The Super Mom » Book Nook

Children’s Book Review: Space A Visual Encyclopedia

Karlynn Johnston — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:00:15 +0000

Brand new with the latest images from NASA, this book is sure to thrill little and big astronauts in the making. It’s full of beautiful pictures, real and generated that educate about space in great detail.

Did you know that there have only been about 500 people in space exploring? I was actually astonished at that number, I thought it would have been less. I suppose we hear much less nowaday about space exploration that a few decades ago.

The nine sections that the book covers over 256 pages are:

Observing The Universe
The Violent Universe
Liftoff!
Humans in Space
Solar System
Earth
The Moon
The Sun
Stars and Stargazing

Everything that is considered cosmic is covered from the planets and their moons, wondrous comets, the history of space travel to mysterious black holes, nebulae, distant solar systems, and so much more!

For more information on this book and others, you can visit DK Books at http://www.dk.com, and click the flag to choose your country.

Reading level: 7 – 12 years

Page Count: 256 pages

Publisher: DK Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: There are millions of stars in the sky and millions of things to learn about the universe, and One Million Things: Space serves up imagery and information about all things cosmic: from planets, moons, and comets, to black holes, nebulae, distant solar systems, and more.

About the Author: DK Publishing

Children’s Book Review: Eyewitness Expert Shark

Karlynn Johnston — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:00:36 +0000

There comes a point in most children’s lives when they become obsessed with sharks. It’s almost inevitable, a phase they go through, like dinosaurs.

The set is more than just a book; there is an amazing wallchart that any child would love to hang on their wall, or teacher put on their classroom wall. Then there is a set of gorgeous pull out cards featuring 48 sharks in detail, a CD full of awesome clip art, a map detailing where sharks swim, an Expert Files book, the larger format Eyewitness Sharks book and a model great white shark that kids can build.

All this for the price of $32.99 Canadian is pretty impressive, there is a lot of information and fun packed into this set!

For any little (or big, for that matter) shark lover this would be an excellent and much appreciate gift, or a perfect classroom resource for teachers.

For more information on this book and others, you can visit DK Books at http://www.dk.com, and click the flag to choose your country.

Reading level: 8 – 17 years

Page Count: 200 pages

Publisher: DK Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: Written by today’s experts for the experts of tomorrow, Eyewitness Experts are great big gift packs that blitz the top-selling topics children really love. Open them up and you’ll find everything you need to nurture their interest, whether novice or nerd. These are gifts to treasure and return to and grow with.

This pack is filled with everything you need to become an expert on sharks, covering their life cycles, their diets, and their secret underwater lives.

About the Author: DK Publishing

Children’s Book Review: Eyewitness Oil

Karlynn Johnston — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:00:54 +0000

Oil makes the world go round. Wars are fought over it, countries are embargoed due to it and our day to day lives depend on it much more than the average person realizes. The issues of oil and oil exploration are in the North American news daily, and not only that but oil spills and the effect they have on the environment.

Eyewitness Oil is an excellent resource for children and parents alike to learn the basics of oil. Starting with of course, what oil is and where it comes from, the book delves into the production and refining aspects as well.

The products that surround us daily are also covered such as plastics and polymers, giving children a sense of how important oil is and gives us all insight into why it’s such a big deal. The first thing that pops into most peoples minds is our cars and powering them when considering oil and not much further than that. The books shows otherwise.

Thankfully there are chapters on substitutes such as solar,water,wind and nuclear power, educating our future generation on these options which we can only hope become more and more prevalent.

I consider this book a must have in your home collection and think it should be a requisite resource for schools as well. The topic is one that affects us all so very much and is such an important one to learn about.

Reading level: ages 8-17

Page Count: 72 pages

Publisher: DK Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: Eyewitness Oil is a brand new and up-to-date look at petroleum—why we need it, where we get it, and how we use it. By tracing its roots from 6,500 years ago in the Middle East through the Dawn of the Oil Age in 1853 and finally to present day, find out why oil truly is king. Stunning real-life photography of oil tankers, refineries, and spills lets you be an eyewitness to the substance long referred to as “black gold.” This book also includes a CD with additional clip art as well as a pull-out wall chart to take you deeper into the world of fossil fuels. See the inner workings of a car engine, find out how geologists locate underground oil deposits, and get an insider’s look at the controversial substance responsible for the beginning—and, if we’re not careful, the end of life as we know it today!

