Jennifer SwansonReviews

A photo-heavy guide through the history of car safety.

Pictures and illustrations and they were very beautiful and helped add to the beauty of the book. The storyline was empowering and had a call to action at the end.

This title has three functions, first, as a guide to observation and identification, second, as a journal/logbook and third as a reference for identification.

This title in the series focuses on rocks, fossils, and shells.

The geographic information is much appreciated and helpful to the budding naturalist.

I love to see if children's nonfiction authors can explain complex scientific topics to my English major, right-brained self. This one didn't try to go so in-depth that it lost me. I appreciated that. There are interesting facts about cost and renting solar equipment (I didn't know that could be done). It was realistic about cost-effectiveness and not at all pushy about putting pressure on all readers to buy. The trash/solar energy idea at the end is truly fascinating. It includes great historical facts and has a find out more website.

Espionage involves obtaining secret information. Spies help agencies uncover this confidential information. During World War II, strategists conducted a wide range of top-secret operations to help in the war effort.
Read the recently published middle grade book on this topic, then learn more at the website:
SPIES, LIES, AND DISGUISE by Jennifer Swanson tells the true stories of daring tricks and deeds that won World War II. From code-talkers to secret missions, each chapter tells the story of a different event or action. The work of middle grade nonfiction balances primary source documents such as historical photographs with black and white drawings. Covert clues, side bars, and other boxes provide detailed information and engage readers. The book concludes with notes, a bibliography, and further information.
The UK’s National Archives Secrets & Spies website contains information about codes and ciphers, spies, and activities for young code breakers. In addition to information about World War II, the website also explores the broader history of espionage through time.
Visit the Secrets & Spies at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/spies/.
ARC courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Biomimicry applies models from nature to human problems in areas such as energy, agriculture, architecture, medicine, transportation and more.

Read the recently published children's book, then learn more at the website:

BEASTLY BIONICS by Jennifer Swanson explores how nature inspires a wide range of inventions and technologies. From the night vision of cats and shape of a bird's beak to the skin of frogs, this fascinating work of nonfiction explores dozens of examples in the areas of solutions, helpers, energy, and healers. It concludes with a glossary and resources.

The BIOMIMICRY INSTITUTE develops tools that apply nature-inspired strategies to design and innovation. Examples of biomimicry in a variety of fields are highlighted. The website also includes information about over 1800 applications of biomimicry and provides lessons and challenges for youth.

To learn more, go to https://biomimicry.org/

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

This is an interesting take on the history of cars from a safety point of view, but I felt that it missed a couple points.

The book begins by imagining a self-driving car and then introducing the crash-test dummies that helped make cars safer - with the supervision of humans of course. The basic introduction to a car shows the parts - engine, brake, tire, battery, etc. and then the parts that make it safe - crumple-zone, seat belts, mirrors, and airbags. It explains the function of a safety designer and how crash test dummies are used as well as showing the range (male, female, and children) that are the basic designs.

The main section of the book introduces the evolution of safety apparatus in cars; bumpers, seat belts, brakes, airbags, and mirrors. Swanson traces the history of cars from their beginning, when these things did not exist, to how they are used today. Along the way, she shows how crash-test dummies have evolved and are used. The final chapter focuses on self-driving or autonomous cars and looks at their safety records and the work still to be done.

Back matter was not included in this galley, but from the contents it will include notes, photo credits, and an index. There is a brief section on page 62-63 that discusses the "new members of the family" in adding to the crash-test dummies. This does briefly address that the "average" human dummy created in the 1980s, was based on a male at the time and overlooked women, the elderly, etc. However, it fails to address the pervasive and dangerous misogyny in safety tests around cars. There is data on this if you look for it, as well as a recent article here that covers it in a variety of industries, including car safety, voice-recognition, etc. The implication of the article is that now there are "female" dummies and heavier dummies of both genders, these issues are solved and they... are not.

Verdict: Despite the gap in addressing women, this is an interesting book that takes on a unique subject. It's full of bits of auto history and science, past and present, and is sure to intrigue your mechanically-minded readers.

ISBN: 9781682630228; Published October 2019 by Peachtree; Galley provided by publisher

This is a new series from National Geographic, featuring the latest research, photographs, and facts about a popular science subject, in this case dolphins. The "National Geographic Explorer" is a real-life scientist who gives expert knowledge and talks about their own experience in the field. Bonus points for both (of the two titles currently out as I write this) being women.

