CHILDREN'S BOOKS Twenty-Two Cents


In this inspiring story, Paula Yoo shares the true story of how one man began a project that has helped millions over the years. As a young boy growing up, he was witness to poverty and the disparities that exist between people and how a little could go a long way to changing this.


He has dedicated his life to doing just that through the development of the Grameen Bank, based on microcredit, allowing many to rise out of poverty. Twenty-Two Cents: Muhammad Yunus and the Village Bank describes this compassionate journey through uncomplicated language. The colourful and vibrant illustrations of Jamel Akib help to transport the reader to the villages and cities of Bangladesh, and the story helps us understand the lives of the people there. This book is suitable for grades 3-6 and a very thorough teacher’s guide is available from the publishers. – (VU)


Lee & Low Books, 2014; ISBN 978-1620148099(pb), also avail- able as a hardback; 40 pp., US$10.95 from leeandlow.com.


Next Time You See a Sunset


As part of the Next Time You See… series, Emily Morgan invites adults and children to share together their sense of wonder at the awesomeness of our natural world. In this case, before reading the book Morgan suggests that we get outside and watch a sunset or two and share our wonderings and questions about what is happening and what we notice. Ac- companied by beautiful photography, the readers are then asked a series of questions and given explanations about how sunsets actually occur.


Next Time You See a Sunset is a great tool to stimulate in- quiry, the process of wondering, and the sharing of these experiences between adults and children. The earth’s ro- tation, the reasons for colourful sunsets and shadows, and other related concepts are all explored. Some classroom activities and student pages are available online. This book is suitable for primary students. – (VU)


NSTA Kids, 2012; ISBN 978-1-936959-16-7(pb), also available as an ebook; 32 pp.; CA$12.95 from nsta.org.


A Beetle is Shy


One doesn’t normally think of the vibrant colours on the cover of A Beetle is Shy to be associated with these insects, but we are invited into the world of beetles through the stunning watercolour illustrations of Sylvia Long. There is nothing “icky” about this gorgeous book. Through Dianna Hutts Aston’s poetic voice, we learn about the characteristics, adaptations, and life cycles of many different beetles. There is a lot of science within the pages, and the illustrated beetles are identified so as to allow for further study. It is a great introduction to


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an outdoor exploration of beetles, a language lesson, or both. This is one of a series of books, and there is a teacher’s guide provided. This book is suitable for K–6; the larger text and artwork can be enjoyed by younger children, while older children can delve deeper with a more comprehen- sive read of all the information in the


smaller text. – (VU)


Chronicle Books, 2016; ISBN 978-1-4521-2712-5(hb), also avail- able as an ebook; 40 pp.; US$16.99 from chroniclekids.com.


Sheila Says We’re Weird (but we’re just green)


In this delightful book, Ruth Ann Smalley indirectly introduces the reader to a number of ways to live more lightly on the earth. Curious and full of questions, young Sheila, wonders aloud about the neighboring family’s various eco-friendly practices and why they do things differently. Content in their green lifestyle, they explain why riding bicycles, using a push mower, planting a garden, and buying food at the local farmer’s markets, among many other practices, are part of


a more sustainable lifestyle. Jennifer Emery’s fun and lively illustrations are full of detail for one to explore and bring the book to life. Sheila Says We’re Weird is a great introduction to both eco-friendly practices students are already participating in and those that could be introduced at home or school. Grades 1–6; best for 2–4. – (VU)


Tilbury House, 2014; ISBN 978-0-88448-379-3(pb), also avail- abler as a hardback; 32 pp., US$7.95 from tilburyhouse.com.


Meatless?


“Why go vegetarian?” this non-fic- tion picture book asks. Meatless?: A Fresh Look at What You Eat is organized as a guidebook for young readers in Grades 4–8 looking for answers about eating meat. Author Sarah Elton begins with a personal story explaining


her decision to become a vegetarian. Throughout the book, she explains why others may choose to refrain from eating meat for religious and health reasons or as part of being an animal advocate. For those searching to learn more about vegetarianism, a brief history is provid- ed along with the economic and environmental impacts of consuming meat. Suggestions for meat alternatives are provided along with a sample week-long meal plan. Whether reading for research or looking to make a life- style change, this book will provide readers with ample information. – (LO)


Owlkids, 2017; ISBN 978-1926818436(hb); 48 pp.; CA$18.95 from shop.owlkids.com.


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