* Includes CD with clip-art and wall chart—at the same price as the original editions
* Includes spectacular, detailed full-color photographs and illustrations
* 72-page format includes 8 bonus pages full of amazing facts
* Library-bound editions available without CDs for all titles

About the Author:John Farndon is the author of many popular reference books on a wide range of topics, including the best-selling Dorling Kindersley Pocket Encyclopaedia and the Collins Children’s Encyclopaedia. He has been short-listed three times for the Aventis Science Book junior prize.

Children’s Book Review: Cool Stuff 2.0

Karlynn Johnston — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:43 +0000

Add this to your pile of summer reading, Cool Stuff is back and just as interesting as the first edition!

Cool Stuff 2.0 delves again into the realms of the unasked and unknown regarding How Stuff Works. Roller coasters to robots are covered in great detail, teaching children the mechanics behind some of the everyday things that surround us.

Color photos, illustrations and diagrams help us to learn about each subject in great detail.

Kids who are interested in taking apart things to see the inner working will love this book, the child who has taken apart your toaster might not move on to the DVD player next if you put this into his hands. The book does get fairly indepth, so the age range recommended is pretty much bang on.

Reading level: 8 – 12 years

Page Count: 256 pages

Publisher: Dk Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: Following on the success Cool Stuff and How it Works, this spectacular book shows and explains, in a brilliantly visual and easy-to-understand way, exactly how the technology that shapes our world works. Taking the reader on an eye-opening journey from the engine of a hydrogen-fuelled car, into the virtual world of Second Life, and up the earthquake-proofed structure of the world’s tallest office building, learn about the science behind every machine and gadget, and find out when and how things were invented—from mobile phones and games consoles to smart cards and space planes.

About the Author:
Chris Woodford graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Natural Sciences. For several years he worked as an information designer for IBM and then made a career change to publishing where he became an editor on specialist science and technology titles.

Dr Jon Woodcock graduated from Oxford University with a degree in physics before moving to the University of London where he was awarded a PhD for his work in astrophysics. He has worked in research and development for various hi-tech companies and now consults and writes on science and technology.

Children’s Book Review: Make It!

Karlynn Johnston — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:00:12 +0000

The logo of this book, “Don’t throw it away- create something amazing!” is a wonderful message to be sending to kids and parents alike.

And going along with the green theme, this book was published under the “Made With Care” method that DK does with some of their books. The ink is vegetable, there is no dust jacket and the paper was sourced from responsibly managed forests.

The book is full of wonderful crafts that you can make out of your “garbage” material, such as junk mail and newspaper.

The junk mail jewel craft, for example, shows children how to make cookie cutter shapes out of paper mache then string them for necklaces after painting them. Paper portraits is an amazingly intricate looking craft that is shown step-by-step and would appeal to children ready to take on slightly harder crafts. The results look amazing!

The book is full of of amazing crafts and if you are looking for an excellent book for summertime crafts, this is it.

I can’t recommend it enough, there is so much fun packed into this one book!

Reading level: 5 – 8 years

Page Count: 64 pages

Publisher: DK Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: From picture-frame collages to totally unique shadow boxes, this book has everything a creative child needs to find fun in every corner of his own home.

Jane Bull was one of the creators of DK’s renowned Eyewitness series, and has written numerous crafts books for children, including Christmas Activity Book, Garden Activity Book, Cooking Activity Book, Halloween Activity Book, and many more.

About the Author:
By seeing the world through a child’s eyes, Jane Bull’s fresh, original, and energetic designs inspire children to get crafty

For as long as Jane Bull can remember, she’s been interested in art, particularly making things. By 1979 Jane was working in publishing for Mitchell Beazley and then went onto to join Dorling Kindersley in 1982.

Since then Jane has been involved in an enormous range of books for adults and children (including activity books, many of the My First Books, Brilliant Disguises and Clever Costumes), as well as helping to form the look of the hugely successful Eyewitness series.

