Fossils

Children's Literature

This book is part of the "Early Bird Earth Science Series." How clever of the author to have the first page challenging the readers to find the twelve listed words in the book as they read about fossils. There are five concise chapters with excellent photographs and descriptions found on every page. The text is to the point and is written in simple sentences. There is even a phonetic spelling for words that the author thought might be difficult for a reader to pronounce. The last sentence of each chapter provides the opening of the next chapter. The last chapter actually ends with two questions: "Do you have a favorite fossil?" and "What kind of story does it tell you?" What a great way to urge the reader to do further research and/or provide a prompt for discussion. At the end of the book, the reader will find a reading list, glossary, and an index. There is also a unique section addressed to adults that provides information, questions, and suggestions for methods of sharing this book with a child. A lot of thought has gone into the format of this book, and it would be an excellent selection for a nonfiction book. The vocabulary, shorter sentences, and summarizing chapters make this perfect for low-level readers, budding scientists, and students who have never found nonfiction interesting. There is a lot going on in this book, and it will appeal to both girls and boys. 2007, Lerner Publications Company, Ages 8 to 12.
—Kathie M. Josephs

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-These introductory titles follow a standard format of brief chapters of basic information with clear, relevant illustrations (mainly color photos) on every spread. The books begin with lists of words to identify in the text. The first title introduces "Planet Parts," "Moving Pieces," "Mountains, Cracks, and Holes," and "Making New Crust." The second one discusses how fossils are formed, as well as finding and studying them. The third title defines different types of rocks and discusses the rock cycle. The colorful layout is appealing. These titles are comparable to those in the "Earth Rocks!" series (Rosen) and will complement existing collections or be a good starting point for young readers.-Michael Giller, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.