Making sense of dog senses: How our furry friends experience the world by Stephanie Gibeault, illustrated by Raz Latif

This was a unique and fun nonfiction book. There are plenty of nonfiction books about dog breeds, their evolution from wolves, communication with our furry friends, and the like. However, this book specifically explores all a dog's senses, not just their noses!

The introduction starts off very well, noting specifically that these are generalities and every dog is different. It also mentions other senses we don't usually talk about, like proprioception. With examples of specific dog behavior, Gibeault explains the science behind how dogs see, smell, taste, touch, and hear. She also talks about how these senses have developed over the evolution of dogs, how different breeds may have different degrees of senses, and how their senses affect their behavior. The last section talks about the possibility of dogs' ability to sense the magnetic pull of the poles, magnetoreception, and compares dog senses to humans, concluding that we're all amazing just as we are.

The text is in larger chunks, usually in two columns per page, but Latif's brightly colored illustrations not only show the scientific and anatomical concepts, they also include brightly colored backgrounds to guide readers through the text. Although I have been struggling a lot in getting kids to read longer nonfiction, the layout of this book should make it an easier sell to reluctant readers and the popular topic will intrigue them.

Verdict: A strong addition to nonfiction collections, this fills a niche in talking about all the senses of dogs and the layout makes the longer text accessible. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781771475242; Hardcover at $11.17 on Baker & Taylor

Published April 2024 by Owlkids

Mountain of fire: The eruption and survivors of Mount St. Helens by Rebecca E. F. Barone

 Chapter book length nonfiction, especially if it's not broken up by photographs and graphic layouts, is getting harder and harder to promote in my library. Kids struggle to read large sections of text and don't have the fluency necessary for more complex texts. That's my guess anyways. I think the fact that fiction is so strongly promoted in the context of reading doesn't help either.

I love nonfiction, but I can't just purchase books because I enjoy them - although I still try to maintain a strong collection of upper level nonfiction texts, I also need to balance this with what circulates and attracts my patrons. In my latest weed of our juvenile nonfiction collection in the summer of 2024, I'm seeing different trends in what circulates and what doesn't, as well as watching school requests shift towards different topics and how they are presented.

All of which is to say that Barone has done a great job in her latest nonfiction title and I am confident of finding an audience for it, as I have for her previous work.

In short, exciting chapters that match the action-packed cover, Barone tells the story of the months leading up to the devastating eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. She brings out the best of her narrative nonfiction skills and tells a story that moves quickly between science and personal stories, building an unbiased picture of the disaster. There are numerous people involved, but she gives each one a quick personal portrait, showing their involvement and including their own words when possible.

The narrative moves quickly but thoroughly through the events leading up to the first eruption, speaks honestly and respectfully of the deaths of key characters like Harry Truman and David Johnston, and then narrates the experiences of survivors. She moves on to the aftermath, speaking of the grief and anger of those who lost friends, showing just how narrowly the eruption missed having a massive death toll, and then addresses how the disaster was handled in ensuing days and years and including a specific list of things scientists - and others - learned from the eruption.

Verdict: Nonfiction fans who like fast-paced narrative history and disaster will be quick to pick this up, but it will also be an easy sell to fans of I Survived and similar stories. Barone has incorporated the adventure and drama of a survival story with behind-the-scenes science, creating a great blend of narrative and information that will hold the interest of even the most reluctant readers. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781250881656; Hardcover at $10.63 on Baker & Taylor

Published May 2024 by Henry Holt; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Fish farts and other amazing ways animals adapt by Joanne Settel, illustrated by Natasha Donovan

 Joanne Settel has written a number of quirky, hilarious books from Exploding Ants, which is the most similar to this current book, to her collections of anatomy-themed poetry, like Your amazing digestion from mouth through intestine. 

Her latest work focuses on animal adaptations. The book is a picture book layout, with pages of text alternating with full page illustrations. The book is divided into sections with different animals illustrating how they have adapted to communicate and hide from predators, adaptations around poop and internal organs, and mutualism/parasites. There's also an extensive glossary.

Readers will be delighted to learn about how whale poop feeds a whole ecosystem, how an elephant communicates with vibrations, and of course how wood frogs can freeze solid in the winter and then revive in the spring, a favorite of mine! There are lots of interesting new facts, at least to me, from why giraffes have a blue tongue to the connections between moths and sloth poop.

Settel has a lively, readable style and this is paired with vibrant illustrations from Canadian artist Natasha Donovan. Vivid green lizards, capuchin monkeys with their fingers up each other's noses, and a yellow-brown frog puking up a bombardier beetle are just a few of the memorable illustrations in this book.

