Science & Math

BISHOP, Nic. Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close. photos. by author. 48p. index. CIP. Scholastic. 2002. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-439-17478-3. LC 2001057620.
K-Gr 3- Using multiple photographs and a computer to create fascinating nature scenes, Bishop presents seven windows into the world of common insects and small animals. Each detailed double-page spread is followed by facts about the creatures pictured. Engaging and informative.

BRADLEY, Kimberly Brubaker. Energy Makes Things Happen. illus. by Paul Meisel. 33p. (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science Series). CIP. HarperCollins. 2003. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-028908-2; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-028909-0; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-06-445213-1. LC 2001039520.
Gr 1-3 -It's clear from this simple introduction that energy impacts everything we do, from flying a kite to driving a car. Colorful cartoon illustrations featuring ethnically diverse children and adults add appeal and help explain concepts such as the transfer of energy and fossil fuels.

BRANLEY, Franklyn M. Mission to Mars. illus. by True Kelley. 36p. (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science Series). photos. CIP. HarperCollins. 2002. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-029807-3; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-029808-1; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-06-445233-6. LC 00-054036.
Gr 2-3 -With an enticing blend of information and speculation, Branley invites readers to journey to the red planet, live in a space station, and explore a faraway frontier. Descriptive watercolor illustrations, helpful diagrams, and photographs from NASA clarify the text and stir the imagination.

COLLARD, Sneed B., III. Beaks! illus. by Robin Brickman. unpaged. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2002. PLB $16.95. ISBN 1-57091-387-0; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-57091-388-9. LC 2001004362.
K-Gr 4 -This visually attractive volume examines the appearances, purposes, and amazing possibilities of birds' beaks. An arresting presentation, complete with a clearly written text, fascinating facts, and stunning artwork.

JENKINS, Steve. Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution. illus. by author. Houghton. 2002. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-16476-6.
Gr 3-6 -Eye-catching, textured collages and a lucid, two-tiered text explore the basics of evolution. A well-reasoned and accessible look at the scientific theories explaining the innumerable variations, mutations, and extinctions that have occurred over the millennia.

LYON, George Ella. Mother to Tigers. illus. by Peter Catalanotto. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum/A Richard Jackson Bk. 2003. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-84221-X. LC 00-045375.
Gr 1-3 -The heart-lifting story of Helen Martini, a woman who lovingly raised abandoned animals in her apartment and eventually established the first nursery at the Bronx Zoo. With a lyrical text and distinguished collage artwork, this true-life tale affirms the importance of following your dreams.

O'BRIEN, Patrick. Mammoth. illus. by author. unpaged. maps. CIP. Holt. 2002 RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-6596-2. LC 2001002668.
Gr 2-4 -Featuring an attention-grabbing cover, this inviting book mixes an accessible text with abundant and informative illustrations. Dramatic paintings of these awesome animals in action alternate with diagrams and close-ups of mammoths and other creatures, providing a fascinating glimpse of the Ice Age world.

RAU, Dana Meachen. Jupiter. reprods. ISBN 0-7565-0198-9. LC 2001004418.
RAU, Dana Meachen. Mars. reprods. ISBN 0-7565-0199-7. LC 2001004416.
RAU, Dana Meachen. Mercury. ISBN 0-7565-0200-4. LC 2001004417.
ea vol: 32p. (Our Solar System Series). diags. illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Compass Point. 2002. PLB $21.26.
Gr 2-3 -Accessible language, crisp photos, and an enticing array of facts characterize these excellent introductions to the planets of our solar system. Essential tools that will satisfy report writers and stimulate the curiosity of young astronomers.

ROSS, Michael Elsohn. Re-Cycles. illus. by Gustav Moore. unpaged. (Cycles Series). CIP. Millbrook. 2002. PLB $22.90. ISBN 0-7613-1818-6. LC 2001044772.
Gr 1-3 -Written in three brief chapters and illustrated with detailed watercolor artwork, this straightforward, easy-to-understand examination of soil, water, and compost is just right for introducing basic recycling concepts.

