Spotlights from the Shelf: Classics Old & New

Posted in From the Library on May 23 2017, by Samantha D’Acunto

Samantha D’Acunto is the Reference Librarian at The New York Botanical Garden‘s LuEsther T. Mertz Library.

The circulating children’s collection at the LuEsther T. Mertz Library has titles that support the creative imaginations of our young readers! The fantastical illustrations and lyrical narratives offered in many of our books invite readers to experience a world beyond the surface all while digging deep to learn about the environment around them. The titles featured below are new to our shelves and are perfect examples of fun and educational reads. We hope to see you in the library soon!

You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Dirt! By Ian Graham / Illustrated by Mark Bergin (2016)

In another installment of the You Wouldn’t Want to series, You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Dirt provides insight on dirt with the familiar elements the other titles in this series offer. Weather you use dirt or soil, this book encourages all readers to view it from every angle. The interactive You Can Do It boxes sprinkled throughout the book encourage readers to explore the components of soil by conducting hands-on experiments. The book answers essential questions like “What is dirt?” and challenges the reader to consider the future of soil. The narrative offers information and new vocabulary throughout. You will not be able to turn a page without learning something new about dirt. Like its sister titles, You Wouldn’t Want To Live Without Dirt is a wonderful read for children being introduced to the topic or those who are starting an elementary grade science project.

The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara and G. Brian Karas (2013)

The Apple Orchard Riddle welcomes readers to take a trip to Hills Orchard to learn about apples with Mr. Tiffin’s class. Farmer Hill teaches the class about the varieties of apples, the machinery used in peeling and washing process, and how cider is made. As the students set out to pick apples, Mr. Tiffin challenges the class to solve a riddle! Tara, a student who often has trouble keeping up with the rest of her class, is determined to solve the riddle on her own. This delightful class trip offers plenty of memorable facts and a riddle about apples, all while celebrating how different types of learners can thrive when given the opportunity to do so.

V is for Venus Fly Trap: A Plant Alphabet by Eugene Gagliano/ Illustrated by Elizabeth Traynor (2009)

V is for Venus Fly Trap is an A to Z plant compendium that introduces common garden vocabulary. From Annuals to Zones, this alphabet offers the reader a detailed introduction to the terminology as well as concepts of gardening practices. This book is a great choice for readers of all levels. It has the simple elements of a children’s alphabet book, including big bold letters and colorful images. Readers who are just growing into their skills can enjoy the poetic text that introduces the letter and the associated vocabulary. Advanced readers can learn about the terms and concepts in the very informative and detailed text on the sides of each page. V is for Venus Fly Trap will satisfy readers of all ages with its clever poetry, well-researched narrative, and visually stunning illustrations.

Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell and Helen Oxenbury (1991)

Just past its 25^th anniversary, Farmer Duck is still receiving glowing reviews. This beloved classic offers lessons of friendship, fairness, justice, and teamwork.

Duck is overworked and tired. He spends his days doing all the chores around the farm for the lazy old farmer. The farmer taunts Duck by asking “How goes the work?” all day long, reminding Duck of his duties. When Duck collapses in exhaustion, his friends, the other farm animals, devise a plan that would relieve Duck of his work. But how? Their solution: get rid of the lazy old farmer. When Duck wakes for what he expects is just another day of work, he soon learns justice was served and he and his friends work together on the farm.