This book looks at birds around the world and some of their unique behaviors. There were a lot of really interesting facts and I wish I'd written someThis book looks at birds around the world and some of their unique behaviors. There were a lot of really interesting facts and I wish I'd written some of them down.
I really hope this book becomes a documentary. I spent a lot of time on YouTube while reading this book watching videos of the birds described throughout the book. ...more
This book tells of the discovery of the coelacanth, a fish that was believed to be extinct, but was then seen in 1938 when a museum curator in South AThis book tells of the discovery of the coelacanth, a fish that was believed to be extinct, but was then seen in 1938 when a museum curator in South Africa saw a specimen that had been caught by a local fisherman. Until this time the coelacanth existed only in fossil record. The coelacanth is believed to be a missing evolutionary link, and with fins that resemble a possible forerunner to legs, a close ancestor of the first animals to leave the sea and become land dwellers. The initial discovery of the coelacanth led to a a lot of excitement among ichthyologists and evolutionary biologists and scientists around the world began a massive search to discover a living specimen.
This book was really engaging. It was interesting how much hate mail scientists working on the coelacanth got because they were using this discovery as evidence for evolutionary theory. The second specimen of the coelacanth was found by a fisherman in the Comoros, where huge monetary rewards were offered. At the time the Comoros was a French colony, so there was all kinds of debates about who had the rights to the coelacanth. More rewards were offered, some equaling the amount of what a fisherman would typically make in five years. Eventually rewards were being offered by multiple countries, as many countries wanted a coelacanth for their museums and some nations even began to tout the healing properties of parts of the fish. It was interesting to read about the dynamics between the scientists in the European colonial nations, and the impoverished populations of the islands. On one hand, I love scientific inquiry. On the other hand, the whole things just felt so exploitative of the people of the Comoros. Additionally, the incentives for fishermen to catch a coelacanth led to over fishing and scientists soon began to worry that the coelacanth population would soon become extinct. This book was originally published over 20 years ago, and I really wanted there to be an updated epilogue. Alas, there was not.
In this book, primatologist Frans de Waal explores discusses his theories of the origins of human morality as shown by the behaviors he has observed aIn this book, primatologist Frans de Waal explores discusses his theories of the origins of human morality as shown by the behaviors he has observed among our closest relatives, bonobos and chimpanzees. While he argues against dogmatic atheism, de Waal does not believe that religion or belief in God is necessary for morality.
I really liked the parts of this book about animal behavior. I find the social structures, intelligence, and behaviors of apes incredibly fascinating. I was really interested in the different dynamics in patriarchal chimp society and the matriarchal bonobo society, and it is interesting to speculate about how humans are similar and different to these apes and what it says about our evolution. I wasn't quite as interested in the discussion of moral philosophy that comprised much of the book, there were some parts that were fascinating, but much of it was too philosophical for my tastes. I like the science parts better. ...more
This book had a lot of interesting studies about how smart birds are. I wish I had made notes of the parts I found interesting, as I already forget moThis book had a lot of interesting studies about how smart birds are. I wish I had made notes of the parts I found interesting, as I already forget most of them. Some of the points Ackerman makes were so drawn out that I started to lose interest, thus 3 stars rather than 4. ...more
Each chapter in this book focuses on a certain bird behavior, most often that of a particular species, and explores that behavior in depth while relatEach chapter in this book focuses on a certain bird behavior, most often that of a particular species, and explores that behavior in depth while relating it to human behavior and psychology. All of the chapters were interesting, and about half were incredibly fascinating.
I think what I found most interesting is how different bird species have evolved different types of intelligence and behaviors both in ways we don't understand and for reasons we don't necessarily understand. I'm really amazed by the navigation abilities of many species of birds, even when they are deprived of certain senses and intentionally disoriented by scientists. Even though I'm not a huge fan of starlings, their flocking and flying instincts are incredible. (Do a YouTube search for "starling murmuration" if you have never seen it.) I loved reading about all the intelligent behaviors of magpies and crows and that whole family. The nests that male bowerbirds build to woo females are amazing. (Again, do a google image search if you haven't seen these displays.) I really like the mating/courting/child rearing rituals of albatross.
