School Library Journal

Engaging glimpses into big chunks of current and historical science topics. While older students might understand the text more, the subject matter of both books has wide appeal for the elementary set and fits in with both elementary and middle school science curricula. Narrated by a spunky little fish, Coral Reefs provides a tour of the life that exists around these important aquatic “cities,” from jelly fish to octopuses, and explains how photosynthesis keeps the whole system up and running. Author and illustrator Wicks’s experience shines through with accurate facts and appealing, colorful drawings. Dinosaurs explores various important paleontological discoveries, from William Smith (1769–1839), who made significant geological findings while building canals in England, to Mary Anning (1799–1847), who started as a seashell seller and became a renowned paleontologist. The artwork and text are attractive and interesting, and readers will learn how dinosaur bones became fossils and how their remains were eventually discovered. VERDICT Great entry-level texts that will spark readers’ interest in these topics.—Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA