Cleo and Cornelius by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal & Nick Geller

Cleo and Cornelius is the adorable tale of two kitties living in ancient Egypt. One day Cornelius accidentally winds up on a ship destined for Rome. Though Rome is more given over to dogs, Cornelius finds the city marvelous. Meanwhile, Cleo finds herself bored. Missing Cornelius, she sets off to find him. Cleo ends up in Rome as well, and loves all the adventure to be found. There are baths to visit, and chariot races. They even perform in a play! When it’s time to go home, Cleo is sad. She loves all the adventure to be found. Cornelius is just happy to be back home. Cleo ends up journeying back to Rome for more fun.

This was a cute way to show different personalities, and how they shape our choices. Cornelius is clearly an introvert, and Cleo an extravert. Those terms are never explicitly used of course, and I could be reading too much into a children’s story. At the end is a section about history and culture, putting things in better context. That’s written in a more adult language, but is great for discussion points. The artwork is just gorgeous. My cubs and I loved the book, especially all the cats and dogs doing human things amidst the humans. We’ve made plans to try and visit the Getty Museum thanks to this.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Getty Publications for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

Earth Sciences: Weather Near You by Mary Lindeen

Weather Near You is part of the Earth Sciences series for young readers by Mary Lindeen. Full of gorgeous weather pictures, this installment helps young readers understand how weather can differ depending on location and how to find out about your local weather, so you can stay safe when bad weather is coming. Like the others in the series, this one has simple, easy to read sentences, and provides grounding in basic scientific concepts in ways young readers can grasp. The end of the book features a Connecting Concepts section with questions to ask about the reading, and practise with vocabulary and reading fluency. My cubs and I enjoyed reading this book, not that we don’t have a great personal example every day. We live in a pocket climate 😛

Earth Science: Landforms by Mary Lindeen/ Quickshot  
Earth Sciences: Water by Mary Lindeen/ Quickshots  
Life Sciences: Animal Mothers and Fathers by Mary Lindeen/ Quickshots   

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Norwood House for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

Life Sciences: Animal Defences by Mary Lindeen

Animal Defences is part of the Life Sciences series for young readers by Mary Lindeen. From stings, to horns, teeth, and claws, to camouflage, children will learn about the many different types of defenses that animals have.  Like the others in the series, this one has simple, easy to read sentences, and provides grounding in basic scientific concepts in ways young readers can grasp. The end of the book features a Connecting Concepts section with questions to ask about the reading, and practise with vocabulary and reading fluency. My cubs and I enjoyed reading this book.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Norwood House for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

50 Wacky Things Pets Do by Heidi Fiedler

50 Wacky Things Pets Do by Heidi Fiedler is a kid’s guide to unusual facts about our furry animal family members. Each of the fifty facts is accompanied by cute illustrations, and a little sidebar box. All kinds of pets are discussed, from the common pets like cats and dogs, to more exotic pets like ferrets and reptiles. This is definitely a book to prompt the curious-minded child to investigate further, as several of my cubs have done! We all enjoyed this book, and it’s the perfect pick for any child who likes science. It would make a great classroom teaching aid too!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.