Miller, Connie Colwell. The Loch Ness Monster/el Monstruo del Lago Ness.

Miller, Connie Colwell.  The Loch Ness Monster/el Monstruo del Lago Ness.  Capstone Publishers  32p  $25.99 978-1-4296-9233-5     2013 elem  VG-Bnes  series: Mysteries of Science    

This book includes an enumeration of the sightings of the famous Loch Ness Monster, a look at the characteristics of the “monster” and scientists’ attempts to use sonar to search for Nessie (as she has been nicknamed).  The book has several strengths that make it a Book of Note.  First, the sentences are well-written in both English and Spanish.  Next, the vocabulary is defined on the page on which it appears, an excellent way to teach young readers the importance of vocabulary study.  Furthermore, there is a vocabulary list at the end that guarantees that a reader will visit the new words one way or another.  Finally, the layout is enticing, with a large number of authentic photographs.  The topic is compelling, for what child will not delight in discovering that there may be a monster that resembles a plesiosaur living in a loch in Scotland!? 

The book begins with a sighting that happened back in 1934 and moves forward to describe what other people have seen since then.  The habitat is described as well.  There was a period when visitors flocked to the lake and returned home disappointed.  In fact, scientists have searched the bottom of the lake with sonar, which has revealed nothing.  Nevertheless, people have witnessed some unusual sights at the lake, and the legend endures to this day.  The clever layout includes Spanish translations, and this does not deter from the flow of the content in any way.  Bilingual readers will be able to navigate the pages in two languages, and teachers will enjoy sharing translations that have been done in perfect Spanish on each page!  

This bilingual series includes books about the Loch Ness Monster, ghosts, UFOs, and Bigfoot.  In each, there is a description of the creature(s), a look at their habitat, enumeration of the sightings, and opinions as to whether or not the sightings are a hoax.  

Loch Ness Monster                                     --Martha Squaresky