PARROTS OVER PUERTO RICO by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore

Bibliography

Roth, Susal L. and Cindy Trumbore. 2013. Parrots Over Puerto Rico. New York: Lee and Low Books, Inc. ISBN 1620140047

Summary

In the treetops of Puerto Rico, a beautiful flock of green and blue parrots, the Puerto Rican parrots, have lived for thousands of years. Their numbers were plentiful until habitat destruction and growth of human population, along with natural competitors, predators and disaster, almost brought them to extinction. Roth and Trumbore weave the history of Puerto Rico in with the history of these birds and their fight to not be lost.

Critical Analysis

In this engaging story about the history of the Puerto Rican parrots, and people, Roth and Trumbore weave a story that overviews the lives of these birds and people with descriptive facts and important details. The parrots’ refrain “Iguaca, Iguaca” calls out to us as each new part of their history, and potential destruction, are added.

The beautifully detailed collages that Roth used to illustrate the home of the Puerto Rican parrots and people are stunning. As the bird population dwindles, so does their representation in the illustrations. The book is also presented vertically, instead of the traditional horizontal page turning to bring in the sense of the height that these magnificent creatures live at.

In the afterword, we are given more detailed information and photographs about the parrots natural habitats, aviary homes, and the scientists who are dedicated to protecting this beautiful species and helping them thrive once again.

Review Excerpts

2013 Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books award winner

2014 ALA Notable Books for Children award winner

2014 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award winner

2014 Orbis Pictus Award nominee

School Library Journal – “This title offers an engaging and hopeful look at environmental restoration.” - Kathy Piehl

Booklist – “A triumphant reminder of the inescapable connection between people's actions and the animals in the wild.” – Erin, Anderson

Connections

This would be a good introduction to talking about what it means when animals are considered endangered or extinct.

This could lead into a research project about other endangered species and what actions are being done to preserve those populations.

This would be a good discussion starter on animals, their habitats, and what happens when humans don’t consider the natural world when tearing down and taking land for themselves.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TAIL LIKE THIS? by Steven Jenkins and Robin Page

Bibliography

Jenkins, Steve and Robin Page. 2003. What Do You Do With A Tail Like This?. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 061899713X

Summary

Jenkins gives us an interactive way to discover how different animal body parts can be used in interesting ways.

Critical Analysis

Did you know a platypus uses its nose to dig in the mud? Or that a cricket’s ear is on its knee? In this eye-opening book, Jenkins invites the reader to first think and guess what animal each body part would go to and how it is used by each animal, showing us only the specific part of the animal he is focusing on. He then gives a brief, but descriptive sentence about each animal and their interesting body part. If that one fact is not enough to quench the thirst for knowledge, Jenkins has provided more information on each animal at the book. The vibrant, collage type pictures bring the animals to life on each page.

Review Excerpts

2004 ALA Notable Books for Children award winner

2004 Caldecott nominee

Publishers Weekly - Steve Jenkins contributes another artistically wrought, imaginatively conceived look at the natural world. 

Booklist - This is a striking, thoughtfully created book with intriguing facts made more memorable through dynamic art. –Tim Arnold

Connections

This would a great introduction to animal adaptations and how they survive in their habitats.

A great companion text would be Steve Jenkins book Eye to Eye. ISBN 0547959079

This could lead into research about how other animals use different parts of their body. 

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? by Barbara Kerley

Bibliography

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What to do about Alice?. Ill by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439922313

Summary

Kerley gives us a cleverly written biography about President Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice. Alice had a mind of her own, from a very young age, and wasn’t afraid to do whatever she felt like doing. This could at times cause her father grief as her behavior wasn’t always that of a proper lady.

Critical Analysis

“Teddy Roosevelt had a small problem,” and her name was Alice! This charming biography about the life of Alice Roosevelt takes us through her life as daughter to a widowed (but later remarried) father through his presidency and as wife to a congressman, being a trusted advisor to both of them. While this reads as a picture book, facts and quotes are woven throughout the text, keeping the reader grounded in history of Alice’s story, but keen on seeing what she decides to do next.

The illustrations bring just as much energy to the book as Alice must have to the lives of those she was near. The bold color choices and movement of each page reflect Alice’s personality as we find out she “at up the world.”

Review Excerpts

2009 ALA Notable Books for Children award winner

2008 School Library Journal Best Books of the Year award winner

2009 Robert F. Sibert Informational Award nominee

School Library Journal – “This book provides a fascinating glimpse into both a bygone era and one of its more interesting denizens as well as a surefire antidote for any child who thinks that historical figures are boring.” – Grace Oliff

Publisher’s Weekly – “It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt.”

Connections
This would make a great connection piece to a study of President Theodore Roosevelt.

This would be a great text to use when looking at women’s roles in politics and how that has changed over the years.

The vocabulary in the book would great to study, especially the words and phrases that are highlighted through bold text and quotes.