Jody Sullivan Rake

Really good pictures. But there is so little actual information, it would have made my preschooler crazy. I realize that it is intended to be read by a specific level of readers, and therefor has rigid criteria for introducing new words or sentence length, or both. But if the net result is that you can only say "they're native to Africa" then there's not really much point, is there? An entire book, regardless of intended audience, should not contain less information than the Wikipedia box on show more a Google search.

Still, nice pictures.

Library copy. show less

I really loved this book. The book was an informational book about narwhals and provided readers with some great facts. One of the reasons I really liked this book is because it is very engaging. Most informational books tend to be straight, facts, whereas this book uses upbeat, conversational wording that is engaging. For example, the first page hooks readers with, "Do whales really have tusks? You bet." Another reason I like this book is because of all of the extra textual features. It show more includes, a table of contents, a glossary, an index, and even a page that provides readers with other resources where they can find more information. The author really went beyond the norm and provided readers with engaging information and helpful features. show less

Fantastic bug facts!
Vocabulary words are defined at the bottom of the page.
Close up pictures of bugs.
Glossary and index in back.
I would be careful who reads this book, as it paints a picture of bugs being very gross... which encourages young kids to overreact to (and kill) all bugs. Perhaps a discussion of friendly/helpful bugs could go along with this book?
Age range: 6 - 8 Years (B&N)

This informational book is a great piece for children to look at and see the basic details and lives of great white sharks. It relays simple facts that children will be able to remember and repeat back. There are vocabulary words highlighted to help the reader focus on the main points of the book and connect the information. The illustrations used are photographs but are not upsetting to the audience.