Her latest collection is published by DK and takes activity books to a new vibrant level. Including the award-winning: Change Your Room, The Christmas Book, The Sunny Day Book, The Cooking Book and her latest title, The Crafty Art Book, this range has a book to inspire every child to get creative.

Jane lives in London and has three children of her own to practice out her crafty ideas on.

Children’s Book Review: Skateboarding

Karlynn Johnston — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:00:43 +0000

Want to entertain your 10 year old board-head this summer? Hand him/her this book, a helmet, pads and a skateboard (if they don’t already own them) and tell them to git outside.

This book is sure to thrill kids who are interested in skateboarding. The color photographs of boys and girls showing their skateboarding skills and step-by-step illustrations showing techniques are fantastic and sure to encourage youngsters to try some new tricks.

The book starts at the basics, teaching the parts of skateboards, board talk, safety and so much more. Then even the simplest of techniques are shown, such as stances and stopping, then working up to more complicated maneuvers.

Not only for the beginner but a great guide for an intermediate skater, this book is full of summertime entertainment!

Reading level: ages 10 and up

Page Count: 64 pages

Publisher: DK Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: From board maintenance and ollies to vert skating and grinds, this book uses bite-sized instructions and killer original photography to introduce kids to the action-packed world of skateboarding.

* Tips and techniques for both beginners and experts
* Features shots of professional skaters and info on the history of skating
* Includes important safety information throughout

About the Author: From the Clive Gifford website:

I am not a typical writer. I don’t work solely in one field. I like to write for young children, teens and adults. I am at home with the most complex and serious or light and fun of topics. Recent work has included a study of North Korea and the issue of nuclear proliferation, a streetwise teenage self-help guide, a 12 book series on starting sports for 6-8 year olds and a collection of biographies of key historical figures going as far back as Queen Hatshepsut.

Children’s Book Review: Great Scientists

Karlynn Johnston — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:11:54 +0000

I love when a wonderful subject is condensed into one book for children to read, rather than a small volume on each subject.

This is what Great Scientists does perfectly; it takes the best and greatest scientists that the world has ever known and features them in one reference book that can stay handily on the bookshelf, just waiting for the next school project.

They are all there. Darwin, Aristotle, Einstein, Stephen Hawking and more. These world-changers are each featured on a one or two-page spread, just enough room for their achievements, pictures and illustrations without going into mind-numbing depth of information that makes kids tune out.

This is what I consider an absolute must have reference book for ages 8 and up, it is that good and the chance that these scientists will be covered in your children’s classroom subjects is about 10 out of 10.

For homeschooling purposes as well, this is an invaluable resource.

Reading level: ages 8 – 18

Page Count: 72 pages

Publisher: DK Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: Meet the greatest scientific minds in history, from the first woman to win not only one, but two, Nobel Prizes to the men who discovered the “secret of life.” Great Scientists profiles 30 of the most influential scientists throughout history and explores important milestones in science. Each page is brought to life with dozens of full-color images, and the book is accompanied by additional clip art on a CD and a colorful wall chart as added content. Discover Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, see one of Thomas Edison’s early light bulbs, find out why a great French chemist lost his head, and much, much more!

* Includes CD with clip-art and wall chart
* Includes spectacular, detailed full-color photographs and illustrations
* 72-page format includes 8 bonus pages full of amazing facts
* Library-bound editions available without CDs for all titles

About the Author: John Farndon is the author of many popular reference books on a wide range of topics, including the best-selling Dorling Kindersley Pocket Encyclopaedia and the Collins Children’s Encyclopaedia. He has been short-listed three times for the Aventis Science Book junior prize.

Children’s Book Review: Evolution Revolution

Karlynn Johnston — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:00:45 +0000

From Darwin to DNA, proclaims the subtitle, and so the book does go. It covers the earliest days of Darwin and his theories to the newest information available about evolution.

Starting with the stories of creation from various religions then moving on to the debate and challenges of the religious claims of the earth’s beginnings, the book covers the area in a very unbiased manner. Which is important when tackling a subject that does not usually mesh with religion in the slightest.

