A Little Bookshelf

Walker Books, London, 2000

Harback, 32 pages

ISBN: 0-7445-2893-3

Suggested reading age: 5+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

A beautifully illustrated story about the journey a river takes from its beginnings high up in the mountains, through valleys and plains and ending in the sea.  A nice idea, that nature has a story too and a lovely introduction for younger readers to some natural concepts like tributaries and erosion.  There's an index at the end of key words and an overview of the river's journey.

Candlewick Press US, Massachusetts, 2009

Hardcover, 48 pages

ISBN: 978-0-7636-1436-2

Suggested reading age: 10+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

This is a great book for budding naturalists and history buffs. In One Beetle Too Many x and x recount the life of Charles Darwin. From his childhood, his school years, travelling for years on the Beagle, exploring South America and experiencing earth quakes and fissured sea shells high in the Andes to his publication of the origin of the species.

I have to confess that I knew very little about the great man until I read this meticulously researched and very informative book. Clearly Kathryn Lasky loves her subject. Did you know that one one ocassion when Charles Darwin went beetle hunting and found three new beetles, he popped one into each hand and the third one went into his mouth to get is safely home?

Walker Books, London, 2011

Hardcover, 56 pages

ISBN: 978-1-8442-8-7758

Suggested reading age: 8+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

Every year, in the northern hemisphere spring, thousands of animals from all over the world journey to the Arctic. Grey whales from Mexico, teens from Antarctica and caribou from Canada all head north to eat, feed and breed.

Join wildlife author Nick Dowson and award-winning illustrator Patrick Benson on this epic journey.

Chronicle Books, San Francisco, 2013

Hardcover, 56 pages

ISBN: 978-0-8118-7235-5

Suggested reading age: 6+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

This is a beautifully written and illustrated story about Albert Einstein's life and work.  In this picture book, Jennifer Berne and Vladimar Radunsky make Einstein come alive.  They share moments from his childhood, his search to do the work that he loved and his legacy.  Einstein was a curious child who was always asking questions and wondering. He got into trouble at school for always asking questions.  Something I am sure that a lot of children can relate to.  Their thirst and quest for knowledge seems at times to be unquenchable!

The book is a lovely way to introduce your children to one of the greatest scientists of our time.  It gives them encouragement to wonder, think and imagine as well as telling them that to be different is okay.  Einstein wore shoes without socks and said that now he was grown up, no-one could tell him to put on his socks!  The book includes an author's note at the end with more information about Einstein's life and work plus further reading.  Younger readers may not understand all the science references but they will enjoy the story of Einstein's life.