between vision problems in develop- ing countries and poverty. The second half of the book is dedicated to stories of how Seva has helped restore vision to people in ten different countries around the world since starting its mission in 1982. Tales from Guate- mala, Madagascar and Cambodia will show young students how these problems affect individuals all over the world. This book, with its captivat- ing photographs, would be a perfect resource in an intermediate classroom and would fit nicely with either a unit on vision or social justice. – (KZ)


Firefly, 2015 ISBN 978-1-77085-615-8 (pb), 64pp., US/CDN $9.95 from www.firefly- books.com


The Kid’s Guide to Exploring


Nature The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Guides for a Greener Planet: The Kid’s Guide to Exploring Nature is a beauti- fully illustrated book for children ages eight and up. It encourages readers


to become naturalists, to explore their surroundings, and journal their findings. Early on the book gives ideas on where to explore,


along with a list of the tools necessary to become a seasoned naturalist. With a combination of illustrations and real life photos, it showcases animals, plants and bird species that can be found in all four of North America’s seasons. There are engaging scavenger hunt ideas, which challenge students to get outside and explore the world around them. Single-page sections throughout high- light different naturalist career options, showing that the love for the great outdoors can lead to a position which blends passion and a paycheck. The Nature Activity portions of the book, give the reader a chance to try experi-


Chippy Chipmunk It’s not rare for children’s books to focus on a specific moral lesson – but few have such a mature and somber teaching as Kathy M. Miller’s Chippy Chipmunk: Friends in


the Garden. Using photographs and familiar faces most children will recognize from their own backyard, Miller takes us on a journey through the grieving process. After the titular Chippy loses his best friend Pickle, his other wildlife friends attempt to help him through the grieving process. The content is obviously saddening, but reminds us that “those we love live forever in our hearts” and “everyday things will get better”. It may not be the best choice for a bedtime story, but can be a useful tool for parents and educators to introduce children to the unfor- tunate but inevitable concept of loss. – (MH)


Celtic Sunrise, 2015. ISBN 978-0-9840893-2-1 (hb), 48 pp., US $19.95 from www.chippychipmunk.com


Secret Tree Fort Brianne Farley tells the story of two sisters in Secret Tree Fort. The younger wants to play with her older sister, who is too busy reading. When she won’t give in, the younger tells of a secret tree fort, one where her sister isn’t invited. She describes how great it is, with a rope ladder that can be pulled up in case of a pirate attack for


example. It’s totally true, she isn’t making it up. As she describes her secret tree fort, it becomes bigger, better and even more fantastical. Farley’s sketches take you inside


ments of their own, and a glossary of terms and a note for caregivers close out the book. This book is designed for the independent reader, and would be a great complimentary text for a class- room or at home. – (HG)


Ocean Graphics Press, 2014 ISBN 978-1- 889538-88-4 (hb), 120 pp., US $16.95/CDN $18.95 from bbg.org/handbooks


Follow Me! Shira Evans’ Fol- low Me! Animal Parents and Babies is a great book for those who have just be- gun independent reading. Labelled as a Level One, ‘Starting to read’,


it is most appropriate for kindergarten to grade two, or as a shared read with parents or a teacher. A fun and engag- ing book with colourful, real life images and bold font. The book explores the


the little girl’s imagination as she illustrates each addi- tion to the tree forts description. But, for some reason, her sister does not believe that it exists. An epic sibling battle of “yes it does,” “no it doesn’t” ensues, but in the end the older sister wonders if maybe it doesn’t exist simply because they haven’t built it yet. Appropriate for ages 4-8, Farley has written a wonderful example of what a child’s imagination can create and how a simple idea can spark the creation of something spectacular. – (BT)


Candlewick Press, 2016, ISBN 978-0-7636-6297-4 (hb), 32pp., US $16.99/CDN $22.00 from www.candlewick.com


A Piece of Home In A Piece of Home, Jeri Watts explores the difficult transition and range of emotions that a fam- ily goes through when moving to a new country, in this case from Korea to the United States. It helps one to imagine what it might feel like to leave behind the comforts


and friends you know and to adjust to a place where you don’t yet speak the language or share the customs. It also celebrates the steps made towards becoming more comfortable and what a difference finding a connection to home can make. In the voice of the young boy we also see how the rest of the family is coping. The endearing illustrations of Hyewon Yum compliment the storyline to promote understanding, compassion and empathy for new immigrants and how we can make them feel welcome. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 3, will be touched by this lovely book. – (VU)


Candlewick Press, 2016 ISBN 978-0-7636-6971-3 (hb), 32 pp., US $16.99/CDN $22.00 from www.candlewick.com


GREEN TEACHER 113 Page 47


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