Sesame Street Music Magazine. In addition to writing workbooks and beginning readers, her middle grade novel, Turn the Cup Around, was nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award for best children's mystery. 

Illustrator: Sherry Rogers spent twelve years as a corporate graphic designer and artist before “leaving it all behind” for the freelance world of illustrating children’s books. Through illustrating The First Fire, Sherry remembers her own ancestor, Na Ni, a Cherokee woman from the mountains of North Carolina. Some of Sherry’s other Arbordale titles include The Penguin Lady, Ten for Me, Hey Diddle Diddle, Newton and Me, Moose and Magpie, Paws, Claws, Hands & Feet, and The Deductive Detective; as well as her award-winning titles: Sort It Out!, Kersplatypus, Burro’s Tortillas, and If You Were a Parrot. 

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of Ten for Me by the publisher, Arbordale Publishing, in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review. The giveaway copy is also provided by Arbordale and will be shipped directly to the winner.