SCHWARTZ, David M. Millions to Measure. illus. by Steven Kellogg. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. 2003. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-688-12916-1; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-623784-X. LC 2001039683.
Gr 1-5 -Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician is back, along with Kellogg's delightfully cheerful cartoon illustrations (How Much Is a Million? Lothrop, 1985; o.p.). In this title, the wizard presents a clearly written and humorous synopsis of the history of measurement as well as a brief overview of the metric system.

Earth Science for Children (Series). 10 videos. range: 23-27 min. with tchr's. guide. Prod. by Schlessinger Media. Dist. by Library Video Co. (www.libraryvideo.com). 2001. ISBN 1-57225-356-8. $299.50 ser., $29.95 ea. Includes: All About Earthquakes (ISBN 1-57225-357-6); All About Earth's History (ISBN 1-57225-358-4); All About Fossils (ISBN 1-57225-359-2); All About Land Formations (ISBN 1-57225-360-6); All About Natural Resources (ISBN 1-57225-361-4); All About Rocks & Minerals (ISBN 1-57225-362-2); All About Soil (ISBN 1-57225-363-0); All About the Water Cycle (ISBN 1-57225-364-9); All About Volcanoes (ISBN 1-57225-365-7; All About Weathering & Erosion (ISBN 1-57225-366-5).
K-Gr 5 -Cartoon robots Iggy and Geo take children on a learning adventure in this exceptional live-action series. Each segment includes an easy-to-duplicate experiment.

Forest Family Forever. video. 14 min. Prod. by Rainforest Action Network. Dist. by Environmental Media. (www.envmedia.com). 2001. ISBN 0-9628033-5-9. $39.95.
Gr 1-4 -An exploration of environmental responsibility in the rain forest. Beautiful live-action photography introduces wildlife, plants, and indigenous peoples. Actors Ed Asner and Jake Richardson portray a wise old tree and a curious young sapling, while Grateful Dead musician Mickey Hart provides musical accompaniment.

If You Made a Million. video. 15 min. (closed captioned). with tchr's. guide. Weston Woods. (www.scholastic.com/westonwoods). 2002. ISBN 0-78820-979-5. $60; also avail. 1 cassette w/hardcover book: $24.95, 1 CD w/hardcover book: $29.95.
Gr 1-4 -This animated version of David M. Schwartz's picture book, featuring Stephen Kellogg's lively illustrations, provides a fanciful introduction to the world of money. Marvelosissimo, the mathematical magician, and his pet unicorn teach children about U.S. currency and elements of personal finance including checking accounts, interest, and bank loans.

Weathering and Erosion. video. 21 min. with tchr's. guide. 100% Educational Video. (http://www.schoolvideos.com/videos/2521S.cfm). 2002. ISBN 1-58541-199-X. $59.95.
Gr 2-5 -Beautiful scenery abounds in this informational video about the change in landforms caused by wind, water, ice, temperature, gravity, and humankind. Simple experiments are demonstrated.

Learn About Life Science: Dinosaurs. 1 hybrid CD-ROM, tchr's. guide. Systems: Win 95 & later, Macintosh 7.5 & later. Sunburst. (www.sunburst.com). 2002. #964202. 1-10 computers: $89.95.
K-Gr 3 -Professor Labcoat and Dr. Digs guide youngsters through a colorful, exciting selection of games and activities. Solid content is integrated in this appealing, easy-to-navigate offering of graphic, audio, and video materials.

A + Math. www.aplusmath.com. Steve Chase. (Accessed 7/7/03).
K-Gr 3 -Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills are tested on this easy-to-navigate site while links to flashcards, memory games, and homework sheets offer lots of opportunity for practice.

The Adventures of Herman. www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/worms. University of Illinois Extension. (Accessed 7/7/03).
K-Gr 5 -A delightful way to learn all about worms, guided by 'Squirmin' Herman.' This colorful site allows children to read about this creature's anatomy, diet, taxonomy, habitat, and role in nature.