Eavesdropping on Elephants

Eavesdropping on Elephants cover

EAVESDROPPING ON ELEPHANTS
by Patricia Newman
Millbrook Press/August 1, 2018
Grades 4-8, 56 pages

Here’s what the publisher says:

Can understanding how forest elephants communicate help scientists find ways to protect this vulnerable species? Researcher Katy Pane and others involved with Cornell University’s Elephant Listening Project believe it can. Patricia Newman takes readers behind the scenes to see how scientists are making new discoveries about elephant communication and using what they learn to help these majestic animals.

Features: Author/Illustrator biography, Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Index, Maps, Page Plus, Primary source quotations/images, and Reviewed

And what the critics say:

  • A Junior Library Guild Selection
  • “An inviting introduction to biologists at work.” —Booklist
  • “…this book does an excellent job of transporting readers and providing a clear, multifaceted picture of African forest elephants…“The more you listen to wildlife, the more your mind opens up to new ideas about why the world is a place worth saving.” VERDICT A great pick for middle school nonfiction collections.” —School Library Journal
  • “Fascinating for earnest conservationists.” —Kirkus Reviews

Read my thoughts here.

Finally, watch the trailer to see–and hear–some of the animals from the book!

Facts First! Nonfiction Monday

Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli

The best picture book biographies introduce readers to people who they might not learn about in textbooks. A great example is Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad.

Born in Rome, Italy, Elsa Schiaparelli felt her family preferred her older sister. In fact, she thought she was ugly and when she was seven she covered her face, ears, nose, and mouth with flower seeds in an effort to make herself more attractive. All the seeds did was make her sick, but it showed how she could think outside the box. After she grew up, Elsa used her creative spirit to design beautiful, innovative clothing that turned the fashion world of Paris on its ear.

For the most part, Kyo Maclear’s first person text is enjoyable and informative. Julie Morstad’s gouache, watercolor and pencil illustrations are a perfect reflection of Elsa Schiaparelli’s artistic and creative talent. They aren’t static, but zoom in and out in scale. The focus moves from close up of faces to a panorama of the night sky and back again.

Like a fresh flower, Bloom is a delight to behold. It is sure to inspire young readers to try their hands at clothing design.

See Wrapped in Foil blog for suggested activities to accompany Bloom.

Cutting-Edge Computing With Raspberry Pi

Cutting-Edge Computing With Raspberry Pi
by Krystyna Poray Goddu (Author)

Booktalk: Did you know that a tiny computer the size of a credit card can power robots, video games, and even weather stations? This tiny computer is known as raspberry pi, and people are using it in all kinds of creative ways. Use it with Scratch to make games and cartoons.

Snippet:

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

Copyright © 2018 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

Emily: 10-Year-Old Champion of Rainforest Animals in Need

Emily: 10-Year-Old Champion of Rainforest Animals in Need
by Cathleen Burnham (Author)

Booktalk: Meet Emily, a real-life young girl active in a youth program to save rainforest animals in western Costa Rica called Kids Saving The Rainforest (KSTR). Emily helps care for an orphaned baby sloth at a local animal sanctuary and more.

Snippet:

“A baby three-toed sloth was brought in to the rehabilitation center this morning,” said Jennifer.

“Is he all right?” asked Emily.

“He isn’t injured. Hikers found him in the jungle. Must have fallen out of a tree. Will you take him for a sloth walk after the meeting? asked Jennifer.

Sure!” Emily loved any opportunity to handle these rare creatures.

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

Copyright © 2018 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.

Wolves

Wolves
by Rachel Grack (Author)

Booktalk: This photo illustrated book will introduce young readers to wolves that live in North America. It explains their history, life cycle, habitat, and feeding habits. Includes a photo diagram, glossary, further resources, and index.

Snippet: Is that a German shepherd dog? No, it’s a wolf! Wolves are bigger. They are wild.

Also available in Spanish as Los Lobos:

Nonfiction Monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

Copyright © 2018 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.