The facts are presented in an era-by-era way, focusing on different theories that abounded when scientists tried to tackle the theory of evolution. Darwin, of course, had the biggest and most famous epiphany, but there were many others who contributed to the evolution theories.

This is the perfect starter book on evolution for young readers; humor is interspersed with facts, entertaining pictures and interesting tidbits galore. Everything is explained simply but thoroughly, with bright graphics to hold the attention and information that is easy to relate to and understand.

Reading level: 7 – 10 years

Page Count: 96 pages

Publisher: Dk Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis:
The award-winning series that brought young readers What Makes Me Me?, Think of a Number, and Can You Feel the Force? now reveals the story behind “the greatest idea in history.” Page by page, the book answers questions such as ”Why do tigers have stripes?” with entertaining text, full-color photographs, and all the boldness and innovation that define this series.

About the AuthorProfessor Lord Robert Winston, leading scientist and TV presenter.

Professor Robert Winston belongs to that rare breed of scientists who combine academic brilliance with charisma and a flair for communication with the general public.A household name thanks to popular TV series that include The Human Body, which one three baftas, Superhuman, Walking with Cavemen, and The Human Mind, Lord Winston’s personal charisma and zest for adventure have seen him riding rollercoasters and freezing in an igloo to help demonstrate science in action.

His pioneering work in the field of human fertility helped thousands of childless couples have “miracle babies” and earned him an outstanding international reputation.

A winner of the Royal Society’s prestigious Michael Faraday Gold Award, he was made a life peer in 1995. He is Consultant in Reproductive Medicine at Hammersmith Hospital and Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College, London.

For more information on this book and others, you can visit DK Books at http://www.dk.com, and click the flag to choose your country.

Children’s Book Review: Eyewitness Economy

Karlynn Johnston — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:00:27 +0000

Ok, admittedly it’s not the most thrilling topic for a book.

But it is a very important one. Our children do need to learn about the economy and how it works, starting with the basics and moving up.

This Eyewitness book does the trick for an introduction to economy and what it entails. It explains what exactly the economy is, economic goals and that big question; who decides?

Once you get into the book, you will find that it really is captivating. I truly mean it. We can all use a refresher on this subject. And with the current economy the way it is, it is very important to start teaching our children early on about savings, credit and what that entails, inflation and unemployment.

The CD that comes with the book has excellent clip art images on it, perfect as an aide for teaching or for a student who needs images to print out for a project. As well, the wall chart accompanying it is an excellent addition as always.

Reading level: 72 pages

Page Count: 8 – 17 years

Publisher: DK Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures. A new edition to the list, Eyewitness Economy unravels the mysteries and paradoxes of how economies work, or fail. Illustrated throughout with illuminating photos, the book answers questions such as: why is money valuable, why do recessions happen and why are some countries rich and others poor?

For more information on this book and others, you can visit DK Books at http://www.dk.com, and click the flag to choose your country.

Children’s Book Review: Human Body Q&A

Karlynn Johnston — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:09:58 +0000

The mechanics of the human body are explored, and in depth, in this colorful and fascinating book. Starting at the basic parts that comprise the human anatomy, the book winds its way through how we fuel our bodies, our brainpower, pumping blood and the life story.

Each section is full of great photographs and illustrations, and the question/answer format that DK excels in using is how the information is presented to the reader.

The questions asked and answered are appropriate for the age group, simple enough for ages 8 and up to understand yet still entertain them as well. The questions asked are ones that are interesting enough that kids want to know, such as How much blood do I have? and Can loud noise damage my ears? Yes children, your mothers ARE right, activities such as listening to your headphones too loudly DOES lead to damage!

Reading level: 8 – 12 years

Page Count: 64 pages

Publisher: DK Publishing

Publisher’s synopsis: From head to toe, all the questions you could ever think to ask about the human body!

Crammed with eye-opening questions and revealing answers no cell is left unturned. Human Body Q&A is a compelling and fantastically photographed and illustrated examination of the human body, in DK’s very successful question-and-answer format.

For more information on this book and others, you can visit DK Books at http://www.dk.com, and click the flag to choose your country.