School Library Journal» Houghton Harcourt

Pick of the Day: Wild Horse Scientists

SLJ — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:00:48 +0000

FRYDENBORG, Kay. Wild Horse Scientists. 80p. (Scientists in the Field Series Series). diags. further readig. glossary. index. maps. photos. reprods. websites. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-51831-2.
Gr 5 Up–Focusing on the wild horses of Assateague Island, Frydenborg effectively combines scientific facts such as coloration and size, as well as the actual definition of a wild animal, with a compelling narrative about several of the scientists who are working to protect and maintain the wild horse population there. A large chunk of the book describes the horse-population management, from its inception to implementation, through the use of a fertility-control medication called PZP, though the depth of detail on this specific topic might occasionally go over the heads of younger readers. However, intriguing facts, the history of the horses, and the general descriptions of life on Assateague Island make for an excellent read. The dedication and knowledge of the scientists come through, and their work is clearly important. As with other titles in this series, the photography is outstanding, and the images of horses going about their daily business in all kinds of conditions put them front and center. A useful FAQ section, glossary of terms, and a thorough bibliography and list of websites encourage further exploration of the topic. A worthy complement to most collections.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Pick of the Day: Twelve Kinds of Ice

SLJ — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:21:04 +0000

OBED, Ellen Bryan. Twelve Kinds of Ice. illus. by Barbara McClintock. 64p. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-618-89129-0.
Gr 3-6–The coming of winter in the rural north brings ice. The first ice “came on the sheep pails…a skim of ice so thin that it broke when we touched it.” Gradually as the weather grows colder, the ice becomes field ice, “short-lived but glorious…,” stream ice, black ice from “water shocked still by the cold before the snow.” The ice and its activities continue until finally it becomes only fond memories as the narrator and her family enjoy never melting “Dream Ice,” the kind that can be skated on until the first ice came again, “a skim so thin, it broke when we touched it.” The brief, lyrical vignettes evoke each and every sense as readers share the cold, feel the bumps on ice, see the creation of “oozing yellow sun spots” as ice melts, and hear music at the skating party and the noise of children playing hockey. Delicate pen-and-ink illustrations enhance the action, emotions, and humor of each short description of ice and frosty goings-on. Regardless of where readers spend their winters, they are sure to enjoy sharing the author’s memories of the season in Maine in this brief but unforgettable volume.–Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library

Pick of the Day: Sleep Like a Tiger

SLJ — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:00:05 +0000

LOGUE, Mary. Sleep Like a Tiger. illus. by Pamela Zagarenski. 40p. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-64102-7.
PreS-Gr 1–The common theme of a child not ready for bed receives fresh treatment here. When a young girl repeatedly declares that she is not sleepy, her parents remain calm. She dutifully dresses in pajamas and washes up. After climbing into bed, she again proclaims that she is wide awake and questions her parents about how things in the world go to sleep. They patiently respond by describing the sleeping habits of familiar animals. After they kiss her goodnight and turn out the light, the child incorporates her parents’ descriptions of the various animals into her nighttime routine. Like the strong tiger, she, too, falls fast asleep. The narrative flows well as the mood becomes increasingly tranquil. There is much dialogue in the first portion of the story. These conversations between daughter and parents are realistic. Young listeners will identify with the child’s desire to remain awake. Zagarenski’s stylized artwork shines with interesting details. For instance, the family is portrayed as royalty. The artist’s distinctive spreads are a combination of digitally created art and mixed-media paintings on wood. The artist incorporates many patterns into the characters’ clothing, rooms, blankets, and pillows. Her attention to detail can be found again on the endpapers where primitive circuslike train cars, a tiger riding proudly atop one of them, appear in sunlight and later in moonlight. The dust jacket depicting the sleeping youngster curled up beside a dozing tiger ushers in the gentle and calm mood of this memorable picture book.–Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH