Glow: a child’s guide to the night sky

This beautifully presented book offers a fabulous combination of ancient and modern, science and story, resulting in a completely absorbing and informative read. The opening note from the author instantly fires the reader with her enthusiasm for, and interest in, the night sky and all the wonders it contains.

A clear table of contents makes it easy for the reader to locate the fifteen different topics covered, each with a sub-heading referring to it as the ‘hero of…’ something. This intriguing note is sure to spark curiosity in itself and once the reader has located the pages they have chosen, there is so much to discover! Information is clearly presented in accessible sections with clear headings and plenty of attractive illustrations. The reader is treated to a ‘brief history’ of each planet/star/celestial body where they can discover some of the fascinating myths, legends and beliefs from around the world which it has inspired. The book also offers guidance on how to locate the planet in the night sky- there is so much to enjoy here!

Written in a chatty, engaging tone, ‘Glow’ makes a challenging subject completely accessible and enjoyable. It would make an excellent addition to any book collection to support children learning about space in school, but is also perfect non-fiction to inspire reading for pleasure.

Glow: A Child’s Guide to the Night Sky

Noelia Gonzalez, illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520786

We Are All Astronauts

Luna Scope, aged seven-and-a-bit Earth years is determined to be an astronaut. Full of enthusiasm, she is about to launch herself into her ambition, but fortunately, her granny is on hand to guide her with some excellent advice. Luna learns about spacesuits and telescopes, stars and space rocks, gravity and gravity. Granny also introduces her to some space heroes and over-looked animal pioneers whose achievements paved the way for the humans who followed.

Written in the same fun-filled, highly illustrated style as the ‘Fantastically Great Women’ series which Kate Pankhurst is so well known for, ‘We are All Astronauts’ is packed with information, sure to engage and fascinate. The author’s note explains her inspiration for writing the story came from the real-life story of the Mercury 13, a group of female trainee astronauts who never reached space because they were women. The book is brimming with positivity and inspiration, shining a light on the contributions of women, and proudly shouting the message that anyone can be an astronaut- or anything else- if they reach for the stars!

The joy of this book is that it will appeal to children of different ages who will read it in different ways. There is much to explore in the illustrations, Granny and Luna’s story to follow, biographical information, labelled diagrams, fact boxes… it is possible to read it in small snippets or as a whole, thoroughly enjoying it however it is tackled. Asterisks are used to indicate definitions of some of the technical vocabulary used, clearly explaining words to support the reader’s understanding without spoiling the flow of the text.

Perfect for using as a guided reading text, to support learning about space, as the basis for investigative play or as a basis for a book group session full of fun activities, ‘We Are All Astronauts!’ makes an excellent addition to any bookshelf!

We are ALL Astronauts Kate Pankhurst

Bloomsbury ISBN: ‎ 978-1526615435

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

The Magic of Forests

Join Mimi cat as she leads the reader into the fascinating world of forests, learning about their secrets and their treasure. Starting by defining what a forest is and looking at the differences between woodlands, forests and jungles, the author then introduces the reader to the different types of forests which can be found. There is much to discover on each page!

The beauty and magic of trees, the abundance of nature which they sustain and the wonderful benefits they offer people are all celebrated in this lovely book. There is plenty of scientific information for those with a passion for finding answers- the detailed index and glossary making location information very easy- but the book also explores some of the fabulous folklore and fairy tales told about these magical places.

Each spread is beautifully illustrated with the information presented in accessible sections with clear side headings to tempt and guide. Quizzes and ideas for activities add yet more to what is a really lovely, fascinating book.

The Magic of Forests:

A Fascinating Guide to Forests Around the World

Vicky Woodgate

DK ISBN: 9780241625880

You can read my review of ‘The Magic of Seasons’ here.

Lessons from our Ancestors

Every object tells a story.

This is a fascinating book which seeks to offer a fresh perspective on people from the past. From the introduction to the ‘Ask an Archaeologist’ section at the end, the author’s enthusiasm for her subject is both evident and inspiring, making the book an enjoyable and informative read.

It also seeks to give readers a different perspective, ‘casting a spotlight on forgotten histories and misrepresented stories’. The story of each of the civilisations included here are considered in the light of the evidence yielded by the objects that have been discovered there. In the ancient city of Çatalhöyük, men and women held equal status indicated by evidence about their diet and lifestyles whilst Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, was a sustainable city, constructed on a grid plan, with an underground sewage system. There is so much to learn and explore here!

