We haven’t had a photograph for Bug of the Week in a long time, so let’s add one to celebrate National Nature Photography Day.
In the past we’ve seen these damselflies in August and September, so June 15, 2022 seems early. Maybe we just missed them before.
The damselfly is hunting for insects on our sunflower plants.
Summer conjures up thoughts of a trip to the beach. Today we have a new picture book that is a perfect selection for accompanying a trip to the beach as well as for celebrating #WorldOceanDay on June 8 and #NationalSeashellDay on June 21, What A Shell Can Tell: Â Where They Live, What They Eat, How They Move and More by Helen Scales and illustrated by Sonia Pulido.
Award-winning marine biologist Helen Scales introduces children to the wonders of all molluscs (The British spelling for the phylum is used throughout. In the US, they are called mollusks.) She answers a series of questions, such as “What is a shell?” “What can a shell’s color tell you?”, “Who else uses shells?” etc.
Because Scales is an expert in the topic, the answers are spot on. They are well organized, informative, and up-to-the-minute accurate. They are also enjoyable to read. Although the recommended reading age is 6 to 9 years old, I would say that it is more like 6 years old (probably with an adult to help) plus. Adults will likely learn new things from it.
The text is well done, but it is the gorgeous illustrations that will keep you going back. They feature vibrant colors, the interesting shapes, and water that ripples off the page.
What a Shell Can Tell is great to accompany a trip to the beach, or to conjure up cool waves in your own home. It would be a must-have resource for libraries, too. Enjoy a copy today!
What kinds of shells can you identify in this photograph? Do they all belong to mollusks*?
If a trip to the beach is in your future, be sure observe the shells closely and to take along resources to learn more about them.
*In the photograph above, the crab claw shell is the exoskeleton of a crustacean, not a mollusk.
Reading age †: ‎ 6 – 9 years
Publisher †: ‎ Phaidon Press (June 8, 2022)
ISBN-10 †: ‎ 1838664319
ISBN-13 †: ‎ 978-1838664312
Disclosure: An e-ARC of this book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.
Coming out just in time from World Bee Day May 20, we have the nonfiction picture book, Honeybee Rescue: A Backyard Drama by Loree Burns and with photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz.
When a honey bee colony gets too crowded, a portion of the bees split off to find a new place to live, which is called “swarming”. Sometimes the bees of the swarm set up their new nest in an inconvenient place, like inside a house. Find out how bee rescuer Mr. Jon Nelson safely captures wild honey bees and moves them into a hive box for relocation. It’s a fascinating process!
Photographs are detailed and close-up, so the reader feels like they are standing right next to the bee rescuer.
The most amazing part is that Mr. Nelson doesn’t wear fancy protective clothing. That because he lives in a place where the honey bees are relatively gentle and because he knows exactly how to act around bees to keep them calm.
Honeybee Rescue would be perfect, of course, for budding beekeepers and entomologists. However, it might also be important to share with young readers who are scared of honey bees. Reading about things that frighten us often lessens those fears.
In any case, sweeten your week with a copy of this heartwarming book!
Explore our growing list of children’s books about bees at Science Books for Kids.
Reading age †: ‎ 5 – 8 years
Publisher †: ‎ Charlesbridge (May 10, 2022)
ISBN-10 †: ‎ 1623542391
ISBN-13 †: ‎ 978-1623542399
Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Looking for more children’s nonfiction books? Try the Nonfiction Monday blog.
For more information, see Roberta Gibson Writes.
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