Feature Articles: Bookworm

What do turtles and humans have in common? Why don’t jumping spiders need to look over their shoulders? Can squirrels really fly? These intriguing questions and many more are explored in Curious Critters, a picture book for kids by photographer David FitzSimmons. The book, published by Wild Iris Publishing, contains stunning images of animals that many never see, including the red flat bark beetle and the Eastern spiny soft-shell turtle. Each photograph is accompanied by information, told from the critter’s perspective, to educate and entertain young readers.

At one time or another, even the most-cherished child may feel he or she isn’t worthy of being loved. Maybe a big brother has been unkind to a younger sibling and been reprimanded. Or, a kid gets angry at the playground and is given a time-out under Mom’s not-too-pleased eye. For a story that helps build self-esteem while pointing out that everyone deserves love no matter what difficulties have transpired, consider Dorothy and the Good Shepherd, the first title in the Lamplight series from Cane Creek Publishers.

According to Lisa Manzione — mother, children’s book author and advocate for geographic literacy — if today’s kids are going to be well-equipped to thrive in our global economy, learning geography is paramount. Manzione’s most recent book, The Adventures of Bella and Harry: Let’s Visit Paris! relates the adventures of two Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as the pups and their family tour Paris and discover the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, French cuisine, and more. Illustrated by Kristine Lucco, the book won the coveted Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval and was also an International Book Award Finalist.

Summer has unofficially started, and families are gearing up for some hot times by the cool pool. Others are heading out to one of thousands of beautiful sandy beaches and lakes. Together with all the sun, fun and splashing good times, however, water can be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the second highest cause of death in children under 15 years old. Rita Goldberg, a former national swimmer in Britain, provide families with much-needed advice and expertise that she brings from her years as a swimmer and an instructor in her fun, fascinating and informative book, I Love to Swim.