Jennifer Dewey

Have you ever been told you have a face only a mother could love? I hope not! This is a cute book that discusses animals that the author considers to have strange looking faces as babies. It is geared more towards upper elementary aged readers, but would be appropriate as a read aloud or to paraphrase and explore the unique illustrations with very young readers. Since it goes into more descriptive explanations of each animal, it would have been nice if the book included a couple bonus sections in the back of maybe what the baby animals are called or possibly a glossary of important terms. The table of contents was helpful if the reader wanted to read about each animal in piecemeal. My preschool students enjoyed looking at the pictures and naming the animals.… (more)

Rock art is used as a way to explain the histories of the tribes that created it. There are interesting tidbits about their way of life and migration patterns--- things discerned from the centuries-old art. The patterns form an interesting historical narrative in which farming develops, leading to permanent settlements. The book really finds its stride as it focuses on one particular group, the Anasazi. Young learners might be very fascinated (and slightly disgusted-- hey, whatever keeps their interest) in knowing ancient Anasazi art methods: using animal blood to make paints and the like. The book also has a great cultural narrative, and could be used by teachers looking to diversify their readings.… (more)

This book which was written to inform us about “poison dart frogs” that live in the rain forest of central and south America. This well written book tells us what the poison dart frogs look like, how they mate with others, how hunters gather the poison from the actual frogs for hunting, and how dangerous they are to other animals. I enjoyed this book because it taught me about an animal that I was completely clueless about. I learned that frogs born in zoos and aquariums never develop poisons on their skins and that surprised me. It was a fascinating and enjoyable read and I would recommend it for children learning about their environment.… (more)

This is a good informative book for children to learn about this unique animal. The book explains just how dangerous these little frogs can be, even if you cannot always see them off of first glance. "Golden poison dart frogs measure 1 inch (2.54cm) long and weigh less than 1 ounce (28 grams). These bright-yellow frogs have black eyes and black-tipped toes. They are the most dangerous dart frogs in the world." It also provides facts that are straight to the point. Overall a great read for additional out of the ordinary information that children may find more interesting than you think. The author wants children to discover what makes these frogs so unique and dangerous at the same time.… (more)