Beginning in her studio, Miss Sylvie teaches dance to youthful students – the best job in the world.  A young girl, Isabelle, peers around the studio door with a strong desire to become a ballerina.  Isabelle practices ballet long and hard, ignoring other dance forms.  Her friends eventually drop out, but Isabelle continues ballet and eventually joins a Dance Academy.  She improves until, at last, she becomes a prima ballerina.  After many years of dancing around the world, she decides to retire and come home.  Her first visit is with Miss Sylvie, ready to become a teacher.  Isabelle buys the studio from Miss Sylvie and settles into teaching dance, the best job in the world.  “And then one day, a young girl peers through the studio door…”  The rich, pastel watercolor illustrations on white pages beautifully depict the elation, hard work, and loveliness of the craft.  A tribute to those who find joy in dance and to those who teach and inspire others.

The author zeros in on the effect our hands have played in the development of the most useful tools we need to  function in our everyday lives.  For example, our hands were the first “handy” set of chipsticks for picking up foods…and a primitive visor before baseball caps were designed…and the first fan to keep ourselves cool.  Indeed, nature is the mother of much invention.  Written in rhyme that engages the ear…and fabulous photos that engages the eyes, this text begs to be read aloud to a small group of preschoolers.

With an Introduction by Ben Fogle who spent forty-nine days rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, as well as spending a year living on an unhabited island, plus an author who is a trekker and climber you can learn how to survive in the wilderness, whether it’s the arctic, the desert, the jungle, or your own backyard.  I commend the kid friendly, graphic design with colorful illustrations and photos.    Learn how to plot a map, make a waterproof shelter, navigate using the stars, leave tracking signals, and bake high energy survival snacks.  Each chapter includes hands-activities.  For example, the Desert Chapter ends with how to build a solar still, and a water filter from natural materials.  Also, each chapter ends with real survival stories that can be quite riveting.  The last chapter  includes Tips, Warnings, Trivia and a Survival Quiz.  If you only need one survival guide in your collection…this is the one!

Basic information about cape buffalo is presented in simple nonfiction text designed to engage beginning readers.  Facts about habitat, behavior, when and where they eat, and predators are accompanied by large, colorful photographs that reinforce the text.  This series, Animal Safari, contains 46 animals and are written at the Level 1: Emergent reading level.  Good introduction to nonfiction books for children.

Engaging photographs adorn every spread as beginning readers learn about cute baby otters.  They are totally dependent on their mothers until able to fend for themselves.  Information about habitat, behavior, and food is presented in large, simple text.  This series contains 19 baby animals and are written at the Level 1: Emergent reading level.  Good introduction to nonfiction books for young people.

Basic facts about the wild turkey are presented in plain nonfiction text designed for beginning readers.  Information about habitat, behavior, food, and other characteristics are accompanied by large, colorful photographs to reinforce the text.  This series of Backyard Wildlife contains 42 different animals and are written at the Level 1: Emergent reading level.  Good introduction to nonfiction books for young people.

Special Forces operators are a team of 12 highly trained United States Army soldiers who are supremely qualified to work in dangerous conditions.  Their missions take them around the world as well as protecting people at home.  Their training, special gear, and the variety of dangers in which they may encounter are mentioned.  Information  is brief.  Photographs show men performing their duties, handling equipment, and using weapons.  Glossary, index, books to read, and a website are provided.  This book is sure to raise questions and pique interest about these courageous people who risk all to protect their country.

In 1782, the bald eagle was chosen to be our national symbol.  As this remarkable bird is described, multiple reasons for the choice are revealed.  Simple paragraphs in large font are matched with excellent color photographs.  This book is small in size and uncluttered in presentation, yet contains an extraordinary amount of information and facts.  Historical events, physical traits, where and how the bald eagle symbol is used are all included.  A timeline, map, glossary, index and website conclude the book.  Engaging nonfiction for young readers.

Excellent photographs are paired with simple sentences to point out similarities and differences between frogs and toads.  While they share many characteristics, there are identifiable distinctions.  Appearance of eggs, the colors and texture of the skin, whether or not they have teeth, and how they move are some features used to determine if the amphibian is a frog or a toad.  Two craft projects include step-by-step instructions for making either a frog or a toad.  Also included is a glossary.

Make fun and tasty cupcakes to impress your friends!  The first 15 pages present necessary  information to help beginning cooks be prepared, understand terms, learn frosting tips, which supplies to have on hand, and ingredients common to many cupcakes.  Recipes include: Rainbow cupcakes with rainbow colored layers, Hot Chocolate Delights – baked right in the mug!, Rock ‘n’ Roll cupcakes with rock candy on the frosting, Ice Cream Cone cupcakes served in actual cones, Cupcake Poppers – lollipop style cupcakes, Watermelon cupcakes – pink cupcake, green frosting, and mini chocolate chip “seeds”, and S’more Surprise cupcakes – graham cracker crumbs in the batter, topped with chocolate squares and mini marshmallows.  Don’t they sound delicious!  Beginning bakers are encouraged to investigate other recipes and experiment with their own creations.  An ABDO website has additional recipes and ideas on their Book Links page under the arts and activities subject tab. Recipes are simple, yet complete.  Excellent photographs illustrate some steps and the finished product.