Colleen Sexton

The big idea of the children’s informational book, Sponges, is to simply inform its readers about sponges. The illustrations, writing, and the fact that it is non-fiction, are all reasons I really enjoyed the book.

The illustrations in the book are all real photographs of different species of sponges in the deep blue sea. The pictures, in my opinion, are the most engaging parts within the book. The photographs show a variety of sponges: some that “…look like tubes, fans, vases, cups, or show more barrels,” “…yellow, purple, orange, gray, [and] brown” sponges,” and …some that “are as small as a tip of a pencil… and bigger than a person.” My most favorite photograph in the book is a picture of a several sponge species in one giant cluster, and all different shapes, sizes and colors. In the picture, there are also beautiful fish swimming around the sponges. The photographs really make this book meaningful.

I also enjoyed the writing in this book; it is clear, engaging, and organized. The book is an informational read, thus, it is presented in an organized matter. It starts out by introducing sponges and what they are. Next, it talks about the size, shape, and color in which sponges can be. Following that, the topics include: where they live, and what they eat. I really enjoyed reading one page in particular. It reads: “Some sponges stick to the shells of snails, crabs, and other animals. These sponges go places!” I found this to be rather funny and interesting all at the same time because it mentioned on a previous page that sponges typically “stay in one place all their lives.” This example also supports why I believe this book is engaging. It presents some humor and great facts!

Non-fiction books are such great reads. They are informative and can be engaging if organized properly. The illustrations and the writing of this non-fictional children’s book most definitely make it a great read! show less

I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was a great and easy description of Jackie Robinson's life without being too difficult for young readers. It explained how African Americans were discriminated against at the time and how this affected Jackie Robinson personally. It contained shocking information tat may grab a reader's attention such as explaning how at first, fans threw things at him on the field and some of his own team mates did not respect him. Robinson was an extremely talented show more player who's story deserves to be told. I thought this book presented it perfectly. The overall message readers can take from this is that no matter what obstacles you may encounter, if you keep working hard and become the bigger person, your talent will shine through and you will be successful. show less

The big idea of the children’s informational book, Puffer Fish, is simply to inform its readers about puffer fish. The illustrations, language, and the fact that it is non-fiction are all reasons I really enjoyed the book.

The illustrations are all real photographs of puffer fish from deep in the sea. The pictures, in my opinion, is the first thing that engages its readers to this book. They photographs show a variety of puffer fish: some that “…are as small as your hand,” show more “…longer than your arm,” and …some with “stripes or spots on their skin … [that] are very colorful.” However, my most favorite photograph in the book is a picture of a puffer fish with its mouth open showing only four teeth. The text says, “Puffer fish have four teeth. They use their teeth to crush their food.” It’s always fun learning interesting facts such as that and seeing a real illustration to make it meaningful.

I also enjoyed the language in this book; it is clear, simple, and descriptive. For example, “Puffer fish have poison in their bodies. Some predators can die if they eat a puffer fish.” I really liked how, throughout the story, there were words in bold. Like in this sentence poison was bolded. This allows readers to look in the back of the book if they were unaware what its meaning is. So, if the language wasn’t clear enough, there is a glossary of vocabulary for the young readers to use a resource to clear any confusion.

Non-fiction books are great reads. They are informative and can be engaging if organized properly. And I will say, this book was very neatly done. The illustrations and the language of this non-fictional children’s book most definitely make it a great read! show less

A must read by all Harry Potter fans! The book diaries the Rowling's life leading up to the success of her novels and beyond. It is delicately written to include the tough times, as well, that she experienced. The brilliant photos allow the reader to see her homes, Rowling her-self at many honorable moments in her career and anything that is "Pottermania". It also includes blurbs from Rowling giving advice and sharing other related stories.