Orr, Tamara B. Polar Bears.

Orr, Tamara B.  Polar Bears.  Scholastic/Childrens Press   2013  48p   $28.00  ISBN 978-0-531-20980-6      elem series: Nature's Children       E-BN 

From polar bears’ environment to how they raise their cubs, this book is nonstop interesting! Nature’s Children as a series has been around for many years. The quality continues to be outstanding, from the photos of animals in their natural environments to the fluency of their text.  Most striking is the book’s attention to providing measurements that relate to concepts that a child can understand: stating that a baby polar bear weighs around two pounds and then comparing the size to that of a squirrel makes a visual impression that leads to true understanding of the size of a cub, so small when compared to the adult female and male polar bears.  Including a chart with a male polar-bear outline compared to that of a grown human male really puts the enormous size of the polar bear into perspective.  The map of polar bears’ habitats that also shows the puzzling imbedding between grizzlies and polar bears provides scientific “thinkable” moments.  Also of importance are the effects of hunting and global warming that threaten the livelihood of the polar bear.  The information on the ability of bears to swim and survive in the cold are well written and entertaining as well as thought-provoking.  Fun facts, a glossary of highlighted terms, a list for further reading, and an index just add to this outstanding book.      Nature’s Children contains numerous titles about a wide range of animals. Each book contains crisp, colorful photos and the text flows easily, with fascinating facts about each animal. Perfect for report writers in grades 2-5.    

Polar bears                                                       --Lois McNicol

Orr, Wendy. Missing! A Cat Called Buster.

Orr, Wendy.  Missing! A Cat Called Buster. (Rainbow Street Shelter)     Henry Holt/Macmillan Children's Pub Group, 2011.  117p.  $15.99.  ISBN 978-0-8050-8932-5    elem  VG-BNe      Cat Story  

     When the pet you have loved dies, can your heart find room for a new pet?  In this, the second title in the Rainbow Street Shelter series, Josh finds the answer to that question.  Josh and his family are dealing with the death of their pet rabbit.  At about the same time a neighborhood cat goes missing.  Much of the story is told through the eyes of Buster, the large marmalade cat.  When Buster’s owner falls and can’t get up, Buster stays with him until he can call for help.  When the ambulance takes his owner away, Buster panics and runs away.  He works his way home but hides from everyone.  Josh feels so bad for Buster that he keeps searching for him.  Josh finally rescues Buster and finds that Buster has chosen him to be his new owner, rather than the other way around. 
Every pet owner will love this story.  It deals with the death of a pet and the feeling that you never want to hurt this much again.  It also deals with a scared animal in panic mode. Students will empathize with both the human and animal characters.  It touches on the work of an animal-rescue shelter.  It also addresses the attachment between pet and owner.
     The suspense builds and is pleasantly resolved.  Sometimes the reader can predict the action, but there are unexpected twists.  An altogether enjoyable read for upper-elementary-grade students.         

     The Rainbow Street Shelter series will soon have three titles about animals who may be lost, or have never had a home, but all of whom need someone to love.  The titles are Lost! A Dog Named Bear, Missing! A Cat Called Buster, and soon to be published, Wanted! A Guinea Pig Called Henry.  

Joan Theal