Overall, the book was really accessible and easy to read. I found that it went into just enough detail so that I learned a lot, but I wasn't bored or overwhelmed with too much information. ...more
This book is a novel about a hive of bees and one bee in particular who doesn't fit in, in particular when she starts laying eggs despite the fact thaThis book is a novel about a hive of bees and one bee in particular who doesn't fit in, in particular when she starts laying eggs despite the fact that she is not the queen. I am incredibly fascinated by bees. I think their social structure and intelligence is amazing and when I read about the book, I thought it would be a great way to learn more. As far as I could tell the book was very accurate in regards to bee behavior and I feel like I should have learned a lot. However, I found the characters to be annoying, I got tired of reading about the Queen mother's love, all the different scents, recitations of hive prayers, worshipping his maleness, etc. By the time I got to the end of the book, I was mostly just skimming. ...more
In Gay-Neck: The Story of a Pigeon, Dhan Gopal Mukerji tells the story of his childhood adventures with his messenger pigeon, Gay-Neck. (Yes, it is quIn Gay-Neck: The Story of a Pigeon, Dhan Gopal Mukerji tells the story of his childhood adventures with his messenger pigeon, Gay-Neck. (Yes, it is quite a name in today's usage. It is a reference to the pigeon's colorful neck, and can also be translated as iridescence-throated.) Mukerji and Gay-Neck have a lot of adventures and scrapes with death in the Himalayas, and Gay-Neck is also sent to France to serve as a messenger pigeon with the army during World War I.
There was a lot I appreciated about this book. It wasn't racist like other early Newbery winners have been. It is by an author of Indian descent and exposes children to Buddhist thought and culture. I liked the fact that Mukerji was a curious and reverent observer of the natural world. There were several quotes I really liked about the awe-inspiring nature of gazing daily upon mountains.
There was also a lot I didn't like about this book. There is a lot of anthropomorphism of which I am not a fan, although I am much more tolerant of it in books written for children. Often, the overly reverent Buddhist language became a bit much for me. Most of the book was actually pretty boring, but at least I didn't actively hate it. (Although actively hating a book can make it more fun to read.)
This book is the 1964 Newbery winner. It's a simple story about a 14 year old boy having adventures in New York city. Not a lot of drama or excitementThis book is the 1964 Newbery winner. It's a simple story about a 14 year old boy having adventures in New York city. Not a lot of drama or excitement, but a nice little story. ...more
This book is incredibly dull. It is told from the perspective of rabbits and all the other animals as the new folks move into the old farmhouse and stThis book is incredibly dull. It is told from the perspective of rabbits and all the other animals as the new folks move into the old farmhouse and start growing things again. The animals have all been worried about finding food as there haven't been human gardens around to raid for several years.
In general, I don't like books that anthropomorphize animals. I also don't like when the natural world is romanticized to the effect that all creatures great and small can live in harmony.
Spoiler alert:
At the end of this book the family that moves in ends up planting a beautiful garden and also creating a special haven with plenty of food for the animals and a statue of St. Francis of Assisi saying "There is enough for all." In turn, the animals agree not to eat out of the garden. Yes, it is a nice message about taking care of wildlife, and I know the point of this book isn't to depict the relationship between humans and animals with a great deal of realism, but I just don't like this romanticized relationship between humans and animals. I know plenty of people in the real world who have this attitude and it doesn't work. You can't just lovingly and generously will animals out of your garden. In this book, I take the side of the evil farmer who uses traps and fences to keep animals out. Who knew this heartwarming tale of bunnies would get me so riled up?
The One and Only Ivan is narrated by Ivan, a silverback gorilla held in captivity at a shady mall/circus type place. His main companions are an elephaThe One and Only Ivan is narrated by Ivan, a silverback gorilla held in captivity at a shady mall/circus type place. His main companions are an elephant and a stray dog. Ivan is an artist, inspired by Julia, the daughter of one of the mall's employees, who is an artist herself. His paintings are sold in the giftshop by the mall's owner, who is a not so nice man. When the owner buys a baby elephant, Ivan sees how sad their life in captivity is. He uses his artwork to make a better life for his new friend.
I'm picky about my animal stories, but I really liked this one. The sentences are short, and Ivan's voice is seemingly simple, yet each sentence is somehow packed with a lot of meaning. It is at times both funny and touching. I was impressed with this Newbery winner....more
This is one of the more depressing Newbery winners I've read. It follows the story of the boy who is the son of a black sharecropper in the US South. This is one of the more depressing Newbery winners I've read. It follows the story of the boy who is the son of a black sharecropper in the US South. In the beginning of the story, the boy's father is taken to prison by the sheriff and his cronies. While they are dragging the father away, they also shoot the family's coon dog, Sounder, who then runs off wounded. The story doesn't get much happier from there. It is a well written story, but not my favorite. ...more
Agba is a stable boy in Morocco who has a special place in his heart for a stallion named Sham. The sultan of Morocco wants to give a gift to the kingAgba is a stable boy in Morocco who has a special place in his heart for a stallion named Sham. The sultan of Morocco wants to give a gift to the king of France, so Agba and Sham travel with other horses and stable boys across the sea. Sham's speed and pedigree are not appreciated in Europe and Sham and Agba go from place to place where Sham is relegated to being a mere cart horse. Agba sticks by his horse, and eventually his talent is recognized.