The book also addresses how racist and sexist views have affected how the past has been both presented and viewed, challenging stereotypes and encouraging readers to ask their own questions about the past. Each spread is fully illustrated, complementing the text and supporting comprehension, as well as making it a very attractive book. This is sure to inspire future generations of archaeologists, igniting interest in past civilisations and people beyond those explored in the school curriculum. Essential reading!

Lessons from our Ancestors:

Equality, Inclusivity and Sustainability in the Ancient World

Raksha Dave, illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520946

Please Don’t Bite Me

Buzzing with irritating insects, this fascinating book allows the reader to find out more about mosquitoes, lice, wasps, cockroaches, fleas, and bedbugs, creatures which have annoyed people for centuries. Starting with an introduction which defines what an insect is and explains what entomologists (those who study insects) are, the book then investigates each insect in turn.

From their appearance to their life cycles, the book offers a detailed look each of these insects, including their relationship with humans through the ages. I have only ever once seen a cockroach when in Greece- and am even more determined never to see one again having read the information in the book! Despite all their irritating and disgusting ways, the author manages to sound quite fond of them, certainly piquing the reader’s curiosity!

Owen Davey has worked his magic with the illustrations once more, making the book as visually appealing as it is fascinating. Each spread is beautifully presented, colourful and engaging, making this a very tempting and informative read with a glossary, index and content making it useful for locating information. An excellent read!

Please Don’t Bite Me: Insects that Buzz, Bite and Stong

Nazzy Pakpour, illustrated by Owen Davey

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740900

Blog Tour: Curious Creatures Talking Together

I am delighted to be taking part in the Book Review Blog Tour for this wonderful book. In fact, I was so keen to share my thoughts that I jumped the gun with my review- but am delighted to share it again - with some additional thoughts - as part of the tour!

Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!

The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys. It would be fascinating to use for Guided Reading sessions, with succinct sections of text, full of specific vocabulary, offering plenty to discuss and explore. Sections might also be used as models for children’s own writing of non-fiction whilst the varied habitats included might inspire some map work, locating the places mentioned. The nature of the series- being curious about the curiosities of the animal kingdom- might also lead to researching the most curious facts that can be found, like why wombats have cube- shaped poo!

With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and relish in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351

Many thanks to the lovely Maryam at Flying Eye Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. I look forward to reading the other reviewers thoughts about the book!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!

The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys.

With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and enjoy in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351

Published on the 3rd August 2023

You can read my review of Curious Creatures: Working with Tools here.

Bonkers About Beetles

With a paperback edition being released in August, it’s time to remind everyone why we should be ‘Bonkers About Beetles’. In his wonderful ‘About’ series, Owen Davey has inspired children to learn more about cats, octopuses, sharks, penguins, monkeys, crocodiles and frogs with each book full of his fabulous illustrations, gentle humour and fascinating facts.

The book is perfectly pitched to engage and inform primary aged children. Text is presented in short, accessible sections, with clear side headings to help navigate each spread. Having defined what is meant by ‘beetle’, the book goes on to explore their structure, lifecycle, habitats and diets amongst many other things. Headings like ‘You can run but you can’t hide’, ‘Love You and Leaf You’ and ‘Let the Good Times Roll’ are sure to catch the eye and pique interest and there are some completely fascinating details included!

One of my favourite things about this series is the inclusion of a section on the mythology of the focus creature. Here we learn about the sacred scrab beetle of the Ancient Egyptians, the Irish Devil’s coach horse beetle, Maya folklore about the maquech beetle and superstition surrounding the death watch beetle.

Although the hardback editions are gorgeous, the paperback edition is sure to be popular with schools and is a wonderful addition to bookshelves and libraries! Perfect for budding coleopterists!

Bonkers About Beetles Owen Davey

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741532

Paperback out on the 3rd August 2023

You can read my review of ‘Passionate about Penguins’ here , ‘Fanatical about Frogs’ here, ‘Obsessive about Octopuses’ here and ‘Crazy about Cats’ here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Amazon River

Like the other books in the ‘Earth’s Amazing Places’ series, ‘Amazon River’ is a beautifully illustrated text, perfect for supporting working in KS2/3 or for browsing independently. Starting with an introduction that gives an overview about this amazing river, the book is then divided into four clear sections: From Source to Sea, Wildlife of the Riverbank, People of the Rainforest and Life on the River.