The featured scientist for this title is Justine Jackson-Ricketts, marine biologist. She specifically studies dolphins in the gulf of Thailand. The first chapters introduces dolphins as a family and the different species included. After this overview, the book delves more deeply into the subject, covering dolphins' bodies, adaptations, and habitats. Dolphins' social habits are covered in the next chapter, including a discussion of dolphins in the wild and in captivity. The final chapter discusses current issues facing dolphins and human involvement, both good and bad.

Back matter includes a suggestion for getting involved, further reading, index and credits. Like most National Geographic titles, this is a nice mix of expository and narrative nonfiction, mixing information about dolphins with narratives of scientists' experiences, mythology, and how dolphins have affected, and been affected by, humans.

Verdict: This is an excellent new series that is sure to intrigue middle grade readers. It's best for those who are strong readers, as it's fairly text-heavy with a smaller font. There are still plenty of factoids and photographs for fun browsing though.

ISBN: 9781426330100; Published May 2018 by National Geographic; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

ABSOLUTE EXPERT is a new, high interest series from National Geographic Kids.

From animals to sports, each title in the ABSOLUTE EXPERT series explores tips, tricks, and fascinating facts straight from experts in the field.

ABSOLUTE EXPERT SOCCER focuses on playing the game, origins of soccer, soccer around the world, and soccer in North America. Each colorful and highly illustrated chapter features expert information, suggestions, terminology, and quizzes to engage readers. Filled with photos, maps, charts, diagrams, and other visuals along with short text passages, this book is sure to connect with young soccer fans.

ABSOLUTE EXPERT DOLPHINS examines the world of dolphins, their habitat, and their connection with humans. Featuring expert advise from a marine biologist, the book uses short text passages, photographs, maps, diagrams, and infographics to convey facts about these popular sea creatures.

Other titles include ABSOLUTE EXPERT: DINOSAURS and ABSOLUTE EXPERT: VOLCANOES.

Librarians will find a high demand for this new series. National Geographic Kids knows what topics will be popular with young readers. Feature this series in a display promoting career exploration. Each book contains four chapters that would work well for a nonfiction book discussion.

Published by National Geographic Kids in May 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

These two recent titles by Jennifer Swanson both deal with similar subjects - the science of space - but in different ways. Dr. E's Super Stellar Solar System addresses the science of space through the lens of geology. Dr. Ehlmann is a planetary geologist. In her alter ego of Dr. E, a cartoon, faux-superhero, she takes readers through the study of geology and how it applies to space, from space rocks to weather, to following water patterns. The nonfiction sections, with photographs and more realistic information, is interspersed with short comic sections starring Dr. E and her robot Rover as they explore the universe. In addition to National Geographic's familiar layout - lots of panels with extra information, graphics, photographs, etc., there are also activities and science experiments included. This is part of the "Science Superheroes" series, which previously included Dirtmeister's Nitty Gritty Planet Earth. There is a huge amount of information packed into this book, and readers will learn about famous scientists, the parallels between outer space and earth, from volcanoes to storms, as well as the cutting-edge technology used to study space. Back matter includes a glossary, index, credits, and more resources.

The second book takes a more serious approach. Astro-naut/Aqua-naut compares the world of undersea research with outer space research, coming up with many interesting parallels. Readers will meet astronauts who study below the ocean with aquanauts, since in many ways conditions are similar to deep space. Each section connects the work done in the two different environments, for example, one section introduces the layers - first "going up" through the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, etc. and then going down through the zones, epipelagic, mesopelagic, etc. The similarities and differences in blasting off and diving are shown, and the living conditions and challenges of a space or underwater habitat. Along the way there are activities, interviews with scientists, experiments, and historical tidbits.

While the first title feels geared towards a younger audience, especially with the cutesy cartoons, it's actually quite advanced, containing fairly dense text and a lot of mathematical and scientific vocabulary. In contrast, the second title felt more mature and for an older audience, but in some ways also felt simpler and more accessible. My own preference was for the second title; I've found that most of my readers aren't really interested in "fake" superheroes and the comic portions were a little too goofy. However, readers who are interested in space science are likely to enjoy both these titles.

Verdict: Dr. E's Super Stellar Solar System is an additional purchase if you have a lot of interest in geology, space, and younger readers with high reading levels. Astro-naut/Aqua-naut, with it's accessible language, wealth of photographs and information, and carefully planned layout, is a must for your science section and would make a great choice for any number of school projects as well.

Dr. E's Super Stellar Solar System
ISBN: 9781426327995
Astro-naut/Aqua-naut
ISBN: 9781426328688

Published January 2018 by National Geographic; Review copies provided by the publisher; Donated to the library

ASTRONAUT AQUANAUT by Jennifer Swanson explores the similarities and differences between deep space and deep sea exploration.

