Getting the right book into the hands of a child can have a lifelong impact. Many kids can get hooked on reading through these great new stories about animals. Some are funny and fictional, others have fascinating facts that can encourage research.
What Does Little Crocodile Say? by Eva Montanari is a lovely illustrated picturebook. Little Crocodile goes to daycare. From the moment he gets up, everything has it own sounds. From the zipper to the car, to the door and each of Little Crocodile’s friends. Even even though he has fun all day long, he’s happy when his mom picks him up at the end of the day. A fun story to share with the littlest readers.
ISBN 978-1-77488-180-4, Tundra Books
Sleepy Bird by Jeremy Tankard is a perfect board book read for the very young. Little readers will identify with Bird who is NOT sleepy at bedtime. He doesn’t want to cuddle with a blankie, he wants to run and play. But all of his friends tell him it’s bedtime and they want to sing him a lullaby. Finally, Bird storms off to have fun by himself. Until he gets too tired… His friends are thrilled when they can read him a story, sing him a song and help him go to sleep so that they, too, can drift off. Until Bird perks up and want to play!
978-1-4431-4632-6, Scholastic Canada
Wildlife of the Arctic for Kids by Wayne Lynch is an incredibly beautiful book with photographs by the author. From bears to birds and everything in between, Lynch shows us an intimate portrait of arctic animals and their environment. Close-ups of a muskox, baby caribou, poplar bear cubs, peregrine falcons – each breathtaking photo is accompanied by facts and information. Well organized and designed, this book will appeal to all ages and be a valuable edition to any classroom studying the arctic, its wildlife as well as climate change.
ISBN 978-1554556298, Fitzhenry & Whiteside.
Dogs and Us, a fifteen-thousand-year-friendship by Marta Pantaleo is a unique celebration of the cooperation between humans and dogs. In both words and images, the author takes us back to a time when people were cave dwellers and dogs were wild. She shows how a common interest in hunting, food and protection brought the two species closer. Over the centuries and through civilizations, people and dogs worked and played together – from Egyptians to Vikings, from the Swiss Alps to the Tibetan highlands. This is a fun picture book for doglovers of all ages.
ISBN 978-1-77306-771-1, Groundwood Books
Birds on the Brain by Uma Krishnaswami is a chapter book for middle grade readers. it is specially suited for international schools since this story is placed in India. Three friends, Reena, Yasmin and Anil have to complete surveys for a school project. They all focus on green, environmental issues and Reena, especially, is interested in the India Bird Count which is a global event and also takes place in their own city. Overcoming obstacles and objections by parents and city council, the children learn to pursue their interested and speak up when it most matters. Together with many people from their neighborhood, they manage to participate in the bird count and improve city parks. The city streets, the food and the language all reflect the setting in India.
ISBN 978-1-77306-739-1, Groundwood Books
Margriet Ruurs writes books for children and conducts author visits to international schools. Book now for the next school year: www.margrietruurs.com
