The Moon Explorer's Guidebook, by Ben Lerwill, Patrick Corrigan (Illustrator)

 

Available Sept. 1, 2026

I spent much of my life growing up where all I had to do was step out the door to see the various launches lift-off with my own eyes including the one leading to the first moon landing. It was so common that I don't think I appreciated it much at the time. This frequently whimsical (bet you can't guess how many giraffes it'd take piled atop one another to reach the moon. Nope, not telling.) but informative little book is for those not at lucky, not to mention those with a long time fascination with astronauts and the moon. While it's obviously aimed at children, it doesn't skimp on facts and basics. Readers will come away with not just a grin or a few but some solid knowledge of the huge process that will have them never quite looking at the moon quite the same.

The illustrations are colorful and add to the charm. I particularly liked, no surprise, the dog in the space helmet, especially when it is shown digging into a hole, helmet and all.  The map showing the location of various lunar landings was a definite plus, as was the timeline. The questions, even the whimsical ones, will also make readers think. Like, has the moon simply always been there? Could we go sailing on the Sea of Storms? And, much more. It's written in an easy to read and understandable manner, so should make a nice addition to any space exploration fan's library. And, no, I'm still not telling how many giraffes. Grin. Thanks #SourcebookKids and #NetGalley for giving me an early peek at this entertaining and informative little book. While I never aspired to go soaring into space, the young me could still appreciate the astounding wonder of it all. 

Arlo Needs Your Help, by Cortney Cino , Olga Sall (Illustrator)

 

Publication May , 202

It's always fun and an ego boost to have an author ask you to review their book, even more so when they aren't aware of a connection you have with the topic. At the last school I taught at before retirement, a self-contained class created and maintained a butterfly garden that, lucky me, was right outside my classroom door. As a result, I got to see some of the processes detailed here with my own eyes. That said, even I learned a thing or two here, so don't hesitate thinking you surely know all this.

We first meet Arlo when he's stuck in the container we see on the cover. The children who put him there were well meaning but it put him in danger. What kind of danger? To be simplistic, of not being able to go through metamorphosis to become a majestic monarch butterfly. Colorfully illustrated the colors and settings suggesting spring and the time of growth and rebirth, the drawings will pull you in as you enjoy the flowers and colors.  I absolutely loved that rather than just reading about Arlo, children are urged to take part in several interactive tasks, pulling them in as actual participants of the story. I found myself grinning as I imagined the books being turned upside down and shaken and the stomping and clapping the readers would so enjoy taking part in. The text is easy to read and doesn't talk down to readers, instead making them an active participant in Arlo's transformation. 

Important facts are subtly shared, such as why Arlo's initial rescue really wasn't a rescue and how to help not just Arlo but butterflies thrive. Illustrator Olga Sall did an excellent job showing us the steps, including the eventual chrysalis in different types of weather and even when, yikes, threatened by things like birds and a praying mantis. You'll also see the special kind of plant/flower caterpillar's need to gain the strength for their eventual change. It was fun to see the chrysalis being formed in different stages then follow it through the about 14 days needed for Arlo to reemerge but, oh, my, with a lovely new look. This is where the stomping and clapping come into play, btw, as children help keep Arlo safe from predators. Knowing how impatient even adults can be, I definitely appreciated the reminder that this was something Arlo needed to do on his own, so don't try to help him with his new wings. 

Bottom line, a fun guide to one of the things most of us have heard of but really not seen that manages to engage both the children's attention and participation. This would make a wonderful gift for a science teacher or anyone with an interest in such things. It's never too soon to engage children in not just being fascinated by nature but showing them how to focus that interesst. As such, kudos to the author for including a "Did you know...." type list at the end regarding the butterfly's role in our ecosystem. I didn't get the actual book, alas, just a digital copy, but there's a lovely bonus poster included with the book that shows the various stage of metamorphosis. And, yes, the milkweed flower gets lots of space for reasons you'll learn. Thank you author #CortneyCino and #WhimspireBooks for thinking of giving me this early peek at a lovely book that actually brought back some delightful ol' memories of walking through my school's butterfly garden and marveling at the love and care the children invested in it and the butterfly.

 

Heat Waves, by Trudy Becker

 Publication Jan. 1, 202

I've got to admit, that cover thermometer photo sure brought back memories. After spending most of my life in sunny Florida, it was temps like this that prompted my final decision to move north to Alaska and cooler (okay, occasionally frigid) temperatures. It didn't help that the frequent lightning storms that often accompany such temps blew up my A-C on one of those triple digit days. As the book says, the heat doesn't go away, either, when you're in the midst of a heat wave.

This short, quick read designed for K-1 level does an excellent job of describing what a heat wave is to young readers. Yes, heat can make you sick. While I might wish the book had offered a few more suggestions on how to maybe not totally beat the heat but stay at least more comfortable in it, given the target audience it does its job of hitting the basics. The color photos do a good job of helping convey the sense of heat, too. Thanks #NorthStarEditions for this early peek and the reminder for me to appreciate the comparative coolness of Alaska all the more. There's also a glossary (illustrated), table of contents, and index to help guide young readers. 