Verdict: A strong addition to any animal collection, this is an attractive and readable nonfiction book that is sure to find an audience in most libraries, public or school. The mix of disgusting and informative is just right and the length of the book is perfect with Donovan's stunning illustrations nicely breaking up the text. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781665918831; Reinforced binding $15.19 on Baker & Taylor

Published July 2024 by Atheneum; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Cosmic Collisions: Asteroid vs. Comet by Dr. Marc J. Kuchner, illustrated by Matt Schu

mit Kids Press produces some really interesting books, although they don't all hit the mark. This is a short, less than 25 pages, chapter-book style narrative/expository nonfiction book narrating the collision of an asteroid and a comet. As the two speed towards each other, the book branches off to explore the composition of asteroids and comets, what has happened in previous impacts with the Earth and each other, and comparisons of the two phenomena. After the collision, readers get to see which scientific prediction came true and the results of the conclusion.

Short paragraphs are interspersed with artwork and fact boxes explaining various scientific terms. I was slightly confused that the Kuchner did not define a comet at the beginning of the book, as there was a simple explanation of an asteroid first thing. It's an interesting framing of two outer space phenomena, and various facts and scientific research are smoothly woven into the sports-style narration.

Verdict: This is simple enough for a fluent 3rd grader to read it and introduces a number of concepts in a clear, accessible way. A strong addition to nonfiction books on outer space. It's listed as a series, and I'd definitely be interested in further books along these lines, especially at this reading level and length.

ISBN: 9781536236637; Paperback on B&T for $4.40 (Reinforced $14.39)

Published April 2024 by mit Kids Press/Candlewick; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Bite by Bite: American History through feasts, foods, and side dishes by Marc Aronson and Paul Freedman

 This is a fascinating combination of history and food, not at all what I was expecting when I requested it, but a good surprise when I started reading it!

The introduction gives us the first hint that this isn't your typical "who invented doughnuts and pizza" book. It explains how readers will be learning not just about food, but about our history, going back even before the first colonists arrived.

The first section covers two of the earliest foods in the Americas and their cultural significance - salmon and corn. Interviews with academics, First Nations peoples, and an amazing amount of information about science, traditions and cultures is included. Each chapter ends with a "side dish" note with extra stories, in this case regarding huckleberries and nachos. The next section is the largest covering a long period of enslavement and immigration. The authors explore the foods of New Orleans, the history of fish fries, the changing attitudes towards English food from the early colonists to American independence, and includes sections of fads and fashions in nutrition, the social and cultural significance of Italian food, and more. The last section discusses the origin of franchises and fast food restaurants, a quick look at the history of Chinese American food, and on to more contemporary movements towards vegetarianism, farmer's markets, and equitable access to healthy food.

There is a lengthy afterword, explaining how the authors and their contributors worked together to create the different chapters, encompassing as they do such a wide range of history and culture. There is one typo on page 49 (the last sentence in the first paragraph should have the word "seem" instead of "seems"). There are also black and white illustrations included throughout the book, showing images of food preparation, festivals, and meals. It's an amazing amount of information crammed into just 125 pages, not counting the citations and index, and there are naturally some sections that feel a little hurried. The chapter on Chinese-American foods especially felt somewhat lacking to me, but I also just finished reading Grace Lin's Chinese Menu and Sarah Soonling Blackburn's Exclusion and the Chinese American Story, so I had a lot more contextual information in my head.

Verdict: This book goes far beyond the traditional "how to make hasty pudding" children's history books. It's a great reference for teachers and homeschooling parents in building study units around different periods in history and different types of food, but it's also a quick and engaging read for tweens interested in history and food.

ISBN: 9781665935500; Published May 2024 by Atheneum; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Your Pets' Secret Lives by Eleanor Spicer Rice, illustrated by Rob Wilson

 This is the second book in mit Kids Press' "Your Hidden Life" series. I really enjoyed the first book, Unseen Jungle, and it has checked out 7 times since I added it in 2023, which is very good, especially for a longer nonfiction book!

I think this title will be even more popular, seeing as it deals with the perennially popular topic of animals. It's divided into sections that explore dogs, cats, birds, fish, rodents, and reptiles. Each section includes 5-6 chapters and covers subjects like the memory of goldfish, the instincts of gerbils, predators of tarantulas, dangers of worms for dogs, and the effect of catnip on cats. The sections also include interviews with scientists and pet psychologists, focusing on how kids can better understand and care for their pets.

Colorful cartoons dot the pages and the Rice's brisk prose is casual and humorous, including asides to the readers and jokes as well as lots of interesting information. The book goes beyond the usual "how to care for your pet" and "what your dog's tail wags mean" to discuss the habits of parrots and how they are part of the ecosystem, the devastation caused by releasing exotic pets into the wild, and the mating habits of mice.

