Geo Librarian

FETCH! A How To Speak Dog Training Guide by Aubre Andrus & Gary Weitzman, D.V.M. National Geographic Kids, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-4263-3848-9 Source: Media Masters Publicity Ages 9 and up All opinions expressed are solely my own.   ABOUT THE BOOK   From the experts who brought you How to Speak Dog, learn tips and tricks to help train your best friend.Whether teaching a puppy the basics--such as "sit," "stand," and "stay"-- correcting behavioral problems, or training your pooch to perform more advanced tricks, this comprehensive guide will take you through all the steps to have your canine answering your call in no time. With the help of veterinarian Dr. Gary Weitzman, kids will bond with their pups through structured lessons that showcase easy-to-follow instructions and commands. Additional content introduces readers to Hollywood hounds, dogs on the job, and famous canines through history. This "paws-on" guide is p...

  NERDLET : ANIMALS by T.J. Resler National Geographic Kids, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-4263-3872-4 Source: Media Masters Publicity Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own.   ABOUT THE BOOK   Sometimes big nerdiness comes in a small package--and this little book is an animal nerd's dream! Meet animals of all kinds--from sharks and moles to orangutans and okapis-- in this quirky, jam-packed original from National Geographic Kids.If you thought you were brainy, take a look at the incredible critters in this book. Inside, you'll find a spider that spends its whole life in a bubble and birds that build nests so big, they're like avian apartment complexes! (And we're just getting started!)In this little animal "Nerdlet" you'll learn about the weirdest, coolest, most amazing creatures in the animal kingdom--and what makes them so complex. Plus, you'll have some of your most burning animal questions answered, such as What's the deal with croco...

  THE COOLEST STUFF ON EARTH: A Closer Look at the Weird, Wild, and Wonderful National Geographic, 2020 ISBN : 978-1-4263-3858-8 Source: Media Masters Publicity Ages 9 and up All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Did you know that dogs can shake off a pound of water in less than a second? That some sand dunes whistle and sing? That the U.S. dollar bill is full of hidden symbols related to the number 13? Our world is filled with strange, bizarre, and weird happenings. But what do they mean? WHY are they important? And what secrets are behind them? These secrets and MORE are revealed through cool stories, action-packed photos, fantastic infographics, and exciting Q&As with in-the-field experts. Discover the secrets of sharkskin, the mysteries behind incredible island animals, the power behind lightning, how a rare gemstone changes color, and more. Kids will be captivated by this fresh way of looking at our amazing planet.   REVIEW    T...

  SPACE ENCYCLOPEDIA: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond, 2nd Edition written & illustrated by David A. Aguilar National Geographic, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-4263-3856-4 Source: Media Masters Publicity Ages 9 and up All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK The updated and expanded edition of the hit Space Encyclopedia presents the most up-to-date findings on space exploration and research and breathtaking views of the universe, as captured by the latest and greatest technology, including the recent first ever image of a black hole. This complete reference contains everything kids need to know about our sun and planets including the new dwarf planets, the formation of the universe, space travel, the possibility of life beyond Earth, and more. Authored by David A. Aguilar, an internationally recognized astronomer and former Director of Science Information and Public Outreach at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, it is an authoritative and beaut...

  BENEATH THE WAVES :  Celebrating the Ocean Through Pictures, Poems, and Stories by Stephanie Warren Drimmer National Geographic Kids, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-4263-3916-5 Source: Media Masters Publicity Ages 9 and up All opinions expressed are solely my own.   ABOUT THE BOOK   Open this charming read-aloud book and you'll find amazing animal profiles, whimsical poetry, stunning photography, plus fascinating information about the wondrous creatures that call the ocean home. Starting with the seashore and journeying through the ocean's zones, readers will discover mangrove forests, coral reefs, and the deepest ocean depths. On this journey they will discover some of the extraordinary animals that live on shore and under the sea. Along the way, readers will enjoy poems, stories, fun facts, photo galleries, and more. Highlights include a foreword from explorer and renowned photojournalist Brian Skerry; an interview with National Geographic Explorer and marine conserv...

