Category: Non Fiction

The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids

12/28/2016

The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids ( ages 8+ )
By : Tammy Gagne
Publisher : Capstone ( February 2017 )

Written under the guidelines of the American Kennel Club (AKC), the The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids by Tammy Gagne, is a great source of information for young dog-lovers. It is also a good reference for 'dog fans' both young and old, in becoming more informed about different aspects such as appearance, personality and training methods for the bewildering array of breeds of 'man's best friend.'

Over one hundred and fifty breeds are described here. The book is divided into seven main categories according to the same classification method used by the AKC: Herding, Hounds, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terriers, Toy and Working dogs. Within each category, one finds the various breeds that fit into the given group. Around 1-2 pages are dedicated for each breed with beautiful photos. For any given breed, there is a concise, but very comprehensive description done under the subheadings of appearance (size, weight, color of coat, eyes), personality, breed background, country of origin, year of recognition by the AKC and the very important notes on training and caring.

The personality subheading in particular, carries valuable information as to how friendly in general that particular breed is with children, strangers and other animals in the house. The training and caring sections are also of great importance since the methods adopted seem to vary quite a lot, even among breeds fitting into one single category. Also included are 'fun facts' - interesting information about the breed - and 'famous dogs', members of that breed who had acheived fame and popularity as characters of movies or books, or through their heroics in real life.

The book stands out in terms of it`s captivating and very simple presentation and for it`s uncomplicated text. It will be a valued addition to the library of any young dog-lover, and probably will serve as a useful reference book for many years to come.
( With many thanks to Capstone Publishers and NetGally for the ARC )

The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids

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Animal Planet: Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals.

10/16/2016

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Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals (ages 6+)
By: Charles Ghigna & The Animal Planet Author
Animal Planet Publications (October 2016)

Many kids (and quite a few adults as well) cannot resist a sign that says 'wet paint'. The newest addition to the Animal Planet book series, 'Strange, Unusual,Gross and Cool Animals' by Charles Ghigna succeeds in using the same effect with its title. You are inevitably drawn to find out if the 'Gross' ones do actually 'gross you out'; in the same way, you are curious to find out what is actually so 'strange' and 'unusual' about the members of those two categories - even more so than about the cool ones, in my opinion. So why, if so, are they 'Strange, Unusual, Gross or Cool?' This book attempts to answer this question through the use of detailed high resolution photographs, annotated extensively to describe the unique features of the animals.

The book is divided into four separate sections -strange, unusual, gross and cool. All sections follow an identical format: There is a 'gallery', which contains photos and short descriptions and provides similarities between the illustrated animals who are from different locations around the world. Next we have the 'Featured Creatures' which highlight one animal at a time in double page spreads. Annotations on the 'Featured Creature' photos highllght the interesting features and how these help the creature to adapt to its chosen environment; there are also details (called 'Creature Features') of the animal's diet, habitat, geographical location (shown as a point on an image of the earth) and more. The next sub-section within each main section is the creature collection spread which has a large collection of animals where you can compare and contrast the unusual features. And finally we have -the 'Macroview' which are zoomed in views of very small animals that fit into each main category.

Looking through the images and the descriptions was fascinating, even for an adult. I really liked the annotations within the pictures that pointed out the special features. This helps tremendously, especially for the kids, to realize the need for these 'odd' appendages and behavioral habits in the context of the creatures' habitats. I also like that at the start of each section, be it strange or gross, the Author has added a pair of rhyming verses that state in different ways -but still essentially with the same idea- that being judgmental
of these creatures' appearances is not very wise. The opening verses in the 'Strange' section best exemplify this to me:

'Strange how we as humans,
View Creatures great and small-
But we who see their strangeness
Are the strangest ones of all!'

Overall, the book is a visual treat packed with information that young animal lovers will be very eager to devour, and then to pour over time and again with their friends, and even their parents. As they laugh and stare open-mouthed at the extra heads, the extraordinary mimicking abilities and other tricks of survival of these fascinating living things quite possibly, all these unique creatures will find themselves in the 'Cool' category, in the little ones' minds!
( With Many thanks to Animal Planet and NetGally for the ARC )

Strange,Unusual, Gross, Cool Animals

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Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary.

6/16/2016

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Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary.
( Ages 7+ )
By : Susan Rennie (Author), Quentin Blake ( Illustrator ), Roald Dahl ( Contributor )
Publisher : Oxford University Press ( Sept.2016)

What better way is there to celebrate this world renowned, much loved author`s 100th birthday, than by celebrating the language he had invented! A dictionary of Roald Dahl`s would seal his place in the hearts of children for many generations to come. A wonderful tribute to a "gloriumptious" author!

The Oxford Roald Dahl dictionary is mainly intended for Roald Dahl`s very special "whizzpopping" and mind-blowing words. But there are lots of other words as well; those words that are commonly available in his books. It is said that this contains nearly 8000 words and that it took five years for the lexicographer Dr.Susan Rennie to complete it.

However, this is something more than just a dictionary. It`s fun to refer to, and then one might end up reading the whole thing. Definitions are simple and easy for children to remember, and always supported by amusing citations from Roald Dahl`s books. The book is even complimented with Quentin Blake`s "fantabulous" illustrations.

Roald Dahl has been such an imposing & powerful writer. His tales and characters have always been memorable. Is that due to his writing style? Or his choice of words? Maybe due to both. And of course, due to his very original and imaginative worlds. I guess I must add a bit of Dahl here or this will not be a complete review.
" He turned and reached behind him for the chocolate bar, then he turned back again and handed it to Charlie. / Charlie grabbed it and quickly tore off the wrapper and took an enormous bite. / Then he took another ......and another..... and oh!, the joy of being able to cram large pieces of something sweet and solid into one`s mouth! / The sheer blissful joy of being able to fill one`s mouth with rich solid food ! "You look like you wanted that one, sonny," The shop keeper said pleasantly. / Charlie nodded, his mouth bulging with chocolate. " - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. -

We`re a fabulous crew,
And we know what to do,
And we never stop work to drink tea,
All your windows will glow,
When we give them a go,
The Giraffe and the Pelly and me !
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. -

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The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids

Animal Planet: Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals.

Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary.

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