Clear side headings and succinct, accessible section of text make this a very readable and engaging book and an index and glossary help to make it a useful resource for research as well. Additionally, there are notes at the end of the book to support teachers with ideas for four possible topics for investigation and suggestions for further reading.

The book is a fascinating read from start to finish, celebrating the diversity and wonders of the Amazon, including the indigenous people of the area and some of their myths and legends. Each spread is stunning with colourful illustrations bringing the detailed text to life. Completely absorbing, there really is something for everyone to learn and enjoy here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Amazon River

Sangma Francis, illustrated by Romolo D’Hipolito

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741464

You can read my review of Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone here, Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest here and The Great Barrier Reef here.

Thirty Trillion Cells

When it comes to answering the questions children love to ask, Isabel Thomas is the person with the answers! In this amazing book, she takes complex scientific concepts and presents them in an amusing, lively way which is accessible to all.

One of the things I love best about teaching is that you are constantly learning- not only in an effort to keep up with the constantly shifting curriculum, but because children are such wonderfully inquisitive beings who pose fabulous questions about everything and anything. And books like this are an essential ingredient in satisfying their insatiable curiosity! For the teacher without a science background, ‘Thirty Trillion Cells’ is an absolute God-send in helping them understand some of the concepts they are expected to teach!

As one example, in Y6 children are expected to be able to identify and name the main parts of the human circulatory system, and describe the functions of the heart, blood vessels and blood. A double spread about blood cells clearly explains what blood does and explores the different types of cells it contains. Side headings and labelled diagrams are used to support the text, making it easily understood. This could easily be used for guided reading sessions to support learning across the curriculum or as part of the body of a science lesson.

Scientific terms are used throughout the book, but these are also explained in very down to earth, child-friendly ways! The ciliated epithelial cells (hairy lining cells to you and me) in the tubes leading to your lungs form part of a ‘snot elevator’, ridding the respiratory system of all the tiny particles of pollution taken in with air. This is very easy- and yucky- to visualise, understand and remember! A glossary and comprehensive index make the book useful for locating specific information if used for research, but the book is perfect for browsing. There is so much to discover in these pages- learning without realising!

‘Thirty Trillion Cells’ is a brilliant read, combining informative and attractive illustrations with fascinating, clearly explained text.

Thirty Trillion Cells

Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Dawn Cooper

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1803380131

You can read my review of ‘Moth’ here.

She Sold Seashells

On the 21st May 1799, a little girl was born in Lyme Regis. named Mary by her parents, Richard and Molly Anning, she was a bright, curious child, who, although not fully recognised in her own lifetime, is now one of the best known names in the field of palaeontology. In ‘She Sold Seashells’, author, Wolfgang Grulke, has reimagined her story.

Named after the nursery rhyme which she inspired, the book explores Mary’s life, looking at how both her position in society and being a woman denied her the recognition she deserved during her life time. Only one image of Mary was made in her lifetime, showing her in her forties. Grulke has used AI to create illustrations which are not supposed to be accurate portraits, but to support her story.

The book has been created in partnership with the Lyme Regis Museum which is built on the site of Mary Anning’s home and is perfect for sparking interest in this iconic figure who defied the preconceptions of her age, making an excellent addition to library and classroom shelves. Only recently- in May 2022- was Mary recognised with a statue in her home town: this book will help to bring her story to a new generation.

She Sold Seashells Wolfgang Grulke

@one ISBN: 978-1916039452

Over the Rainbow

Everyone loves seeing a rainbow, arcing through the sky, and this lovely book encapsulates all the magic and joy of this sight, from the science behind it to the symbolism connected with it! Organised into five sections-The Science of Rainbows, Rare Rainbows, Rainbow Myths and Legends, Rainbows in the Arts and The Symbol of the Rainbow- a broad spectrum of information is covered with a clear contents, a glossary of terms and index to help the reader easily locate and understand everything included.

The book begins by offering ‘a close look at light’, using this as the basis to explain how rainbows are formed. Diagrams help to support the text and illustrate the facts as each idea is developed. Early thinkers from across the world are included, showing how human understanding of rainbows progressed and advanced to Newton’s experiments with prisms in 1666. Unusual rainbow formations are introduced and explained as well, making fascinating reading!