Ask Scarlett: Can Being Outside Help Me De-Stress? And More Questions about Nature and You, by Rebecca Baines

 

Publication August 5, 2025

Full of fascinating tidbits and information.While designed for younger readers, I feel we older ones might just as easily enjoy and learn from it.  Not only is the information, which ranges from weather, both normal and extreme, to animals (even the mole rat gets space), houseplants, how pets may help out health, as well as headaches, foods, and more. Seriously, it's all tied neatly to the outdoors. I liked that though they frequently pointed out that there was scientific info to back up their statements that they didn't go into minute details in the text. The kept it simple and easy to digest and understand. There is a resource list at the end for those desiring to do a deeper dive, plus a glossary of terms and a quite extensive index to make it easier to find particular topics of interest. 

The book is illustrated with both cartoon like images, ie Scarlett, and photos which are credited at the end. Young readers should find them interesting and even charming, at least I did. There are even some crafty projects suggested with instructions at some points which will add to the fun. Bottom line, quite informative in a fun, easily read manner, and full of fun, colorful pictures. Thanks #AmericanPhychologicalAssociation for sharing this early look at a book that I highly recommend to both teachers and adults with curious, inquisitive children. Another plus is that while I ultimately read straight through, one can browse randomly or use the various guides to find desired info. Seriously, teacher friends and outdoor lovers, add this one to your bookshelves to share. 

Finding the Titanic, by Dalton Rains

 While there wasn't much new here for me, a long time avid follower of the discovery, it serves as a nice, concise summation of the true Titanic story for the intended audience, grades 2-3. I do think it'll be of interest to older children and, yes, even adults like me who have maybe forgotten a few details. It's illustrated with both color and b/w photos with Fast Facts and information in side-bars throughout. It's clearly up-to-date, too, in its reminder of the dangers involved, citing the explosion of a manned-sub focused on a visual tour of the deteriorating vessel. 

Lost for some 70 years before being located by the team lead by Robert Ballard, the Titanic has had an unending hold on our imaginations. The book cites basics, it's size, number of passengers, and the various craft used in its discovery and initial investigation. One thing I'd forgotten was that the Navy, while claiming to be looking for the wreck, was using it as a cover story for another mission. Or, did I even know that? I'm honestly uncertain. In any case, not telling, but this story allows the book to utilize a strength, its glossary. While quite succinct, the definitions are simple and easy to understand, with the word "cover" getting space as in "cover story", so to speak, for the Navy's plan. There's also a Table of Contents, glossary, as noted, index, and list of both print and internet resources to use for more information. Scattered throughout are various sidebars with quick bits of added info, and "Fast Facts" that seem to appear in circles. Finally, at the end, there's also a list of questions to help check comprehension that seemed quite well done to this former teacher. 

Bottom line, a short and sweet guide and source for young Titanic fans to utilize both at their leisure and as a guided study. The photos at the end of everyday items retrieved from the doomed ship add an air of sadness, I must admit, reminding readers of the human lives involved in this tragedy. Thanks #NorthStarEditions - #Apex for sharing this peek at this resource with me. I'll be sharing it with teacher friends and parents.

The Northern Lights. by Jennifer Lombardo

 

Publication Jan. 15, 2025

With the Northern Lights dancing in my Alaskan skies so often of late, this seemed an appropriate read. Now, true, I'm one of those more captured by the awe and mystic they seem to summon up than the scientific data behind them but, hey, it's kinda fun to know, too. I mean, what does make those particles crash into each other and create the mysterious lights we see (if we're lucky)? This book will tell you in a simple, easy to understand manner. After all, it was primarily written for young readers. It's a great intro, however, for even adults who want to know about those particles and elements colliding and how the heck that winds up creating such beauty. It's all here, trust me. No matter your age, check it out. It even has pictures. 

I've been lucky enough to be able to step out on my own deck at times when the aurora is active and view them from my own deck. That definitely doesn't make me an expert on them, though. In fact, as I hustled to capture them on film over the last few months, I realized how much of the vocabulary of aurora chasing I had no clue what mean. STEVE? Who the heck was Steve? Or, more likely, what the heck was STEVE as people kept posting photos and asking if this was STEVE. So, I actually uttered a vocal "Yes!" when I encountered a full page with a photo about STEVE. Now, true, my not particularly scientific mind still doesn't quite understand the scientific basis for a STEVE, this book went a long way toward allowing me to finally make sense of it all. And, no, I'm not telling you what STEVE is. You need to read, just like me. Grin.

Bottom line, this is a good start for those interested in the aurora, no matter your age. Those seeking serious scientific knowledge based on aurora studies may be disappointed but, hey, remember, this is supposed to be a children's book. You will discover who may have first called the Northern Lights by their scientific name and why, as well as the science basics involved. You'll even find out why the colors vary and which are more common, as well as what the number of sun spots have to do with anything. All this and more. There's also a glossary and index included, as well as info on where to find more info online and off. My thanks to #RosenPublishingGroup and #ScientificAmericanEducationalPublishing for making this available to those of us who remain in awe of those marvelous dancing lights. I truly hope anyone reading this has a chance to see them live one day.