Verdict: Interesting, funny, and full of new and unique bits of information, this is sure to be a hit for your animal-loving readers. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781536226478; Published May 2024 by mit Kids Press; Added to library order list

The wild river and the great dam by Simon Boughton

The introduction begins with the dangerous work of high scaling, shaping the cliff face for the building of a massive engineering project - the Hoover Dam. This section gives readers an idea of the huge scope of the project and the dangerous work of the men who built it.

The story begins years before the building of the dam, with catastrophic floods at the turn of the century. Along with these floods, Boughton explores the indigenous history of the area, how the colonists viewed this largely desert area, and the ways these interlopers saw conservation and reclamation of the Colorado river. The first chapter ends with the selection of a conglomerate of companies to build the dam, a massive engineering project that would not only provide the area with consistent water but also jobs during the Great Depression.

The following chapters weave a smooth narrative of a complex story, combining the engineering of the dam, early technology used to build it, and physics of restraining and controlling a powerful river with the human story of people involved. Boughton looks at the attitudes of the families who came to live in the desert, the failed attempts to force the Six Companies conglomerate into acknowledging or compensating deaths and injuries on the work site, and the different perspectives of the people involved at all levels.

The story concludes with the successful completion of the dam and then explores the immediate and long-range consequences of such a massive change in the landscape, from the building of additional dams, political arguments over who owns the water rights, up to today's changing climate and potential water crisis. Extensive back matter gives readers an opportunity to learn more as well as follow up particular points of interest.

Verdict: This was a fascinating combination of history and engineering. I don't know how many kids will be willing to read it, but it's definitely something that adults could recommend, especially in the context of growing discussions about climate change and our local water supplies in the Great Lakes.

ISBN: 9780316380744; Published March 2024 by Christy Ottaviano Books/Little Brown; Added to library order list

Absolutely everything: A history of earth, dinosaurs, rulers, robots, and other things too numerous to mention (2nd Edition) by Christopher Lloyd

I’m generally wary of books that start out with a message from the author saying that no book existed that appealed to children/covered this topic and so they had to write one. I can’t agree with the author that this general history is completely unique - there are many overviews of history in multiple formats - but I will say that this one is very well done.

The first four chapters of the book cover the pre-human periods from the formation of the earth to the evolution of early humans. Lloyd uses the analogy of a single day to show how most of earth’s history predates human civilization. Chapters five through eight cover a wide range of early civilizations and here Lloyd does an especially good job of creating a truly global history, focusing on the development not just of the early Greek and Roman empires but also of the advancements made by Asian and South American groups. Chapters nine through twelve cover the beginnings of Christianity and Islam and the middle ages. Here again Lloyd is careful to note the inventions and discoveries happening globally, not just in Western civilization and notably does not spend excessive time on Westerners rediscovering ideas already in use in multiple other cultures. Chapters twelve and thirteen cover the expansion of colonialism and resulting industrial, scientific, and political revolutions through the turn of the century. Although Lloyd is honest about the effects and atrocities of colonialism, neither excusing nor apologizing for its perpetrators, he does not wallow in tragedies, just gives a simple overview of the events and their legacy down through history. The fourteenth and fifteenth chapters cover the wars of the 19th through the twentieth century, including the US Civil War and World Wars, but also the wars of colonialism, including the Opium Wars and Russian Revolution. These chapters also cover the period of the Cold War and the beginning of the Digital Age. The final chapter explores the events of the last twenty years and speculates on what might be coming in the future. This last chapter is overall as good as most of these futuristic speculations are, although I take issue with Lloyd’s optimism about AI without noting any of the negatives.

The book is a hefty 400 pages with a map, map index, several pages of glossary, general index, and a note from the author on sources and research and revisions made in this second edition. Each chapter is marked with a timeline of important events. The book can be browsed or read straight through, although the earlier chapters are more scientific than historical, focusing on the changing geology and evolution of creatures. Lloyd generally does a good job with presenting a truly global view of history, putting multiple events into context and explaining how the past affects the future today.

Verdict: A strong choice for reference or browsing collections and will be especially of interest to homeschoolers who like encyclopedia-type books for reference. Recommended for most library collections.

ISBN: 9781804660768; Published October 2023 by What on Earth; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Exclusion and the Chinese American story by Sarah-Soonling Blackburn

 This narrative nonfiction series is clear in its intentions from the start; exploring and amplifying parts of US history that have been hidden and overlooked. This particular book sets out to explore Chinese American history beyond "the Chinese built the railroads" and is honest, although not overly graphic, historical racism and its sometimes deadly results. Blackburn traces Chinese American immigration from its earliest days, when Chinese were viewed as circus show events, to the historical and economic events that led to the initial boom of immigration during the California Gold Rush. She then explores the various exclusion acts, the part played by the Chinese in the building of the railroads, and the attempts to cover up and hide previous centuries of prejudice and racism during World War II, when America needed China as an ally. After World War II, attitudes towards Chinese Americans had changed somewhat, but there was a return to the exclusionary policies and racism, now under cover of combatting Communism.