This visually appealing informational text includes an introduction and five chapters along with a people page, space-sea comparison, glossary, and index. Bright colored photographs, illustrations, and page layout add to the appeal.

Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of space or sea exploration. Readers are invited to read facts, conduct experiments, try activities, and explore the lives of scientists.

Librarians will find this book provides an unusual and fascinating way to think about deep space and deep sea exploration. Weave the title into the science curriculum and work with science teachers to use the space-sea comparison as the basis of class projects. Create a display with books about both environments placing this title in the center.

Published on April 1, 2018 by National Geographic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Zoology: Cool Women Who Work With Animals introduces readers to women in the field of zoology who are making an impact and inspiring the next generation of zoologists. The writing shows the realism of the job and the effect that job has on our planet as it follows 3 scientist Stephanie Kim, Elise Newman, Erin Seney. A good non-fiction science book if you love animals. However the books text could have been enhanced with better in book graphics. The matte and muted tones along with many drawling make this book a hard sell for young readers. If the book would of had glossy pages, brighter tones and only used real photos the book would have earned 5 starts.

Jennifer Swanson and Glen Mullaly do a good job of explaining the history and positive aspects of driving a hybrid vehicle. Young readers will find the cartoon strip style pages entertaining while they learn about this fascinating technological advancement.

How hybrid cars work by Jennifer Swanson, illustrated by Glen Mullaly

Cartoon-style illustrations and some comic panels help explain how a hybrid car works. Photos, timelines, and more show the history and evolution of hybrid cars, back to when cars ran on steam to present-day electrical hybrids. Information also includes greenhouse gases and how hybrid cars help decrease pollution, as well as alternative fuels.

An index, glossary, and link to the publisher's website for more information are also included.

Verdict: There was a lot of information in this book, but the organization was a little confused (this may be because I read it as an electronic pdf). I really didn't care for the mix of fuzzy photos (again, could have been epub) and cartoon-style illustrations. Also, this is one of the publishers who charge an arm and a leg for library-bound nonfiction, which will be outdated in a few years. An additional purchase if you have interest in alternative energies.

ISBN: 978-1609732172; Published August 2011 by Child's World; Electronic review copy provided by publisher for Cybils

If your children love pets then they will love Penny & Rio. These two dogs are very funny. This story gives kids a pets point of view as to what makes them bark and take a lot of naps.

This 5 chapter book is an enjoyable quick read. Penny is a very active dog. She likes to dig and play in the back yard. She often finds herself locked in the garage when she barks so much her owner wakes up. Rio, on the other hand is a nap taker. She would prefer to lounge around and have Penny keep her abreast on the yard activities.

The mysterious backyard meeting begins when Penny over hears a squirrel, owl and cat discussing a break in to the neighbors house. Penny is compelled to stop them but needs help from Rio. But that takes some convincing. They dig up the yard under a piece of broken fence to get to the neighbors house. Once inside Penny discovers that the cat has a baby brother that needs rescuing. Penny helps save the day. Mystery solved.

If your children love pets then they will love Penny & Rio. These two dogs are really funny. This story gives kids a pets point of view as to what makes them bark and take a lot of naps.

Penny and Rio are at it again. Well, mostly Penny. The Locked Doghouse Mystery is another 5 chapter adventure. This time Squeaky the mouse has lost something very important to him. It was left in a doghouse that has been locked. How will he get in to retrieve his precious treasure? The key to the lock is hidden in a bone buried somewhere in the yard. After lots of digging with the help of Penny, Rio and Hobbes mission accomplished. Squeaky's family photos were saved.

The Penny & Rio series is great for a first time reader of chapter books. The characters are loveable, fun and interesting. Kids will be able to relate to them and the books are written at a nice pace so that young readers can easily follow the story line.
Jennifer has done it again. Penny & Rio are back on the mystery trail. This time there is more at stake and time is a factor. This new addition to the series will leave your young readers hearts racing to see what happens next.
In this latest adventure Penny & Rio encounter a beautiful blonde golden retriever named Hannah. She is a show dog that has managed to lose her lucky diamond collar. She must get it back soon because she has a show in the evening. Her owners will be very upset with her if she isn't wearing her very expensive collar. Hannah seeks out Penny & Rio the neighborhoods famous mystery sleuths to help her track down the missing collar.
The trio, Penny, Rio and Hannah, come across a german shepherd named Sarge. He has hung the missing diamond collar as a prize on his infamous obstacle course. Penny attempts to win back the collar and is cheered on by Rio and Hannah. This is a tough course but with lots of encouragement Penny is successful. Except for when a little blue bird snatches the diamond prize from Penny's mouth while she is in mid air from her final jump of the course.
It is now up to the trio to attempt another rescue of the diamond necklace. This time they have to manage a way up a tree. What will the trio do? Will they get to the diamond collar in time? You will have to read this wonderful adventure to find out.

