PPBF: Animals Christopher Columbus Saw

And now on to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Christopher Columbus, Part of the Explorers Series

Animals Christopher Columbus Saw
An Adventure in the New World

Written Sandra Markle
Illustrated by Jamel Akib

Chronicle Books, 2008
Ages 7-10, 48 pp, 970L


Themes:
Exploration, History, Animals


Opening:
Would you believe that, once, worms inspired people to explore the world? In fifteenth-century Europe, silk made from the thread of silkworms was more valuable than gold. Silk and silkworms could only be found in the areas now known as China and Japan, and finding the fastest sea route between these areas and Europe could make an explorer very rich. Christopher Columbus was determined to find that route. In 1492, he set off with three ships, and while he did find land, it wasn't what he expected. Neither were the animals he found along the way.

Synopsis:
The author weaves both history and zoology into the story of Christoper Columbus's voyage. She uses journals and primary sources to uncover the probable route of the three ships and straighten out the facts in our minds. She details the various species of animals on land, sea, and air which Columbus's crew encountered. Her book is full of historical place names and vocabulary and doesn't shy away from the introduction of slavery and disease. However, the focus is not on the value of the journey, but rather on the wildlife. Each spread has narrative paragraph which tells about the sailors and a paragraph which highlights an animal the crew encountered. The text is a bit complicated for younger readers to read themselves, but would be a great introduction to the subject for both lower and middle grades. The focus on the animals is a kid-friendly way to teach history. The book includes a glossary and age-appropriate resources plus an author's note.


What I Love:
I love this series of animal books by Sandra Markle. I appreciate the way she tries to be historically accurate and put the details into perspective. I am sure there are many people who think she does not hit the issues like slavery harshly enough and that this book glorifies Columbus in a Eurocentric way without regard to the chaos of colonialism. Personally, I like how the author found an important theme running through Columbus's voyage and also that she has an opportunity to show what the voyage meant to his people at the time. It opens conversation about pre-conceived notions about what makes a civilized society and still leaves room to explore the history without the modern politics.
The illustrations are beautiful, though I was disappointed by the book's design. I would have liked the narrative sections and the animal sections to be set apart differently. Though a period map was included in the illustrations, I think a more detailed map would be more useful.


Bonus: 

1. There are other books in the Explorers series including one about Marco Polo and one about Robert Shaw.

2. Kids can create their own journal of animal species with the tips from Reading Rockets and biome-specific helps from Earth'sKids.

3. Geocaching is another way to get kids out and exploring. Go to their official website, or check the overview on LifeWire.

4. To dig deeper into the truth about Columbus's journey, try Biography and IndianCountryToday. While KidsPlayAndCreate offers a list of historical facts and dates.

5. Both Calliope and Dig magazines featured issues on Queen Isabella, and Cobblestone's issue on explorers would pair well with this book.

6. National Geographic's website encourages kids to follow in modern explorers' footsteps. Even city kids can do some adventuring on CityKidExplorers.

7. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Didn't one of the PPBF participants review Monsoon, illustrated by Jamel Akib? I couldn't find it, but I'm sure I read it. If so, please leave the link in the comments or drop me an email. Thanks!

Reviewed by Sue

Reviewed by Sue

Reviewed by Joanna

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Diane

Reviewed by Beth

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, October 6, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

Top Ten Hidden Gems of 2016

To join in or view other lists,
visit The Broke and Bookish

This week's Top Ten features Underrated/Hidden Gem Books I've Read In The Past Year Or So

 



See which books other bloggers are listing

for January 17, 2017 

Bingo Summer

1. Bingo Summer, by Dawn Malone

Dawn Malone's books are self-published, but she is every inch a writer. The writing in Bingo Summer was mature and well-developed. Malone is obviously dedicated to her craft. Her main character is likable and her family relationships interesting. This is a rare gem amid the culm.

You can read my Goodreads review here
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1590689713

Squashed

2. Squashed, by Joan Bauer

Joan Bauer is a popular author, but her first book about a girl who raises prize pumpkins is a hard sell. The main character is as good as any of Bauer's other heroines. She struggles with her weight, her relationship to her widower dad, and the ever-present stress of blue ribbon competition.

You'll find my Marvelous Middle Grade Monday review here
http://bookish-ambition.blogspot.com/2016/11/mmgm-squashed.html



Evangeline Brown
and the Cadillac Motel

3. Evangeline Brown and the Cadillac Motel, by Michele Ivy Davis

This book may have been published before its time, because there are dozens of book of this ilk on shelves today which are far inferior, yet this one remains largely undiscovered. Evangeline (Eddie to her friends) and Farrell are genuine characters with realistic problems. The Cadillac Motel in Paradise, Florida is the perfect setting, with its anomalous inhabitants. The plot is by turns sweet and bittersweet. The best thing about underrated books is you can usually find a secondhand copy for pocket change. If you're planning to read the new Welcome to Wonderland series by Chris Grabenstein, maybe you should give this a try.

Read the glowing review on KidsPages
http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/evangeline-brown-and-the-cadillac-motel

A Coalition of Lions

4. A Coalition of Lions, by Elizabeth Wein

Almost twenty years before Wein wrote Code Name, Verity, she penned a version of Arthurian legend which would take readers across two continents. A coalition of Lions is the second in the series, but works as a standalone novel. This book takes place in Askum, also known as Ethiopia. It introduces a host of exciting characters , brimming with political intrigue, reading like a well-played chess game.

You can read my Goodreads review here
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1627377754

Eon

5. Eon, by Alison Goodman

My son loved this book, but it took me a while to get around to it. It was truly worth the wait. If you like high fantasy and spunky heroines, martial arts movies and feudal China, you are going to love Eon. Whether tackling gender identity, disability, love, or duty, the author hurtles forward and leaves the reader breathless with anticipation of the next installment. You might know this book as Rise of the Dragoneye or The Two Pearls of Wisdom, depending which continent you hail from.

