Yolen, Jane. Thunder Underground.

Yolen, Jane.  Thunder Underground. Boyd's Mills/Word Song     2017  30p $17.95  Hardback  ISBN 978-159078-936-0  pre K-elem      Poetry      E-BN

This collection of poems by Jane Yolen is beautifully combined with colorful illustrations by José Masse that will help the reader grasp a better understanding of each poem. As readers progress through the book they will learn about subway travel, tree roots, seeds, lava, moles and my favorites, underground rivers and spelunking. The final poem in the book ties all of the poems together for the reader and provides a satisfactory ending.
   

This is a beautiful poetry book that can be used at all levels of instruction. The poems are so lyrical and crisp that enjoyment is a certainty.  The book can be used in many ways in different libraries. It would be an excellent addition.

Summary: A collection of insightful poems by Jane Yolen that will inform young readers about what they can find underground. José Masse illustrates the pages with colorful supporting graphics.    

Nature, Poetry                                              --Linda McNeil

Dickmann, Nancy La Vida de la Abeja

Dickmann, Nancy      La Vida de la Abeja  

Heinemann (Capstone)        2011   24p     21.50     978-1-4329-5270-9        

elem                Watch it grow(Capstone)     VG-BNes

            Spanish language translation of The Life of a Bee.  The volume provides a

visual and factual account of the life cycle of bees for younger readers.

            Outstanding color photos and simple to understand text provide an

excellent overview of the life cycle of bees for younger readers.  This volume

is the Spanish translation of The Life of a Bee, and is also available in a dual

language version.  Each stage of a bee’s life is presented both visually and

factually, with large photos at the top of each page, and the factual text

beneath.  Word ╥balloons╙ are used to point out specific elements of the photos

for increased detail.  A picture glossary at the end is beneficial for both

emerging readers and students learning the Spanish language.  A life cycle chart

at the end summarizes the information presented and makes the cycle more

understandable.  The only flaw in this otherwise excellent volume is the

omission of the term zangano in the picture glossary.  The inclusion of that

definition would do much to enhance the student understanding of the three types

of bees.  In addition, the term is also a slang term with several negative

translations, and, if known by younger readers, would only serve to confuse them. 

An index is also included.     This book is part of the Mira Como Crece (Watch it

Grow) series in Spanish.  The series consists of 11 books at this time.  The

focus of the series is an introduction to plant and animal life cycles.

            Naismith, Pat

Eggs. by Marilyn Singer

Singer, Marilyn. Eggs.
Holiday House, 2008, 32p, $16.95, 978-0-8234-1727-8.
Elementary
This is an excellent explanation of variety of styles, functions, and general characteristics of eggs throughout a variety of species.
This book is memorable because of the perfect symmetry of the detailed gouache paintings and the succinct text. The blending of both styles present an insightful picture of the wonders of the life of an egg in today’s world. Students of all ages will sit entranced as they read this book or simply browse through it.
The resources added at the back of the book further enhances the usefulness of the book for school libraries.
The Marilyn Singer’s choice of facts and style is appropriate for young readers and other ages. The amount chose is just enough to entice and inform.
Emma Stevenson has a wonderful understanding of the natural world. Her gouache paintings provide a vivid interpretation of the wildlife found in nature. The details enhance and supply the readers with factual details not presented by words. LM