Blackburn looks at more contemporary events, tracing the involvement of Chinese Americans in the Civil Rights movement, the damage of the "model minority myth" and the economic and political forces behind continued prejudice. Throughout the book there is an emphasis on intersectionality, honestly acknowledging the part all people have played in history and looking realistically at how Chinese Americans have been used to break strikes or create barriers, especially for Black Americans and how all people have suffered from those events. The book emphasizes breaking down general stereotypes to explore individual experiences as well as more general concepts of racial equality, immigration, and propaganda and how they have shaped internal biases and historical events.

Adults who bristle at any criticism of the whitewashed, mythic view of US history and those who react negatively to concepts like "systems of oppression" will certainly not be happy about this book. However, despite the somewhat daunting length, it's perfectly arranged to be used in a classroom or for home study. Each chapter ends with discussion questions and the narrative works through various concepts and events, showing readers how they fit together while leaving them room to draw their own conclusions and think critically about what they have previously been taught. I do object to several instances where the author addresses kids as "Dear reader" which is a weirdly old-fashioned device that throws out the narrative and sounds patronizing. The book ends with a philosophical overview of where we are today and how readers can move forward.

Verdict: I would recommend this to 5th grade and up, especially for classroom use, although teachers will have to weigh what they know of their parents and administration before decided if the risk of teaching accurate and honest history is worth the potential fall-out. Public libraries should definitely purchase this series and put them where middle school students are most likely to find them.

ISBN: 9780593567630; Published March 2024 by Crown Pub; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased for the library

When forests burn: The story of wildfire in America by Albert Marrin

 This timely and fascinating book is an essential purchase for all libraries that serve a middle grade audience.

Marrin starts the story of wildfires in America, especially North America, with a general history and scientific explanation of fire and its role in pre-historic America. He moves into how indigenous peoples were using fire when early colonists arrived and began to take over the land. Weaving the story of forests and settlers together, Marrin shows how fire played a part in the colonization of America, explores the attitudes of Westerners towards natural resources, and how this gradually began to change the landscape, along with the devastation of diseases they brought and their profligate use of fire to clear land for settlement. This segues into the story of the lumbering industry which led to major firestorms, not only familiar ones like the Great Chicago Fire, but lesser-known catastrophes like the firestorm in Peshtigo, WI, at the same time period. Somewhere around 2,000 people perished in the Peshtigo fire, but few lessons were learned as similar fires in lumber towns occurred shortly afterwards. Marrin recounts the horror and massive destruction of these fires as well as explaining the economic and philosophical reasons behind the lumbering industry's practices. He continues to recount the destruction through the building of the railroads, extinction of the Passenger Pigeon and near-extinction of the bison, and the westward spread of settlement, lumbering, and industry.

A turning point occurred with the advent of John Muir, George Perkins Marsh, and Gifford Pinchot who, along with Theodore Roosevelt, were the start of the conservation movement. Marrin does not treat these men as faultless heroes. He gives a nuanced portrait of their role in early conservation, including their different views of government, the corruption of trusts and wealthy businesses they fought against, and the exclusion of women, African-Americans, and other minorities from their view of life. He also gives a clear picture of the effects on Native Americans, whose lands were confiscated and who were not only remove, but often suffered from outright genocide as these men sought to "preserve" their native lands and resources for white people alone. Notably, Marrin is the only author I've seen, writing about this period, who also notes the exclusion of disabled people and those not in perfect health, in the original recruitment of rangers. The nascent Forest Service faced a major battle in a massive fire in 1910, the Big Blowup. This was the largest fire in American history and the aftermath shaped how government, and the people, viewed the Forest Service and the approach to wildfires for decades to come.

The last section of the book deals with the current state of wildfires and is, appropriately, titled "Bigger, Hotter, Faster." It covers the effect of climate change, the results of years of wildfire prevention methods, and current methods and equipment used in modern wildfire fighting. Marrin explores the California wildfires and the ever-expanding wildfires of 2020, using the same approach of covering a complex subject in clear, relatable language, looking at the events from multiple viewpoints and bringing in economic, political, and historical concerns. In the end, there are certainly no easy answers, but being aware of the history and facts is the first step towards solving an ever-growing problem. Marrin looks at different approaches, from controlled burning to revisiting Indigenous techniques for sustaining the land and preventing megafires, from modern technology to practical advice in the face of potential fires.

Extensive back matter, notes, sources, and an index are included.

Verdict: Although this book is packed with information, touching on history, economics, science, and more, it's a compelling read even for those who might normally balk at longer nonfiction. It's full of human stories and the always popular theme of natural disasters, as well as many opportunities for readers to consider their own history and future. Although I am located in Southern WI, this will be of interest to my teachers and students looking for the history of the lumber industry and Peshtigo, and I highly recommend it.