Genius Noses: A Curious Animal Compendium, by Lena Anlauf, Vitali Konstantinov (Illustrations)

 

Publication Sept. 19, 2023

Who'd have expected a book about, well, noses to be both informative and downright entertaining? Not me, to be honest. It was the animal angle that drew me to this one, genius noses or not, and I'm glad it did. I met some animals that, quite frankly, I'd never heard of, and more about how not just their noses work but how different species contribute to the well-being of others as well as the environment. All illustrated with whimsical yet realistic illustrations that often made me grin. In other words, I had fun reading it and learned new things, a win-win for me. 

This should definitely be on the book shelves of science teachers and those who have inquisitive children who love science and animals. You'll even be able to impress them by knowing that elephants have over 40,000 muscles in their trunks and can pick up some 660 pounds of weight with them almost as easily as they can a peanut. Bet they'll be as amused by the name Pinocchio Lizard and Stink Badger as I was, not to mention be amazed where those frequently tongue twister scientific names are derived from. And, that's only the very tip of all the fun, intriguing info within. Toss in a glossary, index, and notes on sources, not to mention a fun world map showing the primary location of the animals discussed and you've got a winner. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooks for giving me a sneak peek at these "Genius Noses" critters. I honestly changed my mind a dozen times on which one was most fascinating, a good sign that they all had something of worth to offer.

Little Tree and the Wood Wide Web, by Lucy Brownridge, Hannah Abbo (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 5, 2023

We're all interconnected, even trees. Although I've actually read a few things on this topic, it was interested to see this idea being set forth for children in such an interesting, easy to understant way. I couldn't help glancing out my own window and wondering what my spruce and birch trees might be talking about, so to speak, as I sat all nice and cozy in my warm home. I know I shed a tear or two when storm damage took down one of my majestic spruce trees, so I pondered what messages it may have been sending to its fellow trees as it ended its life.

I won't try to explain how trees communicate and collaborate since the author, a professor of Forest Ecology in Canada, does such an excellent job making it understandable to all ages. Well, okay, maybe with adult assistance for younger readers but you get my drift. Bottom line, a tree-in-need puts out a call through the web. No, not the World Wide web. The Wood Wide Web. It's all rather fascinating, actually. 

More importantly, while teaching how trees communicate and help each other, Brownridge subtly sends the message of the importance of human interaction and collaboration. It's even noted that when Little Tree was finally healthy and able, she returned the favor Paper Birch did for her. It's all told with lovely illustrations, with what I'd dub saturated colors, darker than I'm used to in most children's books, showing the world in what appears to be the depths of a forest as well as the intertwined roots, ie web below. 

There should be ample learning moments inspired by the illustrations alone. How are the trees shown alike and different? What sounds might you hear in the forest? What animals might live there? What animals/things do you spy as you look at the pictures....and many more. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #IvyKids for taking me for a walk in the forest. We really are never alone, a good thing to remember.

Julia Rothman's Nature Anatomy Activity Book: Match-Ups, Word Puzzles, Quizzes, Mazes, Projects, Secret Codes + Lots More, by Julia Rothman

 

Publication Sept. 26, 2023

Fun. Entertaining. Educational.

I'm not sure which of the activities grabbed me the most. No, that's not right. I've been pondering where I might have some sorta red-brown paper to try my hand at making an origami fox, so guess I'll give that one credit. Children may be more attracted to the idea of designing their own spider's web or making their own fossil but that's the real charm of this activity book. There's something for everyone, even us children at heart. 

The title pretty well tells you what's inside so I'm not going to drag out this review. I mean, I have puzzles to solve, clouds to observe and draw, tree rings to count, and...well, get my drift? It's a very hands-on book, inviting children to, gasp, write in it and record their own findings and ideas. For each topic addressed, there are fun activities, such as the edible constellation idea in regards to our night skies. Answers are given for the applicable activities, too, encouraging independent work. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #StoreyPublishing for providing us with these engaging prompts and ideas. I enjoyed every moment I spent with the book and will surely be going back to it again and again.

Nerdy Babies: Rocks, by Emmy Kastner

 

Children's Audio  6m 49s

I envisioned a scene with lots of rocks, rocks of all kinds, being passed around as the narration played. This one seemed a bit heavy on the big words, words many only learned in science class like sedimentary and metamorphic, so does seem to require a bit more hands-on, which can spur comparison for likes and differences, texture, and such. Obviously this one isn't aimed at babies, so I'm assuming the target audience is more kindergarten or early elementary although, quite frankly, some of the material and details could serve as a great refreshed for just about any age. 

I absolutely love the narration, which utilizes children's voices to ask questions and inject comments. That should make it all the more relatable to young listeners. We all like to hear/see someone who reminds us of ourselves. The book also emphasizes that it's good to ask questions. To be curious. That's how we learn, so a good thing to emphasize. Who knows, some budding scientists may be inspired by this book/series. Thanks #NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #MacmillanYoungListeners and #RoaringBrookPress for this delightful series. It's nice to be taken back to that childhood stage or wonder.