Bonkers About Beetles

Nature is a beautiful, incomprehensible marvel in the way that everything works together so seamlessly and Owen Davey’s books remind us of nature’s small, perfect and sublime details.  In the fourth book of his non-fiction series, we learn about the weird and wonderful complexity of beetles — creatures that comprise 25% of the world’s animals.  One fact that we found fascinating — fireflies are a type of beetle and some of them can synchronize their flash patterns and turn their glow on and off at the same time.  Did you know that ladybugs hibernate when the days get colder and less food is available?  Bonkers About Beetles is perfect for nature enthusiasts and if you think you’ve got a future entomologist — or coleopterist — on your hands.

Bonkers About Beetles was written and illustrated by Owen Davey and published by Flying Eye Books.

Boats on the Bay

Read this yesterday for the first time.  It was a slow Sunday afternoon — the soporific heat making it even slower — and wow, I really perked up on the first page turn.  The book’s simple, serene text coupled with stunning, sweeping illustrations tell the story of a day in the life of the San Francisco Bay.  Illustrator Grady McFerrin does an incredble job highlighting the meaningful landmarks that make living in the Bay area a beautiful and unique experience.  A few readings of Boats on the Bay will make you feel like you’re out bobbing on the water breathing in its cold, wet air, taking in a fresh perspective and a welcome break from the sometimes congested life on land.  It’s one of the loveliest, most thoughtful tributes to San Francisco.  No question one of our favorites this year, for so many reasons.

Boats on the Bay was written by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Grady McFerrin and published by Cameron Kids.  It’ll be out on August 21.

Ocean: A Visual Miscellany

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” — Jacques Cousteau

A great big book about our great vast oceans.  Some of the topics explored are watercraft (vessels that travel on or under water), ship life and navigation, the many inhabitants of the ocean, “tales from the deep,” famous disasters at sea and nautical experiments to try at home.  Sprinkled throughout are questions that engage readers in wonder such as “What does sea spray smell like?” and “Could you ‘catch’ your dinner if you were in complete darkness?”  Included is a recipe for caldeirada, a Portuguese fish stew — a nod to the author and illustrator’s heritage.

Ocean: A Visual Miscellany was written by Ricardo Henriques, illustrated by André Letria and published by Chronicle Books.

The Dam Keeper

“The job of a dam keeper is to keep the darkness away.”

Reading this pair of graphic novels whose continuing story is haunting and complex but also wonderful and honest.  The art feels like it was executed thoughtfully and deliberately, layered and deeply nuanced but not heavy.  Yes, darkness is prevalent throughout the story but there’s also friendship, light, hope and a sense of purpose.  And some of the best rendering of light and mood we’ve ever seen.  

The Dam Keeper and The Dam Keeper: Word Without Darkness were created by Robert Kondo  and Dice Tsutsumi of animation studio Tonko House and published by First Second Books.  Click here to see a preview of the animated film version of The Dam Keeper and other Tonko House projects.

Ivy and Bean: One Big Happy Family

Anyone else been missing best friends Ivy and Bean?  They’re back with book eleven and if your kids haven’t read the first ten, no worries — they have time to catch up!  Ivy and Bean: One Big Happy Family will out on August 28.  Ivy and Bean is a great chapter book series for kids who have become fluent readers and are looking for more substantial stories to sink their teeth into.  Would anyone be interested in a possible post about our favorite chapter books for first through third grade?  Leave a comment below if you are, or have any other bookish questions.

The Ivy and Bean series was written by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall and published by Chronicle Books.  Visit Chronicle's site to read an interview with the Ivy and Bean team!