I enjoyed this book. I think it was a nice change from the normal books I have read. I know this is a kids books. As, a kids story I enjoyed it. I think kids will fall in love with the story line, and the dogs that are a part of the story. I did not read the other books in the story. But, kids will problay want to read them all.

First book in an exciting mystery series for children

An award-winning debut adventure series for young children, this book not only gives the child a pair of unlikely investigators, but delivers a message as well. Much like a chapter book with very short chapters, it can be read to younger children, or used as an early reader. Jennifer Swanson is really onto something with this mystery series.

The two investigators, Penny and Rio, are two dogs with different personalities. When Penny discovers a mystery in their new backyard, she wants to get to the bottom of it, fast. But Rio doesn't want to bother, saying it's not their business. When Penny sees a cat and an owl sitting and talking together she knows that this is not quite right. Birds and cats shouldn't be together, there has to be something more to it. And what about the other animals who seem to be involved, too?

Penny finds herself a hiding place where she can keep an eye on what is happening. She is careful because she has already been in trouble over the barking she did and had to sleep in the garage. Penny doesn't give up trying to solve the mystery, though. When she overhears the plot, or part of it, she tries to talk to Fifi, the dog next door, to warn her about the animals' plans, but Fifi doesn't believe her.

This is an excellent book for children Smaller than a regular chapter book, an early chapter book, the story has enough laughs, enough mystery, enough investigating to keep their interest, illustrations on almost every page, and a surprise ending, all in one lively little book. I know my grandchildren will be looking for the next one! Dog lovers especially should enjoy the antics of Penny and Rio, and the other animals. Illustrated by Rosita Schandy and Neal Wooten. Recommended for children, parents and grandparents; also pre-school, kindergarten and early school.

In this installment, Penny and Rio are solicited by a dog and mouse in the neighboring yard to find a key (hidden inside of a dog bone) so that they can unlock a doghouse before the homeowner takes it to the dump. (The mouse has hidden a "treasure" inside.) It will take all of them working together to find a solution to the problem. The "mystery" in the title refers to "what" the mouse has hidden inside.

The book has a lot of dialogue, which I think appeals to readers. There are plenty of pictures throughout. The five-chapter book is only 43 pages long, which makes it ideal for even reluctant readers.

I tend to grab LT Early Reviewer kids' books, because of how much I love my niece. In this case, it perhaps leads to a slight unfortunateness in the review process, because Luisa is still too young for the attention span Penny and Rio require, and I am . . . too old, perhaps? Too unable to slow down? I just read in the Atlantic about the changes Google in particular and the Internet in general may be working on our brains, which may have something relevant to say about why I can't pay sustained attention even to a thirty-page kids' book without some deep, sustaining intellectual takeaway. For me, this was a cute story, and I really liked that it was about the author's real dogs and their fantasy lives (that's gonna grab a child fo sho), and the bit at the end about the mouse's photo albums was endearing, but I felt like the language was a bit repetitious and the book assumed a prior investment in the characters--like, sow the seeds a bit! Telegraph that Rio is the lazy one! And I can't help but point out that this isn't really a mystery at all--it's a procedural, where the bulk of the book is taken up with "how do we get into the doghouse?" and the failure of the various attempts, and the question of what's actually inside seems tacked on.


On the other hand, in this same issue of the Atlantic (read the Atlantic! ha ha), I see this in an article on Harry Potter: "Add to this Rowling's perpetual, enveloping burble of talk, as Harry and his chums puzzle earnestly through the latest goings-on . . . [and] the younger reader, for whom reality actually moves like this, in close whorls of micro-plot, is delighted. The adult, less so."


Also the author seems like a very nice woman, and sent a nice note asking that reviewers let her know when the reviews are posted, and I lost that note, and whatever you say about somebody you should at least have the balls to stand behind it, and I wouldn't want her to come across this and think I was trying to surreptitiously leave a mean review. And then moms, who probably know better than uncles, gave this book an award. So I'll split the difference and go three stars, but your six-year-old might well go four.