Bei Bei Goes Home
My thoughts: Who doesn't love the rolly polly Panda with their adorable antics and loveable cuddle-some-ness? Yes, to see them is to love them. A baby panda was born in the National Zoo in Washington, DC. Named Bei Bei, he has been gifted back to China which is the area of the world to which Pandas are native.
All this plus the gestational process, birth, and development are presented in this informative non-fiction book. A well written and excellently illustrated book that tells the charming story of Bei Bei is intended for children ages 6 to 9 (grades 1-4). And it is certainly within the scope of readability and educational interest.
I would, however, encourage parents to read through it for themselves prior to purchasing for their personal collection or before checking out of a lending library to ascertain for themselves if it is appropriate for their child. Some parents might find talk of fertilized egg, mother's womb, uterine wall, fetus, etc. beyond the scope of information they wish to expose their child. At some point it is fine. That is a parental decision.
A terrific book about an adorable panda and a real plug for the need to be proactive in the preservation of endangered species.
About the book: Two nations and a mother panda work together to nurture a “precious treasure” in the remarkable true story of a celebrity panda cub and his life at the Smithsonian National Zoo—and beyond.
In August 2015, zookeepers at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, were thrilled to spot a tiny shadow on an ultrasound. For a species as rare as the giant panda, every new cub is cause for celebration. Zoo staff monitored mother Mei Xiang, and within days a newborn appeared, weighing in at just one third of a pound. While Mei Xiang cradled her vulnerable infant, zookeepers monitored the pair day and night through cameras in the panda den, and some two million viewers logged on to the zoo website. First Ladies Michelle Obama and Peng Liyuan hosted a ceremony to announce the cub’s name: Bei Bei, meaning “precious treasure” in Mandarin Chinese. An instant celebrity, the cub captured hearts all over the world. But pandas in zoos are considered emissaries from the People’s Republic of China, the only country where they live in the wild. Four years after his birth in America, Bei Bei would embark on an important new mission.
Graphically arresting, packed with stunning full-color photographs, and vetted by the Smithsonian National Zoo, Bei Bei Goes Home paints a vivid picture of global conservation efforts—and international collaboration—in the guise of an ever-popular and beloved black-and-white ambassador.
Africa, Amazing Africa Country by Country
My thoughts: This is an interesting book that children (and their parents) will enjoy meandering through. We (I mean myself and a lot of folks) tend to think of Africa as a country. But it isn't. Africa is a Continent comprised of 55 countries. Each distinct in its history and current culture.
As I wandered through Africa, Amazing Africa I gleaned a small bite of information on each country. So don't plan on research paper quality information. This is nibbles and tiny bites of information just great for ages 7 to 12. The pages are colorfully illustrated in a somewhat primitive art style.
I found the information on religions in Africa interesting. Stating, "Christianity and Islam are the most popular organized religions in Africa, but there are traditional religions, too." Further, the author elaborated on Christianity and Islam spreading and building some of the oldest mosques and churches in the world. Africans took their traditional religions with them as enslaved Africans hundreds of years ago.
The book's information is divided into North, South, East, West, and Central Africa and the countries within those areas. Special information is provided on African Religions, African Hairstyles, and Football. Authored by Atinuke who is Nigerian-born one would expect the information to be accurate and reflect well on Africa past and current.
I think this book of special interest to children of African heritage and would provide a much needed look at the African continent to children everywhere.
About the book: Discover the amazing diversity of the African continent in this beautiful book, with words by Atinuke and lively illustrations from Mouni Feddag.
Atinuke’s first non-fiction title is a major publishing event: a celebration of all 55 countries on the African continent! Her beautifully-written text captures Africa’s unique mix of the modern and the traditional, as she explores its geography, its peoples, its animals, its history, its resources and its cultural diversity. The book divides Africa into five sections: South, East, West, Central and North, each with its own introduction. This is followed by a page per country, containing a delightful mix of friendly, informative text and colourful illustrations. The richest king, the tallest sand dunes and the biggest waterfall on the planet are all here, alongside drummers, cocoa growers, inventors, balancing stones, salt lakes, high-tech cities and nomads who use GPS! This is non-fiction at its most exciting, exhilarating and energetic, illustrated with passion and commitment by a great new talent, Mouni Feddag.
GIVEAWAY
Both books to 2 winners
Begins January 16, 2022
Ends February 8, 2022
Open to USA/Canada
No P.O.Boxes | Canadian Phone Required
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from the Candlewick Press to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winners' prizes are provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
I made a pot of soup
ReplyDelete