My favourite section is that which looks at the myths and legends connected with rainbows. Beautiful illustrations by Wenjia Tang capture moments from these stories whilst additional snippets of information are scattered throughout. The chapter devoted to the arts is also very interesting; however, it is a shame no poetry has been referenced! The book ends with how the rainbow has been used as a symbol in stories and society.

An excellent book for reading cover to cover, for browsing at leisure or for using as a tool for research, ‘Over the Rainbow’ would be a brilliant addition to any library or bookshelf!

Over the Rainbow: The Science, Magic and Meaning of Rainbows

Rachael Davis, illustrated by Wenjia Tang

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740870

Welcome to our Table

‘Welcome to our Table’ is a highly-engaging, brightly illustrated cornucopia of foody-facts and eating etiquette. Subtitled ‘a celebration of what children eat everywhere’, the emphasis is on the joy of sharing the wonders, surprises, differences and similarities of the food which is eaten all over the world. Authors, Laura and Ed, make it clear in their introduction that it would be impossible to include everything, but the list of countries and places provided at the end shows the wide range of countries they have managed to ‘visit’ on this incredibly interesting and vibrant exploration!

From setting the table to foods which we might eat in the future, the range of topics covered is fascinating! I have to confess that I am fairly pathetic when it comes to food- very unadventurous- so I turned to the page on ice-cream, something I enjoy making as well as eating, with great confidence -only to find that I have only tried three of the types of ice cream named! Pastries and puddings- another area I greatly enjoy!- I have only tried three! Lots for me to try on future occasions! There is so much to learn about the food, customs and eating habits around the world here- and so much to tempt the reader to try something new!

The book also includes food related words and phrases so children can learn how to say something before the meal- like ‘bon appetit’ in French or ‘sahtain’ in Lebanese- and other useful foody phrases. Each page is full of details about the foods we eat and how they are/can be cooked as well as some of the science-y stuff about how we taste.

The book is brilliantly illustrated with lots of colourful, fun pictures on every page, making the book a visual feast- sure to appeal to budding chefs and any one with an interest in food!

Welcome to our Table

Laura Mucha and Ed Smith, illustrated by Harriet Lynas

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839945045

You can read my review of ‘Welcome to our World’ by Moira Butterfield, also illustrated by Harriet Lynas here.

People Power: Peaceful Protests that Changed the World

‘People Power’ offers a fascinating look at thirteen peaceful protests from across the world which demonstrate how when people unite, they become extremely powerful. Some of the protests here are well known such as Gandhi’s Salt March or the fall of the Berlin Wall; others less so, like the Singing Revolution in Estonia or the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia. The book includes more recent protests which continue to this day like the Black Lives Matter movement and Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future protests.

The book clearly shows how peaceful action should be an option and can result in change. Each protest is recounted in a clear, matter-of-fact tone, stating the facts and avoiding emotive language or bias in their presentation. It is perfect for not only introducing children to these events and developing their political awareness, but also to discussing how information is reported.

Ximo Abadia’s illustrations are bold, colourful and appealing, presenting difficult scenes which complement the text perfectly. There is so much to learn about, and to learn from, in this book. It’s message is clear- peaceful protest is an effective way to bring about change. People have the power to alter things as these examples clearly show.

People Power: Peaceful Protests that Changed the World

Rebecca June, illustrated by Ximo Abadia

Prestel ISBN: 978-3791375403

Published 9th May 2023

Fanatical About Frogs

This ever-popular series is perfect for animal lovers or anyone curious about creatures. From cats to crocodile, bats to beetles, each book in this brilliant collection offers a fascinating overview to a particular species. ‘Fanatical about Frogs’ first appeared in hardback in 2019 and this May, will be available in paperback.

A clear contents and detailed index (which includes the binomial classification of each species) make the book easy to navigate if trying to locate specific information, but with its stunning illustrations and bite-sized chunks of text, it is perfect for browsing through and discovering more about these intriguing creatures. Having explained what frogs are ( I had no idea all toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads!) and where they are found in the world, the book looks at their physical attributes, diet and the variety of pigmentations and patterns frogs can have. There is so much here that I did not know about these fascinating amphibians!

A section on mythology introduces the reader to some traditional tales from around the world which feature frogs. The book closes with information about the problems frogs are facing around the world with around a third of known species being under threat and over 100 now considered extinct.

Endlessly engaging and beautifully presented, ‘Fanatical about Frogs’ is an excellent addition to any bookshelf!

Fanatical about Frogs Owen Davey

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741518

You can read my review of ‘Passionate about Penguins’ here.

