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

Dickmann, Nancy. La Carne y las proteinas.

Dickmann, Nancy.   La Carne y las proteinas.      

Heinemann (Capstone)    2011  24p 16.77 978-1-4329-5130-6 

elem              VG-BNes     

Children learn which animals and other food products contain proteins, why eating proteins is

important and the negative side of eating too many fatty foods.   The

combination of simple sentences, repetition of key vocabulary words and eye-

catching photographs is perfect for young children to learn about healthy foods

that contain proteins.  Written in Spanish, this handy guide will entertain

children, parents, elementary school teachers and early readers. Its simple

sentences make reading practice easy and fun, and the repetition of certain key

words promotes early reading skill building.  With each turn of a page, a new

sight greets a youngster!  The best is a huge tuna draped across the shoulder of

a young fisherman.  The tuna’s eye looks right at the readers making this

picture the best in the book!  Finally, the book teaches the basics about

proteins in a clear, well-organized format, making this book a very good

selection for Spanish-speakers.  The diversity is contemporary, the colors and

food arrangements are eye-catching and the glossary is clear and illustrated! 

Spanish speakers who have first learned to read and write in their own language

find learning to read English to be much easier.  With books such as this one,

students can practice reading at the same time learning how to make healthy

choices.    “Comer sano” includes books about milk & cheese, fruits, greens,

grains and the food pyramid.  

Written in Spanish, this set is wonderful to introduce healthy eating to young readers.  

It describes the food groups, their origins and their benefit to the body.    Squaresky, Martha