I thought Jessica Harrison's review summed it up nicely
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705273247/Eon-not-your-average-dragon-fantasy.html?pg=all

When You Reach Me

6. When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead

No one should be surprised at the quality when reading a book by Rebecca Stead, but I was blown away. I didn't think it could possibly live up to the hype, but if anything, the praise fell short. I didn't think I'd ever read another of Rebecca's books which I liked as much as Liar & Spy. Now it's a toss up. So while this gem may not be hidden, it was certainly an unexpected delight.

You can read my Goodreads review here
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1544074363

So B. It

7. So B. It, by Sarah Weeks

Another book I was sure was overrated. While Sarah Weeks's books are always entertaining and skillfully written, this one layers in so much more. It is poetic in its honesty. The voice, the humor, the irony leave me nearly speechless.

You can read my Goodreads review here
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/455489650

The Human Body

8. The Human Body: The Story of How We Protect, Repair, and Make Ourselves Stronger, by H. P. Newquist

Though I love non-fiction, I wasn't holding out hope for this book. The title lacks any draw and the cover promised a read as interesting as Grey's anatomy. What I found instead was a fascinating compendium from an unusual viewpoint, the history of man's efforts to repair and improve the human body. Sometimes gruesome, sometimes incredible, The Human Body is well-researched and well-organized, the kind of book in which kids can graze and ruminate, and even learn something.

You'll find my MMGM review and additional resources here
http://bookish-ambition.blogspot.com/2016/11/mmgm-human-body.html

Poop Detectives

9. Poop Detectives, Working Dogs in the Field, by Ginger Wadsworth

I had to include this book. I don't know if Poop Detectives will get the attention it deserves, but the book was a fascinating account of dog-training in environmental studies which will engage readers of all ages. I would never have believed I would recommend a book with that title. I still think it is both a shameless solicitation and an unfortunate misnomer. However, Wadsworth so skillfully covers her subject, making it entertaining and informative, that I am willing to forgive her anything. A hefty 80 pages, packed with photos and personal accounts of these lovable rescued dogs, this book is perfect for every classroom. And that's not a load of poop.

Jennifer at the Jean Little Library highlights more to love in her review
http://jeanlittlelibrary.blogspot.com/2017/01/poop-detectives-working-dogs-in-field.html

The Great Leopard Rescue

10. The Great Leopard Rescue, by Sandra Markle

Lastly, I've included a stunningly beautiful picture book. Again, it's not the type of book I would have expected to be riveting, but the subject and treatment are outstanding. The book follows the complex efforts of conserving an entire species, using the specifics of the Amur Leopard rescue to illustrate the various methods and obstacles. Educational and fascinating, this book is an eye-opening read for both adults and kids.

You can see my review for Perfect Picture Book Friday here
http://bookish-ambition.blogspot.com/2016/11/ppbf-great-leopard-rescue.html

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish in June 2010. Everyone is welcome to join. Simply link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post and add your name to the Linky widget on that day's posts. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

PPBF: The Great Leopard Rescue

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

The Great Leopard Rescue, by Sandra Markle

The Great Leopard Rescue

Written by Sandra Markle
Cover photo by Tom and Pat Leeson

MillBrook Press, 2016
Grades 3-7, 48 pp, Lexile 1110

Themes:
Animals, Nonfiction, Conservation

Opening:
       Danger!
       In the fading light of an autumn day, a young male Amur leopard picks his way over a rocky ridge and sets off on his nighttime hunt. Earlier, in the morning, he caught a hare before finding a den to sleep in. But one hare isn't enough daily food for a cat nearly twice as big as a German shepherd. So, awake again, he's hungry and hunting.

Synopsis:
The Amur leopard is endangered. Incredible efforts have been made to bring this big cat back from the brink of extinction and reintroduce it into the wild. This book follows the reasons for the leopard's endangered status, obstacles to it's success, and the specific multi-national plan in place to help the species flourish.

What I Love:
Sandra Markle does an amazing job introducing the plight of the Amur leopard and chronicling it's recovery without forgetting her audience. She doesn't spend much time discussing the actual leopard's characteristics, but by the end, I felt like I knew all about the animals. There are many complicated steps involved in protecting the Amur leopards' habitat, overseeing their care and breeding, and helping captive animals succeed in the wild. The journey is fascinating, and detailed without becoming prosaic. The photography is gorgeous throughout. The back matter includes full resources, notes, timelines, etc. Best of all, the plan for the Amur leopards won't be completed until 2020, so this book has a long shelf life and plenty of potential as a classroom resource.

Bonus: 
1. Get an update on the status of the Amur leopard at the World Wildlife Federation site. It includes photos, video, and more.

2. View the gorgeous Amur leopard video of the mama and its cubs, available on WildScreen Arkive.

3. Visit the big cats upclose and personal. San Diego Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo are among the many parks trying to protect this species.

4. Wild Earth Guardians site posted a map of endangered animal candidates in the U.S.A.

5. For the adventurous, I've included a video for leopard print milk loaf by Vanessa Vie.

6. Learn Create Love offers a free printable leopard craft for young readers.

7. Join the fight. Give to the Phoenix Fund and learn more about the Kedrovaya Pad Reserve in Eastern Asia. Why not run a fund raiser in your classroom?

8. Prose and Kahn also reviewed this book. And check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.



Reviewed by Sue

Reviewed by Miranda



Reviewed by Beth

Reviewed by Kirsten

Reviewed by Julie

Reviewed by Susanna

Reviewed by Robyn

Reviewed by Joanne

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, November 4, 2016 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.