Science

Little Black Ant on Park Street

Little Black Ant on Park Street
Author(s): 
Janet Halfmann
Illustrator(s): 
Kathleen Rietz
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2009
Publisher: 
Soundprints
Binding: 
Paperback
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 
The Smithsonian’s Backyard Collection series “is a world of wonder for children intrigued by the wildlife outside their windows.” The books have an over-sized format, and each page filled with colorful and detailed illustrations with large-print text. This newest book in the series tells the story of Little Black Ant searching for food. Though the book may be written for younger children, this is not a book that is more story than science. From regurgitating food in their social stomachs, to fending off an intruding carpenter ant, to a swarming nest, this book teaches a good deal about ants. On the back page, the top section summarizes the scientific information from the story followed by a glossary; the bottom section, Points of Interest in this Book, identifies other plants and animals illustrated in the story. This book and others in the series are a great introduction to nature in our own backyards.
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
2-21-2010

Birds do the Strangest Things

Book cover: Birds do the Strangest Things
Author(s): 
Leonora and Arthur Hornblow
Illustrator(s): 
Alan D Singer
Number of pages: 
61 pages
Copyright: 
1965
ISBN: 
9780679911593
Publisher: 
Random House
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 

Twenty-two stories of the natural but strange and fascinating behavior of various birds. The text covers ostriches, hummingbirds, kiwis, loons, peacocks, emperor penguins, woodpeckers and much more. The text is somewhat lengthy (approx. 12-20 lines per page), but in fairly large print and at a fairly easy reading level. My children find this book completely fascinating. Part of the "Step-Up" series which includes "Meet George Washington" et al.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
4-4-01

Fish do the Strangest Things

Book cover: Fish do the Strangest Things
Author(s): 
Leonora and Arthur Hornblow
Illustrator(s): 
John F. Eggert
Number of pages: 
60 pages
Copyright: 
1966
ISBN: 
9780394943091
Publisher: 
Random House
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

An informative and enjoyable collection of stories about some very interesting and remarkable fish – such as the Deep Sea Angler, the Archer Fish, the Lungfish, the Puffer Fish and the Mud-Skipper. Although the illustrations aren't fabulous, this book and others in the series have been real favorites with my children. The stories are engaging, fairly short (two to three pages with rather large type) and the content is very appealing. We discovered this book when my daughter was five and for her it became a starting point for a real interest in Sea-Life in particular and Science in general.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
12-2-99

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