Opossums is a very informative book that is part of the North American Animals series. All aspects of the the animal’s life are explored, from its description to range and eating habits. We learn that they really do “play dead” when they are threatened (or hiss and screech, if needed). Information is presented in clear, short paragraphs with unfamiliar words in bold text, which is later explained in the glossary. There are several very good graphics, showing size, foods, enemies, range, et cetera. One graphic is slightly misleading (range) because the color chosen for the range on the map is similar to the color on the conservation status bar that denotes extinct in the wild, while the text below the bar says they are of least concern from a conservation standpoint. Other than that, the information is clearly presented and backed up with great photos. Nonfiction features include table of contents, graphics, index, glossary and website information.

This book is a good choice for reports or general interest. Students will learn some solid information, which might lead them to further research. Recommended

Twilight Sparkle discovers a huge hole in her library – missing information about the Everfree Forest! So, she enlists the help of her friends, who know that place as well as she to help her write a book about the forest and the creatures that call it home. Each pony writes a section of the book and entertains the reader with descriptions of interesting (and sometimes dangerous) creatures and places that the ponies had seen. Rainbow Dash ends the book with a challenge to the reader…visit the Everfree Forest if you want some danger and an adrenaline rush!

This is a fluffy little book that will appeal to the younger crowd. Avid My Little Pony fans will love it and reluctant readers might enjoy the graphic novel style. Additional purchase.

Three best friends (Annie, Lillemor and Lilianne) decide to enter the school talent show and begin to put together their act. Unfortunately, Annie takes over and make it all about her (aha! That explains the title). She decides the song, costumes and group name, which puts the other girls over the edge and they break up before they even really begin. Annie tries to work with two different girls and gets a taste of being left out of the decision-making. Lillemore and Lilianne try to stick it out as a duo, but those high notes are really hard without Annie. Luckily, Annie realizes her error and apologizes to her friends, who reunite and win the talent show – with a song, costumes and group name that they picked TOGETHER.
This story would lead very nicely into a a discussion about friendship and empathy. The three friends are multicultural and multilingual. The pictures are simple and the text includes word bubbles (always fun). Students will enjoy the story and learn something along the way! Recommended.

Germany is a very interesting place when we see it through the eyes of our youthful tour guide, Johann. He starts off by showing us where Germany is compared to the U.S. and within Europe. After we get the geography out of the way, Johann treats us to a tour of his home, his school and important places in his country (Berlin, the Black Forest, etc.). We learn about German foods and proper manners at the table, as well as celebrations and a recipe for potato pancakes (yum!). Johann also describes activities that are popular in his country, from skiing to a fun board game.

There is a timeline and many facts given in accessible “bites”. Students will want to dedicate some time to further research after reading about the history of the pretzel or all the familiar items originating in Germany (gummy bears, jet engines and garden gnomes are just a few!). There is also a traditional German tale and a guessing game. Johann ends with a page of information to use if you wish to travel to Germany and a comparison chart of U.S. and Germany.

Nonfiction elements include: table of contents, index, glossary, timeline, maps and website for further investigation. There are color photos and clean text, which is sometimes colored to stand out on the page.

This is a very engaging book that packs a great deal of information into 32 pages. It is part of the Follow Me Around series and when students read one, they won’t want to stop. So, buy the series and update your tired, old social studies section. The students will love them!

Seamus is our guide as we tour around his home country of Ireland. This book is part of the Follow Me Around series, which explores countries through the eyes of children. Along the way, students learn about the Seamus’ home, school, leisure activities, celebrations, and more. We learn about the capital, Dublin, as well as other cities and interesting places along the way. Ireland is known for many things: leprechauns, the Blarney Stone, four leaf clovers and limericks (there are five in the book!). But, Ireland is also a place with an amazing history and Seamus gives the us a few facts, which will send students off to other books and the internet for further exploration. Who wouldn’t want to learn more about bog people and fairy forts?

This book has the typical nonfiction elements: index, glossary, maps, table of contents and timeline. The pictures are colorful and the text is clean and succinct. This book and the rest of the series is recommended.

