Animals

Sand to Sea: Marine Life of Hawaii

A look at the fascinating sea life in Hawaii. Bowker Authored Title code. A look at the fascinating sea life in Hawaii. Photographs and text introduce the animal and plant life found on beaches, in tide pools, on reefs, and in shallow and deep ocean waters of Hawaii.

Hush Little Turtle

Under the dark night sky, a group of friends rests cozily in their sleeping bags—except for Turtle. Though his pals are quick to offer suggestions to help him snooze, warm milk, a lullaby and rocking provide no relief. The techniques to placate him cross species boundaries, to often humorous effect; Octopus’ suggestion that the reptile stuff a pacifier into his mouth is sheer delight. Turtle’s own idea for napping satisfaction requires some creative planning on his pals’ part but finally turns restlessness into relaxation. The dialogue successfully captures the good-hearted banter, and repetitive statements enhance the deadpan fun. “Turtle turns over. Again. And again, and again, and again. ‘Oh great,’ he sighs after a while. ‘Now I’m all tangled up.’ ” There’s folksy flair throughout as black backgrounds showcase animals comprised of intricately detailed patterns on shells and fur. Bat’s polka-dotted face, striped body and flowered wings are representative of the ebullient design.

Kiwi Moon

Created by well-known children’s writer and illustrator Gavin Bishop, this is the story of a little white kiwi. When he is born his mother doesn’t recognise him because he’s not brown. Little Kiwi looks to the moon as his mother instead because it is white and bright and round. In the background of this story we see the changing times of a nearby pa. Through illustrations only we see intertribal warfare, the death of the chief, English soldiers arriving and then the burning of the pa. This fire spreads and the two stories become one as the white kiwi’s habitat is razed to the ground.On the surface this is a very simple story but it also contains themes of intertribal warfare, European colonisation of New Zealand, Maori/Pakeha relations, and conservation. There is a lot to savour on each page – with Gavin’s stunning illustrations of the main kiwi story, the on-going images of the pa, plus close-ups of insects and plants.

Lala Salama

An African lullaby in Swahili and English in which a little boy says good night to all the animals and ends with his mother.

Baby Animals in Grasslands

Young zoologists will recognize some familiar grassland friends like Giraffe, Cheetah, Kangaroo, and Antelope, but have they ever seen an Anteater look so cute on its mama’s back? Not to mention the fluffy Ostrich chick and the ever-alert Meerkat. With huggable pictures and appealing facts, this series is a great way to expand animal knowledge.

The Witch’s Revenge

Two months after she saved the Eye of Lornish, a large white stone that prevents the magical kingdom of Mor from being discovered, Morag is adjusting to life in the secret northern kingdom. But dark dreams trouble her, and a series of unsolved robberies proves that even with the protection of her friends—Shona the dragon, Bertie the dodo, and Aldiss the rat—Morag is still not safe.

Talk, Talk, Squawk!

Find out what animals say to each other when they think humans aren’t listening! From amorous stink bugs to territorial dogs, from wise old elephants to monkeys with a grudge, “Talk, Talk, Squawk!” has everything you need to know about animals and how and why they communicate. Covering topics of mating, predation, language, territory and looking at all the different ways that animal talk, including smell, touch, colour and sound, “Talk, Talk, Squawk!” is biology made fun and accessible. It comes with hugely entertaining drawings by artist Neal Layton. It is a companion title to “Extreme Animals” (9781406305593) and “Poo” (9781844287512), which has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide. It is a fun and appealing introduction to biology for children. It features witty illustrations from an award-winning illustrator.