ISBN: 9780593121733; Published March 2024 by Alfred A. Knopf; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Waist-Deep in Dung: A stomach-churning look at the grossest jobs throughout history by Christine Virnig, illustrated by Korwin Briggs

 Virnig, a Wisconsin doctor turned author, debuted with what might be the grossest book yet in my collection, Dung for Dinner. The fun continues in this hilarious, disgusting, and thoughtful book about gross jobs throughout history.

Virnig opens with a thoughtful introduction about why people chose - or didn't choose - to perform these jobs throughout history. She also includes a warning for those with weak stomachs! The first section covers corpses and medical grossness, from making mummies in Egypt to the nurse's assistants who help people today. The focus is primarily on Europe, but Virnig gives a nod to other cultures, especially those with more advanced medical knowledge.

The second session plunges into poop - and vomit, pee, and other bodily substances, starting back in ancient Rome and moving through gross jobs like tanners, mudlarks, and the changes in how we collect and handle sewage. Virnig explores issues of equity and class as she goes beyond the surface grossness to talk about the inequities in the past - and today - in who handles our gross jobs, challenges worldwide in creating safe systems for water and sewage, and finishing up with a pointed reminder that these are not issues of the past - US sewers and water systems are in dangerously poor condition in many areas.

Briggs' light-hearted cartoon illustrations, which were also in Virnig's first book, do a great job of adding humor to the story, illustrating some of the grossest moments, and clarifying some of the explanations. The illustrations are in the same tans and grays as the general theme of the text.

Verdict: Funny, gross, informative, and thoughtful, this is the perfect book to hand to budding scientists who aren't afraid to plunge into a stinky subject and digest some big concepts. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781250762351; Published March 2024 by Laura Godwin books; E-galley received via Netgalley; Purchased for the library

What's a germ, Joseph Lister? The medical mystery that forever changed the way we heal by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Daniel Duncan

 In some ways, it's hard to imagine a past when doctors and hospitals were filthy, disease-ridden places. On the other hand, with the prevalence of misinformation and conspiracy theories swirling around the medical field, many aspects of this narrative sound all too sadly familiar.

Alexander takes the reader back barely 150 years into the past in the busy (and dirty) industrial town of Glasgow where a boy breaks his leg in a street accident. Even more horrifying, he's going to have to go to... a hospital! In brisk narrative style, punctuated with somewhat gruesome cartoons, the author takes the reader into the hospitals of the 1800s, where you were more likely to die of dirt and disease than whatever took you to the hospital in the first place. She intersperses stories of contemporary physicians and nurses, those who made medical advances and those who held medicine back, with the life of Joseph Lister. Building on the research of others and fighting against a resistant medical establishment, especially in America, Lister pioneered the concept of disinfecting before, during, and after surgeries, as well as the overall theory of germs causing illness. His work was the building block of modern, antiseptic surgeries and hospitals, as well as what are now considered the simple preventatives of washing your hands and other basic principles of cleanliness.

Alexander includes sufficient back matter to further advance concepts and pique readers' interest into further research. She emphasizes Lister's willingness not only to pioneer new methods, but to update and improve as science moved forward, and touches on the new discoveries in the science of microbiology that have been made since Lister's time.

Verdict: A readable and interesting exploration of a pivotal moment in Western medical history. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780358538172; Published October 2023 by Clarion; Borrowed from another library in another consortium; Purchased for the library

The Human Body, an alien's guide by Leandro Cunha and Ruth Redford

 The Mayo Clinic has started publishing children's materials in comic format, simple introductions to mental and physical health. This title is an introduction to the human body, as seen through the eyes of two aliens.

The aliens, Zag and Zog, shrink down and enter the body of a brown-skinned child. They explore the digestive system, circulation, nervous system, brain, and functions of different blood cells. The book ends with a glossary and index. It's a fairly clear explanation and the narrative runs smoothly for the most part. At just under 50 pages it's a quick read and the text is simple enough for most readers to work through it, although they might need a little help with some of the blocks of nonfiction explanations.

I read this in galley format, and I assume the minor errors I saw will be corrected in the final version. For example, on page 5 it gives a normal body temperature in Fahrenheit, then labels a thermometer in Celsius. 98 is not a normal body temperature in Celsius lol. I was not completely happy with the font used - it's in capitals but the punctuation is hard to discern, and periods especially blend into the words themselves. There are some random questions that aren't answered, like page 29 where one alien asks about a "gurgling noise" in the digestive system but it's never addressed. The book generally sticks to the basic explanation of the systems without giving advice about health. It's available in a paperback or expensive library bound format.

