The “gross factor” in this book is sure to attract readers.  This is a head-to-toe look at some of the microscopic organisms that live on or in our bodies.  Most microbes are harmless or help our bodies work properly.  Ways to prevent harmful pests from causing discomfort or illness are given.  Bold words are defined on the page as well as included in the glossary.  “Ewww Facts” provide additional information.  Large bright photographs accompany the text.  Microphotographs of the tiny “bugs” are colorful and labeled.  Books for further reading, internet sites for more details, games and activities, and an index are included.  Other books in the series tell of microscopic creatures living in our food, Food Intruders, living in our homes, Uninvited Guests, and in our backyards, Yard Monsters.

Dan Gutman prepared a real treat for readers with this juvenile fiction book.  The story moved quickly and was exciting and funny at times, keeping me engaged from start to finish.  The reading level (Accelerated Reader level 5.2, 5 points), content, and main characters are all well-suited  for the target population.  The main characters range from 3rd to 6th grade and are well-developed throughout the story.  This book is set a small town called Cape Bluff in Kansas which tends to be hit regularly with tornadoes.   After the latest tornado, the town held a meeting to discuss the damages.  They decided to hold a talent show fund raiser to help with repairs and boost spirits.  As kids discerned their acts and adults prepared for the show, the plot thickens until the breathless ending.  I look forward to book talking this story with my students.

School Bus, Tractor, Train, and Fire Truck all have specific jobs.  When Fire Truck returns from fighting a fire, his friends tell him how brave he was.  Suggestions on how to support young readers in making connections and understanding the text are provided.  Bright and colorful illustrations fill the pages.  Sentences are simple with many words repeated.   A small list of story words is in the back.  Other books in the series are : Lucky School Bus, Busy, Busy Train, and Helpful Tractor.

The extremely broad topics of life, what it is and how it started, and of our own planet’s existence are described and explained.  Clear and easily understood information is presented about how certain conditions must be met for an astounding variety of life to exist.  Scientists propose that not only may life exist in other places in our solar system but in places outside our system (exoplanets) as well.  Stunning photographs, illustrations, and charts are captioned and many side bars provide related information.  One learns how closely seemingly unrelated circumstances are required for other types of life to exist.  This book provides a great, basic understanding of known truths, as of today, which encourages further thinking and research.  In the back are:  a timeline of planet discoveries and how exoplanets are named, a glossary, index, many other books to read, and an extensive list of websites.  Excellent resource for classroom and middle school libraries.

Instead of throwing out old buttons or beads, save them to spruce up an outfit or container.  Use your imagination and create pictures.  Apply thread, pipe cleaners, and glue to construct jewelry or toys.  This book for young readers gives fun craft ideas to make with items commonly found around the house.  Other books in the series target cardboard, jars and pots, old clothes, paper, and plastic.  Reuse that trash and turn it into a treasure.

Beginning with a large, simple shape, the next lines are shown in red.  Details are added, some lines erased, finish with color, and VOILA! a completed picture!  Not only are there steps for several pirates but for all things related to pirates – animals, weapons, ships, treasure, islands.  But the book is not yet finished.  Next is how to write a story in 5 easy steps, from pre-writing to publishing.  A simple story is included.  Some books on how to be a pirate, draw pirates, or learn about pirate legends and lore are suggested.  Two internet sites show where to write a story online or play writing games.  The index completes this fun book.  Other books in the series are on drawing and writing about aliens and space objects, animals, cartoon people, princesses, and superheroes.   Sure to be popular in grade school libraries.

Two of the coldest places on the planet are the north and south poles.  Polar bears have lived in the Arctic since the ice age.  Penguins have lived in the land that is now Antarctica for even longer.  This book is packed with fascinating information about these two animals living in extreme conditions.  Almost every sentence is a intriguing fact.  There is an activity for understanding the effectiveness of blubber, or a layer of fat, for conserving heat.  A list of resources used for writing the three chapters precedes the glossary, index, other books to read, and internet addresses.  Well researched resource for upper elementary and middle school libraries.

The Animal Safari series are written for emergent (level 1) readers.  Each page has one or two sentences describing what rhinoceroses look like, where they live, what they eat, and how they behave.  Large, colorful photos are well chosen to illustrate the text.  The layout is attractive.  Words to know are in bold font and defined in the glossary.  Other recommended books are written at a similar reading and interest level.  A young reader will likely need assistance using the factsurfer website.  An index ends the book.  This series is a good initial resource for those beginning research on animals.

In this series, mountains are the topic as one of the endangered biomes.  “A biome is a large natural area with a distinctive climate and geology”.  Plants and animals that live in mountains have adapted to their habitat.  The delicate balance within the ecosystems can be, and are, easily disrupted by nature and people.  Without people becoming more aware of conservation and preserving our biomes, the future of our mountain biomes is threatened.  Today, some plants and animals are rarely found and in danger of extinction.  The message of the book gives one pause to consider how to effectively safeguard our planet’s biomes.  Words to know are written in bold text and defined in a box on the page.  The glossary contains the same words.  Clear, colorful photographs are well-chosen and labeled.  Other books in the series are: Deciduous Forests, Coniferous Forests, Deserts, Grasslands and Savannas, Oceans, Tundra, and Rain Forests.  An index and extensive resource list are in the back.

Diana Cooper, known for her spiritual books, has written three books about Tara and her talking kitten, Ash-ting.  With the help of her kitten, Tara has made friends with angels and fairies.  In this book she meets a unicorn, who shows her another view of people she knows from school.  Sad Kevin, who is worried about his ill mother, is a victim of the school bully.  Rocky, the school bully, has problems of his own at home.  Her teacher, Mrs. Bright, is trying to figure out a way to raise money to have a community swimming pool built.  With the help of the unicorn and Ash-ting, Tara finds ways to bring about solutions to everyone’s problems.  She, in turn, learns about the importance of building friendships and how to curb her own temper.  On the last page are suggestions for discussions and activities.  Pen and ink illustrations complement the text.