"How This Book Was Made" by Mac Barnett

"How This Book Was Made" 

by Mac Barnett

48 pages /  Print / Non-Fiction

Summary: Mac Barnett brings you on a journey from start to finish on how to create a picture book. Through humor and clever illustrations, he makes it easy and fun to learn the process of bookmaking. He teaches us how a book starts with a good idea, goes through drafts, editors, revisions, illustrations, printing, and finally gets delivered to you, the reader.

Evaluation: This book presents the facts of bookmaking in a clever and engaging way that all ages will appreciate. I think most children have the dream of publishing their own picture book, and this book serves as a resource and inspiration for them. It also teaches young readers that making a book takes a lot of effort and time between a lot of different people. Apart from being a non-fiction text, this book is just as fun to read as a fiction picture book would be.

Appeal Terms: engrossing, humorous, engaging, fact-filled, well developed

"Look and Find Transportation" by Thierry Laval

"Look and Find Transportation" 

by Thiery Laval

40 pages /  Print / Non-Fiction

Summary: A pull-out, search, and find book for all things transportation. Readers visit an airport, city, construction site, train station, and seaport. Each location has many vehicles, tools and people to find. A great read for anyone that is curious to learn new vocabulary about transportation.

Evaluation: This book is very fun to read and interact with. the pages fold out on both sides to reveal a large illustration. Readers need to find the picture of the new vocabulary on the page, which is great for reinforcing learning. Children learn best when they can see and do something. Many of the new vocabulary words are new for children, but they may have seen them before (for example: "scaffolding". Scaffolding is on almost every corner in NYC where there is construction.). I expect readers to seek out the new vocabulary when they walk around outside. This book is great to share with a partner while they look for the picture of the words on the page. Children love transportation vehicles, so this book will be a hit!

Appeal Terms: realistic, engrossing, leisurely, engaging, fact-filled, life like

"Smart About Sharks" by Owen Davey

"Smart About Sharks" 

by Owen Davey

40 pages /  Print / Non-Fiction

Summary: This informational book has everything "Sharks"! Come explore how sharks live their lives in the oceans and seas. There is much to learn about sharks, inside and out. Where do they live? What do they eat? Do other fish prey on sharks? Which shark can jump the highest? After reading this book, you will be "smart about sharks".

Evaluation: A great resource for young readers to get their fill on this favorite ocean animal. Owen Davey's illustrations are gentle and detailed, making this book readable for all ages. He uses language that a young middle schooler would use ("The Great White Shark is the rock star of the ocean.", "Something to sink your teeth into") and describes scientific terms in easy words. The table of contents and index in the book make it easy to navigate and find specific information on sharks. The color scheme used is very nice too look at, like a well designed website. The illustrations play with the words and information blurbs throughout the book, making it fun to read and explore.


Appeal Terms: animal, engrossing, engaging, fact-filled, realistic

"A Log's Life" by Wendy Pfeffer, Illustrated by Robin Brickman

"A Log's Life" 

by Wendy Pfeffer, Illustrated by Robin Brickman

32 pages /  Print / Realistic

Summary: "A Log's Life" brings us through the amazing life cycle of tree as it falls, decomposes and gives life to a new tree. Many animals and insects depend on a tree in each stage of its life. The book reads like a story, but it is very educational. Realistic illustrations add to the value of this fascinating book.

Evaluation: This book is an excellent tool for understanding and appreciating nature's greatest gift, trees. A teacher could use this book in a science class to introduce a unit on earth science. The illustrations and text are very meditative, making you feel like you are walking through a shady forest. The message of this book with surely make readers appreciate trees and how many creatures interact with it. The message of rebirth (of the tree) is beautiful and could be used as a metaphor for human life.

Appeal Terms: animal, realistic, engrossing, easy, engaging, event oriented, fact-filled, life like