I did find it a little odd that the reproductive system is not only not mentioned, it's completely blacked out on all diagrams. On page 37, when the urinary system is explained, the diagram appears to include a penis, but it's confusingly drawn. I understand that the creators were trying to make it accessible to young children and didn't want to explain the reproductive system, but I disagree with the choice to black out all those parts of the body.

Verdict: There are quite a few comic explorations of the body that include the concept of aliens, or shrinking down to explore the body, most notably Survive! Inside the Human Body, and this is a nice explanation for younger readers, perhaps with the help of an adult. I don't like the removal of the reproductive system, genitals, and any not mentioning any of the physical differences between the sexes, but I would accept it as a supplementary resource, especially for school libraries being scrutinized, censored, and harassed. This shouldn't be your only resource, but it's an acceptable addition to a collection of accurate information about the human body.

ISBN: 9798887701462; Published January 2024 by Mayo Press Clinic Kids; Galley provided for review by Smith Publicity

Period: The quick guide to every uterus by Ruth Redford and Aitana Giraldez

This brief and inclusive guide walks kids through the basics of puberty, menstruation, and includes practical tips on dealing with periods at school, using different types of menstrual products, and commonly asked questions. The four people primarily featured in the comic are two female-presenting kids with brown skin and dark hair, one white, pink-haired student with a "she/they" pronoun pin, and one white student with a pixie-cut who acts primarily as a calming and knowledgeable advisor.

The comic panels are mixed with panels of information and generally do a good job presenting the information, although there are some odd juxtapositions where it's unclear how the text is flowing.

I have two cons to this title - first, although a person in a wheelchair is pictured at one point, there is no information on handling your period with a physical disability or challenge. Secondly, and this is a major issue for me, on page 10 when the book goes over puberty and lists what will happen, while it includes "might" before hormonal changes and feelings, the book states "You start to have sexual thoughts and feelings." This isn't even about someone being asexual or aromantic - making this sound like a part of puberty that happens automatically to everyone with a uterus, along with getting a period and growing breasts, is misleading to kids who are worried about whether they're developing "normally" with everyone in their age group. The book is careful to be inclusive otherwise and this could have been solved with a simple addition of the word "might" as used regarding other feelings, or "some people might" would be even better!

Verdict: This is a good overview and is very brief, so there's not a lot of room to expand on the concepts. It's reasonable that the information wouldn't be in depth. Except for that one statement, I would recommend this wholeheartedly as an addition to collections on puberty. Libraries might still choose to purchase it as a supplemental text, but I won't do so until it's been updated.

ISBN: 9798887700441; Published 2023 by Mayo Clinic; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Sick! The Twists and turns behind animal germs by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Lindsey Leigh

[I received a finished copy after this book's release and it absolutely is true to the galley - hilarious, informative, and a great layout!]

Combine one of my favorite tried-and-true nonfiction authors, Heather Montgomery, with rising star Lindsay Leigh and you've got a nonfiction, comic blend of humor and fact that is, in 1980s speak, "Sick!"

The book begins with the disclaimer that it's not a textbook and there are no tidy, cut-and-dried answers in this exploration of germs, biology, and disease in the animal world. Readers will learn about the current research of scientists in a variety of fields, the connections between human and animal disease and cures, and the ways animals adapt to fight back against illness. From the microscopic to the mammalian, young science fans will be glued to the page (but hopefully not with snot, even if it does have antimicrobial properties) as they learn about the weird, gross, and fascinating world of microbes, germs, viruses, in the animal kingdom.

Leigh's illustrations dot the pages, expanding on Montgomery's text, and the two have also collaborated in including full page comics, illustrating scientific research or funny exchanges between germs and animals. Fun facts dot the pages and kids will also be introduced to contemporary scientists and their research.

I was delighted to see a galley of this soon to be released gem and it was even more fun to see the book in the process of creation - the complexity of illustrations, text, and comic panels give an interesting sidelight on the creation of a book and I'm looking forward to sharing this galley with classes to talk about how books are edited and published!

Verdict: A must-have addition for juvenile nonfiction collections, this book will be a great choice for a variety of young readers, including those who need a longer chapter book but are daunted by unbroken pages of text. The mixture of facts, text, comics, and illustrations will draw readers in and have them finishing the book before they know it and the combination of cutting-edge science and gross and goofy facts will be appealing to many young readers. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781547609857; Published February 2024 by Bloomsbury; Galley provided by publisher; Purchased for the library

Unseen Jungle by Eleanor Spicer Rice, illustrated by Rob Wilson

One of my favorite adult nonfiction reads is Never Home Alone by Rob Dunn. It's a fascinating exploration of microbes, insects, and the things that share our homes and bodies. So I was delighted to discover this new nonfiction series that is basically a humorously illustrated version of my favorite book for middle grade readers!