Blog Tour: Animal FACTopia!

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the latest book in the FACTopia series. These books have been a huge hit with children I’ve shared them with and spark endless curiosity and amazing discussions!

Get ready, because things are about to get wild.

The FACTopia series is back and this time, animals are the stars of the show! As with the previous titles, each fact is linked to the next one, offering the reader many different trails to follow through the book. Information is presented in fascinating, bite-sized chunks, sure to grab the attention of the most reluctant of readers as they can follow as little or as much of each trail as they like! I had no idea that Marine iguanas sneeze out the extra salt they ingest, resulting in a white ‘wig’ or that this fact would lead me to discover that a Komodo dragon could weigh as much as a fridge.

The web of information presented in the book is connected in ways which are often surprising and frequently funny! Information about microscopic crustaceans can lead you to facts about mucus; knowing what a skunk does as a warning before spraying could set you on a path to finding out about fabulous feet. Readers will return to the book again and again to see where one fact might lead them, carefully following one path or veering off on another, intrigued by a passing connection- how information about a cheetah’s tail might link to dragonflies, for example!

Andy Smith’s lively, colourful illustrations cleverly combine with photographs to frame the facts, making each spread really appealing. A comprehensive index makes it easy to locate specific information, but the joy of this book is that any starting point can lead you on an adventure of discovery! All the facts are verified by Britannica and it would be great fun for children to use the facts to create quizzes and games of their own, perhaps making a simplified version for younger siblings or children in younger year groups in school.

Animal FACTopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts

Julie Beer, illustrated by Andy Smith

Britannica Books ISBN: 978-1913750725

Many thanks to Britannica Books for asking me to join the Blog Tour for this fascinating book!

You can read my review of ‘Gross FACTopia!’ here.

Celebrate with Me!

This wonderful book is a real celebration of creative people and their favourite festivals. Each of the twenty five contributors explains why the festival they have chosen is special to them, and how they celebrate it. Alongside this information, they offer some of the recipes and activities they use to help the celebrations. It is an absolute joy to read and is sure to inspire families- and schools- to both understand and enjoy many celebrations from across the world!

A comprehensive contents page lays out a year of celebrations, starting with the New Year and closing with New Year’s Eve. Following this, there are pages devoted to ‘Birthdays around the World’, ‘More Fun With Festivals’ and mini biographies, including social media and website links, about those who have contributed to the book. This makes locating a particular celebration very easy as well as telling the reader who the section is written by and why they enjoy the occasion so much. Learning about festivals from those who actually take part in them is so important as it offers a genuine feel for the occasion and a real understanding of the significance of these events in peoples’ lives. It also enables children to see themselves and their cultures, traditions and religious beliefs appreciated, one alongside another, each valued, each celebrated.

The book includes an excellent mixture of well known and lesser known events. Each section is presented across a colourful, double page spread with plenty of illustrations. Baker and food justice advocate, Michael Platt, shares information about Juneteenth which commemorates the 19th June 1865, the date when news that slavery had been outlawed reached the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. He offers a recipe for a watermelon and tomato salad and shows how to make a Juneteenth flag, explaining the significance of the imagery and colours used. Dow Phumiruk, children’s author and illustrator, shares her joy for celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year. She has chosen to share a recipe for a delicious Thai-style Congee (a type of savoury, soupy porridge made from rice) and explains how to ask your elders for blessings. Architect and artist, Nick Wood, shares his excitement for Bonfire Night, explaining how to make ‘Marshmallow Sparkers’ and how to build a bonfire- a crafty one, if not a real one!

The illustrations capture the joy of sharing these special occasions perfectly, making the book as visually appealing as the activities are inspiring. The book is an absolutely essential addition to libraries, book corners and homes. Laura Gladwin, the book’s editor, will be joining us at this year’s Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ Conference and I can’t wait to learn more about how this gem of a book came about. I am sure that many book groups at a local level will be using some of these activities to inspire and celebrate with their members! An excellent resource and a pleasure to read!

Celebrate with Me! Recipes, Crafts and Holiday Fun from Around the World

Edited by Laura Gladwin, illustrated by Dawn M Cardona

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520601

The Indestructible Tom Crean

‘The Indestructible Tom Crean’ is a fascinating biography about Irish born Tom Crean, one of the brave adventurers involved in what became known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. It is an inspiring, absorbing read, greatly enhanced by the wonderful illustrations.