Our guide, Harisha, takes us on a tour of her home country of India in this installment of the Follow Me Around series. We learn much about Indian culture and history from Harisha’s perspective, including the foods she eats and her school life. Traditional celebrations are discussed and directions for an Indian mirror are given. There are many facts presented in short paragraphs with accompanying illustrations. We also learn to count to ten in Hindi and see several basic yoga poses, which originated in India. A timeline gives some basic historical information and a traditional Indian tale is introduced by Harisha.
There is a lot of information in this slim volume of only 32 pages. It is colorful and engaging to the reader. It is very accessible and students will enjoy the perspective of a child their age. This is a recommended purchase for those looking to update their tired social studies section!

Fausto is our guide through the country of Italy. The information is given from the perspective of a young boy, who takes us to his apartment and school, explaining his family’s activities and lifestyle. We learn about traditional Italian foods and famous people/things from Italy. Two large cities, Rome and Venice, are described and Fausto tells us about celebrations and leisure activities. Fun facts are presented in a couple of two-page spreads (You Won’t Believe This! and It Came From Italy). There is also a comparison chart (U.S. vs. Italy) and a Guessing Game with more facts.

This book does a great job of getting a lot of information out in a relatively few pages, keeping the reading engages all the while. The time-line only goes to 1946 But, that’s understandable when it starts in 753 BCE! There is a nice map at the beginning to help us get our bearings and a nice page of travel preparation tips for would-be world travelers.

The illustrations are crisp and well done and the text is clean and, at times, colorful. Typical nonfiction features include table of contents, index, glossary, time-line and web address for further exploration.

This is part of the Follow Me Around series, which is recommended for updating your social studies section. It is very accessible and engaging.

Ksenia is a child in Russia, who takes the reader on a tour of her country, culture and history. Starting with the question “Where in the world is Russia?”, Ksenia takes the reader to her home, school, Moscow and St. Petersburg. She then tells the reader about celebrations (with a fun recipe for blini) and leisure activities. Interspersed throughout are fun facts, counting from one to ten, comparisons between the United States and Russia as well as a time-line and information about travelling to Russia.

This book is part of the Follow Me Around series and includes the requisite nonfiction features: index, glossary, time-line, table of contents and map.

This is a great introduction to Russia and using a child as a ‘guide’ makes it very accessible and interesting for young readers. Students can use this book for reports or general interest and will definitely continue to explore information about the country. There is just enough to whet their appetites for more! This is a great book for those intending to update their social studies collection. Recommended.

Pig the Pug is at it again. We know he has a hard time sharing, but now we learn that he HAS to win or “it just ain’t fun”. One day, he and his long-suffering friend, Trevor (the dachshund) were eating dinner and Pig challenged him to an eating race. It’s a good thing that Trevor had apparently taken first aid, because he had to use the Heimlich Maneuver on his gluttonous pal, Pig. Instead of a thank you, Pig said exactly what we expected…”I win!” There’s a bit of Karma at the end of the story, because the bowl that Trevor dislodged from Pig’s throat ended up ricocheting off the wall and hitting Pig on the head. Does that stop his cheating? What do you think?

Illustrations are wonderfully goofy and kids will love the expressions on the faces of Pig and Trevor. White backgrounds make the dogs “pop” on the pages and move the story along.
This is a great companion book to Pig the Pug and can start some good conversations about friendship, kindness, and sportsmanship. Books that highlight these attributes are in high demand, and Pig does a great job of showing kids how you shouldn’t act! Recommended.

Part of a six book series on all things involving a horse and a rider, Intro to Eventing is a great introduction to three main events of the equine triathlon: dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The book starts with a story from the 2000 Olympics and then moves into the history of the sport. After that, the chapters move into each part of the triathlon with a discussion of what is is, equipment and attire needed, the scoring and some strategies. There are photos throughout and a page with further internet resources. Typical nonfiction features include a table of contents, glossary and index. Your horse-loving kids will keep this book checked out.