CURIOUS CRITTERS
Written and photographed by David FitzSimmons
How can you tell a bullfrog and a toad apart? What does a blue jay do for fun? Why does the Ohio crawfish wave his claws? What do goldfish really like to eat? What color is a bush katydid? No, not green! How does a gray treefrog climb straight up a tree? And what other trick can she do? Can a flying squirrel really fly? What does a jumping spider use to jump since he doesn’t have any muscles? Which insect uses the red flat bark beetle as a bus?
Children will be enthralled by this amazing look into the lives of some common and not-so-common creatures from the animal kingdom. After reading this book, children and adults alike will find themselves looking at the natural world in a whole new way.
This beautiful book invites children into the lives of these lively creatures and many more. Each page is filled a large amazing photograph of an animal and a fun message from the animal herself. At the back, there is more information, life-size silhouettes of the animals, and a glossary of terms.
Who wouldn’t want to meet these curious critters? Even the youngest child will enjoy this book over and over, and probably end up knowing more about these animals than you do. This is a wonderful book for all ages.
Highly recommended for ages 2 to 10.
Published by Wild Iris Publishing, this book is available at your local bookstore.
CHIPPY CHIPMUNK
BABIES IN THE GARDEN
Written and photographed by Kathy M. Miller
There are some new residents in the garden — four baby chipmunks! Lily and Chippy could not be more proud, or more protective of their babies. While butterflies and hummingbirds flit from flower to flower, the little ones explore the garden for the first time. They tasted flowers and seeds, chased each other, and smelled everything. They listened to the songbirds, and met a rabbit and a red squirrel.
Wait, what’s that? Oh no, it’s Chester the cat! Lily calls the alarm, and the babies run for the safety of the burrow. Chippy stands his ground and bravely faces down the cat to protect his family. It’s okay, Chippy; Chester is just looking through the window. He’s as curious as your babies are.
Children will love these playful newcomers to the garden, and will learn a lot about them. Early readers will be able to read most of the text on their own, and younger children will enjoy looking at the bright pages and hearing the story read to them.
These lively chipmunks invite young readers to take a closer look at the world around them. Charming close-up photographs capture the explorations of the baby chipmunks in a welcome sequel to “Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden” (previously reviewed in this column) which won fifteen national awards.
Highly recommended for ages 2 and up.
Published by Celtic Sunrise, this book is available at your local bookstore.
TARA AND HER TALKING KITTEN MEET A UNICORN
Written by Diana Cooper, Illustrated by Kate Shannon
Daddy tells her unicorns are make-believe. But Tara knows they are real — and her talking kitten Ash-ting agrees and helps her find one. Tara goes on a wonderful ride to see the world the way that the unicorn does.
Knowing the unicorn brings love and peace to others, Tara decides to help others too. She faces down a bully, and helps a little boy have hope. She even helps her teacher raise money for the community swimming pool. Along the way, Tara learns compassion for others, even bullies. And before long, she learns how to help someone stop being a bully and become a friend.
Children will become involved in the story about Tara and her kitten, and will be eager to see what happens. Does the swimming pool gets built? Why do unicorns love all children? And why does someone become a bully anyway?
This book has lessons about community building, inclusiveness, and taking responsibility for yourself. This chapter book has short chapters and simple words that a young reader can master. This is the third in a series about Tara and her talking kitten.
For ages 6 and up.
Published by Findhorn Press, this book is available at your local bookstore.