Many children in Y5/6 learn about explorers and the exploits of Ernest Shackleton, using William Gill’s excellent ‘Shackleton’s Journey’, have become a favourite focus for study. This book would not only work brilliantly in conjunction with this text, expanding the children’s knowledge of the expedition, or as an alternative book to build a unit of work around for both English and History/Geography.

Having joined the Royal Navy, Tom Crean joined Scott’s Discovery expedition as a last minute replacement. The book charts his progress on this journey, showing why, six years later, Scott invited him to take part on his quest to be the first to reach the South Pole. Not chosen to be a member of the team to make the last 150 miles of the journey, Tom and two others must return to base camp before starvation and exhaustion overcome them. When his fellows are too ill to continue, Tom makes the journey to fetch help alone. He saves their lives, although the team Scott took on further all perish. These events are sensitively, but clearly told, with the text supported by illustration at every step. There are many opportunities for role play activities, writing in role and further research and investigation to be developed.

The book continues with Crean joining Shackleton’s Endurance expedition as Second Officer. At times, the language used is almost poetic- even when describing the appalling conditions the men had to endure- and the illustrations are sure to inspire artwork. Crean’s role in the ‘James Caird’ trip, his bravery and determination, contributed to the rescue of the men left behind on Elephant Island. The use of the present tense throughout is very effective, making the reader feel that they are keeping pace with him on his adventures.

At the end of the book, there is additional information about the Antarctic, its wildlife and a timeline of events. There is also an afterword which seeks to explain why- perhaps- this courageous man never sought to draw attention to himself after the war, settling down with a family to run a public house. This is an excellent book which brings Crean’s story to life. Brilliant for topic boxes, library shelves, personal interest… a must have!

The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic

Jennifer Thermes

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1803380957

Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone

Covering an area of nearly 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone is home to a rich variety of wildlife, the largest volcano in America and boasts the world’s greatest display of hot springs. This fascinating location is fully explored in this excellent new addition to Flying Eye’s ‘Earth’s Incredible Places’ series.

The books starts by exploring Yellowstone’s long history of human visitors, celebrating the mix of Native American cultures and tribes who visited the area before European settlers came to the area in the 1800s. On March 1st 1872, it was created a national park- the world’s first- by the President.

The formation of the park’s geysers and other features like hot springs and fumaroles is carefully explained. Each section is fully illustrated, beautifully capturing the natural wonders of the park and the wonderful wildlife which call it their home. A whole section is devoted to the animals and birds of the park, their habitats and interactions. The book introduces the reader to ‘mistakes of the past’ in which wolves, much feared and demonised, were poisoned, trapped and hunted until there were non left in the park. Realising the important role they played in keeping nature in balance, wolves were reintroduced into the park in the 1990s and are now thriving in the park once more. There is so much to learn in these pages, making the book a fascinating read.

The book finishes with a section about the park today, the employees who work there, the millions who visit it and the impact on the landscape caused by climate change. It is perfect for finding out more about Yellowstone whether for interest, research or in anticipation of a visit. A comprehensive index and glossary make information quick and easy to locate and discover more about this incredible place!

Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone

Catherine Ard, illustrated by Bianca Austria

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838748652

You can read my review of Everest here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest

Welcome to Mount Everest…

Most people have heard of Mount Everest and could probably tell you that it is the highest mountain on Earth and that people strive to ‘conquer’ it by climbing to its peak. From this absorbing book, there is so much more to learn about this fascinating place. With mountains being an area for study in the primary Geography curriculum, this is an essential addition to topic boxes and school libraries as well as for any budding mountaineer or explorer - armchair or otherwise!

The book opens with an explanation of how the Himalayas formed, their location and the various names Everest and her sister mountains have been given. There are many myths and legends associated with the mountains and a selection of these are included here, scattered amongst information about the flora and fauna and the people who live here.

Information about climbers and their determination to ‘conquer’ Everest is also included. The perils to be faced and the equipment used and invented to tackle the challenge are explored as the book introduces the reader to some of the people who have taken the challenge and have pushed themselves to the very limit to climb this mountain. The less appealing subject of the damage humans are doing to this special place by the waste they leave behind is also explored. The book closes with some learning resources to support teachers and parents/ carers to enjoy using it with children. An excellent resource, packed with information!

Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest

Sangma Francis, illustrated by Lisk Feng

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741457