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Earth Verse by Sally M. Walker For Earth Day and National Poetry Month

EARTH VERSE: HAIKU FROM THE GROUND UP
Written by Sally M. Walker
Illustrated by William Grill
(Candlewick Press; $17.99, Ages 7-9)

 

A Junior Library Guild Selection

 

Earth Verse: Haiku from the Ground Up book cover

 

At the intersection of Earth Day and National Poetry Month is Earth Verse: Haiku From the Ground Up written by Sally M. Walker with illustrations by William Grill. Let these 32 pages of unique 17 syllable poems fill you with awe and respect for planet Earth. From her place in the solar system to her “molten magma stew,” from her “fossil family” to her “sky shenanigans,” Earth is at once a marvel and our home.

 

“a flat stone, skipping,
casts circles across the lake,
lassoing the fish.”

 

Earth Verse celebrates the planet in all its majesty and mayhem. In other words, not only are the oceans and rivers written about, so are storms and tsunamis. We read about fog, volcanoes, glaciers and icebergs. We travel underground to see stalactites and stalagmites because there’s so much more below the surface, both in the verse and on our planet. Grill’s colored pencil artwork conveys just enough of a reference point while leaving lots to our imaginations. Nine pages of STEAM-themed back matter round out the book and make this picture book appropriate and desirable for both Earth Day and National Poetry Month though it can truly be enjoyed year round, just like our precious planet.

  • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

 

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Time For Kids: Big Book of Science Experiments, A Review & Giveaway

Time For Kids: Big Book of Science Experiments ($17.95, Time Home Entertainment, ages 8-12 ) by the editors of Time For Kids magazine is reviewed by Ronna Mandel. Click here to check out their wonderful website and read on to learn more about the giveaway!

This terrific hands-on book with more than 100 cool experiments for kids will occupy and educate your budding scientist or inventor while answering many questions you as parents may have pondered, too. Before you read any further, it’s important to know that all experiments and activities in this book require adult supervision so carve out some time for your child before you play Mad Scientist. Additionally, Good Reads With Ronna will be giving away one copy of this book in a random drawing.  Please see below for giveaway details and rules.

The contents page breaks down the experiments into four sections: Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Technology and Engineering. There’s also a very helpful section called Science Fair Success Secrets with tips on how to present your projects and improve your prospects with a Science Fair judge. And I’m the first person to say all’s fair in love and Science Fairs! As a parent, what I especially appreciated was the key indicating whether an experiment could be performed: in less than one hour (a green test tube); in a matter of hours (a yellow flask); or would take more than a day to complete (a red beaker).

In addition, another plus for this book is that before each experiment, there’s an explanation of the science behind it so a child can understand what he/she is doing and why. Convenient You Will Need boxes list items to have on hand before attempting any experiment and easy-to-understand, step-by-step instructions put success in reach of all who try. The 192 pages of  Time For Kids: Big Book of Science Experiments are packed with colorful artwork and photographs and contains a wide range of experiments that you can return to as your child gets older and more experienced. My 10-year-old son learned a lot from the Types of Bridges explanation in the Engineering section, but everyone will have their own favorite topic to tackle. Into understanding family resemblance, mass matters, turbine power, patterns, kitchen mold, magnet magic or best of all, explosions? It’s all there for you to explore and enjoy. Prepare to have a blast, or two!

CONTEST RULES

TO ENTER – We are giving away one (1) copy of The Time For Kids: Big Book of Science Experiments book This giveaway ends at midnight on Monday, Feb. 27th, 2012 with one (1) winner selected on Tuesday, Feb. 28th. Winner will be notified by email so be sure to include your name, address, (no P.O. Boxes please) and phone number in an email to Ronna.L.Mandel@gmail.com. Please write Time For Kids Science Giveaway in the subject line. For a chance to be the winner of one copy of the book, please leave a comment on the blog and also LIKE Good Reads With Ronna on Facebook. If you don’t provide an email where you can be contacted your chance to win is forfeited.

This giveaway will run through midnight on Feb. 24,  2012 (PST). Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact us at Ronna.L.Mandel@gmail.com before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. (18+) residents only.

Good Reads With Ronna did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews.  One (1) giveaway item worth a total value of  $17.95 will be provided by Good Reads With Ronna. 
 The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your opinions may differ.

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