Review 5 star
Find It On Amazon Plant Adaptations: How We Live in Our Habitat brings some basic science topics down to earth for first and second-grade children. Written by Sarah Lalonde, it details six essential habitats present today in the earth, in simple language with colored pictures to assist children so they can learn these topics even if they are very young. The habitats considered are Arctic; Desert; Ocean; Temperate Forest; Wetlands; and Rainforest, with emphasis on the adaptations different regions require of plants that live in them. A brief overview of what a habitat is and some extras like a glossary of terms and a list of adaptations not specific to any one habitat region make sure kids have the information they need. A good book for cutting straight to the core concepts, Plant Adaptations: How We Live in Our Habitat is kid-friendly and easy to learn from. I found it a very well-organized, readable book that was entertaining without losing factuality about the types of habitats. Sarah Lalonde emphasizes the right things, streamlining the science topics so kids don’t lose interest and she spices up the book by scattering fun little tidbits throughout. Examples of a variety of unique plants (like sundews, which use fake dew drops to capture and eat insects) give visual punch to an accurate presentation of some of Nature’s wonderful adaptations. Why leaves fall off trees in temperate climates; how red foliage help plants in the Arctic; and what diverse ways seaweed adapts to the ocean are just some of the facts presented. Young readers will have a fun time with this useful book. Review 5 star
Find It On Amazon When You Feel Better: A Get Well Soon Gift Book is a beautiful little picture book by Misty Black. It’s designed to be given as a gift to someone sick and is filled with comforting images of serene skies, happy friendships, and promises of fun adventures at the beach and on the mountains when the sick person has recovered. The characters are two small animals, a koala who is sick in bed, and a rabbit who visits his friend and offers him this book, saying he made it just for him. The rabbit then narrates adventures to the invalid about the wonderful things that will happen “when you feel better.” A tender and uplifting book with a gentle atmosphere to it, When You Feel Better: A Get Well Soon Gift Book is indeed a good choice for a sick child. I liked the lilting, rhymed verses that took the sick bear on all kinds of adventures that did look like a lot of fun to think about if you’re cooped up in bed—playing under the stars; flying in a balloon; camping in springtime meadows; and watching the Aurora Borealis in winter. Shimmering and attractive pictures by Marina Batrak really sealed the deal on making this book a delight. One of the main charms of a picture book is how the words and images work together to build a story and this book’s accomplishment was above average. Subtle and filled with an enchanting tone of caring, Misty Black’s book is on my list of good items for children. Rental Secrets: Reduce Your Rent, Get Better Value, Create Quality Communities by Justin Pogue10/18/2019
Review 5 star
Find It On Amazon Rental Secrets: Reduce Your Rent, Get Better Value, Create Quality Communities is a short book of business advice by Justin Pogue. Having worked in real estate for years, he shares what to look for in renting an apartment and how to negotiate with property managers and landlords. The book is divided into 10 structured chapters covering key material including using industry competition to your advantage; understanding why property owners charge what they do; strategies for paying less rent; and making sure you aren’t incorrectly charged for repairs. Each chapter has a list of questions for the readers regarding their specific relationship to the chapter’s topics, and there are several pages at the end for jotting down your own notes. Justin Pogue’s book is out of this world when it comes to providing practical assistance to the prospective renter. Easy to read, it makes the subject matter quite easy to manage. As someone who’s unfamiliar with negotiating a good deal on an apartment, I’ve found the subject intimidating—but not anymore. Good solid suggestions, transparency in describing the property owner’s point of view, and insider tips on deciphering incentives and choosing a good time to rent make Rental Secrets: Reduce Your Rent, Get Better Value, Create Quality Communities a book that lives up to its title in every way. The relationship between owner and renter is really mutual instead of antagonistic, each helping the other, and Justin lays out a load of tips for how to get a great deal on your next place to live. I wish there were more books like this outstanding resource. |
AuthorThis is the companion for Sarah Scheele's newsletter blog. In it I share reviews for books I'd recommend/are similar to my own. Archives
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