Colorful cartoons dot the pages of this sometimes gross, sometimes funny, but always informative book. It begins with an introduction that explains the different kinds of microbes, from bacteria to algae, and including the controversial virus. The book's chapters each focus on a different area where microbiomes flourish and include interviews with scientists. In "House" we meet zombified house flies, learn about how cats communicate with anal gland secretions, go deep into dog doo, and learn about roaches and bed bugs. Then we go out to the "yard" and learn about cicadas, caterpillars and birds and the microbes that live in on and on them. In "food" readers will learn, whether they want to or not, what goes on inside bees, how cow fats and their microbes cause pollution, and hear the stories of Harry and Sally (nematode and bacteria) and Hamilton the aphid bacteria. Humans, of course, have their own bacteria, good, bad, and indifferent and you'll learn all about them, plus bonus explanations of microbes that can be transferred from animals like rabies and Toxoplasma gondii.

Back matter includes fun drawing exercises, references to explore for more information, and a dense, chapter by chapter bibliography.

Verdict: Hand this to kids who love science, especially the grosser aspects, and also those who enjoy a good narrative nonfiction with plenty of facts to share with friends and adults! Recommended.

ISBN: 9781536226461; Published May 2023 by Mit Kids Press; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Sneakers: The cool stories and facts behind every pair by Stephanie Warren Drimmer, illustrated by Dan Sipple

This is a new series from Union Square Kids, called "How it Works" which features the origins and development of common items. Now, I have to admit I'm not particularly interested in shoes, except in my dislike of shoe shopping and annoyance that they never seem to fit me, but I was (unwillingly) drawn into this lively narrative.

The book begins with the discovery of the oldest shoes, 9,000 year old sandals, and an exploration of the development of rubber. The book briefly addresses the atrocities inflicted on indigenous peoples by white colonists collecting rubber, but does not refer to it again. The development of sports and athletics is interwoven with pictures of old-style shoes and the eventual creation of the first basic sneakers, Keds. The books moves on to the rival firms of Adidas and Puma, and the brothers who founded them, then explores various famous shoe brands like Nike, Converse, and Vans. There is also a section dedicated to sneaker collectors and limited edition shoes created for these collectors.

Brightly colored illustrations and historical and modern photographs of athletes, shoes, and ad campaigns are sprinkled throughout the book. It ends with some current experiments and future projections, a timeline, and activities for kids to use to spark their own innovative designs. A glossary, index, and image credits are also included.

At just under 200 pages, this is very accessible and the book is formatted as a slightly larger chapter book. Excepting the brief mention of the horrific abuses of early rubber plantations, the book does not address any of the controversies or negatives around the shoe industry, including child labor, deforestation, and pollution.

Verdict: Although limited in scope, this is a lively nonfiction choice that definitely fills a gap in nonfiction collections; previously the closest thing to this series was the shorter From an idea to... from Clarion. This should be a popular choice for many readers and although the hardcover is expensive (and the binding looks poor to me) there is a paperback edition available, which means it can also be requested in prebound. A recommended purchase.

ISBN: 9781454945123; Published April 2023 by Union Square Kids; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Added to my order list

Beware the Burmese Pythons and other invasive animal species by Etta Kaner and Phil Nicholls

I was first attracted to this Canadian title by the cover, which hinted to me the possibility of a comic style within and it turned out I was right! There are plenty of nonfiction books about invasive species, but this one stands out for several reasons.

First, it's a combination of a typical nonfiction layout, with pictures, words, inset paragraphs, facts, graphs, etc. and comic panels, both fiction and nonfiction, but mostly adding a fun twist by putting in imagined dialogue or events. Second, it's the first children's book about invasive species that's brave enough to name feral cats. It handles a touchy subject in a neutral fashion, and this is, in fact, the approach taken throughout, explaining why the animal is destructive, how it came to invade, listing some ways scientists have tried to stop it, and then leaving the question open-ended for readers to discuss.

The third reason this title is attractive is because of the length and layout. It's 10x8 inches, not a full picture book, but hitting a nice note between those who won't consider nonfiction because it looks like a picture book and those who can't or won't read anything longer and complex. The text and panels are nicely broken up but the narrative runs smoothly, so kids can focus on each section, bookended by brief panel sequence of the introduction and conclusion. The animals are generally focused around North America, with a few mentions of Europe and Australia, but as a call to action most readers are likely to be in these areas and encounter these animals. Nicholls' cartoon-style illustrations and panels are a nice accompaniment to Kaner's humorous text and this is likely to appeal to a wide range of readers.