This book is a very fictionalized account of the real life horse who is the ancestor of some famous horses, including Man o' War. It was better than a lot of the Newbery books. Agba is a very likable character, I could just never get into the book. I kept forgetting I was reading it. 1949 Newbery winner. ...more
Shiloh is the 1992 Newbery winner about a boy who rescues a dog who is being abused by his owner. I am not really an animal lover, and I am always surShiloh is the 1992 Newbery winner about a boy who rescues a dog who is being abused by his owner. I am not really an animal lover, and I am always surprised when I enjoy books about children and their love for animals. But the narrator's voice was engaging and I couldn't help myself. I liked his relationship with his parents and his level of self-awareness.
I have not liked most of the Newbery books I have read recently, so I may be rating this higher than I normally would. I was excited to finally feel engaged with the story of a Newbery book. ...more
The Cat Who Went to Heaven is another Newbery winner. It is about a struggling artist in Japan who is on the brink of starvation when his housekeeper The Cat Who Went to Heaven is another Newbery winner. It is about a struggling artist in Japan who is on the brink of starvation when his housekeeper brings home a cat for a pet. They name the cat Good Fortune and soon realize the cat is something special, and indeed brings good fortune to the household. The king soon arrives at the house of the artist and commissions him to paint the Buddha.
The rest of the book consists of the artist's reflections as he is painting. His painting contains all the animals that were important in the life of the Buddha, so the artist reflects upon each animal and its significance the the Buddha's life. Although the cat is not highly regarded by Buddhism in this story, Good Fortune and the painter are able to change this perception.
This is a lovely little story about a mouse who falls in love with a princess, a rat who becomes obsessed with light, and a servant girl who wants notThis is a lovely little story about a mouse who falls in love with a princess, a rat who becomes obsessed with light, and a servant girl who wants nothing more in life than to become a princess. The story is also about love and forgiveness. I love the way DiCamillo respects the intelligence, emotions, and creativity of young readers while telling a good story.
One of my favorite quotes from the book, when the mouse falls in love with the princess...
“Reader, you may ask this question. In fact, you must ask this question. Is it ridiculous for a very small, sickly, big-eared mouse to fall in love with a beautiful human princess named Pea? The answer is, yes, of course it’s ridiculous. Love is ridiculous. But love is also wonderful and powerful. And Despereaux’s love for the Princess Pea would prove in time to be all of these things: Powerful, wonderful, and ridiculous.”
Thanks to my niece for letting me borrow this book!...more
Flora & Ulysses is the most recent Newbery winner. It is the tale of a girl who is a self-proclaimed cynic and a squirrel who becomes a poetry-typing Flora & Ulysses is the most recent Newbery winner. It is the tale of a girl who is a self-proclaimed cynic and a squirrel who becomes a poetry-typing superhero after getting sucked up by a vacuum cleaner. I know it is a ridiculous premise, but it was imbued with just enough meaning that it worked. The characters in this book (even the squirrel) were lovable in a very eccentric way, and the writing was engaging and original. The sentence structure and wordplay is amusing and made me laugh on several occasions. Every once in a while, there was also a page done in graphic novel style, which I really liked.
I can see how some readers might find the characters overly quirky and the writing annoying, but I enjoyed it. Curious to know what kids think of it. Kim, I think your kids would like it if they haven't read it yet. ...more
As a part of a deal with my niece, I agreed to read the first book of the Seekers series and she agreed to read Number the Stars. I didn't like the coAs a part of a deal with my niece, I agreed to read the first book of the Seekers series and she agreed to read Number the Stars. I didn't like the cover of the book, and was not thrilled to read about three bear cubs of different species going on some sort of quest. The book turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The author researched bear behavior and integrates this into the story. The way the bears view humans and human inventions is also somewhat clever. The book addresses the effects that climate change and human actions have on bear populations. The character development is better than I'd expected. It is probably more like a 3.5 star book, but I am rounding up because it was a pleasant surprise. It was good enough that I put the second book of the series on hold at the library. ...more
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