Spring: The weather beckons to play, play, play; yet the kids seem to be tested, tested, tested.
Reading is the best preparation for the onslaught of bubbling in the correct answers, and nonfiction selections especially help hone reading comprehension. Hannah, my partner for this column, is off this month while she sharpens her pencils and takes a horde of tests. I've discovered several selections that make practicing reading skills less drudgery and more appealing.
"Human Body: A Book with Guts!," by Dan Green. Ages 10 and up. 128 pages. Kingfisher, $14.99.
This science series is a clever way to hook kids who like fun and funny writing. For example, the chapter on brains is titled "Nervous Numskulls." The seven chapters cover the body from head to toe, with quirky illustrations and spot-on verbiage. Nails are described as "little thugs found on your fingers and toes." With this type of audience-appropriate writing, kids will be laughing and learning from the first page.
"The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy," by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs. Ages 8 and up. Klutz, $19.99.
If you aren't familiar with Klutz books, then you are missing interactive reading at its best. Each page is filled with activities. This book provides an introduction to astronomy that includes a build-your-own telescope, sundial and other cool sky-gazing tools. Math and science play integral roles in each activity to get kids revved up about space.
"Buried Treasures; Uncovering Secrets of the Past," by Stephane Compoint. Ages 9 and up. 80 pages. Abrams, $19.95.
At this price, this is a rare find. The oversized book has unbelievable photography and content. The author has won awards for his work and contributes to Life and National Geographic magazines. The picture of two divers underwater in the North Pole is exquisite. The locations span the globe and tell the stories of uncovered treasures. The section on Pompeii fascinated me, and I learned something new on each page.
"Epic Adventure: Epic Voyages," by John Cleare. Ages 10 and up. 64 pages. Kingfisher, $19.99.
"Epic Adventure: Epic Climbs," by Robyn Mundy and Nigel Rigby. Ages 10 and up. 64 pages. Kingfisher, $19.99.
"Epic," in today's slang means amazing or grand. The title fits these nonfiction adventure books. Poster-size foldout pages give readers enlarged maps, oversized pictures and a plethora of information about explorations and explorers all over the world. The volume on "Epic Climbs" features Eiger, K2, Everest, McKinley and Matterhorn, the world's most famous and most treacherous mountains. Wonderful photography and sidebar information make both of these top picks.
"The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book," by Jeff Kinney. All ages. Amulet Books, $12.95.
The Wimpy Kid series has been a phenomenon since the first book in the best-selling series. Just hitting bookstores, the DIY version allows kids to create their "biographical portrait" using the Wimpy Kid influence. It's a way to encourage nonfiction, autobiographical writing. The first section asks readers to complete exercises, such as creating sandwiches or practicing their signature for when they become famous. Questions — "Which restaurant do you think has the best fries?" — help personalize the journal. A 32-page middle section has comics in color, and the back has lined paper for making entries.
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