This informational text with large font and full page photographs on opposing pages has the basic features expected in a primary grade non-fiction text which would make this an acceptable choice to include in a collection.  Unfortunately, in a time when the national perception of police is racially charged, this book does not include images representing an adequate spectrum of our nation’s racial make-up.  Not recommended.

Mr. Andre’s class is going on a nature walk, but first they must feed and water the class gecko, Jojo.  On their walk, Mr. Andrew and the students observe the similarities between Jojo and the plants and animals they see.  These observations lead the students to identifying patterns in the nature they see around them.  As they return to their class, they summarize their learning before saying goodbye to Jojo and heading home.  The story line is contrived but the connections the students draw fit well with the Next Generation Science Standards concepts.

Contains Table of Contents, Nature Treasure Hunt Activity, Glossary, To Learn More, and Index.

When a troop of lemurs awakes, the lemur king urges them to, “follow me, follow me, follow me,” as he leads them on an energetic exploration of the things they can do.  The repetitive text reinforces this energy as it is molded around the illustrations.  Their motion comes to a quick and emphatic stop when their path leads them to a large crocodile.  The lemur king urges the troop to follow as he flees to safety and then finally to a much earned rest in their tree.

With its mischievous lemurs and rhythmic rhyming text, this makes a great read aloud that kids will want to read again and again.

Starting with Earth’s atmosphere and moving outward through our solar system to the Universe, this book covers the huge topic of space. The book attempts the difficult task of introducing complex concepts to young readers and does not quite succeed.  For example, the parts of the sun and atmosphere are labeled as if they are significant, but not description is included.  The diameter and orbit period of all the planets are highlighted in the solar system spread, but the terms diameter and orbit period are never defined.  Because of these shortcomings, comprehension for young readers would be limited to rote recall and opportunities to develop deeper understanding and draw connections would be lost.

Text and graphics are visually appealing.  Contains table of contents, limited glossary and no index.

The Super Simple Body series celebrates your amazing body.  With simple text, photographs, illustrations, and activities, this book describes the types of muscles, how muscles work, and the essential role of muscles play in everyday activities.

Pronunciation of anatomical terms are in parenthesis following the word.  Visuals include photographs and detailed illustrations with labels.  Limited glossary and no Index.

Wagari was a Kenyan trailblazer for women’s rights and the environment.  Growing up in rural Kenya, she was one of the few women in her country to read, let alone graduate from high school.  Wagari continued her education in the United States before returning to a newly independent Kenya.  Upon her return, she was devastated to see the scarcity of trees and animals.  She strongly believed her mother’s teaching that a tree is worth more than its wood.  Her efforts in environmental advocacy and towards peaceful democracy were internationally recognized in 2004 when she was the first African woman to be award the Nobel Peace Prize.

The text is reminiscent of African oral storytelling traditions.  This beautifully illustrated book concludes with photographs and a timeline with highlights of Wagari Muta’s life and Kenyan milestones.

Even a gray city can come alive when art is shared.  Mira loved art and she shared pieces of her art and through her art, her joy with her neighborhood making it a little less gray.  Then Mira met a man with a pocket full of paintbrushes, a muralist who showed her how to infuse the neighborhood with energy and light by adding color and meaning to walls.  As Mira and her neighbors painted their songs onto the walls, the community celebrated together and the color spread to utility boxes, benches and even the sidewalks.  Together they created something beautiful. And so the book invites us spread something beautiful, for the world is our canvas and we are all artists.

A Note from the Authors explains the book is based on the true story of the East Village neighborhood in San Diego, California and Rafael and Candice López.  The husband and wife team were instrumental in transforming their community into the artistically vibrant community it is today.  The illustrator, Rafael López was the inspiration for the character of the muralist.  López has created community-based murals around the world.

Set in South Korea, the origin story of Yumi’s jumoni (Korean Lunar New Year blessing pouch) is rooted in family.  Grandma cut her beautiful red silk wedding gown to make blankets for her children.  As her kids grew up, grandma made red vest and a quilt from the pieces.  Grandma then used the red silk of her vest to make Yumi’s blessing pouch.  The gift of the blessing pouch includes the gift of intergenerational family memories.  Grandma’s Red Silk Dress brings to mind the Yiddish folktale of a coat worn out and repurposed again and again until it is a handkerchief.  Used together, these stories provide authentic cultural and familial perspectives.

As part of a math series, the purpose of this title is to demonstrate the concept of whole and parts.  In the instruction of fractions, the unequal parts described in the story would confuse the concept rather than clarify for young learners.

A Tower of Giraffes introduces collective nouns for animals with intriguing artwork and interesting information on the social behaviors of a wide variety of animals. To this information Wright adds flavor with fun language such as her description of a flamboyance of flamingos; “There fancy feathered friends work together to make theatrical displays by posing like ballerinas and marching in time.”  Headings are in artistic cursive that will be difficult for many younger readers, though this book will shine as a read aloud.

Scooby and the gang spend the week at the Tumblewee Ranch.  The owner, Slim Jim, explained to them that someone was stealing his best horses.  Of course Scooby and the gang offer to help solve the problem and as a cover they join a rodeo clown class.  It is no surprise that Shaggy and Scooby are naturals when it comes to goofing around.  Shaggy and Scooby put their rodeo skills to good use and catch the horse thief.  The story follows the standard Scooby mystery story line and is sure to capture the interest of Scooby fans.