Verdict: A strong addition to most nonfiction sections, this will intrigue readers and spark some good discussions in book clubs and classrooms. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781525304460; Published 2022 by Kids Can Press; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

Is it okay to pee in the ocean? The fascinating science of our waste and our world by Ella Schwartz, illustrated by Lily Williams

This book covers a number of different topics, interconnecting them in interesting ways. It starts out with the title question and explores the human body, chemical composition of urine, how waste is disposed of and what it can affect. The conclusion is that you can pee in the ocean - it's such a small amount that it just doesn't matter! Swimming pools and lakes are a no-go zone though. From here Schwartz moves on to explore the different types of pollution in bodies of water, especially the ocean, how it gets there, and how it affects our daily life as well as the planet. The final chapters talk about how readers can make small changes, reduce plastic use, and save the oceans from pollution.

The book is illustrated with black and white drawings, featuring the two kids on the cover, as well as photographs, diagrams, and filled with a lot of information. There is plenty of back matter for kids wanting to pursue the topics of human waste, pollution, marine science, and more. However, I take issue with the way the conclusion is framed. Schwartz has literally spent most of the book explaining how the small amount of urine makes no difference to ocean pollution, but then trots out the same old "ban plastic straws and you can save the world!" suggestion. I agree that kids should be conscious of waste and learn to be responsible; I think it's fine for everyone, kids and adults, to think about how we use resources. But falling back on the same old "if everyone does their little part we can save the world," which leads directly to a lot of ableist and classist thinking as well as negativity directed at those who can't economically or mentally afford to take all those "small steps" is not the answer. Even things like recycling or reusable bags are complex topics, not simple solutions. It's a generalization, but 80% of water pollution comes from agricultural, corporate, and waste treatment runoff and the sources of plastic pollution in the oceans are complex and varied as well - and 0.025% comes from plastic straws. Just like peeing in the ocean doesn't make a difference, banning plastic straws is also irrelevant.

This is a constant annoyance of mine in any books that address climate change, pollution, or ecology. While it's reasonable to simplify things for kids, encourage them that their efforts make a difference, and inspire them to make changes, we shouldn't be placing the burden of repairing the environment on individuals and especially not on children. However, this is a really common trope in these types of books. Honestly, I'm not sure how you would present it differently "do what you can, but big corporations are going to keep destroying everything anyways" is not exactly a kid-friendly message. Maybe it would be better to keep the focus on the science and educate kids to find their own solutions and changes as they grow.

Verdict: Despite the ending, this is a strong addition to any collection. It's full of fun facts, interesting research, and well-presented. Until the end, it's backed up by science and I can see kids reading it for fun as well as research and school assignments. There really aren't any titles that don't fall back on "plastic straw" fallacy, so I feel fine about adding this, with the caveat that it would be as well to accompany it with some discussion of the divide between the science of the book and its conclusion. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781681195131; Published February 2023 by Bloomsbury; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Human Body Learning Lab: Take an inside tour of how your anatomy works by Betty Choi

I've been keeping this on my "to read" list for a while, as I couldn't tell from the description whether it was a straight-forward book, or included activities that would make it part of a storytime kit. The saga of my human body kit and the constant losing/breaking of bits of the anatomy is another story...

Anyways, this turned out to be a very nice overview of the human body with hands-on activities to expand each section. It's written by a pediatrician and the book is divided into the different systems of the human body. After an introduction and a general explanation of cells and how the body works, readers move on to the nervous system, senses, skin, skeleton, muscles and then to the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and urinary system. The last three sections deal with the immune system, with a section on vaccines, the endocrine system and a matter-of-fact overview of the reproductive system. Back matter includes links to explore further, an index, etc.

Each section is about 8-10 pages long and each includes or ends with hands-on activities. For example, the digestive system section starts with a brief overview, continues with a diagram and explanation of each part of the system, offers an experiment in recreating the esophagus-stomach system, and finishes with a brisk overview of healthy stool and the Bristol Stool Chart. Interspersed throughout the pages are inset paragraphs on why we fart or vomit, the importance of healthy eating, and some information on the appendix.

The section on the reproductive system includes diagrams of the reproductive systems, an image of an infant in the womb, and basic information on how a baby is made with sentences like "A sperm from the testicles combines with an egg from the ovaries. This process is called fertilization." The action section is creating play-dough embryos, showing them from the formation and division of cells to the bean-sized embryo.

The book is of necessity general about topics and concepts, but is generally honest and brisk about addressing various topics. There is a section on diabetes that differentiates between Type 1 and Type 2, although it simplifies Type 2 into being "often caused" by excessive sugar and lack of exercise. There is a section encouraging kids to talk to a trusted adult and use the proper anatomy terms if someone makes you uncomfortable or doesn't listen when you say "no." Other than the mention of diabetes and food allergies, disabilities or illnesses are not really addressed.

Verdict: This is an excellent overview of the human body; although of necessity it is brief and simplistic in tackling complicated topics, it's an excellent starting point and the activities will be of interest to both classrooms and homeschool families. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781635864793; Published 2022 by Storey; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library