The Quest for Z: The True Story of Explorer Percy Fawcett and a Lost City in the Amazon
by Greg Pizzoli
Published June 13th 2017 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Nonfiction * History * Exploration
Audience: Ages 7 to 10 year olds
IndieBound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads:
British explorer Percy Fawcett believed that hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest was an ancient city, lost for the ages. Most people didn't even believe this city existed. But if Fawcett could find it, he would be rich and famous forever. This is the true story of one man's thrilling, dangerous journey into the jungle, and what he found on his quest for the lost city of Z.
Quick thoughts on this book:
Both books being featured here today are ones that I have been eager to read, but I have unfortunately been crazy busy and only now getting to these books.
The Quest for Z by Pizzoli is his second biographical title. With the first book, Tricky Vic, Pizzoli had to guess at some of the information about Robert Miller's life. However, with his newest biography on Percy Fawcett, Pizzoli had more research and documents to work with. The biography on Fawcett flows on several levels. First, there is the narrative story that tells about the life and work of Fawcett. Second, there are expository text facts shared with readers on various pages. Finally, there is an element of humor in the dialogue bubbles. This may be one of those things that can be a point of discussion with young readers. There is a cartoon style about the characters and the dialogue bubbles and for most readers, they will pick up on the fact that this is not actual dialogue but a splash of humor.
At the end of the book, Pizzoli includes an author, glossary, and selected sources.
What Makes a Monster?: Discovering the World's Scariest Creatures
(The World of Weird Animals)
by Jess Keating; Illustrated by David DeGrand
Published August 8th 2017 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Nonfiction * Science & Nature * Zoology
Audience: Ages 6 to 10 year olds
Indiebound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads:
Monsters are real--and they're everywhere in nature! Animal Planet meets Godzilla in this nonfiction picture book that puts the "Ack!" into backyard science.
Some people think monsters are the stuff of nightmares--the stuff of scary movies and Halloween. But monsters can also be found right in your backyard. Animals like aye-ayes, goblin sharks and vampire bats may look scary, but they pose no threat to humans. Others, such as the prairie dog, seem innocent--cute, even--yet their behavior could give you goose bumps.
What makes a monster? Read this book to find out, if you dare. . . .
Jess Keating and David DeGrand, the author illustrator team behind Pink Is for Blobfish will have readers shrieking with laughter at this latest installment to the World of Weird Animals series.
Quick thoughts on this book:
Keating's first book in the World of Weird Animals series, Pink is for Blobfish, is one of my favorite books. I new if the latest book was even half as good as the first book that I would love it as well. From the moment, I flipped through the book, I knew I had another favorite book. Fans of Pink is for Blobfish will be thrilled to read the newest book.
Official Book Trailer:
Keating features 17 creatures in What Makes a Monster? and each animal is featured on a two page spread. Each spread includes basic facts about the animal being featured, a written description, and a little fact about each animal that may provide humor or another level of knowledge about the featured animal.
At the end of the book, readers there are several pages of additional information including a glossary.
Check out this video interview:
Check out Jess Keating's website for lots of great resources.
Pick up both of these books at your local bookstore or community library.
Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017
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