Manfish is a picture book biography that tells the story of Jacques Cousteau from birth to becoming one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. The book is illustrated with modern, rich acrylic paintings and uses a variety of formats throughout - from full page illustrations to panels, as well as a gatefold center that opens up to represent the deep sea.
This book could be used in a biography unit, but it also includes poetry and touches on environmentalism. There are also author's notes at the end that highlight Cousteau's films, books, and the Cousteau Society.
Overall, a gorgeous book!
Recommended for ages 4-8.
Showing posts with label non-fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label non-fiction. Show all posts
3/08/2009
Elephants of Africa by Gail Gibbons
This is another appealing kid-friendly nonfiction title by Gail Gibbons. A great combination of colorful illustrations and informative text. Children will enjoy facts such as "Elephants usually sleep standing up for about three to four hours a day." Includes a nice map of areas in Africa where elephants live. Gibbons provides environmental information at the end of the book.
3/02/2009
The Lincolns: a Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. By Candace Fleming.
Gr 6 Up–
A good bit of research work went into this book. Although I don't really care for the type of layout used, it is true to the scrapbook concept. SLJ says: "Fleming presents side-by-side portraits of the famous first couple, combining telling anecdotes and large and small details to reveal aspects of the Lincolns’ personalities and temperaments. Primary sources and high-quality archival photos and reproductions add significantly..." I think the brown tones may put off some children who expect everything to be in living color and in photograph format. Some fascinating facts can be shared when book-talking this title. For research, I'm not sure how it will work, but I am about to find out as 8th grade begins their research papers for the year.
A good bit of research work went into this book. Although I don't really care for the type of layout used, it is true to the scrapbook concept. SLJ says: "Fleming presents side-by-side portraits of the famous first couple, combining telling anecdotes and large and small details to reveal aspects of the Lincolns’ personalities and temperaments. Primary sources and high-quality archival photos and reproductions add significantly..." I think the brown tones may put off some children who expect everything to be in living color and in photograph format. Some fascinating facts can be shared when book-talking this title. For research, I'm not sure how it will work, but I am about to find out as 8th grade begins their research papers for the year.
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