  CHAMPION OF THE TITAN GAMES Dragonwatch #4 by Brandon Mull Shadow Mountain, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-62972-788-2 Source: publisher for review Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK As the war with the dragons intensifies, all eyes are turning to Titan Valley for help. A dragon sanctuary unlike any of the others, this one is home to enslaved dragons ruled by the powerful Giant Queen, one of the five monarchs of the magical world. In addition, it houses the arena for the Titan Games, a series of gladiator-style battles presided over by none other than Humbuggle, the demon who stole Seth’s memories! Seth is seeking for his memories. Kendra is seeking for Seth. And everyone is seeking to stop the dragons from taking over the world—everyone but Ronodin, the dark unicorn, who has his own devious agenda. In the monstrous battle between giants and dragons, who wins? In the race to retrieve a magical talisman that could help win the war, can Kendra trust Set...

  THE LOST WONDERLAND DIARIES by J. Scott Savage Shadow Mountain, 2020 ISBN:978-1-62972-786-8 Source: ARC from publisher for review Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own.   ABOUT THE BOOK Lewis Carroll, author of the classic book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, secretly recorded the true story of his actual travels to Wonderland in four journals which have been lost to the world...until now. Celia and Tyrus discover the legendary Lost Diaries of Wonderland and fall into a portal that pulls them into the same fantasy world as the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter. However, Wonderland has vastly changed. Some of the characters that Tyrus remembers from the book have been transformed into angry monsters. Helped by the Cheshire Cat and a new character, Sylvan, a young rabbit, Celia and Tyrus desperately work to solve puzzles and riddles, looking for a way out of Wonderland. But the danger increases when the Queen of Hearts begins hunting them, believing the...

  WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed Color by Iman Geddy Dial Books for Young Readers, 2020 ISBN: 978-0-525-55391-5 Source: purchased Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Omar and his little brother, Hassan, arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, seven years ago. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbors who were fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after his brother, who has an intellectual disability. When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university--and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day? Told in Victoria Jamieso...

  HOW BIG IS ZAGNODD? by Sandra Boynton Little Simon, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-5344-8256-2 Source: publisher for review Ages 0-3 All opinions expressed are solely my own.   ABOUT THE BOOK   Finally, a board book that dares to answer the question: “HOW BIG IS ZAGNODD?” (Spoiler alert: SO big.) From there, we zip around outer space to meet a wild variety of­ aliens—Boknuk, Fleeb, Igwak, to name a few—who are LONG or FUZZY or BRIGHT or DANCEY or SLEEPY. And then, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, there’s Steve. This hilarious new book from the out-of-this-world Sandra Boynton will have Earthlings big and small giggling with delight.   REVIEW   This short rather silly board book asks questions about made up creatures before answering them.  The questions ask about some condition related to the creature.  How big?  How long? How fuzzy? How bright? etc.  The silliness makes this a book that young listeners are likely to want to return to again a...

    THE PRINCESS IN BLACK AND THE GIANT PROBLEM by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham Candlewick Press, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-5362-0222-9 Source: purchased  Ages 7-9 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK   The Princess in Black is ready for her snowy play date with the Goat Avenger and the Princess in Blankets. It's a perfect day to build snow monsters and battle them for practice. But just when they're about to wage battle, a huge foot smashes their snow monster. "SQUASHY!" It's a giant, and it's smashing everything in its path! The giant is too strong for the three friends, so the Princess in Blankets has an idea: it's time to light the Sparkle Signal and summon help. With a rising crescendo of a plot and a delightfully surprising ending, the latest adventure in the New York Times best-selling series features all the Princess in Black's friends as heroes for the first time.   REVIEW   The Princess in Black ...

  THE GIRL WHO SPEAKS BEAR by Sophie Anderson Scholastic Press, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-338-58083-9 Source: purchased Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own.   ABOUT THE BOOK   Discovered in a bear cave as a baby, 12-year-old Yanka dreams of knowing who she really is. Although Yanka is happy at home with her loving foster mother, she feels out of place in the village where the other children mock her for her unusual size and strength. So when Yanka wakes up one morning to find her legs have become bear legs, she knows she has no choice but to leave her village. She has to find somewhere she truly belongs, so she ventures into the Snow Forest with her pet weasel, Mousetrap, in search of the truth about her past. But deep in the forest there are many dangers and Yanka discovers that even the most fantastic stories she grew up hearing are true. And just as she draws close to discovering who she really is, something terrifying happens that could trap her in th...

