Fans of the T.V. series will definitely get a kick out of this book. The illustration is faithful to the cartoon it takes its name from and the art is very clean and consistent. The pace of the story is well done. Action and conflict comes into the story seamlessly and the underlying moral of the story is delivered masterfully without feeling out of place. The dialogue never gets too heavy and remains balanced throughout. There are no length monologues and the pure actions scenes are kept to a minimum while being easy to follow the chaos.

Includes: Visual Questions & Prompts

submitted by T. K.  Owens

“All over the world, people tell stories of strange ape-like creatures or wild men… [p. 4 – opening line] The first part of his book looks at some Bigfoot and yeti stories. The second part of the book uses science to ask questions about the evidence, to look at the theories, and to prove or disprove the existence of such creatures.” (p. 5)

There are 11 stories of sightings in the first part of the book. The sure number of  these sightings covered in this book makes this book superior to other books I’ve read on the topic. The sightings ranged from the west coast states of Washington, Oregon, and California, to Pennsylvania, then off to China , the Himalayas, to the Indus Valley. There is  a chart on page 39 of the number of recent sightings in 10 states with Oregon topping the list at 808 and Washington right behind it with 151 sightings.

As the book segues to the second half Charles Darwin’s “missing link” theory appears, as does a very brief cryptozoology statement. Some of the reasons given for not being able to prove or disprove Bigfoot’s or yeti existence include: they are ‘found’ in huge remote areas, most sightings of made by single individuals – without a second or third witness, there has not been an infrared camera photo of a Bigfoot or yeti, and low levels of oxygen at high elevations where they are found play tricks of people.

Then the book describes two hoaxes.

The book is not blatantly biased either way, the reader most make his/her own mind in the end.

Cinderella is a new princess bride as the story opens, but helping others in a servant role is deeply engrained in her actions. The King’s mother is coming to visit. She missed the Prince and Cinderella’s wedding. Grandmama would like to see Cinderella wear the blue sapphire tiara she had sent her. The tiara is not in Cinderella’s room, so she goes to the Royal Jewel Vault to look for it. The tiara is not in its special box. Then the royal search of the castle begins. The tiara has not yet been found when Grandmama arrives at the castle. The plot twists and turns as Cinderella and Grandmama waltz about as they each keep their secret about the tiara from the other one. In the end, both Cinderella and Grandmama humbly and apologetically  tell the other their secret about the tiara and in so, begin their friendship.

Each of the nine chapters has two full-color Disney Cinderella illustrations.

The Book of Blood is absolutely fascinating!  I was mesmerized reading it.  It includes so much information about blood–who knew?  There is the elements of blood, the lost science of Egypt, disease, transfusions and bloodletting, terms ‘blue blood’ and ‘cold blooded’ explained as well as others, blood pressure and pulse, the early science of ‘seeing’ blood, and more.  The info is delivered short and sweet, with just enough to pique curiosity and not too much to get bored or tired of it.  Whether you read it cover to cover, or in bits and pieces,The Book of Blood should be in every school library.

Kids love to draw and drawing books are a popular item at our school library.  This book is different because the directions are easy to follow.  The illustrations aren’t cluttered up but simple.  Kids can add as much as they want.  I will get the other books in this series as it teaches kids how to draw.

This non-fiction book has a little bit of everything in it–although the title leads one to believe that it is mainly about pets and animals owned by the presidents of the United States, it is actually much more than that.  Each two-page spread has information on a president, in chronological order, which includes a poem about the president and his pet(s), or not.  His accomplishments during his term(s)  are listed as well as info on his family.  The accompanying illustration is more of a caricature or political cartoon of the president, rather than a portrait, showing something rather funny well known about the president.  A great book for browsing and animal lovers.

This is a detailed book on chimpanzees.  It covers a broad variety of topics relating to them and their connections with humans.

There are sections in the book that encourage thoughtful research on the subject, with suggestions of where to find more information.

I liked the project that tells the reader to find ten words in the book that are new to them and find the definition.  It basicly has the reader create a personal glossary.  The Pictures in the book are wonderful.  The font is clear and easily read.

This is a good book for older children.

Wow!  The photography in this book is amazing!  The text in this non-fiction book is appropriate reading for the primary grades, with bold, high-lighted words featuring the science vocabulary.  The text and photos are perfectly matched.  The fine details with which the hawk is captured is reason enough to buy this book–clear features are caught in action.  I plan on adding several of the books from this series to my library shelves.

This is a very funny book.  The pictures are very funny.  The characters are perfect for the Northwest, and no doubt many places with lots of water and wildlife.  The story deals with three friends, beaver, bear, and moose, who have trouble getting along.  It is fun to see the problems that causes, and how they pull together to work things out.

Easy to read font. Some new words for non-boaters.

I liked it!

This is a rather different and interesting story about a girl who is blind, but learns to use her ability to smell to get around and help others.

The vocabulary is filled with words that will probably be unfamiliar to younger readers, but a great way to increase their vocabulary.

The pictures are whimsical and soft.  I enjoyed the story.