Chuck Groenink

A boy from a Neanderthal family encounters a boy from a Homo sapiens family. Both text and illustrations emphasize their similarities, though an author's note provides context and explains the differences. Vocabulary is based on action: "Runners, jumpers, fliers and pouncers" rather than deer/moose, rabbits/hares, birds, and foxes, for example; woolly mammoths are called "hairies" from the boy's point of view. A generous trim size allows for big, beautiful landscapes. A gentle, imaginative, show more fascinating book. show less

This book is beautifully illustrated. The simple language is well-suited for the ages it was written for. I think children and adults would both enjoy this story. Boy’s curiosity is endearing and very typical of children. The use of comparing and contrasting was well done.

Hank the pill bug treks through the grass and across a sidewalk, eventually meeting up with his best friend Amelia, and the two embark on a day of adventure together. Flying over the Atlantic (running around the yard), waving to the Queen in England, landing in Paris, and then making their way back, they pass a busy day. As evening approaches, Hank heads home again...

A sweet story of a bug who enjoys the different perspective he gets riding on top of his human friend's helmet, and a little show more girl who likes to pretend she is her hero, Amelia Earhart, Hank's Big Day: The Story of a Bug is a picture-book celebration of friendship and imagination. The tale is engaging, and the artwork - created digitally - is colorful and cute. Recommended to all young bug-lovers, would-be aviators, and make-believe players. show less

If you're looking for a beautifully illustrated book to extend your elementary STEM collection, BOY HERE, BOY THERE would make an excellent addition.

BOY HERE, BOY THERE tells the story of a nameless Neanderthal boy who wanders away from his family group one afternoon. As he wanders, readers see through his eyes the scope and scale of the prehistoric world, including a brief encounter with a Homo sapiens boy.

The written text is light and poetic, full of concepts and contrasts for pre-readers show more and co-readers to explore together. The back matter includes a short explanation of what anthropology and other sciences tell us about the Neanderthals and might prove just the inspiration for a young mind to want to lean more about prehistory — as might the end papers.

But it is the illustration that I found breathtaking, joyous. They are richly detailed and will reward slow, close examination — exquisite!

BOY HERE, BOY THERE should be a priority purchase for any public or school library, and would greatly enrich any science-themed classroom library from kindergarten to grade three. show less