Sensational Scientists by Barry Shell Twenty-four renowned scientists, including some Nobel prize winners, are profiled in this book. They work in a wide range of fields, such as chemistry, biology, genetics and psychology. Each chapter includes a brief bio, a profile of the scientist when he/she was young, an explanation of the science that they do, and career advice for those interested in pursuing scientific employment. This is not a book that can be read cover-to-cover, or in its entirety. A lot of the math and physics concepts are quite difficult to grasp, as are the activities, which require equipment not readily accessible to the average reader. Of interest only to young people who are seriously into math and science.
Physics: Why Matter Matters! by Dan Green illustrated by Simon Basher The subject of physics can be a difficult to grasp, especially for visual learners. This book aims to change all that by using quirky characters to explain the building blocks of life. Meet Mass, a real man of substance, Acceleration, the adrenaline junkie, and Inertia, who resists motion. Then there's the Hot Stuff Gang - energy, entropy, and vacuum, the Wave Gang - water, sound, frequency, and amplitude, the Light Crew, the Atom Family, the Nuclear Heavies - radioactivity, photons, and beta particles, and the Electric Cuties - static, current, and magnetism. Conversational language and bright colors ensure this book a long life on reference shelves everywhere.
On the cover: Amplitude, Magnetism, Static Electricity. Jetting off above them: Acceleration.
Kids who like testing theories and hypotheses will enjoy this book. Twenty-one scientists from a variety of fields - zoology, psychology, kinesiology, and paleontology, to name a few - present easy-to-do activities that are directly related to their actual research. Whether they're making exploding pancakes, testing insect repellents, or observing human activity, kids will gain first-hand experience in becoming real scientists.
New Animal Discoveries by Ronald Orenstein In forests, mountains, jungles, and oceans live strange and beautiful creatures such as golden-brown mouse lemurs, tree-kangaroos, barking deer, heavy-plated coelacanths, and pygmy beaked whales. Even tiny organisms living on a lobster's lips! These new species and more are documented in Orenstein's interesting book. Future explorers will find it inspiring.
Alien Invaders: Species That Threaten Our World by Jane Drake & Ann Love illustrated by Mark Thurman Alien invaders - species that strangle, drown, sting, starve, or eat native animals - are slowly destroying ecosystems around the world. From rats, toads, snakes, and snails, to beetles, mussels, flies, and weeds, these pests weaken biodiversity and drive extinction. But all is not lost! The authors include some doable tips to lessen the damage of these alien invaders.
Strange New Species: Astonishing Discoveries Of Life On Earth by Elin Kelsey The world is a vast and exciting place where animal species not yet discovered are waiting to be identified. Within the pages of this vibrant book, you'll meet the traveling scientists who've found amazing creatures in some of the remotest parts of earth. In the rain forests, oceans, deserts, and lakes live tiny monkeys, fluffy anemones, salt-loving camels, and microbial mats. Truly fascinating and out-of-this-world!
A great many creatures share our urban environment. City Critters examines why cities are so attractive to wild animals, why certain animals seem well-suited to city-living, and what we can do to coexist peacefully with our new neighbours.
The sheer diversity of city critters are revealed by the chapter headings - mammals, marine mammals, fish and aquatic creatures, birds that fly, birds that swim, reptiles and amphibians, and insects and spiders. With colour photographs, interesting facts, and entertaining anecdotes, the book is ideal for animal-loving readers of all ages.
Coyotes in the Crosswalk: Canadian Wildlife in the City by Diane Swanson illustrated by Douglas Penhale The city is home to many animals, including peregrine falcons, raccoons, rabbits, skunks, and squirrels. Diane Swanson introduces many of these animals that make their homes in Calgary, Victoria, Montreal and other Canadian cities. Each five-page spread has detailed information about what each animal eats, how they raise their young, and where they like to nest. Detailed, black-and-white pictures add character to the book; the animals are much better drawn than the humans. Some readers may find the length of the book intimidating, but others will find it interesting. Look for the fact boxes, which contain funny stories about the animals' interactions with people.
Wild in the City by Jan Thornhill As Jenny is being tucked into bed, she hears a soft noise through the window. A family of raccoons are beginning their nighttime activities. One by one, nocturnal creatures such as skunks and bats are introduced, until daylight breaks and other animals emerge. Written as a story, Thornhill's book introduces readers to the many wild creatures that live often unnoticed in our cities. Nature Notes at the end of the story provide more details about each animal, with tips to find clues that reveal their presence. Thornhill also adds intrigue by hiding a letter in each picture, which, when put together, reveal the name of Jenny's cat.
I Love Yoga: A Guide for Kids and Teens by Ellen Schwartz This book is ideal for kids who already practice yoga and want to know more about it, or for kids who are merely curious and are thinking of trying it. Schwartz explains the benefits of yoga, the different branches of yoga, how the practice of yoga began, and how to find a yoga class that's right for you. She then provides detailed instructions on how to do sixteen basic poses, and how to modify the poses if you have disabilities.
Yoga in Action by Kelley MacAulay & Bobbie Kalman This book provides step-by-step instructions for fourteen common yoga poses. Illustrated by photos of children performing the poses, it is a good book for beginners. It includes a brief summary about the yoga lifestyle and teaches breathing exercises and meditation. These techniques help calm the mind and make yoga easier to practice.
I soar above the land and sea/or sit upon a giant tree. / Perching poised with piercing eyes,/I silently search sea and skies. / What am I?
The answer to each rhyming riddle is a yoga pose. The pictures clearly show what each pose looks like. Since children like imitating trees and animals, this is a fun introduction to yoga.
Today, in class, we're going to say / what jobs our parents do each day. / Niki says her mommy's a gardener. Sometimes, my daddy's a tree.
Instructions on how to perform a related yoga pose is illustrated. In the above excerpt, the tree pose is shown in 6 easy steps. Good for parents and kids to practice together.
Philosophy: A Discovery in Comics by Margreet de Heer The history of philosophy presented in an easy-to-digest comic book format. De Heer presents her thoughts about logic, reality, and free will, and how her growing self-awareness affects her life. Brief bios of deep thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Erasmus, Descartes, Nietzsche, and even comedian George Carlin round out the book.
Wise Guy: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates by M. D. Usher illustrated by William Bramhall M. D. Usher imagines Socrates as a questioning, curious child in this entertaining picture book. The simple text provides a brief summary of his life, while the more complex text, written in scroll-shaped sidebars, delves into the meanings behind his philosophy. The delightful, double-spread pictures add exuberance to the proceedings. Appealing to readers of all ages. Unfortunately, the book is not available at eitheramazon or Indigo. However, you can find it in the library.
by Russell Freedman illustrated by Frederic Clement If you think Confucius was a silly philosopher who always prefaced his quotes with Confucius say...‚ this book will change your view. Biographer Russell Freedman acknowledges that while such false perceptions are amusing (Confucius did have a sense of humor), there is a reason that the sayings of Confucius are still alive today. A bold, ambitious thinker, Confucius dared to question the Chinese way of government and advocate for reform. His teachings influenced public service, education, and democracy. It is no wonder, then, that Confucius remains relevant, and that some of his sayings were reinterpreted to suit the meanings and purposes of other rulers. An intelligent and thoughtful book, with lovely artwork that replicates ancient-style tapestries. Also available at the library.
