Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies by Ben Raskin

Raskin’s Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies is a lovely non-fiction children’s book that looks at gardens, and how they function as an ecosystem. A big focus is on pollination and why it’s so necessary. Kids will learn all about the various critters that help gardens function and flourish. There are plenty of gorgeous pictures and sketches. Scattered through are plenty of neat factoids, and fun activities and crafts to carry out.

My cubs loved the pictures, and learning about different insects. Especially the bees. We love bees and have been thinking of an apiary. The crafts and activities were fun, even for the adults to share! Perfect for nature-loving kids, and a great classroom resource.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Shambhala Publications for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

Life Sciences: Animal Mothers and Fathers by Mary Lindeen

Animal Mothers and Fathers is another in the Life Sciences collection by Mary Lindeen, geared towards early readers. There is an Earth Sciences collection also. As the title suggests, this book looks at animal moms and dads, and how they care for their young. Easy to read, with simple sentences, these books provide an excellent grounding in basic scientific concepts, at levels these young readers can understand and retain. In Animal Mothers and Fathers the need of young creatures, humans included, to be cared for by adults until they grow and mature. The babies are kept warm, fed, and protected. Mothers and fathers both will often care for offspring, and in some cases, social groups will protect younglings. The end of the book features a Connecting Concepts section with questions to ask about the reading, and practise with vocabulary and reading fluency. My cubs and I enjoyed reading this book.

My review for Earth Sciences: Water 

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Norwood House Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

The Jasmine Sneeze by Nadine Kaadan

The Jasmine Sneeze by Nadine Kaadan tells the story of Haroun, a sassy cat living in Damascus, Syria. Haroun loves to take naps around the city. What he doesn’t like is the smell of jasmine. It makes him sneeze. Haroun takes it upon himself to eradicate the jasmine from the city. Little does he know, but the Jasmine Spirit has a thing or two to say about that! Hilarious hijinks ensue!

My cubs and I enjoyed reading this quirky story. Gorgeous art accompanied the tale. I love the scent of jasmine, but I did so feel for Haroun! It’s reasonable to try and get rid of allergens, no matter how sweet they smell. Great addition to any child’s library.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Myrick Marketing & Media for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

Hidden City by Sarah Grace Tuttle & Amy Schimler-Safford

Full of charming, full-colour pictures, Hidden City collects poems focus on urban wildlife. It’s a beautiful testimony to the fact that nature can flourish in the face of human intrusion. I love the flow of the poems, fitting the topic. Take ‘House Sparrows’, which tapers to a drop, while talking about raindrops. At the end is a section about the various animals featured in the poems, along with books for further reading.

I read this with my cubs, and we all enjoyed the poems! Our faves include: Fairy Rings, Nighttime Garden, Bat Breakfast, Camouflage, Under Cover, and One in the Bush. I particularly loved Under Cover. I lived in an apartment some years ago that would have a springtime infestation of ladybugs! So cool.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.