  ELEANOR, ALICE, AND THE ROOSEVELT GHOSTS by Dianne K. Salerni Holiday House, 2020 ISBN: 978-0-8234-4697-1 Source: purchased Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Murderous ghosts and buried family secrets threaten young Eleanor and Alice Roosevelt in this thrilling middle-grade novel that puts a supernatural spin on alternate history. It's 1898 in New York City and ghosts exist among humans. When an unusual spirit takes up residence at the Roosevelt house, thirteen-year-old Eleanor and fourteen-year-old Alice are suspicious. The cousins don't get along, but they know something is not right. This ghost is more than a pesky nuisance. The authorities claim he's safe to be around, even as his mischievous behavior grows stranger and more menacing. It's almost like he wants to scare the Roosevelts out of their home - and no one seems to care! Meanwhile, Eleanor and Alice discover a dangerous ghost in the house where Alice was born and...

  MY VERY MERRY UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER by Jeffrey Burton, illustrated by Julia Green Little Simon, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-5344-7678-3 Source: publisher for review Ages 0-4 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK What is the most glorious thing that can be worn to a holiday party? The ugly Christmas sweater, of course! See festive reindeer, yeti, penguins, and more get into the spirit in this immersive book perfect for tactile young readers.   REVIEW   Ugly Christmas sweaters seem to have become a holiday tradition for all ages.  Ugly is, of course, relative depending on people's opinions.  This charming chapter book introduces the concept of the 'ugly' holiday sweater to young readers through touch and feel.  Each of the five two-page spreads highlights a creature and it's sweater.  There's a reindeer drinking coco wearing tinsel and ornaments on his sweater.  The poor Yeti's sweater just doesn't fit right but his belly is soft and ...

CHRISTMAS IS JOY by Emma Dodd templar books, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-5362-1545-8 Source: publisher for review Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK An enchanting celebration of the true meaning of Christmas, featuring two adorable reindeer. Christmas is love that lasts all year. It's all of us, together, here. Christmas is peace, stars twinkling above, a night of sweet dreams and a heart full of love. Emma Dodd's joyful celebration of this wonderful time of year, as seen through the eyes of two reindeer, is a pure delight.   REVIEW   The tender poem at the heart of this book shares some of the sweet feelings and experiences that can accompany Christmas.  Those feelings and experiences are illustrated using a mother and child reindeer as the focal point.  The shiny paper used for snow in the air, snow on the trees, and a shining lake makes the illustrations really stand out and sparkle with life.  A short, sweet celebration of the best the C...

GIGANTOSAURUS: THE HOLIDAY PARTY by Cyber Group Studios Candlewick Entertainment, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-5362-1340-9 Source: publisher for review Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own.   ABOUT THE BOOK   It's the shortest day of the year, and Mazu, Tiny, Rocky, and Bill are feeling awfully gloomy. When the sun rises so late and sets so early, there's barely enough daylight to do anything, let alone something fun. So when Tiny decides to cheer everyone up with an extravagant holiday party, all of the dinosaurs in Cretacea are excited--and Tiny even invites the fearsome Giganto. But a last-minute bash is tough to pull off, and pretty soon everything from the decorations to the presents has gone wrong. Can Tiny salvage it all and throw the holiday party she promised?   REVIEW   This picture book is based on an episode of the children's TV show Gigantosaurus.  The story focuses on young Tiny who proposes a party to celebrate the shortest day of the ye...

  THE SNOW DANCER by Addie Boswell, illustrated by Merce Lopez two lions, 2020 ISBN: 978-1542093170 Source: Blue Slip Media Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own.   ABOUT THE BOOK   Young dancer Sofia wakes up to a quiet, white world—it’s a snow day! She makes her way outside to the neighborhood park, where a field awaits her, white and shining and open. It isn’t long before the rest of the neighborhood wakes its sleepy head—and the other kids make their way to the park, scattering all of Sofia’s beautiful silence. But with the help of a new young friend, Sofia is ready to show everyone what a snow dancer can do on a perfect day like this. With lyrical language and gorgeous art, this book sparkles with all the joy and beauty of a snow day.   REVIEW   This lovely ode to the joys of untouched snow shows a young girl's excitement as she dresses up and heads outside.  She dances through the snow making all kinds of delightful sounds.  ...