Claire Llewellyn

Children at some point in their lives might struggle with listening and many parents might struggle with teaching their children about the importance of listening. Joe understands first hand what it means to be so wrapped up in what he is doing that he blocks people out and does not listen. However, it wasn’t until he dealt with some unpleasant consequences that he started to realize that there are many reasons Why He Should Listen. This is a wonderful book that parents and children can show more enjoy together as they navigate Joe’s stories through well done illustrations that make the story feel real and that helps to deliver an important lesson to children about listening. show less

I was shocked after I read this book to see that it was published in 1987. I know the weather has probably not changed a great deal in the past 30 years, but it seemed like a recently published book. "Wild, Wet, and Windy" goes into detail about the many different weather conditions that takes place throughout the world. It breaks down step by step how things like rain, hurricanes, tornados, and snow form. There are also facts all over the pages about that particular weather condition. I show more think this is would be a great book for science class for not only its detailed text, but also its organization. All the steps and facts are outlined in boxes and are numbered. This really helps the reader not get overwhelmed with all the information provided on the page. I would definitely have this book in my science class, despite its age. show less

About Planet Earth
(Ask Dr. K. Fisher Series)
By Claire Llewellyn
Illustrator Kate Sheppard
2009, Kingfisher, Macmillan Books

Review by Debra Louise Scott

This is a very cute book about earth sciences written as letters to Dr. Kingfisher from animals around the world. Dr. K (who is in fact a Kingfisher bird) answers the letters with explanations about what is happening and why the earth does what it does. (see example below) After a couple similar letters there is a page with more information show more about things like mountains, rivers and climate.

The inside flap has a small envelope with a letter from Dr. K. Fisher with his letterhead and address (not a real address) that invites troubled animals to write to him with their questions. The questions in the book are shown as if a postcard or letter and envelope. Some show a postage cancelled stamp with sender’s origin, i.e. “the desert”. The answers are all shown on Dr. K’s letterhead with his signature and talon print. The back of the book has a glossary of some of the more difficult terms used and an index to the things that are explained.

Dr. K. also gives his Top Tips, i.e. “Rivers can carry big stones. Water animals, DO watch out for these when you are swimming.”

This is probably one of the most ingenious and delightful science books I have seen. The illustrations show the animals caught up in the emotions of their letters giving another level of interest for the child. At the moment, there are six books in the series. It would be enjoyed by any youngster with an inquisitive mind.

Letter example:
Here’s a snake that’s feeling shaky
Warning signs?

Dear Dr. K. Fisher,
I’m a viper, and I’m feeling uneasy. This week, as I’ve been moving through the forest, I’ve felt vibrations in the ground that seem to warn me of danger. The other animals haven’t mentioned this, so maybe I’m imagining things. Please can you advise me?
Something’s Wrong,
In the forest

Dear Something’s Wrong,
Snakes are sensitive creatures, so I suspect you are feeling small movements called tremors from deep underground. Our planet is not as solid as it seems. Its crust is broken up into slabs called plates, which float on the hot, melted rock below. In places where two plates meet, they can jolt one another. This causes earthquakes, which make the ground shake or even crack wide open. Some earthquakes are fairly gentle, but to be safe, find a strong tree and take shelter there.
Good luck!
Dr. K. Fisher show less

This is an adorable story about a girl and her friend Rachel who learn to eat healthy. The narrator who's named Monica (a young girl) talks about how she didn't eat healthy at first, how her family, friends, and community tried to create healthier options for her. Rachel shares with Monica everything that a poor diet can cause and how to become more healthy.