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________________
CM . . . .
Volume VII Number 1 . . . . September 8, 2000
Under a Stone. (Small Worlds).
Jen Green.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing Co., 1999.
32 pp., pbk. & cl., $9.86 (pbk.) $19.96 (cl.).
ISBN 0-7787-0137-9 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0137-9 (cl.).
Subject Headings:
Prairie ecology-Juvenile literature.
Soil ecology-Great Plains-Juvenile literature.
Prairie animals-Juvenile literature.
Grades 2 - 6 / Ages 7 - 11.
Review by Harriet Zaidman.
**** /4
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A Tidal Pool. (Small Worlds).
Philip Steele.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing Co., 1999.
32 pp., pbk. & cl., $9.86 (pbk.) $19.96 (cl.).
ISBN 0-7787-0149-2 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0135-2 (cl.).
Subject Headings:
Tide pool ecology-Atlantic Coast (North America)-Juvenile literature.
Tide pool animals-Atlantic Coast (North America)-Juvenile literature.
Tide pool plants-Atlantic Coast (North America)-Juvenile literature.
Grades 2 - 6 / Ages 7 - 11.
Review by Harriet Zaidman.
**** /4
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A Rain Forest Tree. (Small Worlds).
Lorien Kite.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing Co., 1999.
32 pp., pbk. & cl., $9.86 (pbk.) $19.96 (cl.).
ISBN 0-7787-0146-8 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0132-8 (cl.).
Subject Headings:
Trees-ecology-South America-Juvenile literature.
Rain forest ecology-South America-Juvenile literature.
Rain forest animals-South America-Juvenile literature.
Grades 2 - 6 / Ages 7 - 11.
Review by Harriet Zaidman.
**** /4
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A Freshwater Pond. (Small Worlds).
Adam Hibbert.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing Co., 1999.
32 pp., pbk. & cl., $9.86 (pbk.) $19.96 (cl.).
ISBN 0-7787-0147-6 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0135-6 (cl.).
Subject Headings:
Pond ecology-North America-Juvenile literature.
Freshwater ecology-North America-Juvenile literature.
Grades 2 - 6 / Ages 7 - 11.
Review by Harriet Zaidman.
**** /4
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A Dead Log. (Small Worlds).
Jen Green.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing Co., 1999.
32 pp., pbk. & cl., $9.86 (pbk.) $19.96 (cl.).
ISBN 0-7787-0150-6 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0136-0 (cl.).
Subject Headings:
Trees ecology-North America-Juvenile literature.
Forest ecology-North America-Juvenile literature.
Forest animals-North America-Juvenile literature.
Grades 2 - 6 / Ages 7 - 11.
Review by Harriet Zaidman.
**** /4
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A Saguaro Cactus. (Small Worlds).
Jen Green.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree Publishing Co., 1999.
32 pp., pbk. & cl., $9.86 (pbk.) $19.96 (cl.).
ISBN 0-7787-0148-4 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0134-4 (cl.).
Subject Headings:
Saguaro ecology-Sonoran Desert-Juvenile literature.
Desert ecology-Sonoran Desert-Juvenile literature.
Grades 2 - 6 / Ages 7 - 11.
Review by Harriet Zaidman.
**** /4
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excerpt:
Fanged hunters
The rocks and stones around the saguaro cactus are home to several kinds of snakes. The eight
foot (2.5 m) long diamondback rattlesnake is one of the most fearsome desert creatures. Its sharp
fangs contain a poison powerful enough to kill a person. The rattlesnake hunts at night, looking
for small animals such as mice and rats. It picks up animal scents with the help of its forked
tongue. Special tiny pits on either side of its head are sensitive to heat. The rattlesnake can sense
heat given off by the bodies of its prey. It slithers closer to its prey, then strikes. Its fanged teeth
inject a poison that quickly kills the prey. The snake then swallows its victim whole.
(A Saguaro Cactus)
The "Small Worlds Series," published by Crabtree, is an excellent collection of science books for
juvenile libraries. They are full of interesting, fascinating scientific information that is clearly
understandable by younger readers and remains useful for older child researchers.
The books are organized in a consistent style, with the general subject matter being dealt with
before the specific. For example, A Saguaro Cactus discusses "Deserts Around the World" and
displays a map at the beginning of the book. It then deals with the specific topic of the saguaro in
subsequent two page chapters. There is a table of contents, a glossary for words highlighted in the
text (Words to Know) and an index. The text covers the subject matter thoroughly. "Fantastic
Facts" are sprinkled lightly throughout the books, superimposed on appropriate artwork (cactus,
stone, leaf, etc.). Colourful pictures and some drawings both illustrate the text. The last chapter of
each book gives the reader the opportunity to become a nature detective, with tips and exercises
to involve the child in understanding nature.
The cover of each book shows a picture of the subject matter, with pictures and drawings of the
appropriate wildlife. A small Planet Earth graces the top centre of the cover. As individual books
or as a series, these books will capture the interest of young readers and will be a useful
educational resource.
Highly Recommended.
Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - September 8, 2000.
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